Hi friends! Life got busy again and I had to set the challenges aside, but it sure was fun while it lasted. I do have some cards that have been sitting on the back burner waiting to be posted. Today's card had an important job to do in wishing my friend a happy birthday.
It reminds me of the lake where we camped so often before Rich and Wally's health problems became too difficult. I blended inks in the background to suggest an out of focus scene with the sun low in the sky. Stamped a bit of grass in the foreground. Sponge applicators were used to apply inks to the die cuts, and the sentiment was pressed into my Versamark pad and then clear embossed for a glossy look.
The Cattails and Relax came straight from my NBUS basket so I will share at Darnell's NBUS Challenge #58:
Between my never before used supplies and my well-loved oldies the toybox is bottomless. I feel lucky to have this craft however much time I'm able to spend on it. There is always something to be thankful for.
Have a good day and stay cozy!
Stamps: Years old grass stamps by D.O.T.S. (original CTMH) and Posh Impressions Paper: SU Whisper White for image, Cougar Natural for card base (appears white in photo), Neenah 110 lb for dies Ink: SU Old Olive, Brocade Blue, Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana, Close to Cocoa, Versamark Dies: Die-namites Cattails, Impression Obsession Grass Border and Relax Other: SU Subtle 3D embossing folder (retired) for card base, clear embossing powder
Beautiful card as always Leslie, stunning scene you created, love the colours.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning card love the bullrushes and blended sky.Good job we have out crafting to hopefully distract us and occupy our minds.
ReplyDeleteCarol x
Stunning card Leslie, I love the tranquil design.
ReplyDeleteLiz xx
As always, your card creation is amazing, Leslie! It truly looks like a photographic scene. I, too, am thankful for card-making but I struggle with my equal love for photography. Generally, I am working on still life creations, but I haven't done many for months.
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely love that card. I love bulrushes... The coloring is well done. Have a great day
ReplyDeleteThis is a study in how to blend effectively, Leslie! It's a dreamy design, perfect for your 'relax' sediment! I hope you're doing well. Thank you for inspiring everyone at NBUS! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteYour ink blending is beautiful Leslie and I'm loving those cattails too! A perfect birthday card for a guy or gal...LOVE it!! Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteYes, there IS always something to be thankful for! I count your pretty card among them today!
ReplyDeleteAs always your card is amazing. Such beautiful blending of the colors and the sentiment is perfect! I too am grateful for my craft as it keeps my mind and my hands busy!
ReplyDeleteLeslie, you can always turn such a simple die cut into an amazing piece of artwork. Gorgeous card, just love your soft muted background makes your cattails pop. I agree, always something to be thankful for. Thank you for sharing today!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
What a beautiful and peaceful scene you've created here. Your ink blending gets an A++. It looks very ethereal. Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully inky, Miss Leslie! Your splashes of color and blending always mesmerizes me, and makes me feel happy. Being a once avid gardener, I find the earthiness here is endearing and brings forth memories of scents, sounds and "feels" as I played in my gardens. I especially like the "muddy" inking in the word RELAX. It's a beautiful card, my friend! Hoping by now that "mess" and trauma of having your tree removed are subsided, no longer placing demands upon your time. Sophie must have wondered what was going on! Wishing you a lovely week-end. hugs, de
ReplyDeleteI love this. That inked background is amazing and I love how the diecuts spread out over the crisp clean edge. Another beauty xx
ReplyDeleteYou are an artist and it shines through each card. Once can see the love they are made with. This is fabulous. YOu too stay coze and cuddle your pup.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, it made me think of Lake Michigan, I always feel so relaxed at the beach. Wonderful inking and love those cattails. Things got a bit crazy around here too, but I think we are back on the right track.
ReplyDeleteI love your expert blend on 'out of focus' Leslie - such a wonderful card!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see you in my inbox today - for that I am always thankful!
=]
Leslie, this card is just purely delightful and the calm look that you got from the sponging is amazing. In fact, it is mind-blowing. I love everything about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that the original spot was a beautiful place to visit. I'm sorry that you are not able to go to enjoy it these days. It's nice to see that you can recreate it with your arts and crafts and wonderful creativity.
ReplyDeleteWhat a welcome, colorful sight during a gray January day. The coloring is so warm and dreamy. You are a master of blending colors. I love this! I remember your pictures at the lake. I'm sorry Rich is no longer healthy enough to go. Change is constant and hard. Thx for being a bright spot in this world!
ReplyDeleteOh my sweet friend ... this is just AMAZING! Your coloring & design are perfection and yes I can see the cattails waving in the breeze just looking at it!!
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't been around to leave you some love. Been sick with a chest cold and cough that just will NOT go away and trying to keep up with everything. Not the mention the crew of men that are in my house the past 3 weeks and will still be for a few more weeks as we had to have the upstairs plumbing (which is in my kitchen ceiling) all replaced and so while we're at it, we decided to have a total remodel on our master bathroom. Going to be nice when finished but not sure where anything is at the present time! LOL I try to hide in the cave and Mark is hiding in his office.
When you get time to craft, keep up the awesome work as we are all truly inspired by your creativity!! HUGS
What a beautiful card! I love the colors you blended. You made such a gorgeous background. I'm sure your friend will love it! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty, relaxing scene, Leslie! Love the cattails and the beautiful sky! Your friend will be delighted with this birthday wish!
ReplyDeleteAmazing and what a gorgeous card this is with this lovely design and colours ♥
ReplyDeleteBeautiful relaxing background for your cattails and grass images, Leslie...I thought about you all week. Hopefully you are back in your house and the BIG tree is gone:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful scene!
ReplyDeleteThe colors and serene background make such a lovely scene for this card, Leslie! The sponging and embossing on the grass add terrific texture. Sure to be a treasure for your friend!
ReplyDeletegorgeous colours in your sky and such a beautiful relaxing card xx
ReplyDeleteWow, this is absolutely stunning, reminds me of so many places and makes me yearn for summer with the cattails blowing in the breeze! I hope things settle down for you and you can enjoy more crafting time! How is little (or not so little anymore) Sophie doing? I imagine she is growing leaps and bounds! We are to have a pretty decent weather this week, 38-40's, I'll take it!! Most of our over two feet of snow is gone as we had a week of rain and warmer temps, today we are headed to town to help take all the city Christmas decor down, Ill be glad when that job is done! Have a great weeks!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous sky behind your peaceful and relaxing scene, Leslie. Lovely birthday card for your friend. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab guy card Leslie! I love your scene creating and creating the blur! So cool!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great card for your friend, Leslie! So many nice details. I love the cattails especially.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely and peaceful looking scene you've created on your card. It's always a pleasure to see your cards whenever you have time to post them.
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