Saturday, January 26, 2013

The Ascent

 
 
I knew I wanted to do the Less is More challenge with a strip in the bottom third of the card only. 
I knew that I wanted a flowing watercolor image.
 (thanks to the lovely inspiration from this artist's blog): Bits and Pieces
 
What was strange today is that during my boy's Karate class, I wandered over to the artist shop as I thought I needed masking fluid to do a watercolor card.  My husband went and met his best friend for lunch.
I then wandered over to the local Children's Hospital thrift shop.  Of course I look at the art and stamp supplies.  A lonely stamp caught my eye. A Stampin Up! Sympathy stamp.
I thought, I don't have any like this. I held it. I thought again.. I really do not handle loss well. 
I hope I never use this..and I slowly went to put it back..  my hand hesitated, and I lost focus, as I looked at the shelf above where I was going to put it back..having one of those half second moments where you go to do something and in an instant forget exactly what it was. 
I snap back and realize I am still holding it.
I bought it.
 
Karate goes very well and we head home.  My husband returns home looking a little white and strange.  He proceeds to tell me that his best friend's wife's mother just passed away.
I could not believe it.  I go pale.
 
This card was immediately made for her.
So appropriate to send her something I have made from my heart.  She is the wonderful card maker that started our monthly card club and inspires me to continue to create, for the sake of creating and the love of art.
 
 

Close up:  Watercolor and stamping over clear embossing.
 
 


 
This is actually getting mailed out for a dear friend.


 
The Challenge is:
It's simplicity itself, so to add a little constraint, the card stays in this orientation ie that the band remains in the horizontal plane, in the lower part of the card and that it takes up no more than 1/3rd of the height of the cardbase.
 
 



Supplies:
Watercolor blank notecards and envelope
Pentel Aquash Aquabrush
Lumin Arte Watercolor Twinkling H2o's: Sky Blue, Ocean Wave, Bougainvillea
Stamps: Tim Holtz Artist Visionary Collection
Sentiment: Stampin Up!
Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Wisteria
 
Sharon said...

What a beautiful card & the story behind it is so powerful! Thankyou for visiting my blog. Stamping Up don't do a hexagon punch I have embossed the paper & cut out the hexagons.
Sharon xx

Kathyk said...

One of those strange coincidences, however, your beautiful card should comfort the family at this time.

Kathyk

Susan said...

Making a sympathy card is not my favorite kind of card to make...and I'm so sorry that you needed one, but it is a beautiful card and I'm sure the recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness. I love the swirly watercolor effect!

Rosemary said...

WOW!!! this is just gorgeous... love the watercoloring!!

Darnell said...

I'm so sorry. I was so moved by how powerfully you took us with you on the journey of how and why this card came to be. Your card will be treasured. It is truly a work of heart!

Jen Nelson said...

this is just so beautiful.. love the technique you have used

Thanks for Joining us this week
Jen xx
"Less Is More"

Chrissie said...

What wonderful inkiness!
This is simply terrific!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Anonymous said...

What a touching background story to your card Kimberley ... the beautiful images and watercolour effect will be so appreciated at such a sad time ... it's lovely. Anita :)

Unknown said...

absolutely gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking! love it!

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