Jan 17, 2012

Jan 18th Mystery Swap

There is a group of swappers on Split Coast Stampers who participate in a Mystery Swap.  Every other month, one member (the host for the round) selects an image for us to use, maybe also some DP or a sentiment to go with it, and sends the Mystery kits to the current month's host.  That host includes the kit with the swap returns and we begin the process all over again.

Ok, have I confused you yet??  It's easier than how it sounds with my convoluted explanation.  Anyway, this round is my turn to be the host. So, last November, when our last Mystery Swap was due, I sent the hostess my Mystery kits and the gang has had December and part of January to create their cards.  The cards are due to me on Jan. 18th, which is also the date that we can reveal on our blogs or in our gallery our creations with the kit.

D. Morgan's illustration of the stamp image
 on the wood block
I chose to use a D. Morgan stamp (yes, I'm a big fan and have lots of her stamps) entitled "A Better Friend" marketed by Stamps Happen, Inc.  Here's a picture of her artwork (see left).

I am really excited to see what everyone comes up with using this image.  I'm sure to learn a lot from these talented women.


Here is what I made this round.  It's a 6x6 inch square card, colored with Prismacolor pencils and using Gamsol to blend.

At first I thought of making a winter scene, but, hey - it's January and I needed to think "Spring" .  So I tried to put the trees in bloom and dropping some of the flower petals on the ground.

The cats always gave me a hard time, but this time maybe I have had enough practice with shading to achieve a better look.  I haven't tried this stamp in almost a year, so maybe I'm progressing in my coloring technique.

Front close-up
Here is a closer view, showing the shiny dotted background paper.  It's from DCWV in their "Linen Closet" pack.  It's a great pack if you haven't seen it, check it out.  It's pretty versatile.

Inside panel












I also decided to add a corner punched piece of coordinating solid color stock on the inside for an extra touch.

I will post the returns from my Mysterious Swapping Friends as soon as they all come in. That way you can drool over everyone's creations.

Thanks for stopping by and wishing you all a week blessed with health and happiness!

14 comments:

April said...

Darlene! I need to come visit so you can teach me all about coloring! Your card is perfect!

I adore that you chose this stamp for our swap! So you!! And it was a pleasure coloring it up! I can't wait it see everyone's finished projects!!

Woot Woot!

jimlynn said...

Oh my...this is just lovely! What a wonderful little scene and love that DP you used on here. So pretty.
Lynn

Melina said...

So beautiful! I love how you shaded the cats! :)

~Paola~ said...

awww...look at youuuur gorgeouss carddd....I loveee your clever take on spring...gorgeous flowered trees and a sunrise to boost too!...wowww...this is AMAZING!!
Thank YOU Darlene for gifting us with such awesome image!♥

:: BlueInks :: said...

You did an awesome job! I love how you colored the cats.

I really like using Prismas and gamsol. Have you used the blending stumps made in Taiwan? Carol sent some to me and they make all the difference in the world, in case you have not.

Thanks, for such a great image and being a super hostess this round. I loved the cats!

Barb said...

Darlene--thanks for sharing the images from your wonderful collection of D. Morgan stamps.

I too want to come for some lessons on coloring--you should have taught a class that day at Gael's! Your card is absolutely stunnning! Great Job and I am blessed to have met you and call you a friend!

Terry Ladwig said...

Darlene, I love your card! You really are great at coloring - love how you did the cats!

Thank you for sharing this stamp with us! It got me out of my comfort zone and made me try somethng new ☺

Thank you also for being a great hostess!!

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Darlene, your card is gorgeous! Wow!! I love your coloring! Awesome!

This has been such an amazing Mystery Swap; it challenged us to step out of our comfort zone and try something a bit more detailed than most of us are accustomed to.... and have you seen those cards (oh I guess you have, since you're the hostess). The Mystery Group has done an amazing job. (I just hope you don't get too much criticism from those who are unfortunate enough to get my card in their ennvelopes.) THANK YOU for being our wonderful hostess!!!

Carol W said...

Your card is absolutely beautiful...great coloring and layout...you have given us such a beautiful image to use and a challenge to boot...Great job hosting and creating Darlene...Woohoo...Way to go...♥

MiamiKel said...

So much gorgeousness in one place! Your stamp chive this time around blew me out of the water... Stunning choice and really got its us to think creatively!! Thanks for being who you are, my friend!! Love ya muchly!

paige said...

Another D. Morgan masterpiece! You continue to inspire me!

Miss Amber said...

Darlene, this is just adorable!! TFS!

Shelly Schmidt said...

beautiful- i love this scene and your coloring is so pretty!!!

Margaret said...

That's so funny. I used to have that exact stamp. I think I sold it awhile back. Sweet to see how you used it.