Inspired by the Banana Bunch

Happy Thursday girls!! I hope it's beautiful where you are. The weather has been just gorgeous lately. Hubby did tell me yesterday though that he heard snow in the forecast. That's the Texas Panhandle for you. Snow in March. A cold Spring Break.

Last week started the sneak peeks of the new releases over at 2 Red Bananas. They are such a neat, fun group of girls! I really enjoy getting to chat with them on the PCP group and Jeannete, the owner is my kind of girl. Seriously. She is so attuned to her customers. She mentioned last week that she had new ribbon to add to the store and I told her that I would love to see velvet ribbon. And she emailed me tonight (it's *almost* Thursday here) and told me that she has some coming! And of course, my RSF - that's REAL stamping friend - is one of her designers so you know she's super smart too to snap up talent like that!

This time, Jeanette wanted to really inspire all of us so we were challenged to view all the creations from the Design Team and be inspired by 3 things from 3 designers. I was inspired every single day! I had little notes and sketches on slips of paper all over the house! But I only got one done. I was finally able to use Jami's very first set - and it was so much fun! I love the way the cross is drawn - very rustic and real to me.

My 3 inspirations were:
1. Jami's bow and using Shimmerz (although I I used Shimmer It)
2. Jeanette's color combo of blue and brown
3. Teresa's "overstamping" idea

I wasn't sure if I wanted to just overstamp my quote on the cross or if I wanted to stamp over patterned paper too. So I made 2 cards. This first one is a bit "fancier". I just stamped the cross and then used Moss Petal Shimmer It paint for the greenery. As I was putting the layers together I noticed the I had a small drop of Shimmer It in the corner. I was just going to leave it but then couldn't. So the sweet bird was called in to the rescue. TIP: When I was looking at the stamp, it appeared that my bird was flying the "right" direction, i.e. over my cross. But it was switched. I didn't want him to appear to be leaving, but rather coming. So I inked him up, and then stamped him onto one of my Hero Arts Shadow stamps (do you remember those - from like 8 years ago?) did some huffing and stamped onto my paper. It was a little light but worked perfectly.

My second card uses one less layer and I used the Shimmer It in Pixie this time on the ?scarf? It's really hard to see in the photo though. My paper is really thin and buckled quite a bit with the Shimmer It. I didn't really notice how much until I was uploading photos. The bow technique didn't work out quite as well with this sheer ribbon but it's close. Jami did an excellent tutorial on her blog - her link is in the sidebar (and then she has a spot for all her tutorials)- you should check it out!!

And finally, I want to give some shout outs to my friends Bridget and Jami. Bridget and I got to hang out several weeks ago (I miss you girl! We need to get together again SOON!) and she brought my FETA CHEESE STUFFED OLIVES. Yum! She pays such good attention to things like that. I have been slowly savoring them. And then Saturday I got a package from Jami - with some gorgeous velvet paper - heart it. so much. I am fighting the desire to go get a safety deposit box and lock it up so it is safe. I haven't seen that stuff since our local stamp store closed. miss that. so much. But I'm going to use it!! She also knows that I love, LOVE bling and sent me this little package of "tatoos" that are crystals and perfect for cards. The best part - it is my NAME!!! I squealed - literally and loudly - when I saw it! It's hard to find CASSANDRA vanity anything.

Thank you both for blessing me in such wonderful, incredible, thoughtful ways! I treasure your sweet gifts and I treasure your friendship even more!

I'm so glad each of you are my RSF too! Have a beautiful day!!