Monday 1 June 2009

A PRETTY OUTLOOK!!! - THE NEXT LEVEL CHALLENGE 1


Well what a manic week it has been getting ready for the big Lauch of The Next Level, I just about managed to get a card in!!!!!!!!! Dawn and I had no choice this week as the Design Team do not join us until next week - so after a break of nearly 2weeks I put my creativity hat on again.

The theme for Challenge 1 was an Aperture card coupled with a hand made Lollipop Flower - both of these were going to be a challenge for me as I had never done either before - but wow did I just so love those flowers - there really will be no stopping me now. There is a Video to support the making of the flower on The Next Level and I also made a photo tutorial on there to support anyone who wanted to print something off to follow as you made your flower.

I decided to make a little set, consisting of a card, a box envelope and a little soap gift package. The card image uses the absolutely fantastic Front and Back Annie rubber stamp from Art Impressions - I just adore this stamp. I first saw it on Bev's blog - All the Things I love - and I was in love. This stamp and others from the collection are available from SirStampalot. Like everything else, I had to make it difficult though. I decided to cut a hole through 6 layers of cardstock (3 on the front and 3 on the inside left cover) which all had to match up so that she could be peering through an imaginary window from the outside in. Took me ages, but got there in the end - I hope you think the effort was worth it. I formed the shape in my Craft Robo software and then just printed out the different colouring cardstock and then shaped it all to size. She does look so cute though when you see her peering from the outside in when you open the card!


I also layered her little pinny to give it some extra dimension. On the inside right I created a dreamy garden scene, so that when she was peering through the arch from the front there was a sky in the background. This however made it difficult for anywhere to write on the inside of the card without spoiling the design, so I added an oval frame tied on with pretty bows on the rear of the card for this purpose. I also made the box envelope to go with the card again using a Lollipop flower for decoration - I told you these would keep popping up everywhere!!


Many of papers I have used are from The Digichic Boutique and this pack was called The Twist Collection. One or two extra touches were freebie downloads from Summer Driggs blog - full details on The Next Level. I am often asked where I get my digital papers from, it is so difficult for me to answer this question, because some I buy as digital packs, and I download lots of freebie packs. When I come to make up a theme or design I pick and choose from everything I have, and then colour it digitally to make my paper pack up, so it really does make it difficult for me to tell people to go to a specific download.

The little soap gift package finished off the set - and guess what - yes you are right, another Lollipop flower appeared on there!!! - they are just growing everywhere!!

If you have the time when you stop by please leave your thoughts - I do so love to hear what you think.

Thank you xxx

30 comments:

Jacque said...

Ann, this is all so exciting...your card/set is just gorgeous!!! I can't wait to try it ALL!!!! I love the format of the blog...Best wishes to you and Dawn and to all 700+ of the rest of us..lol...yippppppppeeeee...fun fun fun!!! Hugs..Jacque

Alicia said...

Okay it is 3am and I really need to get off your blog LOL!!! I have been amazed by your work. I have one question I love the digital papers you use but does it take a lot of ink to print them out ?

lil-paper-pixie said...

Oh wow, this is just too stunning for words..........this just has to be one of the best projects I have ever seen!!!!! Off to the Next Level blog to have a look.

Hugs

Sarah

Carol said...

Aww cute and stunning

TFS off to check th echallenge....
hope to join you love lolipop flowers:)

TC

Liza said...

Stunning set, I don't know what else to say, all of your creations are amazing, just so pretty. Best of luck with your new challenge blog.

Liza x

Sharon said...

Just beautiful Ann. The new blog looks fantastic. I haven't used digital papers before but would like to try some out. I'd be interested to know what paper you use to print them onto?

Sylvia Blum said...

Gorgeous!!! I'm totally in love with these paper flowers.. they are amazing!!!
Well.. and of course you did a wonderful work on your colouring.. just adorable!
{love} Sylvia

Desire Fourie said...

Oh Ann, this is just stunningly creative. Love how she is peeking through window from the inside. I just love the lollypop flower and will be checking out the tutorial on that. Expect to see some of these on my upcoming cards. Hugs from Desire

Marja Sch said...

Wow this is absolutly stunning. I love every little bit of it. :-) Marja

Unknown said...

Ann,
I am totally in AWE of your work! This card set is one of the prettiest I have ever seen! Love the little girl...front and back!
I am soooo excited about "The Next Level" Can't wait to get started!It is going to be an amazing place for us card artists to hang out! Thanks for all of the hard work you and Dawn have put into it!
Hugs,
True :)

Sonya said...

OMG - This is beautiful, as usual! Your work is truly amazing and so inspiring, Ann. TFS

~Sonya
http://thepinkpaperpenguin.blogspot.com
Designer for Midnight Madness

Fern said...

Such a gorgeous card and gift Ann.
Love the loolipop flowers- amazing.
You have decorated the inside beautifully.
I have sent a photo of my card to Dawn.
Hope you like it.

Fern xx

Rach said...

oh my word this is gorgeous. you always manage to get my jaw to hit the floor!!
amazing job sweetie.xx

Sue said...

Hi Ann
aww what an amazing card, luv it, gorgeous box, fabby flowers, hope the new challenge goes well, sue.x

MarkerGeek said...

This is just utterly stunning. Beautiful work! Hoping to get myself sorted so I can join in with the challenge, the blog is fabulous.

Elizabeth said...

Congrats Ann on the launch of The Next Level!!! I know you and Dawn are so excited about today. Your Card set is FAB!!! I love the layout of the blog and I am so excited to get to be part of such an amazing adventure. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Hugs XXX Beth

Julie said...

This is just stunning, I love it. Hope to be able to join in the challenge

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann, I am super excited this day has finally arrived. You and Dawn obviously put alot of work into the first issue and it SHOWS!!!! I am honored to be part if such a talented group of ladies....and I must say this card is beyond beautiful. The detail is amazing! Talk to you soon...Abby:)

NormaB said...

Your creations and blog are stunning. Congratulations on your new venture. Hope to join in the challenges.

Anonymous said...

WOWZER!! This is gorgeous!! What a beautiful set of creations!! WOW!!

Renata van Miltenburg said...

Sweet colors and image, soooo cute!

Sunny regards,

Renata

Sharon (notimetostamp) said...

Hi Ann! What a lovely project! Oh my, the patience to make your window -- but HOW DARLING to see her sweet little face on the inside -- WHAT A PROJECT!!!

jem (jane elizabeth middleton) said...

just fabulous madge, I loved the challenge and making the flowers is easy, cheap and effective. your creations are always perfect. janex

Sparkle and Flourish said...

Your work is alway so beautiful and this is no exception. I ADORE the way you get the front and back of the stamp. Your papers are always sooooooooo pretty. Must try some digi papers :)
I love lollipop flowers ...hope to find time to join in this week. Kepp up the fantastic work on the Next Level!!
Judy x

Beccy said...

Fabulous set the card is truly amazing. I just love it.

Hugs Beccy x

Lilian said...

Your creations are just gorgeous!

Fern said...

I have something for you on my blog.

Fern xx

Linanna DESIGNS said...

Oh my goodness Ann, i always love your work, its always full of inspiration, but this card is truly unbelievable. I just love that image and the back and front detail, and those flowers are just fab. This is such a work of art, absolutely gorgeous!!!! hugs Linda. Have a good weekend hunny x

Unknown said...

I must go and find the instructions for those lollipop flowers, they look fantastic!! Your set is gorgeous, the colours are so pretty!!
Angela x

BA said...

what a sonderful card and present. I love the colours, paper and flowers
xoxo BA