Hello Girl

 

A while back, I purchased a few pieces of 12x12 scrapbook paper with the idea of trimming it down to use as a card front. Most of the papers ended up being far too large and too finicky to use on a card, but a couple of pieces looked like they could make a good focal point.

I combined one of those focal points with a die-cut from a die-cut pack. While it's not one of my more complicated cards, I feel like it was a good learning experience - if nothing else, then how to be more careful and selective about my purchases. I still have several 12x12 papers, but they are using as backgrounds when I take card pictures. 

If I do purchase more of 12x12 paper, I will pay more attention to the size and scale of the pattern.

Pixie Hello

 

Watercolor has always been something that I've been drawn to, but I've got a long way to go before I master it. The most challenging part is always getting a specific result out of watercolor. Watercolor does what it wants and it's fabulous for completely random surprise effects. It's a lot more challenging when you want control over a specific end result.

I'm sure a lot of it is my inexperience and a need for practice, but it does keep me frustrated when I don't get the kind of look I was aiming for. And that's where watercolor patterned paper is perfect. I can get the specific look I'm going for, but also dress it up with stamps or splatters to make it look unique.

Warm Heart

 

Doodlebug paper pads sometimes have a cute cut-apart sheet that has little scenes that feature cute critters or even sentiments. I always want to include them on a card, but I'm often unsure how to incorporate them into the design without making the card seem too simple. So, I would set them aside until I could figure out what I wanted to do with them.

One of the things I've noticed is that I tend to overthink some of my creations. I find them to be too simple or too plain and then end up not sharing them. But I've realized that I'm being too hard on myself, especially given that the cards that I find to be "too simple" are cards that end up being an inspiration for someone out there (and they tell me about it, much to my delight!).

 So, I am going to make an effort to post these types of cards more, too. I will be dubbing them my practice cards, as they often end up being a project where I work out a layout, a color palette or embellishments that make the next card even better. I feel vulnerable sharing things that I'm not 100% happy with, but I think it's important to normalize imperfection and share things that are a part of growth in the creative process and not just the end result.

Thank you

 

Lately, I've been going through some of my supplies and reorganizing them for easier use. I like to periodically reorganize some of my supplies because it reminds me of all that I already have. As an added bonus, I often find bits and pieces that inspire me to create a new card (or two).

I'm not up to tackling any challenges and large goals quite yet, but I can focus on using my supplies more. I've found that brings me a lot of joy, lately, and is less overwhelming than trying to shop and use only the new goodies.

Bits & Pieces: Amazing

A really quick card share today - after a week filled with overtime, I need a quiet weekend off.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Captain of My Heart

Keeping up with the nautical theme, here is a super simple little love card. I combined Birdie Brown's Mermazing and Party Like a Pirate stamp, along with a bit of inking over patterned paper. It's very simple, but I think it works.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Lemony Friend

Sometimes a simple card is the best. Today's card came together in just a few minutes, but I think it turned out fun and cheerful.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Happy Heart Day!

Happy Valentine's weekend! I have spent this weekend doing a few fun things with my husband, but I did want to share this simple little card I made with nothing but patterned paper, cardstock, a die and enamel dots.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Lots of Nutsy Love

We're getting close to Valentine's Day. While I won't be making a ton of Valentine creations this year, you may see a couple of lovey-dovey cards in the next couple of weeks. I thought I'd start today's card with a cute critter. It's not a love set, but I think it works.

Thanks for reading,
~Elle~

Lotus Thanks

It's been a busy time around here, and with the holidays just around the corner, it might stay busy for a few weeks. I've been working on a few cards in my spare time, but it's just about time to get started on Christmas projects.

I've scheduled a few blog posts in advance with cards I've made but did not have a chance to share. There might not be much of a description under each card, but I'm hoping the activity will motivate me to keep sharing as we get through the winter season.

Thank you for reading!
~Elle~

Hey Chickie Friday!

It's Friday! And I'm sharing the final card in the patterned paper CAS challenge. Once again, quirky Paper Smooches chickie is adorable and the sentiment and font just works perfectly. I played with some contrasting colors here, and I like the bright palette look of the card.

~Elle~

Jawsome CAS

One of my favorite things about this card is the sentiment with colors that match the pattern and the shark. I've been really into colorful sentiments lately, and I think they are perfect for CAS cards with lots of empty space.

~Elle~

Let's Play!

Next up, we have this cute and playful pup from Paper Smooches. Paper Smooches was one of the first companies I bought stamps from when I first started card-making, and I still absolutely adore their quirky and fun style.


~Elle~

Deeply In Love

Card number two in the challenge features the adorable submarine from Lawn Fawn. With the cute fish patterned paper, I think it works wonderfully.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Just Because

The first card in my CAS with Patterned Paper challenge. I used some stickers from my stash, as well as an ivory cardstock base and a little bit of simple stripe patterned paper. I like how it turned out, and it will be great for mailing, as there isn't a ton of dimension.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Happy Fathers' Day Frog Prince

I just couldn't resist a fun fathers' day card with a frog and some fun geometric paper. I've had this patterned paper in my stash for ages and kept meaning to use it. I think it worked out pretty great on this card.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

We belong together

I generally make only A2 cards - both because it's a canvas size I'm comfortable with and also because I only have A2-sized envelopes. But sometimes it's fun to switch things up a little and try a different size.

This card is a square card that's 4.25x4.25. I think I can modify an envelope to work with this card size. If not, I do have a few cute paper goodie bags that would fit.

The cute stamps are from Lawn Fawn and I think it makes for a cute little love notecard.


Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Snail Friend

Another simple card today, just playing with bits and pieces of things on my desk. I decided to combine sequins and enamel dots as a decoration, and I really like how that turned out. I may have to do an embellishment focus challenge sometime in the near future.

I used the adorable little snail from Lawn Fawn and I think it's such a fun set. I'll have to make a few more cards with it.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Unicorn Sleigh

December is going to be a busy busy busy month! Between work, holidays and family activities, card-making might take a back seat for a short while. So, please excuse me if I share things very sporadically over the next month or so.

Today's card is a cute idea I had for a unicorn-pulled sleigh. I thought it would be a cute concept and I paired up a couple of sets that have been on my "use" list for some time.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Christmas Bear

I took a step back into the traditional with the reds, creams, kraft and a bit of green. I used one of my all-time favorite Christmas sentiments from Technique Tuesday and I paired it with the adorable bear from Reverse Confetti. It was a really simple card to make, but I like how all the different elements play together.

Thanks for reading.
~Elle~