I've talked about this before, I think, right here on The Bald Dragonfly. I know others have mentioned it too. We all go through a lull at times, I do believe! Sometimes you just gotta roll with it. Sometimes you end up with something you just aren't fond of (but don't want to chuck because you've already spent a lot of time on it!) Such is the feeling with this card. Perhaps there is too much going on, perhaps the background is fighting with the focal image, perhaps the color ratio is off. Really not sure, but I'd love some critique.
I'm featuring Cupcake Cutie from Skipping Stones Design-a super cute stamp set that lets you build your perfect cupcake and there are some really great mix and match sentiments too. Also playing along with Embellish's Dry Embossing Color Challenge. All but the card base and sentiment panel are embossed.
I think it looks sweet (pun intended), fun cupcakes. And I should dust off that plate... Remember the person who receives this birthday card will think it's amazing and appreciate the homemade gesture, they're not going to give you any constructive criticism.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Erin - the recipient of this card will be delighted, no matter what you think of it :) I'm not even going to attempt to give constructive criticism - I've been sucking lately too, hah! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is very sweet, love the cupcake!
ReplyDeletesuper cute card...love the background..looks cool..
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful day Karen...sending you smiles..
Beautiful card. The background, sentiment, cupcake ... just perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love this, Karen! Awesome background!
ReplyDeleteIt's a s sweet as you Karen, love the glossy frosting!
ReplyDeleteI think you're your own best/worst critic. I would like constructive feedback too so I'll give you my humble opinion. Let's see: It's different than your normal style, I'm not sure how, but maybe the balance with everything working from the center. The background is great as well as the image and sentiments. Well, I tried. I love your creative style, Karen, and always enjoy coming over to visit!
ReplyDeleteKaren, We are always our own worst critic! You know that I always adore your work and today is no exception! I think it actually has more white than you normally have...or it is maybe missing a touch of patterned paper to tie the pink and gray cardstock together? Does that make sense? Possibly a touch of confetti or patterned paper with pink/white/green. Hope that helps :)
ReplyDeleteso sweet and soft. love the distressing over the dry embossed card base, and pop of red and green.
ReplyDeleteI like the cupcake, though it makes me want to go get one, so now it's a battle of will for me, sigh!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...I am feeling a little like that too with some of my projects lately. Beacause I would appriciate some help I will offer what I might try. matting the center sentiment with the pink and have the cupcake wrapper be in some pattern paper..maybe with green lines or chevron lines...or a pattern paper that has little of all the colors. Hope that helps. Happy Crafting.
ReplyDeleteI am not experienced enough to know what is off about this card, but I think maybe you are right about the balance of colors - maybe leave off the brown tones or change them to a brighter color. Sorry if I upset anyone. But it is a cute sentiment of a card - who doesn't like cupcakes!!!
ReplyDeleteSandi K
I think we put so many expectations on ourselves. I've found that the cards I'm not so fond of are the ones that get the most comments and have won challenges... go figure. I've decided to like what I like & take it from there.
ReplyDeleteps. Someone will be very happy to receive this card, it's so sweet & totally has the perfect sentiment!
I love that texture plate AND the cupcake. I think it's fabulous Karen!
ReplyDeleteIt's true, we are our own worst critics y'know!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've shared a card that you don't feel the love for, not only because you spent that time on it, but it allows you to see a different perspective on it. I really love the background circles, I wouldn't change 'em! Maybe that lower panel with the cake and sentiment is off-centre which clashes slightly with your central sentiment higher up. But still, I think it's a super sweet card! :)
Hugs!
x
I love how you inked the plate, Karen! Much like Erin, I need to use mine again so you are still inspiring even if you don't think this is superb! I didn't think I was at the right blog but there's definitely nothing wrong with the card. It's beautiful and makes me want a cupcake!
ReplyDeleteYummy! I get so bummed when I spend time on a card and then it's just "blah" to me. I always want feedback on my cards and you're always saying sweet things about my card and I appreciate that. So, I'm gonna try, because you asked :) I think it's different from your normal style so that's throwing you off. Then I think because we read left to right, we're used to seeing the graphic (flower, cupcake, etc) on the left and then the sentiment on the right. Does that make sense?? Just my .02 b/c I think everything you make is gorgeous and I learn from you :)
ReplyDeletei think it's sweet and wonderfully balanced. i think the red balanced the weight of the cupcake really well. how about try a yellow card base? or flip the card base horizontal and give the sentiment banner a fish tail, too? those are the things that i'd do first if i don't like a card design. sometimes flipping things around helps. then again, i am no good at this... =) i'll give it a try and see if you like it better. but i think it's fab the way it is! =) hope you have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteSeems I am making more & more of the "not fond of" cards lately. Maybe what bothers you is that it's different from your normal style? I would say try removing the large sentiment panel. I do love the embossed background & the distressing.
ReplyDeleteI know the exact feeling... but I love this card... sweet...! Hugs...xoxo
ReplyDeleteWell, I think it's super sweet...who wouldn't love a cupcake card??!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it is super sweet! Love the embossing.
ReplyDeleteFabulous card!
ReplyDeleteI think it works because the background swirls pick up the swirls in the cupcake. Cute!
ReplyDeleteDon't be too hard on yourself. It really does look very yummy. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Yvonne, I think your card is delicious ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooks perfect to me! I love the layered banners and that sweet cupcake.
ReplyDeleteso pretty! great take on the EM challenge!
ReplyDeleteHmm. I actually like it- but after seeing the one you posted the next day, maybe it's the cupcake all the way to the right border? The other one is moved towards the center more- I feel a bit crazy giving YOU any type of critique!!! lol.
ReplyDeleteHa - as if we could critique you :>) I like the pattern which ties in with the frosting. Maybe it does not need the pink, perhaps a brown there or a pattern.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, I go thru ups and downs. Kinda was on a down lately, but oh well, I still love paper so I will get over it!!!