Monday, March 30, 2009

Tropical Delight?

This is the card I made for the March Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards swap, hosted this month by Jeanette (ForestRanger). The theme was travel and vacation, and while I was going to do some old-world looking European kind of card, I really wanted to use my new Rileys and honestly, I can't think of a better place to go than somewhere tropical.


All the cardstock colors were based on the slightly tropical DP. It really is tropical when you're looking at the whole sheet, but the small pieces don't do it justice. The card base is Old Olive, and the background layer of Pumpkin Pie is stamped with a hibiscus flower stamp in PP.


I colored Riley using my Prismas, and I cut out the tops of the palms from Old Olive for a little more effect. That piece is layered on an Old Olive oval Nestie, then secured with orange brads. Finally, I added orange dots to that mat and to the card base.



So, what do you think? While I like the combination of colors, I am not happy with this at all, especially since it is going to The Sisterhood gals.

This card is not supposed to look like this and could have been so much better. I started out using a sketch challenge layout, but I cut the background DP pieces too small and they would have been completely hidden behind the 3 blue-matted DP rectangles (yep, there were supposed to be 3). Well, that caused me to rethink the whole layout. And of course, once again, I was making this under the wire of the deadline, so I had to work with what I had on hand.

And my Riley coloring just stinks. I think I am going to bite the bullet and start investing in Copics. Yeah, they're expensive at the outset, but they are refillable -- and that's the justification I'm using for the cost!


*sigh* I just hope that whoever receives these likes them.


Hope you all have a fun day stamping, scrapping, or doing whatever makes you happy! Thanks for stopping by!


Happy Creating!
Susan

12 comments:

Sandra MacLean said...

You're WAY too hard on yourself Susan! This is adorable and suits the theme to a T! I love the tropical colors and how you cut out the palm tree leaves. At least wait to see if you win that copic blog candy before you invest in some, ok? Wouldn't THAT be nice!? :D

kadie said...

Oh, I totally want to go THERE!! This card is so fun and well done!! I love it!

Catherine said...

Ditto! My first reaction to seeing these pics was, "Awww! Look at cute lil Riley chillin' on his hammock!" And I was looking at all the pretty colors you used, and then, wham-o! The criticism! I mean, I KWYM about having a certain idea in mind and it not turning out exactly as you envisioned (happens to me *all* the time!), but this is a super cute card! You should be proud of yourself!
I hear ya on wanting to "wow" when it's a STC swap - I feel the same - and yet I think those have been my worst cards so far (and my March will be no exception). I think we're both putting too much pressure on ourselves. We need to kick back, relax, and stamp. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

Anonymous said...

I think this card is super and I would be proud to be a recipient!! I love all the dimension and the colors. Makes me long to put out my hammock again!

~Paola~ said...

I LOVEEE this cars Sus...and quit being so hard on yourself!...this card is AWESOME and I would absolutly loveee to receive it!
PS I just bought a new hammock in PV...gotta do like your Riley once we get some serious sun here!LOL
Paola

~Paola~ said...

humm card with a final D not S...ooops!duh me! :o(

specialcraftmom4 said...

What a Cute card! I love Riley (:

Mary Giles said...

My you have been busy! I am amazed at how many gorgeous creations you have been spitting out. Now I really need to catch up and leave you some serious lovin'! Susan I love this layout and the colors. I know brights are not your thing, but dang...these are just so perfect together and the detialing...wow! Pat yourself on the back for such a wonderful job.

Lorie said...

Now, Mr. Riley looks like he's got it made in the shade there, doesn't he? You did a fabulous job on this Susan! It's beautiful!!!

Unknown said...

What a cute card. I love the layout.
I love the image. I just love this
card:)

MiamiKel said...

What a fun card! I think you captured it beautifully!!

Anonymous said...

I am soooo stealing this idea. (just so you are warned). I love the layout. It's so perfect for this image!