Saturday, November 19, 2011

Shimmer


Are you with me when I say that sometimes when you are feeling blue it is nice to receive an encouraging email? Especially in this crafting/blogging community from a nice, talented and successful designer? Virginia is celebrating a big milestone birthday soon and I just wanted to wish her a very Happy Birthday because she is a sweetheart and totally deserves a great day! I remember that email from her. In fact, I still have it. If you ever need a laugh or some great eye candy, stop by her blog, Yes, Virginia.


The inspiration for my card came from a photograph posted by another talented crafter and blogger, Barb from Kinsale Creations for a little challenge she is having. I was drawn to the colors, the damask and the overall sophistication and elegance of the place setting.


I chose to go with a damask embossed background panel for The Pink Elephant Challenge, but then decided that I needed to ramp up the embossing a little so I created my own shimmery paper. I love how it turned out!





And, one other thing...May Arts has teamed up with Echo Park Paper this past week and I've got my take (and tutorial) on how to transform a common household item into a cool holiday display. I'd love for you to stop by, there are great prizes up for grabs too!


37 comments:

  1. Virginia really does inspire so many of us, not only with her creativity, but also with the way she makes us all feel special. Love this card for her, Karen! Beautiful shimmer! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I do agree, Virginia is a wonderful person and friend! This card is perfectly shimmery for her :) wtg!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Karen, your card is just perfect for Virginia's birthday celebration and Barb's photo inspiration...I love all the textures you've put into it :)
    Virginia is certainly a friendly and enthusiastic crafter!

    Please excuse my rudeness for not thanking you for your hints and tips on adhesives to use in die-cutting machines....I have a lot of ideas to try now, Thank you :)
    Jenny x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous card Karen. Virginia really inspires so many of us and is such a sweet person too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Virginia is sure to love this pretty shimmery card! You've done a marvleous job (as always!!!).

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my, Karen! This card is SO sophisticated and beautiful! I love love your take on the inspiration photo and I love it even more that you made this for my virtual birthday party! Thank you for the kind words....I am always in awe of your work and blog posts. It's such a blessing to know you and call you my friend! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is totally gorgeous Karen! Love the shimmer, so fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is beautiful Karen... the shimmer on the embossed card is gorgeous :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. A beautiful card for a beautiful person! I love the shimmery embossing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. wow this is so beautiful...love the embossed background...

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is gorgeous Karen!!! So elegant!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL !!! I love it Karen... i'm just speechless! hugs..xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing card, Karen!! So elegant!
    Loved your holiday display too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Karen, this is an AMAZINGLY elegant card! What a perfect interpretation of the inspiration photo. The shimmer really adds such sophistication!!! GORGEOUS! I'm positive Virginia will love it!
    And I COMPLETELY know what you mean about emails lifting you up - I've had a few of those days where you just feel "beat down". But a lovely comment or email read at the end of the day had really turned the day around :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is just gorgeous.. Love the embossing and shimmer.. beautiful combo with green, and pearl accent.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Karen, the shimmery embossing is so elegant and gorgeous! I love it! I'm off to check out your tutorial now :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. So beautiful Karen, the shimmery cardstock is gorgeous, and looks fab embossed with this beautiful design.

    ReplyDelete
  18. The font on this sentiment is beautiful and you did a great job with the shimmer background.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love the shimmery look to this card and the ribbon is fabulous... woo hoo for Ms. Virginia's up and coming milestone.

    ReplyDelete
  20. gorgeous shimmery card. So elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Classy and elegant. Love the touch of shimmer! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Doh! ~amy~ stole my comment! LOL! It is super yummy shimmer and I love the twine with the ribbon.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is so beautiful! I love the shimmer!

    ReplyDelete
  24. love the shine, karen:) your wreath and tag--way cute ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oooh shimmer! Oooh embossed! Oooh green! Oooh I LOVE!
    Hugs,
    Aimes
    x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Karen, your handmade shimmer paper is TOTALLY FABULOUS!!!! And that pearl in the center of the twine bow is the PERFECT detail! GORGEOUS card!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a gorgeous card! I LOVE all that shimmer--and Virginia is the sweetest! I LOVE LOE LOVE her:) And I LOVE LOVE LOVE your card for her:) Great combo!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love the shimmery paper and your color combo, Karen! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  29. this is so pretty and elegant, Karen! Virginia will love this!

    ReplyDelete
  30. so very sophisticated! that shimmer is amazing! and your tutorial at MA is genius!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. So elegant - so creative - your paper is wonderfully shimmery!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I hear ya on needing that encouraging email! It helps a lot for sure!

    So elegant! I love the beautiful shimmer! Virginia will just be giddy with this!

    ReplyDelete