The Swap Card That Wasn't

For those of you who don't know what I mean by card swapping, it's where a group of card-makers get together and each make several copies of their card design with a view to swapping cards with others. Sometimes they are themed around an occasion (such as Christmas) or a technique (like watercolouring); other times it is completely open. In this way, we get fresh ideas and designs to inspire us and also acquire display cards using stamp sets we may not own ourselves. It's always fun.

On Saturday 6 September (yes, that was the day the rain really, really poured down in Sydney town) I attended a Stampin' Up! function at Darling Harbour. It is a mini stamping convention with ladies from all over NSW attending and the excitement in the room full of stampers is huge. You really should come as my guest to the next one but I guess that's for another day.

One of the highlights amongst a day of stamping, learning new techniques and socialising, is swapping cards. Here is the card that I made with the intention of participating in the swap at this SU! function.


I wasn't 100% happy with it, I feel it needs something more in the background. So I procrastinated over making more and in the end, I only made one! Way short of what I needed to go swapping. I regretted it when I saw all of the others' gorgeous swap cards but there's always next time (annual Convention in Canberra next year, I'm counting down the days already).

Perhaps you can help me with ideas to improve this card? It uses the beautiful heart from the new Always stamp set (I could buy the set for this heart alone). The colours are Groovy Guava and Blush Blossom with Whisper White card and taffeta ribbon. The heart has been stamped in Groovy Guava ink on Blush Blossom card stock and cut out with snips. Then it was mounted on top of another stamped heart (Groovy Guava ink on Whisper White card stock) using SU! Dimensionals. A bit of sponging of Groovy Guava ink using Sponge Daubers around the card edges and a "for you" greeting from the One of A Kind stamp set (imagine it perfectly straight) and it is almost done. I got the idea of sticking a half-pearl (white) from the Pretties Kit onto the heart from a card made by Teneale Williams.

Please leave a comment or send me an email ktonnet@bigpond.net.au if you've got any suggestions. Thanks in advance for looking.

Love from Crafty Kim