Wednesday, April 27, 2011

From the Heart


I was browsing challenges this morning and was really struck by the colors of the CR84FN challenge - red, turquoise and white.  That color palette is totally out of my comfort zone but I was attracted to it for some reason and wanted to give it a go.  So I searched for a sketch to get me started.  I was going to try the Mojo Monday sketch but couldn't get it laid out with these elements in a pleasing way so I looked again and came up with the Waltzing Mouse sketch.  I love their work over there, but never seem to be able to fit their challenge in.  So I was really delighted to be able to combine both challenges.


For some reason when I use a lot of white, I can't bring myself to stitch on it or distress it.  So here you have a card that is about as CAS as I can manage!  I like the clean lines here, but really had to sit on my hands to keep from adding things...a little more lace here, more embellies there, you know how it goes.  But I restrained myself but still have doubts - it feels a little unfinished.

Not too many details to share today.  The white card stock is from Flourishes and the red is Real Red from SU.  I used the Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy embossing folder and the DP is from Raspberry Road.  The lace is from my new Etsy shop and I dyed it with the SU Tempting Turquoise reinker watered down considerably.  Also I made a Tim Holtz style rosette out of the paper lace from my Etsy shop.  Unfortunately I don't own the rosette die so I had to score and fold it by hand.  I really like the way it looks with the doily.  I used two Spellbinders dies to cut the hearts and the sweet red rosebuds are also from my Etsy shop.  The pretty sentiment is from Verve.

And just a note about my Etsy shop.  When I ordered my first supply of the Venise lace appliques, I only ordered small quantities because I wasn't sure how the quality would be.  I'm happy to say that I was totally thrilled with everything and a lot of the appliques are sold out already.  I have reordered and am expecting my new stock in about a week.  But I still have a number of pretties in the shop.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.



Challenges Entered:
CR84FN Color Challenge:  Red, White, Aqua
Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge - Sketch
Crafty Cardmakers - A Royal Wedding (use the colors red, white and blue or something inspired by the royal wedding
Crafty Creations - White Space
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23 comments:

  1. LoriApril 27, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    Linda this is so beautiful, love what you did with the doily, gorgeous!!!!

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  2. Beverly GApril 27, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Very fresh and totally finished. Sometimes one more sequin is to many ;-)

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  3. Auntie EmApril 27, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Love the embossing and texture from the doily and lace. So pretty!
    Thank you for sharing! :)

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  4. MargreetApril 27, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Hi Linda....wonderful what you did with the doily....great card!
    xxx Margreet

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  5. CrystalApril 27, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Linda WOW this is BEAUTIFUL I LOVE the doily behind the heart, stunning work!

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  6. tiggertasticApril 27, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    this is so clean cut and crisp. lovely colour combination

    sarah x

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  7. ScrumplescrunchApril 27, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    I know exactly how you feel Linda to curb ones natural instinct to 'add' leaves one unfulfilled. On the occasions that I have challenged myself in this genre I have always received positive feedback, and as I read all the comments here it appears the same for you. You could have added 3 pearls at the bottom of card, but then that is what everyone does!! Your card is beautiful in a different way to your shabby chic look. You have met the Challenge and come up trumps.
    Now what have you learnt about yourself?
    Smiles:)

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  8. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Beautiful card Linda, you have achieved something that I never seem to be able to, and that is leave it white ! I always reach for the Distress Ink and before you know it I've gone grungy ! Your card has a real elegance about it. Sue C x

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  9. NettyApril 27, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Beautiful card Linda, totally perfect. Annette x

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  10. Donna MosleyApril 27, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Linda, this is so lovely, fab embossing and very pretty details. Thanks for joining us at Crafty Cardmakers.

    Donna x

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  11. Hege-Annie SimonsenApril 27, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Great take on the photo inspiration! Very pretty! It's in a way a little "not you", as I'm sooo used to those distressed edges and the shappy vintage style you usually do - and which I just love! :) Cool what you did with that paper doily.

    Hugs, Hege

    PS: Thanks for commenting on one of my Easter egg posts - I'm late sharing those, as my priority this Easter break was NOT blogging! ;) LOL DS

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  12. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    hi linda! the card is so beautiful. oooh, love the color combo so much. and that doily rosette is gorgeous. hope you had a wonderful easer. see ya! hugs!

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  13. Kelly S.April 27, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Oh yay a doily! Getting me excited for Claire's WMS release projects to preview tomorrow! Love all of your fabulous texture and those beautiful colors!

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  14. JanetcraftApril 27, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Hi Linda, love the soft touch design you made here...like the way you match the color with the design too..

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  15. EstherApril 27, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I love how you pleated the doily and I love the simple elegance of this card!

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  16. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    Linda, this is gorgeous! You did CAS beautifully here! It does not need anything more! Thanks so much for sharing it in our white space challenge at Crafty Creations!
    smiles,Deena

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  17. Deborah FringsApril 28, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    A really beautiful card - love all the pretty details. Thanks for playing along with CR84FN this week!

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  18. Mona PendletonApril 28, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    So pretty Linda! Love the crisp white embossed bg! Thanks so much for playing along with CR84FN :)

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  19. UnknownApril 28, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Such a beautiful card.

    Hugs, Linda

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  20. DanieleApril 28, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    totally delish, than you for your very kind comment you left on my blog
    hugs

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  21. IreneApril 29, 2011 at 3:22 AM

    Hello Linda

    Your card is fabulous, the embossing is gorgeous. So beautiful.

    irene
    xxxx

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  22. Betty WrightApril 29, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Beautiful and fabulously done, Linda! Love how you concentrated with the white and added red and blue. Definitely rocked these hues! Lovely card!

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  23. Claire PhillipsMay 3, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    Thanks for playing along at Crafty Creations in our white space challenge! What a lovely card - just gorgeous! Cheers Claire x

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