Sunday, March 9, 2008

Magnolia: My first cards using these cute images.... and has Ethel moved over to the "dark" side?

These are my first cards using Magnolia stamps. They are designed and made in Sweden, and the only way I've been able to find them is to order them online through sources in the UK. OK. Well, some of you may be wondering, "What the heck has gotten into this girl? We thought she was all into vintage and weird stuff? Why is she showing us all of these cutesy cards?" Well, just before the New Year, I made a resolution to quit making cards to please everybody else. What it boils down to is this. I stamp because I enjoy it. I don't stamp because I want someone else to enjoy it. Does this make sense? Yes, yes, yes, we do create cards to give to others. But, I have found that I loathe, dislike, do not enjoy the creative process when, in the back of my mind, I'm always thinking, "Will so-and-so like this card? I hope they like this card. I'd better do this [insert technique, style, colors, add embellishments here] because so-and-so is really into that." I think this defeats the enjoyment and the purpose for why I rubber stamp and create cards. I hope you're following me here, because I've gone down the deep-end. Well, you'll be seeing LOTS more of these cutesy images. But, once in awhile, I'll delve back into my love for vintage and for all things eclectic. Everything you see on this blog is a different facet of me. And, right now, you're seeing the side of me that is more light-hearted and...as always...just wants to have fun!


First card. Stamps: Magnolia, Stampin Up; Paper: Bo Bunny Press; Ink: Stampin Up Real Red, Summer Sun and Always Artichoke; Embellishments: Thumbtack brads; Colored with prismacolor pencils and COPIC markers.


Second card. Stamps: Magnolia and Stampin Up; Paper: Die Cuts With A View (DCWV); Ink: Stampin Up Purely Pomengranate; Embelishments: Floral brads; Colored with prismacolor pencils and Stickles.

11 comments:

Dawn said...

Ethel, these are sooo cute. I really like them. I did a review of your blog on mine today.. All good of course...

Beth Norman-Roberts said...

Ohhhhh, these are cute. Yes indeed, it is strange to see you go "cute" but then again I think we all change our styles. This is in keeping with the thread you started at the SS. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with. Everything you touch turns to gold my friend.

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

Wonderful colors! So nice and bright! Love all the details, too...

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

Oh Ethel! You've managed to make your "cutesy" elegant and wonderful. These Magnolia cards are unlike any other's I've seen. They are so beautiful and fun and lighthearted as well.

You manage to do it all...and do it all beautifully!

Jennifer :)

Heather Grow said...

Super cute cards. I love your Rubber Romance cards too. I think you are on a roll. I think of making cards like getting dressed in the morning. I don't always wear the same style. Sometimes I sporty, other times I'm dressy and other times I'm preppy. If I don't always dress the same, why would I always craft in the same style?

liannallama said...

oh, they really are cute and you really should stay true to your muse or she'll get mad and leave!

I also have trouble making family cards because I try to make something they want, not something I want.

Stacy Sheldon said...

you do fun very very well, just like everything else.
the colors and the layers are just beautiful!
:)

Tami Bayer said...

Ethel, I love this post. I'm so happy to see that you are creating what is in your heart. It's so much better that way even if it is cutsie :) There is room for all styles. Change is good.

K Hutchinson said...

These are fabulous! You have to create what is in your soul! Do what makes you happy- that is all that matters! Everything you do is awesome!

Thanh Vo said...

It is out of the ordinary to see you do "cute" but I am lovin it! Such an inspiration - I know I will be casing a few things soon ;)

Cathy said...

Ethel, I love that you are following your heart. Whether the style is vintage or cutesy or whatever, one can visually see the love you put into each and every one. We all know you have the talent! These cards are so charming!!!!