The stamps come from an old A Muse set called Keep Swimmin', and I arranged them in a "random" layout inspired by the t-shirt art. (Y'all know there's nothing random about random designs...that took about ten minutes of fussing to get right. Notice the outline images move diagonally from upper left to lower right, with the heaviest part of the design in the lower center and lower left to anchor everything. Yeah, "random.")
The multi-colored bling added sparkle and shine to the design and enhanced the spectrum effect.
Given that perfectly Dory sentiment, I wanted the card to feel encouraging and energizing, and the colors of the Calypso Kaleidacolor pad plus all the movement certainly achieve that.
Now, you might have noticed that the first card has a shocking lack of white space for something made by me, so I decided to cut down on the number of images and try a slightly different layout that allowed for more white space. The inspiration shirt is certainly more solid and has a strong focal point with the turtle. The results of my second effort are not nearly as satisfying as the first card, though. Truly, the whimsy and fun of the first card are lost in the second design.
This design has a strong focal point but the kelp isn't the point of the sentiment, so it just feels off. Also, all the images are solid, with no outlines for lightness, so while the colors are certainly accented nicely, the whole design feels heavy.
"It was a good idea that shouldna' seen the light o' day."
Say that quotation in a long, slow southern drawl. Yeah.
Anyway, the Inspiration Challenge is a blast, and it was SO MUCH FUN to go outside my normal comfort zone and fill space up with so many happy images, colors, and rhinestones.
If you feel so moved, click on over and play along! SmilynStef landed a good one!
Supplies
stamps: A Muse Keep Swimming
ink: Kaleidacolor Calypso
paper: Papertrey white
accessories: rhinestones, craft foam, corner rounder, glue
I do prefer the first card, Susan. The Kaleidacolor stamping and the bling really bring the fish to life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheila!
DeleteOh I just love love how you got the effect you did with color using the kaleidacolor pad Susan. WOW.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa!
DeleteIf I saw your first card anywhere else but on your blog I would never have identified it as one of your cards. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI know. So glad you love it! So do I.
DeleteI love BOTH cards! There's lots of movement, they're vibrant, and ever so FUN!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy. Those colors really are the star.
DeleteBoth cards are happy. You have inspired me to find my kaleidacolor pads and have some fun.
ReplyDeleteYAY! They really are delightful ink pads!
DeleteI love that first card with its busy sea scene--so full of life! It's an unusual one for you but a definite winner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy!
DeleteLove them both, Susan. The little fish look great among the jewels in your second card, Jo x
ReplyDeleteBling really does make almost everything better. Thanks, Dotty Jo!
DeleteI too love both the cards. Such color! Would love if you would share tips on using the kaleidacolor pads sometime. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI will do a post on them, Jeanne. Thanks for the idea.
DeleteThe first card literally shouts "FUN". I really like them both & I'm sure your ink choices are a big part of that. I don't often get the desired result with Kaleidacolor pads, while you are a master.
ReplyDeleteI'll do a post with some tips for making them work, Pat. Thanks!
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