Using that as a starting point, Lythan has chosen an Oriental theme for our cards over on The Daring Cardmakers this week, suggesting things like sakura blossom, lanterns, temples, Nepalese prayer flags...
Lots of people really love using Oriental themes on their cards and projects, but it's a style I've always struggled with and rarely use - so definitely a toe out of the comfort zone for me this week!
As I often do when I'm not feeling particularly confident, I first went on a hunt for a quotation that might help. There are so many wise words attributed to Buddha, and I chose one of my favourites: 'Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.' With that making the main feature of my card, and a lantern or candle as an embellishment, all I need to find was a background.
Not being a great user of things Oriental, I don't have much to use, but I do have a rather beautiful, if ancient 8x8 paper pad by DCWV called "Far East". These papers are gorgeous, wonderful colours and designs, with a lovely woven texture, They are really heavy and a joy to use. My favourites are the blue/aqua/turquoise toned ones but I went with the pink/peach/orangey ones for this card, mainly because the Japanese lady on one of the papers would add an extra focal point to the background
Info
Papers all from "Far East" 8x8 paper pad
(DCWV)
Black and Pale pinky-beige card
(Bazzill)
Gold mirror card
Sentiment pc generated and printed on the pink-beige card
Candle is die cut from layers of the same papers, scraps of black card used to add dimension
(Candle Trio - Memory Box)
Twigs and flowers die cut using the same papers, Ink and Gold Stickles added for interest
(Cherry Blossom Die Set - Spellbinders)
Thank you so much for visiting, please make my day and leave a comment ;)
Ooh, pretty card Kathy x
ReplyDeleteLovely card Kathy. Love the blossoms x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so elegant Kathy.
ReplyDeleteLaine
xx
Hi Kathy this is a gorgeous card I love the oriental theme. Take care. Hugs Jackie
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful card, love those colours and the papers.
ReplyDeleteHugs Erin xx
Gorgeous Kathy, love the sentiment
ReplyDeleteHugs
Linda xxx
beautiful card Kathy
ReplyDeletegr karin
Beautiful card, gorgeous background paper and sentiment.
ReplyDeleteSylv xx
A very elegant card...beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteA great card Kathy! I love all of the added details!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Dawn xx
A fantastic oriental card Kathy. I have this gorgeous paper pad too and love the papers you've used. The saying is wonderful and your embellishments look wonderful xx
ReplyDeleteOh this is lovely Kathy. I love the sentiment and beautiful colours. It brings a real sense of peace. Cathy x
ReplyDeleteLove the color combo, the floral tree and the sentiment. So well put together today
ReplyDeleteHi there lovely lady it's great to be back and thanks for your lovely comment. Love what you've done with this card Kathy... I have these papers stashed away somewhere and always fine them difficult to use. The verse is perfect and a great idea. I have kept looking at everyone's blogs over the past few years of absence just to keep in touch with the trends and have done bits and bobs but now I think I have the bug back. Hope it stays lol. I'm doing fine thanks, hope you're keeping well too.
ReplyDeleteLove Lynda xxx
Beautiful creation and a lovely sentiment. Creative Blessings, Tracy x
ReplyDeleteD'ya know what. I'm not great with oriental either - but I thought it would be good for a Dare challenge. And once more you have come up trumps - an awesome card Mrs B
ReplyDelete