Someone at Stampin' Up made the same mistake for two years in a row now, and thinks I get to go to Founder's Circle AGAIN and hang out with the Top 100 Demonstrators in the company... I hope nobody clues them in that they can't possibly be right! Shhhh--don't tell them I'm just a nobody from nowhere!
Ahhh... I still don't believe it. Even with the travel documents right here on my desk, photos from last year to prove it really happened, and even an email from Bonnie Thurber yesterday asking me to present the business idea I submitted to them in front of the group--I still don't believe it! I was looking at the post I made this time last year (read it here) and I can hear my excitement and utter bewilderment that this lucky girl is me--this is MY life--I feel SOOOOOO blessed. Wow. Somebody pinch me!
Well, I know you want to hear about the CARD! This year, we had a challenge. We were limited to TWO layers plus the card base. Now, I normally LOVE stamping challenges and I have no problem making cards with two or even fewer layers. But somehow, KNOWING that I couldn't use more than two completely stumped my mojo! It took me a long time to make something I liked--that also fit all the criteria for mass producing 120 of them: nothing too labor-intensive, couldn't take too long per card, had to use embellishments and ribbon I could get in quantity, was easy enough on my carpal tunnel, etc. So this is what I came up with--be kind in your reviews : )
The first card was my rough draft, and then this one above is the stepped-up one I tried to fancy up a bit--without adding in any layers!--that I ended up going with. The base is River Rock, which goes GORGEOUSLY with the new Raspberry Ripple In Color--you need to try them together. The stamps are from the Affection Collection stamp set in the 2012 Holiday Catalog, page 35. I am really enjoying that stamp set! And I used the Music Notes wheel and the Color Spritzer Tool to easily add even more vintage-y layers to it with hardly any effort.
I have 70 out of 120 completely done right now, though all 120 bases are finished. The ribbon is what's taking the longest, but it looks so cool I am still plugging away at it. Taking a break from them to finish getting ready for my 10-10-10 Event on Saturday! Here is the version of this card that we will be making that day. Look at how gorgeous the new Illuminate Ink Pad is!!!
Now that I have my design safely in hand, I am kind of glad there was a two-layer challenge. I will be getting a lot of gorgeous swaps back with quick and easy ideas to share with you all. So many of us love the super-fancy, multi-layered masterpieces, but that is just not the kind of card we really do in everyday life! It will be fun to see what everyone has come up with. I hope they like mine! Leave me a comment if you like it!
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Jessica Taylor | 09/06/2012 at 10:10 AM
It's beautiful!!
Posted by: Carrie | 09/06/2012 at 10:35 AM
Well, you were right - I think I like River Rock now!!! Can't wait to see what you get in return! Have fun at FC - and quit being silly - you TOTALLY deserve to be there :)
Posted by: Jeni Szmyd | 09/06/2012 at 10:47 AM
I didn't know there was an illuminate ink pad....one of the things I now must get. I love the way the ribbon is rumpled. Great idea to spritz the card too! Sometimes it's worth ruminating a bit before diving in.
Posted by: Gina N. | 09/06/2012 at 10:54 AM
All three versions of the card are gorgeous. I especially love the Raspberry Ripple/River Rock combination. Luscious! Your stepped up card has lovely, subtle details; your swap friends will love it. The Illuminate ink makes your third card, for your class, understatedly classy.
Posted by: Doris | 09/06/2012 at 12:02 PM
All three cards are FABTABULOUS! The stepped up is GOJUS! I do like the Illuminate ink on the blue also. I have always liked River Rock, but I like the difference it makes on the card with such a compatible color like Raspberry Ripple! Thanks for sharing! See you next week!
Posted by: Lori B | 09/06/2012 at 12:55 PM
Love it, Lyssa!
Posted by: jan Hoyt | 09/06/2012 at 01:25 PM
Never thought about River Rock and Raspberry Ripple! Beautiful cards.
Posted by: Janis | 09/06/2012 at 01:35 PM
Lyssa, They look AWESOME!! Thanks for sharing the pics.
Posted by: nichole | 09/06/2012 at 02:49 PM
Success! I'm bummed that I don't get to make one on Saturday. *sigh*
Posted by: Brenda B | 09/06/2012 at 04:23 PM
All 3 versions are Beautiful. I especially like your stepped up version with River Rock and Raspberry Ripple. Enjoy your well deserved trip and can't wait to see your posts on it.
Posted by: Gladys Rienks | 09/06/2012 at 07:58 PM
I think the front of the card sums it up perfectly -- LOVE! I especially lie the river rock/raspberry ripple combo!
Posted by: Kathy Van Duser | 09/06/2012 at 08:13 PM