{SSSC78 & CTD101} The Bluebird of Happiness!

Once again, I'm combining two of my favorite challenges ~ Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge and the Color Throwdown Challenge.   When you have limited time for stamping, consider using the challenges to give you the inspiration you need to get started!

First of all, I pulled out a sheet of each of the Color Throwdown Challenge colors . . . oh yeah!  I *love* these colors together! 

Next, I printed off Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge layout and contemplated which stamp set to use for the main image.

The stamp I chose is from All Holidays by Stampin' Up!  It was stamped in black on whisper white cardstock and clear embossed.  The base is kraft cardstock or "crumb cake" is the yummy new name for it.  I used crumb cake ink to stamp it with the linen background stamp.   The baja breeze piece was stamped with the polka dot background stamp and the Kiwi Kiss piece was stamped with the Very Vintage Jumbo wheel using inks of the same color.

This color combination presented a challenge as to what to do for embellishments.  While blog surfing this morning, I saw some fabulous creations using the Two-Step Bird Punch and it reminded me that I haven't used this punch much at all since I purchased it.  So....a bluebird it is!  : )  You wouldn't believe how hard I tried to add ribbon, but it just didn't work for me.   I also thought it could use some brads or buttons, but for once I simply left well enough alone!

Below is how I finished off the interior using the same colors.   The sentiment is from a Whimsical Words, which was a Sale-A-Bration set.

This has been a busy day and I didn't get to spend as much time stamping as I would have liked, but it sure feels good to have the car washed, the lawn mowed and the laundry done!  Yes!  

I hope you've had a great weekend!  Thanks so  much for blogging by to see me and I do hope you'll stop back again soon!  

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

Quote for Today ~

There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment. ~Robert Brault