This card was inspired by the challenges which encourage you to use red, white, and blue:

I wanted to use new products from Waffle Flower and The Greetery, as I thought the colour inspiration would suit perfeclty.

I first began by creating the Waffle Flower ‘Happy Lobster‘ using a couple of shades of red card stock from Concord & 9th. The eyes were drawn in black on the darker red before adding the top layer, and the tongue was a little light orange ink blending onto a small piece of card then die cut.

I didn’t attach the arms until I figured out the background and design – which took me more time than anything.

I knew I wanted to use the ‘Making Waves‘ embossing folder and layering stencils, and actually played around with this a few times. On one piece, I ink blended using the two layering stencils, then die cut, then used the embossing folder. On another piece I die cut, then ink blended, then used the embossing folder. On a third piece I embossed, then ink blended, and was going to cut down the panel when I knew what size of card base I wanted. Three similar but slightly different outcomes.

I chose to use the panel I had ink blended, then die cut, then embossed.

I also chose to use a 5×7 inch card base – lots of room for the images.

How to keep the edges looking neat and tidy…? I decided to add a frame. Using a 5×7 inch piece of card, I die cut the inner rectangle using a Gina K Designs Master Layouts die set in white, then another in a darker blue from Concord & 9th.

I adhered the waves to the white inner stitched panel, trimming off any over-hang, and attached to the card base. The blue frame was added with C9 3D foam strips.

The lobster was placed were I wanted him to be, but I did die cut one more layer for the piece which had his antenna on for a little more stability.

The sentiment was stamped, die cut, and two additional layers added, then glued as you see. This was from a Simon says Stamp set which came with a kit in February this year.

This was fun to make, and I’m sure I will use this background again at some point.

I’m off to visit my sister and her husband in Quebec, Canada next week for two weeks, so whilst we may spend some time crafting, there will probably only be the scheduled posts for upcoming Design Teams.

We haven’t seen each other face-to-face for 4 years, only WhatsApp video and messages, and she has just moved into a new house. Lots of things to do to sort out – especially her craft room – catch up, and generally get out-and-about in that wonderful province.

I will be taking my MetaQuest with me – I do virtual boxing and combat for a couple of hours a day – and she has borrowed an e-bike from a friend of hers, so I should be able to keep up with my daily exercise regime – to some extent, anyway.

I shall be entering the following challenges:

Cut It Up – die cuts and create your own background

Addicted to Stamps & More – make your mark

Colourful Options – red, white, & blue or rainbow

Give A Crafter A Cookie – red, white, & blue

Cupcake Inspirations – red, white & blue