Thursday, March 01, 2007

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!

14 comments:

Pearl said...

Wow Tracie this is adorable ! the friends images ! I do hear you about not having enuff patiece with doing decoupage work on cards ! lol

Rhi said...

This is lovely Tracie, great choice of design and a really cute card. i think I feel the same way about quilling now as you do about decoupage though!

Thanks for a great dare
Rhi x

Lythan said...

Your card is so fresh and funky! It is amazing how quickly stash builds up isn't it? This has been a really god dare

Andrea C (Frog) said...

Great decoupage card Tracie, i try to do a little now and again but some are soo fiddly.

Andrea xx

Kathy said...

Thanks for a devilish dare Tracie - this one really made me move away from my favourite bits and bobs.

Your decoupage picture is so cute, a real bestest-friends sort of feel.
I'm useles at accurate cutting out, so decoupage is def not for me!

Lisa said...

Most things are out of my comfort zome pmsl - so prepare for anything!!!

(7 months!!! OMG that's not long!!)

Lisa
x

Saffa said...

Such a cute card Tracie! I am not a fan of decoupage either so I know where you are coming form!
..by the way can we return to our comfort zones now?

Well done1
xxSaffa

Sheila said...

I must admit I do like the Papernation images and this one is lovely Tracie.
Thanks for the great dare......even though I ended up doing teabag folding..lol!!!

Paula J Atkinson said...

Great card.
I know what you mean, the cutting makes my hands go numb but I hand cut all my titles for my scrap LO's & it is worth the pain!!

Jo said...

Fab card, I deceided that I really didn't have the patience to do a decoupage card but I think that tea bag folding was just as bad lol. Thank you for a great dare, definately retreating back into my comfort zone though now lol

jo xx

Esther said...

Like the use of that flower card- I;ve got them to! they are fun to work with. Also stopping by to let you know about my Goodies up for grabs prize draw, really easy all you have to do is complete a sentance, come along nd join the fun :)
www.starcreations.blogspot.com

Gillian said...

Thankyou Tracie.. it was a brilliant DARE!!!.. and I'm glad we did it...
Love your card hun.. it's a gorgeous image, I don't know this brand but will be on the lookout for them now.. hope next time you can do something more relaxing for your poor hands :o)

Kathy said...

This is your midweek blog update reminder, Tracie!

Keryn Campbell said...

Isn't it funny how it's always our own dare that's the most scarey. Decoupage is something I have never tried. Still not sure I could do as good a job as you though.