Suh-weeeeeeet!!!!!!!

OK, big news to share today!

First some back story... In the last year or so, it seems design teams have really been on the rise. Or maybe I was just becoming more aware of them through the blogosphere! Well, I thought it would be a really neat thing to do so started paying more attention to design calls. Hadn't actually applied for anything, though. There were several companies that I considered, but once I really looked at all their images I chose not to pursue it. And then there was another team that I thought sounded good, but the call was in December. Um, lousy timing! Anyway, back in May I learned that smARTworks was getting a team together. I'd been introduced to their lovely designs through the fabulous Dina, had browsed their online catalog, and was planning on putting together a good sized order later in the summer when things had calmed down a bit. After talking it over with my hubby, I decided to go ahead and apply. I made it through the first round, and then received some images to make samples for the final decision. Sent them off, and awaited final word. I wasn't chosen, but was asked to be a Guest Designer. Yes, I was a bit disappointed but still super excited. And then Tuesday afternoon I got an email: there'd been a change with the team, and the position was mine if I was still interested. Uh, you betcha!!

So I'm now officially one smART Cookie! (Love that name!) You'll definitely be seeing a lot more of their beautiful images in the months ahead, but for now I'm going to share the cards I submitted for the final round. I must say, these images would not have been my first choice, but it was really fun to challenge myself - and now I absolutely love them!

This first card was created with the crayon resist technique. Sponged on some various colors, then layered with black and Bazzill Bling. The chipboard letter was from Joann's, and covered with Pearlescent Orchid brilliance ink.

This second card is definitely my favorite. I used paper scraps (BasicGrey Perhaps), and assembled them in strips (technique courtesy of Dina). I stamped and embossed the flowers on vellum carstock, then layered them and finished the bloom off with a large rhinestone.

The last card didn't work out quite like I had envisioned, but I still really like the basic idea. I used a punch to create the envelope from vellum cardstock, then "planted" poppy seeds. I also broke up the sentiment using my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (seriously, if you don't already have this tool, you don't know what you're missing! It is a MUST HAVE!). The inside was finished off with flowers stamped on watercolor paper, then trimmed and mounted.

My next batch of rubber has already been shipped, so watch for more goodies! And in the meantime, be sure to check out the smARTworks blog: In the Works.