Thursday, March 10, 2011

Not Exactly Like I Planned


Today is another wonderful Flourishes Friday ...and it's a Pre-Release Challenge Friday too!  Some fantastic, and oh I mean FANTASTIC sets are going to be introduced to you next week (I can hardly wait!), so we're issuing a challenge you can participate in and you could win the whole New Release!

This month's challenge is:  The Cut Above Challenge:  Die cut, punches edges or decorative borders, all are the rage in card making, so let's see how you can create a card that's a cut above the rest! To enter, simply use a die cut, decorative punch or border punch as a focal point on your card. Keyword: FLLCMAR11 - deadline is March 11th at 5 PM Eastern.


Now, where does this title come in?  I had a cool vision of a card in my head.  But it did not exactly go as planned.  I have never fought with a card  - EVER -  as much as I did trying to put this vision to reality.  I took the card apart a minimum of 4 times....and I'm still not sure about it....so I ended up making two cards....I'll show you the card that gave me fits at the end of the post.  Once I calmed down, I knew I had to create something different to redeem myself!  :)



I've put together a Circle of Violets in this pretty card.  I used the Sweet Violets set and stamped the two versions of small violet flowers and leaves,  coloring them up with the Violet Copic Collection.  Then cutting each violet out and popping them up on the card.  


I tell you this Grand Calibur from Spellbinders makes creating circle cards so easy!  I used two of the Grand Dies, Grand Scalloped Circles and Grand Circles and what's so great is that you can run them through your machine all at one pass.  On the scalloped die you can see that I scored a card base 5 x 5 inches and then kept the fold inside the lines of the die, so that part of the folded edge wouldn't cut and you'd have your complete card base.  



As you can see I've added a mix of diagonal scoring and dashes with my Scor Bug tool, an idea I borrowed from my sweet friend Julie's Tutorial here.  

Now I'll show you the card that almost ended up in the circular file...


In my head was the vision of the violets in the Diamond Nestability frames.  I had the idea to use this great paper from Prima - Fairy Floral because of the hints of purples and pinks in it.  But a lot went sideways here.  There are parts to it I like, the diamond theme, the pretty paper, but I'm not sure about it all together.  And trust me, this is a whole lot better than it was before each time I tore it apart!




And have you heard?  The Gambler's Sale at Flourishes is now up to 35 % off!  I see that things are already starting to sell out - so grab your deals fast!  

Now head on over to the fabulous Design Team to see their Cut Above Challenge cards, then please join us in the challenge and Link to the Flourishes Blog!

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Both of these cards are beautiful. But your problem child is my fav. It's gorgeous.

KarinsArtScrap said...

christine great cards and design.
love the second card, it's something different.

greetings karin

DottyA Cards & Things said...

You are looking at it thru your eyes and I'm looking at it thru my eyes... I all I see is a Beautiful card ...not a problem child. Very nice!!!!

Dawn B. said...

I dislike when this happens but LOVE your outcome. It was worth all the effort. Great cards Christine.

petra,s cards said...

whow its gorgeous!!
xx petra

Stampvanwinkle said...

So Pretty Christine. I love all the texture and colors.
Have a great day sweetie.

Hugs and Blessings,
Deb

Sherry Kushibab said...

Beautiful cards....I do like the first better, but have had my share of ideas that just won't quite work out the way I see them...your being more critical than you need to on the second..I think its just a different card than your usual.

Julie Koerber said...

Wowzers.. you've been busy! I love, love,love the round creation --- just too sweet for words. Your other card is drop dead gorgeous with that layout and bling!

Conniecrafter said...

Isn't it funny the cards we don't like others just love because I think your second card is Terrific, it's so original and very striking, my fav of the two cards! So glad you didn't pitch it!

Barbara said...

Both cards are gorgeous, Christine! Fabulous design for both of them! I'm round card challenged, so thanks for showing how you did it.

Stacy Morgan said...

Christine I have had that happen many times and I wish my hands could do what my head wishes. lol Both cards are very pretty. I like your circle card and the violets all around it. The diamons shapes look great and I like the sentiment below. Both are so pretty.

Leslie Miller said...

I'm SO glad your card did not wind up in the circular file! Christine, despite all the fits it gave you, it's gorgeous! Wonderful design! In the end you wound up with two very pretty cards, so I hope it feels worth the effort. Thank you for sharing both!

Christina said...

Haha yes, sunny Edmonton weather thats for sure! I hope it stays beautiful instead of going for another cold spell. I love your cards here! the purple violet one has to be my favorite, the colours are so vibrant!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards Christine!!
smiles,Deena

The Rubber Maid said...

How lovely both your cards are and I'm so glad your 2nd. card didn't make the circular file..it's a beauty. Pat

Amanda said...

Oh Christine, these are Beautiful!! I love your round card idea!! I really love your papers and ideas :)

Cindy Lawrence said...

Oh, Christine, these are both GORGEOUS! This is definitely a case of the struggle being VERY worth it! :)

Nona said...

Your cards are gorgeous, Christine! Purple is one of my favorite colors :)

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Both of these cards are beautiful Christine!! I just love the purple. Your circular design with the violets is simple elegant. So much eye candy on the second. Gorgeous work as always.
hugs,
Chris

dpkennedy said...

These are both so lovely! You really spent some time cutting out all of those gorgeous violets! Wonderful creations Christine!

Monika/Buzsy said...

Fabulous cards Christine. Love the dies you uses and the gorgeous colors. :o)

Traci M said...

These are both gorgeous cards, Christine!! Even my simple cards give me fits sometimes...I am so glad you worked it through!
The circular card is so sweet with those little cut out flowers, and the second is mesmerizing in design!

Allison Cope said...

Gorgeous Christine!