Hi everyone! Have you ever had an idea for a card, sat down to make it, and then struggled to bring it to life? That was me with this card. It took me so long to make it.
Normally, for me, the most time-consuming part for a card like this is choosing the colours of Copic Markers to colour the different critters and embellishments. Not this time. The hardest part was deciding on the background! I struggled! For a very long time!
The idea for this card was pretty simple. Create a pool and have some of the critters lying in the pool, with the remaining one sunbathing next to it. The background would be sponged grey cobblestones. I would use bright and happy colours for the images, and the sentiment would be white heat-embossed on black cardstock.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it?!
I stamped all the images needed from the Pool Party stamp set before colouring and die-cutting them out. Then I die-cut two of the Stitched Pond Frame dies. I layered up the outside edge for some dimension. The internal piece was die-cut again using the Stitched Ripple Backdrop die. I used a couple of different shades of blue to sponge this background.
Once this was done, I sponged up my background using the Cobblestone stencil and layered all the pieces in place. It just looked drab! I put this piece aside and turned to texture paste. I used the same stencil and created textured cobblestones. The panel looked great! I, once again, layered everything on top of this piece.
Didn’t like it.
It still looked flat.
At this point, I wasn’t sure what to do. Fast forward many hours, I picked up the Giddy for Gingham 6×6 patterned paper pack, and pulled out one of the green sheets. I layered everything in place, and immediately I felt the brighter colour lifted the feel of the card.
Here’s the card…
One thing I’ve realised after many years of cardmaking is that we, and yes, I include myself in this, often look at finished cards online and assume they came together effortlessly. We rarely see the ideas that didn’t work, or the time spent changing layouts and colours before everything finally clicks.
Is this my most favourite card I have ever made? No!
Is there anything wrong with it? No.
Will others know of my struggles? No. They will see a cute card. Some will love it. Some will see things they could improve. And there is nothing wrong with either opinion. As long as the recipient loves it, that is all that matters to me.
I have to confess I am also tempted to make a couple more cards using the ideas I rejected as being “drab”. I’d love to know if others see what I see, or whether they like them too.
In fact, I think I will, and I wonder if even more time away from my struggles will give me a different perspective. Maybe I will even end up liking them?
Watch this space!
Hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Supplies
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