Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Four Square Present

Every so often, I have to step back and take a hard look at my cardmaking.  Over the last few months it seems that my cards are taking longer and longer to make.  Part of it is just being obsessive about the "neatness" of the card (everything is straight, no glue oozing, etc.) and being obsessive about the photograph of the card.  But part of it is spending way too much time thinking about new and unique ways to use products - in other words, what can I do to make it worth your time to come to my blog?  It's kind of hard to change my obsessive nature, but I really can let go of my desire to be new and unique.  The simple fact is that most of the products out there do the work by themselves.  The stamps are amazing and the dies enhance them greatly.

Here's my first attempt.  It took 10 minutes - yay!!  I have had this stamp set for awhile and I've never been quite sure what to do with the heavy look of stamps.  The light bulb came on today - simply color in the four squares and call it done.  I love it!  Of course, I couldn't resist a few sequins, and I do love the finished look of a stitched edge.

Four Square Present

I was making this just before Christmas last week, so it could get to the birthday girl by today (fingers crossed).  I loved the colors at colourQ and knew that it didn't have to look like Christmas.


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The present is colored with Copics based on the Stampin' Up Copic Marker Match Chart on the sidebar of my blog.


13 comments:

  1. Yay for the 10 minute card! It's great how we are all different, it's what makes the crafty community so awesome. I love the 'heavy' look of stamp designs and struggle with the 'lighter' look of stamps. I love your take on the Colour Q challenge, makes for a perfect birthday card!

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  2. Thanks for sharing your struggles. I do it too and wonder if people think my blog is negative because I share the struggles. I almost didn't post my card today because it had imperfections with glue. BUT, I tried new techniques for me so I feel it's positive. :) Your card is lovely being simple and still striking. Anyone would love to receive it.

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  3. Kim, I'd never have guessed the 'behind the scenes' processes that lead to your always fabulous, always 'fresh' cards. Even if your lines were slightly askew, or a glue blob appeared where it ought not to, I'd still be coming to visit! Your cards and posts are precious; I always come away with a smile, an idea sparked, another item for my ever-expanding wish list, a new technique to try. Your card here: yet more evidence of your versatile creativity; simple and stunning. Today will be exceedingly difficult; thank you for the spirit boost...
    ~c

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  4. I think you've got it, Kims!! This card is utterly fabulous just the way you made it in that short time! I loved Erik's birthday post below! I'm sure your Christmas was wonderful and I wish you all the best in the new year!! Thank you for your friendship! Hugs, Darnell

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  5. I love it!!!...I'm the same way...drives me nuts!

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  6. Sometimes I think those 10 minute challenges are a good way for us to pull it back in and get back to the basics. Your beautiful card here is a perfect example!

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  7. How fun to get a card made in 10 minutes, I would never have guessed that you struggled with perfection the way you do, your cards are always so beautiful and look effortless, you really have an amazing style. Thank you so much for playing along with us at ColourQ, hope to see you again next week.

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  8. CAS perfection Kim and yes the stitched mat looks GREAT!! Have a Happy New Year!!

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  9. I so identify with what you're saying Kim...sometimes you spend so long trying to think of something original, the enjoyment is completely destroyed in the process! I think this is just perfect and shows that too much thinking doesn't necessarily make a good card. Love it!

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  10. I love this.....and have seriously thought about setting a timer when I craft! Once I hit three hours nothing much improves anyway :) My goal is to shorten creating time for sure this year!

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  11. Had to smile, Kim, I can so relate! This is fabulous ... crisp, fresh, gorgeous colours and deliciously CAS! Happy New Year! Anita :)

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  12. Clever thinking, Kim! Great result! I might have to think about getting a timer! Hugs xxx

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  13. Love your 10 minute card, Kim, love the package! Wish packages were that easy to wrap! Thanks for playing with us at the colourQ.

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