New year - New challenges!

I haven't entered a challenge for some time now, I hve been focusing on the 'Operation Write Home' cards I have been working on...
So, now it's a new year, and I wanted to start it off with entering a challenge, or two (or 4 !).

I made this card for my mother's birthday - I wanted to do something that was both elaborate and unusual for me. I used the following challenges as inspiration...

Patties creations challenge # 35 - Fancy Folds. Create a card using fancy folding techniqes.
I have never done a gate fold card, so I decided to try this technique. I actually really like the way it turned out, and will definitely use this technique again!

Polkadoodle week 2 challenge - Retro/Vintage. Create a card with a vintage or Retro theme.
This was my main inspiration. I received some lovely new paper stacks from K & Company for Christmas, that have a lovely Victorian rose and coordinating patterns. One of the papers had a lovely 'Mom' sentiment, and it incorporated perfectly. Again, really, really pleased with the way it all came together.

Cooking With Cricut - Challenge # 67 - Something New. Use something new, that you just got, and incorporate a Cricut cut.
I used a couple of things that I got for Christmas - My new papers (as mentioned above) as well as my brand new "Flower Shop' cartridge. Love it!!! After a few false starts, I got the hang of making paper flowers. I love the 'Sunflower' cut, and used this for all the flowers on the card. I love the way the end up looking kind of like straw flowers. I will be using the cartridge a lot, I think. :)

Christmas Blog Challenge - Birthday Wishes. This week didn't have to be a Christmas Themed card, just a birthday card.
As I mentioned, this was created for my Mother's birthday. (Sure hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it!) I intentionally left the inside with only the sentiment, as I wanted room to write (My mom is living in another city).

So - that's it. Big thanks to all the challenge sites for continuing to provide the inspiration to try new and interesting projects. sketches and techniques!!

Best Wishes!
Kat