It's been a bloomin' long time since my last post...

I've been so, so busy with company, birthday celebrations, helping with grandchildren, etc.  I know most of you understand how family matters can preempt posting on your blog. I've still been sneaking in a little time in my craft area to make cards, but I haven't had time to take photos and write posts about them.

Today's card is one I made a while ago. I've seen the sentiment "Happy Blooming Birthday" on many sites. I believe it's from Stampin' Up. Please correct me in a comment if I'm wrong.

I like that sentiment, but I didn't want to use exactly the same thing since I don't actually have the stamp. I changed mine just a bit, as you can see in the photo below.

The flower was stamped with Versamark ink onto yellow vellum and fussy cut twice, once for each layer.

The background embossing folder is from We R Memory Keepers and the scroll border is a Provocraft die.

Here's a little closer look at that flower. It's an old stamp that I've had for ages, and I'm not sure who made it.

I just happened to have a gold pearl that was the same color as the yellow vellum, so it made a nice center for my flower.

The sentiment is on a Spellbinders Fancy Labels die cut. I really like this set of labels and use them fairly often.

I used the embossing folder on the inside, too, and finished off with some crochet thread across each embossed section. I also just happened to have this perfectly matched crochet thread.

I've always loved the drama of black and intense yellow together. Or black and red. Or black and turquoise. Or black and pink. Yup - love black with other colors, so I'm sure you'll see more of it here.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and remember to laugh--a little or a lot--every day!
Cheryl