Monday 12 March 2012

Beaded Background Cards

Morning all!  I've got a couple of versions of the same card for you today.  I think it is fun to see the exact same card in different colour choices, don't you?  When I finish a card that I was having some difficulties deciding on things like paper choices or layout, I always wonder if it would have looked better if I had done something different.  The first card shown is actually the second card that I made.  I finished the sample and wasn't completely happy with it so when I decided to do it as a demo for one of the shows but I changed it a bit.  I think it made all the difference in it.  I started with a piece of teal card, covered it with a piece of the self adhesive sheets.  I cut about eight or nine of the smaller Persian motif pieces in black for the demo.  The original card, I cut them in white.  I peeled the backing paper off and laid them randomly all over the teal card without overlapping any of them.  Where they went off the edge of the card, I trimmed them even with the edge (I used the leftover bits for around the edges too so nothing went to waste!)  I pressed them firmly into the adhesive sheet then poured my clear micro beads over it to fill in the remaining areas of the background.  The focal element was created using the motif and corners from the Persian set of dies and one of the splendid circles cut out of the same teal card.  The difference in the two cards is merely the changing of white pieces to black pieces.  I feel like the focal element done in the white just allowed it to pop more against the black and teal background.  What do you think?
I pierced around the edges of both cards and matted them with teal and black.  I really like the way the micro beads just add so much texture and interest to a simple card.
I thought you might get a kick out of this pic of Dean.  I did ask his permission before posting this picture by the way too.  He had sent me off to get ready for my demo and it had taken me so long to find what I needed that he made himself comfortable waiting for me.  I believe the camera was doing still shots of the products while he was leisurely waiting for me.  I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped this shot moments before he jumped down off the counter.  What a character he is!  You got to love him!  All for now, Sue x

162 comments:

auscrafts said...

I think I like the black motifs best it does pop more .nice candid shot of Dean

Anonymous said...

I think whatever card you make never looks simple but is achievable (you say) I've got my lattice dies now so just need time to play. Dean is so Quick Witted and funny; you can tell his brain is racing his mouth can't always keep up. Good photo of him, I bet he wanted a copy!! Mabex

Hellma said...

Love both cards Sue the centre dies are lovely, Dean is so funny.

Carole Z said...

Hi Sue, I really love both cards, the colours work in different ways and it's hard to choose...love the photo of Dean! Carole Z X

mags said...

Lovely cards Sue. Think I prefer the first version you show in your post. Just seems to pop more for me.
Mags
x

Maryann Laursen said...

I agree, both cards looks great in each their ways, and hard to choose, which is best.
Dean really looks great, and he´s always sooo funny on the shows. I love to watch him too ha ha ha.

melanie said...

LOve both the cards ,fantastic pic of Dean I hope he`s a follower now that show was funny .Melanie

Jayne59 said...

hhmmmm prefer the one with the black motifs I think. Even so both lovely designs and cant wait to see your new floral spirals this month. Bring it on yippeeee

Jayne x

Missmizog said...

Hi Sue
Love the picture of Dean. You two are fantastic together, could do your own show "the two Wilson's".
Love the cards. The black stands out more to me.
Sue

Neha Jain said...

wow

Lynne M said...

Love these cards, can't decide which one I like the best. Great pic of Dean, he always makes me smile. Hope you're emjoying your time with your mom. Lol Lynne M

Liz said...

interesting difference between the two cards if i has to choose i think i prefer the one with the black motifs. love the pictue of Dean he always make me laugh when i see him on telly - i bet he is a barrel of laughs to work with.

lockedinmycraftroom said...

Both cards are lovely but I think I prefer the top one. Love the picture of Dean.
Chris

Celina9 said...

Love both versions of this card and the colours too. Getting ready to make my 1st ever card today as I have just taken 2 days to make my craft room orgainsed exactly as I want it. I'm going to do a Mother's Day card for the most amazing woman I know. Any advice? BTW you and Dean are an amazing chemical comical combination. Love your shows which is the reason I've started all this. Look forward to seening you back on C&C! Celina xx

Kathryn said...

Oh dean ha ha house wife's fav :) loving the beads have you tried the liqutex bead medium or is it a bit messy for you x makes great backgrounds and gives great dimension xx

Patricia said...

Good Morning to the "Wilson`s"!!!!
What a team you make I love when you are working together.
I like both cards no favourite for me.
All your cards are so inspirational.
Have a great day.

Patricia xx

Lynnus said...

Hi Sue, I think I like the first card better but both are of your usual fab standard. Loving the Deano pic, you have make a lot of women very jealous! x

Desiree said...

Morning Sue,
You are definitely right about the white focal point standing out better and I much prefer it.
Your C+C shows with your 'brother' are definitely the most entertaining. Best double act on the channel and hope you will be back on our screens soon.

Clai01 said...

Was the photo of Dean taken in the 'Crafternoon' or the morning Sue? ha
great cards too!

bhavana said...

I have to say that both cards are simply stunning! I enjoy seeing all your posts, and look forward to seeing you on C&C! Dean is so funny, he makes the shows such fun to watch, you wonder what he is going to say or do next!

Unknown said...

I agree the layout on the first card works better. Love those Micro Beads. Dean is such fun. Love, Julia xxx

Heather said...

Good morning Sue I love both cards equally. I forgot about this method of placing the motifs onto the adhesive paper then placing the micro beads, now where are my micro beads? lol I love you and Dean's shows he is such a charactor you work so well together. Still waiting for him to post on your blog ;-) Your new dies coming out at the end of this month? Now I am really excited lol hugs x

Linda said...

Hi Sue, Two versions and both very beautiful, I think Dean is a great host, so funny. Linda x

Jan.moogie said...

Both cards are great but the one with the black motifs does it for me Sue. I bet you have a lot of fun with Dean, he comes across as a guy who likes to laugh and maybe tease just a little. Love to watch him. x

Kazbomps said...

Hi Sue. I like both versions of the card and would be pushed to choose between them. I love Dean. He is my favourite presenter and makes the shows fun. Karen x

Герцогиня said...

Good Morning Sue!
Love these cards!

Jenny L said...

Hi Sue,
wonderful version of both cards. They are both excellent as usual. Love the casual photo of Dean, he always makes me have a good laugh. I wonder how you can concentrate, on the show when he is being so funny.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Clare Powell said...

Gorgeous card, I love the way you've done the background. I think it looks better with the black in the background.

Clare x

Maggie said...

Another Teal sensation! Great card Sue fab photo I imagine Dean is a scream to work with...never a dull moment!!

Maggie H

hazel young said...

Morning Sue, i think i prefer the black on teal but it might be because the white on teal isnt showing up as a teal colour on my pc. Love both of them either way very simple but attractive cards. xx hazel

Marie-Louise said...

Really lovely card. Great picture of Dean.

Sandra F said...

I like both cards but I think that the black motif one stands out more. Nice pic of Dean. I love watching him he's a natural.
xx

ang said...

like both cards, great pic of dean he is funny thanks angxx

Victoria said...

Lovely combination of dies. I think I prefer the black one. The white version would look really good with the base card in kraft, I think. Smashing!

nattyboots said...

I cant choose between the cards Sue, i like both equally i must have a go . As for Dean hes my all time favourite what a star he is . Elaine H X

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue

I like both of these cards but think the white has the edge for me. Lovely photo of Dean, he is such a funny guy you can't help but love him. Love Jean x

Dawn Louise said...

They're both stunning but I prefer the first one, I enjoyed this show as always x

Sue Yorkshire said...

Hi sue yes I prefer the first pic. It is amazing how the same things can look so different in different colors. It's the same with shoes lol

Love the pic of Dean and I think he is so funny on tv I love to watch him

Sue xxxxx

ValJ xxx said...

Morning Sue and everyone. I prefer the first card as the feature seems to pop out but both are beautiful as usual. I love Dean to bits. He is so naturally funny.
Have a lovely day.

Lydia Jordan said...

Hi Sue,
Whats not to like in either version. they are both lovely.
Great picture of the main man himself.
Lydia
X

Karen said...

Like the cards but I think I prefer the black.
Loving the photo - Dean does make me laugh! xx

zerena said...

He is very entertaining, and its good to see the relaxed side of him Zerena

Arenosa 12 said...

You were right Sue the black background is better. It doesn't always occur to me to retry a card that hans't come out how I want with different colours. Now I will.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue , Yes i prefer the blck motifs on the background one.It is nice to see both versions though.That is a classic photo of Dean. Yvonne xx

Debbie Tinks said...

Sue like both the cards.
Dean he is so funny

AnneRD said...

Love both these cards Sue, perhaps the first one has more impact. Anne x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
Love the cards. I think the first one is my favourite but it just shows how universal these dies are in their appeal. Alter the colour and you can suit most people.

Grimsby Chris

Ann said...

This is beautiful I especially love the centre dies, thank you Sue for the inspiration.

angie c said...

i love all your cards and now need to invest in some more fancy dies to have a go at some of the wonderful cards you make.dean is a poppet isnt he lol
Angie

lestim said...

Love the cards, I think I prefer the white one, don't really know why just think it looks brighter. I adore Dean but I think he would be a nightmare to live with, what say you? Best wishes, Lesley x

dutchess said...

Morning Sue I love both versions!!!! they are stunning that persian set is great..... and yes I think we all appreciate Dean and his wicked sense of humour...bless....take care margaret

jimgem83 said...

ha love the picard and the pic of dean, he really makes me laugh x

Rita said...

Love the colours you have used Sue. Once again its not ones I would have chosen, but they work so well to-gether. Beaitiful. Hugs Rita xxx

Lorraine H said...

I love both cards, each has its own merit. Picture of Dean is great, he is such a laugh and the pair of you together is a real hoot. Lorraine x

Hanneke said...

What a great idea to make 2 versions of the same card! I realy like botyh of them, but I think the first one is te prettiest, love the white in the middle around the sentiment. Hugs, Hanneke

marg said...

Hello Sue
Yes Dean is a character ! he makes a programme and makes the demonstrator relax..that's a good thing.
Now back to the Persian Dies....I love the way you make them look so different.
Love Marg

Nanafifi said...

I agree the black motifs do stand out more but I also like the white ones too for the texture. I love the way youve made use of all the smaller dies which I never would have thought of doing this way. Super ideas Thanks Sue

Nanafifi said...

I agree the black motifs do stand out more but I also like the white ones too for the texture. I love the way youve made use of all the smaller dies which I never would have thought of doing this way. Super ideas Thanks Sue

Barbara said...

Definitely prefer the black flowers, much nicer background. Love the photo of your on screen husband, you make a great team and always have fun when you are together. Like Dean a lot as he is willing to have a go at crafting and can make us all laugh with his antics. Well done C&C for bringing him back!!!

Tallulah said...

Hi sue, first time posting here so hope it works ok?! Thank you for all the inspiration, I absolutely adore your cards and demos and can't wait until your back on our screens. Out of both cards I prefer the first one, seems to impact more on me! But it's a great reminder to try the same card in different colour ways for varying looks. When I'm feeling a bit better I can't wait to go play with my new dies :) !!! Hope your having a great time back home with your mum?! Love Lisa xx

Felicie said...

Both cards are stunning,but I prefer the one with the black motifs.

liontamer said...

Totally different look by changing colours. I like it x

sue said...

Your right I think it looks much nicer in the second version,more candid shots of presenters please!!!

vanessa said...

MORNING SUE, I LIKE BOTH THE CARDS BUT I MUST ADMIT THAT THE ONE WITH THE BLACK PERSIAN MOTIFS ON THE TEAL CARD STANDS OUT A LITTLE BIT MORE, VANESSA XX

craftygardener said...

Dean is such a good laugh, and the two of you together - well.......

Love looking at your daily posts Sue - always a treat. xxx

isobel said...

Good Morning Sue, and your Mum, what a good idea,I like both colour ways, not sure about Dean. still it would not do if we were all the same.Many Blessings

sue said...

Hi Sue, both cards are lovely but your second card, the one which appears first I like better, wouldn't do for everyone to be the same would it?
Dean is so funny, I love to watch him on the shows.
Hugs - Sue M xx

Oksana said...

Both csrds are lovely as usual Sue!x

Cazann49 said...

Hi Sue, it's nice to see 2 versions of the same card, I think I like the teal one best, but can also envision it in pink (bg) black and white..I don't have those dies, but am going to make something similar with the dies I've got. That's the beauty of all the dies, as you always say, they can all work with each other!..Have a great day..love and hugs...:)...xx

May said...

Love both cards but if I had to choose I would favour the black motifs it jumps more of the page, great pic of Dean he is sooooo funny, he makes me really (lol) at times! Hugs May x x x

jan said...

hi sue, I love both versions, however I do prefer the black against the teal, much more dramatic. great pic of Dean he's great isn't he, a barrel of laughs.
love jan x

Inagh said...

Hi Sue I like both versions of this card but the black just has the edge for me.Great photo of Dean
Regards
Inagh X

Sue J said...

I think I prefer the card with the black motifs as the background, they seem to stand out much more. But, saying that, I also like the other one as well. It seems like you can't do a thing wrong!

I love the photo of Dean, it's a classic! Is he ever serious? He makes me laugh out loud when I watch him. :)

gwen70 said...

I like both versions but think I like the second one the best

Unknown said...

Morning Sue
What a beautiful card i don't know where you get all your ides from i must admit to struggling a bit but it's early days only had my machine for a few weeks but the cards you post are helping thank you . Love the shot of dean he is a cheeky chap he does make me laugh
thanks once again Gail xx

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, Love both cards, the black motif is my favourite It is good to have the comparison. The micro beads are gorgeous. The pic of Dean is great he is sooo funny, you work well together and should have your own show, The Wilsons. Have a lovely day with your Mum.
Hugs Hune xx

mell said...

i think both cards are great!!! its great how using a different colour can make such a different look to any card. ur cards are great x

Ria said...

Hi Sue
I have to agree with both of these cards working for me and it is a great use of the dies.
I think we all love Dean he does make me smile.
Ria

Lorna Lawson said...

Dean is so naughty and mischievious when he is on air it is nice to see you turning the tables on him. xx

Nikbee said...

Fantastic cards, Sue. I prefer the one with the black motifs, I think.
Nikki x

Rosemarie said...

Good Morning Sue, I like both cards, but if I was pushed I think the white motifs would win. Nice photo of Dean, I bet he is fun to work with.

Love Rosemarie xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, Great Cards. It's amazing what swapping the colours around can do. I use to do a quick sketch & roughly colour in to get an overall idea of what the finished piece would look like. This allowed me to see various colour variations & compositions before I committed. You can easily create 10 colour sketches in 10 minutes & these can be further cut into if you like segments. Somewhere along the line I stopped doing this to save time. Must start again. With Love & Light Theresa.H

Claveh said...

I do love these beaded cards, ok I have resisted long enough, I think these beads are the next thing on my shopping list.
Thanks.

Jackie D said...

Hi Sue,

Isn't it surprising how different a card can look by reversing the colours. I have to admit that I like the black motifs as background best. Dean always appears so relaxed I like watching when he is on - invariably he has me laughing and often cheers me up.

love from Jackie D

Cumbrianlass said...

Hi Sue
i like both cards, well they have Teal card on them (my fav,)
Great picture of Dean, he does make me laugh,he brightens up a dull day.
Janet

Sandra said...

Hi Sue,
Both versions of the card a lovely, although i'm slightly more drawn to the black motifs(just a personal fav)!
Hilarious pic of the character AKA Deano!!! Never a dull moment when he is on the screen.
I hope you are enjoying your family time at home with your mum xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, If I had to choose between the two it would be the first one with the black motifs. Also like the pic of Dean. Look forward to seeing you soon on C/C. Ann W

nzillingworth said...

Hi Sue
thought that was paper on the back not die cuts. I didn't see this being made must of been the one show i missed. Love both colours.How different a card can look with one small change. Fantasic card. Sit to your desk and never know what will develop.
Love Deano one xmas he did show on his own and double sided taped the desk and put glitter all over it. I wrote in to be put in the spotty potty to win it and he told me i was silly. lol So wrote back in and said would like to see him get the glitter back in the container lol. Don't know how they do shows for an hour on their own?!?!?!
Cant wait to see you back on the box. hope your enjoying the hol.
Born again spellbinder
Nadine x hug
nzillingworth@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue hope you are having a lovely time. I prefer the first sample, the greeting and centre dies really stand out in the white, although the other one is also very pretty. Best wishes, Edwina

joy said...

Hi Sue
Great card love the colours.
Dean well he makes me laugh even my daughter watches when Dean's on.
joyce.e

Stacey G.-2 Craf-t-4u said...

I like them both! Cutting al those dies, Now that is work! Great use of them! Love that sparkly paper too! I did two versions of your quilted card! LOVE it!! Will link back to you when I blog it!

Lorraine said...

these are both stunning i must try the beaded background technique too,lol look at Dean makes me chuckle xx

Unknown said...

Hi there, love these cards but I must say I have a slight preference for the first colour scheme! Love the micro beaded background. Hugs, Frea

HiggiSue said...

Sue you just keep inspiring me just wish my creativity would come back. feel like i am out of touch with nee ideas. so thank you.

Unknown said...

Another Beautiful Card sue Ive just made card using these dies when I get my camara up and running I will send you a copy. When Deans on you just have to laugh he gets up to all tricks.

Looking forward to tomorrows card.

Debs xx

Vie Carter said...

Loved both versions of this card Sue

Good shot of Dean having a leisure break

Vie
x

rachel said...

wow - this is amazing xx

Marianne's Craftroom said...

I love them both and fab pic of Dean, bless him. Was watching C & C when he said someone had asked him on Facebook if you two were married.

Redanne said...

It would be impossible to choose between the two cards Sue, I remember Dean sitting on the counter - what a laugh he is!

lainey said...

top one does it for me Sue :0 lainey x

Purple Crazy said...

Love them both, but the teal/black is fav, lovely pic of Dean, he's such a card xx

PaulineC said...

I cannot make up my mind which one I like the best.
Nigel is my favourite presenter if you ever take one of him!

fluffycat said...

Hi Sue, I too prefer the first card posted as it really 'pings' but the second (or first made) one is lovely also.
You were very quick to get that picture of Dean. I was so glad when he came back to C & C last year, you can't fail to enjoy a show that he is on as he always makes me laugh and when you two were working together it was a hoot!
Hope you are enjoying your holiday and time with your mum but hurry back soon as we miss you.
Frances

Martina Tidball said...

Love the shot of Dean! Can't wait to meet him on the Crafters' Weekend in March! Sue, how do you come up with such amazing demos? You are so calm and collected, in person at shows and on the TV! Thank you for the inspiration.

craftycarol said...

Hi Sue,
I love your cards today especially the black one.Yes I got a laugh at Dean and isn't it just like him so laid back.
Carol x

Maid of Kent said...

Hi Sue,
l love both cards but prefer the 2nd card, love the black it makes the card pop. Dean is a scream and makes me laugh. Lol Ann

jane stillman said...

I love both cards, but the second one stands out for me. I love it when Dean is presenting the shows, because he will always raise a giggle xx

Kim said...

You are right Sue, the second card looks richer and pops

Ladock girl said...

Great card as usual Sue, I do prefer the white centre piece it just seems to make the card pop out at you although both are just lovely.
Dean is such a lovely presenter you can't help but like him.
Love Linda xxx

Jane said...

I cant make my mind up which one I like the best,think there both just as nice

Jane xx

Alyx said...

Yes, I prefer the top card as, although the bottom one's lovely, the white seems to take too much attention away from the topper.

Both are lovely, though...VERY lovely in fact.
xx

CraftyJo said...

I can't decide! They are both lovely.

Lynn said...

love the beaded cards...got to get me some and play!! Love Dean he is the funniest and most charming presenter on all of ideal world and C&C!!
Hugs xx

Ruthie said...

I think I prefer the first card but they are both nice. I have not got any beads yet mayb I will on my next shop but you get a similar look but not so much texture using glitter card. Dean looks like he is posing for a 'specialist' magazine.

Rhonda Miller said...

Great cards. I really like the first one. TFS.

Christine Hussey said...

Hi Sue, both cards are great but I think the black on teal is my favourite. The design is another inspirational one but then all your cards are. Thank you for the pic of my favourite presenter, he is such a charmer and so funny I bet he's great to work with :)
Hugs Christine H x

scrapper said...

Yes I like the second card - i.e with black flowers better. Nice card idea

baconbits said...

Hi Sue,You say all your cards are simple and easy to achieve - but only with lots of practice for mere mortals...
I like the black combo best as it pops more.
Super candid shot of Dean, i bet heisa devil to work with always upto pranks and the like.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

nettie said...

both card are lovely as always nice shot of dean x

Anonymous said...

Both great cards Sue, as always. Agree with others that it is hard to choose, each has their own merits.Perfect impromptu pic of Dean
V.C.

CathyinMN said...

I like both cards, but I do like the one with black better. Thanks so much for sharing different color combinations with us of the same card. It's fun to see how a different color or combination can really change the look of a card.

Carolyn said...

Fab cards Sue,Dean is such a character.I love it when he is presenting a show,he makes me laugh,love him to bits.

salem said...

love this teal my fave color

Eileen C said...

Lovely cards and I prefer the one with the black motifs too - just appeals to me more on first glance. Like the photo of dean - ha ha ha sitting quietly! What a great combination of your gentle talent with his humour and jokes - who would think it would work.....but it does!!
hugs to you all
Eileen (Edinburgh)

Dawn said...

It's lovely to see the dies being used in different ways, I like using them for backgrounds as it adds texture and depth. Another lovely card Sue, Thank you for the inspiration Dawn x

Yorkie girl said...

Love the cards Sue you are an inspiration look forward to checking your blog when I get in from work each day
You and Dean are the new comedy duo .
Theresa x

Yorkie girl said...

Love the cards Sue you are an inspiration look forward to checking your blog when I get in from work each day
You and Dean are the new comedy duo .
Theresa x

Corinne said...

Hi Sue fab cards again hard to choose best one both are fab Love the photo of Dean I love it when you work with him you allways have such fun

Anonymous said...

Like both cards Sue. I have yet to use my micro beads,because I'm too busy using the new dies!!! Laughed at the photo of Dean!! Missing your giggles on the Wilson shows.
Anne with an E

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Sue - I am so happy to have found your Blog - I thoroughly enjoy watching your demo's on Create and Craft - your Spellbinder techniques are inspirational.
As for the brilliant Dean - I first saw him several years ago on Ideal World, attempting to erect a small garden tent, which was for sale on the programme. I almost wet myself, watching his hilarious attempts at trying to get the tent poles into the correct slots!! I enjoyed it so much I bought the tent, and still use it when the Grandchildren visit in Summer!
Love to you Sue, and love to Dean too! Sylvia xx
PS - These cards are fabulous!

craftylisa said...

beautiful card so elegant.

dean does make me laugh he is so funny

craftylisa said...

beautiful card so elegant.

dean does make me laugh he is so funny

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
I think the first card is the one that really pops, even though the second card is lovely, I missed posting a comment on the previous two posts, just liked to say , both were lovely, different, but lovely.
I just love Dean. he is my favourite presenter, every show he does makes me laugh, I want what he is on, lol.
Best Wishes
Happy2craft

veronica said...

nice to see both versions, but the teral one is definitely the best - the white stands out far too much on the first card. Lovely shot of Dean and the studio too

sheila said...

both versions are equally delightful. I like the way all your cards encourage us to try different colour schemes and perhaps a different die here and there, as we all don't have everything the same but your cards gives us inspiration

Yvonne said...

I love this card I think I prefer the white background version and going to have a play tmrw trying it out. And I love teal so well done you. It's amazing how diff they look just by reversing the colors. Xx

Sue Parish said...

Hi Sue, I put the 2 cards in close-up and kept switching from one to the other but couldn't decide which I liked best. It's interesting how different they looked, viewed like that.
I like Dean too - and I think he was on my train going to Hobbycrafts at the NEC last year - but he looked thinner than on tv and I didn't like to smile at him in case I'd made a mistake! I was behind him going in through the doors and a lady coming towards me gave me a look as if to say "is that Dean?" so I think it probably was. I felt a bit mean then, as he'd said on tv that it was his first time there and he probably would have liked someone to have spoken to him! I wish I had.
Sue x

Teresa said...

Love this Sue - how clever and how different it looks in the different colours but prefer the 1st one. Teresa xxx

lilygee said...

I love that background idea - looks so attractive - both colours look great. I think that's the first time I've seen Dean looking relatively still - probably be the last time we see him still too, God bless him!
lots of love lilygeexxx

Christine said...

I saw this demo, and thought you were quite right,(of course)the second version was much more striking. Lovely card. Thank you, Sue
Christine x

Tricia said...

Another great design for me to copy! Thanks, keep them coming. I make & sell cards to support my local hospice and you never fail to give me inspiration.

Linda Simpson said...

Hi Sue, I think they are both gorgeous. I will have to get some of those beads. Great photo of Dean, he is just a really nice person and so enjoy watching him, he always makes me laugh.

Hugs
Linda xxx

Craftychris said...

Love the cards but I prefer the first one. The photo of Dean is cool - he is always fun to watch. You must enjoy working with him xx

Anonymous said...

Lol to the pic of Dean, he does seem like a character! Loving the teal, I think the black looks like it sticks out and the white almost looks debossed, amazing how the same colours can look different when mixed up, thank you Helen O xxx

lorraine (classylady) said...

Hi Sue like them both but my favourite is the first one, I like black seems to bring life to a card, dramatic just like Dean you are both so good together.

Victoria said...

I like both of them! Stunning cards.

Unknown said...

Dean chilling for once ay :) Great cards un thax for bringing those fab little beads to us

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, Teal for me every time. Love the picture of Dean. He does always make me smile. He is just like a naughty boy:) Hugs Carol S.xx

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Hello Sue
What a lovely card in both versions. I think I agree with you and almost everyone else though, the amended 2nd version does stand out better but, it isn't my favourite. I have spent the last 5mins trying to work out why the 2nd one stands out better and I think it comes down to one thing only: (because I am so wordy I will put in list form)
2nd card has teal with black motifs on white, teal then black base.
1st card has teal with white motifs on white, teal then black base.
On the 1st card if the teal with white motifs had been put on black, teal and then white base it would have balanced better against the black focal and the white motifs on the teal wouldn't have almost washed into the white matt.
Does that make sense? I hope so. Anyway Sue, that is only my opinion and it doesn't really matter because I think they both have merits and are cards I would be so proud to produce myself. By the way the picture you took of the 1st card showing (2nd made) is stunning, so clear and bright- have you been practicing or have you starting using the light tent? Whatever it is thank you, I can see every detail of your beautiful cards now and they look even more stunning.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate one of the life lessons you so kindly shared with us from your dad:_
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it is still a gift.
Well my father believed in counting blessings too so, even though today definitely wasn't wrapped in a bow, I am counting my blessing of having the gift of another day: Another day to share with my family, friends and crafting buddies.
What are your blessing/s today (besides being with your lovely mum of course), I would love to know.
Hope you are both having a wonderful time together.
Best wishes and big hugs Linda x

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Sorry Sue I click before I had finished.
Love the pic of Dean, so nonchalant; so Dean. I remember when he left C&C, I was gutted. Right up until he returned I thought the shows were less interesting; then he returned and I started to laugh out loud again. He is the gem they need to retain, whatever it takes. People warm to him instantly and when you two are together we are assured of good demos, lots of inspiration and fabulous, laugh-out-loud viewing!! He is naughty but nice, professional but friendly, cheeky but honest and you two just bounce off each other. Winning team.
Linda x

Vicki Sharkey said...

Hi Sue, I like the top one best, the balck background and then white focl element really stand out. LOVE it.
Vicki :)

Ali W said...

The White does it for me, just lovely. Sat on my fingers long enough, thought must get the microbeads, left it too late, can't get any, Sam Poole has run out too! You'll have to bring them back to C&C Sue, when you're next on. Dean, well, what is there to say, he's a hoot, just "mad" he brightens the day, so full of energy, you two work well together! Alison :)

CRAZYCRAFTSHED said...

Both gorgeous cards fabulous colour's
Hugs Dianne xx :)

Toni said...

Both cards are lovely and dean is one of my favourite presenters. You always seem to have such fun when you are on together.
Toni xx

Lou said...

I prefered the black motifs myself. It just seemed to pop out more for me. Love your amazing cards Sue. I also loved the piccy of Dean. One of my fav presenters.

elkeartsandcrafts said...

Just gorgeous and the card's not bad either!ha! ha!

Elaine J

yorkshiresue said...

Think I prefer the first colour combination
Like the photo of Dean. I wish there were more behind the scene photos
Love
Sue
XXX

Muriel, Failsworth said...

I agree with you Sue that using the white draw your eyes to the focal point. That one is the my favourite one of the two.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, what a great idea for a background.....Can't wait to try it out myself, thankyou for the inspiration....Dean is so funny, he was the best thing on TV the other night,he had me in stitches!!

Take Care

Manx Linda x

Lisa said...

Sue, I check your blog daily as I love to see your latest creations but my jaw as I saw the delicious Dean relaxing on the work top! plus I've always wondered what was kept underneath the counter top too! Thanks for sharing and showing your pics and fabulous cards too:D

Lisa
xx

Crafty Loops said...

Heehee, what a brilliant photo of Dean, lol. Stunning card too Sue. Lee x

violetclouds said...

Dean looks right at home there - I assume you know that your 'crafty brother' has now demonstrated the grand caliber and spellbinders on his own without a guest??? ;) Lovely cards, always interesting to see the same card in a different colourway