Hello everyone, I apologize right off the bat, cause this card is a tale of 3 challenges...it could be long (but well within our time limit on the VSN)!
First off, this card is entered in VSN's Mother Russia. Understand Blue is the hostess. Lydia gave us some fabulous insight into Russian art including this Faberge egg. I've been mulling over what I would do all week long. I mean talk about deluxe!
Now about the second challenge, yesterday, I was fortunate to meet our tessaduck for coffee at a favorite spot. We brought show and tell, laughed and hugged, and then went shopping. I spied a new paper group from Authentique that had lots of blues in it. Well, Brenda noticed there were two of the pads...and hence the challenge between ourselves was born...let's create a Mother Russia card for Understand Blue from the same papers...won't that be fun? Well...before all the creating could happen, I had to introduce Brenda to a new treasure trove, called MECCA...now I know what you're thinking...the December VSN theme is 'around the world in 80 Days' and MECCA is in Saudi Arabia...but not so fast, right here in middle of the Pacific Northwest we have our very own "Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts"...Brenda scored big time with a stamp she used in the challenge. I found 2 pieces of fab deep blue glittered paper and 6 baroque buttons (that weigh a quarter of a pound) for $1. Thinking all the time about the fancy Faberge egg.
So I am coming to challenge number 3...the IC524 Buttons. Audrie has invited us to be inspired by peeps321's Pinterest board. You must check out all the beautiful, unusual, handmade, and vintage buttons on Polly's board. Any one of them is inspiring in itself. But it was the Gold ones with lots of detail pressed into them that caught my eye.
My card is really simple...I stamped on the Authentique dark blue solid paper and embossed with the Super Fine Gold. I used micro mini beads in two shades for the wing. The German foil in bright blue has a shell pattern that I used flat on the bottom and turned the corner with a mitre on the top. The very top of the dark blue mat is stenciled with gold and a blue tinsel glitter. Now my use of the 'Original' paper is under the angel. I cheated just a wee bit by making a mat of the front which shows all the different patterns. That way I could work in 10 of the 12 papers (like I said, maybe a wee bit of cheating???) With the ornateness of the Faberge Egg, it seemed like the one to use. Shalom in Majestic Blue is inked on the side.
Sorry for being so long...but this card has history! Thanks for reading.
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2015 GMT Views: 1341
Favorited:3
Registered: March 31, 2008 Location: Eastlake, OH Posts: 22598
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 2:22 PM
This one is so elegant, Susan and I just love the splash of Royal blue you added! What a beautiful job you did embossing that large stamp so perfectly! The effect is wonderful! I also enjoyed reading your descriptions.
Registered: December 16, 2008 Location: Woodinville, Washington Posts: 11566
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 2:24 PM
There is nothing better than a beautiful card, except well, a beautiful card with a great story! ;) You go girl-you nailed it on both counts! Love every part of your story, and the card - well that's simply...
Registered: October 19, 2007 Location: Packer Country, WI Posts: 71971
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 2:45 PM
Thanks for sharing the history behind this brilliant card. Sounds like good memories were made with Brenda.....the best kind. Back to this amazing card....love the gold and blue, yes all the intricate details remind me of the Faberge eggs. The gold button is beautiful. Fav'd tfs
Registered: June 22, 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 126405
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 4:01 PM
wow Susan...this is so rich and luscious and stunning...
You are so lucky to have met up with Brenda and had a shopping day! I think that is just wonderful. None of my friends here are stampers or crafters so I am a little jealous when I read about stamping friends shopping together.
Registered: August 15, 2007 Location: Twin Cities MN Posts: 50468
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 4:07 PM
WOW Museum piece!! We have a Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis (I've been there)..this would fit right in. I love it all..that fabulous baroque button, the German scrap, the microbeads,... And your description. Have I mentioned that I am so enjoying all your cards...so glad you are back in the gallery ;)
Registered: July 17, 2005 Location: Staying inky in eastern Connecticut Posts: 79205
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 4:14 PM
what a fabulous thing to meet a fellow SCSer.....I have been lucky to do that too....and it is the BEST.......and your card....well, you know I love your artsy pieces....always unique and fabulous....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Registered: February 26, 2007 Location: On SCS Posts: 36622
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 5:18 PM
This is so stunning! I would never guess it was easy...but who cares? LOL
Thanks for sharing your fun story about your own mecca, and meeting up with Brenda. So much fun!
------------------------------ Kim in Illinois, Dirty Dozen Alum, QFTD#207, FS798, VSN Moderator "Famous Last Words" Spring Virtual Stamp Night, April 19 & 20
Registered: January 26, 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 78815
Sat, Dec 19, 2015 @ 5:28 PM
Susan,
This is so gorgeous and I love the story behind it! Wow, that was so nice that you got to meet Brenda! Will there be more challenges between you two since you got the same paper PACK???