I started out...

...with an entirely different card in mind.  And,  I ended up with the one that I am posting.  And, this sort of thing actually happens to me all the time...really, truly all the time.  I start out with the intention of this or that sketch challenge or this or that color challenge.  And, in my mind, the card is plotted out and I will meet the requirements of the challenge.  Then, I sit down, pull out my chosen stamp, inks, etc....and then the cardmaking process becomes quite organic and thoroughly out of my control.  I start doodling with colors on the scratch sheet, then realize that I really, at the moment, like this pairing of colors rather than the ones I previously decided on.  Then the same thing tends to happen to the sketch I chose, the papers I was going to go with etcetcetc until, at the card's finish I am left holding something pretty durn different than what I originally intended to make.  And, this is key here....I usually am quite pleased with my card.  Lots of times, when I do finish a card for a strict-ish type of challenge I don't like my finished product.  It is like I tried "too hard" to make it work....and when I just sit back, color-cut-and paste I usually have more enjoyment as the card takes shape under my hands.  Now, I am thinking that perhaps this is because I have not been doing card making as long as many other folks that I know.  And, it makes me wonder if the way to keep the personal enjoyment alive and well is to, at least in the beginning...is to make LOTS of cards and to make them any old way one wants to.  And, challenges are great when they are something one enjoys to do but the minute one is working hard to meet the challenges' requirements then card making or, really any craft or hobby, becomes more like work then play.  I really would like to enter more contests and challenges....I do have a competitive spark inside me but for the time being they are going to be "easy-peasy" ones....like I will be entering this into the Hero Arts Monthly contest...it follows their colors this month (wow-totally happy coincidence there!) and bling.  And, I can always be counted on to meet the bling requirements.  Maybe, we just need more bling challenges!  Anyways, I used the Hero Arts Little Black Dress here that I used the other day (scroll down if you please) and the Basic Grey Indie Blooms here paper.  And, a doily that Maureen Morton blog here sent me awhile back.  And I love these doilies....and when they are gone they are gone 'cuz I haven't been able to find them in a store anywhere!  So here is my card!

I did a close up of the stamp to show how really cool it is!  I like that flowers are also made up of little tiny hearts....then it can also be used for anniversaries, weddings and valentines  too!

Thank you so much for stopping by!  If you happen to stop by tomorrow to visit bring an umbrella...we have had oodles of rain with more on to come!

Be well,

Sheila