Bon Voyage Mojo Monday!

OK, so technically Mojo Monday isn't going anywhere. I just decided to combine this weeks sketch with the Bon Voyage challenge over at Heart2Heart this week.  And this is what happened:

I thought this would make a nice card for someone going on a cruise - maybe a honeymoon? Or a birthday card for someone who likes to cruise, or maybe even a Navy man. At any rate, I really like the way it turned out!

I used papers from both the Tommy and Surf's Up paper packs from CTMH, some twine, and a favorite retired stamp set called Horizon.  I also got to try out my new Perfect Layers tools - they sent me a set to try and I fell in LOVE!

I have to admit that I was skeptical of the usefulness when I first saw them, but I was converted with my first use. I really like to add mats to my images, or a nice border like around the lighter pattern above, to help set it of from the background.  But I always have trouble getting things lined up evenly all the way around, especially these super skinny 1/16" borders. And I hate for things to be less than perfect!

If you're interested, this is how easy the ruler tools are to use:

Step 1: adhere your image (or paper) to the cardstock you want as your mat.

Step 2: Choose your border size, catch the appropriate lip on the edge of your image, and trim using the tool and X-acto knife. (There are markings for both right and left-hand use.)

Step 3: Rotate the image and repeat for the remaining sides, until you have a perfectly matted image.

The Perfect Layers tools come in a set of three, so you can create borders from 1/16" all the way up to 1". And they have even given me a code so you can get 5% off your entire order. You can visit the site here to see more details on the tools, and if you order just enter the code LoriB5% to get 5% off your order.

Here's a closeup of the matted paper on my card:

And finally, here's a closeup of my image, popped up on foam tape over the twine:

I used the same X-acto knife to cut a slit in the card fold to run the twine around the entire card front a couple of times. I used some direct-to-paper ink on the edges of all the papers except the one I matted. I wanted the extra definition between it and the light paper behind it, so the mat made more sense.

I'd love to hear what you think of today's card. And if you decide to play along at H2H or Mojo Monday be sure to let me know so I can come see your take on things!