Sunday, June 22, 2014

Color Throwdown and The Challenge: Birthday Shaker

I was just getting caught up on cards and comments and all of a sudden I find myself right back at the beginning of a finals week in my class load.  Time flies, doesn't it?  I'm entering finals week, then a week off, then I have my last class - just one more to go!!  As much as I am looking forward to getting through this second college degree, I am a little nervous about the next stage - the job. It will be interesting to see what happens in my next life change!

I got some new stuff yesterday and I've been hearing about this big thing going on in blogland - Darnell Knauss's Never Before Used Schtuff (NBUS) challenge.  Over 200 entries in the first challenge!!  Darnell is the funniest thing going on in this world of cardmaking - if you don't follow her, reading her posts will brighten your day.  Unfortunately, I didn't actually read the rules of the post before I made this card - it's to use stuff out of your NBUS  stash and to create a friendship card. Sorry Darnell!!  Clearly this is a birthday card - but I will be giving it to a friend (that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)  I see other birthday cards entered into the challenge so I'm going to add it, but I will just have to make another card with a friendship theme, won't I???

I'm also using the sketch at Lesley Croghan's The Challenge.  She's on number 9 - I can't believe this is the first time that I've played along because her sketches are classic.

To round things, I also used an long-time challenge - The Color Throwdown.

Happy Birthday Shaker  



I am still loving the fun of shaker cards and the Phrase Play series of dies from Papertrey Ink are perfect - they have fun words along with open windows.  The NBUS on this card includes Papertrey Ink Phrase Play #5 stamp set and die, the stitched rectangle die which is part of My Favorite Things Blueprints 13 (I often used the Lil' Inkers set of stitched rectangles but Lil' Inkers doesn't have a nice 4 x 5 1/4" die which is my most typical size), and the sequins that look like Bermuda Bay (I've been unable to find a blue/green sequin and just picked up a multi-pack of cheap sequins at Michaels, then brought them home and got absolutely giddy with the Bermuda color!)
  • Stamps: Papertrey Ink Phrase Play #5, Watercolor Wonder
  • Paper: Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Smoky Slate
  • Ink: Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Smoky Slate, Daffodil Delight
  • Accessories: Papertrey Ink Phrase Play #5, Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear sequins, Ellen Hutson Iridescent Daffodil sequins, misc sequins from Michaels, Lemon Divine Twine, My Favorite Things Blueprint 13

19 comments:

  1. Very nice card; I love all their products!

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  2. Congrats on almost being done your schooling! That is such a great feeling! I love what you did with the combo of sketches; the colours are wonderfully bold! So happy you played along and thanks for the sweet words.
    Hugs,
    Lesley

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  3. Sounds you're still very busy!
    Must be exciting indeed to be in this last stage of going to classes and preparing for exams...And wow,
    a new job!!!
    I do hope you'll succeed in finding one you can use your talents for and a job that will keep you enthusiastic while you're at it!
    I like your bright and very cheerful shakercard!!!
    The twine is just perfect!
    And so is your rectangular stitched die you used, wow, I soooo much like the effect of the stitched edges.
    I've just bought a few MFT dies which also have those stitched edges, can't wait to play with them, ha, ha.
    Good luck with your exams!!!
    Bye,

    Marjolein

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  4. Yay Kim you are almost done and you have worked so hard! Embrace the future, I am sure you will find something wonderful to do! ~hugs Love your card and your story is safe with me. Hope my PTI arrives soon, I can't wait to play with this Phrase Play die!

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  5. LOVE this fun birthday card with the irregular striped BG and fun shaker element! Congrats on nearly reaching your new career goal! Always glad to see your creations in the throwdown gallery!

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  6. It's wonderful and.... Darnell is a hoot...planning to link up a few cards...focused on the NBUS too and not...so much the friendship ...oops! Glad to see school's going well!

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  7. Hi Kim, I'm back from vacation playing catch up! I love everything you've done this past week. This happy shaker card is SO PRETTY!! Best of luck with the last of your schooling and job search. I'm rooting for you!!!

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  8. Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support of my NBUS Challenge, Kims, and for your wonderful compliments!! I appreciate that you linked this bright and fun shaker card!!

    I can't believe you are almost done! It might have seemed long to you, but to me, it seems like you started only yesterday! WTG!! Good luck with the finals, your last class, and finding a job that makes you happy in every way! You deserve it!! Hugs, Darnell

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  9. I have yet to make a shaker card Kim~and this has to be my favorite so far! The fresh colors and fun layout are top of the line here~LOVE IT! ;)

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  10. Just BEYOND amazing gorgeous card, the colors are a complete dream!!!! Love this much, makes me happy, happy, happy!

    So glad that you were inspired and joined us at The Challenge!

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  11. This is fabulous, Kim! LOVE the shaker, and those watercolor-y stripes in the background! And thanks for the tip on the NBUS challenge... I will definitely check that out!

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  12. Super fun, Kim! I've never tried a shaker card before and was just thinking the other day that I need to try it out! Boy, have you inspired me! Thanks!

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  13. Brilliant to use a striped stamp for the background, as is creating a most gorgeous shaker for the focal panel. From the colours (you've rocked the throwdown palette) to the images, this is pure delight. Innovative and ingenious, which is why, my friend, once you're done with this "education step' (final stretch...how time flies!) you'll find a job in a nanosecond! Good luck with the exams - you'll ace them!!
    ~c

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  14. I saw your card on the NBUS challenge an dhad to pop in for acloser look ,I do love the bright and happy colours and I would love to try a shaker style card it on my to do list so I might just have to case this :-)...good luck with your studies and exams and the best of luck with your new career
    best wishes andrea x

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  15. Killer card, Kim!!! Love, love these colors, and your interpretation of the sketch. Just fantastic!!! As to school, deep breaths, relax and take one step at a time. You'll do fine; you're working hard and determined. Little prayers headed your way for all good things! Bev

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  16. What a fun shaker card--so colorful!

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  17. This is so fun! Love the shaker element you created--I got that die with my PTI order and can't wait to try it. Thanks for joining us at The Challenge!

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