Sunday, July 13, 2014

HELLO!! - and a Birthday Card...Uniko Studio Challenge #11: Birthday, Seize the Sketch #24, Virginia's View Challenge #5, Seize the Birthday


Hello, hello *waving wildly* just me , c, popping in to let you know that the silence on my blog this past week (and, my falling light years behind on commenting...my apologies!! I've been seeing sooooo many stunning creations and I pinkie-promise to catch-up) is the complete opposite to the hub-bub happening at my place.  

Why?  

Two of the best reasons EVER:  Ms. T and Mr. C, my niece and nephew are here, and have been since Tuesday!  I am in my glory!!  My days begin with waking up, knowing that in a short time, little footsteps (or stomps, as the case may be), peals of "Aunty Ccccccc' and full-on, bowl me over hugs will greet me, in the evenings, I'm spoiled with bedtime hugs and kisses, paired with some fall asleep cuddles on the couch.  Perfect bookends to start and end these past few days.  And the in-betweens...incredible, fabulous, memory-making FUN! Bike rides, horse rides (Ms. T, only as Mr. C isn't big enough yet), a playground excursion, a trip to Banff, a candy store stock up, watching Frozen and Cars, reading 'Lightning McQueen and Thomas the Train stories, stamping, giggling..and that was just Day 1!!  Truly, we've set the 'control button' to GO GO GO...and we're on full throttle!!  

Anyway, I have them for one more day...and I'd best get going with the program, as I can hear little voices calling my name (love that!!)

Today's card (or rather, the card I made in bits and pieces over the course of several early mornings, before the fun-and-frolick gigglers woke up) is inspired by the theme and palette at Uniko Studio Challenge 11: Birthday



and  Seize the Sketch #24




As it's a birthday card, I'm sharing it at Seize the Birthday


and since several die cuts were used, it's also going to Virginia's View Challenge #5: Die Cuts





The photo doesn't capture the shimmer of the Wink of Stella on the bloom, or the double layers of vellum on the butterfly very well...but they're there in real life!

Before I go (super fast typing quickly....kids are running...), THANK YOU so much for your wonderful support and encouragement with my first DT card over at Addicted to Stamps and More, as well as those at Inkspirational Challenges.  I would not, could not have taken these steps without all of YOU to inspire me.   You make my heart smile!!

Comment catch-up on the agenda!!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!



35 comments:

Marisa said...

Adore this card!! Fabulous use of the white space and the purple! Love the vellum butterfly :) Yeah for fun with kids!! They grow up sooo quickly. Drink deep and who cares about posting - these are memories that will last a lifetime so enjoy them to the fullest :)

Monika Reeck said...

Carol woow woow wooww a card for so much challenge and fit together that is WOW ..may I tell you am fan of PURPLE..fan of TAG and fan of your stitching paper it looks elegant and totally my style..may I get this card..seriously...I will put it on my desk in the office...this is really adorable..love al the element on it and you really MISS butterfly you never forget to put any of them..I think I am following you being a Miss butterfly number 2 hehehe (smile) and dont forget if you have any card with CHARM just see my latest post I am still GDT at Card Mania...please join there dear...biig hugs...Monika

Anita in France said...

Carol ... enjoy the time with the littlies and don't worry about catching up or posting ... there'll be plenty of time for that ... the wonderful days right now with those sweet children are to be cherished! Gorgeous card ... such a calm and gentle sense to it (as opposed to your fabulous full on days at the moment!). Hugs, Anita :)

Nonni said...

Very beautiful, Carol! I love the color palette and the way you used your chosen sketch. Enjoy the little ones, nice to hear you are having fun! xxx

Vicki Dutcher said...

Very pretty card! Thanks for joining in at STS!

Jennifer Jackson said...

Very pretty! Love the soft amethyst color palette! Great layout too!

Beverley said...

Sounds like you're having SO much fun & making many memories to treasure :) LOVE love love your card, beautifully done & the mix of elements is simply perfect. Thanks SO much for joining in on the Uniko Studio Challenge. Hugs Bev x

Shannon J said...

Today, I am on a mission!! I am going to catch up on every single one of your posts TODAY!! AT LAST!! OMG, it's to the point of embarrassing now!!! And, um, I didn't even know that you were on a new DT?!!!! Eeeeeeeeeek!!!!!! Well, I am not surprised one little bit, because your cards have been nothing short of stunning...like STUNNING!! This one is no exception...holy cow, exquisite and elegant, and just plain gorgeous!!
SO happy that you are enjoying all of the special moments with T&C, and creating heartwarming memories every minute!

Kay Miller said...

Awwwwww, I loved reading your fun post all about time spent with the wee ones! I can feel the love!! Soooooo wonderful! I'm glad you're having such a good time with them :) Looooooove the purple flower and that neat stenciled ( purple) background!! The flower looks lovely on that textured grey tag! I think you may have asked on my blog about what kind of textured paper I was using. It is some really old Stampin' Up! that I've had for years. Unfortunately they don't make it anymore. So sad... Anyway, enjoy the time with your littles!

Irish Cherokee said...

Superb card Carol. Elegant. The colors are a best fit for this card.

Marybeth said...

Carol..... this is pure beauty!
This sounds like a very good reason to be away from blogland. Making memories with sweet little ones, nothing could be better! Enjoy!

Marybeth said...

Thanks for joining us at Seize the Sketch :)

Taunya Butler said...

Breathtaking , I am in awe!! I love that sponged background in the soft purple and the vellum butterfly just made my heart flutter!! I can't believe you managed to make this while children beckoned - you are so multi-talented!! I am so glad for you to have this precious time with them. You are such an example to me of one who embraces life and gives it all she's got - never fearing because she has a well of strength inside her!! That is how I see you - just darned awesome!!

Brenda said...

Hello Carol *me waving wildly right back at ya*, sounds like you were having a lot of fun with the niece and nephew like we were having with the granddaughter!! lol Isn't it just the best to have these little people under your roof?! I so love it although I realize why the younger people have the kids now. lol I like being grandma and then sending them home to rest up. But while they are here we go until grandma and papaw drop! lol Love, love your beautiful card! I love the colors and boy that one tag is amazing. I'm sure the shimmer and sparkle show up in real life and looks so lovely, it's so hard to catch that shimmer on camera. And you have used my favorite flower! lol I just love that flower. Enjoy those little ones Carol!! Hugs, Brenda

Loll said...

Hi Carol. Gorgeous card ... love the way you've combined all those challenges into one amazing card.

Sounds like you're having a blast with your little visitors. Lots of special times and special memories. xx

Nancy said...

First of all...your card is amazing...second...Enjoy the time with the little ones and don't worry about catching up or posting....that is what truly matters. Glad you joined us over at Seize the Birthday. I sound a little contradictory don't I? LOL

Susanne Vargas said...

Look at that stunning card you created even while having such precious visitors! Enjoy every minute of them!

sandie said...

Just gorgeous Carol, I love that background and I really like the double vellum butterfly...I must use my vellum....still in the packet! Sounds like you are having fun with the kids x

Kylie said...

Yay for happy family time! Enjoy the littlies while they are there with you. Your card is so lovely. Love the colours and that design is so great. The vellum butterfly is so great. You are a clever girl! hugs!

Virginia L. said...

Beautiful card, C! I love the elements that you incorporated into this design. That touch of vellum and use of dies are awesome! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the company of your niece and nephew! So glad that you join the fun over Virginia's View Challenge!

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful card! Love the gorgeous blossom and beautiful butterfly fluttering about! Thanks for joining along with the Seize the Sketch challenge!

Geri said...

LOVE the shades of purple/mauve paired with grey! The velum butterfly (both layers) looks fabulous in the photo as does the gorgeous textured tag (what is that paper???). Great call to leave the base white - doesn't compete with that STUNNING flower!

Sounds like Aunty C is having more fun than the wee ones!!! I'm off to Peru tomorrow so will touch base when I return!

Tracey McNeely said...

Sounds like you are having a blast Carol!! Enjoy the little ones! Way to nail all of those challenges, love your beautiful purple card. Fabulous stenciling and lovely flower. The commenting can wait, we know you are here! xoxo

JoAnn said...

So gorgeous. Love the colors and beautiful flower. Thanks for sharing this beauty with us at Seize the Birthday.

Dana said...

Bea-utiful card!!! I LOVE your take on the sketch! The purple and grey are fabulous together!! And of course the little butterfly!!

Carole said...

I love this card.....my favourite Uniko flower and love your design and colour choice. Adorable little butterfly too.

Lesley said...

This is a gorgeous card, Carol. I love the bloom and the vellum butterfly! Sounds like you are having a wonderful visit with your niece and nephew! How wonderful! Congrats on your DT spots! You make beautiful cards! Thanks for joining us at Seize the Sketch!

Greta said...

Oh how neat to have the kiddos at your place! I totally adore this card--beautiful creation, Carol!

Pia Larsen said...

This card is absolutely gorgeous, Carol! I might have to CASE this one day :o)

Lee Ann Barrett said...

Your collage style card is just beautiful, Carol! Love the soft palette and use of the vellum. Just a beauty! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Seize the Sketch! Enjoy your wee company!

Deepti said...

Beautiful! The faded stencil looks awesome :)

Kim S said...

I hope you caught up with those kids!! The card is lovely - I think they inspire you!

Kim Heggins said...

Wow...you are simply one amazing stamper. I love this card, everything about it is fabulous. From the beautiful flowers to your amazing design and to finish it off another sweet butterfly.

Jessi Fogan said...

Nothing like the stomping of little feet :) Sounds like a fun time!
Your card is gorgeousness all over! Love those colours & the vellum is perfect. Thanks so much for coming to play with us at Seize the Sketch!

Viv said...

Fabulous card Carol, well done on the win with it over at Uniko Studio too :) Viv xx