Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Topiary


Hi everyone.  I've been battling the flu for the past week so haven't been around visiting blogs.  Starting to feel better and hope to be back surfing the net soon ... I have really missed seeing all my favorite crafters for a couple of weeks now and am eager to see what you've all been up to!

Today I'm organizing a CAS Card Class for mid-August and was going through my cards to pick out three for the class.  I came across a set of Flower Box cards that I made last spring and decided I would update one of them for the class to make (see below).  As I was making a sample card, I thought of changing it up a bit and making the image into a topiary.  I love how it turned out .... and you can see the similarities from my Flower Box card below.  Used the same inks, stamps and die-cut ... yes, that is a Flower Box die-cut from Poppy Stamps.  Once I cut it out, I repositioned it in the same die-cut to cut off the excess and make it into a pot ... so happy with how it turned out.  I sponged around the pot and shaped it a bit to give it a curve - love all the dimension!

Here's a close-up:



Here's where I started ... this is an updated version of a card I made last spring (I changed the card base to white, reduced the layers to make it more CAS and changed up the sentiment.



I am going to stick with the flower box card for the class as the topiary was a bit fiddly (and easy to mess up), so I'll leave that as a one-of :)  Still working on which other two cards I'm going to include.  I had so much fun re-making a previous card, that I may do that some more today. The class will get to try their hand at coloring a stamp with multiple colored markers, second generation stamping, sponging and masking.  Fun and easy techniques ... perfect for a beginner's class.

I think it's going to be a fun day and I look forward to getting back to having friends (and this time family as my cousins are coming to learn) over to share my passion for stamping.

Here's a close-up:





Stamps:  Pocket Silhouettes (SU!); Cause A Scene Master #1 (Kittie Kits - Rubbernecker Stamps); Be Happy Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Grand Flower Box die (Poppy Stamps), sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it note for masking, adhesives, and dimensionals






20 comments:

Aileen said...

Just beautiful Loll. I love both those cards, you make such elegance look so easy. What a gift.

Unknown said...

What gorgeous cards Loll - love them both but the topiary is my favourite.......wish I could come along to your class! Sorry to hear you've had flu but glad that you're starting to feel better. What a great idea to remodel previous cards - might give that one a go.

Take care of yourself.

Karen x

Cathy said...

Hi Loll, hope you are fully better soon. Genius idea to make a pot out of the box! It looks brilliant. I love the flower box card too. Pocket silhouettes is one set I wanted but dithered too long and now its retired, they are such beautiful images :) Sounds like a fun class :) Cathy x

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Such pretty cards Loll, and so classy - I love them both!
I'm sure your friends will enjoy the class - it sounds like great fun!

Hope you are feeling better very soon. Hugs, Sylvia xx

Barb Ghig said...

Both cards are just beautiful, Loll! I guess I'm partial to the topiary, but the flower box is lovely, too!

Thank you for the update...just take care of yourself, and we'll be here when you're feeling better...hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

Two very striking cards Loll. They would be great in a card gift box set!

Albertarose said...

Loll you are so talented.... I'm still trying to figure out how you made the pot...
Take care

Canonbury creations said...

Wonderful cards Loll, love the window box and the way you achieved the mossy effect on the topiary card:) Glad you are feeling better.
Val x

Susan said...

Love both cards, though I do have a preference for the flower box one. But I'm thrilled with your idea of using the flower box die to make a plant pot. I'll have to try that. I'm glad you're over the flu in time for your class.

denmo said...

Fab Cards Loll, take care, enjoy your class..hugs..Denise x (UK)

Stamps and Paper said...

Sorry to hear you have been poorly Loll....love both your gorgeous cards and such clever ideas...

Anne

sandie said...

Glad you are feeling better Loll. These are both beautiful CAS cards. I really wish I could be attending your class x

shirley-bee said...

Glad you're starting to feel better, Loll. Love the topiary card but yes, the window box would be easier for a class.

Nonni said...

Both of these are stunningly beautiful, I love the colors, really French country! I wish I could attend your class! Good to hear you are feeling better. xx

MaryH said...

Loved each one of these. I'm still wondering how you used the windowbox to make the flowerpot (if I understood correctly). That is beyond awesome. I love that die, have had both sizes for a while, never used either. Do I wish I lived closer where I could enjoy a class with you? You betcha! Have fun, and I'm sure your students will too. Loved your cards. TFS

Bonnie said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been sick! Somehow being sick in the summer is always the worst! Both of these cards are beautiful! I love the flower pot from the window box. I'm going to have to give that a try. The window box is wonderful too. Your friends (and family) are going to love the class!

nancy littrell said...

Your girls will absolutely LOVE their gorgeous flower box card. So many wonderful techniques all in one beautiful card. Your topiary card is just amazing too. Love them both. TFS

Unknown said...

Lovely card Loll, and nice sentiment, always love your sentiments, I have to branch out in that department!!
Love the work, keep it up and hope you are feeling better, rough being sick in the summer!!
I have not been doing too well either, cant seem to get motivated much, take care for now.
hugs
Donna

Shirl said...

Sorry to hear you have not been feeling well, but glad to hear you are on the mend. These two cards are gorgeous!

Shirl

Marc Schagen said...

Absolutely beautiful