Hi Verve Fans. It's Tosh here bringing up the rear with the final Parade project. I hope you've enjoyed reading about the thought process that each Diva goes through while creating, and seeing their fabulous creations!! It was encouraging to me to know that there is a bit of trial and error with some of the gals, cause that's how I work. I admit, when I found out about the "Divine Detail" theme for this month, I thought it was creative and clever, but at the same time it worried me. I have a hard enough time not getting lost in my own thought process. How do I explain it so I don't lose ya'll!! Yikes!!Well, here goes....
I usually start with an image that I want to use, and for this one I wanted to use the Kindred Spirits set with the Plain Jane Hebrews 11:1 sentiment. Then I either design a sketch or choose a recent one from either the Mojo or SCS sketch challenge. (This time I used the Mojo96 sketch) After I have an idea of what direction I want to go with the sketch, I try to pick out dp, or cs colors that will compliment the image and sketch I've chosen to work with. Notice I used the word "try". That's because the colors, dp and cs can change many times until I get the look I'm going for. I also peruse my Nestabilities to see what shape will best compliment my image. They are my "go to" for almost every card. I'm a huge Nestabilities and Punches freak. I rarely make a card without one or both.
I was inspired the other day by Kimberly Crawford to haul out my Fun Flock again. I love working with that stuff, and I thought the solid Fleur de lis image would look great black on black. I just stamped my image with my Essential Glue Pad and patted the fun flock on it. I then cut my pieces into 3 1 1/4" x 5" strips, and framed them with the EK success Fleur de lis border punch.
After I have my pieces all cut to size, matted (I'm a framer...I rarely put a piece on a card without a frame), and laid out, I then play around with different embellishments and ribbon. Add, take away, add some more, etc. I NEVER attach anything until I have everything laid out the way I want it, including embellishments.
Finally, I either ink distress the pieces, and or sew around their edges, and attach all the pieces with double stick tape, or dimensional tape. I'm pretty big on dimension too. I'm a sucker for depth.
I got a little carried away with this one. *grin* I usually ask one of my kids (depending on who's closest) if the card is okay, or if it needs something. After finishing this one, I asked my son what he thought...to my horror, he said it looked like Lingerie!!! No way!! I was going for elegant, and it has scripture on it. He said, it's elegant, but the pink on the bottom is a bit understated, and all the frills make it look like black lingerie. My stomach shrank. I asked him if I should make a different one for the parade, but he said it was beautiful and that I should go with it. So here's my Faith and Hope lingerie card. LOL I hope I haven't offended anyone.
I also have to add that I'm really inconsistent with card size; Whatever it takes to accomplish the design I'm going for. I usually put my more detailed cards in a padded envelope anyway. This particular card is 5 1/2" x 6 1/4". Odd size. I know. Mostly my cards are either 5 1/4" x 5 1/4", 5" x 7", or A2.
One last thing. I thought I'd share really quick where I get my inspiration from: West Elm catalog and Pottery Barn have fabulous color combos, and wonderful shapes and designs. I also peruse many blogs, and am constantly inspired to use different color combos, shapes, textures, etc. As well as to try different techniques. I always have my eye out while shopping too, whether it be an art piece, frame, or just a design on some dinner plates.
That's it. Hope I didn't lose ya along the way.
You still have time to participate, and we'd love to see...and read...about how you get from point "A" to point "B". To play along, just make a project or card that shows us your Divine Details. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in this post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, August 1. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post! Have fun and good luck!
