Subtle flowers

Inspiration struck late with this card - it wasn't until I saw the Just Add Ink's #374 inspiration photo  that I had an idea for Freshly Made Sketch's #302. I do struggle to use a subtle palette - I'm more inclined to splash colour all over the place - so I feel proud that I managed some restraint this time!
Here's the card:

Made using:
Stampin' Up paper (Whisper White, Chocolate Chip), ink (Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Whisper White) Stamp set (Pictogram Punches) and die (Circles Collection)
Other Products: ek mini flower punch, francheville rhinestones, washi tape (from a sale bin: I don't have details).

Southern Christmas

I loved this week's CAS(E) this sketch challenge - #193 (see below) , and used it to give shape to my thoughts about Christmas cards here in the Southern Hemisphere. I do love 'traditional' Christmas cards with snow etc, but it always seems a bit odd to be exchanging them while wearing togs (a swimsuit to all you non-New Zealanders!) and eating summer foods.
I gave this card a New Zealand flavour by including the five stars (four big and one little) of the Southern Cross, which appear on our flag (also see below). I sponged the background with various shades of blue to suggest the light shining from the stars, but otherwise kept the colours very simple.

Made using:
Stampin' Up: Night of Navy and Whisper White paper, Pictogram Punches stamp set, silver embossing powder, Delicate Ornaments Thinlits dies, Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Dapper Denim and Night of Navy Ink
Other: Versamark Embossing ink, Simon Says Stamp Christmas 3x4 stamp set