new (to me!) sketch site

i just found sketchy thursdays by diana, and i really like it! for starters, they're the source of this AWESOME sketch:

for which the dt cards are *fab* and the prize (by random draw) is a set of 8 copics & an outliner...which i think you'll agree is none too shabby!

of course i printed the sketch for my notebook, and made the first of what i suspect will be a few cards using this arrangement:

(patterned paper: creative imaginations; fabric paper: love elsie; glossy white cardstock: ranger; photo diecut: colorbok (& from the early 14th century, but i really like it!); tiny letter stickers & rub-on alphas: amking memories; embroidery floss: dmc (using all 6 strands); other: sewing machine, fancy pants chipboard scroll used as a template for the swirls)

i wound up flipping the sketch because i wanted to use the sunflower like a sun-- which actually worked quite nicely either way--but since some of the petal/rays overhung, i decided i liked it better up on the top. the yellow swirls are handstitched, while the two panels were attached with the sewing machine. the sentiment, "plenty of sunshine..." continues inside the card with, "heading your way--HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" marks first time i've ever quoted "zip-a-dee-doo-dah" in a card, but somehow it just seemed like exactly the right thing for this one! :)

gotta hurry if you want in on this challenge: the deadline is 11:59 EST tonight. off you go, then!