April 19, 2010

Postcard from Paris


Have you ever had really big expectations of a project but were disappointed in the execution?  That's what this card is for me.  When I saw the sketch over at Everything But the Kitchen Sink I knew I wanted to think outside of the box and not follow the sketch literally.  With that in mind I envisioned an invisible border for that round curve.  At first I thought of city skyline silhouette but trying to find the right image (for free) was hard.  Anyone know of any great free clipart sites?  I came across this image of the Eiffel Tower and thought why not give it a try.  So I've done the best with what I had and it was nice to try something new even if I'm not crazy about it.   I might just try that sketch again.

This also falls under the requirements for the Off the Wall Challenge #3: A travel theme.  It reminds me of when I was in Paris in 2000.  I can't believe it was a decade ago!  Unfortunatele the third floor of the Tower was closed for the mayors Gala so I only got as high as the second floor but the fantastic part was the fireworks!!!  What an amazing view for fireworks!  

First I printed the image on to PTI white paper then I sponged the moon on using a 1 3/4" circle template and a small piece of a plain kitchen sponge (unused of course).  I added the stickles stars and water coloured the bushes.  Then I added the green border that reminded me of the neat and elegant fencing they have around the parks of paris.  I stopped there and then went to look at the card this morning and decided to sponge in a night time sky using Soft Suede and Not Quite Navy.

My last note of the day is a special thank you to Нети for thinking of me and passing on this award. She's fellow Cinema Saturday competitor from Bulgaria. I've decided not to pass it on but I would be happy to list 5 things that you probably don't know about me and 10 things that make me happy.

5 Things about Me:
  1. My parents seperated when I was in my mid 20's.  This experience drew me to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how old children are, they are still very much affected by their parents decisions.
  2. I don't go to church as often as I should but I have a firm belief that God is present and in control in my life.
  3. I don't have many friends but those that I have I love dearly.
  4. My guilty tv pleasures include reruns of Buffy, Angel, and Roswell.
  5. Since having kids of my own I find it really difficult to watch the news.
10 Things that Make Me Happy:
  1. Listening to my kids converse with each other.  Sometimes it's hilarious.
  2. Watching my kids play especially make belief.  It's amazing what runs through their precious minds.
  3. When dh shares his work day with me.
  4. When hubby gets up on Sunday mornings with the kids.  It gives me a chance to sleep in and coffee is made when I get up.
  5. Watching my kids sleep.
  6. Long snuggles with my kids in bed or on the couch.
  7. Winter....short days with cold excuses to stay indoors and enjoy a good book or stay in my craft studio.
  8. Sunshine
  9. Music
  10. Making new friends.
Anyhow, thanks for stopping by.  I hope it wasn't too long for you and that you aren't as disappointed in this creation I as I am.  Hope your week is fabulous.

10 comments:

  1. Ahh, its so much fun to discover things about other people and realize how alike I am to them! I love watching my children sleep-is it the innocence? The quiet? And many other things about you I find similar, but I won't bore you with that. I do have a few clipart sites I like to visit, mine are vectors-what kind do you prefer? And lastly, I'm fond of your card, I appreciate your willingness to step outside the box and realize how hard it is to do. My favorite part (which probably shouldn't be my favorite but I can't help it...) is the bushes. I love them! So soft and elegant, just what I think Paris would be. Sorry to be so lengthy in my post today, guess just lots to say.

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  2. First of all , this card is BEAUTIFUL!! I appreciate your thinking outside the box and it is stunning! So don't be discouraged as it is worthy and I'm sure we can all relate to that feeing (not how we want it to turn out). And I love knowing more about you. I, like you and Karen B., LOVE to watch my kids sleep...even when they are older now, I still enjoy that-creepy mom, huh (heehee)!? My last visit to Paris was Spring 2007. Your card reminded me of that trip of a lifetime!

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  3. I love that you took a sketch and made it your interpretation...that's true creativity...IMHO :) Since the Eiffel Tower is one of my favourite structures and a dream that is on my bucket list...how could I not love this card :) can I send it to you when I finally get to go? Thanks for sharing interesting parts of your life...I love that many are the little, simple things that make a huge difference :) And kids do say the darndest things...that's the one part of my job I love :)

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  4. I love how you decided to use the sketch, and really make it your own! The Eiffel Tower image is a great one, and I love all the fun little details you added! Great job with the challenge!

    ♥♥♥Lea

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  5. Very pretty card!! :) its a great design, you shouldnt be disappointed at all... its very pretty!!

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  6. Oh Laural! We're our own worst critics...because this is a beauty! You've displayed such originality in making the sketch your own and really challenging yourself and I think it's lovely! It's always so great to learn about others and find out the similarities and difference that make us unique. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. This is great Laural! Thank you for playing along, I cant imagine how great it would be to see the real thing!!! :)

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  8. What a cool take on the challenge! I love this! Thanks so much for playing along with EbtKS!

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  9. What a pretty card! Thanks for playing with us in the EBTKS challenge! :)

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  10. You are way too hard on yourself!!! I like the idea of creating the invisible arch :>)

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