PTI blog hop

This morning I am participating in the PTI blog hop for the very first time! I made this card very late last night but am so happy with it. We were challenged (this is my interpretation) to show off something we learned or that was inspired by a fellow stamper. There are two fabulous inspirations here: Nichole Heady (the creative and most visible "leader" of PTI- there are 3 of them) and Lauren Meader (who inspires a lot of stampers!). I wouldn't be showing a card nearly this good if it weren't for reading Nichole's blog over the last *almost* 3 years. (I also wouldn't have supplies or stamps that had this kind of quality either!). She has a style that is probably most like my own- clean and simple but always striving for the classic and elegant. But the inspiration is the Ripe Avocado panel. I used 2 flourishes: 1 from Silent Night and 1 from Fall Elegance. I rarely make my own background papers (except using Polka Dot Basics II) but Nichole does it all the time and makes it look effortless! So, I was determined to do so. I broked out the versamark ink and "went to town" so to speak. (Even my dh, who is well practiced at oohhhing and aaahhing was impressed when I explained that I "made" that paper!). I stamped the first part of the "Silent Night..." sentiment at the upper top of the card and finished it on the inside. (the image panel is die cut from the cricut)
Lauren's inspiration is two-part. First, the sketch is hers. I found it about 6-8 weeks or so ago on her blog and have been making cards out of it ever since. (I also have my most favorite sketch that is from her too... so she is VERY inspiring in my own cardmaking world). Also, if it wasn't for her blog (and Mishie's), I'd NEVER have found Nichole's blog in the first place. And that, well... it would have been tragic! Ha!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Stamps: Silent Night, Fall Elegance
CS: Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream
Ink: Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, Versamark