Wednesday 13 April 2011

Less is more!

Hello bloggers!
I am SOOOO busy right now, it's crazy! But it's all great stuff!
I got my craft club running and have two classes this week, one was on Monday and the next is tomorrow night. Preparations are all done so it's not too bad but I also got a deadline for my next publication in Creativity! and need to send this off this week as well as my first workshop in the Glitterpot on Saturday.
I am thrilled to be teaching there, but it's daunting to start a new venture. I'll keep you updated on how it goes if you want to know that...
Now on to something more fun than my ramblings... a card for the Less is more challenge. This week it's a one-layer card that focuses on the sentiment. I've been itching to try my hand on one of their challenges, I am very much a LIM girl at heart, maybe sometimes even a little too minimalist. Can't seem to do those beautiful cards with loads of embellishments without it looking silly... maybe I need to try more?
Another thing I've been itching to do is colour the gorgeous crab apple blossom from Ruth of A Passion for Stamps. It's just so nice, but I wasn't sure I could incorporate it into this challenge easily. I first did this card: 

But it doesn't really do the image justice and looks a bit cobbled together... so back to the drawing board.
I printed the image with only 50% opacity to lighten it and wanted to overstamp after colouring with Coloursoft pencils. But even at 50% it looked a bit too dark so I had an idea that I am quite pleased with now, although it's strictly speaking not a one-layer card anymore: I cut a sheet of vellum to fit over the card to soften the image and stamped the sentiment (Stampin up, on both cards) on the vellum with Staz-on ink. 


I am very happy how it looks and hope it still qualifies for the challenge at Less is more
The challenge on the Paper Variety blog is flowers, which fits so I am also entering it in this one.
Thanks for looking and even more if you choose to leave a comment!

23 comments:

Dorcas said...

It's beautiful!!

Viv said...

I love it too, I agree the final version is the best also. I adore Ruth's latest blossom image too and couldn't wait to buy it. Not used it yet though, busy making wedding invites for my son atm :O) Viv xx

Julie said...

You do sound busy but it's all good stuff so that's got to be good. Your cards are both lovely.

massofhair said...

Both your cards are beautiful but i do prefer your second one. Beautifully coloured and very elegant:-)

Shirley said...

These are two beautiful cards, love the blossom image x

Jenny said...

Both cards are lovely but my favourite, if i had to pick, is the second because the sentiment overlaps the image. Lovely shading on the blossom.
Thanks for visiting my blog :)
Jenny x

Janette said...

Hi Alex, it is fabulous, you sound so busy, hope your keeping well.xx

G Peplow said...

Hi there Alex, I was just thinking of you and wondering what you were up to and here you are creating beautiful cards. They are so pretty and the colours are perfect for the Simplicity challenge too. Good to 'see' you:0) xxx

Mandi said...

Really and truthfully your flower is more of the focal point, where we are asking for the sentiment o be so
It;s a fantastic card nonetheless, its a treat for all the LIMettes to see!
See you next week
mandi
Less is More

Elaine Stark said...

Beautiful card. I love the simplicity. Elaine

tilly said...

what a busy bee lol, but I know you will be loving it !!
I like the second card best, much softer image, hope the boys are well
Tilly x

Julie said...

Hi there matey - lovely to see you posting some of your inspiring work! Two fabulous cards!! You do sound very busy but happily so, and so many crafty things!! Take care, and see you soon! Juliexx

Ruth said...

Hi Alex, I love them both but The second is my fav. It's so delicate. You are a busy bee! ruth x

Chrissie said...

It's great to see you joining in with our challenge with these two lovely cards,though the images are rather taking centre stage.
I hope you will join us on Saturday for new challenge!
Chrissie
"Less is More"
WV

coops said...

stunning cards alex.the flower image is beautiful :D

xx coops xx

Sue said...

Beautiful cards. Sue.x

Noreen said...

Great card, I also prefer the second card. Good luck with your ventures, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Thank you also for your help with the problem I had the other week (hopefully it's sorted out now) xx

jan.angell1 said...

No, don't even think of masses of embellishments, it's just not you. CAS/LIM is your style so stick with it. Such a good idea, putting vellum over an image to soften it...I shall be borrowing that one! All the best for your classes etc, I don't know how you do it all :-}

Grenouille Greetings said...

I love them both, Alex! Beautiful colourwork and LIM is soooo up your street! Hugs, Lesley

Pauline said...

Two lovely cards, such a beautiful image.

Suzy Nurmainy said...

Both cards are lovely! Thanks for playing along with us at The Paper Variety! :)

Sarpreet said...

Gorgeous card - great layout. good luck with the workshop will be coming to see you in May. I hope they pay you well.

Tessa Buys said...

Beautiful! Thanks for playing at the Paper Variety!