So ya wanna know my news, huh?

I like emails that say "congratulations!" .......and I got one last week from Impression Obsession!!

"After combing over more than 85 applications for our guest designer position, you were chosen overwhelmingly as our number one pick! Our entire design team had a hand in picking who would serve out this three month term... We look forward to seeing your spin on Impression Obsession stamps!"

Needless to say, I'm very excited. Last year's initial DT call was the first I had ever applied for, and when it didn't work out I was bummed but the Lord opened other doors...still I've always hoped that there'd be another opportunity with IO. I had the chance to meet Mitra, the owner, a couple months ago at Stampfest...she still remembers the card I made for Shannan's Carpe Diem contest just over a year ago...! Shannan gave me a heads up last month when the design team call was put out and really encouraged me to apply, so special thanks to her too. * mwah! * My term officially begins in October, but I'll be playing along with the DT in their monthly challenge coming soon!

So in celebration, a card made with some IO stamps I've had stashed away for a while. :) The card is watercolored using Derwent pencils. I brushed masking fluid over the lighthouse and sails so they would stay white white. I actually stamped the bird right over the sandcastle scene (no masking), then stamped him again on another piece of watercolor paper to layer...so I didn't have to cut around his scrawny legs. Another thing I did after the scene was dry was to brush some shimmery watercolors over the top of the sand and the water, so it's pretty sparkly in real life. The lacing on the side is done with narrow paper strips.