Birthday Silhouettes

Last week my SU order came and in it was the Top Note Sizzix die. I think I am about the last person on the paper crafting planet to have one, but I finally broke down and bought one. At first I didn't think I *needed* it, but kept seeing some beautiful cards with it (especially Christmas cards) and wanted to give it a whirl. I used the Gina K. stamp set Tree Silhouettes to make a birthday card for my husband.  He loved it, I just knew the colors and rustic look was right up his alley!   Now I really need to work on my stash of masculine cards...this stamp set sure will make it easy!  I have so many ideas for this, just need the time :o)

Have a great stampin' day!

Birthday Whimsy

My nephew turned 11 this past week so I needed to make a nice boy birthday card. He was born exactly 51 weeks after my daughter....I always thought that was kind of neat! I remember taking my daughter to the hospital to see her new cousin (shortly after he was born). She had been walking for almost two months and she so enjoyed walking all by herself down the hospital hallway to his and his mother's room. It is crazy, but I even remember the outfit she wore and the balloons she carried....The years go by so fast!

I came up with the color combination (Not Quite Navy, Old Olive and VV) using the Color Coach, which is great to use when I am having a mind block on what to colors to combine. The cake was stamped on VV using Not Quite Navy and I cut another one out and laid it on top to give it more dimension. A little bit of Diamond stickles on the candles and cake and it just popped. :o)) The desginer paper is Basic Grey Infuse and it goes wonderfully with these colors. Have a great day!

Stamps: Birthday Whimsy and For a Friend
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, VV and Basic Grey Infuse
Ink: Not Quite Navy and Old Olive
Accessories: Cuttlebug Folder, Stickles, and Oval Punch