January 21, 2012

colourQ challenge #120

It has taken me a long time to figure out my own personal creative style.  I went for a period of time flipping around different styles trying to figure out how I would describe myself.  It has only been in the last 6 months that I can say with confidence that my style is Clean & Simple.  Although I am gaga over yummy layers, papers and embellishments I am not happy with my projects if they feel 'cluttered'.  A form of claustrophobia that I experience in life--clutter makes me uncomfortable.

This week's colour palette at colourQ was very unique.  At first I was unsure how I would tackle the challenge but I stuck to my process and after filing one idea after another I found my formula.  My process is simple, I pull out cardstock that I have in the palette colours, add ink and designer papers that I have on hand then add the embellishments to my pile--ribbon, buttons, die cuts, felt, flowers, floss, etc.  My original plan was to use all of the colours of my cardstock and some co-ordinating desginer paper from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses.  I drew some sketches and I just couldn't wrap my head around any one design. Then it hit me that first, I didn't like the cardstocks all together as a group and second, the dp was was not working for me.  The project was going to look cluttered.  Scrap the dp, ditch one cardstock for ink and ditch another cardstock for a button and then the weight was lifted and the card came together in no time at all.

I started with my card base of PTI Scarlet Jewel.  I cut a white panel which I stamped on and then ran the white panel through my Cuttlebug with a QuicKutz embosing folder.  Then I die cut a doily out of PTI Autumn Rose.  My original design had a flower that I was going to make out of ribbon that I had, except even though the ribbon I have is the right colour, its the wrong type.  So plan b was to make a different bloom which I did out of PTI Scarlett Jewel felt and PTI Beautiful Blooms II dies.  I cut four pieces--1 for a base and three that I folded into quarters, stitched and secured to the base.  The final touch was to add the PTI Lavender Moon button.  The button was threaded with twine one way, then another and then I decided that the four-hole button didn't need any styling so with a glue dot it went on.  I ended up so happy in the end with a card that I was sure I wasn't going to like.








All Supplies are from Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted:

Cardstock: White, Scarlett Jewel, Autumn Rose
Stamps:  Mehndi Medallion, Flower Fusion #9
Dies: Beautiful Blooms II #1, Doily Details
Ink: Faded Jeans (Ranger), Tuxedo Black (Memento)
other: button, felt, diamonds embossing folder (QuicKutz), Fabri-Tac adhesive

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16 comments :

Arielle H Gordon said...

This is so gorgeous! I love the flower, the texture is amazing! Thank you so much for playing at the colourQ this week!

Joyce said...

This card is very beautiful, and so 'you'. It was interesting to hear you describe your process and style. I'm going to have to do some thinking and see what my process is. I never really considered it before, but I know my style is CAS, and I am drawn to bloggers with a similar style. This card is a sure winner. My favorite part is that felt flower.

Lisa Elton said...

The beautiful blooms die form PTI is one of my favs Tracey and I LOVE what you've done here. You've made a whole new flower!!! And there you go again with that gorgeous mehndi medallion! I had a chuckle over your hair cut comment! I started to mention something about her sassy do being a trendsetter & maybe lavender skates would be too!!!

Ally said...

Very cool, Tracey. ;-) I love that gorgeous flower! and I love all the different clean and simple elements you have here. I think I'm in the same boat as you - when I stray from my style, I tend to get disoriented until I get back to it in some shape or form. This card is fabulous, girl. ;-) Love it!

Vicky Hayes said...

Your beautiful flower makes a wonderful focal point Tracey!

Cyndie said...

Gosh Tracey, what a lush and beautiful flower you have there! It goes perfectly with that medallion, and the subtle background texture is wonderful!

Sylvia said...

Such a pretty card, Tracey, love that felt flower and your stamped doily! Thanks so much for joining us at the ColourQ this week.

Jenny said...

It was interesting to read your thought process, I too start by finding the cardstock and hope it will give me a jumping off point :)I also try and work out the base card colour from the palette because it can make a big difference to your card design can't it!
Your design is so dimensional and I love the different textural elements...especially the felt :)
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog too.
Jenny x

Christina said...

I enjoyed reading about your creative process--you seem to have found your style! I love the felt flower on the doily and the subtle embossing. Thanks for joining us this week at the ColourQ!

Unknown said...

Tracey, this is FABULOUS! That flower is SO cool, I love the rich color and the unique look of it. Thanks for playing the colourQ this week! :)

savvy teaching tips said...

That rose just finished it all off wonderfully. Fabulous work! Thanks for playing with us at the Colour Q this week.

Joyce said...

Victory! You are a courtier. Congrats--it's well deserved.

Deborah Frings said...

This is stunning - that flower is amazing!! Congratulations on being a Colour Courtier too!

Lisa Elton said...

I knew this beautiful bloom you created was award worthy Tracey! CONGRATS ;)

Marybeth said...

This is so pretty! I soo agree your best style is clean and simple. You do it so well ! Love this card. Congrats on another win, and so well deserved. You're amazing!

Julie Aldridge said...

This is lovely! The stamps are beautiful! The embossing makes me swoon, and the 3D flower is very creative! Well done & congrats!