Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: May 16 - 23, 2008

Card of the Week:  Cut out Butterfly by Maren at Zany Not Crazy

I love cards that have something that grabs you on the outside AND the inside -- this card definitely does that.  The clean, simple lines, the way the coloring (or lack of it) goes with the sentiment -- everything.  This card is inspired.  It's art.  When I get some free time, I'm CASING a whole lot of these!  I think this would be a great gift idea!

 

Runner Up:  Shore Do Love You by Mary-Jo at Beauty Lies Within

It was really hard to choose a winner this week -- there were several off the charts cards and this one with the layers and shades of cardstock and the cool fold definitely caught my attention.  The crab on the front is actually on a swivel, so the crab kind of dances!  When you open the card, the sun press down against the center panel to keep everything in proportion.  This card is amazing.

Shout Outs: 

 

Cathy from Crafty Thoughts made another cool folded card -- she tailored hers for a child's birthday.  So cute!

 

I've just discovered Kim's blog, Paper In The Works, and I love, love, love her style.  I actually had three cards of Kim's this week flagged for mention!  I narrowed my choice to this adorable farm card (the other cards are on the BOB list below).  Kim uses lots of texture in her cards, and lots of layers -- the farm house and the animals are actually cut out and "popped up" for some added dimension.  I was wondering where Kim got her inspiration from -- but for this card, she used a children's coloring page!  Clever girl -- I'll keep watching your blog -- I expect we'll be seeing a LOT more of you!

 

Isn't this Apron Card by Linda at LMac's Catered Crops just adorable?!  I love the recipe card with this -- how great would this be to send as a thank you note after the Memorial Day weekend?  I wasn't going to order this paper -- I didn't want it -- until I saw this great layout.  Toooooo cute!

Project of the Week:  Canvas Tote Bag by Julie at Paper Pleasing Ideas

Julie made this using a plain canvas tote and regular SU craft ink!  What a great gift idea!  I may make one for each boy for the pool.

 

Shout Outs:

Jennifer at The Buck Stops Here made this FAB candy wrap and matching card.  How often do you need a quick, happy, small gift for someone and you hadn't thought ahead?  Keep the candy in the pantry (have your husband hide it) and then you're ready in a snap!  Measurements and directions are on Jennifer's blog :D  Thanks for sharing this -- I love it!

 

I couldn't close this week without giving a shout out to Alli at Card Metaphors for this purse card -- I don't know if it opens to actually hold a gift card, so it's here under projects.  The use of lace and the big ribbon handles makes this look like a purse I would buy!  Great work :D

** Now, onto the BOB:  remember to hit the "read more" button at the bottom of the page to see the full list as a web page with pictures.  It's much more fun like that!  Also, if you'd like me to read your blog, you should leave a comment here.  Think I missed something -- comment here -- I love to see what's out there, so if there is a great blog and I'm skipping it -- let me know!