I've BEARly begun

getting ready for my luncheon on Saturday.  Although,  I did get my 2 Arizona-bound cards finished and in the mailbox.  And, thank the Lord for good friends, I got most of my shopping done this morning.  The mulch pile in the driveway has been spread in the flower beds.  My DH is out mowing so the lawn looks nice as we are supposed to get rain the rest of the week.  Slowly but surely.

Here's my second AZ card. I purchased the stamp at the show this week end with my Red Hat gals in mind.  However, this card is going to my dear college friend and sorority sister.  Our college and sorority mascot was a bear, and I always try to include one in or on cards and gifts sent her way. For this card, I stamped the image twice ... once on kraft paper and once on white CS.  I fussy cut just the bear and paper pieced her onto the white image, adding a little extra color for shading.  The hat, flowers and ribbon were also colored with markers.  I used a die cut for the scalloped oval and punched a hole in the top, added the bow and threaded the tag with baker's twine.  I've added a teeny tiny envelope charm to the bow on the tag.  On the back it says 'Made with Love'.  The sentiment is from CTMH.

Once again I've used the sketch from this week's Mojo Monday Sketch 344 Contest  and will enter this card there.
I'll also be entering it in:
Cuttin and Stampin Weekly Challenge 14-18 - Traditional Mother's Day
Created with Love Challenge #81 - For the Love of Critters
The Kraft Journal Challenge #170 - Just for Her
Dream Valley Challenge #81 - Anything Goes
Glitter and Sparkle Challenge #83 - Tag It!
A Gem of a Challenge #118 - Cute and Cuddly
Kitty Bee Designs Aloha Friday Challenge #22 - Animals
Creative Corner Challenge - For Mom
Jo's Scrap Shack Fun Friday Challenge #48 - Anything Goes