BBTB2 Challenge - A Pearl Birthday

It is a BBTB2 Challenge Day, welcome.  Our challenge was offered up today by the talented Stephanie, she requested we use a pearl and birthday greeting in honor of her birthday this month.  This was a fun challenge for me, and I would like to share just a tiny bit about my Cricut.  Six years ago when I first saw the Cricut, it was a new kid on the block, at that time we were all working mainly with Sizzix and/or Quickutz both manual systems.  The industry was popping and alive with new ideas, concepts and tools.  I had a vision and a dream that I could really create my own embellishments, in whatever size and/or color I wanted. I was elated with the possibilities.  So fast forward, three Cricut machines later and sometimes almost embarassed to share how many carts, I feel like I am JUST realizing my dream, what a journy.  I am sharing this because if you have a dream or vision, no matter what, do not give up.  The process takes time, it takes practice, it takes commitment, but I promise if you stick to it, nuture it, it will grow. Don't let your dreams go.
For my card I used "Dreams Come True", for the shell, how appropriate is that, Lol, I also used TBBM for the tag.  I trimmed off the top of the shell to get the proper perspective and then went to work with my shell, I think I used 30 copic colors on this, the small spatters you see in the top portion of the shell, lower right was done with the airbrush and Tim Holtz Distress markers and it was the hardest part of the entire process, it takes some practice to get the spatter controlled and I was so nervous I would ruin the whole piece.  When all my colors were done, I then scanned it in and then printed it out and that is the piece I used for the card, this means that if I want a shell for a 5"X7" or 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" card I will have an embellishment sized for that card at my finger tips.  The background was created using Dylusion dyes and other Ranger products. The rectangle was embossed with a Cuttlebug folder. Misc ribbon and a stick pin with pearls.

This process of scanning and saving your finished image means that you are able to carry your theme to the inside of the card, quickly and with ease.  Thanks for visiting my blog and remember to hold that dream. I so look forward to seeing what you will do with our challenge this week. Hugs