Wednesday 28 September 2011

Card fest & less is more challenge

Hello to you all. Today I have more cards to share with you and I'd like to show you a new technique I've used which is really easy but very effective.

First of all two cards I made for my lovely MiL's recent birthday


From us

From the boys

Let's zoom in on that sentiment...


Happy Birthday

This is the card that I tried my new technique on. All credit must go to Vicky for this one, she likes to use this technique alot and after seeing one of her latest creations I was inspired to have a go.



For a 96 year old lady - My Nan!

I think you can see the sponging a little better and the stamped image on this zoom in shot.
It involves lightly sponging ink (from an ink pad) very subtley onto the card to form the basis of a background, in this case the foreground of grass and the sky overhead. Then when you're happy with this, simply stamp floral images over the top to achieve a hedgrow type of effect. I finished by adding a sentiment to the sky (try to align it a little more carefully than I have done here) and tiny cut-out butterflies - on dimensionals to make them stand up from the card. Hey presto! Very simple to do but a lovely effect. I had such fun playing with this idea and as is usual once you try something you start to imagine all sorts of possibilities. Let me share a few of Vickys inspiring creations with you, which use this technique.Here , here and here

Finally, I saw this sketch on the Less is More challenge this week and couldn't resist having a go.

                                            

I made two cards but I'm only entering one as I'm not sure my floral card fits their strict guidelines, but I'll show you both.

The first definitely has a Cath Kidston flavour to it. I punched out three flowers, layered them and curled in the edges. I then very lightly sponged the edges in a rich red colour to give them more definition, once again something I picked up from Vicky.


Ooops a missed birthday

Pretty flower

A card for a young man who has just turned 14
I really like this one. It's so hard to make a card with a masculine feel so when you get one that hits the spot it feels so good. This is my entry for the challenge and the eagle eyed amongst you will see I've been busy with my sizzlet die again. Look at the colours aren't they great, so earthy and apt for this time of year.


A monogrammed card - very masculine!

Well it's my Cinderella morning so I'm off to do horrid things with a duster and a vacuum cleaner, then a coffee and some sewing.

See you soon.



15 comments:

  1. Both cards are fab and perfect for our challenge!
    It's great to see you at "Less is More"
    Thanks so much
    Chrissie
    "Less is More"

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  2. Hello Caroline:
    These cards are absolutely lovely and so very professionally produced. We really do admire your skill when it comes to all things creative. We love them all but, if prizes were to be given, then we should most certainly award First Prize to the card for the fourteen year old boy.

    Good luck with the dusting!!

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  3. Love all of your cards and being a mum to two teenagers it is hard to get a card that hits the spot but you have definately done it!x

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  4. Gorgeous cards, my mother in law would love that butterfly one! Also love the monogram one, perfect for difficult boys!

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  5. Lovely cards, Caroline, especially the blue polka dots and pretty flower one. I rarely make cards these days as it is such a faff to find all the bits and pieces to do a good job, but you are really inspiring me to have a go with these. I'm also wondering about sponging ink onto fabric...
    x

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  6. Beautiful cards. Both Lim cards are fab especially your masculine one. x

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  7. Ssmashing cards. MIL should be so impressed. I do pick up some lovely tips from your blog, thank you. Just off to find a sponge.

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  8. I am leaving the key under the flowerpot so you can continue your Cinderella routine at mine!

    Love the the less is more cards, I find it really difficult to know when to stop... but you have really captured the right level!

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  9. I love the sponging effect, I use it quite a bit in my painting. (I even done a whole room in the past)
    It's a great boys card, I like the initial, it makes it a lot more personal.

    Jan x

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  10. Loving the cards Caroline - especially the male one. It is hard to get good male cards - they all seem to have footballers or boats on them. The sponging one is really pretty too. Mich :)

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  11. WElcome Caroline
    Your LIM cards are FAB, perfect for us
    Lov your others too

    Thank you
    Mandi LIM

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  12. I love your cards - they are so original! It is so nice to receive a handmade card - like getting an extra present!

    Pomona x

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  13. You are so lovely Caroline to mention me and I feel very proud to think that anything I've done might have inspired you. I certainly feel VERY inspired when I come to visit your blog. Your monogrammed card is fabulous! Vx

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  14. Love all your cards! Wow! PS Your comment arrived on mine (thanks for persevering)

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