Thankful Thursday & a couple of cards

Hi, everyone! Happy Thursday!

Well, the un-decorating of the downstairs is almost done. Whew... what a job! Those basement steps seem to get a little steeper and a little longer every year. LOL

I'm here to share a couple of cards made for a few of my favorite challenges. But, first, it's time for a few Thankful Thursday thoughts.

Thankful Thursday

John Glenn and Annie Casto
John and Annie Glenn Historical Site

Every year-end In Memoriam list is a bittersweet reminder of people we've said goodbye to and the memories they left us. The 2016 list seemed especially poignant.

Today, I'm thankful for all the cultural artifacts that allow many of these remarkable people to live on in our hearts and minds. Artifacts such as:

• Prince recordings. I still remember a late-night beginning to run on empty while working on the school yearbook... when we cranked up a Prince number... and got a much-needed burst of energy.
• Singing in the Rain. I can't help but smile from ear to ear watching Debbie Reynolds match Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor step for step.
• talk show footage of interviews with Carrie Fisher. Sure, she's beloved as Princess Leia... but she was one smart, funny lady.
• Photos and news clippings chronicling the life of Senator Glenn and his beloved Annie. I'll be forever thankful for the chance to meet this amazing man. 

Card #1: A Gift for You

The card below was inspired by Shopping Our Stash's Shape Up Challenge and Jingle Belles' No Time Like the *Presents* Challenge. What better way to play along than with a Christmas-gift-shaped card?!

Stampin' Up! dp (Christmas 2105); Bazzill red cardstock
clip art present image
inking in Distress Ink black soot, antique linen, vintage photo, walnut stain
inks applied with Ranger blending tool and SU dauber
Paper Smooches holly, jolly tag stamp and stash "TO" stamp, in StazOn jet black
Paper Smooches holly dies; SU owl-builder punch circles, embellished with candy cane Stickles;
SU linen thread; Memento Tuxedo black pen; adhesives: Scotch ATG, Zig 2-way glue pe

• I found a present clip art image, printed out several copies, and started measuring and cutting up dp to create the gift wrapped panels. 
• A little inking helped create the 3-D box look. 
• Some pretty red cardstock was used to create the ribbon and bows. 
• Finally, what package is complete without a "TO" gift tag?  :)

Card #2: amazing YOU

I really love this week's Mojo sketch. It's the Goldilocks of sketches... not too many elements, not too few.... just the right number.  :)

This sketch inspired two cards, using ink blocks and a background stamp to create the featured rectangular elements. I used the circular element for my sentiment. On the card featured today, the rectangular array was recreated on the sentiment element. However, I played with the colors in a different way on the card I posted earlier.

On both cards, I love the look of the blended Distress Inks. The colors are just so pretty.  :)

Strathmore watercolor paper; Stampin' Up black cardstock
SSS You Matters background stamp and coordinating stamp set
Nestabilities scallop die; Creative Memories circle cutting system
black soot, peacock feathers, mustard seed, picked raspberry Distress Inks and StazOn jet black; various black pens
inks applied using Ranger application tool, slightly misted toothbrush, or Princeton liner brush

Click here for this card's  info.

In addition to sharing this at Mojo Monday, I'm going to link it up at the Simon Says Start Afresh and Simon Says New Something Challenges. I unwrapped some brand spankin' new SSS You Matter background stamp and sentiment stamps when making this card and the card shown at the right.  :)

Parting Thoughts

Hoping to finish the un-decorating by weekend's end. Then it'll be time to catch up on those household chores that are a bit neglected during the holidays. As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say, it's always something. LOL  How's that for a trip down memory lane.  :)

Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!