Hello

Good Saturday morning all!  I really wish you could see this one in person as it has an interesting look about it.  I haven't tried this before, but I stamped the background using a Snow Cap Adirondack Pigment ink pad.  I used the Secret Garden stamp and stamped it on to black card.  The results with the white pigment ink on the black card are very subtle and soft in person.  It gives the appearance of a blackboard that has been written on.  After I finished it, I wished that I had used a white gel pen to highlight it in areas as I think that might have looked quite nice.  Oh well, something to try next time I think.  After I stamped the background (and I stamped it twice to get a piece large enough), I cut one side using the bracket borders with a decorative insert.  I wrapped a piece of white frilly edged ribbon around the card to cover the join between the two stampings.  I tied a double bow and added a decorative black button (from my stash) to the centre.  For the focal element, I cut a Decorative Labels One in black as a backdrop.  On top of that I layered a Vintage Labels Three die cut into a frame.  I added  a basic lattice as a background inside the frame.  I stamped my sentiment (from the Floral Thank You set by Justrite) and framed it with one of the Fancy framed tags two.  I added it in the centre to complete my focal element.  I added some flatback pearls and a black rhinestone swirl to the upper corner as an accent.  I would love to receive a nice hello card like this from a friend, how about you?  Finished dimensions are 7" x 8 1/2" in size.

A quick note to let you know that Julia Watts will be on C & C today at 11am and 5pm.  Please tune in to see what interesting demos she has planned for you, I know you won't be sorry!  All for now, Sue x