More Playing with One Layer Cards

I have three cards for you today since they are all variations on the same theme.

Oh how I love "Summer Silhouettes".  Adore it.  Can't get enough of it.  At all.

This card started as a scrap where I was stamping for the fun of it.  Before I knew it, I liked what I saw and kept going, adding some reds and oranges and putting in the green leaves last of all.

I changed the sentiment here, but kept the idea behind the card the same.  I also substituted Daffodil Delight for the Summer Sun.  I prefer the brightness and intensity of Summer Sun and wish SU! hadn't retired it's "true" yellows...

And, here, I wanted to play with roses and raspberries. :o)

One layer cards can be very challenging, yet I've had a blast making them lately.

--Rach

These Cards Use:

*Stamp Sets: "Signature Greetings" (PTI), "Summer Silhouettes"
*Paper: PTI's white
*Inks: Gumball Green, Rose Red, Raspberry Ripple, Rich Razzleberry, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Summer Sun (retired), Pumpkin Pie

More Summer Silhouettes

So, my obsession with this stamp set continues.  I just ADORE it and find it incredibly versatile.  I may have said that already...

Anyhow, I was giving some thought to Lissie's post yesterday and thinking about how far I've come as a stamper and card maker.  Sure, my style has evolved and become more "sophisticated" (for lack of a better word), but I'm not embarrassed by my earlier attempts. I think there's always something to be learned from cards we've made--whether it is how that particular technique didn't work or, wow, "I LOVE that card and want to make more of it, I'll just change this one thing". 

You aren't born knowing how to walk and talk and feed yourself--it takes practice, lots of it.  I think card making is like that.  The more you do it, the better you are and the better you feel about what you have created. 

I'll often start with an idea and create something I think is merely "okay".  I'll then look at it and stew over it (and ask my extra set of eyeballs known as "Brien" what he thinks) and make improvements.  I refer to those as "mock-ups" or "rough draft".  I've ruined many a sheet of card stock in my attempts to get something just right. 

Other times, I'll love what I've created and just make a tweak here or there to see how I feel about those changes.  This card (and the next) are perfect examples of that. 

I created this card first.  Of late, I've really enjoyed creating white-on-white cards.  I stamped the flowers first, masked them, and stamped the leaves. 

An aside here: When trying to determine color combinations, I'll use my markers to draw lines on a piece of scrap card stock to decide which I like best.  In this case, I had about four different color combos going on, and finally settled on Strawberry Slush, Raspberry Ripple and Gumball Green.  They were rich and delicious and definitely what I was going for. 

But, back to that card.  I thought it was lovely, but could maybe use just a little something more.  I decided to add the same Raspberry Ripple base that I had to the sentiment and a few more leaves to the center.  It really did finish it off.

Here they are side by side.  Both cards are just lovely, but the one on left is (to my mind), just that much more. 

(Oh, and under that sentiment layer?  A great big ol' mess that is well hidden. ;oP)

See, there's always something new to learn, and always improvements to be made.  No need to be embarrassed, you're just showing growth and development.  :o)

--Rach

This card uses:

*Stamp Sets: "Signature Greetings" (PTI), "Summer Silhouettes"
*Inks: Gumball Green, Strawberry Slush, Raspberry Ripple
*Papers: PTI's white card stock, Raspberry Ripple

One Layer Summer Silhouettes for PP159

I'm still working on cards for that OWH card drive, and still having a blast.  I have discovered something about myself, I become obsessed with stamp sets and colors and will use them and use them and use them.  Often, I'll finally get enough and move on. 

However, I can't say that for this stamp set.  I cannot stop using it!  I'll put it away.  I'll stash it at the bottom of a pile.  It's out of sight.  And yet, it's NOT out of mind, and before I know it, I have yet another idea I just have to try!

This was especially true when I saw the Paper Players challenge this week.  I had already created a number of fairly simple yet (in my opinion) elegant cards using it, and knew it was my go-to set. 

I used my "D" acrylic block to create a focal point/grounding point for the leaves by inking in Soft Sky, stamping off, and then stamping it on the base.  I then inked up the leaves from "Summer Silhouettes" in Gumball Green (which, I have to say has really grown on me this past week--I really wasn't a fan at first) and stamped them. 

Using my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, I added the little flowers in Cherry Cobbler.  I have a photo I took of a trillium that was that luscious deep red against the green leaves and knew I wanted to go with that color combo here. 

I wanted to give a sense of movement, so I had a couple of the flowers "falling" below the focal square, stamping them in a triangle, with the bottom one falling "off" the page. 

I then inked the sentiment from "Signature Greetings" (PTI), stamped it, and sat back to see what else the card needed.

It looked almost finished to me.  I mentioned my obsessive behavior, right?  My other recent obsession is pearls.  I just had to use those teeny little pearls in the flower centers.

I added this one so you could see the focal blue square just a bit better.  This card is just lovely in person.

Now it was finished. ;oP

--Rach

This card uses:

*Stamp Sets: "Summer Silhouettes", "Signature Greetings" (PTI)
*Paper: PTI's white card stock
*Inks: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler
*Accessories: pearls

Long Time No Post...

Hello, poor neglected blog!  How have you been?  Lonely?  Yes, yes, I can see that.  The stamps, ink pads and all the accessories have been rather lonely as well. 

I could hear you all calling out to me, yet I ignored you, my mojo gone.  Gone, I tell you.  And, there were other crafty things that needed to be done.  No, I know that's no excuse, but I had to sleep, didn't I?  No?  Well, now I think you're just being unreasonable...  I'm sorry.  It's the best I've got, and the truth.  I'm truly sorry, and I promise to try and do better in the future.  With Christmas coming, you know I'm back for a while. :o)

I have been longing for the "A Wreath for All Seasons" by PTI for quite some time now.  I had to place an order with them for some heavy white card stock, and I'll be darned if this set didn't just jump in my cart.  No, really, it did!

And, how happy am I it chose to do so? Look at that lovely CAS card up there.  Ahhhh. (This is a card heavy post as I'm loading them all for Lissie to see.)
 

I played around quite a bit with the set, trying out different ideas.  I decided no rounded corners, and yes, I was going to add the baker's twine to the wreath.

One layer and simple.

My Thanksgiving cards.  I inked the stamp with Pumpkin Pie and then rocked and rolled it in Cherry Cobbler.  Oh how I love love love the depth and richness of Cherry Cobbler. :o)

And, Jaydee is doing a card drive for Enchanted Makeovers, and I needed to kick it into high gear to get at least a few cards to her.

Here I pulled out one of the first sets I ever purchased, "Pick a Petal" and went with one of my go to color combos--yellow (Daffodil Delight) and black.

To add some interest, I used some of my newly purchased Twinkling H2O's.  I have this thing about bling and sparkles, what can I say?

Another card using "Pick a Petal".

Simple, elegant, and effective, this card uses Baja Breeze and is just like so many others I've created.  It's a fall to for me when I need a lovely card.

And, I pulled out "Darling Dots" once again to make the next two cards.  I'm planning on making cards using each of the stamps in that set if I can.

I added bling to each of the cards for a bit of added sparkle and shine. :o)

Oh, it's been so fun to get back in and play around.  I'm anxious to get in again this evening.  I made twelve cards last night, let's see how many I can make tonight! :o)

--Rach

Pink Pink Pink

I needed a fun card to send to Grandma, and a 1st birthday card for my niece.  Grandma's favorite color is pink, and I thought the Melon Mambo/Pink Pirouette combo could work nicely for both cards. :o)

This card is another go to layout for me.  I love CAS cards and this one fits the bill.  I used "Darling Dots" and "Signature  Greetings" on this one.  I also made sure to draw a line and use my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to line up the flowers.

I'll send this along with a sweet spring wreath I made for her. :o)

And, here's Ever's birthday card. :o)  Using the same layout and idea, I used the flower stamp from "Season of Friendship" and the sentiment from "So Happy For You". I tried to use a "rock and roll" technique on the sentiment and it sort of worked.  Oh well.  It's the thought that counts, right?

I used some Dazzling Details to add some sparkle to the centers of the flowers and the butterfly's wings. 

It's been so wonderful to spread my creative wings once again.  When my mojo has flown the coop, I have a terrible time getting going again, but once I do, things start to flow. :o)

--Rach

Daffodil Delight Makes me Smile

We recently had new carpet installed, and when we did, we moved my studio.  Everything was waiting in boxes and bags in the garage--for what felt like forever!  I had ideas--tons and tons of ideas--but no way to create them.

After a trip to IKEA, my new space was up and running (you can read about it here).  Best of all, I can make cards again!!  HOORAY!!

Last night I was just dipping my toes back in the card making pool.  You know I LOVE using yellow and black together.  :o) I wanted to make a sunny card, and I do believe this fits the bill. I know just the person I'm sending it to--they truly do make me smile. :o)

This card uses:

Stamp Sets: "Darling Dots", PTI's "Signature Greetings"
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Staz-On Black
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds

Oh the joy of stamping once more!
--Rach

Something Sunshine-y

This wonderful, sunny creation was inspired by the fabulous Jaydee.  A while back, she posted this card and I fell in love.  Daffodil Delight paired with Basic Black?  "Medallion" stamp? Sunshine?  Yup, all three things I adore and I was ready to CASE it the moment I saw it.

Alas, I had to get through the piles of Christmas cards and tags that needed making.  Finally, I was finished with all that, and then I couldn't find the time to get in the studio.  Crud. 

Then, Jaydee posted THIS on her blog, and I knew I had to make the time to get in and make the card--not so much for a chance to win the blog candy, but because the cards are going to such a worthy cause. 

Besides, it was a CASE challenge, and goodness knows I've had this card just sitting in the back of my brain for goodness knows how long (since December 8, maybe??) and I was ready to do it.

I sincerely wish I had the "Wishing You a Day Bright With Sunshine" sentiment, and will now be searching for it.  I did the best I could with the sentiments I had available.  (As an aside, anyone else out there think they have plenty of sentiments and then see one they just have to have?) I'm pleased as punch with the results. :o)

I used the Eyelet Border Punch on the inside to mirror the lacy look of the Medallion stamp.

This card uses:
Stamp Sets: "Medallion", PTI's "Signature Greetings"
Papers: Basic Black, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, "Sunny Garden" DSP
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Staz-On Black
Accessories: rhinestones

--Rach

Sparkly Hannah Day 2010 Cards

I have been trying and trying to get some studio time.  This is always my crazy, busy time of year.  We are out of town every other weekend for football games, we are traveling to see family, we are just busy. 

I know, I know excuses excuses...

At any rate, I made it a point to get in the studio last night as I had a mission.  Today is Sparkly Hannah Day 2010 and I wanted to give out anonymous cards with a couple of dollars in them.  The plan is to leave these cards on random cars in parking lots. Inside the card reads, "We know this isn't much, but we hope you will use it to buy yourself a little treat".  Besides that, the card is simply adorable. :o) Who wouldn't smile after receiving one of these cards?

This card uses:
Stamp Set: Darling Dots, PTI Signature Greetings
Paper: Whisper White
Inks: Melon Mambo, Only Orange (retired)

I made ten of them last night.  You MUST use a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to get the images lined up!  I also drew a light pencil line across the card to give the flowers a baseline. 

As for the poor image quality, well, my sweet Lil dropped my camera and my flash broke.  Boo hoo hoo!  I hope to have it repaired soon!

Happy Sparkly Hannah Day!  Go forth and perform a RAK!

Lissie's Birthday Card

Due to a slightly unhappy baby last night, I was unable to make a card. Oh, I got a start here and a cut there, but Ellie was having none of it. So, I thought I would post the card I made for Lissie's birthday back in June.

It's a simple little card, but it makes me very happy. :o) It could be the ROY G BIVed flowers, it could be the Daffodil Delight card base. It could be the combination of everything. Who knows. What I do know is this was a simple little card to put together and it was fun to make. :o)

This card uses:

Stamp Set: PTI's "Signature Greetings"
Ink: Pacific Point
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Elegant Eggplant, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Trio Flower Punch (retired), Crystal Effects

Like I said, simple, but fun! :o)

--Rach

So Sweet!

So, did I mention I played around with "Darling Dots" quite a bit this weekend?? :oP Once I finished the ladybug card, I saw the cupcakes and thought they could be something very cute. I had been wanting to play with Blushing Bride and thought it would look amazing with Early Espresso (thanks, Liss!). Unfortunately, I keep ordering Basic Black satin ribbon, and NOT Early Espresso, so I dropped back and went with Chocolate Chip instead. Then, when I found this sentiment, I knew it was a perfect compliment to the cupcakes. :o)

In case you can't tell, I really like the clean and simple style. :o) I decided to make these cards simply for fun, and then I found another challenge for which they would be PERFECT. Stampin' Royalty's challenge this week is KISS or Keep it Simple, Sweetie. For me, these fit the bill! :o)

Isn't it funny how piercing the paper made the card just that much more sophisticated? Same card, just pierced.

This one was simply the Stamping 411 sketch--what started me down this road with "Darling Dots" in the first place.

Finally, I couldn't decide if I wanted to do a Chocolate Chip card base or Blushing Bride. So, I did both. ;o)

These cards use (all SU! unless otherwise noted):
Stamp Sets: "Darling Dots", PTI's Signature Greetings, Warm Words
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride, Real Red, Certainly Celery
Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip satin ribbon, piercing kit

Same cupcakes, same layout, four different cards. Pretty nifty! :o)

--Rach

Ladybug Happiness

First, let me say I'm sorry for the photo quality. We've had a number of cloudy days and I just can't get the light right in the studio to get any truly decent photos. Anyhow, in my quest to try a few more challenges, I came across Stamping 411. They had a sketch challenge as well as a color inspiration challenge. I took on the sketch challenge first.

I was trying to decide which stamp set to use when I spied "Darling Dots" lying out on my workspace. I had just finished the purple card and was pretty pleased with the results and decided to give another stamp from the set a go.

I have to say, I had NO idea this little hostess set was so versatile! I'm beyond pleased I got it.

This card uses (all SU! unless otherwise noted):
Stamp Sets: "Darling Dots", "Warm Words"
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black
Accessories: 5/8" black satin ribbon

And, because I can't help but play around with my ideas, I made this card as well--kind of a take on the purple card:

Additional stamp set: PTI's "Signature Greetings"

And, I have to say, those ladybugs do indeed make me smile. :o)

--Rach

Playing with Purple

Having gotten my feet wet in the "challenge" sites pool, so to speak, I've decided to branch out a bit. I wandered over to the Pals Paper Arts site and found this week's challenge intriguing. The challenge was to make a monochromatic card using purple. Now then, purple isn't one of my most favorite colors, but I figured I could give it a go. It should be noted, I had NEVER made a card using Elegant Eggplant prior to this one and was lamenting the retirement of Pale Plum. I have to say, I'm pleased with the results.

I drew a light line across the card face to create a bottom for the flowers, and using the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, got the flowers aligned. It came together in no time.

This card uses (unless otherwise noted):
Stamp Sets: "Darling Dots", PTI "Signature Greetings"
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Inks: Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum

And, because I wanted to get out my retired Pale Plum, card number two:

Paper and inks: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum

It's funny, there is more contrast with this card, but it looks washed out compared to the first one. It's easy to see the Color Renovation created more intense, bolder color families. :o)

Anyhow, I do like both cards, in spite of the purple. ;oP

--Rach

Inspired by Polish Pottery

Lesley over at Always Playing with Paper posted this as inspiration for this week's challenge. Well, I happen to love Polish pottery, and I was truly inspired by the geometric symmetry of that piece in the bottom photo and I was determined to try to capture that feeling with my card. Of course, there was no red in that bottom photo, but well, I have just fallen in LOVE with Poppy Parade, and well, there was some red in that top photo, so...:oP


And, the inside. :o)

This card uses (all SU! unless otherwise noted):
Inks: Brilliant Blue, Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, White Craft
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Stamp Sets: "Baroque Motifs", PTI's "Signature Greetings"
Accessories: Daffodil Delight 5/8" grosgrain and 1/8" taffeta

A Note: Using my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I stamped the flowers on the blue using the white craft ink, let them dry, and then restamped in order to get a more defined, darker image. Then, I went in with the Daffodil Delight marker and hit the centers of the flowers.

AND, as an added bonus, card number two for the day:
Did I mention I'm now in LOVE with Poppy Parade? Well, I couldn't help it and needed to make a copy of the card in it as well. I was not certain which one I would like more. I think the blue one more closely meets the inspiration piece, but I sure do love that Poppy one. :o)


Happy Stampin'!

--Rach