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Friday, April 20, 2012

Watercoloring for APP91

In keeping with my New Year's goals and in need of stress relief I turned to the Paper Players challenge this week which was to create a CAS card using watercoloring.  I find coloring--watercoloring in particular--so soothing.  It's a go-to activity for me when I'm in need of calming and peace.  In fact, when I was teaching, if the class was particularly unruly, I would quickly come up with some activity that required coloring (I would join in!) and before I knew it, we were all calm once more.

It's been a hectic couple of weeks around here and this challenge was just what I needed. 

I hate that that old adage about death coming in threes seems to be true because I found I was once more in need of a sympathy card.  I pulled out my "Easter Blossoms" stamp set, inked up using brown Staz-On and went to work.  I used Rich Razzleberry on the buds and blooms as it reminded me of the gorgeous red bud tree in my front yard.

Although you can't see it in the photo, the vanilla base is stamped with the same branch using VersaMark.  I wanted to include a sentiment (I don't always) but wanted the branch to stand out so I stamped the message on vellum.

And, because I was still in need of a bit of calm, AND I needed a birthday card for Miss Beanie who turned two yesterday, I made a second card (so I once more have two submissions for the challenge--I can't seem to stop at only one these days...):
I love the "Greeting Card Kids"--I find them utterly adorable!--and knew this little sweetie would make a perfect card for my little sweetie. :o)  I had a blast coloring her as Lissie and I watched "Pride and Prejudice" (the good version with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy :dreamy sigh:).  Talk about soothing--watercoloring and Mr. Darcy?  I was in heaven. ;o)

I cut the little darlin' out using my oval Nesties, added a very sweet sentiment from "Curly Cute" and I was finished.

I'm grateful to the Paper Players for this week's challenge--it helped me find my calm center once more.  Thanks, ladies! :o)

9 comments:

Nance Leedy said...

And I am calm just looking at these sweet watercolored beauties! Lovely job on both Rach. I really love the cherry blossoms on the first one so perfect for a sympathy card. So sorry that you were in need of one. Thank you for the sweet comment you left for my bonsai tree--you made me day! So glad you enjoyed the challenge and could join us at The Paper Players! :-)

jaydee said...

Rach, so sorry you needed another sympathy card. However, it is a beautiful, serene and soothing card. I do love your use of this set with the technique. It really works well.
As for Beanie's card. It made me smile. A beautiful card for a beautiful little girl.
So glad you joined us again this week - and that you found a little calm in the midst of your stormy two weeks
Hugs
Jaydee

Anne Marie Hile said...

Rach, both of your cards are beautiful. I enlarged the first card to see the image stamped in Versamark on the background of the first. I bet it looks even more beautiful in person. Your little Greeting Card cutie looks adorable, as ever with your wonderful shading, too. Hope things clm down for you soon. So glad you joined us this week at the Paper Players! :)

Marie said...

Lovely coloring!

Dianne said...

Rachael - Sorry this has nothing to do with this MSD post...but, have I have been an avid reader of your other blog for years (found it through your cousin Woli when I was a SU demonstrator). When I tried to get my daily dose tonight, I notice it is no longer available. Please tell me you haven't shut it down! Your stories, recipes, and organization are such an inspiration to me (even if I never commented very much - sorry!).

I hope everything is okay!

A fan from Knoxville...
Dianne Caldwell

Christina said...

Hi rachael,
I am on here for the same reason Dianne is here. I look forward to inspiration, good old fashioned chuckles, and a dose of wake me up and shake it off stories from you. I will understand if you have decided to keep everything more private, just know that you will be mlssed.
One of your fellow Hokie fans,
Christina in No VA

Rach said...

Christina,

I have no problem sending you an invite, but I'll need an email addy.

I had to go private for a short while which I spoke about on the blog. I will be public again when all the hub bub dies down.

My email is rachael(dot)davis(at)cox(dot)net

Send me an email and I'll get you an invite. :o)

eventcakes said...

Hi Rachel,

I hadn't checked in on your blog in a week or 2. When I tried to log in today it said that I had to be invited. Please invite me, I have been ready your blog since right after you lost Hannah and I find you an inspiration. I have mainly been a reader but occasionaly been a commenter. I also sent you an ornament for your Hannah tree. I don't want you to think I'm a stalker or something.

Thanks,
Dawn

Rach said...

Dawn, go ahead and email me at the address above in the comments. I'm more than happy to invite you! :o)