Sunday 20 October 2013

House of Cards

Hi everyone! Today over at Fashionable Stamping Challenges the challenge is -

'Make a Card'

....I used to make a lot of cards years ago, but since discovering inks, stains, diecuts, sprays and all the rest I haven't ventured into any card making. Suddenly making a card seemed really difficult! Of course this was silly, making a card should be as simple as making tag, but my brain just seemed to falter at the word 'Card'.

   I eventually found some inspiration while staring at the walls in my art cupboard.....



     A few months ago I had had a playtime - not making anything particular, just messing around. I grabbed a kraft tag and without really thinking what it could become, I dry brushed some sky blue Fresco paint over it. I liked the effect because it is hard to see if it was brown paint brushed over blue or vice versa....I then stamped my favourite wishes stamp in Black Archival ink over it...drew some faux stitching around the edge and blended some Black Soot DI around the edge of the tag to add a shabby look...



    And there my inspiration ended...I tried to make a tag for it to go on but that failed, and so I hung it up on the wall - I liked it too much to throw it away, but at that point I couldn't go any further with it....
    So I was sitting there struggling with the card...and I glanced at this tag. Perhaps it should be the basis for the card? I cut it down to a rectangle, got an ivory card blank and placed it on top...well, it obviously needs something else!

    I rummaged through my stack of embossed card and found a lovely flower patterned one. I got some Frayed Burlap DI and covered it, then spritzed with Biscotti Ranger pearl mist to give it a lovely pearly sheen.



    I found a delicate flower diecut and dabbed some embossing ink over it and sprinkled with Pale Blue Frantage powder. The previous time I had used Frantage I had barely applied any, this time I covered it. I LOVE the effect it gives! So now I had gorgeous enamelled effect flowers. I couldn't resist adding some more Frantage to the top and bottom of the quote too in a gorgeous tarnished silver colour...


   I cut the strip of flowers into sections so that I could curve it around the words.



Then I added a strip of coffee coloured crochet lace and a selection of gorgeous buttons. The card was finished with dabbing around the ivory card with Walnut Stain DI.








































         
                              And there is my card....the first one I have made for years!



    So why not come over to Fashionable Stamping Challenges and make a card yourself? You could be the winner of $20 to spend at Flonzcraft Stamps! And of course you could be picked at one of our Catwalk Spotlights!

          Thanks so much for being here to see my latest creation - Hope to see you back again soon!

               










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14 comments:

  1. LOVE that embossed flourish, Laura!

    Your card is awesome!

    Hugs,
    Claudia x

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  2. Ha Laura, I know just how you felt! I used to have a special blog for my cards, I think the last time I posted there was April 2011..... Anyway, I think your card is stunning. Love those brown and blue tones together, and the flourish and the way you altered it is just gorgeous!!

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  3. I started my crafting making cards and now my heart drops a bit when I think about having to make them again! I don't know why, but I worry about how to begin! When I start it's fine. I think it's having to work in such a small space composition becomes really important. Anyway, this is just gorgeous! I love the look of the frantage! I have been trying to research this crafting material because I've seen some wonderful effects with it! I do so admire what you create and the colours and textures on this are divine, Laura. A lovely, lovely card! Perfect. Julie Ann xx

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  4. Hmmm! The cards that people expect because that's how you started - I do still make cards for some people but I must admit they are not usually complicated affairs! Love the way you made this beautiful card! Chrisx

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  5. That's a gorgeous card. Love the embossing in the corners, it looks like melted metal droplets, very pretty!
    xx Monique

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  6. Hi Laura, Gorgeous card, glad you got to use the tag.
    Love the look of the frantage on the die cut.
    Avril

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  7. Well done for persevering because your card is beautiful Laura. Hugs, Anne x

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  8. Beautiful, Laura! I also struggled with the card, but did not have such beautiful results! I love what you did with the floral die and Frantage! You have encouraged me to pull out my Frantage and play again!

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  9. Beautiful card Laura, I love that sentiment and the effect you've created with the frantage looks amazing,
    Claire xx

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  10. Beautiful card, love what you did with the flower
    Rosie x

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  11. WOW, Laura, I felt the same way about making cards, this is BRILLIANT, you have found making cards,from your own personal style it becomes a pleasure to make card, that's, great and like I said on FB this gorgeous piece of art called a card. I know a few other artist having this same problem, now you have shown them how they can enjoy making cards again with their own style, I think you have started something here ^-^... Visiting has been wonderful so much beauty to see and so much inspiration, hope you have a wonderful week..

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  12. Beautiful card Laura ! I know the feeling, making cards these days almost feels alien ! Sue C x

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  13. Beautiful card Laura, it has your special touch and wonderful details.
    Yvonne

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  14. Not a difficult challenge this time, make a card, you've made a beautiful one. Gorgeous idea to use the diecut thos way...
    xxx Ellie xxx

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