Today was one of those days. I had an entire free day to play in my studio, and I have very little to show for it. I tried several cards that ended up in the trash can. Then I decided to try the current Paper Crafts Magazine challenge to make a card inspired by one of the designs in their publications.
This led to me getting side-tracked by going through all of my crafty books and magazines and setting aside a large pile to donate. Then I sat down and looked through my back issues of Paper Crafts trying to find something that interested me. I loved this card found on page 123 of 2008's Paper Crafts 101 technique issue and thought the concept would made a great holiday card.
I remembered having some velvet, because I had tried the embossing technique in the past. However, after spending a while searching through my studio, I realized that I had shared what was left of my velvet stash with a friend (keeping none for myself of course). I decided to head down the street to JoAnn's and pick up some more, however all they had was spandex velveteen.
Since I was already out, I headed across town to the other fabric store, but no luck there either. When I got home, I tried embossing velvet ribbon, which melted directly to the base of my iron (lovely mess to clean up), and velvet paper, which failed as well.
At this point, I gave up on the velvet, and decided to take a different approach using Hero Arts Stunning Snowflakes with New Canvas ink and Ranger Silver Pearl Interference Embossing powder. Several more cards ended up in the trash as I tried to get the frame drawn evenly on both sides (I tried a blue pen at first, but decided I liked Sakura silver better).
I finished with a sentiment from Hero Arts Holiday Sayings stamped in Ranger Adirondack Denim and embossed with the same EP and a silver Martha Stewart punched snowflake with a glittery snowball center.
And of course, after spending several hours on this card, I realized that I didn't completely read the challenge directions because in order to participate it is supposed to be a birthday or thank you card ... ugggh.
Oh well, I love the card, and it works for the Gingersnap Random Redhead challenge to use a frame in your card design. Now, back to the drawing board to see if I can come up with another card for the Paper Crafts challenge. I always say, a bad day in in my studio is still better than a good day at the office.
Kudos for sticking with it and producing such an amazing card! Good luck on the one you still need to make to enter into the contest.
~ingrid
Btw, thanks for visiting and commenting today!
Posted by: ingrid | November 28, 2009 at 08:31 PM
How frustrating! I've been there! But your card is still beautiful!
Posted by: Jessica Witty | November 29, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I know exactly what you're talking about! This, however, is quite the stunner! I think I like your interpretation better than the original!
Posted by: Mari | November 29, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Elegant designs! Thanks for playing the Gingersnap Creations Frames Challenge!
Posted by: Shar B | December 02, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Wow! This is really pretty! Nice job, Stephanie. :) Thanks for playing along...
Susan R. Opel
Editor, Paper Crafts magazine
Posted by: susan r. opel | December 03, 2009 at 02:50 PM