Thursday 10 March 2016

P.H.D..........projects half done.....plural...

Recently I had to make a sympathy card....I know that maybe the colours I used aren't typically sympathy colours but as the family have deep faith I thought that a warm glow in the background would reflect the important message of the cross.

....and the card isn't totally frugal "just add glue" as I did use a bought rubber stamp, the rest was created with felt pen ink and my daubers.....but I did think it would be possible to create the card completely without bought items....
.........So I added it to my to do/try/finish pile and yesterday... I noticed City Crafter has a challenge....do a PHD.....finish a project half done .......oh I could enter soooooo many times but as I was a bit stumped for Easter cards this year I wondered if I could adapt and actually finish my cross project. Less is more has a colour challenge of citrus and Hiding in my Craftoom is spring colours so I kept to the original colour palette of my sympathy card.
To create the cross I used a couple of pieces of thin corrugated card taped together, I cut a couple of different widths to recreate the shape. . .it did take a while to get the card inky enough and I did experiment with dragging the card to create a mistier effect not just stamping it for a cleaner effect, and as the brown in the pen set was a bit light I added some greens to darken it.
I quite liked all the effects but think I do prefer the stamped pieces.
The test pieces were just scraps, my chosen finished piece was actually one of the torn ones but I liked the effect and decided to copy the tearing on the opposite side.
I was quite happy with the finished image just mounted on Kraft card but thought perhaps for Easter it needed a bit more signs of life .....I doodled a little plant growing round the cross....again the pen wasn't a good colour so I used a little highlighter pen to brighten the leaves.
While the inks we're out I also needed to make my friends card....now this is where I need some advice...originally this was completely c.a.s....design on a white card blank....but as my friend has just started card making and is favouring a more decorative style, I was worried she might think I had not gone to a lot of trouble ....so I chopped it off to layer on coloured card stock with some decorative mats and layers and embellishments.....but I got cold feet...I'm just not comfortable with lots on a card. So far I have just suspended it on some ribbon ...and added some some faux embossed stitching on the base card

oh and a little detail on the back....and stamped detail inside....
Plus 

hidden sentiment under the giant tag
.....(I know there is a little sentiment on the front but am hoping this qualifies for Creative moments challenge).
Anyway.....
Should I have layered it.?
Added bows, brads, lace and/or embellishments?
Put stitching round the panel/tag?
Use a corner rounder on the panel?
Heat Embossed the stamped image?????? 
Is it missing something......I have till Sunday to change it?
Would appreciate any opinions always nice to have a fresh pair of eyes look at it objectively ............and while I am at it I must say thank you to my two new followers who have joined me since I have been back..... I really appreciate everyone who pops by and takes the time to comment.


17 comments:

Sarah G said...

Such beautiful cards, Diane! I love how you have drawn the vine around the cross - it is so effective and perfect for spring. I have to say I love your beautiful dandelion card - the inking is just perfect and I would leave it as it is (but I love CAS too!). Great to see you over at Less Is More!

Esther said...

I think these are lovely cards and very tasteful - I think a sympathy card in particular is very difficult to get 'just right' but you have definitely achieved it. I think your friend's card is perfect as it is. There's enough detail to show the thought that's gone into it, while still being true to your preference of CAS. I think your friend will be really happy to get this!

Sarah said...

I love your chatty posts Diane!! Each of these is a beautiful example of ingenuity...which I am lacking!! You are being far too hard on yourself and I wouldn't change a thing!!#Xx

Susan said...

Lovely cards Diane - especially like the Dandelion one.
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a lovely comment xx

Gerrina said...

Two beautiful cards! Love that you draw the plant around the cross and the way you stamped that cross!
I wouldn't put anything on your second card; It looks so good!

Fiona said...

great cards - love that large tag

Unknown said...

Love all your cards, including your friend's card just as it is. You've given me some inspiration. Karen x

AlisonC said...

Absolutely nothing else needed on the Wishes card. Pretty image standing out on the inked circle then interest with the swinging tag. It's great. The Easter/sympathy cards are very inventive and I like the doodled vine. I do find it hard to know when enough is just right.

Sharon Traynor Designs said...

These are some wonderful cards. The cross cards look serene and elegant and as you say, the yellow behind the image does seem to signify hope.
Thank you for sharing these with us at Less is More.
Sharon xx

Jenna ♥ said...

Both your cards are wonderful, my fave is the second one. :-) Thanks for playing with us at Creative Moments.
Good Luck
Jenna, DT
Jenna's Design

Mac Mable said...

Such beautiful cards. Love the free hand vine on the first card, so very serene and peaceful. Loving the second card and no as well to not adding anymore to it x

Furrbster said...

The plant growing around the cross was a great touch!
The CAS card is just stunning - it certainly qualifies over at Creative Moments for the twist (but we are always anything goes as we just love seeing all the creations) - I love the idea of hiding the sentiment under the main image rather than having it inside a card.
Thanks for joining in the challenge over at Creative Moments this time.
Hugz Tinz

Stella said...

Your sympathy card is gorgeous; I love the touch of color in the background; it adds warmth. The recipients will be pleased and know that you care about them. The card for your friend is another jawdropper. I love CAS too and know exactly what you mean. Nevertheless it turned out lovely! Both cards are spot on our theme; thanks so much for joining us this week at CCCB!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Awesome, thanks for joining us this week at CCCB!

Anne said...

What lovely cards, your cross is very apt.
Thanks so much for joining us this week
Anne
"Less is More"

Ros Crawford said...

Both cards are so lovely!! I'm sure they will be appreciated .... Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!!

Chrissie said...

I'm sorry, it looks like I missed visiting you last week!
This is such beautiful work Diane... that cross is so sensitively done!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

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