Friday, February 15, 2013

A Study in: Quatrefoil (negative shapes)


First of all, super-exciting news to finally share (I am pretty good at keeping secrets, but it still drives me crazy to do so)! 



Seeing that email from Michele asking if I'd like to be a Girl Friday (um, hello, YES!!) was such a thrill. I've always thought the CAS-ual Fridays challenge is top-notch, and then to be a part of it ... wow! And now that Michele has started her CAS-ual Friday Stamps company I'm so anxious to play with her fun/trendy/versatile stamps! When I saw the insanely talented group of designers who are also joining the team, I was even more excited, and then immediately panicked. Holy cow, I'm going to have to make some darn good cards! Seriously can't wait to get started.



Here's the bouquet my decades-long girlfriends from Jr. High sent me to celebrate, isn't that so sweet of them?!? Thanks Golden Girls!!!

OK, thanks for letting me share. Back to the post ...

If you're new to my blog, you've landed right in the middle of a series of posts focusing on several different ways to use the same die ... Papertrey's Quatrefoil Cover Plate die.


This post will feature cards made with the negative portions of this die, combined with one of this week's challenges. First up ...


Looking at the photo at Runway Inspired Challenge this week, I see one tall, pink object on the left with white inside, and several layers of smaller, neutral items mostly on the right, but crossing over the pink.


 I tried to keep the same elements that I saw in the photo on my card. A tall, pink object with white inside, and the shorter, layered objects on the other side. Due to the grays, I made this a sympathy card. The pure, white vine moving upwards also worked well for a sympathy card.

It's pretty easy to see where the quatrefoil comes from on this card, right? I just cut a strip from the middle and that was that. Instant trellis. I cut apart a Memory Box Flutter Vine die (which is a clump of leaves) and pieced it back together to make the vine climbing up the trellis.


Next up are the soft colors at The Play Date Cafe. I have to admit, I was going to pass on this one because I don't usually use pale colors. But then I came back and gave it a try.


The flowers are cut from patterned paper and arranged on the mint cardstock. For this card it's less obvious where the Quatrefoil comes from. Can you tell? It's where the rounded bumps of the quatrefoil shapes meet one another. In an earlier post I used these intersections as "X's" on a XOXO card. But for this card, I lined up the longer X's (going vertically on the die) and made an interesting border. On the white side of the border, I used my hole punch to remove the mint green sections. The punch happened to be the perfect size.



Next up is the Camera Craze Challenge at Moxie Fab (this photo is from the additional inspiration on Cath's pinterest board). When I saw this challenge, I REALLY thought I need to skip it for my quatrefoil study. But then I had an idea ...


Maybe they'd make some pretty cool bellows if I stacked and slightly offset them. And MAYBE I could even use those odd, end pieces with the straight edge. Since I was going to be taking major liberties with making my camera out of these quaterfoil outlines, I decided to use some fun colors and make it a modern-ish camera. That's where the sentiment comes from too. I have an 85 year-old aunt who is just gorgeous and so fashionable (used to be a model) and very "old school cool." If she was a camera, it would be this one : )

For the "old school" sentiment, I felt kinda naughty only tapping my letters into the ink pad once, and very lightly at that. But I wanted an older look for that part of the sentiment, to contrast with the more modern "cool." Just like the worn texture at the top vs. the modern pattern on the bottom.



The quatrefoil outlines all being the same size made it difficult to construct the bellows. So I made an extension of the bellows in black cardstock that I could graduate in size. I also like the fact you can see some of the other side of the quatrefoil outline, making it look a little more 3D.


OK, one more! This one is inspired by Dawn McVey's sunshine card in the middle right for Papertrey's 6 year anniversary.


I used similar colors,and made it into a full circle. Remember the pink trellis card? That's what makes up this card. A bunch of quatrefoil outline strips rotated to make a circle. Again, the part that I think is going to be bothersome (the ends where there's not a full quatrefoil shape) turns out to be the best part! The straight edge at each end makes a nice circle when they are all lined up.


I started adhering them together in the middle to get the spacing right, and afterwards ended up liking how the ends curl outward a little. So I left the ends loose for now. I think it's an added layer of interest.

Thanks so much for looking, and all of your kind comments along the way!
-Kelly

Previous posts in this series: Die within a Die, Positive Shapes, More Positive Shapes
Future posts in this series: Whole Die, 3D Shapes

44 comments:

  1. I am so excited to be first here - YEAH YOU ROCK, Casual Fridays chica! SOOO happy for you. And this post - get outta here. As if you had to worry about having enough good card ideas. Your brain is amazing (have I said that before?) and these cards are awesome. That camera - a winner fershure. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your cards are ALL AMAZING Kelly~wowzers!!! Congratulations~you and CAS-ual Fridays fit perfectly...I know you will come up with super inspiring creations, as always~ I'm so happy for you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nope, I just don't see how you're going to be able to create amazing cards for CASual Fridays, because you've never done it before and certainly not today! Come on! You're a natural Girl Friday and I can't wait to see all the goodness you'll come up with! You're awesome - I've known it for a long time and now even more people will know! Congratulations on a very well-deserved honour!

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are simply amazing Kelly!! Wow!! The camera bellows especially - genius!!

    Congrats on your awesome news. When I see who the new team is it's easy for me to understand why I didn't make the cut. ;-) Can't wait to see what you will do - I know you will rock it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congrats on joining CAS-ual Fridays, you're a great fit! I'm so glad you went back and gave the PDCC colors a try, it looks great! And, I love the idea of showing how to use one tool multiple ways.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is just amazing what you've created with this die cut!
    All those impressive works with it, incredible...

    Rosi x

    ReplyDelete
  7. awesome ,Kelly and yes ..the camera bellow --pure genius!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Second in line, is to say that with YOU on the CAS-ual Friday team, we will all have to work even harder! You just brought us up my dear:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats on making the CAS-ual Fridays team! Love all the cards today - the first couple especially are fabulous uses of the Quatrefoil shapes!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kelly - First I am jumping for joy right along with you on your CAS-ual Fridays team selection! Woo Hoo - you go girl!!!! And I must say your post today once again is AWESOME! Love that camera!!!!!! A Moxie Fab-u-lous project for sure! Thanks for always inspiring! You will be a wonderful addition to the CAS-ual team!!!!
    Hugs,
    Jill

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! Gorgeous work there! Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Okay, first of all, I am so excited that you are now a part of the team!!! Yay!!! And I have just picked up my jaw up off the floor after looking at your camera card! Really?! That's crazy amazing!!!! Genius!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. First off, CONGRATS on the Girl Fridays, Kelly! You will rock this DT, I know it! And I love your uber versatile take on the challenges with one diecut!!!! You talent is showing through in your gorgeous creations!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations on becoming a girl Friday - I'll have to check the website out. You have certainly utilised the quatrefoil die well. I thought someone would snap you up for their DT.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrat's Kelly on becoming a Girl Friday! You will be amazing!

    All of your projects today are fabulous, I love it when you focus on 'one thing', a die, a technique, a stamp set. So inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yeah! Congratulations Ms. Girl Friday! Woot! Every card in the post gets more and more gorgeous. I love how you played with one product/technique (you always do that so well!). The camera one? A winner for sure--it is freaky cool!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fantastic news, Kelly, congratulations on becoming a Girl Friday! Another great post full of brilliant projects and ideas ... awesome and inspiring! Anita :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Congrats!!! Ummm, if this post in any example then you are DEFINITELY not going to have a problem with ideas for BRILLIANT cards! It's hard to pick a favourite, but that camera card is INSPIRED!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congratulations on your new position at CAS-ual Friday's. I'm sure it is only the first of many, and it is totally deserved. Awesome news, and I was so happy to see your name up on the blog. I can't wait to see what you do, and I know it will be utterly amazing and fantastic. Friday's better stock on stamps, because I know that you will be making all of us want everything you use. Today's projects are stunning, and I have to say that I never would have thought of any of those ideas, and I have owned that die since release.

    ReplyDelete
  20. You are on fire! Congrats on the new gig. And I absolutely love that last card; so creative!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats on being a CAS-ual Friday's girl! Yay! I'm so happy for you! I'm sure you are going to keep shining there! I love all of your creations today, all of them so 'out of the box', well done clever girl!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Congratulations again, Kelly, for the well-deserved honor! If Michele is smart (and I know she is) she will have you designing stamps, not just cards! Okay, cards. You have over-stimulated my stimulator, my goodness! Your talent is remarkable. Your Runway Inspired card, please. Brilliant!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. HUGE congratulations to you on your well-deserved honor!!! Your ideas are amazing and I cannot wait to see your creations.
    WOW, I am pretty much speechless with these cards! Very creative indeed!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. YAY!!! I am thrilled to hear that you are part of the CAS-ual Friday DT. I can't think of any blog I enjoy perusing more than yours. From the first time I saw your projects, I have been intrigued by your unique take on almost everything! The box series and now quatrefoil are just fascinating. I am inspired by your capacity to exhaust a design. You have an admirable LACK of fear of failure. Congratulations! Have a blast in your new role. : )

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congratulation you'll be addition to there team. these cards are all fabulous, the first one, the colors are beautiful and how you arranged it fabulous, the second, beautiful colors again and it works perfectly, the camera is the BOMB perfection, the last one is a wowzer just perfect thanks so much for sharing these...

    ReplyDelete
  26. An absolute GI-NORMOUS CONGRATULTIONS on your Girl Friday appointment. You are so deserving of this. Your work is amazing, your talent is never ending, your enthusiasm is contagious and your genuine, sincere love of this great sport is second to none!

    I am looking forward to never ending inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Holy Moly, all of these creative cards are awesome, Kelly!
    Love the camera :o)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love, love your play with the negative die pieces, Kelly! You are an expert! So glad that you joined us in the Runway Inspired Challenge! Happy crafting!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Congrats on joining the Cas-ual Fridadys team! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congratulations on becoming a Girl Friday. You will do amazingly. And these cards? What can I say. A M A Z I N G!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow I love the flowers coming out from the negatives!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congrats on the new team! yay!! Your cards are all so fun! You are so creative!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh my dear, what awesome news. Congratulation.You really deserve it and I am so so happy for you!!
    Love
    Tascha

    ReplyDelete
  34. Kelly, I am loving this series! It is really great to see all the creative ways you are using this die! I think the first and the last ones are my favorite! and not to forget, BIG Congratulations on being one of the new girl Fridays!! That is awesome news! you will be a GREAT addition to their team :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Never got a chance to congratulate you on you new gig!! Awesome news! So happy for you!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am loving all these studies you are doing! It really makes me look at what I already have and see the many possibilities from just one product!! Keep up the fabulous work! You are such an inspiration! :)

    Lauren
    http://landersoncraftydesigns.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  37. Amazing use of that one quatrefoil die (on my wish list) and I am off to become a follower so I can continue to see so much inspiration. Oh and congrats on becoming a Girl Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  38. You know.....they should rename the Quatrefoil after you! Something like "Kellyfoil" or "Quatrekelly". You're finding so many different and unique ways to use that plate! And this is too much eye candy for one blog post! You should have spread it out because now my jaw is stuck.

    And congrats again for being chosen as a Girl Friday. So looking forward to your CAS goodness! And more quatrefoil!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wow- so many great ideas. LOVE the camera craze one- def a winner!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Every card is fantastic, and truthfully I don't think I could pick a favorite because I love them all! Congrats on your happy CAS-ual Friday DT news! Thank you for joining us this week at The Play Date Cafe!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow! Sorry I missed this great post Kelly. First Congratulations! I am so happy for you but not one bit surprised. The things you have done with this die are amazing! Seems you have only just begun. I love everything you have made with it! You crack me up felt kinda naughty!
    I am so happy for you! I did a bit of the happy dance !

    ReplyDelete
  42. Super collection of cards Kelly! Congrats on your becoming a Girl Friday! Michele is a sweetheart and it's a great team!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh my goodness, how exciting. Can't wait to visit Casual Fridays and see a familiar name/face and root for all your magnificence! These are just amazing. All terrific!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hey Kelly! Thanks for linking this up to the Camera Craze Challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)

    ReplyDelete

I absolutely love reading comments. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave one! - Kelly