Simply Soft

I've taken a break from my destash challenge to play with my new Stampin' Up goodies! Here's a quick card made using Pool Party and Calypso Coral (two of the 2011-2013 in-colours) and the hostess set "Simply Soft". I love this colour combination but I'd like to tweak my design a bit. Also I am taking a bit of getting used to clear-mount stamps so the coral square is hiding a mis-stamp which is why it's so far right!

Destash Challenge - My Sweet Pea

Here's a little set I never really know what to do with. Perfect contender for destashing!

Once again though, I really like the result, particularly the background. However, being realistic, I could do a similar background with other stamp sets with less hassle! It is a "maybe" keeper. We shall see!

Incidentally I checked eBay for Owl Together Now and it averaged $24 in the last two weeks - pretty impressive. That has probably swayed me to sell!

Owl Together Now

Next set in my personal challenge - Owl Together Now.

Got this last week at a yard sale for $3. I was ambivalent towards it even then, but I had to give it a try! I used my ProMarkers to produce this:

 The ribbon matches SLIGHTLY better in real life but matching my limited ProMarkers to SU! colours remains impossible! I just ordered 12 more with some eBay money so we shall see if that improves matters. I am not sure at all about the merits of this set, but I think it might escape the cull for now. Perhaps it could be termed "Pending"! Of course, if this set turns out to be worth more than $3 that might change my opinion...

A new challenge - stash busting!

So I just finished a whole stack of eBaying retired stamps and ones I don't like any more (they usually came from eBay on a whim!). I have culled my collection down to about 40 clamshell sets - but even then, I kept some sets that haven't seen ink in a long time. Plus, now Stew is a demo (!) and I have access to the new catalogue, I can see my collection growing... My plan is simple - I am going to use some of my stamp sets by focussing on them for at least one card, then evaluating whether it deserves it's place in my collection. Until I can divide my Expedit shelves that is!

So first up was an easy one. I love this set, bought it on a total whim as I didn't think it was my style, but somehow, all the cards I make with it, I just love! But I thought it was best to start easy! Here is "True Friend":

I just love the circus font combos and the style of the stamps. I took the set around with me last night and made this today:

I really like it, so this set stays. You might think this was a forgone conclusion and you're probably right, but I had to start somewhere. Next up: "Owl Together Now" - bought last week at a yard sale for $3 and possibly headed to eBay tomorrow. Check back to find out!