Wednesday 11 February 2009

5 challenges and a ribbon blossom

I have mentioned before that I am part of a group of crafty friends that is a lovely friendly forum and includes setting each other monthly (non-blogging) challenges. Each month one member sends the others a pack of bits that they have to use to make a card: this month as it happens my dear friend Helen was in the chair, and she sent a pack that comprised the following:
  • 1 piece approx 6 " x 6" of coredinations cardstock
  • 1 large red/brown fabric flower
  • 2 small red/brown fabric flowers
  • 1 large white pearl brad
  • 1 small silver puffy heart charm
  • 2 cream skeleton leaves
  • approx 1/2 yard of cream organza ribbon.
The only other rule was that we must use a "new technique" (eek!) in making our card. I agonised over this so long and hard I actually slightly missed the deadline (oops!) ... but last night I finally got down to business ....
It seemed clear to me that my BG "Sugared" papers were perfect to co-ordinate with the bits I'd been given, and once I'd picked out a paper then the WOJ image "Melinda Blowing Kisses" seemed to suggest itself naturally (I don't own this stamp .... approx 3 different peeps have sent me RAK's of this so I'm not sure who sent this one .. but thanks!!)
During the planning stage (about 2 weeks ago lol!!) I decided that the best new techinque to put together with this little lot would be a ribbon blossom, as I've admired them on other blogs and been meaning to have a go. I bought a number of small reels of co-ordinating Anita's ribbons, and I was away - I followed Pam's tutorial on Splitcoaststampers. I actually found this incredibly fiddly to do, and I think for the future I would get better results with all organza ribbon (rather than some grosgrain) as the knots are still somewhat visible ... the other concern is that these ribbon blossoms are pretty big so it kinda dominates the card ... but hey, it's done now and I'm still glad I had a go. I may try it with slightly shorter ribbon pieces next time.

Recipe:
Image: WOJ "Melinda Blowing Kisses" coloured with watercolour pencils;
Sentiment (inside): Penny Black;
Papers: BasicGrey "Sugared"; Coredinations red/brown cardstock embossed with Cuttlebug "Divine Swirls" and distressed by sanding
Flowers: from kit sent to me (I believe they are Papermania) + 1 Prima gold-coloured flower.
Ribbon: Anita's
Brads, charm and spacers from kit or from my stash.


Here's a picture of the inside - I'm still trying to decorate them. I haven't yet managed to do the back with my new personalised stamp, but will do before I send it.
Before putting this card together I thought I would see whether I could tie it in to any blog challenges, and so would also like to enter it for the following:
Friday Sketchers #38 - although there is a lot of extra embellishment the basic sketch is still there (somewhere!)
My Time to Craft #48 - this week is going for gold - and I have matted Melinda onto some distressed gold mirri card.
A Spoon Full of Sugar #38 - is Doodle doo! .. I have done some (very amateurish) kissy doodles round my image and sentiment inside.
Arty Girlz #72 - this week is flowers .. well this card has certainly got plenty of those, including with a twist!
I have decided I am going to send this card to my mum "just because..." :-)

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card & great ribbon blossom!

Carole said...

What a fabulous card Pauline, I love the ribbon flower...I've still not tried one of these!
Thanks for joining us at FS.
Hugs
Carole x

Julie Allain said...

Stunning card!! Absolutely love your ribbon flower

Thanks for joining in with this weeks Arty Girlz challenge Pauline

Julie x

Dawny P said...

Stunning colours chick xxxx I just love it. And clever you doing all those challeneges!!! I got that stamp but it hasn't seen the light of ink yet lol xxx Must get it out and use it!!!! And your ribbon cluster is beautiful. Not attempted it meself but maybe one day soon ... xxxxx

debby4000 said...

Fabulous card, love the papers and images and the that blossom is gorgeous.

Crissi Harvey said...

stunning card love the flower.
Thanks for joining in with the Arty Girlz challenge.

crissi xx

Crissi Harvey said...

stunning card love the flower.
Thanks for joining in with the Arty Girlz challenge.

crissi xx

Lesley said...

Great card, thanks for taking part in the MTTC challenge xx

Bev said...

Fabulous!!! The ribbon flower is brilliant Pauline and you have used such delish papers and colours

hugs Bev x

cats whiskers said...

fabby card dear and well done on the ribbon blossom I know how hard they are to make and you have done it perfectly
Hugs Jacqui x

Sharon Traynor Designs said...

Well done on getting such a lovely ribbon blossom. Your's looks great. I agree that organza would be better - and I also agree with the smaller lengths. Fabulous card Pauline.
Sharon xx

Donna said...

Beautiful card and a fab ribbon flower :) Donna x

Helen said...

Gorgeous card Pauline! I love what you've done with my 'bits' lol!
Love the colour scheme, and that ribbon blossom is fab!
Helen x

Nicola said...

Wow what a beauty. Love your ribbon blossom and these papers are gorgeous with this beautiful image. -x-

aardvarkpest said...

Wow this is stunning. I love that ribbon blossom. You mum will love it.

Glenda

Rach said...

this is a fabulous card well done on the ribbon blossom... i thought exactly the same as you when i made mine about being fiddly and using just organza.. yours looks so much better than mine did.. i hacked at mine with the scissors a little too much..lol.. your mum is going to love this.xxx

Anonymous said...

Pauline U know I just LOVEEEEEEEEe this card and the Ribbon bloom is FANtastic! beautiful job!

ella bella said...

love this card the ribbon flower looks stunning
Tracy x