Saturday, January 26, 2013

All My Favorites in One Place

Ardyth, on her MASKerade blog, challenged us to look at our first blog post and CAS it.  I've been avoiding this all week long as I just wasn't sure that I wanted to see what I was doing in November 2010 - the stamping world seems to change monthly let alone over the course of 2+ years.  And I would certainly hope the my style has matured too!!

As it turns out, I don't hate my first ever blog card.  That's not remotely the same as saying that I love it, but I don't hate it!


But when I got up to work on it this morning, I truly struggled.  Perhaps it's just because I'm not getting as much cardmaking time as usual.  (For those of you that asked, being a full-time college student is kicking my butt!!  It's not particularly hard, but it is much more time-consuming than I had planned on even in the worst case scenario!)  The cards that you saw on my blog this week, I actually made last week - so I haven't been in my craft corner for a week - skills seriously deteriorate in ONE week!!

I really don't have time to struggle, because I also have a paper to write, a chapter to read and a quiz to take!!  So after a number of false starts - I decided to add my own criterion.  What am I using or doing a lot now that I didn't back then?  Unfortunately, the list got long.

1. White space
2. Small square cards
3. Baker's twine - love the lighter, airier look of a little twine vs. a ribbon
4. Buttons
5. Embossing folders and plates
6. Dies/punches that coordinate with stamps
7. Pennants and flags

Guess what?

I put together a CAS card with ALL of the above!!  (Sorry for the dark picture - I could not lighten it up without losing the embossing detail).  I don't see much resemblance between the two cards but what I was going for were the trio of things across the bottom.

For You

I've also just noticed that my photo taking skills have improved (other than the shadow on this one!)

  • Stamps: Stampin' Up Papillon Potpourri, Itty Bitty Banners
  • Paper: Stampin' Up Crumb Cake, Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet
  • Ink: Stampin' Up Soft Suede, Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet
  • Accessories: Papertrey Ink impression plate, kraft buttons, Trendy Twine, Stampin' Up butterfly punch and banner die

14 comments:

  1. I think you had great style...even way back then...Love the embossing and butterfly on the new one!! Lee-Ann :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don't hate your first card either, Kim. It's actually quite nice. But I love, love, love the new card! Embossing and white space grab my heart!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Kim, your first card is quite lovely, but the CASE is FABULOUS!!! You have gotten very good with CAS - lots of wonderful white space and perfectly chosen and placed embellishments. Congratulations on making the move to go back to school. I have thought about it for years, and have not gotten brave enough to take the plunge. Full time work and family does seriously cut into the crafting time, so I really get that it's hard to fit it in. Each time I let a good bit of time slide between creations, I love my confidence. Your work is wonderful, and I love to see what you are up to. Thanks always for your kind comments on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love that you are smart enough to stop when you realize something is a struggle! I didn't know you back in your blog beginning, but I know that I like whatever you've been doing the last year, as evidenced by your wonderful up-to-date CAS card!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kim, what a fun challenge and your first card is just beautiful. I love your stamped images. I love your embossed card too, so pretty with that background and the sweet butterfly. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I picked the similar element before you told me ... So you must have captured the challenge well! Must admit ... Prefer the new one ... But your original was pretty cool! Hugs xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the rich autumn colours of your first card. On the new card, I love the white space (and that medallion, embossed is just STUNNING!) I love that colour combination, too - definitely will be using that! Thanks so much for playing along, Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like both cards, but prefer the brighter version of the 2nd. I'm afraid to find my first posted card! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  9. The first card is spot on for the sentiment ... autumnal and rich. The second is stunning ... so deliciously light and airy, even down to the oh so teeny gems ... love it! Anita :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. beautiful texture and i love that sweet butterfly!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great and fun way to look back on your very first blog card, Kim! I think you did the first one so superbly and the latest one sure has a more sophisticated design sense! Thanks for sharing your analysis!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I can fully appreciate what you said about feeling your card-making skills go out the window when you don't have time to craft! I actually have to teach my very first college class this afternoon, so to say that I've been stressed would be an understatement. :) I hope your studies are going well!
    I love how you broke down your style into a list of characteristics and elements that you reach for most often, then put them all together on a beautiful card. I totally see the inspiration from the original, too. Such a clean design, but with lots of texture and fun little details that draw you in!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your first card is pretty amazing and this one is a stunner. Beautiful embossing folder. x

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my card! I do get spam comments so your comment will be held until I read it and release it!