Hi Stampers! I have not had a chance to stamp since Monday evening and was starting to have withdrawal symptoms :-) !
I love the colors for this weeks Curtain Call Challenge (see http://www.stampinwithstacey.blogspot.com for more details) and decided to create a card using these colors along with the Create with Connie and Mary sketch challenge #CCMC116 (see http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com for more details). 
When I first looked at the colors this week, I immediately thought of Lovely as A Tree and the new set Day of Gratitude. Lovely As A Tree is such a classic set and even though it has been around for awhile, I tend to turn to it quite often (especially for masculine cards).
Also I have decided to start using all of the current sets that I own – even if they are not new to the 2010-2011 catalog. Why buy stamp sets if you do not use them?
The first card I created also uses the new Decorative Label XL Punch with the medallion from Day of Gratitude and Sincere Saluations for the sentiment. I also had a scrap piece of Always Artichoke already embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper EF and topped it off with the Early Espresso ribbon. I decided not to add the three brads that were in the sketch, I felt that the three trees in the background would be a great substitute.
The second card utilizes the same medallion from Day of Gratitude, the new Vintage Wallpaper EF, pearls, Whisper White ribbon and the piece of Always Artichoke was already embossed with the Texture Plate (love being able to pull things from my stash) and just sponged both of the embossed pieces with Early Espresso.
The third card uses the same colors but I wanted to use the oak tree from the set. I hardly ever use the oak tree- I think it is beautiful, but I tend to stamp the large pine or the tree border. Again, I wanted to update the look of this set with new accessories- the Vintage Wallpaper EF, Scallop Trim Border Punch and Early Espresso Ribbon. I also used the Medallion Background stamp (center portion) on the label and background behind the tree. Sponged and distressed the embossing and images to complete the look.
Thanks again for visiting- I love to read your comments! You are such an encouragement to me and I thank the Lord for all of you!
