Today's card is for a challenge at Kristina Werner's blog. Our inspiration is some bedding in shades of brown, blue and ivory. I decided to use a new stamp I got from Stampendous.
I started by stamping the flowers in dark brown on ivory cardstock. The first time I sponged some blue ink around the flowers, but it just didn't work. So I decided to leave it plain. Then I cut a piece of sky blue cardstock a little taller than my flower piece and created a scalloped border with my corner rounder punch. I adhered my image to that and added lighter brown on the left. Pewter hardware with brown ribbons were added next. At that point I looked at it and decided it needed something a little bit more, so I ran a piece of my dark brown through my Big Shot with a Cuttlebug embossing folder and added that to the bottom.
It was a conscious decision not to add a sentiment. I wanted to leave it open for whatever I need to use it for. It also felt finished to me.
While in deep thought lately, I came to realize that I need to do what feels right to me, what pleases *me* with my art. When I don't, a couple things happen. I get complete stamper's block, where I sit at my work table and can't make a thing. If I can make something, it's not fun. It's stressful. I don't *do* this to feel stressed out. I do it for the joy and excitement of creating.
I want you to like what I make. I have *issues* about being valued and accepted. KWIM? In fact, I want you to love my blog with a passion and make it your home page. I want companies beating down my door to make me a design team member and pay me for mentioning their name. I want to be famous. (I daydream huge, don't I?) But most of all, I want to look at my creations and be happy inside with what I've done.
If you stayed with me this long, thank you. More pictures, less words next time.
This is beautiful! The embossing really made it "pop." TFS!
Posted by: Travelingmama | May 01, 2008 at 03:59 AM
Very nice, great details like the embossing and the scallops!
Posted by: Deanna Woodland | May 01, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Very pretty!!
Posted by: Tracy Durcan | May 03, 2008 at 01:04 AM
Gorgeous! Congrats on making the top ten!
Posted by: tanja | May 03, 2008 at 05:33 AM
This is a beautiful card. What company makes the flower stamps you used?
Posted by: Marisa | May 03, 2008 at 07:58 AM
this is simply lovely. I think that embossed background looks great with the stamps you chose and I really like the size of the card.
Posted by: Lisa Henke | May 03, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Really beautiful card. You deserve the top ten spot!
Posted by: Kriss Huels | May 03, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Really beautiful card. You deserve the top ten spot!
Posted by: Kriss Huels | May 03, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Gorgeous card! I really like the embossing at the bottom. Congrats on being in the top ten!!
Posted by: Candice | May 03, 2008 at 10:38 AM
This is card is so beautiful! Very classy. And you are absolutely correct when saying that you need to do what pleases you. It is so important to please ourselves with our art. Stress has no place in this. Congratulations on that line of thought.
A well-deserved top ten spot.
CC
Posted by: Catherine Cote | May 03, 2008 at 06:54 PM
What an amazing card! Love the simplicity and elegance! {sMILES}
Posted by: Nikki | May 04, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Wow - that is amazing. LOVEit!
Posted by: Robynne | May 04, 2008 at 08:27 AM
this card is gorgeous! love the design, size, details, etc!
Posted by: Jessica | May 04, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I remember years ago someone telling me, "I am not an artist." Well this same person, YOU, surpassed me long, long ago. This is a wonderful card. The composition and color are delightful. I don't have to tell you to keep up the good work. I know you will.
Tim
Posted by: Tim | May 04, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I think you are right - it's perfect as is. Not all cards need a sentiment!!
Congrats on your top ten for this card! I'll be back to check out your new stuff!
Posted by: cassie | May 05, 2008 at 04:21 PM
WOW - super gorgeous card!!! I love it!!!
Posted by: Silke Ledlow | May 05, 2008 at 09:56 PM
SHUT UP!!!! WOW! I love this agapanthus stamp, and own it myself. Your design here is absolutely fabulous! WOWEEEE!!! what a treat!
Posted by: Julie | May 17, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Beautiful. It is brilliant.
Posted by: Paula | June 25, 2008 at 05:56 AM
Just stopped by your blog after seeing how you got started in stamping on SCS. Wanted to let you know what a beautiful card this is...Really amazing!
Where is the stamp from? I'm loving this!
Shawn K.
AKA StampingShawn on SCS
Posted by: Shawn K. | August 16, 2008 at 03:37 PM
That is so beautiful I love the colors and the idea. Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Jeanine
Posted by: Jeanine | September 20, 2008 at 12:07 PM