Thursday, March 5, 2009

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!!

14 comments:

Kimmie said...

These are both very pretty!

Danni said...

More gorgeous creations!! Amazing job!

Jessica Diedrich said...

Such a GORGEOUS, soft, and pretty card! Wow!

Anonymous said...

So pretty Cassie!! Love your yummy ribbon!! TFS!

Heather Schlatter said...

Hi Cassie,

You did a great job on this card, and I really like it!!!

Jami sent me that set as a RAK and I have been wanting to ink it up!!!

Awesome card girl!!

Love it!

Heather

Anonymous said...

You crack me up....lock the paper in a safe! LOL! LOVE these cards - especially the little corners with the pearls. Is that a corner punch?

Yummm....feta cheese olives....:)

Hugs...

Cathy said...

So gorgeous!!! Very nice look!! Beautiful!!

My little sister's name is Cassandra!!

Hugs, Cathy

Janna said...

Cassie!! wow, wow, wow!!! You are amazing!!! These are so beautiful!!! I just love the subtlty of the images and the blue bow is so breathtaking! The second card is amazing as well! You are on fire!! and wow! What great raks! So, so nice!! Isn't it great and you are such a sweet friend as well!

Smiles,
janna

Javablustamper said...

WOW!!! Cass!!! I LOVE both of your creations!!! They are BOTH BEAUTIFUL!! SO nice that you got Happy Mail!!! Velvet paper sounds SO cool!! Don't know that I have ever seen that!!! I can't wait to see what you create with it!! Hey you used that Shimmer it!!! AWESOME!!! Hope you are well!!

Dawn♥ said...

Oh Cassie it's absolutely GORGEOUS!
♥♥♥ Dawn

Jodi said...

So pretty! I love that ribbon, it really does add to the card!
Hugs,
Jodi =)

Maria said...

Hey Cassie! Thank you for your well wishes on my being a gardener! I really appreciate it!!

Wow, your cards are beautiful. . .I really love the elegant look to them. It looks very professionally made. Love the color combos that you used too! It matches the elegant theme to your card!!

Maria

Riet said...

oh woww Cassie,you made fabolous cards,l love the all.

have a nice weekend.
hugs Riet.x

Rosette said...

These are lovely Cassie :)) Love the softness and the message!! Hugs xx