Delusions of Grandeur...

I had every intension of making 2 cards for today- 1 for the A muse-bouche and one for the August A Muse Lounge Challenge- Ink it Up- "to create something using any of your A Muse stamps that you have never used before." Well, there were plenty of un-inked stamps from this latest release and I was just itching for a chance to use this little Mandy Mermaid! Needless to say, I gave in to temptation and made my August challenge card first. One thing lead to another and I did not have time for an A muse-bouche card (feature some different images of the cutie, Mandy.) Never fear, though, I do have cards for the next 2 days of sneaks, so be sure to check back!

So...there are actually 4 stamps on this card that I had never inked- Mermaid girl, fin-tastic day, Treasure chest and the little fishy from the Oval frame set. Something else different for me on this card- No Copics! Another Muse (my stamping/instructing idol, no less) shared with us that she had left her coloring materials (Copics included) at home while on her way to a weekend stamping gathering. It made me think about what I would do if I didn't have my Copics. I always loved my colored pencils. They are an awesome tool that have been sadly neglected since I started "collecting" my beloved markers. So I decided to give them a turn and am so glad that I did. Not better results just different and it there was something very satisfying coloring this cute little gal! Although it is difficult to see in the photo, the little mermaid's tail and hair are super sparkle-y thanks to my favorite Star Dust Stickles.

Be sure to check out the 4th Day of a muse-bouches shared with the other Muses today. Mandy is definitely a gal worth blog hopping. Also, be sure to check out the A Muse blog today to find out about the wonderful artist of these darling images. It's ALWAYs A Stampin' Good Time! Take care!