Quicker cards, shopping for that sketch and Challenge page update

I'll bet you're wondering . . . quicker cards?  I wanted to show you what I have just stumbled upon last week on my "unclesamrefund" shopping spree.  The Lili of the Valley website I purchased unmounted rubber stamps from also offers pre-colored/pre-cut design squares that some people call toppers.(not sure why?)  Yes, they sell 20 images total, 5each of 4 different designs from their collection of adorable images that come to you already colored and ready to set to stock and embellish (at an astonishingly low price). 

I made all 4 of these beauties in less than 4 hours and have decided to use them as my contribution to the "bring us something new"  portion of my monthly card class. Several of the ladies can't afford the latest mediums and/or their hands and eyes aren't what they used to be but they want to make top of the line greeting cards just like everyone else.  What do you think?   These are the Large cut toppers so the images are pretty big, but for simple, different and inexpensive . . . they win!  I didn't get photos of the other two because I gave them to the secretaries and principle(wife) of my sons Jr. High too quickly but I just couldn't resist!

click photo for link

Are we having fun yet? So . . . It really sunk in today that embellies, paper, and images are not the only things to look for when it comes to making great cards. It all starts out with the layout. After all, you could have the best of everything to add on and if the design isn't symmetrical and balanced, the card never seems to be right! So . . . I took a look around and found some real "buys" when it comes to sketches and blog pages with sketch catalogs! And of course, I needed to share them.!  You can find them in the sidebar of my shopping index tab from above.  I hope they inspire you when it comes to all of the choices we can put into each and every card!  Have fun window shopping those sketches!

I know this is another long post, but if you get a chance, jump over to the Challenges index tab and check out my new post on a daily break down of challenges I love.  I put a lot of work into it and it still isn't complete but I think there is probably enough there to feed your thirst for challenge!  Feel free to borrow them and get craftin! 

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGH FOR THE DAY:

It's not always ... "what can I get if I do this?" . . . Sometimes it's what will I learn if I do this?

Thank you for visiting,