I placed an order the other day from PaperAddict.com and when the box of paper came, it was like Christmas! So many wonderful colors and textures and patterns! This paper by Wild Asparagus was some that I ordered. I love the vintage fabric look to these papers, and the texture of the paper. Inking around the edges creates a warm, aged look that I really like. Another nice thing about this paper is that it's double sided, so it was easy to coordinate all of the papers into one design.
Have you seen these wonderful Prima flowers? I received this flower from a friend (thanks Viv!) and wanted to feature it with this paper. I like how the coppery-gold shimmery ribbon softens the line between the paper and the flower. I added some glass leaf beads to this card as well. They're tied to the birthday tag using the organza ribbon.
As I was making this card, I thought I'd put together a visual aid for those of you who've asked me how I sponge the edges of my cards. (Thanks for the emails, by the way!)
I start with my paper layer cut to size. With a wooden handled sponge dauber, I pick up color off my ink pad (don't over-do it - a little goes a long way). I usually use Walnut ink by Ranger, but most dye inks will work with this technique.
While holding the paper with my left hand (not seen in this photo cause it's holding the camera) I begin to pull ink across my scrap paper onto the paper's edge. Start a good distance from the edge of your paper layer to avoid hard-lined edges from the sponge. Starting at a distance also helps you pull the ink more smoothly. Continue to pull ink onto the paper around all the edges of the paper, until you've got a nice even layer of ink. I usually go around the paper layer two or three times for a really nice even edge.
Because these sponges are so inexpensive compared to SU daubers or other brands, I keep a small drawer just for inky daubers. I use one color with each dauber, and only toss them out when I've worn most of the sponge off of the wooden handle. They take a beating, that's for sure!
Anna, I love all the cards you make, but am especially inspired by your own drawings! They are just gorgeous. Your watercolouring is absolutely marvelous.
Posted by: Sophie LaFontaine | August 15, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Anna, this is one of the most lovely cards that I have ever seen. . . I *need* those Primas now!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | October 12, 2006 at 11:14 PM
Oh my goodness. You are such a talented lady! The card is just beautiful.
Posted by: Patty Martin | October 11, 2006 at 09:28 AM
Oh my goodness. You are such a talented lady! The card is just beautiful.
Posted by: Patty Martin | October 11, 2006 at 09:27 AM
You truly are my inspiration. Your work is just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your sponging technique. I have to give your way a try. TFS!
Rubber Hugs,
Renee
Posted by: Renee V. (aka: happystamper05 SCS) | October 11, 2006 at 06:52 AM
Oh my! This card is stunning.I have the very same paper by Wild Asparagus and I have Prima flowers. But do you think I could have come up with a card like yours? No way! Thank you for sharing your
talent.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | October 10, 2006 at 11:10 PM
This card is pure perfection...it's so elegant! Thanks for the demo on how to sponge the color...at least we can TRY to make pretty cards like you do! =)
Posted by: Diane McVey | October 10, 2006 at 08:06 PM
This is just gorgeous..the papers, the sponging, the flower - love it all!
Posted by: Robin Desko | October 10, 2006 at 06:12 PM
Gorgeous! Thanks so much for the tips.
Posted by: Asela | October 10, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Beautiful Anna, You have such a talent. I really look forward to coming to your blog on a daily basis. Thanks so much for the tutorial. It helps so much to see and be told how to sponge the way you do. Not that it will look like yours though. Thanks again. Julie
Posted by: Julie | October 10, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Oooooh!!! GAW-JUS!!! And, hey!!! I liked the scarecrow one, too! Anna on Fabriano Ann-fabrialicious!!! ;^)
Posted by: juliehrr | October 10, 2006 at 10:11 AM
Oh, Anna! This card is just DIVINE!!!!!!!! Love th paper, the flower, the aged look ... it's just perfection!!!
Posted by: Sarah Vrolyk | October 10, 2006 at 08:46 AM
Thank you for posting this swell card, and for your visual tips. They are muy helpful!
Posted by: paige | October 10, 2006 at 05:32 AM
I can't resist!!! These are two of my all time favorites - just gorgeous Anna!!!
Posted by: Ellen | October 09, 2006 at 11:37 PM
You are too cool chick! Thanks for posting this little toot!
...and wowser's that design. I think those must be the flowers that Julie wants to wear in her hair!
Posted by: Lisa Strahl | October 09, 2006 at 09:32 PM