As I type this the thermometer is struggling to climb above the single digits and a light snow is blanketing the earth. Naturally my thoughts turned to a steamy cup o' joe when I sat down to create a card for this week's challenge at CASology :
I pulled out a really old stamp from DRS Designs (dated 2003!) and a fun sentiment from a My Favorite Things clear set called Hot Stuff:
While this is a simple image it is a bit on the larger side so I decided to follow the advice of one of the CASology DT members Rosemary and spotlight only part of it. Pulling out some colors from the fun pp on the base card I used some distress markers to color in the coffee can and cups. I decided to add the bright yellow "rug" so the table and chairs wouldn't look like they were floating- after die cutting an oval using Cricut George and Basic Shapes cart I used the negative space as a mask and sponged on some squeezed lemonade distress ink. Hard to see in the pic but I also added some glossy accents to the inside of the coffee cups to give more of an appearance of liquid:)
Other Supplies Used: Papertrey ink white cs, Stampin' Up chocolate chip ink, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neopolitan pp, W R Memory Keepers corner rounder, baker's twine
I got a little nostalgic while putting ink to paper. All of the elements that went into making this card represent glorious day trips spent with my stampin' sis Denise. The older DRS Designs image came from a trip made to an independent stamping store in Horseheads, NY which sadly had to close its doors not soon after the economic downturn of 2008. And the pp is from a recent trip to another independent store in Bridgeport, NY whose owner just had to make the painful decision to close its doors for good at the end of next month. And the baker's twine? From yet another trip to a wonderful independent store in Buffalo, NY called Buffalo Stamps & Stuff that so far remains open.
Now don't get me wrong - I loooooove my internet shopping sites! It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet and brick and mortar stores just don't have the space or resources to carry all the "stuff" you can find at these sites. But there's nothing that can replace a day spent with a friend who gets as gaga as you do over ink and stamps and paper and who likes to start that day over a cup of coffee:)
Thanks for stopping by and for letting me "venti" :)
16 comments:
fabulous card, robin!! i love how you spotlighted just portions of the image.. it really makes the whole image just pop! i get what you are saying about "brick & mortar" stores. just yesterday i made the trip to a favorite of mine, impress. thankfully they are going strong, but so many aren't... it is so sad because there is just something so satisfying about exploring your favorite stamp/craft store... especially with a friend!
Sigh. I'd love to have coffee with you at that exact table!
You are so right Robin! Now you are making me miss my dearest Lisa in Houston! We would have a nice Chai tea! I love this card and the fact that I have never seen this stamp before makes it even more beautiful!
I am totally afraid of using large images so I am in awe of how you made this one work so well! I'm filing away your technique for future reference! Thanks for joining in on the fun at CASology this week!
I've never seen this stamp either, Robin - you've totally made it work for this challenge! We have one store left in my area and I love going there. I usually run into several of my longtime stamping friends when I go. Can't get that online!
Love how you grounded the image with that yellow 'rug' - very clever - love also the warm pops of colour! Thanks so much for playing along with CASology this week!
Beautiful card, Robin! I love the older stamps used in new ways.
There is something so special about going to your favorite little crafting store and knowing everyone there (think Norm at the Cheers bar). Stamp Fever in Orange continues to build a following by being a place to shop for unique items, take a class and just visit.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I totally agree, Robin! It's so special to be able to head to a local stamp store and actually HOLD the products in your hand before buying. And doing that with a friend is the BEST!
Love your fun card! Fab image and so clever to add the "rug!"
warm and cozy card, Robin! Love coffee with friends....and then add in a brick and mortar stamp store - HEAVEN! That oval you added under the table and chairs is perfect!
That little cafe table is so sweet, love your card. Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at CASology!
You are so creative, Robin--this is wonderful! Wish I was in one of those chairs across from you! I feel like you--internet shopping is just not the same. I've lost several craft stores with stamping supplies & 2 stamp stores over the last few years. Now the last stamp store near me is closing--makes me sad. Stay warm, my friend!
Your card is fabulous, Robin! I love the striped paper you used and the way you highlighted the cups and can. The rounded corners are the perfect finishing touch. Thanks for playing along with CASology this week!
We have no brick and mortar craft stores here and I love the convenience of internet shopping. However, on a recent trip to Chicago I went to 3 craft stores and loved being able to touch the projects and flip through paper pads. Nothing really beats that!
Robin, I love this post...the card and the dialogue. Your card, first of all, is so sweet...perfect highlighting of parts of the image! So true about the craft stores closing down, it is so sad. Hopefully the economy will turn so that those that are still open can remain running strong...we need to support small businesses and local shops!
first of all....wonderful card Robin. I love every bit of it...just perfection to add that rug! And I know what you mean about the stores.....All of the ones have closed by me with the last one closing just before Christmas. I loved going there with a cup of coffee and sitting and gabbing with the owners about all the lovely products and techniques available.
What a lovely scene you've created, Robin. I can smell that coffee. Love the "grounding' the "rug" provides. As for your comments, I so agree. I miss my local store - it was such a "girl's club". A place to go for connecting, even when I didn't need to buy. The center of so many great memories. Internet isn't the same, especially for us "tactile" folks. Thanks for sharing.
Robin, move to Staten Island and we will shop together! None of my friends are into stamping...they are so boring! :) Unfortunately, I only have Michaels and AC More. On second thought...I'll come live by you. Your stores sound more quaint.
BTW...I love your sweet card!
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