She's Causing a Scene!!

I'm so sorry that you haven't seen me around of late...I think I put myself on somewhat of a stamping sabbatical. There has been a lot going on around here. None of it has been bad, just busy and a little scattering to the brain. Also, after doing the copic certification class, I wasn't able to practice like I wanted (a vacation got in the way), and I kept looking at my markers with fear. Call it performance anxiety, I don't know!! I finally sat down with them last night and started playing with all of them. I'm rusty on the techniques, but I think I've conquered my fear. I know that probably sounds a little weird to some of you, but that seems to be the only way I can explain it. Also, I had to really think about why I make cards and like doing it. Tryout after tryout after rejection after rejection for design teams can get a little daunting and well, very disappointing. So, my soul searching made me realize that I need to do this for me, at least for a while. The Flutter By challenge has always been a lifesaver for me! I'm going to be getting back on my challenge kick, and I've got a million Magnolia cards that need to be made. Instead of just collecting these stamps and supplies, I need to use them! Viva la cards!!

Enough of my mindless chatter...it's Flutter By Wednesday, and we had one humdinger of a challenge this week!! Heather, who's cards almost defy description they are so detailed and amazing, chose the theme of creating a scene with a butterfly and/or fairy and using little or no designer paper (yes, you can use some!). I decided to go with the no designer paper at all. I used stamps, sponges, and nesties to create my scene. I have three pictures for you so that you can see some of the detail. I tried my best with the cutting, but these are some seriously detailed images! The bunnies and flower are from an adorable set called Stinkin' Cute by Firecracker Designs by Pamela. The fairy is from an Inkadinkadoo clear set. The grass in the forefront is a stamp from Savvy Stamps. For the clouds, I used a cloud template and Cool Caribbean ink on the different sizes of Labels Four nesties. I wanted clouds, but with the stair step card, there isn't a lot of height unless you create it!

I used my new techniques on the coloring of the bunnies, flower, and fairy, but I think you can see more detail on the fairy image. The stickles set off the wings a bit more, and there are Martha Stewart punched butterflies. (that woman punches butterflies...how mean!)

We'd love to have you join us for the Flutter By challenge this week...it was a great awakening for me. Thank you to all who read and comment on my blog. I read every comment, and it is uplifting to hear your words of encouragement and praise. I hope you have survived the confession of my existential crisis and know that I'm back on track!! Have a fabulously fluttering day! Stop by Danni's blog and leave your creation via Mr. Linky (if he's MIA, leave me a link here or in Danni's comments!)

Card Details:

Stamps: Grass by Savvy Stamps; Stinkin' Cute by FCD; Beautiful Fairies by Inkadinkadoo

Paper: Wild Wasabi by Stampin' Up; Georgia Pacific white

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nesties Labels 4; Rosie's Roadshow cloud template; Stickles; Martha Stewart butterfly punch

Copic Markers: Seriously way too many to list, and I forgot to...sorry!!