Internet Woes and the Rejects

Sorry for my absence...we somehow managed to use up all our Broadband quota for June (we're still not sure how, since we've never even come close before!), so I was unable to blog.
But, it's the start of a new month, so look forward to lots of catch-up entries!

You've probably noticed that I've been having fun doing Kristina Werner's challenges. Thankyou all for your comments on my challenge entries. It's exciting seeing so many people from overseas visiting my blog. It was even more exciting being in the Top 10 again. That's 5 in a row for me :o) I'm starting to get performance anxiety now LOL. It took me 3 goes to get my last entry to one that I was happy enough to submit. It's pretty rare for me to take so long to make a card.
I thought I'd show you my other 2 mediocre attempts (the Rejects):
I thought liked this layout, but then all that blank Purely Pomegranate was too much. Maybe I should have used one of the other colours for the background?

This one was too much pattern for me. It just feels too busy. I did like the flower on it though, which led me to my eventual entry.
I'd love to hear what you think of these (feel free to pick them to pieces!)
I'll be back later with some BLOG CANDY!

Recipes
Card 1
Stamps: Brocade Backgrounds
Inks: River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Accessories: Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain ribbon, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched ribbon, 'Cherished Memories' rub-ons, Pretties Kit, Dimensionals
Card 2
Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Basic Phrases
Inks: River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Accessories: Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" Circle Punch, Tag punch, Large Tag Punch, Corner-rounder Punch, Dimensionals