{MTSC55} Birthday Celebration!

Our son Andrew will be celebrating his 29th birthday on Thursday so I've created this card especially for him using Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge as my inspiration for the layout.

Andy is an avid outdoorsman like his Dad so I searched through all my stamp sets to try to find something appropriate. This is Noble Deer - a retired Stampin' Up! set that has always been one of my favorites. I think it was in the catalog for several years before retiring. Here I've stamped the image and sentiment with Timber Brown StazOn ink and clear embossed.

The cardstock and designer paper are all from my scrap stash, except for the base which is retired SU In-color True Thyme. I've used the large Texture wheel and True Thyme ink to give it some interest. The distressed look isn't one I do often and not because I don't like it, but because it doesn't come easy for me to rough up the edges of the paper and smear on the ink! LOL ! But, I do think it gives this card a more masculine feel and that's what I was going for. I have added a bit of random stitching, large antique brass brads, hodgepodge hardware and twill ribbon to embellish. What do you think? A little different from my usual style isn't it?

Back to my son's birthday. . . I can't believe my youngest is going to be 29! Where have the years gone?! When our children were little, I was blessed to be a "stay-at-home mom" and remember thinking I had all the time in the world with them. Often, people would tell me to enjoy them while they're young because they grow up so fast and believe me...it's TRUE! As much as we've enjoyed watching our children mature into responsible adults, graduate from college, marry, and begin careers of their own, somedays I still wish I could rewind and relive a few days of their childhood. : )

I digress. On to the business at hand! I'm sure you're all anxious to see what special creations Mercy's Muses have for you this week:


First of all, let's give a Warm Welcome to our January Guest Muse ~ Vicki Burdick from It's a Stamp Thing!

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner
Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict
Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes!
Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper
Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

Shannan Teubner ~ ShannanTeubner Designs
Mercy Kerin ~ Lord Have Mercy {our Queen Muse}


You're ALL invited to participate in this challenge! All you have to do is create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation to Mister Linky on Mercy's blog. Just be sure to use the keyword MTSC55 when uploading to a public gallery. Hope you can join in the creative FUN! You'll be glad you did! :D

Now, I better get this post published before I lose it and have to start over! Thanks for dropping by and have a GREAT day!

Smiles 2 U!

Quote for Today ~

"Cooking and cleaning can wait til tomorrow
For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow.
So, settle down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."
-unknown