Thursday, September 16, 2010

GKD Designer Challenge Hop

Welcome to our September Design Team Challenge and hop! Gina asked us to use our latest sets to create projects inspired by some of our favorite fall memories. I created two samples, using an Autumn spectrum pad to brayer over the "Wild at Heart" frame, stamping onto white and then die cutting a rectangle out of the center to create a frame for one card and a focal point for the other. Though they are not cards made for weddings, I was inspired by TWO fall weddings from the past, a favorite time of year to get married in Texas because it's not too hot!! The first was inspired by my best friend from college's wedding, which was held at The Ladybird Johnson Wild Flower Center outside of town ten years ago. The ceremony took place in the evening and the limestone building were covered with flowering vines and had beautiful vistas overlooking the Texas sunset.

I matted the window onto a larger Grass Green mat and then sponged yellow and orange inks directly onto the middle of my white folded card base to create a little sunset behind it. I added some large white flowers with button centers to give the card some dimension and added some of my favorite flourish punches to weave in and out through the opening like vines climbing a wall.
This next card was inspired by my own wedding which took place in late September, our 11th anniversary is next week. Our colors were not quite this earthy (we did have fall flowers in our decor and my bouquet, though) but this card is for my husband so I want to man it up a bit! I used the cut out from the frame above then matted it onto a Pumpkin Spice layer I'd stamped tone on tone, lining up the images, then doing the same things on the Chocolate Brown layer, here you can see the thin border all the way around. Card base is Kraft. I added some neutral buttons and twine to the centers to give it some natural textures. I also decorated my envelope by stamping the frame again with Antique Linen.
I stamped "Friend" instead of "husband" or "happy anniversary" because I want him to know how important our friendship is to me...


For all the information about how to enter your card into this month's challenge, please visit GinaK's blog, then check out these participating designer's blogs for more inspiration using the newly released stamp sets available through GinaK Designs:

PS do you like this bigger type?? (I was rereading one of my posts the other day and noticed the font looked really tiny, don't need to cause anyone out there eye strain! ) Let me know!

20 comments:

  1. love your cards .... and yes I do appreciate the larger font!
    Sandra

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  2. These are gorgeous Melanie! Love that you used both pieces from the initial brayered image. The layouts are nice too - especially on the second card.

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  3. Gorgeous cards!! Love the "manned-up" card!

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  4. Oh Mel...that is really so sweet for your hubby! Absolutely beautiful with the spectrum colors! I totally have to try that!

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  5. Both of your cards are beautiful Melanie! I love how you used the center cut out piece for the second card. Happy Anniversary!

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  6. I just love how you made that window in the first card, so creative with the flowers and flourishes, (I must copy that :O).the second one is fabulous also with the buttons.

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  7. The first is one of my very favs. I just love the way you used it as a frame work. The second reminds me of expensive leather and very manly. Bravo, Mel!

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  8. Beautiful cards, Melanie. I need to give this brayering a try.

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  9. These both are so gorgeous Mel! I love your 'vines' on that first one and how you have made the 2nd one 'manly' its perfect!!

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  10. Both cards are absolutely gorgeous, Melanie! I love the colors and flourishes on the first and also love the framed sentiment! The layout and buttons on the second are great!

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  11. Gorgeous cards, Melanie! Love your set!

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  12. gorgeous use of your set! love the memories you drew from. Happy Anniversary too!!

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  13. Mel, these are both stunning! Love the colors.

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  14. This is so incredibly pretty! I must get a spectrum ink pad and try that! You come up with the most wonderful ideas!

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  15. Just gorgeous! I love that sponging inside the frame.

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  16. First card is beautiful, and the second card is perfect for Paul. I like how you stamped 'friend'. So sweet.

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  17. Beautiful cards Melanie. Love your use of the buttons on these two designs.

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  18. Your cards are beautiful. Love how you wove the flourish in your first card! -- by the way Happy Anniversary!

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  19. Beautiful cards Melanie! What wonderful Memories too!
    Happy Anniversary!!!! I hope it's a special day!
    My hubby and I just celebrated our 11 year anniversary last week!

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Your generous feedback helps make my work and this blog better! Thanks for inspiring and motivating me! :)