CASE Study #68, and ideas for Stocking Stuffers

I decided to participate in this week's CASE challenge. The inspiration is this beautiful card by Amy Heller. I was inspired by the blue and orange color combination as well as the butterflies.

This card also gave me the opportunity to break out a couple items that have been patiently sitting in my stash waiting for me to have time to use them.

First, a spray pen. For this card I used Twilight reinker, I filled the pen with reinker to the first line, and then added five more lines worth of water.

My goal was get a more concentrated spray in the center (behind the die cut), and a little less saturated towards the outside. This really was an easy tool to use and I love how it turned out. I need to practice a little more to figure out how far away to hold the pen for different spray patterns, how hard to press, how concentrated to make the mix, etc., but I'm definitely going to be using these pens more!

For the sentiment, I cut a small white circle using the CM custom cutting system and stamped the sentiment in the center. Then I used a sponge dauber to lightly add color around the edges. The black die was cut using the Art Philosphy cartridge. I used a white gel pen to add the little white dots as a nod to the polka dots in the pattern paper and on the butterflies of the inspiration card.

Then I broke out the butterlies. This is the other product that I've been waiting to use. These Just Blooms Flutter Paper shapes are so much fun. There are four sizes with a variety of patterns. I chose to use the largest and second smallest sizes for this card. I again used the sponge dauber to add color to the butterflies slowly progressing from light (honey) to medium (creme brule) to dark (autumn terracotta). I also added some emphasis using the blending pen and autumn terracotta.

The ribbon is from Michael's (70% off Black Friday sale). It was a little lighter than I wanted it to be, so I used a sponge dauber with autumn terracotta to add some more color to it.

While there are many different elements to this card, I think it still has a great clean and simple feel to it, and I loved being able to play with my stash.

Now, I promised you some stocking stuffer ideas. There are four, very inexpensive, lots of bang for your buck items I used on this card that would be perfect for the crafter on your list:
1) Spray pens, Item Z1380, for $3.95 you get three of these pens. That's $1.33 a piece. Keep them together or break them up and give them out separately. Either way they are a steal.
2) Sponge daubers, Item Z726, again $3.95 for three.
3) Blending pen, Item 3174, $3.95. If you follow my blog you know I love and use this ALL the time. It's an inexpensive must have tool that has a big impact.
4) Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes, Item Z1463, $5.95. I've just scratched the surface with these. For that price you get 68 butterflies in four sizes, with a variety of prints and including some plain. These are a great addition to cards or scrapbook layouts and you'll have plenty to complete whatever project you are doing.

If you're interested in these items, you can place an order using the 'Shop with me' link to the right (and there are some new, very discounted products under While Supplies last while you're at it), or email me.

Hope you had a great start to your week!

CTMH Supplies Used
Stamps: A Little Everything
Ink: Honey, Creme Brulee, Autumn Terracotta, Black, Twilight Reinker
Paper: White Daisy, Black, Honey
Other: Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes, Sponge Dauber, Blending Pen, Spray Pen, Dimensional Foam Tape, Liquid Glass