A Fabulous Cup of Joe

My last free time act before returning to school next week was to bust out some card challenges because, let's be honest, I kind of forget to update my blog during the school year. I hope I can change that, but I know it won't be easy. 

I am completely obsessed with black and white right now. Good thing I got my Stampin' Up order with the new Back to Black DSP. I'm in heaven. I combined a couple challenges and whipped a birthday card for the teacher across the hall from me. My birthday is September 1st and her's is the 2nd (also our first day with students.)

Once I had it in my mind to make her a birthday card, I knew that I could incorporate Cas-ology's JAVA challenge and Freshly Made's Layout #150. 

Lisa loves her coffee and tea. I am in love with Stampin' Up's Perfect Blend coffee cup. I love making cute wraps to go around the cup. I paired it with PTI's Signature Greetings. I added a touch of sparkle by using a strip of gold sequins. Simple, clean, and classy. I'll add a Starbucks gift card and hope she does indeed have a fabulous birthday!

Black & White Birthday

Obsessed. I only have one word for my love of Stampin' Up's Back to Black DSP. I am rocking a mix of cool prints with minimal color for a man card for a teacher friend of mine. We both have September birthdays and I'm trying to get ahead of myself before the school year consumes me. 

John has a Keurig in his classroom so I thought that making a coffee themed card could be paired with a box of K-cups for his birthday. I combined Cas-ology's Java Challenge and Pals Paper Arts Layout #216 to make a simple and easy card. 

I tried to keep my pattern choices neutral so they would work for a guy, but I feel like something might be missing for this card. I didn't want to put any bling because I think it would have quickly turned feminine, but I'm not quite sure what it's missing. Suggestions?