Friday, June 19, 2015

Clean and Simple and Oh-so-Retro

I mentioned in an earlier post that I'd been commissioned to do some cards and I have the other two cards to share with you today. 

 By the way, a BIG thank you to those who took the time to leave advice or encouragement for my card-selling venture. It was very helpful!

 The first card I'm going to share sprang from this request: "I want a birthday card for my boss and she's got a BIG sense of humor". When it comes to humor, my favorite way to create is with snarky retro girls. Horrible puns are a close second. 

 Luckily, I just bought some new retro girl stamps from Viva Las Vegas stamps. 

I created a sweet banner with my favorite retro color combo - teal and red - and then paired the retro girl with a semi-snarky sentiment. Mission accomplished!

I'm sending this card over to:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Use your Favorites
Seize the Birthday - ATG with option to use neutrals
Paper Players - Color challenge (just eeeking in!) 



 Card number 2 was a little more challenging. She asked for a card for her friend who recently just lost her dog (heartstrings, you have been pulled!). She also didn't want the card to be too sad. 

 For some reason, my sympathy cards are always clean and simple. I immediately got an idea for this card and ran to my craft room before I lost it. 

I used some very old (and I seriously couldn't tell you the manufacturer) paw print stamp set that I inherited from my Grandma and made it look like they were fading off into the distance by using an ombre effect. Then I tied on a big ol' chevron bow with ribbon from Pretty Pink Posh. 

 Lastly - the sentiment. How to not go too sad? I thought about the Noteworthy stamp set from STAMPlorations and this sentiment seemed to fit perfectly. 

This card is going over to:
Addicted to Stamps and More - Clean and Simple (PS! Happy 3rd Birthday!)
Friday Mashup - Use stenciling OR create a monochromatic card

 

So these cards are a little different from my normal aesthetic, but I think they turned out perfectly for what the customer was asking for.

Thanks for popping by! I'm only >>25<< people away from reaching 200 followers and I would LOVE to hit that mark. A big thank you to all my newest followers! You make me so happy!
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57 comments:

  1. Claire BroadwaterJune 19, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Becca, I just love your retro image! These colors were perfect for your card! How fun!!!! The mix of patterns is just fantastic! Thank you so much for joining us at The Paper Players this week! XX

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  2. ionabunnyJune 19, 2015 at 9:19 AM

    Fun retro card. Love the doggy sympathy card. Hugz

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  3. stampwithsandyJune 19, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous, Becca! Love that vintage image. Your layers are nice and tidy, too :) Thanks so much for playing along with my color challenge at The Paper Players!

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  4. BettyJune 19, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    fantastic cards Becca - your client should be pleased!

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  5. jimlynnJune 19, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    Becca, both of these are wonderful. Love the banner and fun sentiment on that first card. The sympathy card is just sensational! What a beautiful way to tell someone how you feel about the loss of a pet.
    Lynn

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  6. Judy VJune 19, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    Great cards Becca! Love, love the retro one! The stamp is fabulous and I like the banners too!

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  7. shirley-beeJune 19, 2015 at 12:09 PM

    There's nothing snarky about your first card, just some good old fashioned sense! And I love the pet sympathy card -perfect sentiment and the fading paw prints is just genius.

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  8. LisaJune 19, 2015 at 12:11 PM

    Both of your cards are fabulous, Becca!! I love the retro image on the first one!! The banners are awesome!! And the fading paw prints are so sweet on the second one!! You did an awesome job on both!! Have a great weekend :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  9. Petra SwartJune 19, 2015 at 12:25 PM

    Both these cards are great, Becca!!! Love the retro card with the cute sentiment and the second card is so darling for someone who lost a great 4 legged friend!!!! Love the bow and the dry embossing!!!
    Have a great weekend!!!

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  10. Cat CraigJune 19, 2015 at 12:45 PM

    She'll be thrilled with your cards. Both are fab.

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  11. Dotty JoJune 19, 2015 at 1:00 PM

    Gorgeous cards - I love them both, Jo x

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  12. conilJune 19, 2015 at 1:15 PM

    Both recipients are going to treasure these cards for entirely different reasons, of course. My, my you are really off to a great start on your commissions. That retro look is awesome...the banner is perfect as is the color combo. I believe you hit just the right note for your sympathy card. Purely brilliant the way you faded out those sweet paw prints. You're awesome, girl.

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  13. conilJune 19, 2015 at 1:15 PM

    Both recipients are going to treasure these cards for entirely different reasons, of course. My, my you are really off to a great start on your commissions. That retro look is awesome...the banner is perfect as is the color combo. I believe you hit just the right note for your sympathy card. Purely brilliant the way you faded out those sweet paw prints. You're awesome, girl.

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  14. Lisa EltonJune 19, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    Two terrific cards Becca! I love the banner on the first and the paw prints really hit home on the second. I've been missing my sweet boy Max with this nice weather. Thanks for bringing back some good memories today!

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  15. Julie BJune 19, 2015 at 2:37 PM

    Two fab cards Becca. Love the sentiment on the first and the pawprints on the CAS one.
    Thanks for linking up at ATSM's 3rd Birthday challenge too. :)

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  16. CarolJune 19, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    You nailed both remits Becca, love them both. Carol x

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  17. wendipooh13June 19, 2015 at 3:27 PM

    LOVE the fun retro card!!! great colors!! and love the paws on card #2!!!!

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  18. KT Fit KittyJune 19, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    Well your pet sympathy card definitely did pull on my heartstrings - I love how you have the pawprints fading - that's brill and I might have to "borrow" this for future pet sympathy cards. As for your first card, I LOVE retro, just love it, and I love your card! Love the image, love the sentiment, love the colours! I think you are off to a great start with your business and I know you will be very successful!

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  19. Heather JacobJune 19, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    loving these cards, both so different and unique ... love them both x

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  20. kiwimeskreationsJune 19, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Becca these are fabulous - it is always so hard making cards for folk you don't know, and have been given minimal information about :-).... the challenge of commissions I guess. Your retro card is perfect, and the sympathy - wow!
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  21. GretaJune 19, 2015 at 10:33 PM

    I bet your customers are thrilled, Becca! That pet sympathy card is so creative & just right!

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  22. BirgitJune 19, 2015 at 11:09 PM

    Almost 200! That is great especially that your blog is young, at least to me. I love these cards and the snark with the first one. the 2nd card is so sweet and she will appreciate it big time

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  23. aussie aNNieJune 20, 2015 at 2:06 AM

    Gorgeous and so creative , lovely colour too..{aNNie My Personal Blog}

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  24. Dolly BJune 20, 2015 at 2:37 AM

    Both the cards are different, but equally gorgeous. Love the colours and retro theme of the first one. Those stamps are a bit nice also. Love the little banner, works perfectly. The Second card is clean and simple, dignified and just right for someone that has lost their fur baby.
    Mary

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  25. Neets BJune 20, 2015 at 2:37 AM

    Well done for fulfilling the brief for both of these cards, it's never easy! And your paw print card is perfect for this sad occasion. Thanks for sharing at ATSM this week, Anita x

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  26. Lizzy HillJune 20, 2015 at 6:40 AM

    2 fabulous cards....adore that banner up top & that is the PERFECT sentiment....& a fabulous idea with the paw prints on the bottom one....betcha have 2 very satisfied customers:):)

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  27. PamelliaJune 20, 2015 at 7:00 AM

    Fabulous CAS cards Becca!! Love that cake sentiment and those paw prints are so much fun! have a great weekend, hugs :)

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  28. Sharyn PoleselJune 20, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    What a fun card.....love the retro look! Thanks for joining us at Seize the Birthday!

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  29. *Vicki*June 20, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    These are both fantastic designs!! LOVE the birthday card and the fun sentiment!! LOL!! Pet sympathy are really hard to make and you've done such a brilliant job with it!!

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    Replies
    1. *Vicki*June 20, 2015 at 12:45 PM

      Sorry Becca, forgot to say thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

      Delete
  30. Maarit at Violets CornerJune 20, 2015 at 1:10 PM

    Fabulous cards, Becca, they are very inspiring.

    Have a wonderful weekend, sweetie.

    Love and hugs
    Maarit

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  31. Kara LynneJune 20, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    I love that retro mamma telling it like it is! Great colors too. Perfect, and I mean perfect canine farewell card! Your grandma would be so happy you used the paw prints from her collection!

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  32. AnonymousJune 20, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    2 amazing cards Becca. Have a fab weekend x

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  33. Anita in FranceJune 21, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    Your customer must be delighted with such personalised and fabulous cards, Becca ... that colour palette is so perfect with the retro image ... and what a thoughtful way to express sympathy on the loss of a pet! Anita :)

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  34. HeatherJune 21, 2015 at 4:31 AM

    Fabulous cards Becca, I love both the monochrome and the gorgeous red & aqua colours. Your vintage girl is delightful with a fabulous sentiment and great with the details and banner!!

    hugs
    Heather xx
    Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

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  35. DarnellJune 21, 2015 at 11:54 AM

    I feel like I commented already, but it must have been on Facebook? This granny has a hard enough time keeping things straight without two or three social media happening. I don't know how you young girls do it with your blogs and FB and Instagram and Twitter and YouTubes and - oh, look, three more new ones just hit the air waves!! Anyway, back to your cards: I think you are a customer's dream, Becca! You have given them prezackly what they asked for and more than they could have imagined!! Go you and thank you for the great inspiration!! Hugs, Darnell

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  36. Happy DanceJune 21, 2015 at 5:35 PM

    Speaking of Darnell....you're getting nearly as many comments as she does, lol!! Very funny birthday card. And I totally agree with the sentiment! Dang...now I want cake...! And the sweet sympathy card is perfect; not too sad but it conveys the proper amount of sympathy. Well done! Folks are gonna be clamoring for more from you! Bev

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  37. JeannieJune 21, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    I love both of these cards, especially the pet sympathy that are so difficult to make.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

    Jeannie T.
    Dragonfly Journeys

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  38. alexandra s.m.June 21, 2015 at 11:29 PM

    Your cards are always beautiful and inspiring Becca!
    Thank You~

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  39. HannelieJune 22, 2015 at 12:03 AM

    Becca, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful birthday card at Seize the birthday!

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  40. VanessaBJune 22, 2015 at 11:09 AM

    the birthday card is so much fun!! and there's nothing worse than needing to make a sympathy card. simple is best and this one is fantastic!

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  41. UnknownJune 22, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Oh I love your style! Im looking forward to working with you on the MMC DT!!!

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  42. UnknownJune 22, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Oh I love your style! Im looking forward to working with you on the MMC DT!!!

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  43. UnknownJune 22, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Oh I love your style! Im looking forward to working with you on the MMC DT!!!

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  44. Tracey McNeelyJune 22, 2015 at 11:45 PM

    Becca two wonderful cards, I love the retro stamp and that fabulous sentiment, The doggie paws are just too sweet!

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  45. AnonymousJune 23, 2015 at 3:00 AM

    I love the retro card! So, so cute! Thanks for stopping by my bog. I'm happy to be your teammate over at MMCC!

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  46. Karen DunbrookJune 23, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    ....love....

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  47. Heidi BaksJune 23, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    Love the idea of fading paw prints on your sympathy card. Great job! Thanks for joining the Friday Mashup this week.

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  48. CynthiaJune 23, 2015 at 7:48 PM

    Such a cute card. Love the little paw prints! Thanks for playing along this week with us at The Friday Mashup!

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  49. Tenia NelsonJune 24, 2015 at 12:55 PM

    Both card are gorgeous, Miss Lady!! Thanks for playing along at ATSM!!

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  50. Nora NollJune 24, 2015 at 3:45 PM

    That retro card is so fun. Those colors are perfect for that image. I really like how you thought about the footprints getting lighter as your eyes draw through the card. Such FABULOUS design. Love your thought process too!!

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  51. DeeptiJune 26, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    I love the retro look of ur first card :) awesome!

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  52. Monika ReeckJune 29, 2015 at 2:14 AM

    I add to all ladies comment here the retro look is adorable made and love the colors dear Becca
    and the second one oh so cuuutee
    love what your idea come on that card
    great post again my friend
    hugs, Monika (try to catch up now **Grinz)

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  53. cmJune 29, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    I hope you have plenty of time set aside, Becca, because based on these two cards, major commissions will be coming your way! These: awesome! The pet card...oh my...heartstrungs pulled!
    Hugs~c

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  54. Taunya ButlerJune 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    Becca - you have SO many comments - makes me wonder if you will even notice mine but I just want to tell you how impressed I am with these cards and with your ability to do different styles and types of cards!! Good for you!! Love that you made such a touching card for the loss of a furry friend and the snarky birthday card is awesome!!! Love seeing your designs - have a fabulous day!!!

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    Replies
    1. Becca CrugerJune 30, 2015 at 10:24 AM

      Of course I notice yours, silly lady! They make my day and leave me with a BIG grin!

      Delete
  55. Becca CrugerJune 30, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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