Monday, February 14, 2011

Just a few blooms - Less is more...

Hello again,
Sarah here again...enjoying a free Monday and the pleasures of some simple stamping and crafting. The weekend was an intensive session, so today was a chance to keep things simple and pure.
The new blog "Less is More" took off with a real bang last week and this weeks flowers or trees 'one layer' challenge is already in full swing. (I must add I ended up with as much mess on my craft table as ever - a place where more is more, and less is more!) Here is what I got up to...

 I decided to go for some stencilling to create the flower background. I used the cut-outs left from punching flowers as a stencil and used different shades of Distress Inks for the flowers. Just think how many punches we all have lying around doing nothing - the options are endless...it is a cheap and easy way to drum up lots of new designs!

I then stamped the sentiment in Coffee Archival and inked the edges of the card for that extra bit of focus. Just like last week - you need to be pretty darn clean and I used several stencils to keep things smudge free. I must admit that one or two little certain flower positions were determined by a speck of wayward ink!

Here is a second variation using Kraft card stock and blue paint rather than ink. I love working with paint as you get just that bit of extra texture. It is very important to heat set each flower before moving onto the next  - otherwise it can be a right old slippery ride! A card stencil is needed as paper gets too soggy - and you definitely need a fresh stencil each time with paint.

I stamped over the top with Sepia Archival. It adheres well but also gives a translucent quality to the sentiment. As you can see I was able to play with the tones by adding different degrees of white to the blue. Again - endless options and colour schemes to go for - which means you can always find the right colour! I distressed and inked the card edged as this one has a slightly Shabby feel.

And number three! Decided to go for a more modern look using white card with pink and purple distress inks. Ah yes, white - the most exposed, tell-tale surface of all. Patience, patience, patience ladies...and lots of clean stencils ready before you start to avoid the temptation of just hoping for the best.




Not normally a purple girl, but I do like this one and the quirky stamp. It is also good to think about the colour of the sentiment as it plays a big role in the whole look - so I did a few test runs on scrap paper to see if the contrast was right. Makes all the difference - really.


Here is a shot of the aftermath. You can see the stencils I used and an array of lovely shades left by all that paint and ink...Had a great time again. I really like the joint venture of simplicity and concentration. I also love it when a plan comes together...


So come on girls - get busy recycling all those punch-outs and unused punches. If you can punch it or cut it out - you got a stencil! Just think of all those die-cuts lying around...
Head on over to Less is More to see all the other great entries, and have a go too. It really does you good. Joining in with a few challenges too...
Totally Paper Crafts
Secret Crafter


Ciao for now,

Sarah

19 comments:

Chrissie said...

What a fabulous post Sarah, I really enjoyed reading how you did these cards, especially with the tips along the way!
Punches are such useful little things aren't they. Thanks so much for returning for another challenge, it's great to have you along!
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Shaz said...

Fab set of cards. I bet you had a grteat time getting "Inky". My favourite is the modern one, but are all lovely. xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Just love your stencil idea on your cards a very pretty card.

Anne

Gibmiss said...

Hi Sarah
these are lovely ...a clever idea ....

hugsd
sylvie
xx

KatheD said...

what a great idea, and so much helpful info in your post - another fun, new technique to try out - thanks!

Sheila in Cyprus said...

These are fab cards and a great idea. I am all for 'recycling'. Love Sheila (Cyprus)

Deborah Frings said...

I really like these cards - great use of left over bits!! I particularly like the last card - fab sentiment!

sandra de said...

Great cards and so simple and clever.

lisa said...

What a great way to use the off cuts from the punches, these are all beautiful. I think the first one is my favourite, I love the sunny colours.
It's nice to see someone who makes as much mess as me when they are creating!!
Hugs Lisax

Suze Bain said...

What beautiful cards, I love the colours of the first one best. Thanks also for the tips!

Heidi said...

This is so pretty!
Thanks for the inspiration:) And thank you for your sweet comment.
Hugs, Heidi:)

Mandi said...

What a great read! Thanks for sharing how you got to the end results...3 WOW well done, you look as if you had a lot of fun along the way"
I love the modern one, even though Im not a purple gal either!

Thanks so much for participating, much appreciated
mandi
"Less is More"

Lynne said...

What a brilliant idea. Why didn`t I think of that ??? Fabulous card.
Lynne xxx

Diane said...

Fab Cards...love them all and love the "be silly" sentiment.
Diane x

Aileen said...

I liked No.3 best especially with the sentiment. A good idea to keep old punch outs I usually bin them! x

Susan said...

I often use punched out shapes for stencils...it's a great way to use and reuse items!! Love how the cards each look so different with just a change of color!

Curly said...

Wow amazing creation, and beautiful colours

thanks for sharing with us at Secret Crafter: 121 A Stamped Flower

Good luck with the challenge,
Hugs Bridget :) x.
SCSC DT

Helen said...

Gorgeous cards!
Thanks for joining us at the SCSC!
Helen x

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

How did I miss this post?, how simple you make it all sound, they are beautiful cards.