I recently discovered a new-to-me stamping challenge blog and I loved what I saw so much that I decided to subscribe so I could receive their posts in my e-mail. I'm pretty selective about which sites I "follow" in this way because my e-mail is already out of hand. But there is such great samples and challenges there that I decided it was absolutely worth it.

I created this card for their August Throw-down challenge (click the challenge image to see the details). If you are a Food Network fan, then this challenge will seem similar to you. It is similar to the show "Chopped" – you get a list of ingredients and you have to use 4 of them, and there is a "pantry" of items that you can use as well. You can't use anything else, which is where the real challenge lies. 

I love to use the stamping off technique – it's a way to get what seems like two colors from a single ink pad – and that was PERFECT for this particular challenge. For the flower and leaves I stamped off with Calypso Coral and Pear Pizzazz respectively before I stamped the background image. Then I stamped the foreground image in full strength. For the flower, I used Tuxedo Black ink (thank goodness that was on the Pantry List) to add a smaller flower element in the center. I fussy cut the leaves and flower for this card, but there is a wonderful coordinating Framelit set that is available as a bundle with the stamp set. Also, it doesn't scream right out at you, but there is a thin strip of the Silver glimmer paper right below the white banner with the sentiment. It definitely adds a little sumthin' sumthin' to this card.

How do you think I did on this challenge? I'm pretty happy with my first attempt at a TGIF challenge. I'm looking forward to participating in some more in the future!

Product List

Flower Patch Photopolymer Stamp Set $26.00	Lovely Lace Textured Impressions Embossing Folder $7.50	Silver Glimmer Paper $5.00	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $7.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $8.50	Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad $6.50	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad $6.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $6.00