Wednesday, April 7, 2010

My Personal Challenge: Day One

Well, the day I never thought would come has finally arrived. I have a blog. I have a BLOG! Saying that just made me giggle at myself. Who am I to have a blog??

Anyway, the reason I decided to take the leap into blog-dom was to challenge myself. Challenge myself to work harder at developing my crafting skills. Challenge myself to learn new techniques. Challenge myself to learn design principles so I can stop looking at my projects sideways and saying "Something's just not right." Challenge myself to use my supplies instead of hoarding them. Not sure how well I'll do on that last one.

I welcome you to join me on my journey of learning how to be a decent papercrafter. I'd love to hear what you think!! Just please be gentle. :)

Day One: In the spirit of challenging myself, I decided to break open my first package of alcohol inks. The result is the card below. I punched the center scallop square out of acetate and applied alcohol ink to the back. I stamped "thanks" and a leaf stem with Archival Ink on the front of the acetate. The turquoise cardstock is Papertrey Ink in Hawaiian Shores. The alcohol ink is Ranger in Stream. I should have used a little more blending solution to lighten the ink a bit more, but otherwise it's a decent match.





I added a little red bling and black ribbon, then used pop dots to raise the matted scallop square. The sentiment stamp, scallop border die and patterned paper are also by Papertrey Ink. The leaf is American Crafts. Scallop punches are Marvy pink and purple.

I'm still looking at it sideways thinking "Something's just not right", but at least I'm on the road to learning and improving. A road that is always paved with mistakes and do-overs. And lots of fun....

I'd love to hear what you think.

21 comments:

  1. Very pretty card! Your blog looks great!

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  2. beautiful card! one of my favorite color combos :) congrats on your first post, blogging is way way fun

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  3. Wonderful card! Welcome to the world of blogging!!

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  4. So happy you have joined us, your card is awesome!

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  5. It's great! I love the scallop edge at the top. Keep those beauties coming.

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  6. Your blog looks great! I love your card; looking forward to seeing more of your work soon :)

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  7. Yay for you Lauren! Welcome to blogland. Your card is so cute. Love the color combo.

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  8. Congrats on starting a blog, I love the background you chose! Great card too! You will have so much fun blogging!

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  9. Welcome to the blogosphere. Great start with a great card. I love the alcohol ink focal. It turned out great and matches the HS perfectly. You are certainly off to a good start!

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  10. Welcome to blogland! Your card is lovely. Great colour combo.

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  11. YAY for the blog! The card is lovely Lauren.

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  12. A great blog, and a great card! I am fond of alcohol inks myself, so I especially like this one!

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  13. Lauren Congrats on starting a blog. I started one a few months ago and love it, I am totally hooked!

    Your card is gorgeous. Love the colors you chose, especially the black... stunning!

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  14. Yea Lauren! The blog looks great!

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  15. Yay, congrats! Love your card. Welcome to Blogland!!

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  16. Congratulations on your blog. Pretty card, too.

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  17. Welcome to blog land!! Love your card! Very pretty!

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  18. Beautiful card!! I love your colors. Welcome to blog land. Very nice blog.

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  19. Congrats! I felt the same way as you. Exposed! Now I am in and it is a lot of fun. Your card is beautiful.

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  20. Gorgeous card! Welcome to my world - it is so fun!

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