12 December 2012

It's the trepidation that stops you...

Wondering why that title? Sometimes the fear of getting something wrong can be paralysing, preventing you from just diving in with a project, and so it was with this card.


Some time ago, alright, ages ago my crafty friend Anne sent me four pieces of Specialty Paper with this Stampendous image stamped on them just because she'd seen me admiring it. How generous is she? Oh, you don't know the half of it (more tomorrow:) I didn't want to mess them up but didn't know how to approach them. Well time is now of the essence, so this weekend I bit the bullet and went for it.


Inspiration came courtesy of Sue the Iron and Jennifer Dove (thank you ladies, your work is amazing).
Three cards needed to result from this challenge so I had just one to 'play' with.


I inked it up with Distress Inks/Markers which were blended out with water, but there needed to be a definite contrast between the central panel and the outside (without the aid of a decoupage layer). Like the warm light coming from those little windows?


And so the first stamped image became a mask so the central panel could be clear embossed several times. The outer edges got distressed to create a vintage feel.


Having matted and layered the image I messed around with different embellishments but they all seemed to overcrowd the card, so an altered metal foil die cut coloured with alcohol inks became my version of a metal corner piece. And there we have it. Probably seems simple now they're done but they feel 'professional' irl and achieved the end result I wanted, so in my book that's a result (oh, and not one of them went wrong either, which is a minor miracle!)

Challenges being entered with this;

Hope it gives your 'little grey cells' a bit of a nudge, especially if like me your seasonal cardmaking is not yet complete. Thanks for dropping by. Your visits/comments are appreciated more than you know.
Crafty hugs, Jenny xx

27 comments:

  1. Such a wonderful card with great vintage look. Love all the layers and the amazing image.

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  2. Jenny this is gloriously nostalgic creating a warm fuzzy feeling, yes even with this vision of snow.
    If you were interested you could link to Fashionable Stamping Challenge with our To Die For (you mention you used a die-cut) challenge.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  3. I recently purchased that stamp and have made a few Christmas cards with it! Love the vintage feel you have created! Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie!

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  4. Gorgeous work Buttons... Love the vintage feel & the detail is amazing.. I have this stamp also.. I love it!!! Hugs May x x x

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  5. Hi Jenny, you really have captured beautifully the chill outside and the inner warmth. Everything is gorgeous here - I wouldn't have thought of putting the dotty papers with scene but they are actually perfect! All your work looks 'professional'! Santa will definitely stop at this house! Nicola x

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  6. A lovely vintage style card, with polka dots - my favourites - and I particularly like the 'light' in the windows of the cottage. All that angst was for nothing :) Elizabeth xx

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  7. Hi Jenny, you have done an amazing job with the images! I would never have thought to emboss the centre but it looks wonderful and I love that backing paper, it really sets the image off. A really gorgeous card. Hugs, Anne x

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  8. Oh Jenny! I so know what you mean but .... WOW! Your card is beautiful!!! You are an inspiration too. Merry Cristmas from Down Under. xx

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  9. Loving your beautiful Christmas card, fab design. Annette x

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  10. Jenny what a beautiful make, this is gorgeous and yes vey professional..it is hard to use something precious to us for fear of mistakes..and sometimes trying too hard causes them..but not in this case wow a wonderful make that fits the challenges perfectly and shows a really accomplished touch ands eye for detail and design! hugs trace x

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  11. Good Morning Buttons,
    Your card is stunning as always. I love the vintage look and how you have put everything together so beautifully.
    Have a Great Day

    Patricia xx

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  12. You have done so much work on this card to make it special and everything looks fantastic.

    Love Chrissie xx

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  13. Your Trepidation most certainly turned into inspiration Jenny and total delight for your viewers.
    On my bucket list is "A White Christmas " and the image you created suits my omagination very well.
    If we have a white Christmas it is from very unwelcome hailstones.
    BTW I love how you acknowledge others on your blog. - You are a lovely rare bird indeed!

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  14. Beautifully done, a smashing card. xx Flora

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  15. Wow What a beautiful card.
    I love it a lot.
    Greetings
    Felicie

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  16. This made me smile as I have a pack of specialty stamping card that I havent opened yet! Love that image, not seen it before. The card is beautiful - and there is something about yellow lights shining out of windows isnt there - just lovely.

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  17. Pinning this beauty! The vintage tans paired with the pop of white from the SSP and that fabulous image is fantastic! Beautiful make!

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  18. Jenny, you didn't need to worry! Your card is gorgeous! Your colouring really reflects the homely feel of this image. Stunning work! xx

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  19. Such a beautiful image...made even more wonderful with your fab coloring. LOVE!

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  20. You really did not have to worry Jenny 'cos this is absolutely gorgeous! I love the little light in the window, isn't this stamp just perfect for Christmas. Thank you for saying that you found some inspiration from my blog, but it's you that's inspirational! xx

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  21. How fabulous Jenny :-) Anne is the most generous person and she will love your crafty make,

    I love the design and TFS

    Hugs

    Annie x

    Ps I will be running an assembly line this weekend as I am way behind x

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  22. Wonderful contrast between the glossy "inside" and the distressed "outside" - fantastic work! I love this image too - and you've done wonders with it... The delicate blue tinting is beautiful, with the windows absolutely glowing with cosiness!
    Alison xx

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  23. Hello Jenny - thanks for visiting my blog for WOYWW!
    I do love the card you have made. I know what you mean, about fear of failing making you do nothing at all - guilty! You certainly got on with it, once you got started. It is a lovely piece of work and anyone who receives that card for Christmas, will be really pleased (or they should be!!).
    I like the coloured-in glowing windows, they really finish the whole image nicely.

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  24. Oh wow this is fabulous, love the sepia colours, it's stunning xxx

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  25. Beautiful - love the contrast between the image and the vintagey frame etc.

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  26. This is one stunning card, Jenny! So beautifully colored with the Distress Markers! Love the shading around holly! And the yellow lights in the windows looks so cozy! Hope you've had a wonderful Christmas! Hugs, Sandra

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  27. Just saw this and love it. So beautiful. Edna

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments - they are really appreciated and will be published when moderated. Jenny xxx

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