Step Up Those Old Cards

Today I had fun pulling out some old cards that needed a bit of a re-vamp. I found a set of card fronts that I'd made for a Stamp-A-Stack a year or so ago, and decided that they needed some more "oomph". 

I've found the old cards just don't pass muster without a bit of dry embossing on them - what did I do before the wonderful Big Shot? - so I gently removed the fronts, and re-positioned and in some cases re-cut the focal motif,  and added embellishments, pearls and die cut leaves from the Stampin' Up!® exclusive "Little Leaves" Sizzlits Die. 

This didn't take very long and was quite a pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon. 

Here is one of the original card fronts.

 And here is the first one I recreated

I look at that beautiful "Finial Press" embossing in the background and wonder why it took me so long to purchase it. The sparkle on the leaves is Dazzling Diamonds sprinkled over areas drawn in with the 2-way Glue Pen.

The main flower was done using the Water-colour technique. I use water-colour paper and my Stampin' Write Markers and an Aqua Painter. Love that technique and must get back to some more of it soon.

The card looks quite different when green leaves are added and the dry embossed background is more abstract.

The tiny pearls from Stampin' Up!'s "Basic Pearls" are self-adhesive and just right for detailing little areas of the flower. 

With this one I ditched all the background and chose a more restricted colour scheme. I think it is a lot more feminine

See how the pearls come in 3 sizes, and being self adhesive, they are easy to handle. 

HINT: I find the best way to handle them is to use a craft knife to lift them off the backing paper and place them directly onto the area of the card where you want them. A gentle press with your finger and they stay put!

I had a lovely surprise when I looked at my friend Lovely Linda's blog tonight. She was awarded a Stylish Blogger Award and very kindly passed the award on to me.

Now I believe I have to reveal 8 facts about myself and pass the Award onto 8 others who inspire me.

This is quite hard, but here goes......

1.  I married my "high school sweetheart" nearly 39 years ago - yep we are still married!

2. I have 3 daughters - all married - 3 lovely modern sons-in-law and 1 gorgeous grandson.  They all cook including the 2-year old.

3. I joined Stampin' Up! in May 2006 and love every minute of it. I'm now a Senior Manager.

4.  I was an Art Teacher by profession.

5. I've been actively involved as a participant, coach and mentor in Calisthenics for 55 years.

6. In 2000, I was honoured to receive an Australian Sports Medal for my work with calisthenics.

7. I love to travel and have visited the USA, Great Britain, Mexico, Java, Bali, Singapore, Fiji, Alaska, Canada and hopefully will get to Italy this year.

8. I'm an eclectic stamper - I'll try all different styles and colour combinations, but most of all I like to master new techniques and see what sort of journey they take me on!

I would love to forward this award on to:

Shelley

Kylie

Danielle

Vanessa

Jenni

Bronwyn

Enjoy your award ladies and thanks so much for your inspiration in so many different ways. It is amazing how we start with the same products and end up with creations that are so different. Long live unique styles!

Until Next time

Stay Crafty!