Friday, September 18, 2009

It May be Shabby, but it's Still Chic

Over on the Daring Cardmakers this week we have a fab dare set by one of our talented Kiwi DT members. Tanya Leigh loves all things Shabby Chic and decided that this would be the perfect dare for us to play with.

This week it's my turn to set a dare (Tanya Leigh) and I am into Shabby Chic at the moment as thought this would be a great dare. Look through your stash and found all those bits and pieces you can use or even ask your Nana or Grandma for some bits. Old lace, buttons, bling, flowers etc and make a mess and see what you come up with.

It gave a few of us a wobbly moment or two, but actually when you get down to it, it's just as Tanya says, gathering together all those bits and bobs we love to use on our cards along with maybe a few less usual or "found" items then arranging it all in a way that pleases you.

I love making things like this - I think the first thing to throw aout of the window is the thought of actually sending your card through the post, or accepting that you'll need to make a presentation box to put it in - then the sky is the limit and you can just enjoy adding whatever takes your fancy. It's having a clue when to stop that is sometimes the hardest!


I had a vague idea about using fabric on my card this week, but when I delved into my sewing stuff I found some ready cut patchwork pieces I bought when I needed lots of different fabrics to make one of my teddy bear quilts which gave me an idea for a mini patchwork background. The pieces were still too big so I cut them into smaller triangles then glued them onto another piece of fabric before doing some (very) rough zig-zag machining along all the edges. I reckon that using whatever threads were in the machine and just roughly sewing them added to the "Shabby" theme - and I defy anyone to argue with me, so there!

The green background and the purple frame are a couple of papers from the stash I bought from CTM on my birthday visit - honestly, it was a total coincidence that they matched the bits of fabric! They are another of my current fave manufacturer My Minds Eye- these are from the Penny Lane "Maggie May" set

The aperture in the frame is cut with one of the Nesties "Labels One" set and the pearl string was glued on with Glossy Accents - I added a bit of glittery stuff where the GA went a bit "blobby" while I was "encouraging" the beads to stay put!
Once that was all done it was just a case of assembling the flowers and ribbons.
There are Primas, wired roses and rosebuds, some gypsophila type stuff, a couple of fabric roses and a little lily, a couple of lace flowers made by just gathering up some lace and gluing in place, a couple of ribbons and of course a few of those fab coiled paper flowers
This was such a fun card to make, and once I got going it probably took much less time to make that some of the less fussy cards I make- the great thing being that if you go wrong, or a blob of glue makes a mess where it shouldn't, you can just bung something else on to cover it!

Go on, have a go, it's great fun! Check out the Daring Cardmakers BLOG for lots more ideas, the girls have really come up trumps this week and the cards are full of variety and inspiration

Just before I head off and make my Uncle's birthday card (as usual I'm doing my last-minute-minnie act), here's the first of the cards I made for Leo over at Crafty Templates using the fab new September Templates set.
It's a "starting to think about Christmas" sort of set and there are some quirky designs to eas you in gently. I used the cute Winter Jumper design to make a fun Christmas card

I'm not sure if there are any of the Goodies Kits still available to go with this template set, but if there are, then do get your hands on one, because the papers and embellishments that Leo has put together this time is just fab! Find out all you need to know about Crafty templates HERE

Thanks for visiting today, I hope you like what you found here, now I really must stop waffling and make that card....

19 comments:

tracy said...

love the thrown at look kathy LOL and your 'c' card is fab too :)

Kaz said...

Both cards are lovely Kathy. I love that phrase on the jumper one!!

I fancy having a go at the DCM if I get a chance later. xx

Annie said...

I love them both. You really make such a good job of your cards. Hours of work and guess you never really get money to their value if you sell them though. A x

Karen said...

Oh Kathy, what can I say!!! That card is stunning hon!!! I love the patchwork you have done. It looks so effective, I did some for my latest CJ too.

I love the Grandmas knitting card. XXX

Anonymous said...

the patch work on your shabby chic is perfect - love everything about it!
And Grandma's card is great, love the saying on there lol

queen-of-nostalgia said...

oooh, shabby chic is right up my alley :) I will have a go with it :) Love your cards, and the Grandma's sweater one made me laugh out loud!

Cheers!
Kristen

Kate said...

lol at the funny jumper card.

Lynda said...

I love your shabby chic card Kathy and the group of flowers is so pretty. I agree about it being fun too - will be making more myself now am sure. Your jumper card is so funny too - love the wording lol.

Love Lynda xxx

Unknown said...

I love your shabby chic card ... so much detail ... it really is very very lovely :0)

Creative Treasures said...

Thats so lovely Kathy i love that shabby chic style, i love those coiled paper flowers, i must have a go :)

Tracy
x

Angelnorth said...

Love your eclectic shabby chic card and the granny jumper is great fun!

Julia Dunnit said...

Love the thought process in your card, but it's far from shabby! Love the detail and the texture. Also love the jumper christmas card - great text!

Lythan said...

these are just divine Kathy. With the shabby chic you have surpassed yourself!

Vicky said...

Your shabby chic card is so inspirational, and so so pretty.
Love the jumper card too, lol :)x

Janice said...

Thrown at!!! I think NOT. That is a little work of crafty art Kathy B - I just love it to bits.

Jumper card is funny and fun.

Carol Plume said...

wow what a fab card Kathy - really love your take on Shabby Chic xx

Gez Butterworth said...

Fabulous cards Kathy. Love your stitching & the colours look beautiful together.xx
Wishing you a lovely weekend. Gez.xx

Hazel said...

Lol! what a fun Christmas card - love it. And your DCM is definitely both shabby and chic! x

Caroline said...

Beautiful cards Kathy...x