I went out with girlfriends on Friday. We were looking at card samples and other handmade bits and bobs - we were very struck by a floral felt mobile, actually. Anyway, it struck us that several of the stamped cards we admired most were made using some of the original techniques that we all learned. Like masking, shadow stamping, silhoutte images, embossing and using the same image for foreground and background. It was fascinating: how much you know, how much you've forgotten you know and how many ideas you kinda shelved in favour of
other, perhaps 'newer' techniques. For example, how many of us don't 'ink the edges' these days? !I think the advent of different inkpads for different applications changed the way we stamp and colour, and no doubt that the use of stamps in scrapbooks has changed the consideration when you decide to buy ink. I've spent some time this weekend playing with older techniques; some I like, some I remember why I don't like them! It was quite refreshing to make a couple of cards without using printed papers as embellishment or background. Equally, it was nice to simply pick up a completely 'normal', felt tip and just colour onto a solid stamp, and fiddle about a bit with some watercolour pencils....just add water, no colouring mediums, nothing complicated and certainly no stress over matching or cutting into paper that I've been saving for something that might, apparently, be worth it! It was great. So there's definitely more mileage in your stash which you've vowed to use up anyway - try all the ideas and techniques you thought were out of date - they aren't - they're just out of mind.
OOh Julia - that was such a deep and meaningful post - it belongs in a magazine - you should definately have a column...
ReplyDeleteLove the first technique you have used - something i've never tried - probably cos i'm not a big stamper - thats not to say i don't want to be - its because I like toooo many techniques around that I flit all the time ... no wonder my infant school teacher called me a busybody (i'm sure in the nicest possible way)!!! LOL
I do like the flora and fauna type stamps though and these two offerings of yours are what stamping is all about.
Paula x x x
I have to say I still ink the edges!! I don't know how to do half of the techniques you've mentioned though I really should book myself into a few more classes xx
ReplyDeleteI think I must be a decade behind everyone else as I'm only just discovering a lot of techniques that people term 'old' *g*
ReplyDeleteI loves that top card - I did a similar thing wityh a photo of my Mum. Did a B&W copy and the put the colour version of her over the top - I love the effect.
Right, enough dilly dallying - back to the blitz!
BTW - Am not deserting everyone totally, I'll still be stalking you all ;) Back before you even miss me!
I still ink the edges of everything too, but then maybe I have some catching up to do? Heck I've only just learned to do triple embossing ..... love both these cards but especially the lilac one.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these look fabulous Julia (I especially like the lilac one)
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right about moving away from our original techniques too, isn't it strange? We just seem to drift along with things, I'm forever feeling like I'm treading water and getting nowhere fast.
This is one of the reasons that I'm just crafting and blogging as and when now, instead of trying to keep up with all the challenges.
Have you used that "bargin" stamp yet that you bought last Tuesday???
ReplyDeleteI agree with every word of that post .... and I think those two are two of the nicest cards you have created.The Lilac one is absolutely beautiful, stunning infact....fresh and eye catching
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by 'inking edges is out' ...I only started doing it about 12 months ago .... trust me to be out of step with crafting fashion ...actually ...I dont care.
Oh I do like an inked edge! Just not as heavy handed with it as I used to be though.
ReplyDeleteLove the lilac card, very gorgeous.
And I too have paper that I've 'saved' for something, and now I don't like it anyway! You are so right about the hoarding - that IS the real problem!
You are such a clever lot!!! Paula showed me how to use a Cuttlebug over the webcam today - like magic to an old timer like me!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely cards Julia. I feel a workshop coming on!!
ReplyDeletegorjus cards great post too hun I still ink the edges of my cards,as think it adds,something but there is always something to learn hugs cheryl xxx
ReplyDelete2 lovely cards Julia, I especially like the kind of 'window' or 'in focus' technique on the first one :) For me it's mostly that some techniques first learnt are more out of mind than out of fashion, it's good to have reminders :)
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
I love both these cards too, but I often ink my edges, it just depends what kind of look I'm going for. And anyhow, how boring would it be if we all did everything the same - we'd have nothing to blog about... speaking of which, am gearing up for the next marathon that is WOYWW...
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jules. I must be so behind too, but, I don't care either. My style has changed, or, should I say, evolved, beyond recognition. Ummmm, except for my cards. I am far happier messing with inchies and ATCs and getting covered in ink and paint and unintentionally spreading glitter throughout the house, much to DH and DS's non-amusement. I was on a card-making roll last year, but off the wagon at the moment. The lilac card is stunning and, no surprise, I have never seen that technique before ..... but I feel an ATC coming on!
ReplyDeleteArt is in the pigment of your imagination :-D
I am really not a rubber stamper, but I sure love the idea of dusting off old techniques to spice up your art. I have a ton of background tutorials on my blog, but never think to use one when I have a new project. Thanks for putting this all into perspective and your gentle reminder that what we thought was old is only forgotten.
ReplyDeleteLove the cards. When do we get to make them??
ReplyDeleteLady Nurse
Hi there - totally agree - sometimes I think I am the only person who would make something just because I love it without thinking twice whether it is "THE thing right now" or "in fashion". Love to see and hear I am not alone. Sorry I fell of the face of the earth for a couple of days and didn't comment. Recession reached my company last week and 4 of us had to leave. Didn't see that coming - I was there for nearly 10 years as PA to the MD. Right now I feel like a Martini for Mr. Bond - "Shaken but not stirred" but after a good long break I am sure I will be back in some sort of business again. I have chosen not to share this on my blog as I have former colleagues as readers too.
ReplyDeleteLove the top one very much the stamp coloured and plain.
ReplyDeleteI have been going through some old CS mags and trying techniques I said I would do but never got to doing and I have really enjoyed that.
I do know what you mean it's like easel cards they are every where and sq cards 4x4 or 5x5 what ever happened to the old 6x4? we are all vitims of the crafty trends and I am the worst for it lol Loving shabby chic at the moment although I was loving that 4 yrs ago but i couldn't get anything I needed and now it's every where?
You have a lovely chatty way with you on yr blog I enjoyed the half hour or so spent here see you tomorrow for the WOYWW it was my 1st time last week and I really loved it.
Love Dawn xx
I just love that first card, it is just gorgeous! It is so clean and crisp. so springy!
ReplyDeleteI'm really not stalking you (tee hee), I'm here to let you know you are my blog choice of the day tomorrow (April 21) when we all celebrate WOYWW and thank you, our gracious hostess for hosting this event.
ReplyDeleteYou have made me feel so at home here. I really appreciate that. So to thank you properly, you are my blog pick of the day. Thanks for being such a gracious hostess.