Happy Anniversary

Good morning!

This morning, the Outlawz challenge team is asking you to create a card with YOUR favorite color combination.  How fun, right?  I had a hard time deciding on a 'favorite' color combo as I like so many different combos, but I think right now I'm particularly drawn to the colors on the card I designed above: yellow, green, and red with Kraft.  That's probably why I really like October Afternoon's paper lines as many of them have those colors on them!

I used this patterned paper as a base from October Afternoon and stitched it to the 5.5" square base.  Then, I pulled out several Spellbinder nestability dies and my Grand Calibur and got to work.  Seriously, that machine is amazing!  You can cut out so many dies at the same time for one thing and the other is that it cuts even the most intricate die with such ease.  While I love my nestability dies, I also have some My Favorite Things dies - like the rolled rose and the scallop border die and they work perfectly with the Grand Calibur as well.

The only adjustment that I had to make for myself was not being able to see through the plates like I'm used to being able to do with my Big Shot.  To compensate for that, I just tape the die down just a bit with a small piece of tape - super easy to do and well worth it to help be able to cut out all these images at the same time!  If you're in the market for a new die cutting machine, consider the Grand Calibur!  Even if you don't think it's necessary since your current one works just fine, think about it anyway... trust me on this one, you will not be sorry with your purchase.  It's a real time saver and cuts/embosses so amazingly well!

Card Details (size 5.5 square)

Stamps: Happy Days (Paper Pretties); Rose Blossom (Layers of Color)
Ink: Distress; Memento
Card stock: October Afternoon patterned paper; GKD ivory; Kraft
Other: Spellbinder label 16 die and  Fleur de lis doily accents;  MFT mini rolled rose die & felt; MFT leaf & scallop dies; SU ribbon; sewing machine; Tim Holtz blending tool; mini pearls

and the inside view - using Layers of Color The Love Chapter and Happy Wishes for the sentiments ...

To view the other designers samples for this week's Outlawz challenge, please visit the Thursday Challenge group - all the information is there for you.  We hope you'll get a chance to play along with us this week!
Jessica