Happy Birthday

I can't believe it's a year today since we sold the business and retired - where has the last twelve months gone? Hubby and his family are now looking to start a new business but I'm quite happy being a SAHM and pottering around my craft room whenever I please.

I've got a couple of male birthdays coming up next month so decided I'd better make a start as both parties had to make do with bought cards last year when I ran out of time and steam.

This one for my nephew uses a trusty old Penny Black stamp and since he supports Newcastle United I've left it uncoloured and used black and white mats to make up the card base. The ribbon is recycled from a Christmas cake and I've made a double bow with black and white satin ribbon and attached a football button. I've done some faux blanket stitches around the layers to add some detail - someone showed a tutorial on their blog this week (sadly can't for the life of me remember who :( ) and I've been testing it out ever since.

Challenges entered:

Penny Black Saturday - monochromatic

Paper Sundaes - anything goes

Celebrate the Occasion - birthday (use balloons)

Oldie but Goodie - one for the boys

CES - recycle

Fussy and Fancy - new technique (blanket stitching)

Carol x