Compose a Card with Becky Oehlers

Since I became involved with the Papertrey Peeps, I've wanted to try my hand at some other challenges to get ready for their big kickoff, February 1. Becky Oehlers issued this one on her blog.

This seemed within my ability and I had most of the supplies. So today after the housework was done and several loads of laundry out of the way, I grabbed some time to create. This was super easy because Becky had picked out the colors and given all the measurements for cutting. However, the only heart punch I own is an old, small, primitive style from about eight years ago. So I tried my hand at making a flower ( a la Dawn McVey) and used six of the hearts as petals in the center. Most everything else was as described.

Supplies
Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Vintage Cream, and Melon Berry
Stamps: Background Basics Hearts, Polka Dot Basics, Sign Language
Ink: PTI Melon Berry and True Black
Button: PTI Vintage Holiday Mix (it doesn't match, but it blends)
Twine: PTI Rustic Cream
Ribbon: American Crafts Valentine Cherry Cordial
Punches: heart unknown, Martha Stewart Tag
Mini pop dots

Thanks for dropping by.

A Challenge by a fellow PTI stamper

Fellow PTI stamper Ted has issued a challenge to create a Valentine project using non-traditional colors. You can view the instructions here. I can't believe almost three weeks have passed since it was issued. In between something called life happened. Our two sons and their families visited on the first two weekends to celebrate Christmas. They are both in the foods industry and find it so difficult to get time off around the holidays. But it's all fun.
Then on Jan. 10, my 88 year old mother fell and broke her hip. Since then it's been a blur of surgery, hospital visits, doctors and now a rehab facility. She has been living with us for the past four years since we moved to PA. I am the only child and this has been really stressful. I know it could be worse. I'm trying to stay connected, but losing ground quickly.
Enough of my troubles and on to the challenge. I make sugar spiced pecans with any leftovers from making holiday cookies and pies. I thought I would turn some of them into a Valentine gift for my dear sons and husband. The boys took them home early.

I used My Punny Valentine stamp set, Orange Zest and Dark Chocolate inks, all by PTI and the colors of the Cleveland Browns. I used the rock and roll technique (hope that's the correct term) to stamp the squirrel so that he's orange in the center and brown around the edges. The tag punch is by Martha Stewart. Jute and button from my stash. The decorating cones are by Wilton. I use them a lot! Simple but special for the special guys in my life.

You still have time to join this challenge. It was lots of fun! Thanks Ted.