Flower Pot

 On a recent trip to Pompano Beach, FL, Robin and I learned how to emboss using the Cuttlebug machine. We originally thought that embossing required an embossing tool and a light box, yet we learned how simple and quick the process can be using the Cuttlebug. Initially, we bought the 'happy birthday' and 'thank you' folders. Within a week, we purchased two more. One of my favorites is the Spots and Dots, which I used for the above card. As soon as we arrived in FL, Robin and I looked up stamp and scrapbooking stores. We found a wonderful store quite near where we were staying. Living in NYC, we don't have a lot of access to typical stamp and craft stores. Therefore, we were like two young kids in a candy store! 

I have always loved the stamps from Lockhart Stamp Company but they are very hard to find anywhere near our home. I originally learned about the company because of their Inchie stamps. 

This card was created using a Lockhart flower pot stamp and then colored using a combination of colored pencils and Copic markers. The centers of the flowers are micro beads from the Martha Stewart Collection at Michael's Craft Stores. It is mounted on a yellow Clever Lever Circle followed by their blue scalloped circle. Finally, the sentiment came from the Hero Arts Thinking of You stamp set. Often, when I get a good idea, I try to make multiple cards using the same layout. For this, I varied the color of the background paper and the color of the flowers. Although the coloring and beading was a lot of work, the final product was lovely. I hope the soldiers enjoy these cards.