Sunday 7 August 2016

Imagine...........


We are literally just back from holiday, we had a lovely relaxing time with perfect weather. A big thank you for your continued support and visits whilst I was missing.

My body had the opportunity to do some healing and although I am still having some severe pain spasms and one arm not working as I would hope, I am praying I am on the way to getting back to crafting and doing the things I enjoy most.

It's time for our challenges at Stamping Sensations and Penny Black and More where our themes at both are nice and easy ones to fit in with your busy summer holiday schedules.....'Anything Goes'.........and as always there are wonderful prizes to be won at both, not to mention fabulous inspiration as always from my teamies.

My card at the top is my Stamping Sensations creation using Altenew stamps and a mixture of distress and dye inks following a design I saw on Pinterest, such a great source of inspiration when the mojo is flagging or totally missing as mine has been at the time of scheduling this post.

I first cut out a 'V' section from the linen cardstock to be used as my top layer and stamped a Inkylicious sentiment with black archival, then stamped the flowers onto a another piece of card to go under the aperture. I used blue card for the bottom mat and strips of the same to slip behind to two cut lines and used foam pads to raise the top layer. A bow and some blue gems to embellish. I have to confess it's the first piece of artwork I have been relatively happy with for weeks and am so hoping by the time this post goes live which coincides with our return from holiday that my mojo will be be back and my body back to something like normal functionality again.


My Penny Black share is a 5x7 canvas, again made some weeks ago, which I coated liberally with gesso and then PVA glue and fixed some plumbers mesh (no idea what it's really called) into the wet glue to achieve a really rough textured background. Next I added inks and Dylusions and rubbed them into the gauze..........this was such a message process but so much fun.............and then added some gilding wax. Next I stamped the Penny Black flowers onto card spritzed with the same colour Dylusions and cut out with the matching PB die. The sentiment is also PB but cut into three, next I added the lace, then the flowers, cord and button and finally a little chipboard butterfly which I painted with Dylusions and stencilled some stripes.

I am popping over to the Playground with the first card (snipped is the piece in the aperture), been a few weeks missing so just hope I don't get detention.

Thanks so much for popping in today and look forward to seeing you over at the challenges. I also hope I will be able to visit some of your this coming week.

80 comments:

Mervi said...

Two beautiful cards, like them both. First is so stylish and delicate and the second one little artsy with tectures;-))m

hellerlittle said...

Wooooooohhhhhhhhoooooooooooo.... Ms. Brenda I´m happy to read wonderfull news !!
Can see your MOJO is back... what an amazing 1st card.... have to try this affect (thanks for telling how you made it)
the 2nd one... great canvas with perfect matching
TFS CU hellerlittle

Whisper said...

Ooooo what a lovely pair of stunners and i'm loving the triangle cut out, Luv Sam x

Jane said...

So good to see you back Brenda and I really hope your body has had lots of R+R. These 2 projects are gorgeous..your mojo is certainly back big time. Hugs xx

Glennis F said...

Welcome home Brenda, so glad you are feeling refreshed, but don't go overdoing things.
Lovely cards, especially the second one

Shirley said...

Such a contrast between your two beautiful cards Brenda.They both show how tallented you are that you can make classy or textural. I favour your first card as that is my style but I wish I could do textural without it turning into a bundle of sludge and fibres Lol.

Shirley

ellyscard creatief said...

Wonderful creations Brenda.
Gr, Elly

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Love the simplicity of the first, must give that a try and that canvas is a stunner, the mesh is called scrim, I love using it

Craftyfield said...

Your first is very pretty and delicate and the second yummy with texture and colours. I think the tape is plasterboard tape in the UK. Glad you had good weather on your holidays and wish you'll be back on top form soon! xx

Pamela said...

Both beautiful cards Brenda, pleased you had a good holiday.

Pam x

debby4000 said...

Love your card and canvas, especially love the cut out V.
luv
Debby

Helen said...

welcome home, glad the rest has done some good, and you get much better soon. Great result yesterday in the friendly against Barcelona (we'll gloss over the fact they haven't been back in training for as long as us, 4-0 is 4-0!)

Rainey's Craft Room said...

Two gorgeous cards Brenda, I love the unusual cut out section on the first and your canvas is stunning. So glad to hear that your holiday has had the desired effect of recharging your batteries and improving your health too.
Thanks for the lovely intro on the Challenge blog at PB and for inviting me to guest design.
Lorraine

Sarn said...

Hi Brenda . . . glad you've enjoyed a nice rest and your body has had a chance to recover. FABULOUS card and WONDERFUL canvas which I just know you got inky fingers making, but it's SUCH good fun isn't it?

Cripes, if Miss Di gives YOU detention, I can't think what she'll give me when I eventually return!

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Pen Sunshinepen said...

Lovely to see you back and glad you have had a relaxing time. Love your cards. x

Dora said...

Hello Brenda,
You made two beautiful creations. I like them both!!
Great design on the first and colours.
On the second creation, I like the texure! the colours and using of the elements.
Awesome!

KandA said...

These are both beautiful Brenda, especially love the card... such a fabulous design and lovely fresh colours.
Glad you had a lovely relaxing holiday and you're starting to feel better xx

Eva Olmo said...

Wowwww beautiful cards!

ALI said...

Gorgeous creations, love the design of the first one and the textures on the other.

Gerrie's kaarten said...

Schitterende kaarten Brenda
Groetjes Gerrie

http://cheryl-cherylscreativeatcscards.blogspot.co.uk/ said...

oh these are both gorgeous hun,but my favourite has to be the first one,that is so classy,and lushes,love it to bits,hugs Cherylxxxx

Scrappy Scatty said...

such beautiful cards xx

aussie aNNie said...

Adorable cards B and fab image and colours. {aNNie}

KT Fit Kitty said...

Welcome back, Brenda! I'm so glad you are feeling better - I hope you continue to improve! Both cards are gorgeous! I really love the design of the first card, with the V - so cool! And your second project is just fabulous! Your canvas is full of texture and I absolutely love these colours! The PB flowers remind me of my PB Blush stamp! Enjoy your day!

Tanya said...

Beautiful creations Brenda, they're both stunning! I love the design of the first one, it's very clean and elegant, and there's so many gorgeous details on the second, the colours are fab!

Glad you enjoyed your holiday and got the chance to relax, I really hope you're feeling much better soon too :)

Tanya xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely cards Brenda and I love the style of your first card...and gorgeous flowers and lace of your 2nd card.
pleased to hear you are feeling a little bit better..

Anne

Paper Profusion said...

Quite a simple cut has such a striking impact!! Great design Brenda as always! Welcome back, glad you are seeing some improvement and sending wishes your way for further healing and relief. Take it easy settling back in. Nicola x

Jeni Mc said...

Lovely pair of cards Brenda ,Glad you had a good holiday .Glad you are feeling more like crafting .I love the delicate shades of blue on your 2nd card , The whole card is amazing
jeni x

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous card and design Brenda.
love that project that you have made it looks very beautifully.
Gr Karin

Lorraine said...

Two gorgeous cards Brenda.
Glad to hear you had a relaxing time
Lorraine x

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Hi Brenda, it's lovely to have you back with us here in blog land and I'm really pleased to hear that you've had a relaxing break. Fingers crossed that your arm improves so that you can get back into card making without any pain. I really like the cut out piece on your first card, it frames your stamps beautifully. A superb canvas with great colours and such a beautiful sentiment. Crafty hugs. Sandra X X

Ellibelle said...

Welcome back Brenda! Two beautiful creations, those stamped flowers on the first card are absolutely amazing, I actually thought it was designer paper. Gorgeous design too, I agree pinterest is wonderful for those low mojo days!
Amazing details on the second creation, and really loving the colors you chose.

Di said...

Hi Brenda! Welcome back - Parsnip has cheered up immensely now he has at least one 'partner in crime', he's a happy bear and so am I to see you in the Playground.

I adore both cards, and your snippets one is such a fabulous idea for a design! Spotted right away the sentiment was most likely Inkylicious - they really do make some great ones don't they.

Hoping that your pre-holiday rest in Italy and then your holiday (cruise?) proper have helped to improve things for you. We missed you from the Playground as well as seeing your other makes pop up regularly.

Hugs

Di xx

jackiescrafts said...

We too are just back from holidays, having had a lovely relaxing time. I'm so pleased you had chance to relax and heal and hope and pray it continues so you can get back to the things you enjoy. I live your card and canvas. I hope I can get back to some paper crafting soon but I have lost all inclination to do so since our move earlier this year. I am much more inclined to be sewing or knitting just now especially as we are to become grandparents before the year is over.
Take care
Jackie x

Jan said...

Love these Brenda. 1st ones pretty papers and LO are great xx jAN

Lau W said...

Hello !
I am still not very present. My eyes are not yet healed, internet I miss hihi!
The holiday (at home) are going well, but we very rarely good weather pfff!
your cards are BEAUTIFUL ! So nice sentiment on the first, and the design is original, superb work ! xxx

Fikreta said...

welcome back dear friend!
hope you had wonderful time!
love your first card,that sentiment is amazing.
and other card is very pretty!
Fiki

Stamping Bubbles said...

Welcome home Brenda. I am glad to hear you are healing and nearly back to full strength. Sunshine is an amazing healer.
I love the layout you have used for the top card and Altenew stamps are just fabulous. Pinterest has been my friend recently, a fab place for lots of inspiration. The canvas is gorgeous and must have taken ages. Mixed media is sooo far out of my comfort zone and something I lack the confidence to attempt.
Take care
Lesley

Liz said...

A beautiful card and a canvas. I love the design of the card with the cut out section, so unusual. Your lovely canvas has so much detail - gorgeous.

Glad you had a relaxing time on your holiday and hope your body had lots of rest. xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Welcome back in blogland!! Bentornata!!
Mi dispiace sapere che non sei ancora del tutto guarita, spero che il yuo braccio ritorni a posto prestissimo!!
Hai inaugurato il tuo ritorno con due progetti meravigliosi!!! La card è davvero molto originale, delicata e solare!!! E sono davvero innamorata del tuo canvas!!!! Pinnato!!
https://it.pinterest.com/pin/534802524484077716/
Fantastiche textures e colori!!! Bellissimo pizzo e il sentiment così diviso e in rilievo è uno dei miei preferiti.
Abbracci!!

Sarah said...

Pleased to hear that you had a relaxing holiday. Love the design of your first card and the canvas is gorgeous...the colours of my summer wardrobe!! xx

pinky said...

Lovely to have you back again, safe, sound, rested and hopefully on the road to recovery. I am loving that v cut in the first card, very cool idea and brilliant sentiment stamp with it. The second one is so full of gorgeous texture and such lovely colours too.

crafty-stamper said...

Stunning card Brenda the v-cut aperture looks brilliant -lobve the stamped flowers and great sentiment too
Love all the fabulous texture on your canvas -pleased to hear you had a relaxing holiday and feeling better
Carol x

Robin said...

So glad you're back! I'm happy you were able to get some rest, relaxation and healing. I'm sure all will be back to normal soon. I absolutely love these! The card is so elegant and the canvas is wonderful! I love all the textures and fabric and that sentiment is so perfect! Hugs, Robin

cuilliesocks said...

Welcome back Brenda, and I'm pleased you are rested, I hope your arm begins to ease too.
beautiful card, I love the design and such fresh colours. Your canvas is gorgeous, so much fab texture and beautiful elements to it, Kate x

Sally H said...

Two gorgeous creations, Brenda! I love the design of the first and might have to borrow that idea myself! The second is beautifully inky and I love the texture. Hope you continue to improve health wise. Try ot to over do it now you are home xxx

Gibmiss said...

Hi Brenda
Happy you enjoyed your hol... And continue to feel better... Cards are amazing... Just fabulous
Hugs Sylvie x

Tina Z. said...

Welcome back, Brenda, I'm so glad you are feeling better!
amazing creations, incredible texture on the second one.

Kathleen said...

What a totally and utterly stunning first card, the design is so very different and looks awesome and a fabulous choice of colours.
The second card again gorgeous colours, lovely dies and also looks so fabulous.

Kath x

Crafting Queen said...

Two wonderful creations!So glad you are doing better. Take care.

McCrafty's Cards said...

So nice to have you back with us Brenda, these are both gorgeous
Kevin xx

Dr Sonia S V said...

Welcome back Brenda and so good to hear you are feeling better
I love both your creations...you are soooo talented!!
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Anonymous said...

welcome back brenda! glad to hear you enjoyed some extra relaxation and i hope you continue to heal so you can do what you love to do - create gorgeous cards like these! wow, i love them both but i especially like the texture in the second one.

Marjeta said...

I realy admire your work. Your canvas is gorgeous. Maybe some day I will try something like that. And card?....Beautiful as always.

Marjeta

Greta said...

Glad you had a good holiday, Brenda! I gasped when I saw your card & then I saw the canvas--wowzer! So love your work!

Valerija said...

Two beautiful cards. The 1st one is really special. I love it!
Valerija xx

Nataliascraft said...

Two gorgeous cards, beautiful designs x

Ilonka said...

Such a lovely card. I love it.

Hugs, Ilonka

Marianne said...

Happy to hear you've returned home safely from a relaxing holiday and are feeling a lot better than before. I'm also happy to hear your loved your short visit to Crete.
love both of your creations. Love the colours, texture and dimension on your canvas and the way your sentiment and design of your first card seem to reinforce each other. Your stamped panel looks like a sneak peek into what could be...
Kali evdomada! Have a good week!
Marianne x

Pamellia said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda. Love the blue and yellow palette. :)

BlackLissi said...

I'm glad to hear the rest has done some good. :) Your Card and canvas it's just amazing! Thanks for inspiration! <3

Lia said...

Brenda, both cards are so beautiful. I love the design of the first one...
Lia xx

Linby said...

I've had a couple of hols too so just catching up with your blog and as usual all fab and inspirational. Hope you are back in the swing now. L x

Margreet said...

Both cards are beautiful!
xxx Margreet

Anita said...

Welcome back Brenda :**beautiful cards.
I hope you're feeling much better soon too. Hugs.

MaryH said...

Glad to hear your 'down' time speeded the healing some, and do pray that it will continue. And loving #1 with that cut-out and using the fab Altenew stamps. Also #2 is just grand with all the collaged effect, bright & dimensional flowers. Always love it when you tuck in some sewing products, as I love buttons & lace. So very pretty & feminine on each card. TFS & continue to feel better. Hugs

Merry said...

Sounds like you had an amazing time Brenda and so good to hear that you feel your health has improved. I hope it continues for you. Two amazing cards. I love the the layout of your first card, so eye-catching and just the perfect sentiment. The second is just wonderfully pretty. Take care.

Carole Pollard said...

Hope you had a great holiday These are fabulous but i love that amazing canvas stunning love and hugs Carole x

Lynne K said...

Two stunning designs, Brenda. I really like the design of the first one, and as Sally says I might have to borrow it too! The second one really appeals to me as well, my favourite colours and all that gorgeous texture.

Lynne x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow both are very beautiful, I especially love the second card with all the wonderful textures and layers. I hope you had a wonderful vacation and that you are feeling better. Take good care, Shirleyxx

Barbara Ann said...

Lovely card Brenda and I love your mixed media canvas too. Sorry you've been poorly. Hope you continue to recover.

Karen Petitt said...

Happy to hear you are home safe, sound and well relaxed and I really hope it helps hun as I have missed seeing your projects. You inspire me so much Brenda and I wanted to thank you for that. We're all here and we'll be here if you need longer too - just keep relaxed and looking after yourself very well and hopefully the crafting will follow once your body is a bit more improved. I love that first card, so wonderfully CAS and then the colours and texture on the canvas - that is beautiful! Take care sweet lady xx

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards!! Hope you are feeling better!!

Tinka's paper wonderlland said...

Beautiful cards!!
♥Hugs Valentina♥

susiestacey said...

Gorgeous card and another absolutely stunning canvas. Love the colours and all the details - hope to have a go at something like this in the future x Susan x

Rhonda Miller said...

These are both beautiful. I love the v cut on the top one. I hope you can find some relief soon.

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Both are stunning cards!

Tracy said...

Hi Brenda,
The design on this first card is so inspiring, I love the way you've done it, two gorgeous creations.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Gerrina said...

What a perfect placing of the drops on your first card; so "light"and elegant! But you can imagine that my favo is the 2nd card; great colours and beautiful texures! Hugs, Gerrina

SusanLotus said...

Wonderful canvas!
And many lovely cards sincxe I was here last time.
Didn´t come online much this summer.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs
Sussie