Inspiration & Give-away

Tim Holtz constantly inspires me with his vintage, grungy style. And I love my magazines for ideas too. Probably like a lot of you, I am not always able to dream up ideas out of my head for cards or scrapbook layouts. Sometimes it doesn't come to me as easily as other times, therefore I am always on the look-out for inspiration.

Inspiration doesn't mean "copying" by any means. For me, it's usually a kick-off point and then I add my own spin to it.

Example: This beautiful birthday card by Ingrid Danvers featured in the Nov/Dec Issue of Papercrafts Magazine...

I liked the tag idea and the overlapping papers, and even the unique way she used her ribbon. So, with Ingrid's inspiration and my Tim Holtz stamp set "Mini Halloween" (Stampers Anonymous), this is what I came up with...

I pulled papers from my stash so it's a mixture of My Mind's Eye and 7 Gypsies. The raven brad is from Making Memories, the bat is a Martha Stewart punch, and the black photo clip is from Close To My Heart, along with the twine. The ribbon is from the craft store and was a bright white and black gingham, so I toned it down by rubbing some Goldrush ink across it.

I enjoy sharing my inspiration when I create a card. I think it shows people that they can do anything if they allow themselves to be inspired. Just dig into your stash and use what you have! I know some people who have to go out and buy the exact same stamp set, papers and ribbon and completely copy an idea they've seen. This is not necessary people!

I challenge YOU to create a card inspired by this same card above. E-mail a photo of your card and I'll post it here, PLUS you will receive a FREE gift from me! Deadline is noon this Saturday, so hurry up!