Unusually I'd like to say a little bit about myself personally. I've been living with ongoing serious illness for several years and achieve a certain level of functionality by maintaining a quiet and carefully paced life. Starting up my blog last September was a big undertaking for me but all the extra activity has been taking its toll healthwise. Unfortunately I have decided to resign from my Design Team post at Eclectic Ellapu and I thank Elaine and all the ladies there for being so understanding. I hope you will also bear with me as I won't be making so many visits to your blogs over the next while but I do hope to be able to keep making and posting my little card productions.
So without further ado, here's my card today made in a shabby style;
I've decorated the side panels with Dreamweaver texture paste through a Crafty Individuals 'Leafy Border' mask. The last time I applied texture paste over distress inks I found that the paste absorbed the ink but this time I wanted to keep the raised paste white so I waited till the paste was dry and then sponged over a blend of distress inks to colour the cardstock panel, wiping the raised paste with a baby wipe as I went along. The paste acted like a resist and remained white. Tore the cardstock whilst wet to give a ripped shabby look.
The centre panel is layered with some aqua tissue paper and then some scalloped doily strips. I've stamped the central image (Crafty Individuals CI-084) using Coffee Archival ink. I restamped a couple of times onto some patterned papers (Melissa Frances and Maja Design) and then paper pieced dresses onto the little girls. Also arranged some roses in the flower basket. I cut a frame from Silver Stardream CS using a Spellbinders die and then dry embossed this. Added frantage in shabby blue and blue fragments to add further interest. I then shabbily painted some corrugated cardboard with Paper Artsy's Snowflake paint and sprinkled more frantage. Decorated further with metal charms from Nunn Design and a broderie anglaise bow. Finally dabbed some metal words (by Making Memories) with Brilliance Ink (Pearlescent Chocolate) to highlight.
Wishing you all a lovely day and thank-you so much for your visit.
Nicola x
I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
Crafty Individuals - For My Friend
The Shabby Tea Room - A Silver Lining
Sugar Creek Hollow - Metal Mania
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Metal-ology
Vintage Stamping Challenge - Blues, Brown and Beige
Stampin' for the Weekend - Distressed
Happy Daze Challenge - Love Is All Around
365 Cards Word Wednesday - Sister
Addicted to Stamps and More - Vintage
Polkadoodles and Studio 12 - Shabby Chic
So sorry to hear you haven't been feeling that well Nicola and hope things improve for you very soon.
ReplyDeleteYour creation is just gorgeous. Such beautiful texture and embellishing with one of my favourite images and love the colour scheme too.
Take care.
Hugs, Fliss xx
Missing you already, my friend. This card, in all its gorgeous shabbiness is so you: lovely. A sad loss for us at EE but your health comes first. You take good care of yourself... or I shall be very cross indeed! ;-) Will have you in my prayers.
ReplyDeletebig hug, Asha
Sunny Summer Crafts
Your card is beautiful, the texture of the paste looks great. I look forward to seeing your beautiful creations, and hope to see more soon. Sending you a big hug and a sloppy furry kiss from Oscar. Elizabeth xxx
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that your health is getting you down at the moment Nicola, if you're anything like me the weather at this time of year really doesn't help and we all need sunshine.
ReplyDeleteBut I do hope you can still keep making these lovely creations because this one is absolutely divine and what particular draws me to it are soft blues. It's a colour I rarely use, no idea why really do love seeing what other people do with it.
It's really lovely to see you at FlonzCraft Vintage Stamping Challenges this month.
B x
So sorry to hear you are doing it tough, sending love n hugs! This make is gorgeous as usual! Love it hugs trac x
ReplyDeleteFantastic layers, texture and image, your card looks wonderful. Thanks for joining us at Flonz Craft Stamping Challenges.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your illness, hope you'll feel better soon. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I hope you manage to settle your health problems quickly and I hope that stepping down from EE does the job. Nothing is more important than your health. I wish you well!
ReplyDeleteThis card is gorgeous! I love the blues and browns and the shabby look of it!
Sheena
xxx
The paste and inks give this card such interesting features, and I really like the look of your card. I'll hope you'll continue crafting, your work is beautiful, but be sure to make it at a pace that suits you:) Good luck:)
ReplyDeletethat is one beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola, so sorry to hear that you have been feeling below par, hopefully you will have more time now to pace yourself. Your card today is exquisite! Do take care. Hugs, Anne x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, the texture paste is very eye catching. Gorgeous image and design. Sorry to hear you have not been feeling too well. Take care and thank you so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x
ReplyDeleteA really beautiful card - the texture paste up the sides is wonderful, and I love how you've layered up the image with so many lovely textures too...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your health struggles, and sad to hear we may not see as much of you for a while, but it's absolutely vital to put your health first, and as long as we occasionally get to share in the fruits of your beautiful work, we'll be ready and waiting for whenever you feel well enough to come and play!
Alison xx
I totally echo Alison's comment - your health comes first and we will be thrilled to see whatever you produce when you feel up to it. And what a way to 'sign off' from the team!! Your work on those stencilled panels is sublime - I did wonder how you managed to keep the paste white. You must have a great deal of patience. Take great care of yourself and rest lots. Huge hugs as ever, Jenny xxx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous creation Nicola, Love how you have used the texture paste!! fabulous design & adorable colours.. Beautiful layers & lovely image!!... So sorry to hear you have health problems we will miss you so much over at Eclectic Ellapu.. Your health is so important Please take care... Looking forward your wonderful makes in the future... Big Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeleteLoving your beautiful creation, fab colours and textures, totally love it all.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you are having such a bad time at the moment, hope things start to improve soon for you. Annette x
oh wow this is fabulous nicola.stunning vintage image and i love all the texture and gorgeous colours.
ReplyDeleteplease don`t worry about visiting peoples blogs hun, your health and well being is far more important :D
Hugs Nic.xx
What a beautiful make Nicola. I love your style..so feminine. The colours are stunning
ReplyDeleteYou are right to put your health first as that must be a priority. Like everyone I will miss your makes and visits but look forward to hearing from you when you feel well enough.
Sending you a huge hug
Annie xx
Nicola
ReplyDeleteThis has a wonderful nostalgia to it and so many beautiful details. A stunning creation especially the use of the texture paste to create that most beautiful of borders.
Thank You for joining us at the Crafty Individuals Challenge.
Wishes
Lynne
(Nicola, I will so miss my visits to your Blog to view your beautiful creations but it is important that you take this time off and we will all be here awaiting your return.
It has been brave of you to open up about your on-going health issues as I know from personal experience that it can be so difficult to do this and I also know that although creating is therapeutic, there are times when we suffer from on-going health issues that a balance can be tipped and it can result in it being a struggle.
Sending you good wishes and a hug - safe it for a rainy day :)
Lynne
Absolutely stunning card hun! The texture looks amazing and I must try using the texture paste and swipe DI over it when still partially wet :). I hope you will feel better soon and take it easy so you can recover quickly! Lots of hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteNicola - so sorry to hear about your health troubles hun. Taking a break might make a big difference and hopefully you will bounce back quickly. We will all still be here, so dont worry about that.
ReplyDeleteI will miss seeing your wonderful creations though, but totally understand and you have to put your self and health first. Take it easy for a change :)
big hugs
xxalisonxx
Gorgeous Nicola! Love all the elegant lace and texture!
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost always comes your health my friend! I adore you and want you to stay healthy...I had no idea you were having issues. I'm so sorry, but we will be here when you feel like sharing with us...seconds away!
ReplyDeleteThis card is stunning! Love the color, vintage feel, embossing paste, the image, and metals! All elements are fabulous! What a grand card. Thank you for sharing your metals with us this week at Simon Says Stamp & Show! Hugs!
Absolutely stunning! I love the colours and the image is wonderful. That ribbon is gorgeous! Thanks so much for playing along at ATSM! xx
ReplyDeleteFabulous card my dearest friend,love the cute image^_^
ReplyDeleteBig hug,
Sonia
Just amazing! Love the textures...beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola, love this card the textured effect is delicious, and such a beautiful design. Completely understand your reasons. Sometimes it can be quite stressful and take the fun out of crafting when you have the added pressure of DT projects and blogging comments to leave. I hope you do continue with making such gorgeous and exquisite creations. Take care and hope your health improves. XX
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing talent Nicola, this is truly beautiful. Thanks for joining us at Polka Doodles shabby chic challenge.
ReplyDeletePinky
Im' so sorry to read that Nicola... Not that you can not continue to assume your DT work (but I share your sorrow, because I can imagine how it was difficult to take such decision...), and even less that you will not be able to come regularly on our blogs (don't worry about that !...), but more that you have an illness that sometimes probably hurts you a lot. I send you a lot of hugs... Will continue for my part to encourage and congrat you as you merit for your wonderful cards and projects I really love !!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations and foe detailing them each time. Your present card is gorgeous, love also the way you distressed the metal words (they are beautiful, I note the brand)!!! Have a lovely week... Coco xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Nicola,
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to learn of your news, but like the others have already said, your health must come first. I will miss seeing as many of your gorgeous creations and will savor those you post. Please take care.
Your project is just stunning. One of my all time favorite images. Thank you for sharing with is at 365 Cards. Hugs, Yvonne
Hi Nicola, Your card is stunning, I love the vintage shabby look it's superb. I'm sorry to read you have poor health, take good care of yourself (your health must come first) and see you on your blog as when you feel well enough. Take care, big hugs to you, Teresa xx
ReplyDeleteThis is a really gorgeous project Nicola - I love the textured paste side panels and the stamping, and the colours. Sorry to hear you are not too well, but thank you so much for joining in the CI Challenge this month. Jean x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning card Nicola, love all the techniques you used to create this masterpiece! Thanks for playing along at ATSM and I hope your health issues improve soon:)
ReplyDeleteVal x
Gorgeous card Nicola, love the shabby chic look! I'm so sorry to hear that you are leaving Eclectic - we will miss you on the Pink Team! Look after yourself, and keep on crafting!
ReplyDeleteClaire xx
Beautiful card Nicola, love the texture paste on the sides and the image is wonderful. So sorry to hear you are ill, take care of yourself, and hopefully the rest will be good for you. Look forward to seeing new posts, whenever you feel up to it. Best wishes, Ger.
ReplyDeleteFabulous Nicola, love love the colours and the texture paste looks amazing. Might have to see if I can see this at a show I'm going to at the weekend.
ReplyDeleteHugs Tracy x
this is an amazing project, love the raised texture that you created with the mask, love all the layers so glad you joined us at SCH and CI
ReplyDeletehugs
A beautiful project lots of lovely stylish elements. I'm sorry to hear that you are not well enough to continue with your DT post. I hope you will be able to continue enjoying your crafty pursuits at your own pace. Thank you so much for the lovely comments you have left for me on my blog. I shall make a point of popping over to Paper Profusion to see how you are getting on. Best wishes toni xx
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola, what stunning details you have put into this. The texture paste is beautiful, as is the embossing, and all the gorgeous little details such as the flowers and paper piecing. You have so much creative talent.
ReplyDeleteI'm so, so sorry to hear that you have health issues, and I know you will have given a lot of thought to your decision - as others have said, your health really does come first and foremost at this time and nothing else is as important. I will look forward very much to seeing your creations which you do post, but please do not worry about visiting me, not necessary at all.
Please look after yourself Nicola, you're in my thoughts and there are lots of hugs coming your way.
Maria xxxxx
So sorry you're leaving us at EE - obviously only you know what you both need and want to do with regards to crafting and DT-ing and your health must come first. I hope you can carry on doing what you're so talented at and get some creative time in for yourself. I wish you a super speedy recovery :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card! I love the texture paste and all...!!!!bizz
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazingly beautiful card. The layers and textures are just fabulous. I love that ribbon. Thanks for joining us this week at ATS&M. P.S. I do hope that your health improves - my heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry your health issues are withholding you from your DT, it must have been a very sad decision. Your project is stunning, the different techniques and elements are amazing. Exceptional work. Thanks for sharing with us at ATS&M. Caz
ReplyDeleteSimply gorgeous, what more can I say.
ReplyDeleteMoira xxx
Really beautiful, love the colours and textures and the vintage image is adorable
ReplyDeleteLindsay xx
Beautiful vintage card Nicola, really lovely image and the embossed borders look stunning. So sorry to hear you're not feeling well, I hope you're feeling better soon
ReplyDeletehugs
Claire xx
Hi Nicola, I've just been catching up, so sorry to read that you're not well. Hope your health does improve with less stress. Just enjoy making your beautiful creations.
ReplyDeleteThis one is beautiful, love the shabby but fresh look you've achieved.
Take care, and I look forward to your next creation.
Avril xx
This is stunning Nicola! Take care of yourself my friend, I have subscribed to your blog, so I won't miss any of your beautiful creations.
ReplyDeleteAlison x
Nicola, thanks so much for your sweet comments on my blog. This card really caught my eye at CI, beautiful colors and design. I love CI stamps, they are so versatile; too bad I don't have enough time to craft. I have signed up to follow you too.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Katie
Beautiful card :)
ReplyDeleteJoanna
this is stunning! Take care!
ReplyDelete