Here Comes the Bride

 Craft Roulette #123 for me, Episode #327.  That's a ton of episodes, and 123 cards is a ton of cards too.  At some point, my goal was to train my creative side to work a little faster with ideas and execution.  I think I have achieved that somewhat, but there have been a few incidents where the time went into overtime for me.  That was this week....  I don't think it's because I have a super complicated thing going here.  Originally, I had hoped to color up an image and go from there, but I remembered I had a new die set (I will elaborate on this die later on...worth the read)... that was specific to a wedding, and I have been wanting to switch up my style somewhat and use dies for this card, rather than coloring and fussy cutting....  Yes indeedy, I achieved that and then some....  

 I will talk about parameters first:

 

#1:  Interactive Card  

 I keep saying I could do a popup card when interactive card comes my way....and I probably would have, but...I really struggle with the picture taking part of an interactive or moving type card, and I really wanted to give myself a break from taking complex photos for entry and blog spiel....  So, I hope you see, that through the window of my gazebo...is a shaker card...with twinkly silver stars...  #1:  CHECK!

#2 Summer Colors

I think this might be the parameter that I got hung up on originally.  I was thinking beach/poolside/hot sun/popcicles colors!!!  I had pulled my Madonna stamp set out, and with research, I see she and Sean P were married in August of 1985/overlooking the beach...  I just couldn't find a way to make it make sense, it was causing my brain to freeze....so, I slept on it, and thought I'd take a stab at it the following day.  

 

What I really had hoped for was to do a card using some of my new fun Spellbinders Dies.... but Mr. Wheel, was sending me in a Madonna direction, I couldn't get my mind off of that...then much to my delight...I had a light bulb moment...  After madly searching through all of my dies (Spellbinders)...I recalled that I had recently acquired a specific wedding type die set off of Amazon ... I had wanted the gazebo, and got a bonus bride/groom and sentiment with it...(more on that later)...  So...bye bye Madonna...  this is where my literal thinking got warbly...  summer colors...geesh...  I really didn't want to go white and black, etc...  I had to pull a "you can make the colors fit" fast one, and went "general"... summer flowers, mid summer night colors... later on, I thought maybe the color of summer plums (we have a few trees in our orchards)... and even some summer veggies, like eggplant and organic carrots....  Geesh...  It seemed to work...  #2:  CHECK!

 

#3 Here Comes The Bride 

The last paragraph was a long one...so, I'll be brief...  Bride/Groom/Wedding Sentiment...  #3:  CHECK!

 

#4 Ink Edging

I knew I'd sneak this one in one way or another...  Had I chose to go Madonna, I would have inked around my fussy cut image, to clean off any glaring white edges.  But, no fussy cut image on this card...and I wanted to stay with a "clean" edge look with these die cuts....  Ahhhh.. I knew I was using those twinkly little stars for my shaker pieces...  I made a MOON!!!!!  I took a circle die cut piece and used it as a mask...inking all around the edge of that circle...woah lah!!!  my MOON!  This is a technique I learned through watching the incredibly talented Lavinia artists....  It's a quick and easy way to get a fairylicious MOON!  :)  #4:  CHECK!

 

There, I justified my parameters...now...on to my process and my setbacks.

 

First setback...I really couldn't get that Madonna thought and still can't out of my head.  I just was too lazy to figure the colors and still use the fun designer paper that I would have wanted to, yada yada yada.....plus I wanted to go die cuts all the way, something different for me than my usual ways.  I need to move on ... yet I still have that stamp set sitting on my work space...  and I have Madonna tunes running around in my head still.  I'm spiraling out of control with the thought of how I could have created  a card with Madonna.

 

Second setback....  and I've sat on the fence about this one, because it can get lengthy for me to share my thoughts.  I'm going to start out with:  YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...  I have TONS of dies from the many wonderful stamp and die companies I purchase from.  That being said, I have once in a blue moon, purchased off of Amazon.  Here's where I'm reserved to not share my thoughts, because I don't want to start a huge controversial post.  I guess down deep, I should have assumed an inexpensive die purchased off of Amazon, could very well be a stolen / counterfeit die.  This particular one, if it is, I'm certainly not aware of it...I have perused my supplier sites and placed nice orders even a week ago from well known stamp and die companies....and I don't recall one like this.  I don't like the idea of supporting over seas companies who violate and steal ideas from our domestic craft companies.  That being said, I'm not the die police either, and I have no clue where a US based Amazon merchant is getting their ideas for a die, I suspect most dies purchased start out being manufactured out of China.  I'm in the promo biz, so I 100% understand how dependent we are with overseas supplies... I wanted this gazebo, I was placing an order for my coffee pods at the time, and that die impulsively ended up in my cart, not a wild search for a gazebo...just a quick add to my cart...  WHAT.A.PIA.THIS.DIE.TURNED.OUT.BEING!!!  

 

It wouldn't / couldn't / should have cut...  I went with the embossed look on the gazebo, since all of the little pieces simply would not cut...no matter how many shims or added pressure I added to my cutting "sandwich"!  I managed to get a bride and groom to finally cut out...the sentiment almost broke my Big Shot because of all the "shims" I had to use....  I did find success with my Intra Cut (GK) cutter... but only after 20 attempts or so, and even then, I was afraid I was putting too much stress on my "handle"...  I FINALLY got one, but, the struggle is real.  (I now have a warped Big Shot cutting plate too...all because if this inexpensive die)  So...my bad...I send this as a caution to those like me, who innocently buy a die off of Amazon...  I should have read the reviews...my bad, and will definitely be on the know for the future!!!

 

Before I get to my last card set back...  I do want to elaborate on my thoughts of buying things like this off of Amazon.  I see all kinds of comments directed to people like me who mention purchasing a die from Amazon or even the scary Temu / Ali Express.  I'm not one to consider purchasing from Temu or Ali Express, I'm careful who gets my info, but, to defend those who do...  not knowing their circumstances, it may be they don't know they are purchasing a stolen image/die, etc...  I am NOT defending buying counterfeit stamps and dies necessarily, but, I don't want to bash anyone who does either.  I think maybe a "buyer beware" approach is more in line...  I have owned my own business for 40 years now, and although I don't worry about overseas copying ideas, I have had MANY ideas of mine stolen by USA/domestic competitors, or customers too.  One competitor actually took the credit of something we have offered our customers (it's pretty unique), and said it was her idea from the getgo, when I know she scoured our product line, and was given info about us through a customer we shared.  There is NOTHING I can do about thievery....but, be a better vendor with service and quality... My spiel.  I most likely will NEVER use this die again, lesson learned, and although I don't have many...I seriously hope, some of my other Amazon purchases aren't as subpar, wishful thinking....

 

My last setback....  I kind of constructed my shaker myself by cutting my window material out using my gazebo as a cutting guide.  Since most of my gazebo cut out windows didn't pop out...I decided, no need to have shaker pieces shake in those areas....I can save on shaker pieces that way....  so...thin foam tape was secured around the areas that I need the little start to shake, rattle and roll....  well..DANG!  They are kind of "sticking" and not shaking.  I hope this doesn't disqualify my interaction here...lol...well...I guess banging the card hard against the table to get a star to fall...is interaction, so...it still is a CHECK CHECK CHECK!  (I certainly checked that box, lol)

 

No more setbacks, but a little bonus moment:  I dropped a little flower die inside a storage box by accident last night....I managed to find all kinds of treasures inside that box before I retrieved my tiny die....  including the most beautiful collection of paper that I picked up probably 20+ years ago.  I don't think I've ever used it...and today, I felt it would make a really pretty lining for the inside of my card.  

 

 

It's shimmery, I'm not sure you can tell....  I really wanted to print my sentiment on a piece of adhered pretty shimmery Stardream Card Stock  that I LOVE to use as go to card stock (it's what I used on my gazebo) .....  but....what another struggle, the ink doesn't dry, although I know some ink of mine (not Stazon, I don't have any) will and has dried fairly easily without heat setting or embossing, I just don't know which.  I tried dye ink, I then tried a distress/oxide ink, then Versafine Clair ink...then Memento (I really didn't want to use black)...I tried to emboss, I tried to heat set...I found impatience quickly setting in...and decided my regular card stock , will work just fine.  I avoided a major setback...  and now have a finished card for the next wedding we attend.  :)

 

Long post, maybe a little bit of rambling, I know.  I figured it was a lengthy process for this card, I wouldn't expect anything but a long post out of it!!!  hahahahaha

 

I'll try to be quick next time!  ;) 

 

 

 

LOL...I could have totally worked with these colors!!!  In fact, I'm seeing purples in that bouquet!
 

One Cool Dude

 I see Don Draper here with this card.  For those of you who know me well, promotion and advertising is my gig...my chocolate biz is 95% promo and working with corporate giveaways mainly.  It was my passion in college, once I finally figured out what I wanted to major in, and oddly, my life kind of sort of leaned that way (ultimately) with my specialty food biz.  I have worked with and still do with many well known companies, it's been a wild ride, that's for sure.  That being said, this cool dude does remind me of Don Draper in MadMen, one of the all time favorite series to binge watch.

 I also am reminded of a few of my nephews here.  I have several still in their 30s, and for some reason, when I see these images, it kind of reminds me of a couple of them, lol.  

After the matter, I wasn't loving the color of my circle and sentiment strip background....with limited designer paper left in my kit, I pulled out what I had, and my instincts were leading me in the rich brown/gold/black tones.  I do believe those colors would work for the parameter "Sleigh Ride" as well, but...my original card (shown above) was more the color scheme I was going for...

I think my new version with the browns works ok too....

 

 First I will tackle the parameters and my justifications.... after that, I want to spend a moment talking about my supplies, I used a kit for these cards, and I want to share info...

 

 

1. Project:  EASY!!!  It's a DUDE on a card for a DUDE.  Couldn't get much more dudey than this.

 

2.  Sleigh Ride Colors:  Addressed above...I was thinking Budweiser stein colors.  We have a giant collection of Budweiser steins, and I see the burgundy/browns/ivory/gold/black, etc....

 

3.  Farm Critter Element:  I burst out crazy laughing when I discovered my DUDE set had a sentiment with the word "CAT" in it.  Living in farm country, we know so well, there are CATS...so that fit the bill easily...and the only criteria is to one way or another get the parameter on the project...even if it's slipping the name of a farm critter on there, it checks the box, lol.  I couldn't see any other farm critter name that would work, like pig/cow/dog/horse/(maybe dog?)goose/etc., just doesn't sound right.  Glad this sentiment had CAT.

 

4.  Random Pen:  This one could have been a bit stretchy pants...  Originally, I felt by coloring with my alcohol markers, that really does fit the "pen" criteria.  I felt that was too broad, although I have no problem had I had to use it, I know it would work...I still wasn't satisfied.  Not sure why I started googling "pen" and "alcohol"... I did ask AI if alcohol markers were considered "pens".... anyhow, "Pen"icillin Cocktail popped up, so, I felt our Dude could very well be drinking one.  I still wanted to be doubly sure "Pen" was covered correctly, so I opted to include a little recipe of the drink.  I have never tasted a Penicillin Cocktail, but, now I am intrigued.  I wonder if it truly helps cure the ick.

 

So, I justified my parameters here...now, on to my supplies:  About a year ago, I decided to fall into temptation and become a Whit Kit subscriber from Unity Stamp Company.  For awhile, I had been impressed with the variety these kits included, I just never took the plunge.  Oh how fun it's been receiving my kit each month.  (I did put on pause a couple times, which you can, only because I had similar products already).  By being a Whit Kitter, you also gain additional company perks, I encourage anyone to go check it out.  Unity has probably the best quality rubber stamps ever, plus the variety of images created by the most talented artists keeps me coming back for more and more.  I also want to emphasize, I am NOT an affiliate here...I'm just a very loyal customer, so what I'm saying is truly coming from the heart.  It's a great company, and this month's Whit Kit (their "Kit of the Month too!) are really great kits, something to check out, that's for sure.

 

The Attaboy stamp set is available as well as the Distiguished Gents designer paper that came in the kit.  What you may need to search for are the other fun additions to the kit.  I also used the "Hounds Tooth" Stencil, that was included.....plus the ephemera (tags)...not used were some fun bling bling pieces and interactive swirly/bouncy pieces.  (I don't know what to call those)  So, IF you buy the kit...you receive a pretty good chunk of things:  (stamp set/patterned paper/plus possibly a stencil or dies, little elements, etc....)  If you miss your chance, no worries, you can still buy the stamp set and designer paper later on.  I like the whole kit and contents, fun to receive, but the additional company perks are well worth it too.  :)  That being said...this month's kit...  WOWZA it's so dang cute!!!!!  July Whit Kit 

 

So there you have it!!!!  Once again, I'm not an affiliate to either Craft Roulette or Unity Stamps.  I post these things about both, because I find joy in participating each week in Craft Roulette, and I have found Unity to be one of my favorite suppliers.  If you peruse through my blog, you will see I do use quite a bit of Unity stamps for my designs.

 

Now, off to get one of these 2 cards ready for a birthday boy, who actually could use a nap, as he has a newborn at home....lol...  Plus...  I do need to work, it's more fun playing hooky here, but, the chocolate is calling my name right now!  :)

 

 

 

for inspiration...... 

 and POOF...just like that...I started binge watching MadMen AGAIN on HBO...  It's been many years since I watched it (for the first time)...I don't remember much, so, it's fun to rewatch.  I do remember that classic ending though, once again...brilliant advertising!!!  :)

 

Happy Days!

 So, for starters, YOU ARE WELCOME, to any of you who now can't get a certain song out of their head...  I will say, this card, there were times of tremendous overthinking, for starters, did Grease ever play "Rockin' Around the Clock"?  I googled, and yes, it did, according to AI.  That being said, I remember "Grease Lightning", "Sandra Dee" and "Beauty School Dropout" more.  I think I may need to re watch this movie, even though I've seen it over and over and over again...(not as much as my daughter or sister, who are Grease junkies...I have them beat, however, when it comes to "The Sound of Music")....

Next overthinking moment....I added WAY TOO much card stock and designer paper, I wanted to cover up backs of things, and impulsively adhered things when I should have waited.  I didn't love some of my choices, and after being STUCK like cement (I use a TON of adhesive, my cards most likely will never fall apart)...I changed my vision, and had to glue stuff on top of already glued stuff.  I like the dimension, but not so much that I'd repeat this much thickness...This is a very QUICK version of explanation....I KNOW I'll do things different, if I ever repeat this card...which...I might...I very well might...  I don't very often participate in swaps anymore, but I have one coming up, and I really enjoyed making this card...so, I might...  IF I do, it would be helpful to have a die for this type of card...but, I'm telling you, to get the flippity flop...it's not necessary...   

I'm still working on my videos!  lol  In fairness to me, I work mainly on a desktop, for starters, being remote, our wifi is SUBPAR, it's not always the easiest to attach/load/pull up things on my phone.  Our network is designed to work better with my business/and there is no way possible, I could manage documents/purchase orders/quotes and order acknowledgements through my phone, nor would I want to, it would be ridiculous.  I tend to rely on my desktop in my office....  My digital camera went kaput, so I use my phone, and I can't e-mail me the pictures (bad wifi), I end up sending them to me via messenger...it's a MESS.  I need to get that process streamlined and fixed, I just haven't had the enthusiasm to go buy another digital camera...I know, a bit of lazy on my part, but...I'm a putting out fires kind of person, never looked that far ahead...  yikes!

 

 

 

Now, for the parameters:

 

1.  I took Flip Fold Card literally.  I googled for examples, and was seeing lots like this circle flipping card doing it's flippity flop.  I see dies for this...which I.DO.NOT.HAVE.....YET...  It is 100% possible to go solo without a die, I even tried other sizes/shapes of my little spinny piece...but settled on this size of circle, best for my needs with this card.  I made it harder on myself, but, I was just learning...next time, it's possible (probable) I'll have a die, as this will not be my last flip fold card.  (Assuming I interpreted "flip fold" correctly....) (If it's not a flip fold...I'll call it a spinny flippity flop) 

 

2.  Tartan Colors:  My inspo was 100% found on Google Images:

 

3.  Time or Clock:  I kind of hit it double whammy...  I use the word "clock" and you can see, my dancers were rockin' it for some time, as they started fairly prim and proper, and ended up letting loose by shedding some layers of attire, even removing a hair bow.  

 

4.  Speaking of bow in my comments under #3, you can see I added one to my dancer's hair...it's teeny, it's tiny, it's an itty bitty bow, my fingers still can work those tiny bows, after 40 years of bow tying in the factory, I can do these in my sleep....  :)  (I think I'd freak if I had to do thousands upon thousands of itty bitty bows, I pride myself in saying I can do 100+ an hour, but, pretty sure if I was stuck on itty bitty ones, we'd find another way of packaging.  I could not expect my kitchen/packaging to attempt!

 

There you have it...my 121st!  I have a few more to go to reach the next milestone (I assume 125 is a milestone?)  It goes by so fast, it really doesn't matter.  I sure enjoy the challenge, and look forward to every Friday night.  I could be at 25/50/75 or even 5...it's FUNN all around!  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Snug as a BUG on a Rug....

 Geesh...now that my card is complete, I kind of wish I had gone a different direction....BUT...not disappointed in several factors involved with the choices I made, so, not ready to say EH?! on this card quite yet.  I'm still not feeling back up to my standards on card making, I think the postcard I made a few weeks ago, zapped the mojo out of me, I'm truly trying to get back to my normal self...  Knowing this is all subjective anyway, and most of my cards sit in a free for all box(es) in my office/chocolate facility, who really cares?  LOL!  It's not always about the outcome, but moreso the process....  at least for me...

 So, where to start....

Craft Roulette Episode #324 / My #120...

Not easy to take a photo of....If I were doing this professionally, I'd keep retaking, but, I'm not...so, I am stopping ...  lol  I have many versions of this picture, you will see....

 

I think I'll start out by showing parameters of this week's challenge...

 

 1.  Easel Cards are EASY.  I'll be honest, I've never made one until I started participating in Craft Roulette.  They should be called EASY EASELS...because they are, and they are fun to make too.  Pretty self explanatory....Fold your top panel in half, and create an easel type look....if interested, I can elaborate, just reach out...

 

2.  Craft Store Colors....  I had Craft Warehouse images in my mind....  for the store colors and when looking at the picture, I kind of see a table look...  

 

 My "PoP" of red....for the cherry on top of my cupcake.... blue sky, the flat roof/side columns look like a table...  Total inspo picture here... AND ... my favorite craft store EVER.

 

3.  Table....  I have TWO craft table stamps in my massive stamp collection....  I used the other stamp for the 2nd ever CR contribution I ever played in...  I'm pretty sure I don't have a blog post on it, but, it remains to be one of my favorite CR cards I've submitted...so I'm showing it here...  If interested, you can pull up CR deets on their website for the episode....  Episode #170  

 

 4.  Add a Bug or Insect....  If you look close... I made a little ladybug to sit on my rug...

 

 I took a permanent black sharpie pen and put little dots on a red enamel dot...lightly drawing a line down the middle of the embellishment.  I then colored an itty bitty circle shaped glitter sticker in black for it's teeny little head... adhered my enamel dot to most of it, little face poking out....  I knew adding a bug was going to be last minute and not make sense...lol...it made a perfect little "stopper"... and putting a little rug on there, was a last minute thought...I couldn't then and still can't get the saying "As Snug as a Bug on a Rug" out of my head now....  lol.  I did add the second "stopper", only because I originally printed my inside sentiment crooked, and I was not having it...so, I "covered" that up...but straight.  YIKES.

 

So...a few things I observed/LOVED about this card...

 

First, I used OLD supplies...  I think the stamp set I used, may have been one of my very first online stamp set purchases EVER.  I will say, the quality of this set (probably 20ish years old in my inventory)... is superior ...  the packaging is probably the BEST out of all the companies I buy from...  You know those flimsy little cello bags that  most companies package their clear stamps in?  Yep, the ones that rip and tear, and are impossible to put your stamp set back inside?  Well, these cello bags are RIP PROOF...and easily the set slides back inside the original packaging.  The stamps are adhered to a sturdy backing, I'm in awe how quality this packaging is....  I really can't emphasize enough.  Not sure TE stamps are still packaged in this quality poly type cello packaging, it's been a minute since I've ordered from them, I can only comment on what I have, but I was impressed!  I have to admit, I went looking on their site last night....

 

 Next fun thing about this card...  You know the "hoarding" paper urge?  Well, DON'T fall into that trap!  I bought this designer pack from either Craft Warehouse or Michaels YEARS ago...  For some reason, I haven't felt the need to "save for a rainy day"...yet, I've used it over and over and over and over again, on various projects throughout the YEARS...  My case...  a little patterned paper goes a LONG way...  Don't be afraid to cut into it...  I love this collection, it's probably long since retired, it's been a good 15+ years in my stash...and I feel I have LONG ways to go to use it up...it may have been a gift from one of my crafty sisters...we used to fill up laundry baskets full of gift during the hoidays for each other, sort of a potluck of gift giving type thing....and if I recall, we would add crafty things....

 

 So, another week in the books now...  I have been cleaning up my table in my craft room and working on a major project that I pushed off to the side a few years ago....  I don't like unfinished things, but this one is a big big big project....  I'm excited to get to the next part of it....  After 120 Craft Roulette contributions, I'm finding my process going faster and faster....so fun!  You should join in!

 

Flat Version  

Had my sentiment printed straight, this would have been my only "stopper"

AS SNUG AS A BUG ON A RUG!!!!
 

 

Cherry-O

 Thought I'd share something I made a long time ago, that at the time, I had hoped to make many extras...well, I started those "extras" and never finished.  I keep saying, finishing before cherry season would be a goal.  I know the hard part is already done, and with a gift a fresh cherries, I can include this card.

This has been going on this last week and finished Friday....forklifts coming and going, and sweet little fruity treats getting picked into bins, sent off to market, possibly headed overseas, or maybe distributed in Costcos and Walmarts throughout the nation.  Once they leave our farm...it's 100% in the hands of our packing house and their sales force.  It's a crazy industry, with a ton of risk, stress and trust, the consumer is completely unaware of all the steps a cherry farmer goes through to get these sweet gems to market!  We literally have a PIT in our stomach, we will not know the results of our hard work for a couple of months.  This is one industry, that in my opinion, eally should be revamped to keep the farmer in the loop more.  It is a way of life, however, and we have lived it for 60 years or better....

Each bin weighs approximately 325 pounds, and we will have shipped out close to 500 bins.  That's a lot of cherries!  It doesn't look like I'll get to finish those cards cherry season 2026...so, I think I'll slowly work on them over the next year or so, and have them nice and ready for 2027!  My original was created for CR Episode #213, 110 episodes ago, my 35th Craft Roulette card.  It's crazy how fast time flies, and how life changes in the course of a couple years.  I say it often, I'll say it again...I never thought I'd make it past 5 entries, let alone the 119 that I'm at today..  pretty sure the 84 entries I've made in between, has seen some heavy duty CR, aka Craft Therapy for me!

 

Now, to FIND those extras.....I should never attempt extras of any of these, I rarely get back to them.  I adored making this card, however.  I love the Graphic 45 paper I used and the Scrappy Boy Chocolate, Wine & Best Friends stamp set.  (I also have the Everyone's Favorite Redhead set....so much fun)  My resolution to finish up insides of cards and the "extras" of things for 2026...hasn't really been started, let alone close to achieving....  I think if I give myself a year for this, I should be good.  lol

 

 

 Now, on to apricots....and then my favorite of them all PEACHES!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Together

 First let me start out with a couple of comments.  This card was a little hard for me to make with the image I chose...  I purchased this stamp in 2018 (yes, I checked my orders, lol)...with different intent of use (I love it however, when a stamp has many purposes, so not disappointed that I didn't use it for the intent I bought it for...that will come, some day...)  I added the Selfie Girls stamp to my collection of Angie Girl stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  It was one of those late night surfing the stamp world on my iPad, when I discovered the wonderful world of Angie Girls...and all the other really cool stamps that Unity offers.  Selfie Girls was ordered on a few orders after my first, and I have been adding ever since.  There is something about coloring up one of the "girls" stamps, so identifying and a brilliant line, artist Angie Blom.  

I bought this stamp because it reminded me of my sisters and I.  There were moments of time, I will admit, that I couldn't fight the tears while coloring up these girls.  8 years of life has swept passed us, and oh how I would love to have a few moments of that time back....  Since 2018, one of us has earned her angel wings, (and now my Dad)  I was almost tempted to add a set of wings in this image...  Other life has happened too...when I do color up the image with my full intent, I want to be sure I do so taking care of my heart... it's still pretty tender, so many losses, so much grief.

 

Second comment here....  I kind of went a little overboard on the bling bling.  I felt bling bling deprived with last week's Craft Roulette Episode #322, I must have felt the need to make up for the lack of enhancements or something.  Adding to this comment, this card, was my practice card....I truly have a different "Pretty Colors" palette in mind....I'm more of a turquoise/blue/seafoam/lavender colors type personality (I had my colors draped in college...turquise/teal was my color profile)....  but I tend to make a practice card first...and at the time, it really didn't matter what pretty colors I selected.  That being said, it was way past midnight when I was CLOSE to completion, I decided pink was pretty enough.  Other changes I could have made, the Quartz Stardream Cardstock I used, may have photo'd better had I chose the Crystal color, or another color altogether, not in the whites....  I honestly thought this was my sample card, before I made the real deal.  That being said...I'm satisfied with the outcome, so I decided to clean my table and put supplies away...

 

The parameters and my justifications:

1.  A7 Card Size is:  5-1/8" x 7"  My 5-1/8" was crimped, so ended up 5", but, it started out as 5-1/8" :)

 

2.  Pretty Colors:  Totally subjective here.  Pink and lavender are pretty colors.....

 

3.  Photo Booth:  I made my own photo booth with a Scrappy Boy: Build a Stage Die Set.  Back to intent, I'm 100% positive, I did not buy this die set with the idea I'd use it for a photo booth.  I think I felt there would be on stage scrap booking opportunities or fandom (The Sound of Music) cards that might need a stage someday.  I'm totally glad I had this in my die collection, it seemed logical to use it.

 

4.  Geometric Shapes:  My gems are geometric shapes:  stars, squares and circles.  I also have a couple of itty bitty photo booth looking cards added next to the camera on this card.  I did cut a little snip of designer paper of mine that had a little geo shapes on them...they fit perfectly inside my itty bitty frames.   (I used another Scrappy Boy die for the frames, one of the confetti plates, pretty sure they are retired.  I love these plates for itty bitty shapes cut out fast in quantity)  

 

This was the color palette I was aiming for:

 

 

Photo Booth was a fun parameter.  At first I was, HUH?!  Then before I even gave it a teeny bit of thought, I knew I had the Selfie Girls stamp, and I didn't even look for other options.  I could have maybe completed this card in a couple hours...but, I took my sweet slow time, I was kind of in the need for the Craft Therapy that I do any of this for!  I am NOT an affiliate with any of the companies I linked in this post, just a really loyal customer!

 

Till next week!   

 

 

 

 

Dump the Slump!

 Not sure I'm in one or not (a slump), as I did dabble a little on my weekly Craft Roulette (episode #322) challenge, and truly had ideas, just felt a little lazy to see them through.  I'm just not getting a the warm fuzzies with my card, and I kept walking away from it while I attempted to finish it in a timely manner.  Each time I came back to it, I truly didn't think it was that bad, but, it definitely wasn't what I envisioned.  I think my hold up was, is I truly took each parameter too seriously, and it left me with limited options ... I then got fixated on trying to use a template that my card was too large for, but, I had already finished part of the card, and I wasn't in the time or place to go back and start over.... 

1.  The First Parameter:  POSTCARD

I decided to do a "front and back", so I started out with many extras (just in case of a mistake), I did keep making ink blobs, so down to 2...then managed to smudge one of my final two, both on the front and the back.  So, down to 1, at this time, I decided I had zero intention of making more.  Next time I make a wreath, it definitely will be using the right size of card stock and stamps that I can place in my platform along with my wreath builder template.  I  had to use a larger platform, because naturally, I went in the direction of stamping this wreath smack dab in the MIDDLE of my 4-1/4" x 6" postcard.  (The template I used needed a 4" x 4" square, so another obstacle) I took this parameter LITERALLY.  I created it with intent to actually mail it...not in an envelope, but an actual postcard.  That eliminated any dimension...no adhering anything to it, no enamel dots, no die cuts, nada nada nada....  THIS IS OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE, AND IT STILL IS....I think that's why the verdict on this card is telling me, I'm not jiving with it... But...I wanted to stretch my abilities, and learn a thing or 2, and kind of go out of my predictable style.  After 40 years of creative design, 30 in paper...I want the challenge of doing something a little out of my norm...  Well, I got that on this challenge, and I did learn a thing or 2!  

 

2.  The Second Parameter:  70's COLORS

Growing up, I recall we had a set of cannisters and tea cups similar to these mushroom ones.  I kind of had these on my mind, along with the 70s color palette for inspo.  I couldn't get those mushrooms out of my head...and kind of got stuck in a rut thinking I MUST include a mushroom, one way or another.  I've been challenging my memory/brain as to wonder where oh where did this set of cannisters/cups go?  I would LOVE to have a mug or 2 or even the entire set out of this...  CR #322 has stirred this want up now for me.  I'm sure this treasure set is somewhere in my childhood home...at least I hope it is still around, although I'm there daily and am not seeing it laying around!  I dabbled a bit with a mushroom idea on my postcard, and lost vision and sight with that too...  Maybe when I find the ceramics, I'll have mushroom brain back and can envision how I could have included it on this card (alcohol markers soaked through to the other side).  

   

3.  The Third Parameter:  WREATH

I used my Gina K Wreath Builder for my 3rd parameter....  I've just been waiting to use for the perfect time!  Over the last year, not necessarily needing it, I felt inspiration to FIND my Gina K Wreath Builder Template in my very messy/congested craft studio.  I always say, I put things in special places, hoping I can go right to it.  I wasn't even wanting to use it, I just wanted to find it.  Well, I couldn't...I just had to tell myself, I will run across it some day, and will put it in my now special place.  I was right...I found it a few months ago, and tucked it away in a safe place.  When this parameter popped up...I was happy to think I would use it.  Well...think again.  Once again, I couldn't find it.  My frustration level was off the charts...I've had personal reasons to be so dang frustrated lately, and I just wanted something to be easy, my studio is my safe place, not frustration place.  After a few not so nice words....I started madly pulling things out of my little storage thingy on my table.  After the first attempt (and sorting through stuff that had no business being stored there...)  I FOUND IT (caught up in why? oh why? stuff....  Next thing...NOW WHAT?  

I have never completed a card with the wreath builder, I wasn't even sure how to use it....and after the matter, I'm pretty sure I did use wood blocks with it in the first place way back when, but, sure can't figure out how I did.  My objective for this...was to figure it out and so instead of impulsively learning the Trudi way, I decided YouTube would be my friend.  I rarely pull up how to videos and it might be a good lesson for me, that I should do that more often.  I found a "how to" from Gina K herself, and was smitten about how effortlessly she explained the use, how easy.......EXCEPT...yep, there is an except here....  I did NOT play with the rules on this one.  I feel I need to elaborate here, because I don't want anyone to get discouraged from using the builder.  It is a GREAT template....  but challenging if:

• 1.  You attempt to use stamps mounted yet on wood blocks
• 2.  Use a piece of cardstock that is bigger than the template specs
• 3.  Decide to print the wreath smack dab in the middle of the ALL SIDES OVERLAPPING the template cardstock.  If you have this template and use it, you will 100% know what I'm talking about. 
• 4.  You choose stamps that really don't go with the flow for a wreath...for example strange shaped oversized leaves, or big ole chunky flowers... (I ended changing it up)

How I figured things out...first, I found a clear stamp that would work for my wreath leaves...and I did position my template in my Tim Holtz platform.  I used that low tack tape to redefine my template edges, as my position for each turn had to exceed the actual template edges.  This would make total sense if you tried what I did...I did NOT align things perfect, I will tell you, as one of the "turns" I eyeballed the placement with a piece of that 1" wide tape.  No need to try to understand what I'm saying here...nor no need for me to try to remember, because I will never probably do this again....Next time...I'm going with the 4"x4" size or the 3-3/4" square size or whatever size will fit perfectly inside the template...or at least 3 of the 4 sides, I'm ok with one side overhanging...just not all 4...  That.is.why.....I only stamped the leaves with my wreath builder template.  The remaining stamped images, were with my stamps, still on wood blocks, by HAND, lol...  Enough about parameter #3.  Moving forward, I am keeping the Wreath Builder template near me, and will go to town making wreaths AFTER I purchase a variety of leaf/flower type wreath building clear stamps.  I did check my Lavinia stash, and I do believe I have some good stamps in there for wreaths, PLUS, I've glanced at the Wreath Building Stamps, and will go shopping... After said and done, it was fun taking those wreath turns and creating a perfect (start of) a wreath.  I'm 100% thinking Christmas now...

4.  The Fourth Parameter:  Pre-Printed

This is where my commercial color laser printer comes in handy....  I decided to preprint my own background.  I color blended a 4-1/4" x 6" piece of card stock to my liking....then decided to scan it into a high resolution (600 dpi) jpg, and with my graphics program, I dropped the pre-printed portion of this postcard.  I now have a happy little tune playing in my head, and suddenly craving a Coca Cola....  My "world message" on the side, it took a minute to decide what to put there...I found inspo on Google, and changed the words 10 or more times...but in the end, I did like the message, because what the world really does need now, is PEACE, UNITY and HARMONY.  

So there you have it.  A very simple card for me.  So not my typical style.  I honestly was so dang tempted to put a die cut wreath on there, and add all kinds of bling and START OVER.  I even came close to putting a mock "stamp" on the address side of this postcard.  I even considered not finishing it at all.  But, by doing any of that...it would not be able to go through any mail system, and literal me...truly wanted to make a postcard that I could pop in the mail and not worry about anything catching in a machine or getting flagged out of transit.  I truly am on the fence with this card...every time I don't like it, I find something about the process, and how much I learned by doing it, that I actually do like it.  I got impatient at times with it, but, I got what I needed out of my time spent with it, now, to see if I actually do end up mailing it, lol...  

I think I'll go grab myself a Coke Zero (I'm dieting) I can't help but SMILE.