Although this has a fun, whimsical look, it nearly gave me a stroke to make. I have been taking little journies out of my comfort zone lately. However, for this card I felt like I had wandered down a deserted, dark alley at midnight. I love Karen Barber's cards with their deep, rich, elegant colors...as opposed to my "explosion in the neon paint factory" approach. I used her challenge colirs of cherry cooler, blue sky, and old olive. It took most of the week to even find an image that I could do without the entire co,owing box of colors. I used black, white and tan for neutrals. Then I sat there totally frozen, almost in a panic. My image was very small, and I did not know what to do with it. I fought the urge to just throw it out and give up. It was the F4A challenge to use swirls that made me choose this rather too small image...those weird green plant -
Ike things made me think of swirls. When I saw the MIX challenge to do a faux stained glass, I decided to sponge the bg, splatter with water, and draw lines. As if the colors had not challenged me enough....this is what nearly caused the stroke. Don't be fooled, it is much easier to draw "lines with a purpose" than to make a pattern of random lines. It looked awful. I added some distress ink marker dots and some white gel pen highlights and decided it was done. I think I am going to go throw every color of ink and paint I own onto some card stock to restore my mental state. TFL, Francie
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2016 GMT Views: 1661
Favorited:6
No strokes allowed. Love the bright and cheerful colors. I am glad you were persistent and stuck with your "way the heck out of your comfort zone" project.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131541
Sat, Sep 17, 2016 @ 9:22 AM
Oh, but I love this, Francie. It may have been a struggle all the way, but look what a beautiful card came out at the end and flowered in the sunlight. I especially like the way you added all the little dots into the stained glass background. I hear you on the difficulty drawing those lines. Especially when, as today, I decided part way through to change from straight lines to slightly curved ones, sigh...
And while I love your bright colours - I think you rocked these more muted ones too.
Registered: September 12, 2004 Location: Redmond, Washington Posts: 54468
Sat, Sep 17, 2016 @ 9:28 AM
What a phenomenal result! The creative process that went into this fabulous card really paid off, I love everything about this. So nicely done, Francie!
------------------------------ This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Registered: October 30, 2007 Location: Posts: 26718
Sat, Sep 17, 2016 @ 9:37 AM
Wow, Francie, it may have cost you a few gray hairs, but your result is fabulous!!! The bg is PERFECT for your focal image and the thin white frame gives your eye a chance to rest before processing the rest of the card - love it, faved it!
Registered: August 10, 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 25290
Sat, Sep 17, 2016 @ 11:58 AM
Francie, you did a fantastic job responding to the challenges!!! Please no strokes; we love your art!! I love the card with its whimsical nature, and your lines for the stained glass are perfect!! Go look at mine if you want a laugh!!
Registered: December 15, 2011 Location: Abilene TX Posts: 11275
Sat, Sep 17, 2016 @ 2:39 PM
I laughed out loud reading your description, Francie! In spite of your panic, you created an AWESOME card. The fun image is so perfectly your style, and the background is unbelievable! Your work is always fantastic!
------------------------------ JodyLynn - "Love me - love my cats!" DTGD12, DTGD14, HYCCT12, HYCCT13, HYCCT14, HYCCT15, Love Fest 2013, Love Fest 2014 CAS and CC guest designer QFTD 258
Registered: March 29, 2011 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 32470
Sat, Sep 17, 2016 @ 5:19 PM
Francie, You are an absolute hoot with your creation process descriptions In spite of your angst, you create whimsical, marvelous art. Keep going out of your comfort zone, we love the results. Your whimsical little house and garden work well with the stained glass. And I am really impressed with all those lines and dots.
------------------------------ Carla ~ Proud Fan Club Member and Dirty Dozen Alumni.