July 22, 2007

Strokes of Luck

The buzz on the alcohol based markers is that they don't leave "lines" or stroke marks. So, I decided to play up that "feature" of the water based markers and created this vibrant orange background with my good old Stampin Up markers (the ones that I thought were expensive until I saw the prices of the Copic, etc!!). I had sooo much fun making this card that the result almost doesn't matter. How I made this card: I stamped each petal of the Loves Me small Technique Tuesday set in Memories Black ink onto shimmery white paper. Since the petals are clear, placement was a snap. I let it set for a good hour or so so the black wouldn't smudge. Oh, I did lots and lots to these petals! Practically wore out the paper trying to get what I wanted -- watercolor crayons, markers, blender pen. When all was said and done, I ended up using SU shades of blue -- ballet, bashful and brilliant crayons and markers. Made a bit of a mess, but salvageable. It looks better IRL than in this pic, honest! The background started out as just some Apricot watercolor crayon around each flower. Then summer sun marker and then, bam, I just went for it with an only orange marker. Too much fun. I really liked the stroked pattern -- reminds me of sun rays. I cut out part of the background around some of the petals just to make it more interesting. I fooled around with the center of the flower, trying out all manner of embellishments. My son told me to ixnay the ribbon and button I had spent a half hour working on, and I decided he was right and used a huge brad from Making Memories. I stamped Best of Luck from the Papertreyink line on a punched out piece of blue cardstock, but really, the flower just needed to BE center stage, so I dumped that and went with the Best of Luck directly on the paper, hoping it would be straight and clear. Success. Whew. After spending a lot of time on a card, you just hate to ruin it in the last seconds, KWIM? Isn't stamping fun????

16 comments:

  1. I really like the "stroked" look! Very well done! (Still doesn't make me want the copics any less though, dag nab it! :) )
    ~Kendra

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  2. I have to say that the background, using the SU markers, is quite wonderful. I like it! It is vibrant and eye-catching! What more could you ask? Nice card.

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  3. Wow!!!! I love what you did with the background of your card. The stokes in orange are gorgeous!You are so darn creative and so very talented Joan. The flower placed in the left habd corner is wonderful. You have an excellent eye for design.

    Mary

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  4. Your card is so pretty!!! I had to chuckle at your comment about the markers....I agree! ;)

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  5. This is feeling really groovy! Way to play up the "faults" and turn them into a highlighted feature.

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  6. Lovely Card! and wonderful coloring!

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  7. i loved the effect of the strokes on the card.

    i've been a regular reader, and I think you rock. So i'm nominating you for the ROCKING GIRL BLOGGER. You truly inspire me.
    Cheers.

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  8. It is gorgeous Joan!!

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  9. Love the strokes of color, too. I learned that it makes an interesting layout if you let some of the flower petals run off the card. I must keep that in mind while playing with SU Pick a Petal set I just got.

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  10. That is too cool. Nice job!

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  11. Beautiful card (my son would love this; his favorite color is orange!) What I like best about it is that fact that you had so much fun doing it. A great reminder that it is the process sometimes, not the product that is important. Through process we really connect to the end result, whatever that may be. Also, it is nice to see a stamp set out there that does about what the Pick A Petal set does. I'll have to check this set out and see if it is less expensive. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. This is gorgeous! I love the look of the background.

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  13. Very Cool Card..................Smooth Looking!!!

    I have tagged you with the "Rockin' Girl Blogger award" Visit my Blog, Save a copy of the icon and you can insert it into your sidebar! You ROCK Joan!!!!

    Vicki

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  14. I think it looks cool. And I like the texture the marker adds.

    BTW - thanks so much for the kind comment on my blog. I've had yours in my Google reader for a while!

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  15. Oh Joan, this is amazing! I love the stripes in the coloring. I love the colors. I love the bold design. Wow! I just love it all.

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  16. Wow! Everything about this is fantastic--the cut out corner and the other corner with the bit of flower peeking--the vivid strokes in all those orange and sunshine shades--the brad, the petals and the perfectly placed sentiment. Yes! Stamping is definitely FUN!

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