Love Challenges

When I get stuck on how to design a layout or a card I look to challenges.  I find at times by limiting what can be used, or having to use a certain item, inspires creativity.  One of my favorite challenge blogs is 365 Cards.  I love it because of the whole concept...new challenges each day. 

Recently the challenge was to combine scallops and stripes.  Here is what I came up with using that challenge.

 

That ornament in the middle was cut on my new cricut.  Which I am completely in love with and has me asking why in the world I waited so dang long to get one.  The paper is from last years Christmas collection from MME called "12 day of Christmas".

 

Another challenge that really had me scratching my head was the Pick-a-Pattern challenge from Thursday.  I thought easy-peasy until I went through my stash to find that I own no paisley paper or  paisley embellishments.  What is a gal to do?   Well she is to dig through her stamp collection and hope she'll find one in there.  Lo and behold I did!!! 

 

Here is what I did with that paisley stamp.

 

The paisley stamp is part of a CTMH set called Adorable.  The "Merry Christmas..." stamp is Studio G.  The red paper is from DCWV and the stamp is on kraft cardstock then embossed with Judi Kins embossing powder in White Diamond.