Peafowl time!  Tried out a couple new Peacock die-cuts over the weekend:

This Framed Peacock (cherry lyn designs) cuts fairly nicely.  It did better on this glitter paper than regular paper.  He is adhered to marbled green paper; 5-inch Oval shape was cut using Oval of Plantin School Book (cricut).  Thanks, Jan, for letting me use your cartridge.  The Peacock's Train Feather (Jewel Fantasies, spellbinders) tucked behind the blue ribbon (ArtTalent - The Netherlands) is brushed with Metallic Gold and Blue Lagoon (both cats eyes).  Base paper is from the Taj Mahal paper pack (DCWV).  Three Rhinestones at the bottom and two Fabric Roses (demo creations - The Netherlands) in the upper left complete this 5 X 6½ inch greeting card.

This Classic Peacock (#DCN049 tessler crafts) was a little touchy to work with.  I tried a variety of papers, but none cut clean through for this die-cut.  When also else fails, try glitter or metallic cardstock -- and that is what worked here.  The Peacock is double-layered Metallic Black (on bottom) and Metallic Grey.  He is adhered to a White Doily (wilton) brushed with Peacock Feathers distressed ink (tim holtz).  Lavender, Blue, Gold & Green rhinestones are spaced around outer section of doily.  Base paper is Peacock Tail Feathers from the Animal Kingdom paper pack (recollections). 3 Paper Roses complete this 6½ X 5 inch greeting card.

Both these die-cuts were cut out using my infamous Cuttlebug.

Since I had the Cuttlebug out, I wanted to play with a couple other items.  These Under the Sea (joy! crafts) Seahorse in shimmer green paper and Crab in metallic red were die cut and embossed.  They are adhered to background papers on pop dots.  Base brown paper is embossed A2-Script (the paper studio) with 2-inches of Seashells (#20247 HOTP) paper overlapping.  Entire front is edged in Brown ink (cats eyes).  Three Seashells from my husband's "hippie" days complete this 6½ X 5 inch card.

Even though I have a big pile of new goodies to play with yet, it is way past time to get ready for my next greeting card class.  I will be teaching another (Postage) Stamp Greeting Card class July 19 in Kent, Washington -- four stamp greeting cards and one surprise card.  Here are the cards I've worked up so far:

These Elephant stamps are from Republic of Guinea.  The green "Knot" paper (which reminds me of elephant knees) is from the Animal Kingdom paper pack (recollections). Dark Blue Cardstock (mementa) was cut using Frame 13 of Fancy Frames (cricut).  Gray Ribbon tied on right side in a square knot.  3 yellow and 1 silver bling on the Frame completes the card.

This Crab stamp is from Fujeira on the Saudi Arabian Peninsula.  He is adhered to the Dark Blue oval from the Elephant card Frame's center piece.  It is edged with Copper ink (cats eyes).  Base paper is from Life's Journey paper pack (k&company).  These kinds of cards are great for this dark green "coral reef" ribbon.  Happy Birthday Dazzle on cream cardstock which was edged with Copper ink.  Three small seashells complete the card.

The Rose stamp is from Hungary.  It is adhered to Metallic (dcwv) "star" Frame 15 of Fancy Frames set (cricut).  Floral Rose base paper, red Floral ribbon/lace and 3 buttons finish the card.

This Czechoslovakian Landscape is perfect for the Travel Icon embossing plate on Camden paper (7 gypsies).  Reverse of this paper is the matt behind the stamp, with rounded corners.  Airmail ribbon is washi tape.  Three Pearls complete this card.

Since postage stamps are so small, I use them on 5½ X 4¼ inch card stock.  Larger card stock is simply too big and leaves too much blank space (or you add too much bling which deters from the stamp).

Class fee is $20.00 for 5 cards.  All materials are provided.  Please bring a small pair of scissors if you have them.  Let me know if you wish to attend, and I'll send you address and time of the class.