Sweet Sunday Sketch 63 & Curtain Call Color challenge Act 24

Hello again! I have been away from my craft table for a few days, so it was good to do a little creating today. This one is for a couple of challenges: Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 63 and Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 24. Here's the inspiration:





These are not colors I would usually work with, but I thought the inspiration photo was so fresh and springy, I had to give it a try. I started by stamping my background with Polka Dot Basics from Papertrey in Versamark, then added the outline to the dots in green. This is a little easier to see in the next photo.

Cardstock: Bazzill; Stamps: Papertrey Ink; Ink: Versamark, Hampton Art, Fiskars, Tim Holtz; Embossing folder: Cuttlebug; Die-cut machine: Sizzix; Corner rounder: EK Success; Flowers (white): Heidi Swapp; other: flowers, button, paper cording, string

I ran the green cardstock through my Sizzix Big Shot with a Cuttlebug embossing folder (Swiss Dots), then machine stitched some zig-zags along the edges. The biggest challenge of the sketch for me initially was that large circular element. My stash of stamps is still quite limited, so I wasn't sure what I would use as a focal point. Then I remembered these huge Heidi Swapp flowers I've had for a while. I layered a blue and yellow flower on top, added a yellow button, and tied it all up with some paper cording.

So, what do you think? I love hearing your comments, so please take a minute to leave me your thoughts!

One more thing....stay tuned this weekend, as I will be issuing a challenge of my own! I'm still working out the prize details (oh yes, I said prize!) and will have it posted in the next few days!