Saturday, August 17, 2013

10 Minute Craft Dash Birthday Bash

I toyed with the idea of calling this post "If at First You Don't Succeed Try Try Again" because that is kind of how I felt making these cards.  Notice the plural?  There is a reason for that. :) It's been a while since I've played with one of the Craft Dash challenges, and I'm a bit lot rusty.  This is one of my very favorite challenges, but lately my approach to cards has been less planned.  Making cards is a way for me to unwind and often when I begin my mind is cluttered with other thoughts.  This is not a good thing if you want to play along with a Craft Dash Challenge and make a card in 10 minutes.  You have to have a plan (well, at least I do).  I was determined I would not only play along Craft Dash's Birthday Bash but be successful---meaning make a card in under 10 minutes.  My first card was a fail.  Rats.  So last night I thought I'd try again.  Card number 2 is the one you see above with the cute little dog.  Loved it, but I went over.  When I glanced at the stopwatch it said 10:02 and I still hadn't adhered the trio of buttons, which by the way are completely inspired by Leigh.
Loved the card, but it was a bit too ambitious with all the fussy cutting (speech bubble, dog, dog's spots, banner).  So, determined to succeed, I thought I'd simplify things a ton and make the one layer card below.  I finished it in 6 minutes 49 seconds, but really it was done a lot quicker.  I hadn't quite balanced things the way I'd wanted and didn't know how to fix it, so I stared at the card for a while then decided to just leave it alone.  Successful time, but I wasn't thrilled with how it turned out.
On to card four.  I kept working with the same colors/supplies and made another one layer card, but went with a little more complex stamping.  I used a single diamond to create the background and the card ended up taking over 15 minutes.  Boo!  (Side note: I am loving my new set "On Trend 2013" from Fresh Squeezed Stamps.)
On to card five.  This time I decided to use the other stamp set I had pulled out, Fresh Cut Florals.  I used the rounded leaf image to create a wreath like I had done on this card and double stamped some die cut flowers to put on top.  I trimmed the focal panel with pinking shears and quickly stamped the sentiment, AND I finished in 9 minutes 51 seconds.  Yay!  I finished in time!  It's not perfect and it's not my favorite of the bunch, but I am okay with it and I like enough to give it away.  And actually I really would put a wreath like this on my door.

11 comments:

  1. Wow, Lindsey, I totally admire your perseverance! I find this challenge to be so hard, but I love each card you made for it!
    I adore that sweet little dog you paper-pieced (I haven't attempted paper-piecing for the tMCD yet!) in the plaid frame-- it's so adorable!
    But my favourite is the last one-- it's so fabulous! I love how you made a wreath with that stamp! And the extra flowers you added on are perfect!
    Thanks so much for playing along with the 10 Minute Craft Dash!

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  2. All such fabulous cards Lindsey, love the colours!

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  3. Love seeing all of your wonderful cards!

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  4. lovely cards - love the wreath too.

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  5. OK you've been one busy girl! I love all your cards! I loved the notched polaroid on the first one! Too cute!

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  6. What a great collection of cards! The puppy is ADORABLE!

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  7. That's what I call dedication!! They're all fabulous.
    Thanks for playing along with the Craft Dash Challenge.
    Hugs,
    Caryn xxx

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  8. So much for relaxing...lol. Good girl you kept going! TFS all of them with us,they are all very sweet! I liked the first one a lot too. Your last one is very pretty with the wreath love that!

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  9. Wow, those are some great cards. I really like the wreath one and the puppy dog. TFS!

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  10. I love the puppy card! Awesome touch of plaid...your designs are so inspiring!

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