Not Too Shabby

I really love the shabby, vintage look, but find it quite challenging to execute in a clean and simple style.  So I have been playing.

Here are a few cards I made with my new Elizabeth stamp.  They are a wee bit vintage (only because of the style of the stamp), but not very shabby.  I wanted to make something more shabby, so today, I just started stamping.  I rarely start a card without having an idea of what the finished card will look like, but not this time.  I just let loose.  (That is downright scary for an AR/OCD perfectionist!)

And look what I made...

White cardstock - not the best choice for vintage/shabby-chic.  But then that's what happens when you just start stamping.  This card isn't too bad, but I knew I could do better.  (If I were to make this same card over again, I wouldn't leave as much space between the images on the lower part of the card.  All that white bugs me.)

And I did do better.

Vintage.  Shabby-chic. CAS.  *Shriek*  The more I look at this card, the more I love it.  I may never give it away.

Supplies:
Stamps - Bliss, Very Vintage jumbo wheel, Elizabeth, Happy Harmony
Paper - Baja Breeze, GKD PL white and ivory
Ink - Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze
Accessories - lace ribbon, half pearls, dimensionals

If you are trying to go for a certain look, don't give up if it doesn't come right away.  Keep playing, because you never know what will happen, and you just may learn something in the process.  (I learned not to use white for vintage cards - duh!)  Too many times I get caught up in the end result and forget to enjoy the process of getting there.  Some of the best opportunities for creativity present themselves in 'mistakes', so embrace the journey!

K