Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Finally a Couple of Cards!

Hi there!

Time sure sneaks by when life gets busy, doesn't it? It's been nine days since I last shared a card here on my blog and it felt so good to sit down and create! I had the day off today and enjoyed it to the MAX!

My first card was created using the Summer Garden stamp and die set made by Mama Elephant for Simon Says Stamp. 

I first wanted to play with some watercoloring to practice for the upcoming online card class, Watercolor For Card Makers. In a pre-class video, Jennifer encouraged us to "just play with and get to know" your watercolors. So, I layed down some water onto a piece of Tim Holtz, Distress Watercolor Cardstock, then added some colors and let the water do the work. I didn't especially love the way it turned out and was going to toss it but remembered Jennifer's suggestion to use it for die-cutting.


After stamping and white embossing the die-cuts with their coordinating stamps, this was the result:


I realized I had stamped the sentiment a bit too far over to the right and I was so mad at myself until I came up with a solution by adding the die-cut circle around the flowers. Now it looks much more balanced - yay! Frosted Lace Stickles were added to the centers of the flowers for a little shimmer.

As I was cleaning up, I noticed the Tall Flowers Die from Simon Says Stamp was still sitting on my desk and I wanted to play with it again. This time I used really soft colors and added a shadow effect by die-cutting them a second time with black cardstock. I thought the soft peach shades went well against a kraft background.


After a busy week at work, then having my family here for Easter dinner, (there were 20 of us) it felt wonderful to sit down and play!

And in other news, have ya seen the brand new Simon Says Stamp website? Oh, my gosh, it is wonderful! They've made it so easy to find the products you're looking for now! I love what they've done and really appreciate all the hard work it must have taken! Go and check it out - it really is fabulous!

Thanks so much for your visit! I hope you find some crafty time this week too! ♥

22 comments:

Lynn said...

Two absolutely stunning cards. I love how you added the circle die cut and the tall flower dies are so delicate and perfect Barb.

Dawn T said...

Fabulous Barb. The watercoloured flowers look stunning. I haven't had a chance to watch Jennifer's video yet, but we are having a long weekend - Friday is a holiday, so I'll get some time to play. You have inspired me with the soft pastel colours.

CinnamonSally said...

Wow Barb two stunners here, love the soft watercolours you have used!

joy said...

Love your beautiful cards for today, Barb! That ME stamp set and dies is on my wish list! And, I love the design of the second card so much. The black layer under the flowers is such a great addition.

Deepti said...

This is gorgeous !! Love how you picked all the subtle colors to go with the white embossing :)

Kathy (krolski) said...

Beautiful cards, Barb! I love the water colored flowers and the circle die. Perfect! I also love the shadow effect on the 2nd card. That is such a great die!

Martha said...

OH, Barb, what beautiful cards you've created with your water-coloring panel. Fabulous designs! Beautifully done! ♥

James Gray said...

Beautiful cards. Love the soft colors

Tracey McNeely said...

Barb I was admiring your cards and commented while getting my hair done today, and something weird happened when I published. So if this is a repeat, please delete otherwise I'll take it from the top. Your flowers made with the SSS/ME set is so beautiful. I love the colours you chose. The tall flowers die fabulous, love in with kraft and black. Good to see you found time to be crafty!

Cindy C. said...

Yes I am happy to see your cards too Barb!! Both really beautiful, so soft and sweet!!

Cat Craig said...

Love both cards Barb, 'specially the white embossing onto the watercolor panel die cuts.

Robin K. said...

Oh wow Barb! I always love to see the results when you sit down and play! I really love how you added the circle around that gorgeous flower cluster! And the black shadow effect is stunning on the second card!

Brenda & Ian said...

tried several times to visit the new website. no graphics whatsoever

Virginia L. said...

Truly beautiful, Barb!! Love the embossing and shine (use of Wink of Stella pen?) for the first card!And I love the tall flower diecut for the 2nd card!It is delightful! Glad that you had a great Easter weekend with the family!

Sarah G said...

Gorgeous cards - love the watercolour flowers! The shadow on the tall flowers adds great depth on the second card too - thanks for the inspiration! Glad you finally got some crafty time :)

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful cards, my friend! I simply love the idea of the watercolor flowers - so happy you could just sit down and create - so relaxing!

Barb Ghig said...

Oh, Barb ~ You have done an AMAZING job with your water colors!!! Your flowers are absolutely gorgeous on both cards, and I love how you changed it up with your color palette and added a shadow effect on your 2nd card...WOW!

I'm so glad you were finally able to get some crafty time after all the hard work you've endured over the last few weeks! It's so great to see a post from you after such a long time...Welcome back!!!

Greta said...

Love your cards, Barb! The flowers are just amazing--must remember to try that when I'm not happy with a background piece--& the circle is a brilliant idea--love it!

Unknown said...

Such beautiful watercolored flowers! Two fabulous cards!

Donna B. said...

I love your watercolor flowers Barb!! They are FAB!! and the second card is super sweet!

Helen F. said...

Hi Barb! So happy you had some time to create and share these gorgeous cards. Love the ME flower stamps/dies also the Tall Flower dies! Enjoy the rest of your weekend :-)

Shirley said...

Wow, Barb, both cards are wonderful! I even like the water color negative leftover for something too! The flowers from it are gorgeous. What an inspiration!! Your second card is just so warm and simply elegant too!