Crafty Secrets Challenge - SHOW US YOUR LOVE

Today is MY day to host the Crafty Secrets challenge over on SCS and I have TWO cards to share with you. Last week LoriLynn brought to our attention that we've been hosting these challenges for a year and had us doing birthday/anniversary cards. Along those lines, I decided to go back through the challenge archives and sent out a "special invitation" to all those who have played this challenge in the past but haven't popped back in for one reason or another. Unfortunately only half of the ladies have read my message but I have received responses from several of the others and am looking forward to their participation!!

My challenge today is "SHOW US YOUR LOVE". This is totally open to your interpretation! It could mean showing love to your sweetie with a Valentine's Day card ... using a Crafty Secrets stamp set that you just LOVE ... maybe incorporating some chocolate into your creation ... or maybe a "Just Because" card for the sole purpose of putting a smile on a friend's face who is having a rough time. I always LOVE being able to do that!!! The choice is yours - just have fun with any of the awesome Crafty Secrets products you may possess!!

As you can see, my cards today spotlight my LOVE for Vintage Design! Several years ago I found that I truly enjoy anything from "yester-year". Love vintage photos, dresses, jewelry, decorating ... just love it all. Of course, I'm sure you've kind of noticed that about me if you've been following my blog. I guess that's one reason I enjoy Crafty Secrets so much!

My first card utilizes designer paper from the Crafty Secrets Pastel paper pack, the "Saying our Prayers" image and "Hear My Dollies Prayer" sentiment from the Little Dolls booklet. I have also used the Crafty Secrets Flourishes and stamped directly onto the designer paper. The foreground image is from the Internet and I've used a Nestabilities negative to showcase this sweet little girl. The stars are punched using a Creative Memories star punch ... sticker pearl centers are by Mark Richards and the little gold touches are Stampendous Diamond Dots. The lace I actually purchased in the sewing department of JoAnn's ... the manufacturer is Wright. My "Amen" sentiment was created using clear alphabet stickers.

My second card not only spotlights my love for vintage ... but my LOVE for my GIRLFRIENDS! I don't know where I'd be today without them!!! This image comes from the Crafty Secrets Girlfriend booklet and the background designer paper is from Crafty Secrets Earthy paper pack. The dp was mounted onto SU pink pirouette paper which was mounted onto an A-6 premade white card from Michael's. I've used a gold Pilot marker to edge each panel to give the illusion of matting without the bulk. Two ribbons were used on this card. First pink Offray grosgrain was placed horizontally ... then mauve Darice ribbon was positioned and tied vertically. The pearl accented flower if by Offray was purchased at JoAnn's and the gold thread is left over from the holidays and came from Michael's. My Girl Friend sentiment is from the Crafty Secrets Sew Special set and was embossed with gold sparkle embossing powder.

(Feel free to click on any image on my blog for a more DETAILED VIEW! )

Do you have any Crafty Secrets products in your stash?? Why not come play the challenge ... it's a lot of fun and we enjoy being able to inspire each other. Today's challenge is WIDE OPEN to interpretation ... pretty much anything would fit!! You have a full week before the next challenge is posted ... we would love to see you join in!! Thanks for stopping by!