Friday, March 18, 2016

Crafting with Kraft

Are you like me and struggle when it comes to using Kraft papers and card?

In my wandering around crafty blogs etc I see so many beautiful cards using Kraft in some way - but when I have a go myself, nine times out of ten I'm disappointed at the dull and dreary results I get. 
So Nat's Daring Cardmakers challenge to use the stuff for our cards this week made my shoulders droop!
One of the good thing about DCM challenges is the variety, some will suit you down to the ground and others will stretch you a bit and give the chance to step out of the comfort zone and tackle something new, or that you find hard, or actually dislike doing - despite the shoulder sag when some appear, giving them a try definitely stops you falling into a rut!

To try and avoid the 'drab' look I decided to try using plenty of white and some  pastels in quite crisp tones in an attempt to keep it nice and bright.


 Info
A4 sheet of Kraft card to make the card base and the layers 
Bazzill card in white, green and a couple shades of pink
Pink satin ribbon
Tiny pink gems, printed sentiment 
Dies:
Circle with leaf swirls ('Careless and Free' die set by Ultimate Crafts) was cut twice in white card, I glued the first to the card then adhered the second on top leaving the swirly leaf section un-glued so that it can stand away from the card for extra dimension and interest
The swirl on the right side of the circle is the second of the dies in the set.  I cut this one a few times in green and white card, I used the white in full, then the green ones were cut up to add leafy highlights for the flowers
The flowers are some of the smaller flowers from the 'Cherry Blossom' die set (Spellbinders)
The flower centres are either gems, or cut with various of the berries from Holly and Mistletoe die sets


The Ultimate Crafts 'Careless and Free' die set is gorgeous - one of a few new dies that have found their way to my home recently, and even better it was in a sale!  I reckon you can't have too many swirls in your die collection!

Anyway, Kraft=lover, or Kraft-not-convinced, I hope you'll give Nat's challenge a try and share your creations with us via the BLOG

Thanks for looking, please don't go without leaving a comment!
                   

15 comments:

Sandra Carey said...

This is beautiful sorry I havent been by much lately Hugs Sandra xx

Shabneez said...

Far from dull! I love using Kraft card. Love how you've brightened the card with the white and flowers. Shabneez xxx

Brawny x said...

Definitely not a drab card. It's very pretty. You've done a great job of bringing the kraftcard to life. Great job x

Angela Dodson said...

Love the delicate look of this card. I do like Kraft card with white and it looks amazing with the pastel shades you have chosen :)

Jackie T said...

Hi Kathy this is a stunning card I love all the elements you have added. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Natty said...

I think this is one of the nicest ways I've seen to balance kraft with other colours that stand out just as much. I know what you mean about how it can look drab, but these pink, white and green elements really lift it and the kraft makes them stand out even more. Great balance! It's a stunning card Kathy! :D

Laine said...

This is lovely Kathy. I love working with kraft card!
Laine
xx

Kate M said...

Absolutely beautiful!! So elegant and love the delicate colours you have used to complement the Kraft card - super design.
xx

Andree said...

This a wonderfully pretty card Kathy. The Kraft card is a perfect background for the gorgeous die-cuts xx

Unknown said...

This is a stunning card Kathy. It's so pretty- I love mixing pretty colours with kraft card and you've made such a good job of it. Cathy x

Holley (Tondre) Barnhart said...

Gorgeous layering and beautiful die cuts on this card, Lovely work today

Sylvia said...

Beautiful card, love the die cuts and layering of Kraft card and white. The pink flowers and ribbon compliment the card perfectly.

Sylv xx

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful card, so pretty. Beautiful die cuts and colour scheme.

Crafty Hugs Jen xx

Miri said...

I also like the combination of white and soft colours with kraft. You definitely can't tell from your card that you don't like kraft that much ...

Dawn said...

I love a bit of Kraft & it looks great with the pink! xx