Either way, we win. We either jump for joy or we learn something. It's all good.
So here are our two lessons for today.
First, the PSX pine tree. I decided to make a set of all-red holiday thank-you card that had a Nordic flavor, but I experimented with adding a bunch of Stickles on the tree to add a snowy feel.
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| Stamps: PSX tree, Clearly Besotted sentiment; Ink: Ranger Archival red geranium |
Mostly, I love this. The Stickles turned a little pinkish, which is disappointing. I was really hoping the red would stay red and the white Stickles would stay white, with a snowy effect. The red ink is Ranger Archival red geranium, which is waterproof, so I have to assume that the red showing through the clear glue gives the pinkish cast to the glitter.
And second, the Hero Arts tree. There's a design flaw here...too much space between the sentiment and tree. Wow, that's a big gap! I considered buying some silver or gold sheer ribbon and add a bow below the tree, but somehow I think that would look "stuck on" and certainly not integral to the design. Nope. Trying to make that tree fit this panel with that sentiment just didn't work.
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| Stamps: Hero Arts tree, Clearly Besotted sentiment; Ink: Delicata gold and silver |
Dottie Jo wanted to see my effort with this Hero Arts flourish tree. Perhaps it would be better for her to look at this older, lovely heart card. Hope that's a better example for you to follow, Dottie Jo!!!!
Clearly, today's card just isn't a winner of a design contest. But I'm keeping the silver-and-gold color scheme in the back of my mind as I move forward in my plans to use my Christmas stamp stash.
Tomorrow, we'll be back with a fun and balanced tree card where everything went right.
So interesting to read your commentary of these two cards...I love.love.love. the red/pink tree card! I see what you mean about the space between sentiment and tree on the second card. I cannot think of a great 'save' unless a graphic design would draw the sentiment closer to the tree. But, again, I love your stickles tree! I am adding 'red geranium' to my shopping list. What a great red. Thanks for the 'lessons'...they were a BLESSING! :)
ReplyDeleteLessons or blessings, I shall have to remember that. I don't mind the pinkish cast to your stickled evergreen but I can see that it certainly didn't stay all red. As for the second card, oh yeah, that's a big gap. I have to say that is an unusual error for you to make. Thank you for making it though as it reminds us that we're all human and all make boo-boos.
ReplyDeleteI like the 'pinky' look to some of the branches on card #1. It looks purposeful and subtle and lovely. Mmmmmm, card #2 features a lovely colour combo but the beads are 'sitting' rather than looking like an integral part of the design. I wonder why? Is it because they are all circular? Thanks for the link to your previous card. I think I remember it from before... Perhaps that's why I bought the stamp? I've found him to be a tricky sucker to use and no mistake! Jo x
ReplyDeleteOne thought I had on your second tree would be to add in a grounding layer for the tree so it doesn't look so removed. You could use markers to add in some ground or add a fussy cut hillside piece that would extend from the outside edges of the sentiment. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteThank you as always for your design lessons! The pink and red tree is lovely, even if not what you intended.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan. I know what you mean about the pinky red, but if someone was receiving it, they wouldn't know how else it might look so that would be ok with them :-) Like Krismybliss, i was thinking, a little swish of grey/pale blue shadow ink underneath the tree would ground it and fill up the space. Thanks for sharing your design wisdom.
ReplyDeleteIt's very encouraging when you share your "misses." I like these cards in spite of the flaws you pointed out.
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