Playing with oil pastels...

 Not long ago I got a set of oil pastel crayons. I really wasn't sure how to use them, but thought I'd give it a try anyway.

I created the colored background (behind the rectangular sailboat die-cut) with the pastels. I scribbled on the colors I wanted in the area where I wanted them and then used a small sponge, dipped in odorless mineral spirits to smooth out the colors. 

I like the way the colors blended and softened. 

Once I had the background the way I wanted it, I glued on the white die-cut. Then I popped up both the rectangle and the sentiment on foam tape.

I printed an inside sentiment with my computer to finish the card.

For this card, I created the background with the pastels and then stamped my image on top of it with
black ink.

I matted my rectangle before popping it up on some foam tape.

The sentiment was stamped with Versafine black ink and then heat-embossed with black embossing powder.

I used a stamp for the sentiment on the inside of this card.

Finally, I want to share the handmade Valentine my husband made for me. It was the first time he ever made one. I guess all my card making has inspired him, lol.

His crafty skills are pretty nonexistent, but it's the thought that counts, right? Besides that, he made it the morning of February 14th, so he (obviously) didn't take much time with it.

This was the front. all hand cut, hand drawn, hand written.

And here"s the sweet message on the inside.

I asked him why he used a green marker (it looked a little Christmas-y to me). He said, "Because it's the marker that was on my desk." I thought, "Yup, that's what I do, too. If it's on my desk and in sight, I tend to use it."

He is such a sweet, caring man. I'm lucky to have him!

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

Cheryl