After an absolutely horrendous day  yesterday, the weather has decided to treat us to a pleasant morning with no wind – at least for now.  Despite the high winds, Yasha installed the new canopy for Nadya’s playset as well as some neat little steps for her to use (the ladder is still a bit much for her to climb) yesterday.  We braved the wind for a little while so she could try everything out – she had a great time.  I was a bit surprised as she HATES the wind and usually melts down rather quickly when exposed to it.  So, this morning she’s out with her Daddy, watering trees and playing.  I am thankful for a nice day so they can enjoy the outdoors and each other.

I played in my craft room yesterday and this morning.  Taylored Expressions has a neat sketch challenge (a new one each Friday) that I wanted to try; combined with Bunny’s blog color challenge,  the Stamp Something blog challenge, the Secret Crafter’s Saturday Challenge, and the Crafty Goings On Copic blog candy (who wouldn’t want a chance to win 72 Copic Ciao markers)…well I needed to create a card! I haven’t decided if this is going to be a Happy Birthday or Happy Mother’s Day card.

I based the layout on this Friday’s sketch from Taylored Expressions – the base card is 5.5′”x5.5” using textured DCWV CS.  The striped mat is a piece of 5×5 Candy DS Papers (retired-SU). The 2 small squares are 3×3 Pink Mulberry (DCWV Mulberry Naturals Mat Stack) that I cut using my Big Shot and my small square Accucut Slimline die.  The “ribbon” is a scrap from my base CS that I added faux stitching to using my Zebra silver metallic pen.  I stamped Lasting Impressions with Panache’s Parrot Tulip in Basic Gray (SU) on Whisper White CS and colored with my Stampin’ Write Markers (SU) – the tulips are Pixie Pink and shaded with Pink Passion and the leaves are Glorious Green with slight Always Artichoke shading. I used Sahara Sand to add a bit of depth under the petals and leaves. I sponged light green shimmer chalk from my I Kan’dee Pearlescent Pastels (Pebbles) over the entire image and then used my Nestabilities (Spellbinders) to cut out and mat the tulips onto Rose Red CS (SU).  I added Silver Dew Drops (The Robin’s Nest) as a finishing touch (thanks to Kristi at Hanna Stamps as these were part of my goodie bag).  The inside of the card has matching DS paper and is awaiting a sentiment depending on whether I choose Mother’s Day or Birthday greetings.

Speaking of my goodie bag, I promised to show you what was in mine – so without further I present my Hanna Stamps blog hop”candy” :

In a beautiful turquoise organdy bag, I received a Black/White/Silver Dew Drops Bottle, a Daffodil Dew Drops Container, a bottle of Mono Liquid Glue, and a wood-mounted Tennis Riley stamp. I love all of my “candy” – thanks again to Vicki and Kristi!

That’s all from me for now! I hope you guys have a blessed Sunday and a FABULOUS upcoming week.  Don’t forget to check out all of the Blog Candy links on my sidebar – you never know when you might win!