Fun in the Garden

     The topic at Delightful Challenges this week is "Fun in the Sun."  I'm using a digi image from Delightful, and a sketch from Midnight Madness.

     The skunk with a butterfly just said sunshine to me since I don't see either one in my garden unless the sun's out.  The image is colored with markers and sparkly gel pen on the flower centers, the butterfly wings, and the white dots in the skunk's eyes.  I fussy cut the image and adhered it to a die cut oval, then layered that oval to a larger one which has just a hint of a white print in it.  I outlined the first oval with the sparkle pen, also.  All that sparkle is because Mark's Finest Papers wants to see sparkle on our creations this week for their challenge.

     I used a border punch on the dps (DCWV) and then adhered them to the white card base.  The middle strip is pink CS from my stash.  CAS-ual Fridays wants us to "Get Edgy" this week by using border punches or ripping the edges of our paper, whatever it takes to make an unusual edge.  Using the border punch I chose on this card tends to make the card feel pretty fancy rather than casual but the card still is pretty simple. 

     I added the flat rhinestones and the flourish (coated with Glossy Accents) to add just a touch more sparkle and it was done.  Three layers and the card base, plus the single flourish for embellishment.  No bulk, no additional weight, and that makes it a perfect card for Operation Write Home.  I know I talk a lot about OWH here on my blog but they are definitely my favorite organization.  I love what they do to support our deployed troops and the way they encourage troops to stay in touch with loved ones back home.  You can read more about OWH if you click on their badge to the right side of my blog.  You might even decide to make and donate a card or two yourself.  Remember, glitter is not used because it can flake off onto uniforms and make a soldier visible when he doesn't want to be. 

     If you're going to use sparkly gel pen as I did, test it first on the same paper, let it dry and rub your hand across it.  If it comes off on your fingers, DON'T use it on OWH cards!  As to rhinestones and other glittery bits, make sure they are firmly attached by using tiny dots of craft glue to secure them.  I never rely on self-adhesive stuff on embellishments.  I always add glue.

     Another day of the weekend is flowing by.  I trust you've had some creative time or will be able to find some before it's over.   Have a lovely day and Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie