Good Morning, everyone! Thursday means a new Sketch Challenge at Inspiration in Action -- this week it's IA105. Remember when working with a sketch, you might want to try flipping it horizontally or vertically or using it as a mirror image. It's quite alright to move elements around, add or delete them. The idea is you use the sketch as your starting point. Where your imagination goes from there is anyone's guess! I'm really looking forward to seeing what you create with this week's sketch. Make sure and come back and leave your name and your link (directly to your sketch project) on Mister Linky so we can all enjoy your creativity and gain inspiration from YOU!
Enough words -- here are my three examples today:
This first card uses the For All You Do Stamp Set, along with the Tres Chic Background stamp. The colors are Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Almost Amethyst and Whisper White. I used some Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper along with 
1/4" Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon and Rhinestone brads. The larger flowers are popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. And don't forget to stamp a little surprise inside the card as well!
On to Number Two! I always say there are no mistakes in stamping, only opportunities for creative embellishment! Well, this card is a case study in that. I used the Floating Reinker Technique on this floral image, intending the color to stay inside the embossed outline and the background to remain pure shimmery white! Well, just as I was putting the last drop of ink on the flower, it quickly spread over the embossed line and onto the background. What's a stamper to do? Add more ink, of course! The result was this lovely, almost impressionistic background. I 
rather like it! The Stamp Set is Bloomin' Beautiful. I used two different patterns from the Razzleberry lemonade Designer Series Paper. Colors are Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango and Old Olive. I embossed the image on Shimmery White Cardstock using Black Craft Ink and Black Embossing Powder. Accessories are 1/2" Polka Dot Ribbon in Dusty Durango and Vintage Brads (Antique Brass).
One more card for your inspiration today. This one uses a favorite set from last holiday season, A Christmas Cardinal. The colors are Old Olive, Real Red and Whisper White. I used ink pads and a blender pen to color in the images and then 
sponged around the edge. The ribbon is from the Mistletoe Ribbon Originals and the Brads are from the Earth Elements set. The DSP on the bottom is Merry Moments. So simple and easy and yet so lovely!
Well, that's going to be it for today. Remember to come back and leave a link with Mister Linky below to your Sketch Creations. The deadline for submission is midnight on Sunday, October 11th. I look forward to seeing what you've created!
Time is running out to order the Frankie & Friends Halloween Treat Bags Class-Kit-on-the-Go in time for Halloween. Orders placed by October 20th are guaranteed delivery before Halloween. Of course, you can order the Tutorial anytime! You can order or find out more information on THIS post! 
I love the Floating Reinker Technique mistake. Wonder if you can create this again and make it a new technique?
Robbie
Posted by: Robbie Rubala | October 08, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I have such a problem with putting my images at an angle. Everything has to lineup on my cards, but these are really pretty. Maybe I just need to make a few of these. Thanks for the sketch.
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Conrad | October 08, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Beautiful cards, Gretchen. They are all in my favorites.
Thanks for showing us them.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Benko | October 08, 2009 at 07:47 PM
I truly love the 2nd card. Unless you actually would not have told us that is started out a mistake, I would not have believed it. I really like how it turned out and the colors you chose for the rest of the card. Thank you so much for sharing this card.
Posted by: Robin | October 08, 2009 at 09:06 PM
All great takes on the sketch, love that cardinal!
Posted by: kristie | October 08, 2009 at 09:28 PM
I love your 'creative embellishment' card. Who would have ever thought it was a 'mistake.' It is gorgeous!
Posted by: lisa808 | October 09, 2009 at 03:24 AM
Good morning Gretchen
What a great sketch you created - whow you are so talented and I just love do these challenges.
This is my card I created with your sketch
http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/10/inspiration-in-action-weekend-challenge-and-cards-things-1st-colour-challenge.html
thank you so much Gretchen!
Posted by: Carole'Anne AKA Stampin Stressaway | October 09, 2009 at 06:30 AM
I was finally able to play along!! Here's my version:
http://www.stampwithtammy.com/2009/10/inspiration-in-action.html
Posted by: Tammy Fite | October 09, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Gretchen, I just love your samples for this sketch. Very lovely. And the Beautiful Blooms save is really awesome! Thanks for the great sketch for us.
Posted by: Sharon Carr | October 10, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Thanks for the great sketch! Here's my card. I needed something quick and simple:
http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x75/lillegs10/?action=view¤t=IMG_1526.jpg
Posted by: Lisa O. | October 18, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Thanks for all the sketches, I love them.
I am so glad I found your sight
Posted by: Mary Garrison | March 12, 2010 at 12:24 PM