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3.02.2010

Beyond Your Wildest Expectations


Hey Everyone! Here's a card to give someone who is embarking on a new endeavor, perhaps someone into music too. I really like music backgrounds. There are plenty of patterned papers on the market to choose; however, I realize I am a stamper at heart. I rarely reach for my patterned papers and usually hoard them. I try to use them more often now, but stamping my patterns seems to come easier. I realize that the outcome is the same and I am adding an extra step to my creative process, but it's just the way I create. We all have our own individual ways, which makes it paper "art." That leads me into another topic...The Cookie Cutter Crafter. Now, there is nothing wrong with knowing your style. I admire those who do, but for me I do not know my style. Some people can identify a few styles, but there doesn't seem to be just one. This is the story of my life. I was the type of student who could not decide where to attend college or what to major in because I had interests in a lot of subjects and career fields. I sometimes hate being forced into a box, especially when it comes to the arts. So, here on my blog you see a lot of different styles from clean and graphic to a bit shabby to an elegant style. I create to my heart's content based on what I feel and like at that moment and that's what I call art. The beauty is that art is in the eye of the beholder, so it's up for you to decide that as well for yourself!

Now that is finished, here's more information on the card! Thanks for (listening) reading and have a great day!

Instructions
  1. Make an A2 card base.
  2. Trim white cardstock block, tear bottom, and ink edges.
  3. Trim kraft cardstock block, tear bottom, and stamp background pattern.
  4. Ink edges to kraft cardstock and mat on white cardstock.
  5. Add ribbon and rhinestone swirls.
  6. Adhere cardstock to card front.
  7. Stamp sentiment, distress and adhere to card front.
Supplies

Stamps :: Verve Stamps - great expectations (sentiment); Glitz Design - music background
Ink :: SU! - black; Ranger - antique linen, vintage photo
Paper :: PTI - true black, rustic white, kraft, lemon tart
Embellishments :: PTI - black ribbon; Zva - rhinestone flourish

16 comments:

Carly said...

Oh my gosh I can't believe you just posted something about the great style debate! I just posted something very similar. Great minds must think alike! LOL! Oh, and your card is fabulous as always! Hugs, Carly

Anonymous said...

Ash - well said my friend. :) Great card... perfect for a graduate! ;)

Heather P. said...

Fabulous card... And I couldn't have said it better myself! :)

Smita said...

Such an elegant card! Love it!

Smita

Els said...

What an elegant card!! It has somewhat a romantic feel to me! Love it!

~kelly marie~ said...

Absolutely stunning card! I love everything you said! And what a talent to be able to move from style to style with ease. I love the way you are a pure stamper. It is so wonderful and unique and always inspiring!

Taheerah said...

A beautiful card Ashley, so elegant! I'm now off to try and find that music background stamp - no luck so far! Would love to know where you found it!

Courtney Baker said...

Ashley... totally with you. I honestly have tried and tried to figure out my style, but it is honestly constantly changing and evolving. And I like that. For example my card today is really shabby, and although it's probably not my norm. I totally love it.

And love your card too!

Michele Gross said...

Love it! and love your take on the style debate. I am totally with you on that one! I've decided my style is paper and whatever I can do with it depending on my mood and how sunny it is and what song is playing on the radio and how much chocolate is available in my studio :)

Jessica said...

Lovely card, Ashley!! And I agree with your post. Well said :)

rush8888 said...

maybe there is nothing such as ONE style. i am glad i have company with this one! i, too, have been struggling in finding my style, and i have begun to believe that everything i do IS my style. i see other people whose styles i like, and they seem to be consistent. then, there are the other folks like me who might be searching for something that might not exist. style, or lack thereof, is in constant flux for some of us.

Amy Liz Schultz said...

This is gorgeous! Love the black rhinestone swirl and the music sheet paper together!

Melissa said...

Sooo very beautiful and elegant Ashley...what a treat.
Melis

Ruby said...

Gorgeous card Ashley! I agree with you, I don't have a particular style yet. Congratulations on your new DT role, you deserve it. Your cards are a treat to see! :o)

Anonymous said...

Lovely card.

CraftyMomOf3 said...

so beautiful and elegant!

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