What a difference a couple of months can make

There are many talented crafters that share their videos over at YouTube.  I've spent some way too much time watching

tutorials on various techniques.  While I still have oodles to learn, I'm pleased with my progress so far.

Card making is exciting to me because there are so many different techniques and styles.  And all of those toys tools.  It's amazing to see how the same papers, inks, tools, embellishments, etc. can be turned into completely different projects by different crafters.

I'd like to show the difference between two examples of the same Cricut cut made by me.  After I got my Cricut Art Nouveau cartridge I was really excited to try out the Rose #2 cut.  It's just so pretty and I knew it would work perfectly with one of the sentiment stamps from Papertrey Ink's Harvest Berries stamp set. (I adore that set!)

This first card is the one I made a couple of months ago.  I'm still quite proud of this card and, in fact, one just like it has already been sent to a dear Aunt of mine who is going through a very difficult time.  This one will be sent to someone else I think may need just a little encouragement.

And here is the one I just made.  The roses were cut using the same papers but this one was cut using the flip feature on my Expression. I cut the flowers out 3 times each so I could layer them.  They were given texture and dimension by using my McGill stylus set.  And all layers were inked with Tim Holtz distress inks.  I decided to forgo the shadow layer.  The hummingbird is also from Art Nouveau.  If you don't have that cart, I highly recommend it.

This card can be found at the following challenges:

Word Art Wednesday -- Anything goes
Sweet Sketch Wednesday -- Sketch #218
Digi Stamps 4 Joy -- Make your own embellishments
Inspire Me Fridays -- Anything goes
Amusing Challenges -- Paper piecing
Digi Sketch Challenges -- Make your own flowers
Challenges 4 Everybody -- Anything goes

Like I said, I'm pleased with my growth as a card maker.  I look forward to improving on what I've learned and continuing to study new techniques.  Thanks for the time you've spent here.  And I hope you have a fantastic day!