Before I created my card I checked out my favourite challenge sites. Once I had chosen my challenges, my theme and colour scheme was already chosen for me. You'd think this would make my card quick and easy to make. No such luck! From the get-go I struggled with this card. I chose my favourite colours and combos and I knew I wanted to make a birthday card but the technical skills to bring my ideas together were lacking.
It started with my poor attempt at watercolouring over a clear embossed image. Watercolouring is something I really struggle with. I thought I'd improved but when I was working on the colouring I realised my improvements were nonexistent! Sigh. I decided to continue with the watercoloured base card any way.
My next great idea failed in its execution. I wanted to emboss the Happy Birthday in Versacolour Celadon to match the edging of my card. First attempt I inked the sentiment with embossing ink and stamped it. Then I realised I actually wanted to stamp it in Celadon ink then heat emboss it with clear powder! A quick scrub off and dry then I had to turn the vellum over to use the other side. Would it lay flat? Absolutely not! Cue handy washi strips to beat it into submission, I mean, tie it down flat. Then I realised the ink was too pale after all that.
Time for a break! Or so I thought. As I got up to leave I decided to chose some liquid pearls to add matching drops in part of the background image to help distract from my attempt at blending my watercoloured background. I ended up sitting down again and adding the liquid pearls drops. Of course some got on to the vellum. Sigh. After other small annoyances I am glad to say my card is done. And I quite like the finished product, certainly more than I was expecting too.
This card is being submitted in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Happy Birthday This set my theme: birthday
A Blog Named Hero: Anything Goes Had to use a Hero Arts birthday stamp
Scrapbook.com: Submit & Win I was inspired to use their April colour inspiration in a recent newsletter. I love this colour combo as it uses some of my favourite colours: Coral, Mint, Dark Teal, Grey and Pale Grey. They go so beautifully together.
Southern Girls Challenge: Show Us Your Favourite Colour Combo Used a combination of my favourite colours: Coral, Mint, Dark Teal, and Grey.
Materials:
Watercolour Card: Bockingford
Ink: Simon Says Stamp (Coral Reef, Audrey Blue), Versacolour (Celadon, Cement), Ranger Distress (Hickory Smoke)
Stamp: Hero Arts
Liquid Pearls: Ranger
Washi Tape: 7Gypsies
Other: Vellum, Flower, Paper Scrap (behind the sentiment to help it stand out)
Gorgeous card Manda, the background design and colours is fabulous and I love the multicoloured liquid pearls, the whole effect is so pretty. The embossed sentiment and washi look lovely too! :-)
ReplyDeleteit happens sometimes that a card just seems to want to beat us, well done for persevering and getting through to the end, it really was well worth it, this is beautiful :-)
Thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Birthday Challenge :-)
Luv
Lols x x x
Thanks Lorraine! It's nice to know some one reads my ramblings on my blog ��
DeleteTotally understand this card making process! These colors are pretty and I love the addition of the liquid pearls. It really jazzes up the card. My liquid pearls always seem to have a cone tip (instead of a round top), so very well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment :)
DeleteI do love liquid pearls and they just add a touch of special to any project
This is so fun, love the little beaded effect. It turned out great in the end - worth the slog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in the fun at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Hugs,
Caryn xxx
Thanks Caryn. I think the liquid pearls really tied it all together finally.
DeleteCute card, love how you added the different colors of liquid pearl on your card. Thanks for joining A Blog Named Hero.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. I think the liquid pearls saved my card in the end.
DeleteFour challenges! Way to go!!! I'm glad you persevered because this ended up being a very pretty card design! Love those liquid pearls! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us for our Anything Goes challenge over at A Blog Named Hero.
Thanks Melissa. It's been a long time since I've been able to join in at A Blog Named Hero! Good to give my Hero Arts stamps some love and use.
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