A Very Yellow Hello

I had made up a second yellow flower using my Alteew Peony stamp set when testing out a sympathy card design a couple of weeks ago.  This version did not utilize the no line watercoloring technique, instead being watercolored using my Mission Gold watercolors after stamping the image in Archival black ink.  This version seemed to "harsh" for my sympathy card.  I set this version aside on the craft table (my kitchen table which I've almost completely absconded with since my children are rarely both home for dinner).  I decided to finishe this image into a card and this it the result.  I stamped the diagonal stripes onto a card front in Archival black ink.  There's a slight mismatch on the lower right corner - could have been better, but I think it is't so noticeable.  I used my SSS Stitched Rectangles die to cut the flower out as a top layer mat.  A piece of very light grid patterned paper acts as a nice frame along with some white cardstock smeared with Hicory Smoke Distress Ink which acts as a lovely thin frame.

All in all, a nice notecard to send to brighten someone's day.  I really am enjoying the Altenew stamp set.  If you haven't given them a try, I'd suggest to do so.

A Challenge Completed

This last card had a very busy pattern so I decided to go very simple on the sentiment and embellishments.  These plastic molded flowers fit the mold so to speak, just the right colors and solid accents that work.  With this card, I've finished up using all of the patterned paper in the kit that was gifted to me.  What a kind and thoughtful gift, but mostly how much fun did I have using those supplies?  I'm proud of my card set and plan to gift the set to someone who can put them all to good use.  I really enjoyed the past week of stepping outside my comfort zone and stretching my creative juices.  I feel a renewed enthusiasm for crafting.  Of course, this might also be due to the amount of travel for work and the need to refill my hobby.  Either way, yay for kind gifts.

I hope you enjoyed this self challenge as much as I did.  I'd encourage you to challenge yourself - whether through an online challenge or just a challenge to use up some of the stash - it just might get your creative juices flowing.

I'm off to see whether I cam catch up on my home work for creative chemistry 103.  Hoping your day is spectacular...

Challenge Almost Completed

This card was also created with the ephemera from a kit that I received as a gift.  I'm wishing I'd have stopped before adding the banner in the top left corner.  Maybe the card would be better with the diagonal strips playing more freely there.  Still, I love the pop of color from the flowers and the sentiment frame against the neutral pattern paper.  I think there is probably only one more card from this kit - so I'm mostly done with my self challenge.  I've slowed a bit on my momentum due to some distraction this weekend and the start of my week.  I'm hoping to finish strong as I have been listening to the instructional videos for the creative chemistry 103 class for the past week.  I'm hoping to getget to some of the lesson work soon.   Wish me well!

Another Patterned Paper Collage Card

Ooh, ooh!  I thought I was enjoying my collage card challenge with the last card, but this card simply came together as if meant to.  These elements and the patterned paper behind also came from the ephemera kit that I received as a gift.  Those thin cork strips are actually the left overs from cork sentiment, but they tie everything together so that I am truly enjoyed making this card.

I'm probably 1/2 way through my self-challenge to use the ephemera from the kit I received as a gift.  I'm still feeling inspired - maybe mostly by the momentum I've gathered.  Let's hope for a strong finish.

Patterned Paper Collage Card

Hello all - I have at least completed the second in a card set challenge I made for myself.  I received a kit containing preprinted die cuts and other paper elements.  This second card really turned out well in my eye.  I am enjoying the process and will use the success of this card to keep up my challenge.  I've been traveling for work and feel infused with a creative spirit - this might just mean I need a little separation from the daily workload.  Thsi challenge fits right in.

How about you?  Do you feel inspired sometimes by the busyness in your life?  I know I do.  I'll wish a creative spirit in your general direction!