Sunday, March 7, 2010

Kit Cat Challenge

Hello, and happy Sunday!  I hope you are enjoying a relaxing weekend.  It's been a day full of card making for me, and that's always good!!

Today I have two cards to share that I put together for our monthly Kit Cat Challenge.  This card kit came from our sweet friend Kelly, and oh, did she ever send some amazing play things!!  First off, we have this beautiful stamp, which was designed by Japenese Artist Tanabe Zigen and this particular stamp is from the Kodomo Digen Collection.  The style of this particular product is inspired by the art of Yoko Ganaha.  Her style combines American country as well as traditional Japanese influences and it represents the merging of the artistry of Japanese, Chinese, and American Styles.  Now, on to this lucious paper.  Oh my!!  Kelly took the plunge and sent us three pieces of this gorgeous Japanese paper.  This Washi paper from Japan isn't made the way paper is here in the USA.  In Japan, it's made from the Gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or paper mulberry.  If that's not available, then they use, wheat, rice, hemp, or bamboo.   Also included in our kits this month are the beautiful Japanese charms with the "Good Luck" inscription, some Mizuhiki paper cord, and some beautiful Prima flowers.  Kelly's recipe for us was to use at least 2-3 sheets of the washi paper, some of the flowers, and add the charm with the cord. 

When I sat down to cut the card for this challenge, I decided to make the biggest square card I could, so as not to waste one scrap of this gorgeous paper.  I colored the image with my Copics, and I colored the morning glories in lavender to accentuate the lavender flowers in the paper.  I did add some antique copper brads from Making Memories for the centers of the flowers, because I thought they went so well with the lovely charm. 


Now, on to the second card.  I just couldn't help myself.  The other two sheets of paper are so beautiful, I just couldn't resist more coloring and playing.  This paper has a metallic gold and platinum shimmer to it, and is just stunning IRL!!  I colored the entire image with the exception of the water with my Spica glitter pens.  A very different way of coloring for me, but I did manage to work in a little shading using them, which I wasn't sure could be done.  I had to add some rhinestone swirls, because you just can't have too much sparkle on a card, KWIM?  LOL!!  It's a little difficult to see the shimmer of the glitter pens in the photo, but believe me.  It's there, and is it ever stunning!! 

Now, it's time for you to check out the blogs of the rest of the Kit Cats.  Kelly, Michelle, Jeanette, Susan, and Catherine all have some amazing works of art to share with you!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  May you have a day filled with blessings!  Happy Stamping!!

Love ya,

16 comments:

Jessie said...

Wow Lorie, they are just stunning! I just love the image and the beautiful colours! These cards would add sunshine to anyone's day, love them :)

Stef H said...

wow lorie! these are absolutely gorgeous. very authentic looking! just gorgeous!

Rhonda Miller said...

What a beautiful card.

Anonymous said...

ohohohoh,,,, SUPER STUNNERS! I couldn't even begin to pick which one I like best - they're both amazing. I love the layouts and the flowers and the really cool way you cut the one "outside" the square.

Simply beautiful coloring too - they just jump right out of the paper.

Love it!
hugs
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Awesome card Lori, you have those copics down...great job coloring. I love how you have arranged and put this card together...it is beautiful....

*Susan* said...

LORIE ARE YOU FOR REAL? Not one, but two stunners!! Oh my stars, I cannot get over the vibrant colors of your images, each a perfect complement to the papers you used! The antique brads for the flower centers are a wonderful accent, and I can only imagine how gorgeous the Spica colored image is IRL! I just LOVE that you cut the image outside its box - I *must* remember to do that! Oh, will you purrrrty-please come visit and teach me to watercolor? Once again, just an amazing job my friend! {HUG}

Barbara said...

Hi, Lorie! I love the kit Kelly sent out and you did a fabulous job with the image and the papers on both cards. So beautiful!

Barb

scrapn_momof2 said...

Goodness, both cards are gorgeous! Your coloring is beautiful. Very talented!

MiamiKel said...

Oh Miss Lorie ..... you have no idea how much I've waited and paced to see what you'd do with this kit! This is colored to sheer perfection!! So bright and vivid and truly belongs behind a frame - so beautifully colored to match the colors in the paper and beautiful matching assecories in just the right places! And not one but TWO scrumptious creations! This is just as beautiful as it could be and I'm so glad to see your darling inspiration behind the Kodomo inspired stamp! Simply GORGEOUS! Love you, my friend -- hugs! Muah! X0x0x0

Becky said...

This is gorgeous, and your coloring of this is fabulous.

Judy McMullen said...

These cards are absolutely scrumptious, Lorie! Your colored images are so perfect with these stunning papers and embellishments!!

KathyJ Peachy Keen Stamps said...

Lorie!! THIS CARD SHOULD BE IN A MAGAZINE!! It is AMAZING! Chop chop.. start sending those cards in!! JUST Beautiful!! Hugs and Love, Kathy

Unknown said...

Simply outstanding my friend!
How DO you do it? Two fabulous cards to ogle!! They are really gorgeous.
Hugs Viv xxx

kadie said...

STUNNING, stunning, stunning! You Gals do an absolute fanstastic job with your kits and I look forward to them everytime! These cards are stunning, Lorie. The image and the papers and embies chosen for this kit are all a perfect match!

Janice W. said...

Works of art!!! Love them!

Catherine said...

I usually try not to look before I've finished my own kit-cat card, but while I'm here, I couldn't resist! Both of these are amazing and totally worthy of framing, my dear! Just absolutely breath-takingly gorgeous! Wow x 2!

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