Friday, November 16, 2012

Just Because

This week it's Gez's turn to set the challenge for the Daring Cardmakers and she's asked for cards with a "Just Because" theme, saying:
  I LOVE to make cards for friends..
 Just because..
..it can be to let them know they are in my thoughts,
or to wish them luck, or to let them know how special they are too me..
The Design Team have be busy creating to inspire and we are delighted to be joined again this week by our special Guest Designer.  You can see all the cards we've made HERE

I'm not sure why, but I fancied a go at finding my "inner cute"  hehe.  When I wander around the blogs I follow, I see lots of sweet and cute images and although they aren't really "my thing" I can see their appeal both to the person making the cards and the people who receive them. Anyway, I don't do colouring and I don't do cutesy "twee" animals, and I have a particular hatred for weird shaped faces with no mouths.....It's a blinking good job we're not all the same, isn't it?  How utterly boring that would be!

Here is my version of "cute"

 I used a free colouring page found on the net to create a template.  Originally the little girl was face-on and carrying a flower.  I re-drew the hair and feet so that she'd be facing away, and although I had originally wanted to use a flower I changed my mind when I decided to use this beautiful quotation and thought balloons worked well for the idea of sending wishes.



Materials and Tools
14cm sq smooth white card blank
Papers: Echo Park Everyday Eclectic 6x6 (dress and hair)
Card scraps for Balloons, girl's body, shoes and socks
From stash: Blue Metallic thread, Narrow Pink Ribbon, Hearts satin ribbon, 
Tiny white pearls were inked to match the pink
Quotation printed directly onto the card blank
Craft Robo to cut the girl and the balloons
Quilling Ball tool to shape the balloons and girl's hair


 I'm really bad at one-layer cards - I see the beautiful one layers that my stamping friends make and am in awe - but even if I could do them, I just know I'd never be able to stop myself sticking those bits of ribbon etc on top!  I'm ju7st a "Stick Stuff On! sort of crafter and I don't think there'll be any change in that hehe!
What I really like about this card is the mix of the direct to paper sentiment and the all the dimension I get by using my Craft Robo to cut the layers for the image.  I had planned to leave it that way, but then realised that the extra texture of a little bit of ribbon would give an extra "lift"
Anyway, that's my excuse and I'm Sticking to it! hahaha, pardon the pun!

Thanks for citing today and for putting up with my waffle!
 
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11 comments:

Kate said...

Kathy,I love this, it's worked out so beautifully. I could see it looking lovely framed in a little girls room.

** Kate **

Unknown said...

It's absolutely lovely and not too cute at all. I know what you mean about the faces, I can handle it, but it freaks my daughter out. I have some well known ornaments with no faces and she is always threatening to stick on googly eyes and a smile! xx

Miri said...

The quotation you use is so beautiful (I think I have to copy it =)) that it's definitely worth being the focal point of your card!!!
I feel the same about humans without complete faces. Creepy.

Kaz said...

Your cards always have been and always will be known for their 3D-ness! I love this card (and I don't like those faces either) and your girl is so sweet.
The verse is something I could do with just now, it's beautiful xxx

Julia Dunnit said...

It's the right sort of cute for me Kathy..I prefer a clever sentiment to a cute image....your words could be mine in that second paragraph!

Lythan said...

This card is absolutely adorable. I love the shy girl :)

Angelnorth said...

As you say, it's a good thing we're all different (although Im with you on the hippo face with no mouths!) - I could never do the cutting out and sticking on stuff that you do and have it look half as good! Love the sentiment on this one, fab card!

Loopylou. said...

oh this is just adorable Kathy and that verse is beautiful.
Huge hugs Lou xxx

Hazel said...

Beautiful card including the sentiment - and, of course, the girl is delightful x

Gez Butterworth said...

STUNNING card Kathy. It blew me away. I adore everything about it and would go as far to say I think it's one of the nicest cards I've seen this year. It is just perfect. Someone would be very proud to display your card and feel loved. Beautiful. xxx

Sharon (glitterangel) said...

So sweet! I really like this card and the way you altered the little girl is so clever x