New Flowers and a Swap Group

Hello everyone, I hope you're not too cold, whatever you're doing.  I am in the middle of a blissful week off work.  I had, of course, thought I'd be riding, but the snow has put paid to that, hasn't it?  What is a girl to do, but put the kettle on and get the inks out?!
I recently bought a new set of Sizzix stamps and dies and couldn't wait to get home and open them.  BUT also, I am in love with the colour combination on the new More Amore dsp, which contains Pool Party, Primrose Petals and Real Red.  In previous years I've made and sold loads of Valentine's cards, as I sold them in two local shops, but this year there will only be one card for the hubster.  So instead  I decided to play around with the colour combo as I've decided it's not just for Valentine's day.  Here's what I made:

I made this as a result of just playing with the colours and not really minding if I didn't have a card at the end of it.  The base is Pool Party, then a white ef on top, which I've struggled to use over the years if I'm honest (I'd happily sell it!)  I've used a small background stamp from Clearly For You on the flat panel, in Primrose Petals ink, then put some of the pink ribbon across the top (is that blushing bride?).  I have actually stamped the flowers, but you can't really see, then cut them out with the die cuts.  I was pleased with it, but intensely aware of the massive white space at the top which really needed something.  Out came my old faithful, decorative label punch, stamped with an image in Primrose Petals (fab colour) from the Four Frames set. 

I had great fun making this, it was just a relaxing creative time.  Plenty more of that this year, I think.  Let me know what you think.

IMPORTANT NOTE!:

I am thinking of setting up a card swapping group, with about 12 people who will make 1 card a month to send to another member of the group.  I'll be showcasing the cards on my blog, but you don't have to have a blog to take part.  If like me you don't feel you have enough of an outlet for your card-making, this would be ideal for you.  We'll probably send each other an easter card and I might do it as a bit of a challenge, e.g. 'this month you must use a die-cut on your card,' but nothing too taxing.  It would be a great way to meet crafting friends, a chance to show-off your talent and receive someone's wonderful creation through your letterbox once a month.  I'll be collecting all 12 participants' birthdays and would ask that ALL participants send that person a card for their special day.

If you'd be interested in joining in this year long project, hopefully starting in February, send me an email at jane.orson@btinternet.com.  When I've got 12 people I'll set up the first exchange, which must be posted by the 21st of each month.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope to hear from you soon.

Jane xx