header.gif (12,818 bytes)

3.19.2010

Happy Happy Birthday


TGIF Bleeps! I'm so happy it's Friday! YaaaaaaY! Today, I'm sharing a card inspired by a Paper Crafts magazine call for their September/October issue. They have a color inspiration column that features cards using the same color combination. I participated in the July/August issue, so you'll have to check that out this summer. However, this time - the column was open for all designers to submit. The problem - the color combination! It was definitely a challenge. The colors were a cobalt blue, purple, grey, and yellow gold. Whew! How do you design something with those colors, right?! Well, I did and here's what I created. Let's just say it wasn't picked up, but I like it, so I'm sharing it here!

I just wanted to be frank with everyone that I do not get all of my cards submitted accepted by editors for publication. I get those rejections too that you just don't understand. "I thought it was very pretty or cute." Do you find yourself saying these things? If so, take another look at your card and see what you think after the fact. If you have thick skin, ask a fellow card maker what they think or how it could be improved. Perhaps you may get some ideas or insight on how others view your designs - for publication purposes. However, sometimes - I just think the card doesn't 'fit' the publication. So, your card may be pretty or cute, but does not fit that particular publisher's issue!

Well, I hope you enjoy your weekend! Take care and I'll be back tomorrow with a fun Caardvarks post!

Instructions

(1) Make an A2 card base from cardstock.

(2) Trim blue cardstock block and stamp background with watermark ink.

(3) Add clear embossing powder and heat.

(4) Adhere blue cardstock to card front.

(5) Trim purple strip and adhere to the right side.

(6) Trim purple strip, stamp sentiment and adhere.

(7) Stamp elephant, color, and embellish with rhinestones.

(8) Cut out elephant and pop off card front.

(9) Add liquid pearls to background pattern.


Supplies


Stamps :: Hero Arts - dots and flowers (background) + exotic decor (elephant); Papertrey Ink - fillable frames #1 (sentiment)

Ink :: Versamark; Papertrey Ink - enchanted evening + smokey shadow; Copic markers (T3, V09, V17, Y19)

Paper :: Die Cuts With a View - blue; Stampin’ Up! - crushed curry; CutCardstock.com - purple; Papertrey Ink - white

Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones; Ranger - gold liquid pearls; American Crafts - embossing powder


21 comments:

JenMarie said...

OMGosh, how CUTE! LOVE that ele!!

Michelle said...

That little elephant is so cute - and I love the little pretties on him...looks so...like out of the Orient or something...really cool. I saw that color combo on the call too - could not even imagine what that would look lke on a card...but this is great...love those purple strips too.

Angie Tieman said...

Ha! Thanks for posting this, Ashley! I tried this challenge, too, and it was KILLER! I was working on it until the last minute, refusing to give up! I did finally submit one for the color challenge, it didn't get picked up, I wasn't surprised! lol! I think yours is precious!! Love that blinged out elephant!

Smita said...

OH-MY-GOOOOD!! I love this!!! The background is terrific! Super duper card, Ashley!

Hugs,
Smita

Unknown said...

Wow, how can this card not have been picked up? It's fabulous! The background itself is amazing with all that texture and shine & the elephant is so exotic looking. Great card!

Joan B said...

Beautifully done and different. Love the indian look. I would have published it!

itsallrosi said...

these colors are challenging, and this was the only category I didn't submit for.

I think this card is adorable and I always love seeing your stuff in the magazines.

Julie-Ann Wells (Jewels) said...

Ashley, That is a truly sensational card. So rich, vibrant and eye grabbing! Loves it!

Jennifer said...

wow - this is STUNNING!

Taheerah said...

I love this exotic looking card Ashley, very fun.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with submitting for calls and sometimes not being accepted. It gives heart to all of us that are still trying to get out there that it isn't 'just me'!

judkajudi said...

This card is absolutely stunning! If I had a magazine, I would have published it .. TWICE! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Shaun said...

I couldn't save this card in my "Cards I Love" folder fast enough. It is gorgeous. Can't believe it wasn't picked up.

Virginia L. said...

You make this color combo look EASY! It's a winner in my eyes!Thanks for sharing your insights with submissions of cards. It's nice to know what others had to go through to get published!!

CandyW said...

This is fabulous! I love the background stamp embossed on the dark cardstock - what possibilities there that I need to remember!

Elena said...

Ashley,

I think your card is drop-dead gorgeous. I LOVE it: I too would never choose those colors on my own but you made them work amazingly, and the details really pull it all together so nicely. Their loss! --Elena

Kate Lewis said...

Wow, that was a tough colour challenge but you pulled it off fabulously! Gorgeous! Kate x

Heather P. said...

I thought these colors were sooooooo hard, but I absolutely *LOVE* what you came up with!

Tiffany Ervin said...

Love the way you embellished the little elephant, he's so dressed up and fancy! Love it!

Janelle said...

I think it's adorable. Their loss. :) Love that elephant and the background is spectacular.

Kim L. said...

Hey - thanks for using that background stamp in a few recent cards! It's inspiring me to dust mine off and get back into stamping!

~kelly marie~ said...

This is such a gorgeous card! I love that elephant! You rocked this color combo! :)

Blog Design: Girly by Design