One of the things that I rarely have the opportunity to do these days is "blog hop." With the A Muse fundraiser and Nichole's latest release I took a few minutes out of my day to see what has been happening on the internet. WOW!!! There is SO much inspiration out there - what a wonderful breather it was to see styles so different from mine! One of Nichole Heady's new designers has a very distinctive style. That designer is Melissa Phillips. I am guessing that you all are familiar with her work. Her ability to use layers of different papers and embellishments, while keeping it all in balance is fabulous!
I have been wanting to make Kim's little snowgirl (OK, maybe it's a boy) in felt and the layout and design of Melissa's CPS sketch just yelled out loud to me - I LOVED it! I immediately went and pulled out my papers and ink and just followed her project using it as a template. Well... I have a LONG ways to go when it comes to mastering this shabbylicious style, but that's the point I am trying to make with this post. When there is something out there on the internet that inspires you, use it as a lesson plan. Follow the elements in the design and this will teach you to achieve a similar look. I also want to encourage you to give credit to those from whom you learn and thus the importance of my giving credit to Melissa today. She inspired me to try something I'm not that good at, being I haven't really created that much using so many different elements.
I think I have the paper combo down - that was easy being Dave has done all the work for us in his wonderful new paper packs. As well mixing papers is very reminiscent to mixing fabrics as an interior designer. A quick little rule is to mix a small print, with a repetitive/linear print (such as stripes) and then top it off with a large print or use your stamped image or a sentiment as your focal point. Select papers that coordinate in color. They don't need to be matchy, matchy, but it is helpful if they look good together. Now this is where Melissa seems to be able to pull off a look that is so superior to anything I come up with. She has an uncanny way of combining elements I would have never thought of.
It was the darn sewing that got me at this point - LOL! Can you believe I actually took several sewing classes in college? Yep, you would never know it by this fiasco Ü. I had to Google "Blanket Stitch" and "French Knot" to remember how on earth one did these stitches! Thank goodness for Google! All those years of sewing and crafting certainly came in handy on this project Ü
Be certain to notice that I did try and go for my typical three's though. Yep, the red heart, thread on the button and little arms, bring your eye right to the focal point on this card. Oh vey - I just can't leave all that design stuff out; it just doesn't want to go away - LOL!
So here you have my totally Melissa inspired card. I pulled out some of the neglected yummies hidden away in my drawers and reconstructed her layout, sewing, use of lace, buttons and embroidery thread. Yes, they have all been tucked away in my drawer for far too long and it was soooo much fun to create with them.
I even skewed my picture to acknowledge her wonderful style. I thank you Melissa for bonking me over the head with your delicious style! I have missed the tactile elements that good old fashioned needle and thread bring to our papercrafting projects! When you see me getting in a rut, tell me to go and do a little blog hopping again please Ü!
I hope that this post teaches you to step out of your comfort zone... just do it girls!
