Oh look, birdies! And more interesting, oh look, I used Distress Inks! Good Lord I hear some of you saying, so why on earth did you do THAT with them? Answer: because that's as distressy as I can get really; I find all the techniques and colours and distressing a little bit too serious I think. See, I'm not sure if anyone who buys or receives a card is overly bothered about the product laden technique rich achievement in front of them. More likely they're grateful for the occasion, the fact that someone bothered to send a card at all, and happy the damn thing stands up without propping (beware the overloaded front! Actually, that might be a life tip!)
I am though totally with that Linda who says the inkpads are versatile and useful - her fab article im March Craft Stamper about the versatility of each colour is spot on. Maybe it's actually her fault...maybe I'm too scared to use them because I can't do what she does. Maybe though, that's because I don't have 38 dozen applicators...oh my gosh, I'm starting to erm, 'alter' my thinking!
Yesterday I asked about your starting off methods. Kirsty explained more of her planning in her blog post here - my word this kicked me up a bit..it would be so easy to be nearly ready for a crop if I could get into her habit. Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery and all, I intend to try this method - thank you Kirsty for sharing and inspiring. Ask me after the next crop. Really.
If you found the strength to read the post that accompanied WOYWW on Wednesday (thank you), you're already aware that I was critical of DO Crafts' stamp quality. Partly I whinged that my contact attempt was being ignored - I want to retract that: I made a mistake with my email and it took an age to bounce back to me. When I finally sussed my mistake, I had a polite response from DO Crafts on the same day, and indeed, we are still 'engaged'. I cannot say that I'm any less fed up with the stamps, but I am really heartened by the listening. Am also kinda glad that it's not just me and my hormones that find it all so disappointing; some of your comments made really interesting reading. Anyway, enough said; I think balance is restored?
And this long legged bird is from Hero Arts, so is the branch. The greeting dot from Personal Impressions (by Paula Pascal) and the embossing folder from Cuttlebug's launch range - seems like eons ago!
Have a lovely weekend. We have an agenda that starts with gardening....so I'm hoping for any excuse. Oh and PS - Flea Market at Kraft Crazy on Sunday: it's a big old sale of second hand stamps and unused craft items...01980 844010 for details, the Shopkeeper Gal knows more than me, of course!
Love your birds, especially the first one. Love the colours too. I'm off to work on my allotment this weekend then the garden. I love gardening but a novice with vegetables but here goes I'll give it a try. Have a good weekend Julia, Tracy Evans x
ReplyDeleteKnow what you mean about producing cards rich in product laden technique and falling over due to over load but some peeps appreciate the work. The nursery nurse who worked with me when I was teaching full time always keeps my cards etc to show people as I always said to her to do the art work and displays because I was rubbish at it! Now she can't believe what I make and the techniques involved. Quite often though the cards we make and time spent are not appreciated but I suppose we do it for our own enjoyment. Was that a bit deep!
ReplyDeleteP xx
As someone guilty of having an "overloaded front" lol I must say your birds are cute - it must be Spring in the air - we are all into birds at the mo!!
ReplyDeleteyes agree with the product overload, I also think people just think you bought the paper like that and don't appreciate all that blending, spritzing etc. However, have just bought my first blending tool as a step up from cosmetic sponges! My package arrived today - thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteLinbyx
I love the birdies both but the top card I think is my fave well done you for getting into distressing I am pleased for you that your are trying something new and it's working
ReplyDeleteLove Dawn xx
Them's cute birds Julia. I love 'em!
ReplyDeleteChrissie
Love the birds, especially the 1st one. Something on my blog for you. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove your birdies especially the long legged one :P Glad to hear Do Crafts are listening to you too :)
ReplyDeleteI like the birds - with or without technique = I'm more likely to spend more time and effort on a card for someone who I know will appreciate it = and Pat is right - Making a card is the best part as we are indulging ourselves - the recipient is merely getting the by product of our fun which we send whether they want it or not LOL...
ReplyDeleteimpressed that you've picked up a distressing ink - but even more impressed (and pleased) you've had a response from DO crafts... you should have said "Do you know who I am...?" LOL
Paula x x x
I agree that people haven't the slightest idea on how much time we spend on the card, the background etc and that the cleanest and simplest card sometimes work so much better. So I give my heavy cards to people who themselves make cards and can appreciate the hours of work I have spent on it and then the cleaner and easier cards is given to people who does not understand it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI think both of your cards are very beautiful, but I like the second better because the layout and colors are just so great! Hoping you are having a great weekend! Greetings from Norway
Thanks so much for mentioning me. Good luck with the next crop - pleeease don't blame me when you leave something at home you didn't think you'd need!
ReplyDeleteThe word 'planning' mad my eye's glaze over... I wish wish wish I could paln, I mean plan. Life is such a rush..'specialy now the week only appears to have Wednesday in it!!'
ReplyDeleteLove your birds! and I still only have one dis-dressing ink! (I really must learn how to spell that)
(Lyn)
Love your cards; both birdies are ab fab :)
ReplyDeleteI don't bother with too much technique on the cards I make as like you I don't think they would be appreciated by most of the people I make them for. But I love to do the inky messy thing on other things just for myself.
Anne x
Love your birds - and I totally agree with you - sometimes all these techniques become a burden and you can't see the tree in the forest! I have come to like the distress inks but just the other day looked at some cards I did "before" those inks and have decided I must also do things like I did before! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
ReplyDeleteCardarian
Love the birdie (giggle) - and am with you on the technique front... mine all turn into mud puddles and I have asked the best for tips and they still end up mud puddles!!
ReplyDeletelol @ the overloaded front :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful card Julia
x
Julia Love those cards and as for distressing ink I think the fact it is called that is enough to put people off. If it was called "really wet ink that you can do all sorts with-IF YOU WANT TO" maybe it wouldn't be so scary. I did avoid it 'cos I didn't want to spend any more money on ink until I saw a demo and then I decided to have a go. Not got a lot of colours but I discovered you can use the same techniques with other inks anyway (dye inks that is) if they are wet enough.I have a sheet of cut and dry foam-or whatever it's called-that I've had for years and I use that for some of the techniques but the technique I love the best that I've just found is using perfect pearls on the still wet ink. I have always loved pearl powders but could never make something I liked with them until I tried this. What I also like is the fact that you can use the ink in different ways and everything coordinates. My DH would agree with you about crumpled and torn paper. He can't bear it."What have you done that for?" he sighs plaintively "Because I like it" I now say. There was a time when I would probably have abandoned at that point but now I please myself!Hugs BettyXXX
ReplyDeletei'm a huge fan of product laden cards lol! and well done you on distressing, hats off missus!
ReplyDeleteLove your birds !! Especially the second.
ReplyDeleteI really love these birds and the first one is super fantastic. Is the first bird made from a pattern, a stamp, or freehand? It is perfect, however you did it.
ReplyDeleteYour comment on cards hits precisely where I agree. Last year, two of my friends and I made Christmas cards, my first ever. We spent the day. I made 30. One of the gals made three that were over the top and had an embellishment so large, the card wouldn't even go in the envelope, much less could we have sent it through the mail. That's one of the reasons I don't make cards. Everyone thinks you should have a card that uses at least a dozen techniques, comes from a fancy design, and has so many embellishments the card won't sit up or go through the mail (post) without paying an extra fee. Glad to see you pointed this out. I think everyone should read this message!
Nice work, i love the first ! I discover your website.. :-)
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