Sketch Challenges Celebrate Birthdays

Tonight I made a few cards for Birthdays using SU "Celebrate Everything"


I had fun they are just simple cards but it was fun to create a little soemthing again...Still trying to get the house back into a routine. the first one was for SCS Sketch Challenge 161...I really like this layout I will probably use it again.

I used Lavendar Lace paper and another Purple very similar in color from an assorted purples Cardstock Package at Michaels, but very much lighter in weight, and Barely Banana, I am trying to force myself to use up the papers I purchased from other sources before I started using SU products, not an easy task when I really like the thickness, sturdiness and colors SU has to offer. For my Second card I used bashful Blue and barely Banana and Certainly Celery.. this Layout has been giving me grief for several weeks , you can blame my lack of posting on it because I have started at it for weeks and started several cards and left them in the trash or ont he table waiting for more inspiration. Tonight however I nsisited I finish the card even if it is mediocre because it has put me out of my creativity for several weeks. It is a relief to have it off the list of things to do.
I have been really trying to curb my spending this year. It is amazing how much you can save when you set your mind to it. I have learned alot crafting this last year also. I dont know what will all come of the experience I have gained but I know it is easy to get caught up in having all the latest trends, tools and Stamps and feeling a little compulsive in your endevors, so that is what I am trying to work on. Being more patient in my purchases. I have learned there is a lot of differences in quality and products out there...I try to use the old lighter weight cardstocks in with the SU that I have in order to have a nice heavy weight card but also get the most use of the products I bought before I got more into the craft. I guess there might be a few people that frown on the use of these other products but this is a very expensive hobby and people shouldnt be excluded just because they need to save money and cut corners. I find there are methods of mixing card stocks and DP's that can result in a very nice card and save money...I woul drecomend this for the beginner... but try to save in a way that isnt going to cost you money later, buying a differnt product becasue the one you got is inferior. One product I really like is the GP Cardstock in White from Walmart office supply area. It takes color very well and is quite nice for cards, and while I am aquiring nice markers and inks I have used it to soften the blow to my budget. Another white cs I like for a smoother surface is Royal Brights Matte Photo Paper, I buy it at sams Club, I use it for Computer cards but I find it to be a very smooth and Ink accepting surface for techniques that require the glossy paper, ie..the Shaving Cream and baby wipe technique. I have found both of these suitable for cards...I use lighter weight cardstock when I am adding multiple layers to a card because it helps keep the weight down and makes the card more manageable when you are doing several layers. I love SU cardstock and cant wait until I only have it in my collection, but while I am aquireing stamps, inks and markers and other things, I am going to continue to use up my old inexpensive cardstock to supplement my cards...So I am not wasteful...and to help my craft budget stretch further.

Until Later ...Happy Stamping!