There is a definite chill in the air each morning now, and I just heard a weather forecast calling for frost tonight. I AM NOT READY! I don’t mind Fall, in fact it can be very pretty. It’s what comes after that I’m dreading – stick season (what we lovingly call it here in VT) followed by a long, dark Winter. Deep breaths! I have to take my time, enjoy the beauty of the season that we’re going into, and accept what is coming next. What is your favorite (or least favorite) season of the year?

I had created this card for a different purpose, so I’m especially excited that it also fits the theme of a couple of current challenges. The Global Design Project site started their challenge on Monday, and I just received notification of the Paper Craft Crew Challenge this morning. I love it when things come together like that!

To get the different shading on the leaves, I first inked up the stamp with Crushed Curry ink and then I applied spots of Pumpkin Pie ink using a sponge dauber. It is a super-easy technique to get multiple colors on a solid image stamp.

I dug into the archives in the CAS(E) this Sketch site to find this older layout. My strategy for finding a sketch is to look for one that has a focal point that is roughly the shape of the primary image for the stamp(s) that I want to use. In this case, I knew that I needed a vertical rectangle for the tree image, so I looked through the archives in my favorite sketch sites to find one with that element that I also liked.I’m happy with the end result of my card – what do you think?

HOT UPDATE: Stampin’ Up! has just refreshed the Clearance Rack! This is your opportunity to get some great retired products at a pretty nice discount. Some products sell out crazy fast, so don’t hesitate to place your online order to make sure that you get some great bargains.

Updated 10/7: I’m super excited to share that this card was selected as one of the “Top Picks” for the Paper Craft Crew challenge that I joined. I have to say that this never gets old! Getting recognized occasionally encourages me to keep submitting creations to various challenges.

Beauty & Joy Photopolymer Stamp Set [150518] $16.00	Classic Label Punch [141491] $18.00	Subtle 3D Embossing Folder [151775] $10.00	Linen Thread [104199] $5.00
Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00	Sponge Daubers [133773] $5.00	Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [149616] $11.50	Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [105117] $8.75
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686] $8.75	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [120953] $8.75	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100730] $9.75	Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [147116] $7.50
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114] $7.50	Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [147086] $7.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [147087] $7.50