Monday, September 27, 2021

Terracotta Vase and Autumn Wheat Twofer

Hi there!  It's been too long since my last post, but it's not because I've been idle.  Early fall is a beautiful time to be outside in the garden, or even to be in the sunny kitchen with the patio door open to welcome the season.  I've also been busy working ahead on cards I must wait to share... such as today's card which I sent for a dear friend's birthday.

I hadn't colored this stamp yet and I felt it could work for an early fall card if I used the right colors.  The stamp is Terracotta Vase by Deep Red.  I found it when searching flower stamps on 1-2-3 Stitch.  I have to say I'm a little confused... did Deep Red become Nellie Snellen?  You can see a near-replica here at SSS under the Nellie Snellen name.  I do spend a lot of time under my rock.



I colored with Copic markers and made a simple card design -- not CAS, but not too much.  After I tied the fun fiber I frayed the ends to make them all cute and curly.  Did some stitching, added a decorative border which is actually part of a rectangular die.  Hey, it was already cut and I felt the color worked.

I'm going to slip my birthday card into a couple of challenges before they close:

Seize the Birthday #223 -- Faux or Real Stitching.  I've done real stitching.
NBUS Challenge #30.  As I mentioned, the Terracotta Vase is a first time use.

 


***************************************

I have a twofer today.  Pictured below is a card I made in early August.  I wasn't sure if I liked it enough, but actually I do like it quite a bit.  I mean, how much do you have to do to a card to make it likeable?  The wheat was die cut and then watercolored in a smooshing fashion.  Honestly, I can't remember exactly how I did the smooshing, but I do like how it turned out.  Supplies for both cards are listed below my signature.

 



I'm so glad you could drop in today.  I hope to be more consistent with my posts now that I'm ahead a little bit.  This is a busy card making season.  Have a beautiful day!


Card #1 -- Stamps:  Deep Red Terracotta Vase, JustRite Just Because set  Paper:  X-Press It Blending Card, SU Barely Banana, Neenah card base, Studio Light Wonderful Autumn DP  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Barely Banana  Coloring:  Copics  Other:  Fun Fiber, Cheery Lynn Dutch Daisy Stacker A2 Frame, JustRite custom die (name forgotten)

Card #2 -- Stamps:  Sparkle N Sprinkle 'Flowers Silhouettes" (out of business), SU Itty Bitty Backgrounds (retired)  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White 110 lb, SU Rich Razzleberry, Arches 140 lb cold press watercolor (for wheat)  Ink:  Distress Vintage Photo, SU Crushed Curry and Marigold Morning, Versamark  Other:  Impression Obsession Wheat die, string, white embossing powder

26 comments:

Diane said...

Both cards are beautiful!! The first one is colored beautifully and so full of fall goodness!! The second card is just as pretty with the rich tones of colors you have used! You kind of sound like me, been working in the gardens outside and enjoying our beautiful Fall weather in Michigan at home for a change, but yesterday spent 6 hours weeding my very summertime gardens and think I overdid! I also stuck my hand in a ground hornets nest, never knew someone so old could run so fast, but more Mack got the brunt of it as they swarmed him and he was biting at them and got stung all over his mouth, poor baby! My card making has consisted mostly of my DT commitments and once caught up I hope to have some actual time to create some other things!!

Barbara said...

Hello Leslie! I love looking at and reading your post. The colors of fall and how you describe the season made me want to color and create more. I know what you mean when you say that the early fall is a beautiful season. Many great things to do inside and out. So glad that you colored up this amazing image and did some stitching too. I love the Thanks for joining us at Seicolors of both cards. It is good to see you here at Seize the Birthday Challenge.

R's Rue said...

Both are stunning my friend. I love seeing what you create. Happy Monday.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

crafty-stamper said...

WOW both absolutely gorgeous cards love the beautiful image and Autumn colours on the first but then WOW stunning 2nd card with the dies cut wheat used over the negative -brilliant and love the purple cardstock
Carol x

Glenda said...

Wow, I have always been a fan and now I remember why. These are so gorgeous my friend. I love the beautiful wheat!

Donna Ellis said...

Your question at the bottom of your post really struck me today, Leslie: "How much do you have to do to a card to make it likeable?" Sigh. I've been wrestling with this, especially with dwindling abilities. There has been a card on my desk for a week now because I'm unsure what to add, if anything. I've opted to not add flowers, but still, I like some of the heat embossed leaves, so will I add them? LOL It's being made for a specific person, and is a sympathy card. One person recently mentioned that their sympathy cards are CAS because they feel too much art is inappropriate for a death. I never thought of that, and now I cannot get the comment out of my head LOL Anyway, I am trying to re-evaluate my style, which means lots of stuff in my craft room is useless - LOL! I LOVE the wheat sheafs in your card, especially with the use of the negative portion and "dots" that bring movement to your post. It's beautiful! I also recognize the sentiment, which is one of my faves. But it was the Terracotta Vase that completely stole my heart! As soon as my eyes met the photo, I sighed, and marveled at the graceful movements of your dear fingers and the soulful interpretation of light, especially in the delicate twining of the vine on the handle. PURE GORGEOUSNESS, my friend. I loved the stitching and thick "twine", too! Thanks for sharing such beauty. hugs, de

Darnell said...

Eep! I was all gob-smacked by your spectacular coloring, design, and curly add-on of your Onefer, Leslie, and THEN I saw your Twofer which just blew me away! I can't imagine you questioning the likeability of this bold and crisp smooched design. That wheat chaff is one of my favorite dies so this is going straight into my CASE folder. I love the sediment at the bottom white heat-embossed on the colored base and how you just have narrow peek-a-boo borders on each side. And the schplatters are perfect, too. I'm in love, can you tell?! Almost forgot ... thank you for sharing with everyone at NBUS! Hugs, Darnell

Yogi said...

both lovely cards. I LOVE that jug. lovely coloring. Have to keep it in the front of my mind... Have a great day

Lynette said...

Whoa - that first card is so beautiful, Leslie! I have missed your stitching :-) And, how could you possibly wonder if you liked the second card or not - it's totally awesome!

Christine Alexander said...

Two beautiful cards Leslie, your colouring always blows me away. Love the earthy tones on the vase an the flowers (too funny about the stamp, someone just changed the flowers in the Vase and then sold it under their name :))
I struggle with die cuts on a card, those wheat grasses are wonderful XX

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What gorgeous cards! Your first card is stunning! I love your coloring and added touches! And your second card is so pretty! I love the colors you chose and the sentiment! You could use that card for so many occasions. With my hand all I'm doing is telling Joe what I want done outside. LOL! It has been so pleasant here I am enjoying just being outside! Have a great week!

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Well, Leslie, there you are, I knew you were busy with Autumn chores and you are correct, the weather has been spectacular for working outside.
I'm prepping my flower beds, getting the little weeds that relentlessly keep coming up, not much but still, I don't like to see that among my hydrangeas.
And funny you mentioned working on future DT challenges, that's what I've been doing too, I've been absent from my blog for a while too.
But I'm so happy to see these gorgeous cards today, they both are worth the wait, my dear.
Your coloring gives life to these lovely images, I love the one with the broken jar.
Again, it's so good to see you posting, I can't wait to see what else you've been creating.
Stay healthy and safe, my friend.
XO
Maria.

Conniecrafter said...

Gorgeous cards, the two stamps look pretty close, I guess they have different flowers but the design is pretty close. You did a fantastic job with the coloring, I have done that before using parts of die cuts for accents, and you are right it was just perfect for this, you have to do it :) Love the fiber you used with it too!
Your second card is perfection also, I love the smooshing it gave great color to the wheat! Love the fonts on that sentiment and great touch with the jute also! I had the same thing happen with the card I posted today, thought it was a bust but then saw it later and thought I probably can do something with this, guess you have to see them in a new light ;)
Glad you are enjoying the outside, yes you have to enjoy it when it is nice, it will be cold before we know it!

nancy littrell said...

I am the very happy recipient of Leslie's Gorgeous Autumn Birthday card...Thank you, Thank you again my dear forever and very creative sweet friend!!! Your card is the star on our dining room table and will be there until Christmas Decorations take over:-) Denny and I enjoyed your beauty while enjoying my birthday dinner. It will be a beautiful decoration for Thanksgiving too:-) It was wonderful to read your detailed description. Your Copics coloring is gorgeous with all the Autumn colors and shading...as always! I Loved your bit of sewing, thread, sweet tag, die cut border and beautiful designer paper. All perfectly balanced. You took a beautiful photo, but it is still even more Stunning in real life, my friend! Thank you again so much...Love and Hugs, Nancy..yes, and Denny:-)

HilaryJane said...

Two really lovely cards. The stitching and uneven framing on the first one works really well, gorgeous colours too. Your second card is just as good in a different way, love the purple and the string detail. You have added just the right number of little dots/splats too and what a great shadow effect. I often forget how I actually made something if I don't write the post about it straight away. You never think you will forget, but somehow you do. There is just not enough room in my head for all the details xx

Margaret said...

Both cards are absolutely gorgeous. I love the vase with the flowers. The background is muted and really sets off the bold color of the flowers. Love the decorative border also. Glad you were able to put that together. It's hard to find some that are that pretty.

Pauline said...

Absolutely gorgeous cards Leslie! Your creativity just blows my mind. I'm just lost for words as both are beautiful. The colours, the designs, and all your little finishing touches makes these so special! Sorry I've been missing for a while, the creative juices aren't there and work is so busy, which is why I probably don't feel like card making. I haven't even been to my favourite blogs in a while. I really need to start on my Christmas cards, as I already have 2 pending orders. Just to find the time..... Hope all is well, I so love when you create! Hugs,

aussie aNNie said...

Two beautiful cards, loving the stunning projects you made and the lovely colour used. xx

Evelyn S. said...

I love the rich, vibrant colors of both cards, Leslie! Certainly, the terra cotta vase is "autumnal." I agree with Pauline about your detail and finishing touches being so amazing. These cards are beautiful.

Ros Crawford said...

Oh my goodness that vase... Your colouring is incredible and you just bring everything to life, I ADORE the card and those incredible flowers and I do like your second card, the colours you put together always work And the design is perfect!

Bonnie said...

Awesome coloring, Leslie! Love this terra cotta vase and the pretty Fall flowers spilling out of it! Your wheat looks like the sun is shining on it! Perfect for the season!

Darlene said...

WOW! Both cards are FABULOUS! Your coloring on the 1st card is OUTSTANDING! I don't know how you do that but I'll keep trying ... thanks for inspiration!
The 2nd card colors and CAS design are PERFECT! I love it! As far as the weather ... it's finally in the 70s during the day here in Ohio and 50s at night ... FAR better than those 90 degree days ... me & heat don't get along that well as I've aged!
Keep the beautiful posts coming as you have the time ... you are always an inspiration to the rest of us! Hugs and HAPPY day my friend!

Mac Mable said...

Amazing colours and colouring on your first fabulous card and love the colour combination and design on the second x. Continue to enjoy the 'outside' for as long as possible Leslie x.

Cat Craig said...

Leslie, both cards are fabulous fall beauties.

Loll said...

Two beautiful Autumn cards, Leslie! LOVE the gorgeous Terracotta vase with flowers. Your colouring is AMAZING, my friend! You are so talented! Love the colours, the design, LOVE everything about this card. Your wheat card is beautiful. The colours compliment each other perfectly. I love the CAS design. Great work!! Love, Loll

Kathy Krug said...

W9w, Leslie these are gorgeous. The flowers look so real with so much dimension and texture. Steve would be touching these for sure. I love what you did with the wheat. I have never used them as the star, but is sooo works.