Tuesday, February 12, 2013

A Challenging Challenge

Hello!

I have my Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge entry up for you today.  This week's challenge is a sketch.  For whatever reason, stacked squares have always been a challenge for me - but, I guess that's why they call it a challenge! 

Here's the challenge:



And my card...



I decided to make this one a sympathy card.  I used Flap Happy which I find is just so versatile.  The selection of butterflies in this set are perfect for any occasion and any style!   In fact, because of the nature of the card, I swayed from my regular cutesly, whimsical style to a more elegant one.  And the stamps fit the bill just perfectly.  For the design, instead of the banner jutting from the edge, I placed the butterfly so that it's wing could take the place of the banner.   Other than that, I stuck pretty closely to the sketch.

Hope you like it!
Shannon

7 comments:

  1. Your card is just beautiful! Love your awesome take on this sketch, so creative and fun! Thanks so much for playing along with the SPARKS challenge! :)

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  2. That is so pretty, Shannon! That is a great take on the sketch! :)

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  3. Oh my, where to start with my response, in light of your heart-warming, confidence-boosting cheerleading for my ‘love’ cards, your ‘challenge the challenge’ style debuted here and the most EXCELLENT ‘publication’ news. So much to delight in! Roll of the dice – card first. EXQUISITE!! Yes, you’ve captured the ‘elements’ of the sketch wonderfully (challenge overcome!), but equally – or maybe even more important – is that you convey the essence of a genuine, heart-felt, thoughtful sympathy card. The soft tones, the pose and placements of your butterflies, combined with a simple, yet powerful sentiment: you had me blinking away tears. Your images reveal that you’ve tapped into what your co-worker needs: a tender touch, gentle words. This card will be treasured! A stunner in all respects!

    Now, it’s on to my high-five, happy jig, ‘way to go, Shannon,’ woo hoooo performance in response to your email request. Do I get to say “I told you so”? See – you, of humble spirit and immense talents – have caught the eye of the ‘gurus’ – and deservedly so! I’m beyond ecstatically thrilled for you and yes, you will be on a DT incredibly soon (perhaps without need of entering a ‘casting call’). Congratulations, accolades, applause: all for you! No more shrinking violet, Shannon - you are on stage – and the best part – no pressure. You just did your ‘thing’ and look what unfolded! Awesome. Just awesome!!

    Thank you once more for voicing such positive comments about my cards. The addiction bug has bitten, for sure. I’m still trying to find – or perhaps define? – my style; right now, it’s all about exploring ‘possibilities’ - playing with my dies/stamps, deciding on colours that resonate, learning about what ‘feels’ good, as well as looks good. As a novice, I have plenty to learn and room to grow. Your encouragement and support mean oodles.
    I’m aiming to get a card/posting done later today (and yep, the ‘scalloped heart’ may be featured yet again ). I need a day-timer for keeping track of the challenges and I’m getting super antsy for my PS stamps to arrive. Should be any day now…
    Off to build a race file for a biathlon event my husband is helping with (simple ‘data’ entry), then card-making time!
    Have an excellent evening – and bask in the thrill of being ‘noticed’. Happy, happy, happy!!
    Enjoy your evening,
    carol

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  4. Beautiful card, Shannon! Love how you used the butterfly for the banner part. Thank you for playing along with us at SPARKS. :)

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  5. I think Sympathy cards are the hardest to create...but you've done an amazing job. I love the paper choices and I think the butterflies add just the right touch to make the card stand out without being too whimsical. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Beautiful card! I really like the subtle color palette...it's perfect for a sympathy card!

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  7. beautiful images, soothing colors, subtle design...perfect sympathy card. and i love that you used flap happy to make it :)

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