Simple birthday cards, and belated challenges

Usually, when I make a card, I start with a layout, think of what I have, and just play with things in my mind until I'm ready to put something together. For class cards, I do plan ahead so I can order what I need in time, but those are generally simpler cards, based on a particular technique or stamp set I want to share with my students...

But, I have recently been invited to be a guest designer next month on a project tutorial blog, and have been seriously pre-occupied with brainstorming, sketching and planning my awesome, out of the box creation... which, is a lot harder for me, when I have to do it without actually having the materials on hand, while also making sure I think of EVERYTHING I need to order for it, and not missing a thing...

So, when I had some little boy's birthday cards to make, I decided to give myself a break and go for quick and simple... and I realized something... as much as I love to push myself, try new things and go crazy on a card, a simple card can still look super cute :)

This one is made with all retired stuff, aside from Baja Breeze, but if I like something enough to buy it, I usually still like it enough to keep it when it retires ;) I used the Inkspirations #76 color challenge (but substituting Dusty Durango for Peach Parfait, since I have NONE), and the CPS #225 sketch. I used the Cog Punch, Lots of Bots stamp set, and inks/CS in the colors mentioned, as well as a retired specialty brad. And of course Staz-on and my trusty blender pen for any watercoloring pics, as always! Easy Peasy :)

This one, I used ColorQ #92, and also a Create with Connie and Mary sketch challenge, which I missed the posting deadline for. I used Wild Wasabi, Basic Black and Whisper White CS; Tempting Turquoise DSP; Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder; Oval Scallop Frame Die; Fox and Friends and Party Hearty stamp sets; and Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive (I don't have Wild Wasabi) inks.