In the Bullrush

At times when creating a card with a lot of white space one might think the card is very simple and basic. Yet, once you begin looking at the finer details you suddenly realize the time put into the final creation.

Today's card does have a lot of white space but let me tell you all the smaller details still took up quite a bit of time.  It was well worth it though as the result is a well balanced, eye catching card.

Several tools were used just create the elements on this card:

• die cutting and embossing machine
• embossing folder -Woodgrain (retired)
• dies - Catch of the Day
• ink - Memento Black, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Smoky Slate
• stamp set - Best Catch
• Stampin' Blends - Old Olive, Smoky Slate, Calypso Coral
• cardstock - Smoky Slate, Mossy Meadow, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Vellum
• adhesive - SNAIL adhseive
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Stampin' Sponges
• marker - Early Espresso

One of the fun things for me when using coordinating stamp sets and dies is being able to stamp and colour a multitude of images, die cutting them and then settling in to create fun little works of art.

What is your favourite masculine set to play with?

Until next time.

Margaret 

Gone Fishing

I didn't jump on the Best Catch bandwagon right away when the set came out. Don't get me wrong, I really liked it and know some people who fish but I wasn't sure if I would end up using it as much as perhaps I thought I should.  As you can see though, I did break down and buy it.  The dies that coordinate with the stamp set certainly help make the card creation process so much easier. 

As I often do with other coordinating sets, I stamp, colour and die cut several images. From there I will design and build a card.

If you don't already own any of the Stampin' Blends, I highly recommend them.  The more you work with them the better you will get at blending, shading and simply colouring overall :D

As I am not always confident in my colour choices I did the one thing many of us do....I googled images of fish and other peoples creations to see how some of the fish looked.   I love using lots of colour as I find it brings the fish to life!!!

Now I truly appreciate the Copper Trim as this ribbon adds a perfect shimmering touch to just about any design.  When using it on a fish card such as, by simply stretching the ribbon out it looks a bit like a fish net. A simple yet cool technique.

Since this card says "For You, Dad" you could use if for any occasion really - birthday, fathers day, just because!! <3

Do you own this set already? Have you taken the time to sit down and create with it?

Until next time!
Margaret