This One's For Melissa

I am a huge fan of Melissa Phillips. She is an incredible artist. Her signature style is shabby chic, and the color of her love is pink. So when she posted a challenge to create a card inspired by this Jillie Willie bag, I decided to create one in Melissa's style.

















I don't profess to come close to her talent, but I had a lot of fun creating this card, and I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

I learned how to make the ribbon flower from another of my very favorite artists, Debbie Olson. You can see the tutorial at this link. I used Stampin Up's Pink Pirouette 1-1/4" grosgrain ribbon for my flower. The stem has layers of Regal Rose ribbon and a bit of lace. The card base is also Pink Pirouette, to which I stitched some DP from My Mind's Eye's Laundry Line collection. The little yellow buttons are from Stampin Up's Button Latte collection. The stamped greeting is from PTI's Heartfelt Basics stamp set. I think I'll send this to my sister Kim for her birthday, which is coming up in less than 2 weeks. Kim's favorite color is pink, too.

Thanks, Melissa, for your inspiration and showing me that you can interpret an inspiration piece in subtle ways that might not at first be obvious (like my extreme change in color scheme). And thanks Debbie for showing me how to make those cool ribbon flowers! Is this a good day, or what?

And, yes, I realize I'm too late for the Jillie Willie prize, but I don't mind. The fun was in the making of this card. Although I have to say, those are some darn cute bags! I might just have to add a Jillie Willie to my purse collection. Maybe I should go see the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic" first! *grin*

Before I go, I have to share a couple of pictures with you that I took a little while ago while standing out in my backyard, filling my lungs with cool, clean air after a rain shower. Mmm.... it was heavenly. It isn't much, but this is a glimpse of my California winter. (I love that little bird feeder that Avery hung in this plum tree.)











And here's a picture of my girls, Sadie and Molly, who were out there with me, barking at a big huge dog who walked by. They can afford to be brave when they are safely behind a gate! {LOL} Oh, and Paul, Honey, the gate needs new chicken wire.














I hope you've had a wonderful weekend and are ready for the new week ahead. Thanks for stopping by for a visit.