you can quote me on that

hello and happy cinco de mayo to you! of course, that's not the only reason to celebrate today--not if you like cards and/or prizes, that is! nope, the new CAARDVARKS challenge starts today and it's quite a clever one, i think: make a card with a quotation on it! of course by now you'll realize it needs to be a *new* card...and that your deadline will be midnight on may 18th...and that the 'varks blog has all the details you could possibly need!

our sponsor this time is unity stamp company. they were kind enough to supply the design team with some of their fabulous unmounted rubber. the focus is on their cool--and quite beautiful--quotations. here is mine:


in addition to the product itself, i absolutely ♥LOVED♥ the package my stamp came in...that neat kraft envelope with the brown scalloppy frame which displayed the stamped image. as soon as i saw it, i started to think about how i could incorporate *IT*...as well as the stamping...into my design. here's what i did:

(rubber stamp & cool cardstock frame: unity stamp co; patterned paper: sassafras lass, all my memories, prima, basic grey; cardstock: core'dinations; florals: petaloo, stampin' up, doodlebug; diecuts: k&co; butterfly punch; martha stewart; stick-on pearls: prima; rub-on border: making memories; other: vintage ribbon & button, tiny safety pin, gold charm, paternayan persian needlepoint yarn, teeeeeeeny flower-shaped nail gems; adhesives: tombow monoadhesive runner, glue dots, 3m foam tape)

i peeled the label off verrrrrrrry careful and then cut out the scalloppy frame. it already had a cool faux sewn border, so i pierced the dotted marks and stitched along them using needlepoint yarn, et voila: i had the perfect frame for my quotation. then i made a card to hold the frame...then i accented the stamped flowers with gems and tiny paper blooms and a few teeny punched butterflies...and then i added an extra embellishment or two...just to be on the safe side!

and yes, since you've asked...i am still REALLY into those little dangly charms and tags. so i had to work one of those in, as well. i thought the center of a stacked flower would be a pretty good place, and i am pleased with the result. and thus, another challenge--and the second half of my mother's day cardmaking requirements--are met!

head on over to CAARDVARKS to see the rest of the awesome DT cards...details and pics of the prize...and if you haven't checked out the posts from the gala READERS' WEEKEND yet, you have a real treat in store!!!