Baroque Motifs Card Swap

I've finally got around to posting the other two cards from last weeks card swap! I've been waiting for Ally's to arrive, but it's still 'Missing In Action'. I'll post the photo so at least she can see her card, and hopefully Australia Post will deliver it soon!

Here's Adele's card first:I decided with this one to not use the swirl, so instead I stamped the pattern in Versa Mark then used my Stampin' Up! Pastels to colour. I used an eyeshadow applicator as I find I've got greater control than the ones that came with the Pastels. I've used Old Olive, More Mustard & Brocade Blue card stock and pastels. The brads are More Mustard from the Earth Elements Brad pack-I love the way all their products co-ordinate! It makes it much easier to put a card together! I've also stamped the words 'cherish' and 'kind' from the Baroque Motifs in Versa Mark. I really loved the finished result of this card-it was such a difficult choice deciding who to give which card, so I let Paul choose for me!!!!

Now, for Ally's card-Here it is!!!!

Hope you like it Ally! I think it looked even better in real life, so fingers crossed it still turns up! I've used the swirl again on this one, using the sponging technique to soften the edges! I've used Perfect Plum, Sage Shadow and Whisper White card stock, and Choc Chip grosgrain ribbon for the corners. I was hoping to add a word like in Mum's card, but it made the card look too busy, so I used the ribbon instead to give it something extra. Baroque Motifs is such a simple, versatile & effective set. I've got the roller too - so I'll try and give that a go soon!

Baroque Motifs

Mum rang to say this card arrived today, so I thought I'd post it for everyone else to see! I got Baroque Motifs for Mothers' Day and was keen to try it out-so I thought I'd use it for this weeks card swaps! I'm very happy with how all three turned out-I'll post the others soon!

This card actually ended up bigger than the usual 10.5cm x 14.9cm. I stamped the image first, then decided to create the tile effect using my 1 - 3/8inch square punch-but didn't take into consideration how it all slightly expands with tiling! Oops!

I've used Sage Shadow, Perfect Plum and Whisper White Card stock, with Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip ink for the images and word. I used Close to Cocoa to sponge ink around the outside to soften the tile effect! For my first attempt at sponging with ink, I'm really pleased with the result! Lots more practise involved though if I'm ever to sponge as effectively as Alisa Tilsner. I love her blog and her amazing cards!

I'll be back to post the other two cards using the Baroque Motifs set soon!

Whale Wishes Birthday

Well, it's been a few weeks since I posted! I can't believe how quick the year is going-it's already mid May! Anyway, I'll try and be more efficient and upload a few more photos! We made this card at Stamp Club on Friday. Most people I talk to find it difficult to create boy or masculine cards, so I thought I'd tackle the boy one first! The Whale Wishes set is new in this years catalogue-it's such a cute little set. I've set myself the challenge to create a girl card with it too, so I can see how versatile it is! Here's the recipe:

* STAMPS: Whale Wishes, It's Your Birthday, On The Spot (background stamp)

* CARD STOCK: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Whisper White, Yo yo Yellow

* INK: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Green Galore

* ACCESSORIES: Word Window Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Glitter Glue (non SU!), Sanding Blocks

I punched out the first window for the Happy Birthday in the middle, then carefully slid it along to make the window longer. I used a sanding block to smooth away any rough edges. I find the Bold Brights colour family is great for little boy cards-they are so vibrant! I've used the glitter glue to enhance the bubbles above the fish, however, the camera hasn't really shown this up. I'll be back later to post some other cards, and also try a girl variation using this set!