Monday, March 15, 2010

Whittling Away


There are so many great card designers out there that I admire from afar for their use of patterned paper-two or three different patterns or the ability to stamp on patterned paper and make it look like it was meant to be! I've been scared, so scared of patterned paper. But, I wanted to conquer my fear and I'm slowly whittling away at it. I started with the inspiration photo from Caardvarks, Sarah Martina's bonus sketch at 2S4Y, chose a few muted patterns from a single paper pack, and softened everything up. I also wanted to try my hand at a real twig on my card, as one of their crew members, Lucy, had done as well, and the twig was the first thing I noticed in the picture. I really like how the greens of the paper complement the red-ish/brown-ish of the twig and the ink. I really like how the blue patterned paper represents the sky and the green the earth. (And I really like how I actually did whittle away at the backside of the twig to have it lay flat on my card!)

I've had so many uplifting comments (thank you!) that made me open my eyes and understand that it is just fine to like my own cards because that is what can make you enjoy creating again. I've also learned that it is just fine and fun to participate (and not win) in challenges if they get you to create, assist you in creating something you like and challenges do something you normally would not have done. This my friends, is how I'm learning.

Supplies Used: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Sweet Pea DSP SU, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Creamy Brown, Inkadinkadoo Happy Days Clear Stamp Set, SU Chit Chat Rubons in Chocolate Chip, Fiskars Corner Rounder Punch, CM Circle Punch, Twig


14 comments:

  1. This is such a beautiful card! Love the twig! :)

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  2. oooohhhhh....I love it!!! woot woot for the patterned paper!! LOL That twig is such a nice earthy touch...great job!

    Don't you love how the blogging community is so supportive? I love your style Karen...keep up the gorgeous work but always remember to enjoy the ride:)

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  3. So pretty! You did FANTASTIC with the patterned papers!
    I'm also blessed with many fantastic comments, followers, and blogging friends. :)

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  4. You did a great job with the patterned papers--not that I'm surprised! Your cards are always fab!!

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  5. Beautiful layering and distressing. The twig has certainly added the rustic touch and the "back to nature" feel! I love it! I, too, feel like that my creations are "not going anywhere"...but we have to remember, it's the "process" that makes this journey beautiful and worthwhile. Enjoy the ride, Karen :)

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  6. That twig is awesome! I love it and seriously you should not be scared you could do amazing things with patterned paper!

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  7. KAREN... I LOVE THIS!! So pretty... great card girl... i would love my cards too if i were you! :)

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  8. love the twig in this and how part of your card is hanging off the edge. fabulous card! so inspiring!!

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  9. Wonderful card!! I love the use of the twig and your colors are fabulous. Thanks for joining us at Caardvarks!!

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  10. very beautiful - you have done a fabulous job with the patterned paper - I think the next and the next will be knock-outs too :)

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  11. This is such a gorgeous card!!! Love everything about it! Thanks for joining us at Caardvarks!

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  12. Fabulous! Way to go on the twig and patterned paper, and you know I can relate to your feelings! Your stuff is amazing, keep creating.

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