I got a call from my favorite nephew, Colton yesterday. He's my only nephew, but he'd still be my favorite even if he wasn't the only one.
"Aunt Kim, can you make me a card for my girlfriends birthday?" This call came as I was on my way home from an appointment and hurrying to get back to make a big birthday dinner for my brother and Colton.
He needed the card tonight, so that he could give it to her tomorrow.
He didn't want just any card. ( My thought was, no problem, I can grab one from my cute birthday stash - cuz I certainly didn't have time to make one today) But, then he said... nothing girly or pink- she's kind of like me, but not a tom-boy. He then said, maybe something like you would make for me- AND her favorite color is "candy blue" (whatever color that is??)
My nephew races cars, go carts, and that sort of thing. So when I make him a card it always has a racing theme. Well, turns out his girlfriend races cars too. So, yes, absolutely I can make a racing themed card for her. Just have to try to squeeze that in while I am cooking for 10 people AND running late....
Anyway, I did come up with something, even though I over cooked the pasta. But, no one seemed to notice. :)
Here was the prototype that I came up with. I only had one car stamp, and luckily I just ordered it and it came in two days earlier. Its the VW bug from the "Beautiful Ride" stamp set in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog.

I cut out the road, free- hand with my paper snips. Then added the white lines with our uniball white gel pen.
I punched the sun out with the 1 1/2" circle punch from a piece of crushed curry cardstock and sponged it with delightful dijon ink. The car was stamped on watercolor paper and I watercolored it with the aqua painters in soft sky, basic black and tempting turquoise inks.
The greeting was stamped in tempting turquoise and punched with the washi tape punch. Now, I had to personalize it for Alyssa, to make it super special.
Here's the final product. Her race car number is 10 and I added the checkered flags behind the sun for a unique twist.

When I handed the card to Colton that night, his eyes lit up and he had a huge smile on his face. I think its safe to say he liked it. I even got an extra kiss from him that night.
I'm so glad I took the time to squeeze in a few minutes to make this card special for Colton to give Alyssa. It was worth over cooking my pasta for sure. :)
Here's a close up where you can see that I added crystal effect to the 10, windows and wheels. I also sponged over the background in tempting turquoise ink to make the design pop a little more.

I hope you can take some time to create a special and unique card for a friend or loved one this week. It will not only make their day, but will make you feel pretty good as well.
Until the next time...
Keep on Stampin' and Come back again soon!