Blogging Buddies

Monday 14 December 2009

Something Special - A Retirement Card

Evening everybody, are you all ready for Christmas?  I've still got a bit of shopping to do, trying to crack on with the wrapping for now!!  I've a few more cards I want to make before Christmas.  Once they're done I intend to pack away most of my craft stuff to the loft outta the way til after all the festivities.  I don't have my own craft room so this plan should hopefully ensure the dining room remains tidy!

This card I have done for my mum's best friend who turns 60 at the end of December and retires on the 4th January.   I am entering it into the following challenges;


Allsorts Challenge - Pearls and Swirls

Stampin' for the Weekend - Blue and Brown

Daring Cardmakers - Going Dotty

Totally Gorjuss - Free and Easy

Quixotic Challenge - Lace

The layout design is my own.  I decided against any sentiment on the front as I think that may detract from all the elements - I think my craft stuff  kinda exploded on it a bit LOL!  The insert inside reads

"Congratulations on your Retirement,
time now to spread your wings and let the fairy
within you fly"

The flourish is gorgeous but quite big and I cut it to use in the two area here.  The flourish was also quite expensive but I LOVE the effect so think am gonna get creative with a pencil and create my own in the New Year.





I have also gone round the edges of the cardstock and papers with my uni silver paint pen to give a slightly gilted look to the edges.

RECIPE

Image - Mo's Digital Pencil
Colouring Medium - copics, water colour pencils

Blue Cardstock - Stash
Papers - My Minds Eye and HOTP
Border Punch - Martha Stewart
Leaf Punch - Leone Em
Flowers - Prima
Pearly Flourish - Prima
Lace - local haberdashery
Card Candy
Glamour Dust


My mum's friend has been ill lately so I hope this cheers her up and that she can soon wave goodbye to the pressures of work, really enjoy her retirement and let her hair down.

Thankyou for stopping by my little haven in cyber space.  I hope you like what you see!  Take care and happy crafting. 


Mel X

20 comments:

Moni said...

Stunning card, so gorgeous image and fab papers! Hugs;moni

Anonymous said...

Hi Mel..

Stunning card hun, the layout is perfect, how good is that image, love it...
Sure this will cheer your mums friend up no end.
Thanks for joining us at MCFC.
Hugs Angel

brenda said...

Hi Mel

Are we ever ready for Christmas ? I keep thinking I am but then I rememebr all those pressies to wrap, then the shopping and so it goes on. You know just what I mean.

Great card, love the colour combo and that lace is gorgeous. Wish we had a haberdashery shop nearby, they seem to be a thing of the past around here.

Thank you for joining in my pearls and swirls theme at Allsorts this week.

B x

Jules said...

Hi Mel

Wow - lots of pearls and swirls here!

Love your card and the sentiment you have put inside.

Great background to a lovely image.

Thank you for playing along with Allsorts this week.

Love Jules xx

craftymum said...

A great card. Thanks for joining us at TG. Hope to see you next time
Love Sarah W XXX

Lynda said...

Fabulous card Mel - love the image and all of those gorgeous pearls. Thanks for joining in with Daring Cardmakers this week.

Lynda xxx

jacque4u2c said...

Great card! I just love the pearl details!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card Mel, love that image and those expensive flourishes.

Thanks for joining us this week at MCFC.

Hugs

Joanne xx

Carol Ann said...

Great card Mel I'm sure she will love this card the image is great just my kind of girl with the fuller figure! I especially love the sentiment on the insert. Your card should cheer your Mum's friend up no end. Thanks for joining in at Magical Crafts. Carol Ann xx

Liz said...

Wow florish is really fab love them but whooooooooo too mny pennies cant wait to see hat you come up with great card and thanks for joining in this week MCFC

liz x

coldwaters2 said...

Oh wow Mel this is awesome I do so love that colour combo that image is just fabulous and those flowers are gorgeous

Hugs
Lorraine x

Emma said...

Wow such a stunning card, love the image and gorgeous colours.
Hugs Emma x

jackiescrafts said...

A lovely card Mel I love the image you have used

Hugs Jackie x

Kathy said...

Your card is lovely, I'm sure it will be cherished

Anonymous said...

Brilliant card Mel - the flourish is stunning. Thanks for joining us at MCFC - Shell xx

Nancy said...

AWWW this is stunning, Mel:O) Love that Mo's image, great colouring. The pearls look brilliant, great design and pretty papers. Love the punched borders.
Thank you for joining us at Stampin' for the Weekend, good luck!
Nancy;O)

Gunn (Merete) said...

Mel,this is so beautiful. Love the layout, papers and the image- stunning.
You rock girl.
Thanks for joining us at SFTW and good luck.
Hugs Gunn :-D

Michele Spera said...

love this elegant card! that fairy is one of my favorites:-) thank you for joining us at TG this week
Michele

Sylvia Blum said...

WOW! So many challenges in one card *wahoo* And your card is truly beautiful!!
{cheers} Sylvia

MarkerGeek said...

Gorgeous!

Thank you for joining in with us at Quixotic Challenges!