Thursday, January 17, 2013

Birdie on the window sill


     Oh this card just absolutely gave me fits!  And I picked this challenge for this week at Mo's Digital Pencil!  LOL  Actually it wasn't the challenge part that gave me trouble.  I picked embossing, wet or dry.  I went with dry on my card and embossed the fishtail banners with a Swiss Dots embossing folder.  The image is what got me.
     I colored it first with Copics, but the colors seemed to dark for the card so I went to my Prismas and now I think it looks washed out.  I tried and tried to get an angle picture that would show the embossing that I did on the image itself, but I just couldn't get it to show well.  I used my embossing tool to emboss the girl and bird from the back.  IRL she seems to really be leaning out of the window and the bird is fat.  hee hee
     So, I'm not really happy with this one.  I started to start over from scratch and I just couldn't.  As I said in my post yesterday I've been down in the dumps a bit.  Not really sure why, although I'm suspecting it's harmones.  horror!!!!  I'm normally very upbeat, but not the last few weeks.  So I apologize for not having a better inspiration piece for you for my own challenge.  However, I'd love to see what you can do with it.  Come play along at Mo's and take your chance at winning a $5.00 gift certificate from the Mo store.
     Have a blessed Thursday!

Supplies

  • Paper:  My Mind's Eye "Lavender", Recollections, Kraft Outlet Brown Kraft
  • Stamp:  Mo's Digital Pencil "A Little Birdie Told Me", sentiment from Create with TLC
  • Ink:  Prismacolor pencils, Iced Spruce Distress ink
  • Tools:  MFT Die-namics Fishtail Banners, Notched Border, and Mini Tabs; Swiss Dots embossing folder
  • Miscellaneous:Recollections pearls and brads, Offray ribbon

45 comments:

Dilyana said...

Seriously, Tracy, this card is absolutely adorable! :-) I don't know why you're not happy with it! :-) I love the pastel colors on the image and the card itself and it absolutely do not look washed out! On the opposite, I think it looks really beautiful! And again, this layout is stunning! You're an endless sketch inspiration to me, I'm not gonna get tired of saying this, lol! Have a great day, my friend! :-)

Hugs!

Mary J said...

Such stunning colouring, Tracy and gorgeous use of the papers!

Nancy said...

You're so funny, Tracy! Your card is a masterpiece! :o)
Okay...if the shopping doesn't work then try CAKE! Lots and lots of cake! lol :o)

Alyce Kit and Clowder said...

aww..hope you are feeling ok. i really do like this...the shading is so pretty and it looks so soft. the papers are really sweet too and it all goes together nicely :)

Anja said...

Don't be so hard to yourself, Tracy! Your card is gorgeous! I really like how you've colored the image with prismas and what a great idea to bring out some parts with your embossing tool. Fab layout, too!
Big hugs, Anja

angelwhispers said...

Tracy this lovely such beautiful papers and design just wonderful with your embossing so pretty!!! Sorry to hear your feeling a little down hope you are back to yourself in no time Love and Hugs Chanelle xxx

Grenouille Greetings said...

Don't be so hard on yourself, Tracy. This card is delightful in every way. It's beautifully coloured and beautifully designed. Your papers are beautiful and look wonderful, embossed. And I LOVE IT! Hugs, Lesley

Ivonne said...

Hi sweetie! Sorry to hear you are feeling down these days, but let me tell you, your creativity hasn't been affected at all, your card is absolutely stunning!! I love every single detail of it, the papers, the layout, the cute bow and the image, which you have colored amazingly! So cheer up my beautiful friend, I wish you a worderful day. Hugs, Ivonne

Kathya said...

I think changing to Prismas was a very wise decision, the coloring of this image is so beautifully soft now and it matches the DPs perfectly. And I can see the embossing on the image, what a neat technique! Oh, Tracy... I wish I could give you a big hug right now and just sit next to you with a cup of coffee or tea. These days will come, and eventually they will go. And if you ever need it, I´ll be waiting with my cup of coffee (wink and smile).

xoxo,
Kathya

Mau xx said...

Hi Tracy, Your Card is wonderful as always, Love the embossing and yes it does show up :) I know it doesn't make you like it any better but it really is superb.
Sorry you are feeling down sweet lady, I hope you soon feel on top again, and until then wrap yourself in all our hugs.
Huge Hugs Mau xx

Sue said...

As has already been said Tracy, you really are being far too hard on yourself. I think your card is gorgeous, that cute image is coloured perfectly and I can see the embossing. The papers and layout are fabulous too.
I hope you feel a bit brighter soon.
Hugs Sue

Carla S. said...

I think your card is gorgeous, Tracy! I love the papers and layout and of course, the sweet image. I'm sorry you are feeling a bit down right now. I suggest shopping for new papers as a pick me up. Seriously, though, I hope you feel better very soon. It takes some of the joy out of cardmaking when you don't feel up to par. Hope it passes quickly! Hugs!

SiskiyouSue said...

I think your card is beautiful! The image is fine in these colors, don't be so hard on yourself! But I really love the background!!! Those papers and elements work so well together, wish I'd turn out one I liked so well one of these days!

Jennifer Scull said...

oh Tracy, I immediately saw the embossing you did on the girl and bird. just stunning! I had never seen this image before and it is so pretty! of course you have a talent with card design anyhow.... gorgeous!

I'm sending you more hugs...ten, twenty, fifty would never be too few if they would only bring a smile to my dear friend. know that you have so many friends who love you! :)

Jane said...

Fantastic work Tracy, I love it
Hugs
Jane

KimCreate said...

Even the cards you don't care for are beautiful. But I know how you feel when you don't like a certain card. I hate that. Soon you will be back on your game I'm sure. Blame the alignment of the planets!!! :)

Sarah said...

Tracy, your card is gorgeous! I always love to see you use pencils, you do such an amazing job with them. I, too, find myself turning to you for sketches, your designs are always amazing!

Jinny Newlin said...

Well, I think it's absolutely gorgeous, Tracy! And I totally see her leaning out the window! Stunning!

So sorry you've been down. I've been there, but not for hormones reasons. Life just isn't fair sometimes ;). Fortunately, tomorrow's a new day. Big hugs coming your way. Send that little lady above to her window to catch them for you ;)!

heidy said...

Think it's gorgeous Tracy!!
XXX Heidy

Bonnie Irvine said...

I think you were spot on in using Prisma pencils for this image. The softness of the colours really suits the paper. The colours are not washed out...you are just used to seeing your copic colouring. The idea of dry embossing the image is brilliant. It is visible in the photo and adds such dimension. Never would have thought of that. The hormones thing sucks...been there, done that. Pamper yourself a little and be gentle with yourself. Oh, and stomp on that inner critic who is so misguided :)

Marlies said...

A gorgeous card!! Lovely papers and a great ide on the ebossing!! As everyone above says, your colouring is fab and everything matches perfectly! hugs, Marlies

Kjersti said...

Another beauty Tracy - love the colours in you card, beautiful image too!
Have a nice weekend!
Hugs Kjersti:)

CASTOWNE said...

Soon as I saw this card, I thought, "It doesn't look like Tracy is using her normal style of coloring." The colors just didn't seem as vibrant as usual. So then I thought,
"OMG, Tracy has MASTERED another technique...how does she do that?" I think these muted colors are PERFECT for this adorable image. I love how you embossed her (yes, I can see it.)Love EVERYTHING about this card. P.S. Feel better.

Unknown said...

I just love this image and the card is beautiful. You would never know that this one gave you fits.

Hugs~

Lynne Armstrong said...

Good grief Tracy....you have NOTHING to feel down about with this card!! It's totally gorgeous...and I'm not saying that just to cheer you up you know :) Not nice that you're feeling so flat lately...the joys of being a woman...NOT! Hope you get over the hormonal thing soon and get back to your happy self. Everything about this card is wonderful. I love your idea for embossing the image...very clever! And I will repeat myself yet again, I wish I could put cards together as well as you do, yours are always so beautifully coordinated and balanced.
Big hugs to you my friend xx

Dawn @ LilyPinkScraps said...

I love the watercolour look to this - it looks so pretty, especially with those gorgeous papers. Hope you get through the blues soon - January is quite often a difficult month but I find online retail therapy with a big glass of Pinot helps !!

Sassy Raggedy said...

Tracey, this is wonderful. We are our own worst critics because this is great. I love the coloring. I would not change a thing...joann sassy raggedy

debby4000 said...

Oh what a gorgeous card Tracy and love the sweet image, the papers and colours are fab too.
Sending some hugs.
luv
Debby

Ros Crawford said...

I think it's perfect!! what a super image and beautifully done

Ros Crawford said...

I think it's perfect!! what a super image and beautifully done

Unknown said...

Don't be too hard on yourself, it is difficult sometimes to translate all the steps put into a creation to the computer screen lol. Your work is always inspiring Tracy and I never leave disappointed, ever! This is a very pretty card and your image is colored beautifully. :)
Sorry to hear you are down in the dumps, seems to be going around these days and I hope you feel like yourself again soon.
Big Cyber Hug,
Lisa xx

Audrey Pettit said...

Your cards are always amazing, Tracy, and this one is no exception! I think the coloring is fabulous! And your idea to emboss from the back of the image is brilliant! I never would have thought of that.

Debbie said...

I love it Tracy, and I a sure the one in Copics is just as lovely. I am glad you choose this theme, cause it gave me a chance to dust off my embossing folders.

Hugs
Debbie

CaroleAnn said...

Tracy
Dont worry too much about the "down in the dumps" syndrome - I have some of that here too! And for you I have to say it hasn't stopped you from making a beautiful card! I love the soft colors. Go with the flow - it all passes and leaves us feeling better at the end! I take long walks and try to marvel in nature for awhile when I get like this and it helps to replenish my creative spirit! Big Hugs to You Always, CaroleAnnxxoo

Unknown said...

Oh you´re being too harsh on yourself again Tracy, I was just like wowzers, what a beauty of a card again! I think it´s absolutely gorgeous! Hugs, Ira
irascreacorner.blogspot.nl

Geri said...

Oh, you SHOULD be happy! You may have had a different look in that pretty little head of yours, but the rest of us didn't! I always study the details of your image before reading and I thought, she's used some kind of dimensional liquid when she was done to make that little gal stand out...but there's no shine!?! So...your camera DID catch the embossing...and I love it! It's a beautiful card, Tracy! You're too hard on yourself! The subtle coloring looks so nice with your papers...just thought that's what you intended! No wash-out look for me!! Just amazed once again at the life you bring to these images!!!

Linda Breedlove said...

This is so sweet... the image is adorable!!! and I think your coloring is just perfect!

Stacy Morgan said...

Beautiful! Very sweet image and wonderful softness with the papers and your coloring.

Heidi said...

Absolutely stunning!
Such a sweet image:)
Beautiful colours and design.
Hugs, Heidi:)

Cheryl said...

Oh Tracy, this is so gorgeous! Wow! Your coloring is fabulous. Just wow!

Lisa Minckler said...

Hahahaha...the bird is too fat..that cracks me up. Honestly, it looks like all the birds in my backyard and the squirrels and well, me..LOL! It must be the winter coat we're all putting on, I just forget to take mine off in the summer. ;) Hick, I think your slump will soon change, but if it is hormones, God speed on figuring that one out. Even if your work isn't suiting to you, it's obvious your friends and followers are always inspired. I think she's sensational and the embossing shows beautifully.
Here's to another week of hopefully some crafty mojo and may it not be a week filled with Mondays like last week!!! GAK!
hugs to you my friend,
Twang

Shannon White said...

OMGoodness Girly!! You are being WAAAAAY to hard on yourself!! This is Absolutely DARLING!!! Love your Beautiful coloring and I can tell you did some embossing on the image!! The layout and papers and your Gorgeous coloring are all FABULOUS!!

Big Hugs Sweetie!
Shannon

Franz♥ said...

Hi Tracy! You had a fab idea for this card hun and YES, the girl and the bird emboss from the back!

Layout and papers are wonderful too!

A big hug, Franz.

Anja said...

I think you really can be happy with your card, Tracy! As it concerns me, I can see your embossing on the girl. Esp. the hair looks 3D. And I love your coloring. Maybe after using copics a lot you have to accustom yourself again to the end effect of Prismas...
Big hug, Anja

Kim Bell said...

Tracy!!
Your card is just fab!! It is very pretty!! Love the embossed look. Love the Awesome challenge theme. You challenged me GF!!

Hugz
Kim