Flourishes Speed Challenge

Hi again,

I can't believe this is my second post :-p. Anyway, this is a super speedy card that I made for the Flourishes Speed Challenge and just in time too :)

I am also submitting this for Michelle's challenge on Yvonne's blog (again!)... as you can see, I clearly have stepped totally out of my comfort zone!

I tried to go vintage-shabby chic but I guess ended up being just 'shabby' (in a layperson's terminology!! :( ). The girly image is a rub on... The lace is really vintage (belonged to my great grandmom :)). In my hurry, I made a lot of mistakes but I am still hoping you like it :) 

Hugs,
Smita

Toasted and Not-my -Style Thank Yous :)

Heya people,

Ok, so I have been MIA again. The internet connection at home was down for more than 2 days and we had a problem in the family. Still praying that everything's alright very soon :(.

This is going to be a longish post... I hope you do read along though ;-) 

I managed some crafting though. This first card is called the 'Toasted Thank You' card!

The colors are from the Play Date Cafe Challenge #73... gorgeous colors (and thank you Shalini for describing them to me when I couldn't access the net):

I'm also submitting this for Your Next Stamp challenge - make it sparkle.

The sketch I used was an adaptation of a Papercrafts Magazine sketch (I don't know where but I think most bloggers had been posting about the cards that didn't make it; and I got the link/sketch from one of those). I love sketches anyway ;-). I added the kraft label frame to a die cut lavender sheet; then adhered the circles; and then embossed the whole thing (that seems to be my latest fascination....). Then I rubbed some clear ink over it and added embossing powder and heat embossed over the toaster (he he...). You'll need to look closely to see it shine I guess ;-) 

Now to the name of my card... well, I stamped the sentiment and added embossing powder; I was trying my best to use a tong to hold the little piece over the toaster but it fell right in!! {GULP}; I took it out before it was too late but the poor thing was almost toasted :-p

My next card isn't my style; and I was inspired by dozens of such cards that I've seen all over the place:

I've tried stepping out of my comfort zone (layers layers and more layers is what I like and do most of the time though I'm still finding my style!)... these gorgeous blooms are from the Hero Arts set that Emily sent for me. I love the versatility of this set. I'd tried a simple one layer card earlier... and this one is with some stamping, coloring and  paper piecing. I have not been able to take part in most of the challenges I love this year... This card is my entry for:

1) Michelle's challenge on Yvonne's blog - Get out of your comfort zone

2) Your Next Stamp challenge - make it sparkle (ok my red flowers are sparkling!)

That's it from me...

Smita

Scrappy Scrap Challenge with Shalini

We had a fun and exciting challenge organised by the very talented Shalini of Craft Curry! She sent out crafty scraps to all the participants, who, in turn, created scrappy masterpieces with them - I am not kidding! You've got to hop over and see what everyone has come up with. And of course, vote for your top 3 :)

The rules were simple. We could use:

(Content from Shalini's blog)

1. Card Stock
2. Adhesives
3. Color pens/Markers/Pens and other writing instruments
4. Your tools like the scissors, punching machines, die cutters, etc…  Only the tools/machines can be used… what you use them on, has to be either the above card stock or the scraps…
5. Stamps
• Only one stamp allowed
• No image stamp - only borders, sentiments, flourishes etc allowed

This is what I received from Shalini:

I fell in love with the patterned paper the moment I saw it! It was a gorgeous green. But my excitement was kind of short lived :-p and I was soon tensely wondering what to create so that each element was given full justice! I finally settled on a shaped card:

Though I have made circle cards before, I am never too confident with them. I was very nervous (don't ask me why) while making this card and till I sent out the pic to Shalini; DH didn't really say anything about the card but my darling son was pretty impressed :D 

I almost forgot the acetate and the scalloped acetate circle was a last minute addition; it looked too plain so I pulled out (literally!) beads from the lace and stuck it on to the acetate!

This card was inspired by Mojo Monday Sketch 180.

Run along and vote for the best! :)

Ciao,

Smita

Not so happy...

I am not so happy with today's card. It was a very quick one though.

I think I am in love with the PTI Mat Stack set. :) Just waiting to lay my hands on the right ink... What I didn't like is the color combination. I think my card turned out much tooo dull for my taste!

I am submitting this for the Card Patterns challenge this week:

Trying to find my Mojo to create something special before Wednesday! :(

Supplies:

Patterned Paper: All Hobby Ideas

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack1

Tools: Distressed stripes embossing folder, MS double loop punch, Mat Stack1 die

Others: 'vintage' ric rac and button from mom ;-)

Hope you liked this one!

ciao,
Smita

Cased

I want to share a scraplifted card today. My card is inspired by this card by Laura- the Stampin' Soldier:

I am kind of a new visitor to Laura's blog and I love her ways with patterned paper. Here is my feeble attempt:

Again, a book backdrop. It is kind of not so bright at this hour so my picture is just so-so. But I liked my card!

Supplies:


PP: DCWV (the Blue polka dot one; my brother-in-law took the trouble to go to a new scrapbooking store in town and heard my instructions on phone and got me the Nana's Kids pack - all thanks to Tejal again for introducing me to the store!) and Pebbles Inc (yellow)
Stamps: PTI
Embellishments: Ribbon was an RAK from Shalini (love ya girl!), button from stash
Others: The checkered vintage'' paper is really vintage ;-) and given by my dad (ok, let me tell you he hoards stationery more than anyone I know! and he will never part with anything; I had to beg for a few sheets :D )

Ciao,
Smita

Inspired...

While making this card, I realised how much I love sketches! I just can't do without them :(. I had decided on the papers and on some things I wanted to include in the card, but I couldn't find a sketch that would go with all of them put together. And my mind went blank! So I randomly stuck pieces here and there :-/.

Did you notice my cute little banner? NO??? Oh, I thought you would :( Here it is:

Now this is where the title of my post comes from :) - this banner is inspired by one of my blog idols - Ashley Newell! Do I like her?? Uhh, I ADORE her work! She is fabulous... this came from one of her tutorials and I know I am nowhere close, but hey, I am trying!

I am submitting this card for this week's challenge over at The Play Date Cafe:

I chose to give my card a red splash (umm... more than a splash I think)!

Supplies:

CS: Fabriano Academia (White - thanks Tejal)

PP: Both Hobby Ideas

Others: Grosgrain ribbon (finally!) was an RAK from Shalini :) and my colored staples (yeah, they are back!) from a local stationer

Ciao,
Smita

PS: The card with a dictionary backdrop photo is also inspired by something similar I saw online a few days back!