against the odds...

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like the universe is conspiring against you? Well, that was me yesterday.

Earlier this week, while helping my parents fix the pond in their yard, my finger got smashed between two large rocks. OUCH! And of course, it is on my right hand... *you would think that I would have become left handed with how many times I have hurt my right hand...*

So, fast forward to yesterday.. I was trying to get my project done for the CIDT. This in of itself was a challenge with a big old brace on my finger. Then the thunder starts. *ok, so I love watching lightning and listening to thunder, but really, I was TRYING to be productive!* So I have to unplug everything. Ok, so I can craft without electricity... just have to use different techniques... Then, a migraine decides to join in the fun. During a migraine it is useless to even try, so I gave up, took a hot shower, and fell asleep.

Needless to say, I didn't actually finish my DT project on time.... but, better late than never, right?

This week over at the Creative Inspirations Blog the DT was challenged to take their inspiration from the forest. I love the forest. It is one of the most peaceful places for me. I love how the light filters through the trees... the moss.. the smell of moist dirt and life... the birds calling... the occasional deer... I love it all!

Here's my project...

Paper: DCWV, Bazzill, watercolor paper, white cardstock

Ink: Archival, Staz-on, VersaMark, distress

Stamps: Heartfelt Creations

Cricut: Cindy Loo

CI paint: Green Olive, Emerald, Mocha Latte, Sunshine, Burnt Clay, Antique Silver

Other: glitter, UTEE, charm, ribbon

I stamped this cute bird on water color paper with archival ink. I then painted him with Creative Inspirations Paint. Look at that shine! I inked around the edges with several colors of distress ink for some dimension.

This fun embellie is actually plain cardstock. Yup. Pretty cool, huh? I cut it out with my Cricut, then painted it with Antique Silver CI. That, however, didn't seem to be enough. It needed some dimension... so I inked the whole thing up with VersaMark and dumped on some UTEE... I built up about 3 layers of UTEE, then I sprinkled a little silver glitter over it just for larger sparkles. Isn't it pretty?

This metal charm I have had in my stash for a long time. It was silver, but it just seemed too stark... So I daubed on several layers of Burnt Clay CI. It didn't have quite enough shimmer for me, so I added a layer Fairy Dust CI over it. I then sanded the edges, little nicks, and the raised letters to give it a worn look. To highlight the letters I ran my Staz-on pad over them and the edges.

Don't forget to check out the DT's projects for this week here. They did an absolutely amazing job this week!

have a wonderful day!

~Kassi