10 Minutes or Less (More or Less)

My stamping group has had precious little time to get together in the past couple of years. We used to meet almost monthly - now it can be 6 months before we can manage to get together. But when we do, we have a fabulous time.

We had a shoebox swap last night. For those who don't know, everyone designs a card, makes 1 sample, and brings all the materials for everyone to recreate it for themselves. Typically, they are supposed to be 10 minute cards - you should be able to finish in 10 minutes (or less, so you can have a snack). Somehow, we don't always manage that. Something that YOU think takes 10 minutes is hard for someone else. So whoever has the most complicated card is usually subjected to merciless razzing from everyone else. Can you guess which one got the most flak last night?

Cathie always designs beautiful cards - but the little tiny beads were really challenging to string late at night with most of us getting out our reading glasses. However, it was absolutely worth the effort and I love the effect. Sadly, Cathie wasn't able to join us, but she brought over her box earlier in the day, which was very sweet.

Personally, this one was probably my favorite. It's a lovely simple design, and I'm kicking myself that I didn't get this stamp set (and punch! Nothing to cut out!). The colors didn't scan well, though. The left ornament is a bright fuschia. And it doesn't really show, but they are embossed with clear so they have a lovely shine to them. I didn't realize mine weren't straight until I did the scan. Oops. Shona always comes up with a winner.

This is actually my card. Yes, it was the simplest, fastest one of the evening. The metal snowflake is a brad, so just punch a hole and poke it through. You can't tell from the scan, but the blue has a subtle shimmer to it, and the navy has a texture. Just to jazz it up a little. Simple, but I was happy with it.

Alas, the scanner and dimensional cards don't get along. And I'm too tired to get out my camera. Sorry Dale! Maybe tomorrow. But the fancy border is a punch, and the adorable elf just required a little coloring. The jingle bell that's causing all the trouble was a great touch (although not Post Office friendly).

Linda did NOT torture us by making us cut out the trees. They were die-cuts, just requiring a touch of "snow" for detail. And trimming the deckle edge was also super easy, so this was another easy winner.

I also love Ruth's card. I'm a sucker for monochromatic and I LOVE the combination of Pale Plum and Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up papers). And she had multiple choices for the sentiment, which was fabulous.

Janet's card probably got the most comments for being fun and cute. Also, not too hard or too easy (just like in Goldilocks!). Unfortunately, Janet couldn't join us either because she's sick, but I was able to pick up her shoebox earlier in the week. And yes, we all made extras of our own cards for Janet and Cathie.

And the teddy bear card from Grace is at the top of the post. Completely adorable, and absolutely the most-time consuming card of the evening (Grace would vehemently protest this, she thought it was easy). The bear, hat, candy cane, and present were each stamped, colored, embossed, flocked (the fuzzy on the hat), and cut out. Seperately. The background was stamped and embossed. Then all was stuck together with dimensional foam for depth. Cute, but Grace, come on. Making me cut out details at 10pm? She was protesting that it was "relaxing", but I still don't think it was a 10-minute card. (But it was fun. Don't tell Grace!)

All in all, we had a great evening. We ate and drank too much (pomengranete martinis! Ruth is an awesome hostess) and got very silly and had some serious discussions and sang "Happy Birthday" to Ruth and Grace, who both have birthdays this week. Makes me want to do it again - sooner rather than later.