My Mind's Eye Challenge & A Sweet Gift for Cindy...

My Mind's Eye has Card Challenge #31 going on over at their blog, so I thought I would play along. I am recently obsessed with all the glitter MME has been using on lots of their papers.  Lost & Found II is so beautiful! I also adore the new FunDay Collections, I think I must have purchased every single bit of it. The kraft paper and the wood veneer banner pieces are the coolest! As for the card itself, the springboard for my creation is that of Anam Stubbington's amazing sketch. I used to work on her design team at Twisted Sketches, and I loved every second of it. Anam's designs always "push" me to a new level of thinking with my creativity. She always couples it with a theme to make it extra challenging. :)

My cousin Cindy's birthday was on Wednesday, and what a perfect excuse to create such an elaborate card. :) I used lots of different MME products to create this little gem...

MME Lost & Found II: Sunshine "Memories" Blossoms Paper, Rosy "Everything" Acrylic Stamps
MME Lost & Found Christmas: Peace Paper
MME Lost & Found: Union Square Brads
MME Kraft FunDay: Everyday Fun Wood Banners, Happy Days Die-Cut Borders

There is lots of layering on this card which includes machine stitching and foam dots for extra dimension. (I told you I would be showing off my new found sewing skills!) Love, love, love the feel of a sewn card. It has such a finished look that seems to "hold" everything together. :)

In addition to Cindy's card, I found this sweet "hat box" purse at an estate sale a year ago. I have been hoarding it since then to find the perfect way to update it with a little extra. I created the big flower on the front using burgundy and red dupioni silk. I did lots of layering underneath to give it a more rounded, realistic look. I also added a Webster's Pages Berry Bouquet & some black pokkadot feathers. On the inside I added a baroque frame around the mirror. I filled it with fluffy kraft krinkles and a journal with matching red houndstooth pencils for a finishing touch. I love the way the gift "ensemble" turned out. I know I get a little crazy with the way I coordinate my gifting, but to me the presentation is the most fun. :)

I thank you again for stopping by and always appreciate your comments. You all inspire me to continue doing what I do. Have a wonderful weekend and happy crafting!
Amy