"Vintage" DSP and CCC09

Repeat after me:

I refuse to be wasteful and not use up my retired DSP even though I have shiny brand new product starring me down saying "Pick Me! Pick Me!"

I've been organizing my stamp room and realized I MUST use up some of the retired card stock and DSP if I'm going to keep buying the new stuff. 

What better way to use up some product fast than stamp a stack of cards to give to someone!

That is exactly what I did!

I'm linking up to the Creative Challenge Club with today's project!

Check it out, make something beautiful, link-up by Sunday, and have a chance to win $$ to spend on Stampin' Up! products!

Here is this weeks sketch:

And here is my birthday gift for my sweet Mema!

 I love this designer series paper! 

It is called Beau Chateau and I just love those roosters. To be honest it was the roosters that sold me on the paper!

I kept things simple with a piece of DSP cut at 3-3/4" by 5" layered on top of my Baja Breeze (another "vintage" item) card base. Added a band of DSP matted with basic black across the front of the card. I really think the black grounds the card and gives it a fresher look.

The circle stamp is embossed in gold for a little shine. It is from the Kind and Cozy stamp set.

I love that little chair. It is also retired and I'm so happy I got my hands on it before it went away. 

There is something relaxing and warming like an old wooden chair. Like a comforting hug!

I flagged both ends of the "happy birthday" and added a star sequins for an unexpected pop of color and shape.

 The inside greeting is stamped and cropped out with the decorative label punch. I sponged the edges with crumb cake.

And now for the fun part (not that making the cards wasn't fun but I love wrapping a pretty gift just as much!)!!! 

I created a belly band with a brown paper gift bag (from the current catalog) and layered a doily on top. On top of the doily is a small 3"x3" card tucked inside a custom envelope made with my envelope punch board. A tag-a-bag builder tag sits on top of the envelop with a little washi tape holding it in place. The whole thing is wrapped up in some wisteria wonder bakers twine that I picked up from the clearance rack and to finish the whole project off I couldn't resist a hello honey mini wooden clothes pin!

I love how all of the patterns and colors and textures play together and hope my Mema loves it!

(I know she will!)

Happy Stampin!

 I lOVE sharing what I make with you! If you would like to use any of my pictures on your own blog, please directly link back to me and give Christina Thurlow credit!

Thanks!!!