Hello, and welcome back to another day on the Birthday Card Blog! I do have a card or two to share which I made prior to my illness, and I’m feeling well enough now to sit at the computer for a bit. Thank you all so much for your well wishes and concern. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
You know I’ve been spending all my available stamping time working on children’s birthday cards, and I’m happy to report I’m down to working on the last one. Since my get up and go got up and went I’m not sure how quickly I’ll finish it. I’m back to work today and I think that’s going to take whatever energy I’ve recouped over the last couple of days. However, the desire to stamp has returned, and that’s a good thing.
Today’s card was made for an adult friend’s birthday. I used another of my new embossing folders. This one, called Elegant Wreath (Sizzix), is one of my favorites.
It was very easy and not all that time consuming to color the embossed design. It warmed it up and got along better with the whimsical nature of the image. It could look very elegant in white with some flowers added, too. I’ll be thinking along those lines later. In this case I was experimenting with ideas for mail-friendly cards that don’t take forever and a day to make. When you’ve got drawers full of embellishments and miles of ribbon, it’s an exercise in discipline to stop yourself while it’s still relatively clean and simple. You know how it always looks good when someone else does it. I envy the folks who can do clean and simple so well.
I love these birds. They’re an Inkadinkado stamp I believe I’ve used only once before. I colored this with more Copic markers than you’d think it would require, and as I was working fast and furiously I didn’t take time to photograph them. My apologies!
I did, however, photograph the envelope:
While I have embossed an envelope flap before, it never occurred to me to emboss the entire envelope. It looks good on both sides and it’s a very quick and easy dress up!
Well, that’s it from me today. I’ll be back later in the week with… you guessed it… another birthday card. See you soon!
Stamps: Inkadinkado birds, Inque Boutique sentiment (retired) Paper: Teal textured, Flourishes Classic White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers for coloring Accessories: Sizzix Elegant Wreath embossing folder




so glad to hear that your health is improving. the card is drop dead gorgeous. love that glow around the birds.
Posted by: Joan B | 01/30/2012 at 02:51 AM
So glad you are feeling well enough to create and return to work. Just don't overdo! Love your card and I'm crazy about embossing envelopes, really adds a touch of class!
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 01/30/2012 at 03:06 AM
This is gorgeous and I love the idea for the envelope! So happy you are somewhat better!
Posted by: Glenda | 01/30/2012 at 03:21 AM
Leslie, glad to hear you are feeling better. Your card is gorgeous! love the simplicity of the embossing folder and your little image is darling! Wonderful colours. I would of never thought to emboss an envelope, love the outcome, I think I might give this a try. Continue to get better! :)
Posted by: Pauline | 01/30/2012 at 03:23 AM
Leslie, Hope your completely well very soon. This card is beautiful! I have so many embossing folders and just don't use them often enough. You've inspired me.
Posted by: Gerri K | 01/30/2012 at 03:32 AM
Glad to hear that you're on the mend! Don't over do it. Love this card. Lovely embossing folder and the envelope looks great too..
Posted by: Beth Greco | 01/30/2012 at 04:21 AM
What a great card. Love it! How did you color the embossed frame around the birdies? Just with a copic marker? I'd love to know.
Posted by: BettyB | 01/30/2012 at 04:26 AM
So glad you are feeling better. I'm sure after a day of work you'll be quite tired. Love this card. I really do want to invest in some of those lovely embossing folders. I've embossed an envelope before and I love how they look.
Posted by: SueB | 01/30/2012 at 04:50 AM
Happy to hear you are feeling better ... sure knocks your socks off, doesn't it. Love this embossing folder card with the birds. It was a great day when the first embossing folder was introduced to the crafting market!!!
Posted by: bonnie weiss | 01/30/2012 at 05:10 AM
Missed you-but have to tell you love those designable cards. You do a fabulous job giving us inspiration. I have no natural talent and love your work. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Linda | 01/30/2012 at 05:23 AM
So glad you're on the mend and I'll pray that you make it through the day at work. Your card is awesome - what an eyecatcher! You are such an inspiration! The "kids" are just so cute together. I was in the midst of a 6-girl slumber party for my granddaughter so never got to respond on Saturday. Don't overdo. Thanks for gathering your strength and sharing the card and pics.
Posted by: Karen W. | 01/30/2012 at 05:44 AM
ADORABLE!!! Love the little birds, the embossing folder and the coloring. This is so cute and yes, you do clean very well. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Posted by: holly AKA kopykat | 01/30/2012 at 05:48 AM
Happy you're inching your way back to good health. Hope you're completely back on your feet soon. Gosh, you've made a charming card. I love the birdies and how you've coloured and highlighted them. I too am curious about the gorgeous frame. Just how did you do that? To do C & S, you've got to be very very good and you certainly are that.
Posted by: Francie (Montreal) | 01/30/2012 at 06:36 AM
Lovely and it doesn't need another thing. Love that embossing folder. Hope you continue to feel better.
Posted by: Bev J. | 01/30/2012 at 06:46 AM
Leslie, this is so pretty. Such wonderful, colorful birds. Love the idea to emboss the envelope. I will have to try that too. Promise you aren't going to try to overdo now that you are feeling a bit better. Well wishes continue your way.
Posted by: Janet T. | 01/30/2012 at 07:02 AM
The embossing folder looks like it was made for that stamp, and your coloring is just terrific!
Love the idea of embossing the envelope too!
Posted by: conniecrafter | 01/30/2012 at 07:44 AM
Glad you are feeling better. Gotta get that embossing folder, too. Those birdies are adorable. Loved the way you colored them. Will have to try embossing the envelope, too. What a great idea. Continue to take time for yourself and get healthy.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
Posted by: Shirley L. | 01/30/2012 at 07:55 AM
What a cheery card! love the embossing, the image and your coloring. Great envelope, too! I'm glad you're feeling well enough to go to work, and I hope you get to stamp again soon.
Posted by: Lynette | 01/30/2012 at 08:08 AM
Glad you are getting back to good health. This card is adorable and I love the colors you choose. Did it take forever to color the oval? I don't find it easy coloring the embossing folders but yours is terrific.
Posted by: Sandy Knecht | 01/30/2012 at 08:18 AM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Charmaine | 01/30/2012 at 08:37 AM
Will all I can say is "Too Cute"!
Love how you did the embossing on the card and then the enevelop too! What a Great Idea!
So glad your feeling some better, hope your back to your old self soon!
I bet Wally and LuLu are right there with you and enjoying every min!
Posted by: Dotty A | 01/30/2012 at 10:34 AM
Beautiful card and envy to match! Love the clean and simple look of this card. Understand totally how difficult it is to keep cards CAS. And I love your embossed envelope. Must remember to do that some time.
Posted by: Carol R | 01/30/2012 at 10:37 AM
Beautiful card, and I love that embossing folder. Embossing the envelope was a nice touch also. Glad you are feeling better.
Posted by: Margaret | 01/30/2012 at 11:25 AM
So sorry you have been so sick. Glad you are feeling a little better. Love this card - I have that folder, but have yet to make a card with it. Didn't think to color it - very pretty. Loved your pics from the previous post. Your puppies are so beautiful. Big Hugs & don't overdo it.
Posted by: Troy Louise | 01/30/2012 at 01:08 PM
So glad to hear you are feeling better!! Love this card and that embossing folder is fabo! Take care!
Posted by: velta | 01/30/2012 at 01:13 PM
LOVE this card. It's almost as exciting as a picture of Wally. The envelope looks so classy. Really great!
Posted by: Nimue | 01/30/2012 at 03:20 PM
What a Darling card Miss Leslie! Love the Sweet whimsical little birdies! 8-) Love your coloring on the embossing too! You make it look so easy to do CAS, I have such a hard time with them myself, lol you would think they would be simple, but I'm with you, it's a bit of a challenge.. lol I am so glad you are feeling better! 8-)
Big hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | 01/30/2012 at 04:39 PM
Oh it's wonderful to see you stamping again! We know that we are really sick if we don't feel like crafting, don't we! I love the card you created for today's post and your idea to emboss the envelope is pure genius! I will be trying that one soon! Stay well.
Posted by: Linda E | 01/30/2012 at 06:03 PM
I'm so glad you are feeling better! This is such a cute card! I have this embossing folder and the stamp too, but never thought of putting them together. Brilliant idea! And I love the envelope idea!!!
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 01/30/2012 at 06:08 PM
Wowzers! This is gorgeous! I love that embossing folder and how it's just the perfect frame for those adorable birds! Then embossing the envelope is just pure genius! Love it Leslie!
Posted by: Danielle | 01/30/2012 at 07:53 PM
Lovely! You're becoming an enabler w/these new folders!
Posted by: Linda Carson | 01/30/2012 at 08:45 PM
This is a beautiful card, that embossing is so elegant. The image is just right for the oval part. Keep getting better.
Posted by: Leigh | 01/30/2012 at 10:10 PM
This card and envelope are exquisite!! The coloring is
unique - you are sooooooooooooo talented.
Posted by: Joanna McDonald | 01/31/2012 at 04:11 AM
Oh I hope you feel better soon - being sick is such a bummer! Your card and envelope are just lovely! I have that bird stamp and am going to haul it out again and give it a whirl. Love the embossing and I often emboss and decorate envelopes - such fun!
Posted by: Maureen Chandler | 01/31/2012 at 03:35 PM
Leslie, I'm so glad you're feeling better. These viruses can be so dangerous now. Do take it easy while you continue to recoup. Now ... for the kudos. What an adorable card. It's elegant and clean and simple all into one! I love the look you've doing lately with the embossing folders - and who would of thought to use it on the envelope too! You, that's who!! It dressed that envelope up like a charm. Just beautiful. On a last little note: I have a surprise but you'll have to take a peek at my blog to find out {insert smile}. Thank you for sharing this lovely card and teaching all of us something new today.
((Gentle Hugs today))
Susie ~
Posted by: Susie Lessard | 01/31/2012 at 05:06 PM
I'm so glad you're feeling better, Leslie. How terrible!
Your card is super sweet. I just love the embossing!
Get ALL THE WAY better soon, ok? :)
Posted by: Michele Boyer | 02/01/2012 at 05:23 PM
This is gorgeous Leslie!
Posted by: Sue Kment | 02/01/2012 at 08:50 PM
OMG Leslie, LOVE your new gorgeous folder and sweet beautifully colored birdies. I agree...whether colored or left white the folder is Gorgeous and so elegant. TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 02/02/2012 at 03:29 PM
this is ADORABLE!
Posted by: lindaH | 02/04/2012 at 05:03 AM
What a different and neat bird stamp, and of course it goes so well with the embossing folder (another amazing find of yours!). I might have to try coloring the embossing sometime; you make it look so beautiful.
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 02/08/2012 at 07:42 AM