Monday 11 August 2014

Summer meadows and a sort of blog hop



Yet another scheduled post, today we are due to be in Genoa, another lovely Italian city with lots of heritage and once the home of Christopher Columbus, a highlight is wandering the Caruggi area of the City with it's famous alleys and take in the atmosphere of this ancient city.

So here are this weeks Prickly Pear and Nicecrane Designs DT creations. The above card is my PPRS piece crated with a masked a piece of Fabriano watercolour card, distress markers direct to stamp for the corn and flowers and Pan Pastles for the shading. Stamp details and links above.

Now on to the Hop, it's not quite the norm as this one is about sharing the work of ourselves and our blogging buddies and a little bit about ourselves and crafty habits as well. I was asked to join in by the lovely Julie from Rainbow Days who I have know for some years and who always has lots of inspiration to offer on her blog.

There are some question to answer so here goes:

Question 1 - What I am working on right now ?

This is a really difficult one to start off with as we are on holiday so the only thing I am probably working on right now is a tan and a glass of bubbles in my favorite Country Italy. This sounds like a real cop out but can only tell the truth !

Question 2 - How does my work differ from others of it's genre ?

Well this one might be a bit easier, I always think no two crafters are alike and this has been confirmed to me so many times in class over the years when I give all present the same 'ingredients' but no two finished pieces of artwork are ever the same. Equally I don't think any of us can call ourselves an expert in any given area of craft as it's a constant learning curve. I am not sure this really answers the question so perhaps the only thing I can add is that I tend to work with what to many are very off the wall colour palettes, usually Pan Pastels but also Distress Inks as well, but my theory is if you don't try them out how will you ever know.

Question 3 - Why do I create what I do ?

In the main my pieces or artwork reflect my love of nature, animals and the countryside, you could call it comfort crafting but is that not the catagorie a good many of us fall into ? That said I am always up for a challenge and will give anything a go, with the exception of lots of colouring in as I fail dismally every time.

Question 4 - How does your creating process work ?

Good question and made me smile as I thought about how to answer. I could say I have a piece of artwork all planned out in my mind and go for it but nothing could be further from the truth as invariably very few pieces end up as I anticipated. For me that's what makes crafting such fun as we are in charge and can change direction on a whim and end up with a very satisfying piece that bears no resemblance to the initial idea. For example many of my pieces have trees and flowers and not forgetting the sun or moon of course, but it's not until they are stamped into place and you start to build the scene that you really know what else needs adding or colours to enhance a piece.

Well that's it and if you have not already fallen asleep thank you so much for reading this post. I would like to nominate Tracy to carry on the fun. I first met Tracy some years ago when she came to one of my classes and although she doesn't live close traveled some miles to attend. Over the years I have seen Tracy's crafting develop so much as her confidence grew and she has a versatile approach to her crafting. She is one of my fellow Allsorts DT's and I hope you will pop along to her blog and say hello, she will be taking the hop to the next stage on Monday 18th August.


The little girl perched in the tree is another image from the Brisley Playing Children design sheet I used last week and yet again teams up perfectly with Graphic 45 DP's, some lace, a Penny Black sentiment and little die cut dragonflies.

Thanks as always for popping in, your visits are always much appreciated.

33 comments:

Wendy L said...

Lovely reading your blog today Brenda, love the first card, it reminds me of long summer days playing out ALL day when I was little, we used to go off to the woods and the fields and be out all day long and Mum never had to worry, xxx

Stamps and Paper said...

Fabulous cards Brenda

Anne

Marianne's Craftroom said...

2 fab cards. Hope you are having a wonderful time

Julie said...

Hi B, hope you're enjoying the sunshine and your tans coming along nicely now! Thank you for joining in the hop and sharing an insight into your crafting world, your creations are always inspirational! X

Astrid Maclean said...

Two wonderful cards!! And great to learn a bit more about you! Your work is always inspirational!

Sammy said...

Fantastic cards both! Also, lovely to hear about how you create, and enjoy Italy! x

ellyscard creatief said...

Thanks for your story.Love reading your blog to day.
Beautiful cards too.
Gr Elly

Tracy said...

Your scenes are always so beautiful Brenda, loved reading all your answers. I enjoy colouring and have improved with time but as you don't do colouring I don't do your kind of stamping and inking, we all craft so differently and like you always enjoy seeing such different creations. Two gorgeous creations, love them both.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Bad Kitty said...

Fabulous cards

KT Fit Kitty said...

It was fun to read your answers! Hope you are enjoying your holiday!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

I live near Genova! Welcome in my country! ;-))
Your card is very beautiful and so sunny, it's seen that you breath Mediterranean air...

Annmaree of Oz said...

Your vacation sounds dreamy Brenda! I hope you are having fun!

I love your inky fabulous stamped card, and the lovely vintage girl peeking at the birdies!

Gerrina said...

I love the first card! The masking piece and stamped and sponged part is so stunning! Love the scalloped border in blue too! Hugs, Gerrina

Maureen R said...

Love both cards Brenda. The PPRS card reminds me of the beach, don't know why, it just does!

rachel said...

these are awesome Brenda - I especially adore the landscape - fabulous! Many hugs rachel xx

McCrafty's Cards said...

Beautiful cards as always Brenda, I love the first one the colours are beautiful the second card is really sweet
Kevin xx

Berina RGA said...

beautiful card Brenda... and it is nice to know more abt you :) Hope you are enjoying your vacation..
-Berina
Moxie Craftie

Eva Olmo said...

Beautiful cards!!!

Silvia(Barnie) said...

These are beautiful cards.

Kathleen said...

Just love your Sunshine card, it is brilliant as always.
Good job you are a couple of weeks behind me as I would think you are stalking me lol.

Kath x

Paper Profusion said...

Both beautiful Brenda! Hope you are having a terrific time in Genoa - you are likely back aboard now - enjoy the bubblies! Nicola x

Rhonda Miller said...

Your cards are fabulous. I love the scene you've created on the first one.

stampingbowd said...

So pretty!!!! You created such a gorgeous scene!!!!

Gail said...

Oh please have a drink for me!!!
Lovely cards!

Jackie said...

What gorgeous cards, especially the first one. You create the most perfect scenes :o)
Jackie xx

debby4000 said...

Love your cards but the first one is my favourite. Enjoyed reading your blog hop
luv
Debby

Rene' said...

Brenda your cards are wonderful! I just love the colors!?

Whisper said...

Oooo what gorgeous cards hun and i hope you are having a fabby hols in your favourite country !, Luv Sam x

Ellibelle said...

Such gorgeous cards Brenda!
Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Shirley said...

Just been blog hopping to see what I have missed and everything looks amazing Brenda. You are one clever crafter.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

AnyOldCraft said...

Ooooooh Brenda you are so lucky.
I hope you are thoroughly enjoying yourself and take lots of piccies.
Stunning header image.
Another truly beautiful card Brenda.
I really love the technique you use.

scrappymo! said...

Having a wee catch up on your blog. These are lovely. The inlky wheat fields are so deamy and peaceful. The nicecrance one has such a wonderful distressed and vintage feel.

Nicecrane Designs said...

Wowww Brenda,,,,,love this card,,,,,, the one with the little girl on the tree,,,,and your creative idea to use a film diecut,,,,,,,,or so,,,,,,what a vintage look......yeahhhh,,,,,,,,,,but the best is to hear you are feeling better.