August 16, 2007

Once Upon A Time . . .

I understand that some folks start out with an idea and end up creating exactly what they had in mind. Not me! I basically have no idea what I'm doing, so by the time I'm done stamping, my stamp room looks like a tornado swept through. This all started last night when I decided to create a bright, clean, Christmas card. I colored Santa and the children brightly with Prismacolor pencils on nice white paper and set it aside fully intending it to be used on some bright, clear Memory Box paper. Today I picked up the colored image and thought -- Cracked Glass. Never did it before. Think I'll try it. Three hours later, this is the result. Left in this 5 x 6.5" card's wake is an amazing assortment of ink pads, oval cutters, embossing powder, sponging, etc. I literally don't remember all the ink colors I used to turn a simple red and pale yellow Memory Box paper into this background. Here's a pic of the original paper next to the final card! I think it is the small red and yellow tiny windowpane paper from the Homespun collection. It's hard to tell with the wavy effect from the camera, but I think you can see what a trip this paper took! Supplies Used: (as best as I can recall) Stampin Up: A Merry Little Christmas; Season's Greetings stamp sets; assorted earth elements and Real Red and Glorious Green ink pads all used to age the papers and rub onto the Cracked Glass image; Kraft, Ivory Naturals and Ruby Red cardstocks; Copper Hodgepodge brad; and the little paper distressor (used around the oval matting). In addition: assorted Prismacolor pencils; Encore Gold ink; Palette Burnt Umber ink; Ranger clear embossing powder; Creative Memories oval cutter; unknown twill ribbon, Xyron (I covered the image with the sticky side and embossed about 8 times, put it in the freezer and craaack!), and the strip of paper underneath the twill is Basic Grey. Whew! ***** so what's the etiquette here? should I make believe that I don't know that the amazing Nichole Heady picked one of my cards for Honorable Mention on the Papertreyink contest and act all humble like it is an ordinary day in the life of an average stamper or should I just admit that I am stunned?

20 comments:

  1. First this card is terrific. Second, congrats on the honor.

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  2. Lovely Christmas card. Can't believe the transformation the background paper took.
    And as far as the honor of having your card selected by Nichole, I think I would be shouting from the roof tops. That is wonderful. I thought your card was so cool. How did you get it all to line up so well? And she even used her card for the inspiration on one of her projects, another compliment. Congrats on the honor and wonderful card.

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  3. I'd have never guessed in a million years that this was your first try at cracked glass. It turned out beautifully, and the transformation of that pp is amazing. I would have ended up hunting in my stash for a different piece. But your perseverance shines through yet again. Brilliant!
    Congrats again on your card being featured on Nicole's blog. It was a stunning piece and I can see why it captured her attention.

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  4. The card is lovely! I'd go with the "stunned" then if you should have gone with the "other" then your covered!I thought I knew that name on her blog! Congrats!Elizabeth

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  5. Beautiful card. Your cracked glass is wonderful as is your entire design. Congrats on being honored on Nichole's site - that is quite an honor.

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  6. This Christmas card is gorgeous -- a work of art! I think you should be proud and even link to Nichole's post! I don't think you should be stunned -- be proud and know that you have talent :)

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  7. Beautiful Christams card! As far as the honorable mention, it's ok to be stunned, and thrilled and proud and any other happy feeling! I'm not sure which would thrill me more, to be picked or to have her say she based one of HER designs off mine! Congratulations! The card is absolutley adorable!

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  8. Congrats and gorgeous card!! Wow two cool things in one post! Your work is awesome, see everyone knows it! have a super day!

    Beth (mommy to a 4-yr old!!)

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  9. wooohoooo!! congrats on being an honorable mention ... she also said that she based her spooky treats tin on your card ... how fun and cool is that ?!

    Great Christams card!!

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  10. Joan- Your work is fabulous and you deserve the recognition that Nichole has given you! congrats!

    Liz

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  11. Love the card... I know what you spent yesterday in the office cleaning up after myself to latter mess it up again... congrats on the honorable mention.

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  12. Congratulations again! Your card is fab, and I'm so happy you were recognized for it!! *wink*

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  13. Oh...and your Santa cracked glass card is gorgeous as well! You sure are turning out some beauties, Joan!

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  14. Your card reminds me of Courier & Ives...very nice job :)

    And congratulations on your Papertrey honor!

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  15. Shout it from the roof tops Joan!! No need to be stunned your card was so cool! Loved that paper you make using the stamps.

    There is NO shame in patting yourself on the back. I do it all the time-LOL!

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  16. Beautiful card Joan! The cracked glass gives it such an "Old World" feel...

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  17. What the heck, take your bows. You've worked hard!!!

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  18. First of all your Christmas card is absolutely gorgeous!As soon as I saw it I said WOW! Right out loud.Which was okay because I am alone. :) Your cracked glass look came out awesome! I have that technique on my list of things to do. I hope I can do half as good a job as you. Joan, congratulations for getting an honorable mention for your card at PaperTrey. I am stunned that you are stunned. Your work does not get the recognition that it should. You are a wonderful designer. I am a huge fan of your designs.

    Mary

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  19. Sweet Sweet Card Joan!!! I can relate to those three hour creations!!!!

    Vicki

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  20. I LOVE this card because it looks MAGICAL!!! It reminds me of the innocence of childhood. Your colors and paper are AWESOME. FABULOUS job, Joan.

    CONGRATULATIONS for your Honorable Mention by Nichole. I think that card is STUNNING. So, enjoy the moment, relish in it and keep you feet firmly planted on the ground. There is nothing like a "mom, I need clean underware" statement to slap you back to reality, LOL. TFS.

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