I`ve been looking at all the entries for this weeks challenge on Less is More
and quite a few of them have block inked shapes behind the image. Now I`m sure you all know by now that I`m crafting on a budget ( aren`t we all?) apart from the fact that I like to be..frugal..shall we say...and I`m a bit loathe to spend money on something I might not use. So, I thought I`d have a go at improvising to see how it went.
I cut an A4 card into 2 to make 2 A5 cards, then placed an acrylic stamping block on one of them to draw a rectangle ( I traced so far down then moved it along as it wasn`t as long as I wanted it to be) then cut the shape out with my craft knife. I placed the card with the hole in it over the card I wanted to stamp onto and used it like a stencil to chalk up my rectangle. I used a deep orange, then orange followed by a bright yellow. Because I used chalk instead of ink it gives a more subtle effect I think.
I then stamped my Inkadinkado Delicate Branch stamp in black Stazon, over the block of colour.
I used a papertrey sentiment but it hasn`t stamped as dark as the main image so it`s no where near good enough to enter in a challenge but for a first effort I am quite pleased. In fact if it wasn`t for the sentiment and a little imperfection in one corner of the block I would go so far as to say it`s better than my entry in this weeks challenge. I might just have to find the time to do it again and re enter. Please let me know what you think, should I go with it or should I stop being greedy and spend some money on the real thing lol.?
I`m really enjoying these challenges at LiM. I know it`s only the second week but because we`ve all been in it from the off it somehow feels familiar and comfortable. Can`t wait for next weeks.
EDIT. I`ve had second thoughts and decided, to hell with it I`m going to enter, imperfections and all.
Thanks for popping in ...Lynne xxx
OK Lynne I personally think you have the balance perfect, the coloured panel under the tree...IMHO is perfect!
ReplyDeleteOK, yes shame the sentiment didn't go as crisp as it coudl have BUT I really think you have made a great one layer card!
Thanks for taking part, much appreciated
mandi
"Less is More"
Hi Lynne,
ReplyDeleteThis card is very effective... imperfections and all... you have to zoom in to see them however.
I find that when masking, for me, paper works better than card as it lies closer to the page and makes a crisper template... you have to take care however as it also gets soggier more quickly.
The overall impression of the card is great...it's a fab composition.
Glad you came back and come back again soon!
Chrissie
"Less is More"
Lovely card Lynne, to make edges crisper on your rectanger you could try using post it notes to make the shape you want - it works well.
ReplyDeleteLove the twig stamp!
Lesley x
Hi Lynne, I love this. The shading is nice and the image is perfect for a sympathy card. Love Sheila (Cyprus)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am restricted with budget/supplies too. Am working on doing something similar with some old die cut frames that I have had for ages and not used!
Hi Lynne,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have entered the card as it is. As Mandi has said you have the balance just right. And what is wrong with improvising I happen to think some of the nicest cards are that way. Also making and using your own stencils means you have many more options.
If being frugal means you make cards as nice as this one carry on being frugal please.
Regards Sue.
I'm glad you said "to hell with it" as it is so lovely
ReplyDeleteThis is really calming sweetie hugs pops x x x
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card . . love it.... PERFECT..... for this Challenge
hugs
sylvie
xxx
Hi Lynne, I'm so glad you decided to enter this into the challenge as it's just lovely. I don't think we should worry about imperfections as, after all, these are handcrafted little works of art! Your improvisation worked a treat. xxx
ReplyDeleteI think you've done a fab job. glad you decided to enter it, if you hadn't said anything I would have thought it was a stamp and not noticed any imperfections (can hardly notice it anyway!)
ReplyDeleteLynn x
Hi :)
ReplyDeleteI have not visited your blog for a long time, I apologize.
Lately I do not have much free time.
Hope you're well.
Your last cards are wonderful.
I wish you much inspiration and all the best!
Irena
Your card is brilliant and I love the way you have made it.
ReplyDeleteMaureen....x
It's beautiful! The colours are lovely, and the composition is perfectly balanced. I wouldn't have noticed any imperfections if you hadn't pointed them out, and anyway they're not imperfect, but all part of the charm of "handmade". I admire your frugality! Lynne x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, this has such a dramatic look and its so simple. I think you did a fabulous job and glad you entered it!
ReplyDeleteI just love the combination of colour and that beautiful branch stamp. I didn't really notice the sentiment until you pointed it out. I am going to search for that stamp right now because you have showcased it so well.
ReplyDeleteI love it! The colors are perfect!!!Sometimes we are our own worse critic!
ReplyDeleteThis card is so elegant, balanced and beautiful. Well done.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Malyn
This is just gorgeous! I love the shading in the block and the branch stamps are fab!!
ReplyDeleteOh this is gorgeous. I love the yellow block.
ReplyDeleteKathleen x
I love it Lynne! In fact I prefer it to your previous one and I love that one too! Gorgeous colours too - very 'winter sunset'.
ReplyDeleteGood for you hun! This card is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI have also entered 2 cards to Less Is More, but my first one is PANTS compared to the 2nd one (IMHO)!
Hugs, Sandra
Your card is perfect, i love imperfections as it shows your card was handmade and really thought about. A brilliant entry:-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty card - very apt
ReplyDeleteKathyk
I'm so glad you did enter & we got to see, it's a lovely card. As sympathy cards go it's pretty much perfect x
ReplyDeleteI love the gradiant of color behind the image...really beautiful CAS card!
ReplyDeleteI think your card is fabulous and I'm glad you decided to enter it. The sunset colours are so beautiful. I think that is what I am enjoying so much about the LIM challenges - we are all learning as we go along.
ReplyDeleteCaroline xxx
Your card is lovely, I love the black over colour effect. Thank you for leaving a comment on my new 'baby' blog, isn't cyber craft amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove your card and I love those yummy stamps..I have them too..they're so versatile.
ReplyDeleteGreat card for the challenge
ReplyDeleteJose
I think you made the right decision, it is lovely
ReplyDeleteKath x
Beautiful card. I think you will find most crafters improvise as none of us have pots of money. All the suggestions above work perfectly. Annette
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you entered your lovely card Lynne. We are often our own worst critics but I honestly could not see any flaws in your card!
ReplyDeleteI often improvise to save money, you would never know that you did to achieve this look.
Lovely work Lynne honestly,
Love Sarita xx
Hi Lynne
ReplyDeleteI found your lovely blog via Pops .. .. what a great find!
Loving your card - and if you hadn't pointed the corner out then I am sure no-one would have noticed. Great finished look.
Love your colour choices.
Really love the look of this technique .. .. must try it!!
Love Jules xx
Gorgeous card. Saw this technique in Craft Stamper magazine and thought I must try it, you've given me some extra inspiration!! Beautiful colours x
ReplyDeleteBoth your LiM cards are lovely but I think you really nailed it with the chalked background, this is beautiful and very serene-looking! I usually use Post It notes to mask off the area I want to colour and then sponge ink in there - quick and cheap!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card Lynne - I love the chalk colours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping over to my blog and the lovely comment left.
Take care
Debs xx
This is beautiful, Lynne. Love the colour you've used for the background (I must try your technique). Sue.x
ReplyDeletethis is so lovely please look at my blog where there is something waiting for you
ReplyDeleteOh I think it's a lovely card, I must try something similar myself! Lisa x
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, love the background before you stamped. I think i need more practice at these less is more cards lol..
ReplyDeleteHugs Sonia xx
Very pretty card and it really is a great clean and simple one......just lovely
ReplyDeleteJenni
I made my block shape the same way as you and it also had some not straight bits on it - who said it had to be straight lines anyway?- I brushed the inks onto it using shaving brushes. Your card is lovely!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think any imperfections show - we're always critical of our own work. I think its lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely card, I like the colour of the chalked retangle,and the stamp glad you went with it Mx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, a perfect CAS card.
ReplyDeleteIt's just great Lynne as it is, so glad you decided to enter the challenge. As you said we are all in it together lol, we will all improve if we keep at it too.......well I hope I will lol :O),thanks for comments on mine too btw!
ReplyDeleteViv xx
Lynne I have a little something for you if you want to pop over to my blog :O) Viv xx
ReplyDelete