Tuesday 29 January 2013

Three

I've made a commitment to myself to finish at least three Christmas cards a month. I'm really sliding under the wire with this one but finally got it done!    Phew!!!
It's another corrugated card as I have 2 boxes left of these to use up.

Funny how you get an idea in your head and it doesn't always translate well in real life. I'm not sure if I like this card.  I was fine with it until I added the "snow" to the red burlap  I don't have any of the snowtex stuff so I thought I would be inventive. I used some ivory acrylic paint and dabbed some on the paper edges with an eye makeup sponge stick. Once that was dry, I used liquid pearls (White Opal) and dabbed it here and there over the cream paint. I was quite happy with that look.

Now here's where I think I went wrong...I decided  to add some of the same fake snow treatment to the red burlap and try to have it look as if it was snow lying in drifts...I then added some Star Dust stickles over top of the Liquid Pearls..........Ha!
I think it looks kind of ugly and I just might rip my card apart and replace the red burlap with a clean piece...and leave it plain this time! Funny that my photo is showing the border strip all faded looking. It is a bit brighter in real life!

In the meantime I am hoping for some feedback from my readers...Any ideas? Would you change the burlap out or leave it?

I not submitting to any challenges as I'm not thrilled with this card. I will just submit it to Speedy TV Christmas Card Challenge@MFP  for my Xmas card count for the month.

OK.......I ripped it apart and redid it! I like it better this way. I couldn't find where I placed the leftover red burlap and in the ensuing hunt I found a new treasure...some ivory counted cross stitch cloth that I bought for a quarter at the RV resort garage sale last summer It is quite a big bag of various colours. So here is the new card.and I am pleased to say I like it much better than the first!

Whew!!! Glad that is done! It was really easy to change it over to the ivory as I stapled the burlap to the card stock die cut. It was only a matter of carefully popping out the two staples!!! I saved the snowy red burlap so i can make it again depending on the consensus of my readers...

Recipe:
1. Card base - from my stash (Michael's Kraft corrugated card and envelope)
2. DP - My Minds Eye - Santa Claus
3. Card Stock - from my stash
4. Border - from my stash (K and Co)
5. Burlap - from my stash from last year
6. Jute string - from my stash
7. Die cuts - Spellbinders petite circle, petite scallop,fancy tags
8. Embellishments - from my stash (K and Co silver snowflakes with old world Santa's)
9. Stickles - Star Dust
10. Liquid Pearls - White Opal
11. Acrylic Paint - Cream

32 comments:

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Oh dear I think I prefer the red!! I think the red gives your card a focal point and your snow looks good I knew what it was! Susan x

Jules said...

Hi Mo

I love them both .. .. and your fake snow invention!!!

What a great idea.

Love Jules xx

Sarn said...

Hmmm . . . well, I think I would have changed it . . . so I'm glad you did! All the better if you're happier with the second time around card!

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Redanne said...

Well I thought it looked amazing in the red and it did look like snow, but you have to be happy with the result so I can understand you changing it. The cream looks lovely too though..... Hugs, Anne x

Dee said...

Hi Mo 2 lovely cards, I think the fake snow looks great. Dee x

Madeline said...

I actually like the red burlap too! It is eyecatching and your snow is a fun touch!

McCrafty's Cards said...

I like both of these, I like the images the colours and the textures.
Kevin xx

Di said...

I vote for the remake - it's lovely Maureen! The red was great too but the remake is even better.

Ha, you reminded me I have a load of burlap here - as yet unused!!

I concur with your comment about the mahooooooosive Clarity stamp, I think it would be perfect for scrapbooking/layouts - grin or mostly OFF the card. But, I do like smal and neat so it may just be me :( And, the right one arrived here today which was super fast service indeed!

Hugs, Di xx

Hugs, Di xx

Pia S said...

I liked your version with red burlap, but that's not what's important, it is you who should be pleased with the card. And studying both versions of your card, I agree with you on what was the best outcome! Your card turned out beautiful, I like the soft look of the colors and the added texture!

Danielle said...

It was very pretty in red, but then I saw the blue one, and you were right. The blue one does look better.

Fleursbydesign said...

Both of them are pretty but i think the red version pops more

Sue said...

OOO hard choice hun because I love both of them lol great idea fake snow huggles hun and thanks for the support xxxxxxxx

Daniella said...

You should check my blog!!

It is really sad though. Last week, I have a giveaway and 40 people commented.
This week 4. I guess people only visit when you offer prizes. Very sad indeed....

BUT YOU WON MY GIVEAWAY!! CONGRATULATIONS to you!!!
Send me your address, and I will ship it out to you.
xxDaniella and thanks for visiting!!

Anonymous said...

I like both! So go and make another one in red again, lol!! Oh, and pop over to see Daniella Hayes on WOYWW, you won her blog candy from last week!!!!

Hugs
Brenda

Jo said...

Ooooo, now there's a tough choice! I like them both....the red because i love traditional red at Christmas....the ivory because you just reminded me I have some the same stashed away lol!Hope you're well, my friend and having a good week!
Hugs Jo x

MaryH said...

I really DID like the red...but as others have said, YOU have to be pleased with it. (been in the same situation so many times!)Your innovative snow was a great touch,& I knew what it was before reading how you did it (thanks for the info BTW). I also thought the blue was extremely pretty too. Gotta try this effect with burlap...that's a new technique to me. (well, so many are!). Thanks for sharing 2 really pretty cards. Looking forward to seeing Miss C's next post. Hugs

LB whosthischick said...

I like the red and that burlap is so on trend now

Gibmiss said...

Hi Mo
Fabulous cards.... I belong to a small group and we make a Xmas card every two weeks. If you would like to join ... Look on my side bsrd and email Clare....
Hugs Sylviexx
Would be nice to have you on boardxx

Tracy said...

I was going to suggest you keep it the way it is, but I see you changed it ;)
Either way both cards look great :)

Crystal Schneider said...

I like both they are very pretty.

Peanut said...

I liked the red...but Take 2 isn't to bad. Red Burlap looked more festive. Oh I can't make up my mind! I like 'em both. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a sweet comment, It's greatly appreciated.
xxx Asha
Sunny Summer Crafts

Glenda Atkins said...

I like them both but the second one is awesome, love the softer effect. Don't get me wrong I thought the first one was the 'cats meow' till I saw the second!! You are so creative.
hugs
glenda

Unknown said...

Adorable cards...fab designs x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi Maureen wow another win in comment above, you are doing well :D and to the more important decision which card do I like well in photo think like the top on bu as you have changed it and probably the
"snow" looks not so great in real life will go t he remake.. love the details :D Shaz in Oz.xx

Vicky Hayes said...

They're both lovely but I prefer the way it ended up too!

Mary Pat Siehl said...

your cards are awesome!

SandeeNC said...

I think I prefer the remake card, but keep the red burlap and make a more rustic card using it. I think it would look great with green holly on it. Thanks for visiting my blog, you made my day, waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

trisha too said...

These are gorgeous cards!

:)

scrapn_momof2 said...

Both are great but I love the red!! Your cards are gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Hi ya, well I think they are both really pretty cards. The red pops a bit more, but the cream is very pretty against the pinks / blues.

Thing is - you have to like it! I know the feeling of dithering over a card and not knowing exactly what to do!!

Pretty card in the post below as well - really sweet image.

Sarah

PS - You asked if it was a moterhome in my garden - it's actually a static caravan (which the locals pronounce as car-a-van, whereas I'd run it all together and say caravan!). It doesn't go anywhere at all - it was meant to be used as a hobby room for hubby (he's into model railways) but it is in too bad a state to be used and will end up being grandads garden shed!!

Hettie said...

Well, I like the red card and also I like the second version! It is what YOU like that matters as you will be sending them. I must say I like the "snow" on the burlap!
x

coldwaters2 said...

Oh my word Maureen these are fantastic, to use the burlap like that is brilliant, the papers and images are lush, two awesome cards.
hugs
lorraine x