March 1, 2007

Patterned Paper Rocks!

I set out to make an anniversary card for my sweet in-laws and stamped images from the Stampin Up Fourishes set on the upper part of this card. I stink at trying to take individual stamps and make a background -- in fact, I've asked Splitcoast to do a tutorial on that issue. My backgrounds come out all weird and uneven and most unpleasing to the eye. Patterned paper to the rescue! My instinct would normally be to put the patterned paper on the bottom of this card, but I had to cover up my mistake. I already had stamped and embossed the focal image and if you are super sneaky, you'll notice that the patterned paper is not centered on the card, but this was the only scrap I had left of this gorgeous Basic Grey Blush paper. I think the stripes on either side of the center pink vertical design kind of hides the fact that this paper isn't centered properly. Either that, or just think that I'm avante garde and wanted it this way!! How I made this card: First, I seriously relaxed. I tried really really hard not to think about any other stampers or this blog and just took a deep breath and entered a zone where the only person I tried to please was ME (and possibly my in laws!!). Then, I found some business size envelopes in really nice paper from Crane's stationers in my stash of envelopes. I have NO idea where these came from!! However, they are lovely and inspired me to make a 4" x 9" card. Love this size!! Inked the large flourish from SU's Flourises in Close to Cocoa and then rocked the edges in Chocolate Chip (both by SU) ink and stamped on SU's Blush Blossom cardstock. Then I used the Flourishes Brassy Template from SU and dry embossed the image, mounted it on Chocolate Chip cardstock and inserted some SU Vintage brads. Adhered Basic Grey paper from the Blush collection to the top to cover up the mess I had made trying to make my own background, and then adhered a horizontal strip from the same sheet of paper to act as a bit of a faux ribbon. I adhered the focal image (no dimensionals -- this is going in the mail and I'm trying to avoid hassles with the post office). Stamped a couple of bigger flourishes in Versamark on the bottom of the card and then another smaller one (all from the same set) in Chocolate Chip on the edges. Stamped "Congratulations" (from Warmest Regards) in CC ink. The bottom of the card still looked too spare, so I remembered my cool new clear Paper Tray stamps from Paper Trey. I used CC Craft ink (pigment ink) and stamped two tiny little dots on each side of Congratulations. I loved not having to use a Stamp ma Jig to get these dots exactly where I wanted them. Note: I have so much more to share -- gifts dropping from the sky (ok, my mail box); other cards, etc. Sadly, my job expects me to show up on time! Gotta go.

13 comments:

  1. It's absolutely beautiful and it's all you! (which was your goal for this card!) I love the size and the uniqueness of it, if that is a word!

    Work just gets in he way, doesn't it!

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  2. Lovely card!! I just wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed your blog this past week, too. It really is all about enjoying our hobby!

    BTW, when using individual stamps to make a background, here are a few tips I've picked up: first, start with the largest image, and then fill in from there. Secondly, stamp in a "triangle" so that there's a sense of movement. And lastly, plan for some of those triangles to end off the page (sometimes just show a tiny snippet of the image along the edge). HTH!

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  3. I really do like that the patterned paper is not centered on the background. Sometimes a card can come out TOO even and centered, this one is perfect!

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  4. This is a wonderful card, I love everything about it. Continue ENJOYING yourself.
    Many years ago I read a book called "what to Say When You Talk to Yourself", I can't remember who the author was, it was VERY,VERY helpful. As usual, I loaned it to someone and never got it back.

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  5. Thanks for sharing that elegant card. As one poster said, not centering can be the rule of thirds, as in photography. Adds interest and keeps movement. I too sometimes get the single background thing right, and then well there are the other times:)

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  6. This is super...oh, I long for some of that Blush PP!

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  7. Beautiful, Joan! Blush is some of my absolute favorite paper, and LilyKate is nice too. . . :-)

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  8. love the card. I love that Blush paper too!
    to add to Trish D.'s instructions, I do all those things she said and I start in the center and work my way out. That works for me.

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  9. Love this layout! Really need to do more tall cards. I will CASE this for future man-style birthday cards.

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  10. lol! you're not the only one that can't stamp a background....i think there must be a gene for that, and that i'm missing it.

    also wanted to just say, cuz not sure if i had in the past, how much i enjoy your blog.....i get the feeling that you write just how you are...no fear (yes i read the entry about "keeping up"), this is who i am, take it or leave it.

    i like you.

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  11. Love this card. I have been wanting to experiment with making cards to fit the long envelopes also. I DO love patterned paper. Who cares if you didn't make the background!!!! Just think of it this way, you are helping out the people in the paper business. They need our money, too!!!! I am sure you in-laws will love it.

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  12. Joan thanks for enlighting us on your Neurosis tidbit. We always wanting more out of life...you simply have to slow down, have fun, and ENJOY it! I know this is easier said than done, but we will always be looking for acceptance in everything we do. I love the card as well! I don't have that paper, but I just might have to get some now...lol
    Dawn C.
    SCS:marinelvr

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  13. Joan,
    I CASEd this card! I hope you will check out my blog and tell me what you think! I hope you liked the CASE..

    www.lkryb.blogspot.com

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