March 9, 2013

Cloud9 Blog Hop--March & a Farewell


Hello there, and happy Saturday!

It's time for another Cloud9 Blog Hop featuring all of your favorite WPlus9 stamps.  Here is the beautiful photo we're taking inspiration from this month:

{photo source}
You may have seen the news on the blog hop preview post that I'm stepping down from the Cloud9 team.  There have been some major changes in my personal and professional lives lately, and I'm trying to find better ways to balance work, home, and my hobbies.  So for the moment, I need to step away from a few things, and unfortunately that includes the Cloud9 team.  Many thanks to Suzanne for inviting me to be a part of it, and all the best to the team going forward!

Speaking of the team, two new designers are making their debut this month at Cloud9:  Erin Taylor and Maureen Merritt.  I love both of these talented ladies, and I know they'll have some amazing inspiration to share at Cloud9 every month.

Okay, on to my card.  :)  I tried a few different things with watercolor that failed miserably before deciding to focus on just the beautiful bouquet in the photo.  Using shades of aqua, pink, and green, I did a lot of stamping and masking using Very Vintage Florals on Oatmeal cardstock.

This card is going out to a crafty friend who always uses beautiful ribbons on her cards, so I just had to include a bright pink bow.

Cardstock:  WPlus9 Design Studio (Oatmeal), Papertrey Ink (Hawaiian Shores), Stampin' Up! (Early Espresso)
Stamps:  WPlus9 Design Studio (Very Vintage Florals)
Ink:  Stampin' Up! (Melon Mambo, Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Pool Party, Chocolate Chip)
Other:  Michaels (ribbon), thread

You have until March 12 to link up your creation in the Cloud9 gallery!

Thanks so much for your visit.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

20 comments:

Maureen said...

Hi Chritina! I just had to stop by and say what a gorgeous card this is! That ribbon is divine! Oh la la! I hear ya on making balance in our lives. This needs to stay a passion and not just another "job" like the other 3 full time jobs women juggle! Good for you for being proactive! Hugs!

Lynn said...

Hope you are doing okay Christina. Your card is absolutely beautiful!

Christiana said...

Such a lovely card! Kudos to you for making tough decisions. I wish you nothing but the best!

Tracey McNeely said...

Beautiful card Christina, I always love to see your work, your images are perfect to me. I completely understand about re-prioritizing. Makes us fresher! Hugs!

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

I've decided I'm bow-phobic... love the colorso of your blooms.

Kim S said...

I didn't even try to watercolor on my card so I'm with you! I love the bouquet you have created - a lovely layout - and the big bow is a beautiful touch!

Alanna said...

This is stunning. Great use of masking. And the stitching adds such a nice detail.

Renee said...

While I'm sorry to see you go...
I agree with Maureen above...
gotta keep things in perspective and keep this "fun" versus it becoming another obligation that takes away from the truly important things in life...
so with that said...
a gorgeous creation!
Love how you focused on the beautiful colors...
and that fabby bow! :)

Laurie said...

Christina this is gorgeous! I love the HS base and that beautiful bow!

Marisa said...

Gorgeous flowers and that ribbon just pops!! Good for you for making the decision to find more of a balance. It seems to be a life long process (at least for me LOL) and always good to review, reflect and reorganize things in life to bring what is truly important back to the forefront. Hugest of hugs to you!!

Darnell said...

You will be missed on the team, Christina! This card is a perfect take on the inspiration photo. Just perfect!!

All the best to you with your life changes and the new path you're taking!

Ginny said...

Beautiful, beautiful card, Christina!! Gorgeous masking and stitching as well. As an adult (and especially an adult woman), life seems to be all about balancing our different roles and having some time left over to take care of ourselves. So very hard to do!!! Whatever changes are going on in your life, I wish you all the best toward finding the right balance for YOU!! Hugs!

Cassandra said...

Hope all is OK, and making life a bit less busy sorts things out a little. You will be missed in this challenge. Beautiful card as usual, a great interpretation of the photo.

Tigriswillreign said...

This is lovely!

Lindsey said...

This card is so bright and crisp. I just love it. I'm loving the ribbon, too...it's a supply I hoard, but can't seem to put on cards in a way that I like. Wishing you the best as you try to find balance.

Marybeth said...

Sorry to see you go , but you have to do what is works best for you and your family.
Your card is stunning and a wonderful interpretation of the beautiful photo.

Sharron said...

Beautiful card, Christina--the flowers are gorgeous! And I love the contrast of the bright turquoise and striking red bow! Sorry to see you step down from the team but know how important it is to keep balance in your life. I love seeing whatever you create so hope you can continue to devote time to as many creative endeavors as you can.

Jingle said...

This is super pretty! Great colors!

Kara said...

beautiful card!

Suzanne said...

No!!! Don't go! Can you feel me sitting on your foot with my arms and legs wrapped around your ankle? :( I love you so much and am going to miss you, but I know you need time to balance life out. It is hard and I hope you are lucky and find that balance soon, Christina!

Your cards are always so perfect, but the aqua and pink combo here is soo eye catching and gorgeous! Thanks for playing along with us!

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