Pages

▼

Saturday, 28 July 2012

A quick Reason to Smile...

I know - I shouldn't be here! I have a hundred and one things I'm supposed to be doing but I made the mistake of just quickly looking at the Less is More challenge and this is what happened:


This is a very quick sponged and stamped scene. For the flowers, grasses and 'leaves', I've used the fabulous Reason to Smile, an exclusive set which will be available during August only. (You can get it free with a £60 order or you can buy it for £18.95 wood mount or £14.95 clear mount - email me here to order, or for more information.)


The sentiment is from the lovely Trendy Trees set - which I haven't used for ages but must play with soon - and my scallops are cut with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch. You can see the lovely texture of the stamps in this photo and the way the two step flowers work.


This beautiful dragonfly is from Nature's Nest. I have a stash of these ready stamped in Stazon on vellum, so all I needed to do is to cut him out with my sharp paper snips and colour the back of him with markers. I added a little glitter to catch some of this fabulous sunshine we're having!

Oops, I forgot to mention it's a sketch challenge at Less is More this week... and what a great sketch (right) it is!

Here's what you'll need to make today's card:
Stamps: Reasons to Smile (available during August only), Nature's Nest, Trendy Trees (sentiment)
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Old Olive
Card stock: Naturals Ivory, vellum
Other: Markers,  Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, paper snips, stamp-a-majig
I'd be delighted to order any of these items for you and can have them delivered to your address in the UK. I'm committed to providing excellent customer service and am always happy to offer help and advice. To place your order, just send me an email or give me a call on 01280 820593. Your free brad and ribbon set will be added automatically to any order of £45 or more during July only!

Did you see the Olympic opening ceremony last night? Wow! I must confess to have felt a little cynical about the whole thing beforehand but my family and I were blown away by it. It was uplifting, visually stunning, quirky, moving, funny and incredibly impressive in turns and I thought the cauldron of fire was the most astonishing piece of design work. It all made me feel rather proud to be British!

I'll be back on Monday with a male card using Reason to Smile - hope to see you then!

Hugs,



at

64 comments:

  1. jimlynn28 July 2012 at 19:04

    Vicky, this is beautiful! I love the colors you used and of course, the dragon fly is just awesome! So pretty.
    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  2. Canonbury creations28 July 2012 at 19:16

    Fabulous card Vicky love the stamps you've used and that beautiful dragonfly. Nice surprise to see you:)
    Val x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous28 July 2012 at 19:48

    LUCKY FOR US THAT YOU CANT KEEP AWAY, FABULOUS CARD, AMAZING COLOURS AND GREAT TECHNIQUES ANOTHER CLASSY LITTTLE NUMBER.

    MARIE

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous28 July 2012 at 19:52

    Great sponging job and those strong colors inspire me to stop always working with the "safe" neutral colors that are , in the end, quite boring compared to your use of colors. LOVE this card!

    Bahb

    ReplyDelete
  5. G Peplow28 July 2012 at 19:55

    Gorgeous card Vicky:0) I have to agree I mirrored your emotions for the opening ceremony, what an event!! The design of the olympic flame cauldron was stunningingly beautiful! Apparently it was built in a shed in Harrogate, who'd have guessed LOL, Hugs Gay xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chrissie28 July 2012 at 20:09

    This is wonderful Vicky, the colours are stunning and the stamping is amazing!
    Thanks so much
    Chrissie
    "Less is More"

    ReplyDelete
  7. Stamps and Paper28 July 2012 at 20:30

    What a stunning card Vicky and gorgeous colours

    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mandy's Crafts28 July 2012 at 20:32

    Love this. Hope you ok Vicky. lots of love Mandy and Andy

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ardyth28 July 2012 at 20:39

    You've done it again - I love that the scene seems to glow and that dragonfly is just wonderful! Great card!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Carole28 July 2012 at 20:49

    Oooh Vicky absolutely awesome. The colours are outstanding, and the sponging is fab!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Autumn Mist28 July 2012 at 20:58

    Fabulous contribution to LIM this week, that dragonfly is beautiful and very realistic. I loved the opening ceremony as well, it was brilliantly done.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sue28 July 2012 at 21:19

    Wow this is such a beautiful card.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wida28 July 2012 at 21:46

    you make the making of that dragonfly sound so easy, but I know better. the only way that would be easy for me is if you sent me a bunch...ready to go!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jan 28 July 2012 at 22:13

    This is stunning Vicky xx Jan

    ReplyDelete
  15. Fiona28 July 2012 at 22:45

    Vicky, will you stop creating such stunning cards please! I made one for this challenge but after seeing yours I thought mine looked crap so haven't posted it. Might have another go tomorrow perhaps.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Karen P28 July 2012 at 22:46

    that is gorgeous! wonderfully coloured too hugs Karen x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gibmiss28 July 2012 at 22:57

    Hello Vicky
    Gorgeous ... Gorgeous card..... Love the colours you have used.... I too love the opening ceromony....love the James bond bit with the Queen.... And Mr.Bean.... We were in stitches....
    Hugs Sylvie xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Tara Cardwell28 July 2012 at 22:57

    STUNNING! I love the dragon fly flying over your scene.

    I fell asleep 3 times during the opening ceremony - liked the forged steel rings (well I am from Sheffield) and the cauldron was stunning - the rest was a little bleurgh.

    Tara
    x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rosemary29 July 2012 at 02:42

    wow... stunning card!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Robyn29 July 2012 at 02:51

    Hi V! Love your dragonfly !! ...and I enjoyed watching the opening ceremony very much. I thought it was very clever. I really liked how each country's "petal" formed the cauldron and at the end will be returned to it's country. Well done London!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Helen29 July 2012 at 03:11

    Hi Vicky, great to see you back. I think your little scene is very summery, and the dragonfly is gorgeous. So nice to see that London has finally got blue skies for the Olympics. I only saw part of the opening ceremony, but what I saw looked terrific - the cauldron (very clever), Mr Bean(the chap next to him never missed a beat), and what a good sport the Queen was to be led away by James Bond! Helen (Sydney)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Deborah Frings29 July 2012 at 05:19

    Fabulous card - love the scene you created and the dragonfly is just stunning!

    As for the Olympics - we watched it over here (in between the blooming adverts) - it was fantastic. So typically British and it made me feel very homesick.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Marijke29 July 2012 at 06:45

    stunning card, beautiful colors and love the flowers and dragonfly

    ReplyDelete
  24. Unknown29 July 2012 at 07:14

    Gorgeous card Vicky. Love those zingy colours you've used and the dragonfly is ab fab!

    Karen x

    ReplyDelete
  25. Pauline29 July 2012 at 07:25

    This is just stunning! Love these stamps,mand the sponged background is gorgeous. Love that vellum dragonfly too, a stunning card Vicky!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jenny Marples29 July 2012 at 07:42

    Just loving that dragonfly :) Great use of colour Vicky, as ever. I agree, wasn't sure what to expect with the opening ceremony but we were all blown away by it. Hugs, Buttons x

    ReplyDelete
  27. Curtise29 July 2012 at 09:43

    Gorgeous card, I do like dragonflies, and the colours are so pretty.
    I enjoyed the opening ceremony more than I expected as well, especially all the music, and like you, I thought all the copper petals rising up to form the cauldron was stunning. xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sarn29 July 2012 at 11:00

    Fabulous scenic card Vicky.

    Totally with you on the cynical side of the Olympics . . . converted to AMAZING on the Opening Ceremony. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jane29 July 2012 at 11:05

    Love this card Vicky. I hope to do some stamping with this set later today. Stunning. Loved the opening ceremony too - was amazing xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Linby29 July 2012 at 11:55

    Just beautiful. Love the colours and the dragonfly. Might dig out one I have and try on some vellum.
    Linbyx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Suzi B29 July 2012 at 12:01

    fabulous as usual Vicky... love the colours and great stamping
    suzi b x

    ReplyDelete
  32. Jane Goldman29 July 2012 at 12:48

    Stunning ! Your dragonfly is fabulous and the colours are just beautiful ! I have just spent a few days on our little boat and your card is a perfect reminder - I spent ages just watching dragonflies flitting over the water towards the wildflower borders in the shallows. Hope you are having a lovely school break with your children ! Hugs Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  33. Victoria29 July 2012 at 13:00

    Beautiful colours and gorgeous inkiness!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sasha29 July 2012 at 13:06

    Absolutely beautiful, Vicky. Your stamping looks brilliant and your colouring is so lush and rich. I love your fabulous dragonfly, which looks so realistic!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Jenni's Jems29 July 2012 at 14:51

    Oh this is just stunning and that dragonfly is just so real!!! x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Val29 July 2012 at 15:53

    This is so pretty Vicky.
    Valx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Mandi29 July 2012 at 16:47

    I can picture you having looked with just one eye lol
    Sensational card Vicky, totally inspiring
    Thanks as always
    mandi
    "Less is More"
    I took some convincing with the ceremony I found the start a bit drab, but it certainly improved!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Carole29 July 2012 at 17:32

    Sensational card. Beautiful colors and love that dragonfly

    http://carolescreativecritters.blogspot.com/2012/07/less-is-more-sketch-week-78.html

    ReplyDelete
  39. Karen Aicken29 July 2012 at 17:38

    Wonderful! My favourite colours and I adore the sketch. Your card just made me smile today - thanks so much, Vicky!
    Cheers, Karen

    ReplyDelete
  40. Sharon29 July 2012 at 18:39

    Love the scene you've created & the dragon fly is stunning.
    Sharon x

    ReplyDelete
  41. Jules29 July 2012 at 21:13

    Hi Vicky

    What a great finished card.

    Love the design and colours .. .. and the little dragonfly is brilliant.

    I really enjoyed the opening ceremony too (but still need to catch up with the very end as I fell asleep LOL!!).

    Hope you have had a good weekend.

    Love Jules xx

    ReplyDelete
  42. Kath29 July 2012 at 21:15

    A stunning card - the dragonfly is fabulous.
    Kath x

    ReplyDelete
  43. M29 July 2012 at 22:15

    Such a gorgeous scene! M x

    ReplyDelete
  44. Paula29 July 2012 at 23:10

    Such a beautiful card! I love the Reason to Smile set as well. I can see LOADS of designs for it. Too bad it's only on for such a limited time. Love the dragonfly!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Paper Creations by Shirley30 July 2012 at 00:22

    Beatiful & elegant card. I love the vibrant blue & green together and the dragonfly :) Have a great week, Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  46. Irene30 July 2012 at 08:18

    A beautiful card Vicky with gorgeous colours. I love the dragonfly.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  47. Aileen30 July 2012 at 09:15

    Your grassy scene is gorgeous and stunning dragonfly. I'm blown away you can produce this in a dash!! x

    ReplyDelete
  48. Unknown30 July 2012 at 14:32

    This is totally gorgeous Vicky! I love the scene you have created! :)
    Lizy x

    ReplyDelete
  49. lin_ka130 July 2012 at 17:23

    Your card prjest full of energy ... brought memories of my vacation. Beautiful work

    ReplyDelete
  50. Laura Mackie Stampin' Up!30 July 2012 at 18:47

    really stunning card, loving this new set cant wait to get my hands on mine :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Viv31 July 2012 at 12:33

    Such a fabulous card Vicky !!! love love that colour...and flowers...and beautiful dragonfly, I want a die cut drangonfly now !!!! :) Viv xx

    ReplyDelete
  52. Susan31 July 2012 at 16:08

    Vicky, your dragonfly is so gorgeous! I love the colors in this card and you've executed the sketch perfectly!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Lynne31 July 2012 at 20:23

    Stunning card Vicky as always. Your colours are gorgeous.
    Lynne xxx

    ReplyDelete
  54. Faith A at Daffodil Cards31 July 2012 at 21:39

    WOW a stunning creation as always Vicky, I haven't been around for a while so have just caught up with your beautiful beautiful cards.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Unknown1 August 2012 at 10:12

    So pretty card! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Deanna 1 August 2012 at 14:16

    This is a gorgeous card love the vibrant colors and images. Love the Dragon fly!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Laura1 August 2012 at 14:53

    Stunning card!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Jenny1 August 2012 at 21:32

    Oh Vicky I have missed so much because I've been too busy for blogland!!!and it seems you have too :0)
    I love you sponged scenes, they're like mini masterpieces and the dragonfly is stunning :0)
    Jenny x

    ReplyDelete
  59. Jenny1 August 2012 at 21:33

    Oh Vicky I have missed so much because I've been too busy for blogland!!!and it seems you have too :0)
    I love you sponged scenes, they're like mini masterpieces and the dragonfly is stunning :0)
    Jenny x

    ReplyDelete
  60. Linda1 August 2012 at 23:18

    Stunning card Vicky, love the bold colours. This new stamp set is just gorgeous, I can see that one making it's way into my craft room very soon. xx

    ReplyDelete
  61. Jen W.2 August 2012 at 03:22

    Stunning. And I'm blown away that this is "a very quick sponged and stamped scene." This would take me a year to do!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Dotty Jo2 August 2012 at 13:26

    Breathtaking! What a beautiful take on the LIM sketch, Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  63. Lyndal3 August 2012 at 09:05

    GORGEOUS card Vicki - LOVE your scene and that dragonfly is DARLING!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Jane Willis4 August 2012 at 07:02

    What a stunning card! I love dragonflies and this is a beautiful way to ise one

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to know what you think. Do leave me a comment - it always makes my day! Vicky x


(In line with new Data Protection legislation (GDPR) you comment in the knowledge that your name & comment are visible to all who visit this blog and consent to the use of that personal information for that specific purpose.)