Cute Card and Mono Blue Challenges

I decided to try out a new card challenge today.  This one is called Cute Card Thursday and you can see lots of cute card examples at it by visiting here.  The latest challenge is #206 (so I guess they've been around for awhile) and is called Signs of Spring.  Well, I can do cute and I can do spring (just don't expect a lot of pastel colors from me-ain't happening).

I really enjoyed myself making this card, trying out different layers and adding in that die cut doily. I think it is a very bright and happy spring card.  We don't get ducks and daffodils in these parts, but cactus is cactus and looks pretty much the same all year 'round. And no, only tourists call it 'cacti.'

I also made this card for monochromatic color challenge at the A Muse Studio Blog Challenge.  Like the name implies, you were to create a card using shades of just one color.  Using A Muse products is optional but they like you better if you do.  My color choice was dictated more by what colors of A Muse papers I had more than anything.  I am the proud owner of an awful lot of different shades of A Muse blue courtesy of several different sampler packs.

The Fine Print: Duck and Daffodil stamp by Elzybells, thin ribbon, greeting, scallop border and tag die cut by A Muse, doily die by Stampin' Up, flower ribbon by Simplicity, corner punch by EK Success, bling by recollections, DP by DCWV "Spring Fling."

Seahorse stamp by A Muse Artstamps, dot background by A Muse Studio, border punch by EK Success, ribbon and all papers by A Muse Studio (sky, navy and the new petite polka dot in bermuda).