I have a couple of things to share with you today...first of all, it's The Play Date Cafe's 12th challenge this week--so much fun! A big thanks to everyone who's playing with us--you make it so much fun! This week, our host is Alison, who chose these beautiful, icy cool colors--just perfect for the chilly winter most of you are having right now!
Ahhhh, more lovely Graphic 45 papers from the gorgeous "Renaissance Faire" collection! The image is from the same collection--I just love it!
Used my favorite real silver shavings glitter, some grey silky ribbon, and some yummy turquose crystal rhinestones to sparkle it up a bit...also went a bit too heavy with the Clear Crackle Paint...
...but when I got over that fact, I kind of liked the aged, crackly look it gave the image--like a close-up view of an oil painting...
Can't wait to see what you all have to share for the challenge this week!
Next, I played along with the Crafty Secrets' challenge at Splitcoast this week--love those ladies in the CS forum--they've become such dear friends! Hi, girls! The marvellous Darlene was our hostess this week, and challenged us to do a card with a birthday theme--a good thing, as I've got lots of birthdays coming up and needed some more cards!
I love this image from Crafty Secrets' "Birds & Blossoms" Creative Scraps--they're all just so beautiful! Also, used my Martha Stewart Eyelet border punch...love it!
Typed up my own sentiment on the computer using one of my favorite vintage fonts--"Apricot".
I treated myself to a new Martha Stewart punch heart punch the other day--has slits in it for sliding a ribbon or string through--it's scalloped and everything--just perfect! (thank-you, 40% off coupon!) I covered it with Glossy Accents and then with Dazzling Diamonds...they look like miniature sugar cookies!
...and some Swarovski crystal rhinestones just HAD to make an appearance on this sweet birdie's crown!
Finished it off with more silver shavings glitter, some gold Stickles, crocheted lace, ribbon...and that's about it!
Well, that's all for tonight! Hope you have a wonderful evening with your families...anyone already hooked on this season of "American Idol"?! I'm afraid we are! See you soon!
I ADORE your cards Julie!!!! I too treated myself to that new Martha heart punch! I haven't had a chance to play with it yet but it looks great on your card.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your favorite font. I really love it!
I have been having a time with the crackle paint! I can't quite seem to get the cracks even.
Have a great day, Lindsey
Ohh, I didn't know that American Idol had already started! I shall have to look it up on our telly guide! I love that show. So very well done! I just adore these latest cards of yours Julie! My birthdays' not until August so you have plenty of time to make one for me, haha, but if you were to, I just adore this birthday card! How very pretty! I just love the colours and bluebirds are my favourite things of all. I had a pretty little bluebird cream and sugar set that Todd broke one of the pieces by accident on the weekend. (beyond repair, boo hoo) Anyways I love your playdate challenge as well. How very pretty and blue. Love the colours!! You are such an artist Julie. I adore your work! Hope you have a great nights sleep and a beautiful day tommorrow! love and hugs from across the sea! xxoo
ReplyDeleteGood morning dear friend! As always, your cards are exceptional!! Your eye for detail is impeccable and of course I love all the lace & sparkle you use without taking away from the main focus image! FLAWLESS!!! I do hope you realize what an inspiration you are to people ... thanks for all your kind sharing!! You are special!!!
ReplyDeleteJulie, love that image and the crackle is a great addition and oh that Graphic 45. Hugs
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie! Had to stop by for a visit with my cup of decaf before "heading off" to work (such a hard commute I have from one Web site to another!) Your cards are so delectable today, so many wonderful details! Your "sugared" hearts are just darling, and your Renaissance lady is stunning. A lovely day's work, I'd say!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are GORGEOUS!! You do wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Gwen
Beautiful as always!! I especially love the birds.
ReplyDeleteYour work is so lovely - I adore what you did with the card!
ReplyDelete♥Sharon
Wow Julie, what beautiful pieces if artwork, both are lovely and impossible to choose a favourite as they are both stunning in their own right.
ReplyDeleteB x
These are both so very beautiful! I love the crackle effect - it is so totally like an old oil painting! And the bluebird card....*sigh*.... adore it!
ReplyDeleteOooo yummy cards, and I LOVE that Martha Stewart punch, it's fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLovely effects Julie x x x x Anne x x x x
I love what you have made. This year I'm going to get off my "duff" and get busy.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
Both cards are incredible! I love the Venus and I think your use of the crackle medium makes her look like the real deal (she does have a bunch of cracks). :)
ReplyDeleteAnd the BIRD!!! I love the crown - I might have to case that detail! :D
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteI've just stumbled upon your gorgeous blog and just had to say how much I adore your vintage creations. Just sublime.
Lesley x
Beautiful as always! I love your cards! The colors at the Play Date Cafe is great!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a wonderful dag Julie! Still cold here, but better than yesterday. One day closer to spring (can you tell I don't like
winter?)
Hugs Hanne
I love all the details in both cards. You're right the hearts do look like yummy sugar cookies. Inspiring as always. Patty
ReplyDeleteVery pretty cards Juls! Love all the detail! :) TFS
ReplyDeleteEvery time I visit your blog I am in awe of your talent, I'm drooling on my keyboard.(note to self- grab towel before visiting Julie's blog) Seriously your work is Over the Top Drop Dead Fred Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Again Julie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind messages you left on my blogs. I really appreciate you popping in to see me.
Lesley x
Julie, Can I ask where you got the Apricot font? I love it so much!!
ReplyDeleteLindsey
Hi Julie! Beautiful birdie card- everything you make is always so lovely :) You always inspire.
ReplyDeleteXO
Kerry
What lovely cards, I think the crackle paint looks awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful style of paper craft leaves me breathless. I am fascinated by your interpretation of the colors given. Such fun to visit you. Have a lovely weekend! E
ReplyDeleteI love the card you made!! I love the blue bird you used with the pink!! Very pretty! I never miss American Idol!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful card. the picture and the way you have changed is .. amazing. the colours too, just all round perfection x
ReplyDelete