Vintage collage bookplate

It's no secret that I'm somewhat collage-challenged, and I don't do vintage very well either. But when I saw the antique bookplate technique in the Technique Junkies Newsletter two years ago (Oct 2011), I really liked it. Well, I finally got around to trying it, and it was incredibly easy. It probably really helped that the Stampin Up Botanicals set turned out to be the perfect choice, because it had everything I needed -- script stamp, good sized image and lots of small detail stamps to work with.

I don't usually like distressed edges, either (boy, I'm sounding opinionated here, aren't I?), but I made one without the distressed edges, and I think it works better with a little distressing.

Supplies
Stamps:  Stampin Up Botanicals set
Ink:  SU Creamy Caramel (DTP to age paper) and Memento black
Other items: Colored pencils, flat-back gems, fine-tipped black marker, distressing tool.

I'm entering this card in these challenges:

Simply Create Too #45, Vintage
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Anything Goes.
 

Batty and Dotty

Here's a CAS card I hope makes someone smile.  It is inspired by The Alley Way Stamp Be-Inspired Challenge #35 and features TAWS images as well.

The bat is paper-pieced and has micro-beads on his dots.  He's also popped up popdots for added
dimension.

I was going to sew around the edges, but that didn't quite seem to fit the goofiness of the bat, so I decided hand-drawn dots would be a good border element. They were done with white gel pen.

Since there are dots everywhere in this card, I am also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, "dotty."

Girly birds

A tiny young bird landed on my deck yesterday. I was really worried it was injured because it was all fluffed up and had its wings extended, but I guess it was just catching some sunshine during what I think might have been its first flight.

These girly birds are for a couple of sisters. The image is from The Alley Way Stamps, and it's paper-pieced.  The sentiment is computer-generated.  I added piercing both around the main image panel and the sentiment. I used printed paper for the bottom layer of flag and a ribbon with a print that echoes the pink plaid on top of that.  I've never liked that pink stripe before, but I cut it on the diagonal and that really improves it.


The sketch is Freshly Made #97.

I am also entering this card in these challenges:

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes
C.R.A.F.T. #218: Monochromatic cards