sketch 3

Okay, here's another sketch.

I have to admit, I am addicted to scouring the internet for the very best in cardmakers. I have dozens of blogs bookmarked and I follow a bunch as well.

At the top of my favorites list are Tami Mayberry (and not just because she spells her name like I do!) and Jennifer McGuire. But there are so many others I couldn't begin to name them all. I want to acknowledge their influence on my crafts. Sometimes I intentionally set out to scraplift something. Many of my cards are examples of seeing something great, drawing up a quick sketch and then taking it home and trying it out. But sometimes, I'll see something and not sketch it out or print it off. I believe that those talented cardmakers are still taking up residence in my brain and influencing what I do.

I have recently purchased three sets of butterfly stamps. I have a couple of new owl stamps. Why? Because that's what I'm seeing others use. Check through the blogs and websites listed on the sidebar. These ladies' work will thrill you and challenge you.

sketch 2

Today, I'm inspired by quotes. Here's a sketch for a card using a vertical quote (a bible verse, Numbers 6:24-25).

my first sketch

Here's my first attempt at making a sketch. I used a heart embellishment (intended to look broken, but it's pretty lame!) because that goes with the quote that inspired the sketch. Obviously you could use a different sort of embellishment instead of a heart for a different sort of quote.

card challenges!

Here's a challenge for you!

Create a card or a layout using stuff you've had for at least a year.

http://www.scrapadilly.com is doing a great challenge this year called Scrap to Spend. In it, participants earn money by creating layouts, cards and altered items. That money is then available to be spent on scrapbook goodies.

Another great challenge is to scour the web galleries and find a project you like. Then find some way to re-create it using inexpensive supplies.