A double challenge = double fun!

Two of my favorite challenge blogs have teamed up this week for a "Combined Grind" challenge.  So...of course, I wanted to play along : o )  I hope you do too!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #69 and CASE Study Challenge #27 have teamed up, and provided this inspiration:

 I made two cards for this challenge.  That's not something I've done before.  But, there's a reason for it.  This first card...I'm still sure if I like it.  Has that ever happened to you?  Please tell me it has...
I love the patterned paper and my punched edges, even the sentiment strip.  But, I'm not loving my ribbon combination.  Hmmm.  Maybe it will grow on me.  Or, not.
Enough rambling...here's the card.

The patterned paper came from a pack that I won on a blog giveaway.  It's from the June Bug paper pad by Basic Grey.  So many pretty papers in this pack!  The patterned paper behind the sentiment is also from this pack.  I used a couple of pop dots behind the center of this strip, to add a little dimension.

I'll be adding another post right away, with my second card for this challenge.  I came up with another card idea last night (while waiting to fall asleep...grrr) that goes in a completely different direction.  I hope you'll take a look at it, too!

Supplies:

Card Stock: basic black, old olive, whisper white (all are Stampin' Up!)

Patterned paper: june bug paper pad (Basic Grey)

Rub-On: cherished memories (SU)

Stamps: kind and caring thoughts (SU)

Die: oval (Spellbinders)

Other: black lace - raven (SU), red ribbon (American Crafts), pearl brad (Recollections), black crystals (Recollections), punches (MS and SU)