Hi everyone. I started out by making a card today for the Free for All Challenge at Splitcoast Stampers. I thought it was to include a symbol of our flag (maple leaf) ... but when I went to link up, realized that it was to "show our colors" with our flag ... whoops! :) So even though there is a little red on the maple leaf, this is not at all like the solid red maple leaf on the Canadian flag. :) Oh well ... I did have a lot of fun coloring this leaf using my new alcohol inks that I received in the mail a couple of days ago. Can you believe this is the first time I've owned alcohol inks (besides copic markers that is). Crazy!! ... and my order also included 28 colors of Tim Holtz Distress Inks (also my first time owning any of these inks). I'm going to have a lot of fun playing with my new toys! :) One thing I learned today ... alcohol inks are MESSY! :) Not that I mind getting a little inky, but next time I'll probably wear gloves. :) I squirted and squiggled a little bit of the three colors onto my craft sheet, dropped over some blending solution and then pressed my maple leaf into the ink. Pulled it up and pressed it down again ... several times, until it was all covered (smooshing technique). So pretty! Mounted it onto a wood grain embossed background and added a popped up sentiment and bow of gold thread twine. Easy, CAS card. I'm going to enter this (second entry) into the ATS&M #96 - Anything Goes challenge. Stamps: Lots of Thanks (Simon Says) Paper: 110 lb. White (Neenah); glossy white Ink: Botanical, Poppyfield, Honeycomb, Blending solution (Ranger Alcohol inks); Black (Memento) Accessories & Tools: Big Shot, Large Leaves #2 die (Cheery Lynn), Wood Grain embossing folder (Sizzix), Gold-threaded Twine Challenges: ATS&M #96