The Next Level challenge

How gorgeous is the sketch over at The Next Level this week???? VERY!!!! I absolutely love it and I'm sure I'll be using it over and over again. I wanted to make a special card for my Mum's birthday and have been gradually buying special more expensive things for it and when I saw this sketch I decided it would make her card perfect. I was particularly inspired by Kim's card where she had her tag in a pocket so this is what I have done too, thanks for the inspiration Kim! I have paper pieced the Whiff of Joy image as I was going to enter it into the Whiff of Joy challenge too but then afterwards I have thought that as the WOJ team are looking for new DT members with this challenge that I ought to really design my own card from scratch!

I have added some gorgeous grey lace around the edge of the card, this is one of the things I got especially for my Mum's card as I knew I was using the Wisteria papers from Basic Grey and when I saw this at the Hobby House I knew it would match it perfectly (how lucky am I, I only live a 10 minute drive away, but it is not good for the old bank balance! The ribbon I already had but by a stroke of luck it matches the lace! I have distressed the edges of my papers with

brushed cordoruy distress ink and the image is distressed with peeled paint.

The inside is decorated quite simply with the same papers and flowers and there is a pocket to hold the sentiment tag, I just loved this on the DT's cards. Thanks to all of you for your amazing inspiration! I have written the sentiment myself with my calligraphy pen, I don't know where the phrase comes from but I think it is so beautiful for a Mother's card. I am going to make some other things to match the card, a gift bag and tags and possibly some other bits but needed to post this in time for the challenge, plus I feel like I haven't posted for days and am getting withdrawal symptoms LOL! I have been busy again with my Son's party invitations. I have managed to make six to completion and have everything done appart from the colouring on the other seven so quite pleased with myself but I am beginning to wish I'd done something a little

simpler....well I know for next time!

When I was cutting the pocket out for the tag I decided to keep some of the leaves on the paper sticking out from the pocket by cutting around them.

My tag has been distressed with brushed cordoruy distress ink and I have written the sentiment myself with my calligraphy pen. "Happy Birthday" is also hand written.

I have made an envelope from the papers to match and edged it with the lace and it has matching flowers and ribbon. I have used the Whiff of Joy potted tree stamp from the summer kit. I have been so inspired by Abby's gorgeous envelopes which is where I've drawn my inspiration for this from, thank you Abby, I hope you don't mind! x

Here is the card and envelope together.

Image: Shy Willow from Whiff of Joy summer kit, coloured with copics and paper pieced

Papers: Basic Grey Wisteria collection

Lace and Spacers: The Hobby House

Flowers and diamante swirl: Prima

Ribbon and Brads: from stash

Envelope image: Tree from Whiff of Joy summer kit coloured with copics