Out of the comfort zone....

.....Into the fire! Thats how this weeks dare felt at first glance. Which is worrying really seeing as it was my turn to set it.

I looked at my cards a while ago and thought how similar they all were. White square cards, double matted embellishments etc. This quite worried me so I set out to look at other techniques and styles which i was missing. I decided to take the rest of the design team, and you guys, on this journey with me. So i am daring you to step outside your comfort zone and try a technique thats new to you, or that you havent done for ages.

As I was doing this card, it reminded me of my early card making days. You know the ones where everything fitted in one box and it was a hobby rather than a lifestyle choice lol! Now I have more stash than I could possibly ever use and literally breathe crafting. The dare also stirred up some bizzare emotions. To start with I was frustrated and worried that I couldnt do what I was used to, then annoyance when the ideas wouldnt come, then pride when finally I finished it and it didnt look anything like my normal ones. If you join in please let me know how you felt along this new path too.

now to the card .....

Decoupage Friends

Decoupage is something I dont do for a few reasons, firstly cutting them out makes my hands hurt (as you know I have MS so detail work can be a bit painful), secondly I rarely find designs I like and thirdly, I just dont have the patience for it. But looking through the designs in my local craft shop I was taken by the simplicity of the Paper Nation range of papers, as well as the simple decoupage designs, they also do matching background paper.

I chose the crafters one as I liked the idea of the two friends (the sheet also had scissors, cups of tea and paper round the edge but I didnt use them). it was a very basic card this week so all I did was carefully (yep and painfully!) cut out the designs and reassemble according to the numbers on the sheet. Then I mounted it on a patterned card blank by PaperMania. They are so handy just for sticking a simple topper on for a quick card. The colours are yummy too.

So there you go, a quick and simple card this week, but one that definately took me away from my comfort zone. I enjoyed it and like the end result but I dont think decoupage is something I really have the skill (or Patience) for.

Thank you everyone too for their congratulations on my engagement news. The planning is in full flow for what is looking likely to be a September wedding so will keep you updated with all the goss!

Till next time doodle doo!