Harbour Scenes

Just two new cards to show you today:

I saw this design in Cardmaking and Papercraft a while ago, but knew it was only a matter of time before I caved in and bought the stamps (because I subconsciously bought the red and blue backing card before I even realised what I was doing!) It took quite a while to make, as there is lots of lining up to do, especially where you see the harbour wall going down the steps, and continuing with the fencing. I probably spent an hour practising with the stamps, (using the masking technique) and a couple of days experimenting with water colour pencils and Promarkers. I opted for Promarkers in the end, especially as they don't wrinkle the card and using the chisel end of my pastel blue pen worked really well for the sky. Everything you see here is included in the set of (Hero Arts) stamps, including the seagulls and the waves.

Again I've used Promarkers here, except for the boat where I have used watercolour pencils.

Having read Mimi and Tilly's crucial post recently, where she asks if being more creative has changed her life, I can only say that in my case it's certainly true. I was totally condemned for being hopeless at art at school and obviously didn't take it for 'O' Level. I can't draw or paint, so I would have to say, "Fair comment," but that doesn't mean you can't be creative, does it? I am finding card making opening up a side to me that I didn't know existed, and I am loving it.

I wouldn't say I am a particularly logical person, or very practical, and I've always buried my creative side. Through card making I am taking a lid off a box I thought was very firmly closed, and I'm finding it very liberating.

I liked looking at these cards on my desk and was sad to package them up and put them in the For Sale box, so I am thinking of using this set of stamps to make little pictures that I will frame, then I can look at them whenever I like, can't I?
I have finally made a card for Daughter 1, but she likes to pop in here from time to time, so I can't show you until the end of the month.

There has been a development on the card-making front. I was showing Pongo and Missis some of what I've made recently. Pongo said his mum makes cards, too. She paints water colours of flowers which she makes into cards to sell. He has obviously mentioned to her that I make cards because she rang me on Monday to ask me about mine, and I am taking some over to show her tonight. I don't know why this makes me nervous, but it does. I definitely do not want to go into business with someone, and have to make certain cards, and specific quantities on demand, otherwise my burgeoning creative confidence will scuttle straight back into its hiding place. I'll keep you posted.