Just Moved

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Good Morning!

I really feel like I've been stuck in a creative rut lately! I have all this paper and product and nothing seems to come together without hours of indecision and doubt. It's driving me crazy! I can color anything without a problem. It's when I have to decide on a layout and paper choices that I just can't seem to make up my mind on! Do you ever feel this way? Do you just work through it or do you step away and take a break. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Today's card is a bit of old mixed with a lot of new (to me) stuff.

I bought PaperTrey's Boards and Beams set about a year ago now and I've only used it a handful of times since. I used to have a problem inking it up, but then I quickly figured out it was the ink pad and lack of ink rather than the stamp set itself. *insert rolling of eyes here*

The image was mainly colored up with inks from the Ranger Distress Inks line and the front door, steps and reflection in the windows were done in SU reinkers. I sponged Antique Linen around the edges, matted it on some more Canson watercolor paper then machine stitched the two layers together. I typically don't sew more than two layers together so I then adhered those two layers to some Bitter Chocolate Bazzil Basics cardstock (which is my all time favorite color!). I just bought a 6x6 pad of this Marrakech paper from Basic Grey the other day and this pattern reminded me of a big quilt. Doesn't it look like a quilt? Something very homey and comforting about it. Then I added the ribbon, button, twine and tag and I was all done....three hours later!! *shaking head* Sometimes I wonder about myself!

Have a good one!

Supplies
Stamps: PaperTrey Ink
'Boards and Beams'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Sahara Sand, Going Gray, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Black Soot'
Papers: Canson Watercolor, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Marrakech Collection - Dragonwell and Madagascar Mint'
Access: Ribbon,
PTI Vintage Button - White and Cream Mix, PTI Rustic Cream Button Twine, Machine Stitching, Spellbinders 'Tags Trio' Shapeabilities, Sponges, Dimensionals

22 Comments:

Juls said...

I love this image!! such a fab card!

Elena said...

I can hear you, Sandra! I takes me longer to choce a paper and layout then anything else. This week I was making a card, and didn't like how it was coming along, but then I told to myself:"Take a break, come back later. Maybe it will work fine". And several hours later I looked at the same card (details of it),and after a break it didn't look as bad as I thought! :)
You card turned out fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing!

Tracey said...

I think everyone's mojo takes a holiday from time to time Sandra. SOmetimes I find surfing blogs and such will help me work through it and other times I have to just take a break for a while and let it come back on its' own.

That being said, you would never know from this card that you are struggling creatively. I love it! xx

Jenn said...

Gorgeous card Sandra! :) Love the dp! :)

deifen said...

Gorgeous card ! I've had my eye on that stamps for ages - now I've seen your baeutiful colouring I 'need' it lol!
Dei x

Jacilynn said...

Sounds like you might be a perfectionist?? I'm sure it's true, that's why your cards turn out so beautiful all the time. I think I know where you are coming from. And I have no answers for you??lol Love this image. Great card Sandra!

Gabriela said...

Sandra, your card is fabulous! I adore your color combinations and meticulous work. Breath taking, really.

kadie said...

I feel like this ALL the time, totally, you are not alone. Usually, I just set that project down and work on something else. Usually when I go back to the first one it starts coming together. This card certainly came together. It's magical. I love love love the paper matched with this image and the way you colored it. Fantastic.

karen said...

I have been looking for a set just like this! I love what you did with it! I might just have to pick it up for myself!

I feel like I'm in a creative rut all the time! Its the coloring I have the most trouble with, subce U tend to pick the paper first.... I think I should start doing some sketches and challenges to get my mojo going! Wait! I can just come here for inspiration!

Mary Giles said...

I'm with you Sandra! I fuss over papers, sketches, and embellies the longest. What has been helping me is to use the sketch challenges which I know you do too, then I pick a focus paper and color from that...but I know you color your images then pick your paper. This card is gorgeous and the detail in your house! Those windows just pop on that house.

kerry2 said...

I know you and I are not the only people with that problem.......Even though I have been designing cards for three years now, and it truly is my passion to do so, I still have trouble with paper positioning. Practice makes perfect and just don't get stressed out about it. Remember that this hobby is supposed to be fun and not stressful.......Keep doing what you are doing Sandra.......Your cards are so beautiful and so inspirational and so what if it takes you a little longer? This is not a race :>........Don't change a thing!!!!!!!! You are one talented lady!!! Thanks for making me a better stamper.

kerry2

MiamiKel said...

I think it's easy to wonder the what ifs of card making - it's part of the creative process, especially if you've been on a roll for a long time (you haven't come off that Top of the class Cloud yet, girlfriend!) But this is marvelous! I made a card with this same paper pack and it really takes center stage - love how you paired it with a light solid color to soften the pattern - nice!

Anonymous said...

wow what a completely stunning card

i dont see your problem..lol

Sparkplug17 said...

Such a pretty card! If I get frustrated, I walk away for a bit and come back. But then I usually change my mind again, lol, once I get back to it.

Lulu said...

It's beautiful! I hear you though, I am in a total rut right now too.. it stinks :(

Kimberly said...

I think everyone goes through a creative rut every now and then. Maybe try playing along with some sketch challenges - there are tons out there!! This card is adorable. Love the paper and your gorgeous coloring!

The Spotted Chick said...

Well, I think this card is just FABULOUS! As for your dilemma, I'm the wrong one to give advice on this subject as it takes me hours for each and every card I make. And like you, it's mostly due to paper choice and layout design. But I must say, it surely doesn't show in your work! Great job as always!

Ann Kranitz said...

Your card is amazing. As for me I walk away when I am in a rut and 9 times out of 10 come back liking what I was putting together anyway.

Danni said...

Gorgeous card!

Charlie said...

Just tell yourself that it is a fabulous card BECAUSE it took you 3 hours to make! I usually pick out a stamp I want to use first and go through my paper till something strikes my fancy and then color in the image from the colors on the paper I chose, the rest just comes together from there ...

Nilla said...

Outstanding, so beautiful! Hugs Nilla

Cassie said...

♥♥ it!!
and happy anniversary!!

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