Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The one that wasn't...

Well, at least it wasn't anything like I had imagined! It seems to me that most people stamp with a plan. Maybe it's a sketch, maybe a challenge or a special occasion. I usually stamp like a maniac - all over the place. :) You should see my table once I'm done, a truly stunning mess!
For this particular card I wanted to use the bird stamp - yup, that was my complete plan. I must have tried four different combinations of ink and paper (and ep) before I found one that kept the birds white. Really white! I finally hit on stamping with the VersaMark Dazzle (in Frost) on white paper then coating with clear ep. My experience is that embossing over VMD makes the 'dazzle' disappear, but there seemed to be a slight glimmer left this time? Go figure.

The flourish was stamped along the pale pink piece (which shimmers softly) in Distress Ink. Because the pink stuff is coated, the DI seemed to 'bubble' and sit on top of the paper - more EP to the rescue! I like the look it gave the finished piece - it matches the Basic Grey brown paper very well in color & texture. The flowers were sprayed with Glimmer Mist and allowed to dry before affixing hot melt pearls in their centers.

I had a hard time not putting ribbon on this card, but everything I tried just looked too... yucky. Yup, yucky is the right word! lol So, some more VMD on the base, a few more pearls and the sentiment stamp are all I added. Ta Da! Nothing like I thought I was working toward... :D

Thanks for dropping in!


8 comments:

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

Stunning! I love the layout. I think we are kindred stampers: I stamp like a maniac too! It IS messsssy. hehehe. and I cover everything in ep too. LOL. What a brilliant way to get really white stamping. I'll have to try that Dazzle out! I just know you're gonna make masterpieces with the gesso. I can't wait to see what you get up too. Well I'd better get back to work! Stampire hugs, :O)

Etha said...

Wow how wonderful!! I totally love this :) Yes I use the clear EP a lot as well, it does change the color of the ink a bit, but works real nice on dye inks :)
this card is perfect in every way!!

lauren bergold said...

oh my gosh! what an incredibly beautiful card! i'd have to say stunning, actually...with a side order of elegant! ♥

ps: you have no idea how comforting it is to hear someone else say:
A-they don't have a plan
B-experiments turn out completely differently than they thought
and especially
C-the end result is a nice card & a HUUUUGGGE MESS!!! :)

Karin's Korner said...

Absolutely beautiful!!

Carol Weimer said...

Found you by way of Lauren's blog. Your cards are just so beautiful. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

Neo Kidz said...

visiting and inviting admin and all visitor in here to visit my blog at http://neokidzontheblog.blogspot.com..see u all in my blog and have a great days

Rach said...

wow what a stunning card, so beautiful. xx

Beate said...

Gorgeous card, Mari.

Hugs and smiles