Tuesday, April 20, 2010

A sketch...and a story....



Good morning! It's Tuesday, so that means I have another sketch challenge for you from Tuesday Morning Sketches! Our sketch this week was provided by Theresa and she is also our sponsor; the winner will receive a stamp set from Close to My Heart! Check out the sketch here
I don't own any stamps from Close to My Heart, so I went with a favorite of mine...Fluffles! Looks like he's up to some mischief too! The image is colored with Prismas and I really went out on a limb when I colored him orange, because in my world Fluffles is white! LOL I used some paper I recently found at Archivers; it's part of the "Flutter" collection by Making Memories. I must confess I had a hard time with the sketch and left off the rectangles in the corners. I am excited to see what YOU do with those, so I hope you will play along!
Image: Stampendous
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, Spring Rain, and Dark Chocolate, Making Memories DP
Embellies: SU! Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter in "Polar Bear"
Extras: Spellbinders Nestabilities, Foam Tape
I applied a bit of glitter to the flowers, but I didn't cover the whole flower like usual. I applied it to the center and traced around some of the edges. I use my Zig Squeeze and Roll Glue Pen. The tip is like a ball point pen, so it's easy to control. I included a close-up of the flowers, but I'm not sure why the image shows up so small.... Anybody have any ideas about that?
Now for the story.... I asked my DH if he liked my card; he said he did. I told him it was really quite simple and held up a more elaborate one for comparison. He then responded that my cards were better than they were 5 years ago.... I should hope so! I would like to think I've learned a few tips and tricks along the way! That's what I think is so cool about stamping; there are always fun new products and new techniques to try.
Anyway, I started thinking about when I started stamping about 12 years ago. My Mom was having a SU! party to help out one of her co-workers. I told her I would go, but "I'm not buying anything".... Famous last words! I had so much fun, and guess what? I bought something! I purchased Cuddles and Tickles; does anybody remember that set? I was pregnant with my first child (monkey) and planned to use it for announcements. I have to laugh when I think back, because back then I had black ink only, paper (not cardstock), and Crayola crayons! I was so proud of those cards I made, I even gave some to my cousin who was also expecting. I believe I embellished them with a bit of ribbon. So I guess I could say I've come a long way, baby!
I do know that even though all the "latest and greatest" supplies are a lot of fun, we can still have fun and create things without breaking the bank. I would like to hear how YOU started stamping, so please share that with me in a comment. Thanks!
Don' forget to head over to Tuesday Morning Sketches to check out this week's challenge. There is a link in my sidebar to the site, and also links to the DT's blogs. Check them out, you'll find some good stuff!
Thanks for stopping by; happy stamping!
Angela

8 comments:

Amy said...

Awww...this is so cute! I love Fluffles. Your colors are great too, so refreshing.

Melissa Craig said...

I love the card - I had to remove the rectangles, too. LOL Even Theresa said she created a very challenging sketch. I think Fluffles is very cute wearing orange.

What a great story! I remember that set. And yeah, famous last words. I said I wasn't going to buy anything and then became a demo for 10 years.

Rebecca said...

I love that your husband notices your cards are better than they used to be! That's a great thing. And going out of your comfort zone to make Fluffles orange worked out really well!

I started stamping because my friend was a SU demo. I went to her parties, but just sat there and worked on my scrapbooks. She got me hooked with the Pick A Petal set and when she used Rose Red!!! Even at the time, it seemed strange for me to like it so much, since I'm awful at sending out cards! Luckily my mom takes a lot of the cards I make, and she actually SENDS them out!

Imke said...

Hey Angela, your card looks great ! I like the fresh colors and your coloring. Fluffy in yellow looks good.

I started stamping because my SIL was a SU demo. And as i visited her in the US ....so what should i say ?! I´m ending with lots of SU stuff and by the time more stuff from other companies. LOL It´s a never ending story, hm ?

Chris said...

very cute card! that image is too freaking cute!

i have been stamping as long as i can remember but way back then i used them to decorate the envelopes to cards i bought...at that "H" place. now it has become a monster...lol

Jessica G. said...

Sweet Fluffles image and the perfect DP to go with those pretty flowers!

Isn't it fun to see how much our style has changed? It's definitely a hobby that offers lots of potential for change!

Banu said...

Awesome card and image Angela. I agree about how our styles have changed. Mine for sure has :) I used to always decorate store bought cards and stuff..but I got hooked to scrap booking after creative memories demo that I attended.

Kathy said...

Fluffles looks adorable! First thing I thought when I saw this card, was did Angela really color Fluffles orange? I remembered you saying Fluffles is white in your world, LOL. He looks darling in orange, too, great card. My first set was a baby set from SU, too, can't remember the name, I bought it when I was pregnant with my first and didn't use it for years. I went to a workshop, but really had no idea what to do with it.