Two new tecniques for me

Yay, I managed to make two more cards this morning! (Thanks to the puppy waking me up at 6am. Hhhmmm.) I thought I would try two new techniques for me. The first is a CAS (clean and simple) style. I was inspired by Carly Robertson of Paper In Bloom. I love this fabulous lady's style - she is so versatile, from CAS to contemporary to shabby chic - she can do them all brilliantly! Very jealous.... Her main style is CAS which I always find difficult - normally looks so unprofessional but I think this one came out ok! I used a subtle Colorbox chalk ink to stamp the heart border - so subtle you can barely see it! Ha ha!

For this second one, I made my own "brad looking" flower centre. I picked up this technique on Saturday when I made a visit to The Glitter Pot where they had a day of demonstrators, one of them being Paula Pascual. Seeing the "brad" on one of her cards, I thought she had used that new I-Top brad making tool - I've been considering buying one but just can't justify a new toy. Anyway, she hadn't used that and instead created it with just two things that require no extra investment! All you need to do is cut/punch out a circle from light weight card and use a rounded end (I use the end of a pen but you can buy flower making special tools for it - of course!) to shape the reverse side using small circular motions does that make sense?!). You then use silicone glue or foam pads to stick it on. Because it creates small creases around the edges, the brad looks like it's been made from fabric - it's a really lovely effect. Thank you Paula!

I used the most recent Mercy's Tuesday sketch below (which of course I missed the deadline again!) for both cards and I am also entering the second one in the Crafty Sentiments challenge to use punches.

Papers/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, My Minds Eye Be Loved pack
Stamps: CC Designs Ladybug Nora and Field Fence, The English Stamp Company (heart border)
Mediums: Copic Caios, glitter glue (on wings), Colorbox chalk ink (heart border)

Accents: ribbon from stash
Tools: Woodware flower punch and 1" circle punch, EK Success 1.25" scallop circle punch