I will post regularly to remind you of the challenge as I work through my boxes and bins of stamps. Hannah expressed concern that the challenge could become too rigid, but really, it doesn't have to be that way. Do what's fun for you! I love how lots of you with more stamp sets than loose stamps are adapting the challenge, especially Tania's idea that if only one stamp in a set gets used, it's time for that set to go.
Now, onward to today's cards.
When I purchased some Hero Arts inks, I chose colors in blues and greens because they are so very soothing and beachy. Just looking at these cards makes me happy and lowers my blood pressure at the same time.
The two cards above are accented with a clear Sakura Stardust pen for a little shimmer. The first has a border of randomly falling flowers for a whimsical feel appropriate for a birthday, and the second has a more solid, reliable border supporting the sentiment and appropriate for a thinking of you card.
The final card sends a cascade of shooting stars across the card for a dynamic layout that really emphasizes the sentiment by taking the eye right to it.
Any of these cards could have a completely different color combination and would feel different but work anyway. If your birthday girl prefers hot pinks and orange, well, that first card would work just great and have a high energy level to boot. If the person you're thinking of needs uplifting rather than soothing, citrus shades would be fun! The stars would work in shades of blue or purple (soothing), or yellows and oranges (high energy).
Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments, Friends
ink: Hero Arts soft pool, pool, tide pool, green hills; Memento black
paper: Papertrey Ink white
accessories: Sakura Stardust pen
Susan- I just about spat out my tea upon reading my name and comment had been mentioned. Named and shamed, much? No, I'm just kidding! I guess I just feel a little sensitive about the overall topic of challenges and putting oneself under unnecessary pressure; especially in something that is meant to be pure and simple pleasure. I already put myself under such huge strain to get EVERYTHING done on a daily basis and I needn't be so hard on myself all the time. Anyway, I suppose I shouldn't really get into all my mental health issues on a blog for the whole world to see. But I will just say that card making was one of if not the first thing to bring me some light out of a deep, dark clinical depression. That was 5 years ago now and I'm still fighting it every day...
ReplyDeleteOh, Hannah, I can so relate and so can a lot of us perfectionist/self-pressuring types, which is why I called out your comment! It's taken me years to really understand what my husband said to me years ago when I was obsessing on Christmas cards..."I thought this was supposed to be fun." I get it now...and want to encourage others to know the joy of being free of that self-pressure! You WILL get there!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful CAS cards Susan and great colors.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was drawn to these Hero Arts inks (though I have Ocean and Splash instead of green hills). I just love their Pool line of Hero Hues. The colors remind me of the Florida Keys where I grew up, and a time when I was care-free and relaxed. Thanks so much for the inspiration for more ways to use these fabulous colors.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. That means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards and great advice on colours and layout, thanks Susan! Anita :)
ReplyDeleteYep - these colors are so stunning together! How is that ink? The neons...not so much :( I ordered grey -- too dark. Rats!
ReplyDeleteThat last card with the stars would make a stellar 4th of July card! Thanks for always inspiring me =)
ReplyDelete...in red, light blue and navy blue color combo...I'll give it a try on my next Play Day!
ReplyDelete@Hannah...I can relate to depression issues... crafting is such a great outlet for me. Sadly, so is the shopping aspect of it.
ReplyDeleteSusan... so flattered you mentioned my idea in your post!
LOVE these! Are these 5x7?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely soothing and gorgeous with it :)
ReplyDeleteSoothing colors indeed. I especially like the fireworks/thinking of you card. The simple linear layout of it is really calming to my most-often turbulent brain.
ReplyDeleteMy CASE of your third card:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/carolmelancon/9087434539/
Oh, Susan! I don't want to buy more inks, but you keep enticing me by showing off these Hero Arts colors!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the stamp used for the Thinking of You card? I love that starburst/flower image... could be used for so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the image used for the Thinking of You card? It could be used as a starburst, flower, fireworks, snowflake maybe. LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteGina K's Hello Sunshine...which is a totally awesome set!
ReplyDelete