Friday 12 June 2020

Twofer!

The weather here has been not good at all this week and I am trying not to let the grey skies coupled with all the madness that is going on outside in the World sink me into an abyss of misery, frustration and foreboding.  The Twofer Card Challenge for June began a couple of days ago and as I have lacked any motivation for a few days I determined that I would make something for it.

I used the same die on both cards and I hope the finished articles are different enough!

My first card has been left minus a sentiment at the moment as I am not sure if I will use it or will simply put it in my stash.

I spent a couple of hours last week making messy with Alcohol Inks and Yupo so the background is one of those.
I roughed up the surface of the die cut a little as I didn't want too smooth a finish with the embossing powder.
My sea horse die was smooshed with Distress Oxides and then a few sprinkles of embossing powder on top.


For my second card I used distress inks to colour the circles whilst it was still in the die.

I double embossed the diecut with Platinum embossing powder to give it a raised and smooth finish.

Assembling the bits back into the die cut was a bit of a challenge but I got there in the end!

Punched out a couple of small circles and popped both on top of a die cut frame that had been stamped with a sentiment from Clearly Besotted.

I really DO need to liven myself up!  I have promised myself I will not watch any news or spend hours trawling social media this weekend.

In a lot of cases it simply makes me angry and at other times makes me so sad.
Totally counter productive.

Am hoping the weather improves a bit so I can at least get out for a short walk across the hills down to the Nature Reserve - where it is serene and peaceful and the only things that are fighting are the ducks over the bread!

Thanks for looking today - and thanks for listening (reading!)  xx

24 comments:

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two beautiful cards Viv, I love how you've used the cirle die cuts. It's only just started to rain here in the south so managed a walk this before the rain. Hope it's cleared there for you now.

Sue xx

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Spotted this fab pair at the Twofer Challenge, Viv. Just love both cards - the diecut looks great over the alcohol inked background with the seahorse atop! Love the colored diecut for the bday card - the pair of circle dies add the perfect touch to the sentiment!!

Aquarius said...

Two great cards and such patience popping all those bits back into the orange one - I usually manage to lose at least one piece when doing this!! I've given up watching the news as it all seems to be so depressing and indeed currently totally confusing as to what we are 'allowed' to do. How on earth can anyone who lives alone choose which of their family or friends they can see to the exclusion of others. Me, I'm erring on the side of caution and carrying on as before for a while yet, keeping distance and all that!! Take care and keep on crafting.

Lynne said...

Two fab cards Viv, gorgeous colours on both.
I know what you mean about things getting you down. Far too much negative news and my FB makes me angry. The weather is terrible here too and I'm in desperate need of some warm sunshine. It's strange how miserable grey days can rob you of motivation, I could quite easily sit with a book all day and do nothing.
Lynne x

Carole said...

Striking cards Viv...I love them both.I am with you on the news front! xx

Kathleen said...

Two super cards and great colours, great circle die too, never thought of colouring whilst still in the die, good tip. Supposed to be red hot again tomorrow.

Kath x

Babs said...

Two beautiful cards fabby blue background and I love your sea horse and the circle die .
Babs x

Christine Alexander said...

Viv I love the cares, you just inspired me :)

brenda said...

Bold bright and beautiful, seen that die and just might need it.

B x

Carole Pollard said...

Two fabulous designs love the vibrant colours on these Like you hoping the weather improves really sick of the rain Love and hugs Carole x

Meggymay said...

Two fantastic cards Viv. I can relate to everything you said today, every day is the dame and there is no escape.
Take care of yourselves and stay safe.
Yvonne xx

aussie aNNie said...

Great post with two stunning cards with fab colours and gorgeous creations.. loving all of this. x

Bonnie said...

I hope you had a nice, relaxing time in Nature to soothe you soul, Viv. I'm trying not to watch the media too much as it is so disturbing. I hope playing with your circle dies was as enjoyable as it is looking at them.

Nora Noll said...

What STUNNING cards!! I love the one with that seahorse and the fun background. I need to get out my alcohol inks and play now that school is out and I have time to play again. Your graphic card with the red and gold is fantastic. Beautiful design!

Marcia Hill said...

Two fantastic cards Viv!! LOVE your alcohol ink background with the gold bubbles and seahorse...this is one GORGEOUS card!! And your birthday celebration card is so pretty too using that same bubble die...who wouldn't smile receiving a card like that?!! Thank you so much for sharing both these beauties with us at The Twofer Challenge!! :0)

HilaryJane said...

Great twofer Viv. I just love alcohol ink so that one is my favourite (I must get mine out soon). I hope your weather has improved this weekend like ours has. It has been sunny and hot since Friday and now the garden needs some more rain! Glad you liked my roses xx

Linda said...

Two great cards for the Twofer challenge. Love the ocean feel of the first one with the A/I and the Seahorse and the birthday card with all of the bright colors. Thanks for joining the Twofer Challenge this month. Linda, GD

Mac Mable said...

I so hope your weekend went well viv and you were able to get out for your walk? x.
Fabulous cards, both so different and both so very creative and eye catching x.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Two fabulous and different cards Viv! I love the AI background and the stunning seahorse. The birthday card is very cheerful and bright and perfect for either gender. I hope you are able to get out for a soothing stroll soon. Hugs x

Ros Crawford said...

Two terrific cards Viv! I hope your weather improved... We've had some sunshine but the mother of all storms on Saturday night!

Cat Craig said...

Viv, your AI background is so fabulous for that seahorse and his rings to float about in! YOur cheery colors on the birthday card are sure to bring a smile too. Thanks for joining in at Twofer Card Challenge #28.

Darnell said...

First of all, Happy Birthday, Viv! I hope you were able to shake off the doldrums and celebrate as best you could! Second, I'm so happy that Twofer was the impetus to jump start your motivation! You made two stunning cards using that die! I have that one and can't wait to thickly emboss it now. The look is awesome and I love how you have used it with that precious seahorse and Yupo ocean for a nautical design! It's equally cool as celebratory bubbles all over your birthday card!

Thank you so much for playing in Twofer Card Challenge #28! I hope the weather improved and you are feeling better. It's been rough and it will be for some time to come. I've decided not to be bleak and instead to turn my thoughts to the possibility that all this is happening for a positive reason. We are seeing history being made in our lifetimes and, unfortunately, the pains to get through to a better place have to be part of it. Over here anyway, something drastic needs to happen. We can't keep on being torn apart. Big hugs, Dolly Daydreams (good name as it happens, haha!)

TK said...

Fabulous! Wonderful Twofers, and lovely colors too!

Karen Dunbrook said...

awesome cards...love the graphic look they have.
xx Karen