Friday 7 August 2015

Dragonfly (Metallic), Happy Birthday, Male/Female

Hello.  
I wonder how you are doing today?  
Do you get the balance right between working hard and playing hard?  I wish I did...

When I saw the latest challenge by House of Cards with the cue word 'Metallics', I was very happy.  You see, I've been working on several projects at once recently as I'm trying to finish some designs, so I already had some metallic die cut leaves ready to go.  It was simply a case of coming up with an idea that worked...

Why am I working on so many projects at once?

Because there's this theory that I have a craft table somewhere...  but right now that's sounding more like an urban legend as it's buried away, hidden somewhere underneath too many half finished designs!  Come on...  confess.  I can't be the only one!

Here's my card...




I had a lot of fun with this design as I used some 'upcycled' elements - packaging from an embossing folder and from a disposable shower cap (of all things).  I don't know who came up with the idea but I've never seen something in a hotel packaged so beautifully!

Here's a quick rundown of the dies used:
Marianne Design Creatables 'Maple Leaves'
Elizabeth Craft Designs 'Dragonfly Silhouette'
Tattered Lace 'Retro Alphabet'

This is a simple card to put together, but I love the effect of the different textures combined with my trusty Walnut Stain Distress Ink and Paper Distresser Tool.  Giving the whole design some added dimension by targeting areas to glue and lifting edges just adds something 'extra' to this, I think.




As Seize the Birthday have an Embossing challenge 'Topper' to go with their 'Anything Goes' challenge this month, I did a two for one design special.  (In other words, I purposefully designed this card around both challenges).  Doesn't always work...  but I'm glad when it does :)




Other challenge being entered into:
Simply Create Too  (Challenge #91)  Anything Goes


I originally thought that this design might be suitable for men as well as women, but looking at it now I'm not so sure.  What do you think? 

If you have the time, I always value your comments.

Take care...

Donna


34 comments:

  1. This is stunning , Donna! Love those metallic leaves, always fun when we have stuff ready to use. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Definitely could be used for a man as well.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marybeth :)
      I agree... I love it when I find packaging I can reuse!
      Hope you have a fantastic weekend, too... and thank you for letting me know it suits men as well as women. I doubt my own judgement sometimes!

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  2. Very pretty and I am so excited to begin my fall cards!

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    1. Thank you...
      Glad you like it... and happy to hear you are excited :)

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  3. Beautiful project, Donna! The woodgrain with antique letters looks gorgeous! Can't believe the summer is going away...

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    1. Thanks, Olga. I do not like the cold, so Summer disappearing is a very sad time for me :(
      At least it comes back... eventually!
      Loving your You Tube videos :)

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  4. This is really lovely Donna-beautiful shades and really well suited to the pretty Dragonlfy and leaf.
    Nessa xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Nessa :)
      Looked for your email contact on your blog but could not find it anywhere!
      Are you able to link your Google Friends account up with your blog? Took me ages to figure it out!!!

      Delete
  5. What a great card! Love the colors and the pop of metallic! Beautiful.
    I am your newest follower. :)

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    1. Hello Kristie :)
      Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment... and for being kind enough to tell me you are following me.
      I'll pop by and return the visit :)

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  6. Fabulous card and so creative! Glad you played along at House of Cards. Donna HOC DT

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    1. Thank you, Donna :)
      Appreciate you taking the time to stop by. X

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  7. WOWOWOW, Donna! I am in LOVE with all the amazing texture and shine you've used on this card! Absolutely brilliant! Thank you for joining us at House of Cards! HUGS! :) Mynn xx

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    1. Mynn... you are very kind. Really glad you like the card :)

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  8. Wow, stunning design Donna.

    Hugs Diane

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    1. Hi Diane :)
      Thanks for being kind enough to stop by. Glad you like the card :)

      Delete
  9. love, love your card, the tones are just terrific!
    hello from California
    Bibiana

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    Replies
    1. ... and hello back from the UK!
      Thanks, Bibiana :)

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  10. Nice card . I follow your blog now ! Good luck . Sarah

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    1. Thank you, Sarah :)
      Very happy to have a new follower. X

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  11. Hi Donna! Gorgeous card! Love that you upcycled some of your elements! Have a great day!
    Donna
    HOC DT

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    Replies
    1. Hi :)
      Hope you have a great day, too :)
      Thanks for being kind enough to let me know you like this card :)

      Delete
  12. I love all the texture and layers on this card Donna! Absolutely perfect card for a guy!

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    1. Thanks, Sue :)
      Hope you are having a good week.

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  13. This is absolutely amazing--I love it! The texture is perfect against the metallic. And the card is perfect for a man or woman--who wouldn't want to receive this??? :)

    Toni
    HOC DT

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    Replies
    1. Hello Toni... Thank you so much :)
      You really are a very kind bunch of people at HOC... It makes joining in your challenges a real pleasure :)

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  14. Incredible card! Love the texture and those stunning leaves look almost real! So glad you joined us at Seize the Birthday and hope to see more of your incredible work again soon and yes this card could be both feminine and masculine for sure!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Nancy :)
      Thank you so much for your kind words. They are treasured and appreciated. X

      Delete
  15. What a beautiful and elegant card!
    Thanks so much for playing along with us at Seize the birthday!
    Anni

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  16. The beautiful monochromatic coloring and texture on this card are just magnificent, Donna! I'm pinning this one to CASE!! Enjoy your day! Hugs, Darnell

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  17. Thank you, Darnell :)
    You have a good day, too.
    That's for such a lovely compliment. Means a lot to little old me :)

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  18. This is a CORKER . . . love all the elements. Love it to bits. xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you :)
      ... I think it's the corrugated card that pulls this one off.
      Nothing like a bit of recycling/upcycling to make me happy :)

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