Aug 23
Hello! I’ve been quiet on the blogging front in the past couple of weeks and I decided that’s how it’s going to stay for the time being. While I’m be no means abandoning my passion for paper crafting, blogging is what needs to be put on a backburner. See, it’s just so much work I can’t justify doing so often any more. I think at least half of my blog visitors have blogs themselves so you know what I mean. Perhaps it’s easier, quicker for some people but for me making a card + putting it up on the blog is half a day’s worth.
So I’m going to downsize to an extent I’m comfortable with. I’m still aiming at posting several times a month but nothing like what you got used to in the last years. My family, my own choices and my comfort should always come first. I found myself trying to deliver for every reader of mine, any request put before me, etc. While I value your keen interest and it’s humbling to know that you want more from me, it’s easy to forget that this blog is for my own enjoyment, for ME. And I should be there for my kiddos and my husband first, and not at the desk typing away every day.
Thanks for understanding!
That being said, I hinted on Instagram a few days ago that I’m reviving a neglected feature on my blog with a new installment, and it’s Design Infused!
The reason I left it unloved for so long was that I foolishly thought I’d spin it off as a video feature. Nope. NADA. Me and videos just don’t go together, sorry folks. Not now. It’s SO much work that it makes my head spin just thinking about it… I honestly don’t know how the others do it, sharing a new video every other day and then still claiming to have a life, but maybe I’m just especially challenged by this particular medium.
So if you will forgive me for reverting back to the old scheme of things, here’s today’s inspiration and my spin on it.
What is Design Infused series about?
I take a design piece that inspires me (be it stationery, clothing, packaging, etc.), and translate it into a custom paper-craft design, using predominantly stamps and ink. I take great joy in letting what I see around, influence my designs, and I want to show you how easy it is. I collect the inspiration in my Pinterest board especially created for this purpose, and pick a piece from the lot for each installment of this feature.
Here’s a better view of the inspiration, a watercolour poster from Wildfield Paper Co. (see it HERE). I’ve seen cards with floral design arranged around the central sentiment many times before, and don’t ask me why I waited this long to recreate one myself… Once I saw that poster I knew this is the one to kick start my mojo.
I reached for one of my very favourites of this year, a Summer Garden stamp set by Mama Elephant / Simon Says Stamp. I needed a line art design that I could filled with watercolour, one that is freehand, whimsical and charming. I was also looking for a stamp that would remind me of the purple leaves in the poster which I’m especially fond of, plus of course a great script font, and that one set ticked all the boxes.
I started by choosing the perfect spot for the sentiment, and so I stamped it first. Then I chose a semi-light brown of Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to arrange the flowers and leaves around the card.
When working on creating a larger scene with smaller stamps, start from the largest designs (placing them at strategic places) and then add the fillers.
I watercoloured the scene with Derwent Inktense pencils and an aquabrush (water pen). I know I said it before, they’re pretty incredible. They may not give you the smoothness of paint but their blending abilities are superb, they’re so easy to use and they come in fantastic colours.
I added white accents to the leaves and flowers, with Copic Opaque White Brush Applicator. This stuff is gold! Although it’s best to stick to straight-ish lines when using the applicator - you can see a messy job in places where I was trying to create dots or dabs rather than strokes 😛
I hope it tickles 🙂
This is stunning. Great inspiration, and a gorgeous interpretation. Your colouring is delicious…
And I am totally with you on the video thing… takes me about 5 hours to create and edit a video. Life is too short to do that every other day!! I am really not sure how others do it!! I find thew hole thing a painful process.
And it’s so easy to get caught up worrying about keeping up a blog. I’ve done the same so many times. And then it becomes stressful, and just another chore. I totally hear you. 🙂 Enjoy family time. I will look out for and savour your posts as and when they come. 🙂
Lucy, I’m so happy to have received this comment, coming from an artist I admire and another momma to a small kid. Thank you!
I love seeing what you make but I do also understand why blogging it takes up so much of your time. I don’t have a blog because I didn’t want to become a slave to it. I put all my stuff on my Flickr account and people still come and visit. Also I have peaks and troughs of creativity and knew that not blogging in periods of creative drought would nag at me and make me miserable. Like you, I create stuff to please myself. If it also pleases others, then that is a bonus, but not my raison d’etre! Like Lucy, I will enjoy your posts as and when they arrive! Beautiful card by the way!
Stunning card - you make it look so easy! Glad to see you looking after yourself and your family! I’m sure I would never have achieved half as much as you when my kids were young. It’s so important for for you to work out the right balance for you!
Fabulous card! Blogging can be demanding so just do what feels right for you, Jo x
Beautiful!!
Good for you for making the decision to balance everything in your life. Blogging does take a huge amount of time!
This feature is one of my favorites…love seeing how you were inspired and the step by step process. Your card is absolutely AMAZING.
A stunning card, Chupa! Love this design and you have further tempted me to get a stamp set that I have been looking at for ages 🙂 Wonderful colouring with the inktense pencils too! I totally respect your decision to pull back on the blogging - it can be time consuming and you need to be enjoying this time with your lovely little ones.
Breath-taking card today! This too is my most FAVORITE feature of you blog.
I completely understand your struggle between blogging and mothering. You have chosen wisely…go with your gut feelings.. NEVER give up your creativity though.. Allow the kiddos to see you create, get messy with them, enjoy that finger painting and scribbling! Blogging can be for later …after-hours…when they are grown.. In a blink they will be ready to fly! You will not regret time spent with them:) but a post will be forgotten.
Hugs.
I love flowers and yours look so natural. What a beautiful card, thank you for sharing!
Amazing as usual! I wish I could be so creative and inspiring as you! I will dearly miss your posts, you are one of my most favourite card artists out there. Glad you found what was bothering you and you are taking care of it, fun and joy should always come first to demands 🙂
Hugs from Bulgaria!
You nailed this design up to and including those precious purple leaves. Incredible coloring, it’s stunning. Anyone who has ever posted on a blog knows the toll it takes on family life. Everyone, I’m sure, will understand your decision. You and your family come first. Period.
Wow, this is wonderful and so gorgeous.
Your creation is delightful as well as beautiful!
Sandy xx
So beautiful card!!! I wish you would do a video anytime showing how you get such wonderful results with your inktensse. I love it!!! 🙂
eva
Hahaha! Sorry, you’re right, I didn’t read all your post and the part where you talk about videos, it’s sad but I undersand it; and, anyway, I still love your art. Thanks for answering my comment! 🙂
eva
Beautiful card. So glad you shared your tough decision with us today. I think that our hobby is one filled with much joy but when it takes over our life and affects our family life then we need to step back and re-evaluate. I am glad you have made this decision for your family..no matter what Family is the most important facet of our lives!
I love all of your work, but “Design Infused” Is by far my favorite. Love what you created, awesome coloring. And I support your decision 100%, family comes first in my book too. TFS
Thanks Iwona for sharing another beauty with us! I do understand how it is like to juggle among a million things. My selfish self really wants more from you but honestly I hope the best for you so you’ll still enjoy paper-crafting, blogging and sharing with us. After all, it must be FUN for you. I will continue to follow you and check in here to see postings, and if time allows, play your older Sketchbook Saturday challenges (told you I understand about juggling!). I must also thank your family for letting us steal you away for so long. Please send my warmest wishes to your husband and your kiddos!
Absolutely stunning card. Your watercolouring is amazing. I definitely understand about finding time for blogging and I’m absolutely in awe of those bloggers who create videos on a regular basis. I’m definitely going to miss your wonderful creations, but the whole experience should be fun and not take you away from your family. Are you going to keep CASE Study going?
Of course I am! Thanks, Linda!
I’m so glad you are searching for and finding balance, Chupa. Yes, your family comes first! Blogging and making videos can be a full time job, that is for sure!
Prayers for you, my friend.
xoxox, CP
I’m so glad you are searching for and finding balance, Chupa. Yes, your family comes first! Blogging and making videos can be a full time job, that is for sure!
Prayers for you, my friend.
xoxox, CP
Oh, how I can totally understand what you mean about blogging! I have cut back myself some, too. And I’m happy that your taking time for yourself, family, and whatever else you feel the need for. 🙂 I will certainly, keep an eye out for your posts and be sure to leave some love. 😉 Your card is simply, beautiful!!! Love the colors! Take care!
Such a gorgeous card, Chupa! You inspire me♥
Wow, just wow. Breathtaking. You have such an eye for detail. Absolutely love the card. Props to you for acknowledging the importance of remaining centred & balanced. Your design skills are a gift & any way you choose to share them with the world is also a gift, nothing should shadow the joy of creativity coupled with the joys of family. Lots of love xx
Gorgeous card, Iwona. I recently bought a box of inktense pencils and I love the bright colours. I totally understand you need to put your priorities straight. I have a few cards that have not been posted on my blog because I simply did not have the time or energy to write a post. I don’t understand how so many people can post almost every day.
You card is simply stunning and thank you for explaining all the design elements that went into it. I’m a long time follower of your blog, and I just wanted to thank you for all that I’ve learned from your posts. I’m not the greatest card maker, but I’ve been able to increase my skills by visiting your site. I’ll savor every future posting - family does come first as do you.
Your cards are just gorgeous. You are really talented. While we all love to see your cards, we do respect your choices and will just looking forward to seeing your cards whenever you are able to post. I also have a toddler to take care of so I perfectly understand how hard is to cooperate card making/blogging and daily chores.
Forgot to mention that I really like the design infused series and I learn a lot! Thank you for sharing!
You did a fantastic job with your card, it looks amazing!
When it comes to blogging I agree with you: family and real life first:)
This is beautiful! Enjoy your family time - you deserve it!
You cards are such an inspiration and I always look forward to a new post. But children grow up quickly and time is precious so you need to do what is most important to you.
I think this may be my first visit to your blog and I just needed to tell you how beautiful your card is. Life really is about balance. Sounds like you are finding yours!
What a great feature! Love this idea and I love how you turned that gorgeous inspiration piece into an equally gorgeous card!