Celebrating StampNation's 4th Birthday!

My favorite place for inspiration, StampNation, is celebrating it's 4th birthday with a birthday celebration that includes some challenges.  If you are ever looking for an amazing community of craft people, coupled with an awesome design team that keeps up with the trends and products, I highly encourage you to check it out!  Yes, there is a monthly membership fee . . . worth every penny. 

I matched up some of the challenges with some online challenges so that I would have some time to play today.  I'm in a creative drought due to demands at work, and today was earmarked as a day to create!  That is just what I did. 

First, for Freshly Made Sketches and StampNation's 3rd challenge of the celebration week, I created this card for kids.  The sketch is noted further below along with my supply list. 

I went with some bright fun paper from The Stamps of Life card kit.  I love the touch of black and white on the sides of the card.  

For my second card, I used the color palette provided by the color throwdown challenge.  The color palette is noted below with my supply list.  I matched it up with StampNation's challenge to create a non-traditional birthday card (no cakes, balloons, presents, etc.). 

Hot air balloons hardly say birthday.  This is a stamp set from Unity which also included the little banner sentiments.  It could be used for any celebration, but in this case it will be birthday.  The circular sentiment is from another unity set. 

While making this card, I was reminded of how much I enjoy making cards with a kraft background.  And . . . more importantly . . . I was reminded how much I missed creating this past week while work duties called.

Happy 4th Birthday to StampNation!  

Supplies Used  - Happy Birthday Bicycles

Cardstock, Pattern Paper, Stamped Sentiment, and Bicycle Clips all from The Stamps of Life November Card Kit

Dies:  Sizzix Framelits - Circle, I Love You

Ink:  Colorbox from The Stamps of Life

Other:  Washi Tape from Little B

Supplies Used - Celebrate You

Cardstock: Neenah

Stamps:  Unity Everything Wonderful and Absolutely Priceless

Ink:  Stampin' Up

Ribbon:  Stampin' Up

Other:  Stampin' Up Circle Punch