Hi there friends, I hope you’re not tired of my experimentation yet. So many times when I sit down there’s pressure to get it done or I’m trying to use a certain die. Well, sometimes that just doesn’t work and you have to go where your heart leads – do yourself a favor and resist boxing yourself in a corner where you end up courting frustration. I’ve made a Mothers Day card and am tipsy with pleasure over the little pillow box I created to go along with it. Tipsy because it’s so stinking adorable and it was so easy.
Six Degrees of Creativity
I can’t tell you how many times I start out knowing exactly what I want to do but the result takes several turns and nothing but the tiniest thread from the original inspiration remains – I call this the six degrees of creativity :-) If you’ve ever heard of the six degrees of separations – same thing!. In this case, when things just aren’t working take six or less creative jumps from where you started to get out of that rut. A case in point is there is a die I was avoiding because I just couldn’t make it do what I want – enter frustration, stage right. While I hummed away at the crafting table last weekend I pulled out that die; clear of mind and pumped with joyful music, I would try again. When it was all done, I realized I was on the wrong side of beauty.
I’m a matchy, matchy girl at heart, so having a little piece of my card on something else simply makes my heart sing! Lol, what’s wrong with me!
The Wrong Side of Beauty
The die I’m using is Spellbinders Belgian Lace and the only part that is die cut are the outside edges. The die is rich with relief, others would call it debossing. I’m using Coredinations Washwash Paper and my first go was okay, but didn’t work then I realized how much I was obsessing about the front of this die. I flipped the die over and I’m working with the wrong side today. I cut and embossed the die. With the paper still in the die I sanded being extra careful not to touch any metal. Next I blew off all the excess paper. I picked a Fresh Ink Chalk Ink – Sugar and simply pounced the ink pad on top of the paper in the die and just once or twice. So the key here if you want a fairly clean image, is don’t even be tempted to swipe. How simple is that?
How It is Made
You won’t believe this but the colored Mom sentiment (from Quietfire Design) is one that was in my extra’s pile. I didn’t think it was good enough for prime time when I stamped it last year – I didn’t like how I colored it. Well, fresh eyes, it seems okay to me now :-) Here’s how I put together the card.
- On top of a 6″ square card base add a matted panel with design paper and an accent paper that is 5-1/2″.
- Cut, Emboss and Color Spellbinders Belgian Lace as I’ve described above.
- Create 1 panel by connecting both cut lace panels with card stock cut to 2-1/2″ and make sure the gap is at least 1-1/2″
- Stamp and color Mom sentiment and cut/emboss with Spellbinders A2 Valiant Honor.
- Don’t forget the fluffy bow and pearls!
I’m Talking Ensemble
The other die I used is Spellbinders Pillow Box – cute dimensions 3″ x 3″. It’s a blank canvas just waiting to morph with details you use from any card – I’m talking ensemble here! All I did was cut two pieces and use the Belgian Lace die – in that same ‘Wrong Side of Beauty’ manner I described above. So then instantly I have a card and a box that picks up just a couple of the beautiful details from the card. Win! And I know the recipient will notice that tiny little detail.
Rubber Stamps: Quietfire Design – Keep Calm and Call Mom Set
Craft Paper: Coredinations Whitewash – Picket Fence, Neenah Classic Crest – Natural White – 80lb Smooth
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Ranger Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder, Fresh Ink – Sugar
Accessories: Spellbinders Belgian Lace, Spellbinders A2 Valiant Honor, Spellbinders Pillow Box, May Arts Silk Ribbon, Recollections Pearls, Copic MarkersOkay, before you command me to raise my hands and step away from the coffee, just know that I’ve been stressed and this little craft marathon has been better for me than therapy! I talked to my mother last night and told her I was so blessed with a creative, productive, carefree day. Please, please do this for yourself. You are worth every minute you spend feeding your spirit! Once you do, it’s easy to pass it along :-)
Such a lovely card and pillow box Becca. I know exactly what you mean when you say you set out to do something and it changes several times in the making, mine usually ending up being nothing like I intended! I’m sure your Mom will be delighted with your creations. Best wishes
Doreen R from Bournemouth UK
Becca this ensemble is breathtaking! Stunning. Lovely beyond words.
There is NOTHING wrong with you Becca! I am THE SAME WAY! When I decorate, craft, & dress myself or others! EVERYTHING MUST MATCH! LOL (I used to not be that way when I was younger….stripes & plaids…but, I was told that was WRONG! So, I changed. LOL SOMETIMES, I WISH I still had that free flair! ;) ) Your Mom will LOOOOOVE THIS!!!! ;) IT’S BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
Love both the card and pillow box any mom would be delighted to receive it. Christine
You’re my kind of gal, Becca!
Sometimes trying to fix something that didn’t work I got something so much better than my original idea. What I heard in your words was the reminder to be patient and allow things to unfold in their own time. I love the lacy look of this ‘debossing’ process. Lovely!
Love & blessings,
Sandy
So stinkin cute, I totally agree…love it…your moms going to love it…thanks for coming to see us a lot more, know your super busy, but you bless us always…
Oh wow, Becca! So pretty and your bows are to die for! And thanks for sharing your creative process. We all need to put things away at times and then see them with fresh eyes.
I’m sure your Mom will love this.
Hugs
Anne (UK)x
What a beautiful card! The matching pillow box is a keepsake. I didn’t quite get how the embossed piece was put together and picture of that piece through the process would have been great. Your work is a joy tothe eyes!
Hi Becca, This is a stunning card and pillow box, I am loving the debossing, it is so effective, and your bows are ‘to die for’.
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Be careful . . . I’m getting spoiled with your daily posts, lol! This project just shows your extrodinary creativity.
They’re both lovely.
Its gorgeous Becca, love it, I know what you mean about things needing fresh eyes I have pikes of die cuts, sentiments and half assembled cards sitting on my desk as well, one day they will find their place on a card as well! :) hugs tfs
It is good to hear that my thought processes aren’t any different than a gal who is used to producing cards from many ways and means. I’m used to flops that I improvise around and feel guilty they turned out so good when underneath they may not be. I think us creative people have the hardest time being satisfied no matter the outcome. Well unless it’s a dousey. Did an Art Deco silver Anniv card but before I knew it I twirled it up with gorgeous homemade assorted silver roses that glinted in the sun. Spectacular but not what I intended. My daughter was stunned. It was a keeper. Bottom line is seeing the recipient thrilled. Thanks Becca for your thought filled comments!
Lovely work Becca! Will you do a YouTube tutorial for this? I would love to see how you did it – not clear for me in the written instructions. Would love to have a go myself – soo pretty! Thanks for being so creative! Many blessings! Auckland NZ
This is absolutely Gorgeous! I love it so much!
You are so blessed to have a mother who loves you….
Hi Becca, I read your instructions twice and since I have all the dies and even the pink chalk ink couldn’t figure out your plan so I got out the Belgium Lace die, always loved the look of the series Gilded Life, but never did much with them–too long a die and no inside cut outs. Never, never looked at the back but your trick worked. Me of little faith didn’t bother to sand the die cut, just inked it with pats. Now I’ll do again and follow directions exactly and put together a card. Bow won’t be as good as yours, but I think I’m on my way. I have about 5 other of those dies and will do your reverse trick. Thanks so much for sharing. You made my afternoon. Barbara
Beautiful work again Becca,
God Bless.
Elaine H X
Oh, Becca…this set is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
Becca you are so funny the way you put pen to paper and your
way of expressing yourself is uplifting to say the least !!!!!
Sorry to hear you have been a little stressed pleased to hear your
marathon has helped.
We all get like that every so often (hope the dishes and beds were not the
problem lol
You have done well with this project it is different to your normal but it
is a gorgeous card and I am sure your Mum will love it the pillow box
Is too cute .
Thank you for sharing keep smiling hugs PamXXX
Good morning Becca, this is so beautiful any mum would be thrilled to receive this!!! Glad you’ve got your mojo back and thankyou for spoiling us you’re a star!!! Bless you!!!
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lynda xxx
Seriously, how could I EVER be tired of seeing your beautiful creations?!!! I’ve loved all of the last posts (haven’t had time to comment) but all are just awesome! Your card today is so soft and pretty! And the colored sentiment looks fabulous (it’s interesting how a fresh eye makes something I didn’t like much look just fine)! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Becca. Beautiful card again using Lovely lacy dies snd a gorgeous bow.
I too often struggle with following through ideas. I get halfway and then suddenly just can’t find the right die or embellishment to finish it. After a break somehow it all suddenly comes together.
The pillowbox is gorgeous too. X
So very pretty. Love the softness of the chalk ink. Several times I have tried to mimic your cards with the exact same dies- they NEVER look like your cards in the end. I can tell we used the same dies, but that’s it. It used to frustrate me. But I let it go- you inspire my cards. LOL Thank you so very much for the inspiration!
Becca, this card is so beautiful! And I love the pocket box!
They are beautiful!! I think your Mom will love it! I know exactly what you mean though, I can start out to do one thing, and it ends up something totally different, but thats ok too. :-))
It looks so delicate. I love the soft pink of the detail on the pillow box and matchy match ribbon! When I begin to make a card, I often don’t know what it will look like at the end. I let the process dictate the final look…
It is hard to believe that you hit a creative roadblock now and again. So nice of you to share that, and the solution!!! This card is so sweet!!!
Oh what a sweet set, your creativeness is just perfect! Love your advice and encouragement to all, you are so Blessd!
Hi Becca. Stunning. I always like to start with a plan. Sometimes it stays on plan and sometimes it goes off piste! Some days I am more creative than others for some odd reason. There seems to be no rhyme or reason, it’s either a creative day or its not and if it’s not, wild horses won’t turn it nto a creative one!
Hi Becca This is not your usual style but I’m loving it too! It is so soft & delicate. Any Mum would love it. You are so creative in every way. Thanks for sharing. Don’t over do it as I know you are very busy.
A gorgeous set, Becca!
So soft and delicate with the pink colour and the beautiful bow.
Love the little pillow box :))
What a lovely Mothers Day set here Becca. I love how it match together, and you can be very sure, nothing is wrong with you, and we´re many, who´s exactly the same way. I really love, when I can get everything to match completely and this set id sooo darling sweet, that any girl would feel loved, recieving something like this, that´s for sure. And it´s sooo nice to see, that you also sme times make things outside your normal comfortzone too. I am sooo sure, you would get a perfect result, no matter what in the world you could come up with of new things to make. I love this set and I´m sure your mum will too.
You have a wonderful Mothers Day soon too sweet lady.
Both are absolutely Beautiful!!!
What can I say, but your a perfectionist lol Beautiful set! Glad your destressing doing what you love. Keep up the inspiring mojo.
Have a lovely day! x
Hello Becca,
One word to describe the card and box – STUNNING.
Maureen xxx
Becca what a lovely card and pillow box.would never thought of using the wrong side.
I was happy on the weekend when I started getting your blog again after so long but only lasted 2 days and not getting it again in my in box so have to remember to check your blog every day like I did this morning and saw you had 2 new posts, should I subscribe again.
Yvonne
Your cards are some of the most beautiful creations I have ever seen, you inspire me so! I have not done any “crafting” is quite a while, it seems I am always trying to get my self organized first, which never seems to happen! So, today is the day, I must create something today!!!
So sorry to hear that life has been difficult for you! Thank you for another stunning (double!) creation. It’s beautiful!
What a pretty Mother’s Day card Becca. Your Mom will absolutely love this.
Lovely card and box. Isn’t is interesting how leaving an item and going back to it later, the item looks better than you remembered and that it “looks ok”! I seem to do this myself. Amazing how much better it looks later on. This lace reminds me of the laces on a yellow slip I had in college. Loved it!!! What are you going to put in this lovely “pillow” box?
This set is absolutely beautiful Becca! Your mom is very lucky and will love it! Often when making a card or project it veers off course .. but always turns out in the end. Not sure how it happens but I guess it’s the choices we make along the way .. does this look better or does that look better .. I think that, at the end of the project, is what gives me the thrill, each and every time. I end up with something I love but didn’t plan on from the beginning!