Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Congratulations...FUSION #6

Gorgeous FUSION #6 elements this week,
but whew *wipes sweat from brow* I wound up spending inordinate time making my card and I'm not exactly thrilled with the outcome.  The 'vision' and the 'execution' were a bit at odds, plus I think my muse was having a nap when I tackled this.  Here's how things played out:
  • A couple weeks back, one of the nicest, sweetest and most gentlemanly cyclists I know (well, not including my husband, because he's all that and more), announced his engagement.  Yayyyy!!  The 'essence' of my card - congratulations on the delightful news - ranks a 10/10.
  • I decided to use two coffee mugs from a set I have, and in doing so, tried a 'new-to-me' technique - mirror image stamping, which I found here.  Excellent tutorial!  Coffee mugs (as inspired by the FUSION photo) plus new learning - ranks 7/10 (need more practice on the mirroring).
  • A love-themed card calls (loudly!) for a heart, so debuting here is my PS Flourishes 1 die.  I 'deduced' that cutting two and placing them 'just so' created a 'steamy' heart. Ranking on 'figurin' stuff out - 8/10.
  • The FUSION layout showcases a tag, reflected in my card, but minus the 3-band toppings and with the sentiment (mis)placed beneath the image.  Ranking in 'following the sketch' - 5/10
  • I wavered back-and-forth between two sentiments - Congratulations (went with that) or "One good cup deserves another."  Perhaps the second sentiment will find a home inside the card.  Ranking in sentiment indecision - 10/10; ranking in final decision - 7/10 (still debating...).
  • My card was labour intensive (note: muse napping comment above) - and I messed up several things, several times. Ranking in 'effort' = 10/10; ranking in 'final product' = 6.5/10
  • Enjoyment in making the card (despite the paper scrunches, ink everywhere episodes) - 12/10!!
So, overall outcome reveals - a photo inspired + 1/3 sketch inspired FUSION, that showcases love, in a 'couple-oriented' fashion (not too girl-y...or so I hope!), clean and...well, rather simple when all is taken into account.  Net outcome = passing grade!!  Actually, my response of *meh* is slowly shifting to "I kind of like this..." We'll be seeing the couple at a bike race the last weekend in May, which gives me time to make renos, or maybe just leave it as is.  Hmmm...yep, it's starting to grow on me (and my husband quite likes it  Always a positive influence...)

Here it is:

Thanks for dropping in; comments always welcome and appreciated, deeply!





10 comments:

Happy Dance said...

Well worth the sweat and all the whews. You've made a lovely congratulations card. Sure your friends will like this very much. Love the mirror stamping; I've never tried it, but you may have given me some courage! Well done, my friend. Bev

Anonymous said...

I think your card turned out very nice indeed. The coffee-cup duo is fitting for the occasion, especially with that fun congrats sentiment. Love the swirls. Thank you for joining our Fusion challenge this week. ;-)

Geri said...

So...ummmm....WOW - this is freakin' fabulous girl!!! 10/10 for creativity, design execution, color selection, fussy cutting, dsp selction and 12/10 for clever craftiness!

This card is definitely destined for greatness!

Darnell said...

I wasn't sure what to expect after reading all that went into the making, but the end result is really CAS and quaint and they are going to treasure it! Well done, Carol!!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

I always love reading your posts! Your play by play and ranking today-- HILARIOUS (although I know you were frustrated!)!!! I looooooooove the part about your muse napping! LOL!

I love this card-- I love love love the steamy heart! I really need to get that die! LOVE the papers and white base!! You nailed this challenge:) FAB JOB!

Shannon J said...

I love that you graded yourself!! Although, I disagree with your marks! Ten out of ten out of ten out of ten from me!!! SO creative to make the steam into a heart!!! You pulled off the reverse stamping perfectly - I would have never known! Your sweet friend and his fiancee are going to be so touched :)

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

Just wanted to let you know that I shared a pic from your blog HERE: http://virtualsmooches.blogspot.com/2013/05/spray-paint-stamping-and-tips-with.html

THANKS for watching my videos and trying out some of these techniques/tips <3

~amy~ said...

I loved reading the story behind your excellent card! So glad that you joined us at Fusion!

Lyndal said...

FAB card Carol - great to give new techniques a try!
So glad you joined in the experimenting @ FUSION - hope to see you again soon :)

Greta said...

I agree with your hubby--I like it!