Shades of citrus!

Good morning and how are you all this Monday morning?
First the weather forecast, yes I have noticed I always seem to start with what the weather is doing.
I do find it generally sets the mood for the rest of the day, don't you?
On the upside today it is sunny, not overly hot but it sure is nice to see bright blue skies.
How was your weekend?

I had a crazy busy day on Saturday at work, oh my was I glad to get home!  A hot bath and glass of wine later and I felt more human.  Sunday was as it should be relaxing, a good book, pottering around and takeaway for tea.
Sad but true I always regret a lazy day, why, well there is so much I could be doing to get ahead of myself for the coming week but I never go for it.  Where would be the fun in getting ahead of yourself, it just doesn't happen in my world.
Guess some days you just need to chill.

Today I am sharing the current challenge over on The Great Scheme of Things Facebook page.

This week we have the lovely citrus shades challenge from Karen Leahy, here is my version. I have tried something a little different this week. One of my crafting buddies popped in for some advice on Friday with some stamps I hadn't played with before. I was up for the challenge. The stamps are by Card-io Majestic, I have used Summer wreath, sweet birdhouse and A lovely friend. The idea behind these stamps is to make up your own backgrounds and features. I took the twiggy stamp and used the second stamped image (first stamp onto scrap paper and then use the second stamp on your project) with Distress tea die (for a softer effect), first at 12 o'clock, then 6, 3 and then 9. Filling in between to create a wreath effect. I then used Versa colour stamps to create the outer flower with Marigold and then Canary in the middle, finishing off with a pearl in the centre. The leaves were stamped with Bamboo versa colour, the outer leaf straight from the ink pad and the inner stamped using the second image stamp technique again. I cut the centre with a circle die cut (before adding the pearls!) and then layered onto matching cardstock. The sentiment was stamped onto the background layer with a Dark brown Versa colour. I then added a spotty olive sheer ribbon bow before gluing to a 6" square card to finish.

I've not used stamps specifically made to create scenes or your own image before, I have got a couple and I have done similar with dies and stamps not designed for the purpose.  I have to say it was very liberating, if not a little scary.  I can see how you could get carried away, the hardest challenge in using them is knowing when to stop!
I did really enjoy the process and thanks Irene for allowing me to have a play with your new stash, so kind.  I think you might have started something now.  It is very difficult to type sitting on your hands, trying to avoid the desire to pop on over to Card-io for a wee shop!
Why is collecting fine crafting products so addictive?  
Still I could be doing far worse.

That's all from me this Monday, I'm in work again for the next couple of days.  You know the drill, if I get super organised I will post early if not it will be later in the day.  I'm away now with the lovely task, my man mountain of ironing (I should have done it yesterday!) then a couple of bespoke cards are on the menu.  
Did you try anything new this weekend?    I'd love to hear if you did, clean versions only!  
Enjoy the rest of the day, happy crafting.