First up, I used the new SU two-step bird punch, which I knew I HAD to have the first time I laid eyes on it. It doesn't get any cooler than this punch, folks...for those of us who don't have die cut systems, at least.
I punched the bird and branch in white and put them on a scalloped teal panel with the quotation from Emily Dickinson on the white card base in black ink. Isn't that quotation THE BEST! I just love ol' Emily; she had quite the way with words.
Anyway, the scallops are accented with small half pearls, which were also used for the bird's eye. Putting a big, clunky quotation on the front of the card like that is a design challenge, but I like how the black-on-white balances the almost equally sized bird and branch on the solid teal, and adding the pearls made a huge difference, softening the division between the heavy teal and bright white.
At least that's my take on it.
Next up is a card that practically made itself. The Echoes of Kindness set is an unusual one for me, but I absolutely adore it. The artwork is so loose yet so elegant. I have NEVER satisfactorily colored an image like this, so I don't even try anymore. Just stamp it in a single color and work it, baby. So much easier for us artistically challenged stampers.
The top border is punched with a Martha Stewart punch that reminds me a bit of fancy garden lattice. The white satin ribbon softens the dark teal nicely and the knot balances on the left balances the image on the right.
BTW, I used Ancient Page Deep Harbor instead of SU's taken with teal, which stamps really, really dark for me. The deep harbor is actually a better match for the paper than SU's ink. I've noticed a similar darkness in bravo burgundy ink.
This was a great challenge, and if you haven't played along yet, give it a try. Teal is such a versatile color. It can go cute or elegant, soft or strong.
Supplies
stamps: SU, PTI (thank you)
ink: Ancient Page Deep Harbor, Palette noir
cardstock: PTI white, SU taken with teal
accessories: two-step bird punch, border punches, half pearls, dimensionals, ribbon
I absolutely adore your commentaries, I love the way that you take time to explain the design elements of your cards, and of course, I love your cards as well!
ReplyDeleteyou just keep hittin' 'em outta the park, lady!
ReplyDeletedesign challenged my hind leg, as my papaw would say LOL
I love that you generally post just as I'm heading to bed, I always check in last thing in the hope you have blogged :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that new SU punch and have my fingers and toes crossed it makes it into our next catalogue. (Aust)
Two very stunning cards, I really need to get a border punch. I always look at the Martha Stewart ones when I'm at Michaels.
ReplyDeletePetra
Just wonderful as always Susan, loved the quote too! Jo x
ReplyDeletewow Susan, these cards are just spectacular!!! I agree, that bird is a must have!!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are both so beautiful. Just like all of your cards:)
ReplyDeleteProbably my favourite SU colour - and I love both of these cards. I love the idea of the half teal/half white layout - I think I'll play with that one a lot!
ReplyDeleteFANtastic creations, Susan! I just ordered that bird punch and can't wait to play with it!
ReplyDeleteElegant and simple :o)
ReplyDeleteI really have to get at least 1 border punch because they add such a special touch!
These are absolutely gorgoeus! I love the teal with the white and black. So striking. And I've gotta go find me some pearls. Quit showing us cards with them until I get some. (just kidding)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as usual!
ReplyDeleteThese are both so beautiful - I love that bird punch!
ReplyDeleteI love both these cards, but especially the first one. I'm going to be ordering that bird punch at stamp club this Friday!
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate your design analyses (this balances that, this softens that).
I love that bird punch too. In fact I'm ordering it today when I place my SU order.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great in all white against the black background. I have that same sentiment stamp. I do like how it balances the "heavier" top of the card. The layout on the second card is pretty. And I like that you were able to use the line stamp without feeling the need to color it. That's a big challenge for me.
Is that Emily Dickinson quote a stamp, or did you print it? I used to have that font, and I loved it, but I lost it when our computer died and I can't remember where I bought it now!
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteIt's a stamp from StampinUp. I left off the attribution line to make it fit better. Not sure the name of the set, either, as it's one I broke up years ago.
Susan
Love these----so clean, crisp, elegant! The Emily Dickinson quote is from a set called Friend to Friend....although I think it might have been in another set as well! Thanks for your wonderful inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are simply elegant, and even though teal is a strong color, both cards have a gentleness to them. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSigh. These are both so beautiful. Could I just be you for awhile? :P
ReplyDeleteSusan these are both so PRETTY! Not sure which I like best!!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are beautiful!! Great use of the border punches and I LOVE that bird punch!!! It is on my list of must haves! I need to find some time to play:)
ReplyDeleteBoth teal cards super beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove the contrast of the deep teal colour with the white.Both cards are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about colouring those types of flowers. With my HA cling flower in a similar style, I actually cut the flower away from the stem so that I can ink and stamp them separately, or together, if I want.
ReplyDeleteSusan!! Why, oh why, do you do these things to me??!! I've been wanting that bird punch something fierce - but I've resisted so far BUT then you go and put your "white" touch to it and now it just HAS to come live with me - You even made me like teal (we haven't been friends for a LONG time now) -
ReplyDeleteI find teal a very hard colour to work with but your examples really show how to use it well. I like the second card best - such a lovely flower image and I have just bought the MS punch!!
ReplyDeleteBTW if YOU are artistically challenged then I am gonna go shoot myself because there is just no hope left for mere mortals like me (I am joking as I don't own a gun!!!!)
TFS .... you always make my day with your amazing cards anad funny, informative commentaries.
I love your color choice for these beauties, Susan!
ReplyDeleteYour punched bird in white is so striking, and I love that quotation! The lattice is so pretty on your floral card, and I love it's simple elegance!
Beautiful cards! I love Emily Dickinson too.
ReplyDelete