Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Freshly Made Sketches: Both Way Blossoms

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I just recently come across the Stampin' Up set, Both Way Blossoms, hiding deep in my stash and when I find a "lost" set, I have to use it because there is some chance it has never been used before!!

Lucky for me, there are tall panels on this week's sketch at Freshly Made Sketches...




This card did NOT come together easily.  I started down a different color path.  This is my first card...


Is anything totally wrong with the above card?  Not necessarily.  But as a personal preference, I am NOT a fan of Always Artichoke.  It seems "dead".  I tried an interesting embossing folder to give it some life - but it just didn't work.  This card needed to be lightened up and given some life!  To accomplish this...

  • Obviously, I used newer colors and gave it a much fresher look.  This alone might have been enough.
  • The addition of a touch of black adds vibrancy to any color.
  • I like borders on my card.  I see many other cardmakers make cards without borders and I LOVE their cards.  But somehow, every time I try a card without a border it doesn't seem contained...it doesn't "end" and it bothers my eyes.  A frame makes a huge difference and in this case, a black and white frame allowed me to use a fun gingham ribbon.


As a VERY bizarre side-note....every time I use Stampin' Up Whisper White cardstock, my photos look blurry. It's like the slight sheen on the cardstock affects my camera.  I typically use Neenah Classic Crest and my photos are crisp and clean (I make cards in bulk and it's much cheaper to buy a ream from an office store). Has anybody else noticed this and is there anything I can do to fix it?

  • Stamps: Stampin' Up Both Way Blossoms, Well-Scripted
  • Paper: Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade
  • Ink: Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade
  • Accessories: May Arts gingham, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Spellbinders heart circle

12 comments:

  1. Love the vibrancy in your first card. The tall panels suit your blooms perfectly. Your second is still fab but the first does shine! x

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  2. Amazing what a difference a few little changes can make. Love the vibrancy of the first and that touch of plaid ribbon is perfect!
    Don't really use Stampin' Up Whisper White... I'm a Bazzill White fan myself...

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  3. Oh, I love how you found your 'lost' set! I'm inspired to dig mine out too, your card is beautiful! What fabulous changes and I appreciate your sharing the process with us.

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  4. That heart circle is so pretty! And I love the black ribbon - you are right - perfect accent! But about those flowers! Love them - so tall and graceful!

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  5. Love your colors!! I love the circle of hearts around the circle!! The ribbon is gorgeous!

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  6. Hahaha...your comment about Artichoke made me laugh! I love Artichoke but only with Cherry Cobbler. As for the sheen to WW, I don't know. That is all I use. Your card is very pretty and I love how you used the tall panels.

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  7. Love Love Love this one! And ... itching to play along at FMS! I feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off at the moment! Hugs xxx

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  8. I love this new card ... so vibrant, fresh and happy - I like the first card too, but the second one speaks "happy" to me ...love the gingham ribbon with the perfectly tied bow ... beautiful!!!

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  9. Both are so pretty,but the first is my favorite! Love the sweet little heart doily and the gingham ribbon!

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  10. I am usually an Artichoke fan but generally in the fall (seasonal stamper!). I agree that the new colors really make this card pop! The black was a great choice too! Love the flowers and that ribbon!

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  11. I think both of these are great. (I'm a big fan of Always Artichoke, but I tend to use it more in the fall and at Christmas). I love the gingham ribbon. It's a great contrast!

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  12. Those stamps are perfect for this sketch! Beautifully done. I, too, love the colors of the first cards.

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