Layers of Love: MFT Stamps and LOTS of Fussy Cutting

So my first card is one that was a long time in waiting. I bought the Our Story and Magical Dragons stamp sets  from My Favorite Things about a year ago and they've been glaring me in the face since that day. I finally picked them up and set to work. I've had a card in mind since I bought them, but for some reason I just kept putting it off...I wasn't sure why until I finished coloring and realized I didn't have any of the dies! I didn't let that stop me, I'd already come too far to stop there. 

So after stamping everything and testing out my fussy cutting skills, I needed to set up the card. I knew I wanted to make her look like she's imagining what she's reading, but I had no plan of attack after that. I grabbed my Puffy Cloud edge dies from Lawn Fawn after I cut a standard A2 card front (5.25" by 4") from some scrap white cardstock and cut the clouds at an angle. I also cut some scrap pink paper to go behind the clouds and look like wallpaper. I made sure it wouldn't go up too far so I could cut out the circles. 

After the cloud was how I wanted it, I had to figure out my sentiment. I loved this one too much and it was going to be a challenge, but I took it on! I had to ink (almost) every work separately to get it lined up right and it took me a few tries, but I got it right in the end! Woohoo! 

The next step was the little peephole to see the dragon. I had a random circle die that I have no idea where it came from, but it worked perfectly. I'd guess it was about 1 3/4" or a little smaller. I used my pencil once that was cut to draw a light circle on the white cardstock under the clouds so I knew where to stamp my dragon. I then stamped the little knight in shining armor on the part of the circle I had cut out. 

Once that was finished and I colored the rest of the goodies, I set to work on putting the card together. Lots of foam dimensionals were used and I love it! Even though it took me many hours to finish, I have no regrets and I can finally say that I have one Valentine's day card made! Now to make the rest. 

I always like to look around the challenge blogs for inspiration from the challenge itself or from the beautiful creations people make. Today I found a challenge that actually works well for this card! Over at Cut It Up, the challenge was a Love themed card with three layers and one that used a die cut. It's a really creative challenge and one that puts your creative juices to the test so I definitely recommend heading over there to check it out! 

Off I go again to (hopefully) finish up those Valentine's day cards. Wish me luck! I hope you all have an absolutely amazing day and I'm sending you all warm hugs as the temperature drops. I don't know about you, but it's been snowing nonstop here in Michigan (at least 7 inches just yesterday and it continues today) and as lovely as it looks, I know some of you have to travel for work or family. Even if it's not snowing, stay safe and hopefully I'll see you around here later :)