Exhausted Brown Penguins

I'm exhausted. We got up at 5 AM to see the Arizona Penguins off this morning on their 500 mile trek across the state of Iowa. The second team, Gerry's Kids, left around 8:30 this morning. ONE of Team McGuire went back to bed...it wasn't me. Hosting RAGBRAI teams is something I highly recommend. It was great fun having them at the house. I'll post a report with photos later in the week. For now - it's cards, shower, and EARLY bedtime.

First up - this layout challenge from Stamping 411


Heel-Toe~White cardstock
~Layer of solid cardstock from K&Co Happy Birthday 2U~A strip of striped cardstock from K&Co Happy Birthday 2U with top and bottom paper punched using a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page (which I still haven't figured out how to use - it's back to the YouTube Tutorial for me!) White Sharpies Poster Paint dotted throughout punched holes
~Layer of pink ribbon and a bow using my Easy Bow which required watching ANOTHER video tutorial - which was VERY helpful. Suzanne Dean video tutorials are my favorites.
~Sentiment printed on white cardstock, edges smudged with orange ink, then layered on green and yellow cardstocks
~Variety of stamped and digital shoe images colored with Copics and embellished with Stickles, Glossy Accents, and plastic glitter
Challenge
Stamping 411


Next is a photo/color inspiration from The Shabby Tea Room



Peony Wreath~Base card PaperTrey Ink white
~Layer of Daisy D's Frost Green~Image from The Graphics Fairy, printed on Gina K Designs Pure Luxury White cardstock, highlighted using Copics, edges of cardstock smudged using Distress Ink Antique Linen, Old Paper, and Vintage Photo
~Ribbon from Michael's dollar bin - Christmas BotanicalsChallenge:
The Shabby Tea Room

And lastly a color challenge from The Pink Elephant - use the color brown.
Easy Peasy Bridal Brown
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Dark Chocolate~Layer of My Mind's Eye Out and About (This is really cheating - no stamping, no coloring, the sparkly glitter was already on the cardstock as was the botanical image...)
~Pieces cut from 'Hanging Bridal Spray' purchased at Hobby Lobby - held in place with brown satin ribbon
This has to be the fastest, easiest card I've ever made - but I like it!
Challenge:
The Pink Elephant

I know I said I wasn't going to post any RAGBRAI pictures but in honor of "Brown"... I have to leave you with this one shot from this morning. And yes that is their 'Iowa gift bag' of Jolly Time Popcorn for the trip!


All good wishes,
Nancy