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Friday 22 April 2011

What Happens When I Don't Plan Ahead



Here's my entry for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge. The pastel blue and pink teamed with red, would instantly make you think of the designer Cath Kidston, which is why it wouldn't surprise you to discover that she is indeed the inspiration behind these colours.

Now I'm not sure how well I've done with this card. It kind of threw me a bit. Normally I work from a sketch, either one I've scribbled down or someone else's design. At the very least, I place everything on a card to see if I like it before sticking it finally in place.

I didn't do either this time around and soon felt out of my creative comfort zone. Nothing seemed to flow. There were gaps where I didn't want gaps. The focal point seemed all wrong. There was too much ice diamond. Frankly, I was at hair-ripping point. So I just kept adding more "stuff". Eventually it seemed to come together but you can tell I was having a wobble as I resorted to distressing and inking the edges.

Anyhoo, the only notes of interest are that I tried using Ice Diamonds for the first time on the spiral flowers. Having never used them before, I over egged the pudding a bit. Next time, I'll aim for the less is more approach. Also, the lacy flower is made from a generous gift from my lovely friend Anne at Vicky Stampers. She had her box of lace full of pretty trims that she had made and when I drooled over them, she kindly gifted me some. I was in craft heaven that day. The pink colour was perfect for this challenge, so I added glue to a punched out circle and spiralled the lace around it before finishing it off with a button.

Okay. I'm going to make a little predication about next week's Play Date Cafe. I'm sensing an excited buzz regards the upcoming Royal wedding, especially from the US members. So I'm thinking, as the challenge is set the day before that there'll be a Red, White & Blue vibe. I'm not privy to the colours in advance, so I'm as much in the dark as everyone else. I could be wrong. But I thought I'd stick my neck out if only to be shown up next week haha. (If I'm right, watch out Mystic Meg) Px


14 comments:

JoZart Designs said...

I really think that your venture out of the comfort zone did you a power of good. An effective learning curve which has shown that you can escape at times.
Great result you should, no! must be proud of!
Great colours too. Have a lovely Easter.
hugs Jo xxx

Tracey said...

LOVE LOVE it Paul!!! All those yummy layers of texture are so PERFECT!!! You nailed it and the PDCC colours! Thanks for joining us at The Play Date Cafe :)

Pauline said...

Gorgeous! The lace flower, the pearls, the stitching and distressing are all wonderful! Happy Easter!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous~ love all the details especially the flowers and stitching

Phillipa, said...

Wonderful card Paul...love the lace flower!!

Neet said...

Despite coming out of your comfort zone you have scored again with this card.
Happy Easter to you and Nick.

eduiracheta said...

i like this blog, i hope have more time to visit it
regards:)

Colleen Dietrich said...

Paul, you made me laugh with your prediction for next week's color challenge! You'll just have to wait and seeeeeee......

Even though you've not used any sketch, I like VERY much how this turned out! THanks for playing with us at The Cafe. :)

Andrea Ewen said...

I think this card looks great Paul! Definitely worth your creative "hair pulling"! That trim at the bottom is divine and the floral focal piece is fabulous! The crocheted flower, the glitz, the glam...you gotta love it all! Sometimes it's good to stretch your creative wings! (Until, of course, you have no hair left, lol.)

Jaclyn Miller said...

I adore that trim that you've used at the bottom of your card and that cluster of flowers is gorgeous. Laughing at your prediction for next week's colors. Great to see you playing along again.

Libby Hickson said...

This is GORGEOUS! Love all the texture on this card. Thanks for joining us at The Play Date Cafe! And your prediction for the next one made me giggle. :-)

Jinny Newlin said...

Well, for struggling with this card, Paul, it is truly AMAZING! Stunning combination of elements and fantastic design! So glad you ventured outside of your comfort zone! Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at The Play Date Cafe!

Julie Ranae said...

You are SO rockin' this vintage vibe, Paul! Love it!
You'll be fast asleep by the time you get this message, so the new challenge will be up, but one little tip is Sarah chose the colors, so think another direction...xx

Martha said...

this is a great composition. dunno why i think of it as a wintery card :) berries with a touch of frost :)