Thursday, April 10, 2014

Casing Sandie...Inkspirational Challenge #53 - CASE Inkspiration

Hello! My goodness, this week is traveling so quickly, which is a plus, since work has been crazy-zany (the school year is drawing to a close, and with courses nearing an end, oh, the panic is 'just' beginning...), and a not-so-plus because I have cards to make (okay, and other things, too), yet my time seems filled with inordinate amounts of "I don't know what" busy-ness! Meetings upon meetings upon meetings are definitely infringing on my crafting time, never mind the 'return from holidays, reacquaint myself with chores' tasks. Oh well, the weekend is near, and next weekend is a trip to see my family for Easter, so in the grand scheme, all is quite wonderful!

As we know, the  journeys we take through blog-land bring us to the sites of some remarkable, talented, amazing designers. It was on one such trek, a few weeks back, that I discovered the incredibly creative, cas-extraordinaire, delightful Sandie, who is the lovely hostess of her blog, London Days.  Her wonderfully cas cards are showcased in her design team roles at STAMPlorations, Inkspirational and Time Out.  Let's just say that in a very short time, I've become a Sandie-fan!!

Of course, we know what happens when such treasures are found: we leave comments, we start following their posts, and before you know it, we see others in our 'circles' who have also found the same treasure.  Indeed, Darnell recently DJKASED one of Sandie's cards.  As it turns out, over at Inkspirational,  the Challenge #53 CASE  muse is none other than Sandie!  With Darnell's card as inspiration, I decided to take the plunge, and dive in to case one of her cards as well.  We could choose from the set displayed, or from anywhere on her blog:

Okay...you know me. I couldn't stop at one.. No sireee...I went for a second, then a third, and a fourth. Seriously, something about Sandie's style has captivated me. Plain truth: I love the simplicity of her cards, and the 'impact' they have.  So, in my constant effort to 'figure out' my own 'signature' style, I've decided to give Sandie's ways a whirl.

Today, I'll share two of my cases, because two are 'stuck' on my camera, and until I get a set of batteries, that's where they'll remain.  Grrr...I thought I had extras, however, wrong!  I'll aim to post them tomorrow.

Now, remember: Sandie's cards reside in the land of 'awesome', whereas mine are still adrift somewhere in the land of 'trying'.  I just want Sandie to know her style is ever so inspiring...and I adore it!!

My first card is a take on this one:


Sandie sponged the background, then stamped her flowers, using two colours of ink. Of course, sponging is well beyond my talents, so I went with the 'concept' of Sandie's card in my case: a patterned paper background with three die-cut flowers for the 'pop' effect.  I have the same PS sentiment, so I used it *grin*, added a scalloped border and...done.  Hopefully, you can see the kinda-sorta 'distant relative' resemblance.


My second card,  inspired by this gem,


attempts to replicate the colours and some of Sandie's image details - the 'mesh' background stamp and gold dots. For the blue...well, you'll see...


So, two cards (from the four) that I hope convey how fabulous Sandie's cards are.  I've learned a great deal in sampling' her style, and adding some infusions of my own flair.  Such fun...and yes, down the road, I pretty much know I'll be casing her again...and again...

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments make my day!

21 comments:

Marina said...

Two great CASE's. I think you got the essence of Sandie's creations, while adding your own twist. I think the pp looks great in the first one and I love how you used the blue on the butterfly in the second.
Thank you for joining us at Inkspirational Challenges. Come back next time! Marina

sandie said...

Thank you for all these sweet comments Carol! And you have made 2 fabulous CASE cards. The first one I love the pops of colour that the dies give (and sponging is so not beyond you, I do a very easy sponging, not clever in any way!) and your second card is my fab, I adore that mesh stamp ( have I asked you where it is from?) and teamed with the butterfly it is just perfect. Thanks for joining us at Ink and good luck in the DT

Irish Cherokee said...

Nice job casing. Ilook forward to your new post. I keep twodozen extra batteries on hand all the time. Allare rechargable. Problem solved. LOL.

Marisa said...

Love when you find someone whose style captivates you. Casing is a great way to learn and get ideas. Great job on both :) I hear you re the crazies. Insanely busy here and we haven't even hit the busy time yet - meeep!! One day at a time :) Have a fabulous w/e.

Pop's Cards said...

Hey Sweetie, STUNNING!!! I hope that you had a great time, hugs Pops x x x

Darnell said...

Your energy is amazing, Carol! Not just one CASE for you, no, you did FOUR of them! It is easy to be captivated by Sandie's beautiful cards and you have done her proud!! I hope the crazies settle down for you soon, although you have enough energy that you just push through it and continue being uber creative!! Hugs, Darnell

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

OHHHHHHHH! I might have to check out this blog for inspiration! LOOOOOOOVE that you were inspired by two of her creations! LOVE that first one-- esp the flowers and the scallops! Perfect combo! LOVE! (Hope you entered that in our AG challenge!)!!!

LOVE that second card too---I love that background stamping of the grid and dots behind the butterfly--- perfect combo of details and colors! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend-- rest and relax! I totally understand the end of the year for school! :)

Geri said...

Yikes...you sound mighty busy! Good thing that you made time to craft...definitely a form of therapy recognized and accepted by all of us as being imperative to our mental health wellness! Agree? Thought so!

Sandie is gonna love these cards! You have captured her CAS style perfectly by creating one layer with inked images and the other with some very pretty elements and just a bit of bling! Well done Carol. Can hardly wait to see the other two that are currently camped out in your camera :)

Brenda said...

Wow Carol, I am loving both of your cased cards!! I think you did a great job with them and I'm sure that Sandie is honored that you cased her cards. I love them (and the use of the MCT products)! Hugs

~amy~ said...

awesome job. Love seeing how you were inspired!

Greta said...

Sandie does have a wonderful style & you've done her proud, Carol! Your cards are both fabulous!

Unknown said...

Hey Carol, thanks again for your lovely 'checking in' comment. Lovely to hear from you and I'm sorry I've not been blogging much over the last week or so..... Yes, kids keep me on my toes but also I just lost a second grandparent only 7 weeks after losing my first. Card making has been orders of service!! Off to a Ross Papercraft show today which I'm mega excited about and am hoping to reinvigorate my mojo!! Hope all is well with you xxx

Sian Ridley said...

I'm glad life isn't too busy to keep you away from card making because these little chaps are beauties! It would seem that being crazy busy has not had an adverse effect on your mojo at all! ;) these are gorgeous and a perfect homage to Sandie and her fab style (I'm a fan too!)
Nothing is beyond your talents darling, you've just got to take the plunge and do it! I bet your sponging would turn out great and you'll wonder why you didn't do it before ;)

I can't wait to see the other two cards!

Anita in France said...

Carol, your CASEs of Sandie's fab cards are brilliant ... your own wonderful style, overlaid with a touch of Sandie-ness. The first is sooo pretty ... and the second is a stunner ... love that mesh image behind the gorgeous butterfly! Looking forward to numbers 3 and 4! Hugs, Anita :)

Shannon J said...

Holy guacamole, Carol! You are definitely in a world of complete and utter awesomeness!!! Oh.my.word these are incredible!!! You have done Sandie proud!!! Although you have taken her lead, you have forged your very own unique path and made these all yours!! Your style is well defined as far as I'm concerned - simple and elegant. And FABULOUS!!!! Thank you too for your sweet note this morning - boy do those make me smile!!! xo

Kim Heggins said...

Wow...both of your cards are fabulous, simply fabulous my friend! Now if you can figure out a way to bottle up your energy and share it we could all be making cards through the night. I do understand about being busy but it does not seem to have any adverse affects on your ability to create such stunning cards, so maybe it is a good thing to be so busy! Enjoy your weekend!

Kylie said...

I think you're underestimating your style. If you cast your eye over all your creations they just scream "Carol" - even when you've been using a sketch or another card as your inspiration. I've done some thinking about this over the past month. lol I got myself worked up about not being able to create like the Jennifer McGuires, or colour like some of the colouring wiz's out there - and it is true - I never will be like them. I'm me. So embrace your own style. Keep exploring but I think you've already got your own great style. big hugs!

Susanne Vargas said...

You did pick great cards to CASE and really made them your own! Both are beautiful! Can't wait to see the other two that are still hiding in your camera!

Emily Keaton said...

I loved seeing your takes on Sandie's beautiful creations!

Monika Reeck said...

Dear Carol how can I not seen this post...I love the first card love the touch of pink from the flowers and the second card oh loveee the idea you mimic the background but the butterfly is really a great idea instead of the blue dots..and your card looks elegant...love it much...may I tell you...the kids are going to camping also now we as the parents can do honeymoon...but I am far from Munich also can not card making but I have quality time with my Hubby..hope you are happy also there..biig hugs...and see you soon on my last post from today...(maybe I make card again on Friday after back to Munich :) )..cheers, Monika

Marlena M. said...

I absolutely LOVE your butterfly card Carol~it's all aflutter with just the right amount of elements. Thank you, thank you for your sweet comments and visits~you spoil me. ;)