Finally, I am back. I realised it is exactly 2 months since I last posted. I didn't take part in the April card chain challenge. It was the first month I had missed since I started playing back in 2018. Life just got too much for a little while and I had to take a break, but things have settled down now so I hope to be around blogland a little more, but maybe not quite as much as I used to be.
Today is the 2nd of the month so time for the Card Chain Challenge big reveal. This month 24 card makers took part and I sent my card to Daja in Germany.
This time I decided that I would like to used one of my neglected Spellbinders Pressplates. This one is called 'a friend like you bouquet', which I thought was perfect for the themes of floral and friendship.
As this is quite a large plate I have made a 7x5 inch card. I pressed the plate onto watercolour paper using brilliance pearlescent olive ink. The 2 sentiment plates are from the same set and I used brilliance rocket red gold ink. The small sentiment reads happiness is having a friend like you. It is quite small and unfortunately a little hard to read, but I decided to go with it anyway.
I splattered the panel with some gold watercolour paint and then coloured the image with coloured pencils. I quite like the soft look on the textured paper. I finished it off with a piece of real ribbon and a few rose gold gems. I managed to get an image on the insert by taking the paper to the plate and rubbing it firmly to transfer the ink. I didn't want a deep impression on the insert. It worked reasonably well. I splattered the insert with the gold paint too. Just for once the post worked really well. I posted it on the 9th of May and Daja, who is in Germany got it on the 12th.
I was very lucky to receive this gorgeous card from Tina in Slovenia. It's a beauty, thanks Tina, and for the little extras you enclosed.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it.
Yay! You're back!! And with a blast! Love the big card - the florals look really lovely, Hilary. The ribbon looks charming and perfect as well! Wonderful card!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am amazed at the speed of postal delivery - wow!!
Hilary what a lovely card for your reentry to blogland. Its beautifully delicate and brings a smile.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you back Hilary you have been missed and hope you are okay. Absolutely beautiful card and floral image, love the delicate colours and gold splatters. Beautiful card from Tina too.
ReplyDeleteCarol x
Beautiful Spring inspiration Hilary.
ReplyDeleteB x
Your card is really lovely Hilary. Its a beautiful plate and your colour choises are so pretty and delicate
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you posting Hilary! I have this beautiful Better Press foral as well - I love the soft colors you used on it, the sweet added ribbon, splatter and gems! Julia xx
ReplyDeleteBack with an absolute beauty Hilary, this is just lovely! It’s great to see you and to hear that things are a bit calmer, I hope they stay that way and you get some crafty time for yourself. I love how delicate and soft this card is, you’ve got a beautiful effect with the olive ink and press plate with the pencil colouring.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful card! I love how you colored the flowers!
ReplyDeleteHow soft and lovely.
ReplyDeleteGlad, you are back un the chain Hilary. Your card is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteImke
https://mycraftyplace.wordpress.com/
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteIk weet niet of het automatisch vertaald wordt naar het Engels als ik nu in het Nederlands schrijf. Fijn dat je er weer bent. Ik hoop dat het goed met je gaat. En dat er geen nare dingen zijn gebeurd.
Soms is een pauze even heel goed.
Je kaart is prachtig. De bloemen, maar zeker de tekst.
De kaart die je kreeg van Tina is ook heel mooi!
Dank je wel dat je mijn nieuwe blog bent gaan volgen. Ik waardeer je bezoekjes enorm.
This is gorgeous Hilary, love the sentiment too. Beautiful details and colours. x
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a beautiful stamp design, and you have colored and showcased it magnificently. The fact that you embossed the motif makes it look particularly elegant.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Currently, my posts are not appearing in the Reading List on the dashboard. Blogger is having a problem again, and I hope it gets resolved soon.
Good to see you back and with a stunner of a card too. It's so beautiful. I thought of you when I took the pic of the succulents the other day - it's on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite pressplates and I love how you've foiled and colored it, Hilary! What a treat for Daja!
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo - glad you're back after your break, Hilary! Hope things have settled down! Love your pressed flower bouquet so pretty!! Looking forward to a card from you in June!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this card is exquisite Hilary - love the image and how beautifully you have coloured it.
ReplyDeleteYes, life can become rather overwhelming at times - when that happens I tend to say something has to 'give', and it's not going to be me in the middle! I do trust things are calmer now
Blessings
Maxine
Hi Hilary
ReplyDeleteYour card is so pretty, I love the bouquet very much and the soft tones. A great card to receive too.
Great to see you back in blogland again.
Love and hugs
Jules xoxo
Happy you're back, Hilary! I was hoping you were OK and just busy with life. Your card for Daja is so beautiful! I love the image and your coloring is wonderful! Fun to see someone else who likes the Brilliance inks.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are back.
ReplyDeleteSuch s stunning card, wow.
I am happy my card arrived on time.
Crafty hugs xx
Hello Hilary,
ReplyDeletei love your card, she is so wonderful. Thanks for the bautiful card.
Hugs BAstelfeti