Clean and Simple (CAS) Happy Birthday Swaps ...

Happy Tuesday! 

As the week grows closer to my trip to the Close to my Heart convention, I find myself trying to complete several projects that need to be accomplished prior to my leaving. 

One of such as a clean and simple swap I signed up for a while back. 

I had to create two groups of cards. 

One set was embossed with the Close to my Heart Rose Embossing Folder. 

Then embellished with Red Shimmer Trim, Pewter cardstock, and a relatively simple White Daisy circle. 

The circle was distressed with Cranberry ink and the sentiment "Make a Wish" from the Short & Sweet Stamp Set, was inked with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 

The second set, I use the Central Park Patterned Paper Packet as the main focal point.

I used Poppy and Sapphire cardstock as well. 

The sentiments,  "Thanks a Bunch" from the Heartfelt Thanks Stamp Set, and the "Celebration" from the Cheers to You Workshops Your Way Stamp Set were stamped in Cranberry and Sapphire inks. 

I added a few Stargazer Dots to each of these, depending on the colors in the card. Some were blue, some red and some yellow. These are still available, stock up!

I tried to make sure that I made a few extras to swap with at the Convention next week. 

Counting down,  just 9 days!

Welcome Baby Card...

So about a week ago, I was in my local Tuesday Morning, browsing the baby aisle, and stumbled upon this adorable blanket... 

I immediately thought to myself, wait, I have a hot air balloon stamp at home. 

So tonight's card which will also be on my display at the Close to my Heart Convention in about a week and a half, was in fact inspired by that blanket. 

Now originally I was planning to use soft pastel blues, but decided against it, and chose to use the soft aqua colors. 

I may go back and create some neutral ones and even a pink or blue one. 

The hot air balloon stamp is from the Cheers To You Cardmaking Workshops Your Way stamp set. 

I stamped the image in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, and filled in just a few spots with some of my 

Cricut Markers. 

The "Welcome Baby" sentiment is from the Short & Sweet Stamp Set. 

One of my favorites, because it has so many different sentiments. 

And at only $6.95 it is an amazing deal.

The cardstock used is Pewter, Lagoon and White Daisy. 

The small strip of White Daisy was also run through the Cuttlebug (Exclusive Hostess Offer) , with our Rose Embossing Folder. 

This embossing folder, is truly my go to for many cards and scrapbooking layouts.

I used a little Lagoon ink to help distress the edges of the hot air balloon panel. 

Then I finished off the card with a few Bitty Sparkles to add some simple shine. 

I did enter this card into the following challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog- Transport It (Hot air balloon)