Good things are worth waiting for so I'll continue to wait. In the meantime, I've made a card with a different flower stamp set from a different stamp company.
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Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Calypso Coral CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangle and SU Stitched Shapes (Circle)
Embellishments: Gina Marie Clear Enamel Dots
I will say this - the past three months when I've shared these cards on Facebook, I have had some grumblers. You know the type. Those who think it's way too early to be making Christmas cards. Hmmmm.... am I going to let that worry me? Not in the least.
Here's the sketch:
Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Garden Green CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangle and Spellbinders Ovals
Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones
We take turns choosing the theme. This month it was Shelly's turn and since today is Kiss Your Mate Day, she asked us to create a card showing a kissing couple, a couple in love, or even love for a pet.
I chose to use one of my favorite Unity stamps - okay maybe they are a little young to be a true couple, but aren't they just the sweetest???
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Misty Moonlight CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangle, Simon Says Chunky Scalloped Rectangle, and Spellbinders Matting Basics B
Embellishments: American Crafts Ribbon and a Heart-shaped Brad from an unknown vendor
I started a 50-week series in 2019 that I called Travel the World. Each week of the series I visited a randomly-selected country, sharing bits of information about that country. I then chose one tidbit of information about that week's country as inspiration for a card. As I explored those 50 countries in 2019, I knew I would continue on until I've visited every one of the 195 countries in the world, so I continued the series in 2020 and here I am in 2021, the third year of traveling the world.
This week's country is...
Brunei
It is bordered solely by Malaysia to the west, east and south. It also has a coastline along the South China Sea to the north.
The total land area of Brunei is 2,226 square miles.
Brunei is one of the least populous countries in the world. The population of Brunei is less than 450,000, making it the 175th most populous country in the world.
Brunei is an absolute monarchy, where the Sultan has the final say.
The same royal family have ruled Brunei for more than 600 years!
More than one-fifth of the population of Brunei is under the age of 15 and roughly half is under the age of 30.
Brunei has one of Southeast Asia’s wealthiest economies thanks to an abundance of oil.
Bruneians enjoy a tropical climate with hot, humid and often rainy weather.
Despite its tiny size, Brunei is home to an array of rare wildlife. 70% of the country is covered by forest.
The rainforests are home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife species. Although only a small country, Brunei has managed to conserve 70% of its rainforests. These forests are home to some of the most threatened species of flora and fauna. The Sunda clouded leopard, proboscis monkey, hornbills, flying lizards, saltwater crocodiles, etc., are some of the country’s most notable wildlife species. There are about 35 species of plants that come only from Brunei.
Brunei has one of the highest car-ownership rates in the world. The average is one car per 1.5 people.
The use of boat taxis is common in Brunei.
The citizens receive free education in Brunei. As a result, the adult literacy rate is 98%. They also get free health care, subsidized food and housing, and they do not pay personal income taxes.
The country believes in grandeur. That includes even the amusement parks. A whopping $1 billion was spent in the construction of The Jerudong Park in 1994.
Brunei has the largest residential palace in the world. The palace is located in a picturesque landscape on the banks of the Brunei River. The palace has 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a mosque, a garage with space for 110 cars, 5 swimming pools, a massive banquet hall, and more. The total floor space of the palace is about 2,152,782 square feet.
Alcohol is forbidden in Brunei. However, non-muslims are permitted to bring a maximum of two liters of alcohol into the country.
It is considered impolite using the index finger. Bruneians point with their thumbs instead.
Brunei grows vegetables, rice and fruits; they also rear chickens.
Its industry consists of petroleum, petroleum refining, construction and liquified natural gas.
There is only one McDonald's in the country, but there are plenty of KFC's and other fast food restaurants.
The most popular sports in Brunei are football, tennis, squash, badminton, and golf.
Only three state holidays are celebrated in the country. One of them is the birthday of the Sultan.
It is against the law to publicly celebrate Christmas in Brunei.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Paper: Cougar 110# White and SU Cinnamon Cider CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: Rubbernecker Nested Rectangle Stitch and Rubbernecker Rectangle With Pierce
Embellishments: Paper Studio Mini Brads and Ribbon from an unknown vendor
Each month we each choose one stamp set from a pre-determined stamp company and make two cards using it. At least one thing has to be seen on both cards (color, embellishment, stamp, etc.). We post on a double-digit day each month, too - the 22nd. Today is the day!
I have owned this set (dies, too) for a while, but hadn't used it yet, so this was the perfect excuse to ink it up and make two cards.
Card #1
Be sure to check out Barb's blog and Kelly's blog to see their Double Duty posts, too.
Thank you for stopping by my blog today!
Not sure what Ready, Set, Go is? Well, it's a lot of fun! And a bit of creativity. And an extreme challenge theme.
Ready, Set, Go is an idea that Kelly came up with and she invited Barb and I to join her on the adventure. We take turns choosing the theme (this month it's Kelly's turn), but the idea is for it to be a bit more challenging than just the average theme.
This is Kelly's challenge theme... Body Parts!
Your challenge this month is to create a card using a (as in one, SINGLE) body part. You may chose any stamp company/image you like but it can only show one body part. And because we're creative and often use the rule of 3's, let's take it up a notch! Your body part can only be on 1/3 of the card! The other 2/3 of the space you can use however you like, or not at all, and use whatever papers, EF, techniques, etc you like. You may also include one sentiment. Think outside the box, get as creative as you like and most of all, have fun - now let's get Ready, Set, GO!
I chose Hands as my body part, but then I got to wondering - since they are a pair, I counted them as one body part, but are they really two body parts. EEK! I may be in trouble.
Be sure to check out Barb's blog and Kelly's blog to see what they did with this Ready Set Go theme!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Blueberry Bushel CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: Art Impressions Rectangle Double Stitched and MFT Stitched Rectangle
Embellishment: Seam Binding from an unknown vendor
I started a 50-week series in 2019 that I called Travel the World. Each week of the series I visited a randomly-selected country, sharing bits of information about that country. I then chose one tidbit of information about that week's country as inspiration for a card. As I explored those 50 countries in 2019, I knew I would continue on until I've visited every one of the 195 countries in the world, so I continued the series in 2020 and here I am in 2021, the third year of traveling the world.
This week's country is...
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s neighbors are India to the West, North and East, Myanmar (Burma) to the south-east and the Bay of Bengal to the south.
Bangladesh as a country did not exist before 1971. In the past, the region of Bengal was ruled by a list of Indian, Turkic, and Mughal dynasties as well as the British.
Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country in the world. It is also the 5th most populous country in Asia.
There are approximately 3,000 people per square mile, making this country one of the most densely populated on earth.
In terms of size, Bangladesh is only about one-tenth the size of Alaska.
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is one of the fastest growing cities in the world.
Bangladesh has its own language called Bangla – Bangla (Bengali) and English are the official languages of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has the third largest Muslim population in the world.
As with most Muslim populations, you must always pass things or shake hands with your right hand as using your left is considered rude.
Bangladesh has a total of 17 airports.
Bangladesh's Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the entire world.
There are approximately 700 rivers flowing throughout the country.
Rice is a staple food in Bangladesh and is often served with an assortment of curries.
Three percent of the world’s tea comes from Bangladesh. The industry also employs about four million people.
Bangladesh produces rice, tea, jute, wheat and beef and has an industry consisting of cotton textile, jute, garments and tea processing.
Bangladesh exports jute and jute goods, garments, leather, frozen fish and seafood.
The endangered Bengal tiger is the national animal. The roar of this tiger can be heard as far away as 2 miles.
The national flower of Bangladesh is the white-flowered water lily, called Shapla.
The Magpie Robin is the national bird.
Bangladesh is sometimes called “the playground of seasons” because it has six fully distinct seasons. The country’s seasons are summer, monsoon, autumn, late autumn, winter, and spring. Every season comes with different crops, fruits, lifestyles, and festivals. Each season is celebrated with a different festival.
Bangladesh typically sees over 60 inches of rainfall each year, with rainfalls heaviest during monsoon season.
Bangladesh is mostly made up of incredibly flat, low-lying land which is subject to annual flooding from melting snow from the Himalayas.
Many of the country’s historical sites and landmarks have been destroyed by flooding.
Bangladesh has numerous gorgeous natural attractions. Forests, rivers, mountains, animals, beaches, and many others.
Bangladesh has a shortage of rocks for construction. They make bricks and break them to be used as rocks during construction.
Over half of the residents of Bangladesh are in the farming industry.
The garment industry of Bangladesh is flourishing, and it is responsible for the majority of the country’s exports.
There are 17 universities in Bangladesh.
The people of Bangladesh do not smile, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly. Smiling is considered a sign of immaturity in this culture.
One of the largest mangrove forests in the world is located in Bangladesh.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Paper: Cougar 110# White and Fun Stampers Journey Rock Candy CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangle and SU Circles
Embellishments: Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor
Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Real Red CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: MFT Stitched Mod Rectangle and MFT Stitched Rectangle
Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Matte Finish Enamel Dots
I decided it was time to try - but in baby steps. Last week's Inspiration Challenge (#IC801) had so many lovely photos, but the ones I tended to gravitate toward were the flowers (wedding flowers mostly). The colors were soft peach/corals in a lot of those floral pictures, so I tried to mimic that color, too.
Papers: Cougar 110# White and SU Cinnamon Cider and Pear Pizzazz CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: Art Impressions Rounded Rectangle Double Stitched and MFT Stitched Rectangle
Embellishments: Paper Studio Mini Brads and SU Ribbon
Papers: Cougar 110# White CS and DP from my scrap file
Dies: Gina Marie Pleated Lace Rectangle, MFT Stitched Rectangle, and Simon Says Bold Hello
Embellishments: Black Pears from an unknown vendor