Simple Happy Birthday--PPA146 and CCMC225

I love this layout.  So versatile!!  I used the layout from the challenge over at Create with Connie and Mary  and the color combo comes from the Pals Paper Arts Challenge this week.  Riding Hood Red is another one of the colors that I don't LOVE.  I rarely use it, probably because I'm so partial to Cherry Cobbler.  But I have to admit this card made me like it a little more.  I've said it before, but one of the reasons I am enjoying doing challenges is that it forces me to turn to colors and layouts that I don't normally use.  Thanks for looking!

Moving Forward--PPA145 and FabFri04

I love this Moving Forward stamp set!  Add in the fact that a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this set goes to charity and you really have a win-win!  No need to feel guilty about adding it to your list of "must-have" stamp sets!   I used the sketch challenge from Pals Paper Arts and the color challenge from Fab Friday .  I have to tell you, I wasn't thrilled with the color Summer Starfruit when Stampin Up first introduced it.....and I'm still not.  (I've still got a little one in diapers, so without being too crude, I'll just say that the color brings to mind things I'd rather not think about.)  I do, however, think the color pairs well with Midnight Muse.  So this color challenge forced me to use some paper and ink that otherwise would probably sit untouched for a good, long time.  I love challenges.....go out and try one! Really, it's so fun!