witticisms by Jess Witty

April 06, 2010

Go-to Gals & Friends Blog Hop!

So yesterday I introduced you to my new favorite resource... Go-to Sketches. You might be under the impression that I make more than my fair share of cards and projects, that I must be super quick about it and that it probably all just flows so easily that I sit down to create and 20 minutes later my work table is just overflowing with completed projects. Bwahahaha! That is so not me. I pick and I choose. I hem and I haw. I decide. Then I decide that I made the wrong decision and I redecide. It's not so much what I would always call an effective process. But I enjoy the hemming. And the hawing. I like the picking and the choosing. Dumping an entire jar of buttons out to get to just the right one. Sometimes, though, I need a place to start. A color. An image. A sentiment. A sketch. They just move me along... get me that much further in the process. And there are 66 of them right there for you... and for me. Today my fellow Gals and I have each asked 5 friends to join us for a little gigantic blog hop to show you just what can be done with Go-to Sketches. We each choose a different sketch to use, so today we're bringing you no less than 36 projects using the 6 different sketches. Whoa. Here's mine...

I've been challenging myself lately to break free of some of the rules I tend to design by. Not design rules like the rule of 3 or anything, but rules that I've concocted somehow, somewhere, for no apparent reason. One of them being that when I use a sketch, I have to follow it exactly. To the "T." To the n'th degree. Etc. Seriously.

Why do I do that?! If the point of the sketch is to inspire me and help me get further along in my project, why in the world do I go all OCD on it? Why not just let it take me where it will?

And so I did.

I even used flowers on it. And more than one. I think that's actually a first for me.

The elements started coming together on this one, but as they did, it was getting harder and harder to figure out something for the rectangular section. But I was just dying to use the glitter frame (GCD Studios) and didn't really want to give it up... the frame and the dictionary paper and the roses just seemed like they were meant for each other. So, I decided it would just be ok to go with it.

And it was ok. The sky didn't fall down on me or anything. Sweet release.

All in all, the sketch helped me to go along much faster than usual. Funny how it was my sketch to begin with, but I never even pictured anything close to this card when I drew it up!

And now, for the way better part.

My friends. And a brand new card using the sketch above from each of them! Charlene Austin... stole my heart as the first person to try my Monday challenges! Maile Belles... a sweetie with a project on the cover of none other than Go-to Sketches. Julie Ebersole... my original clean and simple inspiration and still tops in my book. Bev Gerard... yup, that's my mom (and my friend!)! A stamper's stamper, through and through. Anabelle O'Malley... my friend and my shabby inspiration, all in one. I tried to choose friends with a variety of styles... some fun & cute, some clean & simple, some shabby vintage. Each one is super duper talented. Super. Duper. Talented.

And as if that wasn't enough, you should totally visit all the other Go-to-Gals. Each gal has a sketch up from the issue that she's based a card on and asked 5 of her own friends to do the same. Yeah... that's THIRY more cards. How's that for inspiration? Teri Anderson Maren Benedict Kim Hughes Kim Kesti Betsy Veldman Let it be known I heard a rumor that there will be some copies of Go-to-Sketches given away to random commmenters on any of the above blogs plus Paper Crafts Connection. So that would be 37 chances to win. Dude. That's a lot.

But, if you want to get your hands on copy asap, then it's your lucky day. You can order a copy right here. And if you enter SKETCH20 at checkout you'll get 20% off, PLUS free shipping. (Note: This code will automatically deduct 20%, plus give you free "standard" shipping. It's a savings of $5.99 off the retail price.) Sounds good to me! Too bad my mom already has a copy, because this would make an excellent Mother's Day gift for a crafty mom or a crafty friend in your life.

And just think... there's more Sketch Week stuff comin' at ya tomorrow, yay!

Later, friends!

176 comments:

Kelly said...

Gorgeous card. What paper is that on the background? Has some cute things on it. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

A truly beautiful card. Thanks for sharing.
Eileen in NYC

Laurie (Wally) said...

Jess...this is such a pretty card TFS

Sarah J Moerman said...

Beautiful card!

Andrea said...

Beautiful job and it just goes to show it is ok to "let go" a little...coming from an engineer, that means a lot! I still follow directions to a "T", but I have learned to enjoy getting inspiration (and not directions) from sketches!

Laurie said...

So pretty! Love that background paper!

Bev Gerard said...

Whoa ... Flowers!! Way to Go-To!
I love this one!
Yes .. I love the sketch too ... and I thank you for the sweet priviledge of using it today! Now I'm thinking that perhaps what you said about following sketches "exactly. To the "T." To the n'th degree. Etc." might be a bit of a similarity we share! LOL

(((hugs)))
Your fan, Mom

Helena said...

This a LOVELY card. Love especially the background.

Anonymous said...

What an interesting combination of embellishments all put together on one card. Really cool! Marijane

Nina said...

I LOVE your take on the sketch. So beautiful and fresh, clean yet detailed. I really enjoy reading your blog - you're not only a talented crafer, you're a talented writer too! Thanks for sharing!
//Nina in Denmark

Anonymous said...

I love the newsprint on this card!

Pammejo said...

Cute card!

StampinCathy said...

WOW! This is one stunning and inspiring card. Love this sketch.

Kelly Massman said...

Love those flowers!

Jessica said...

great card! love the fun sketch!!

scrappingnana said...

Very pretty card. Love all the elements. They work together great.

daisydilly (vicki) said...

Love the way this all came together. Very very pretty

Tobey said...

Love the newspaper advertising paper for your PP!!! really fun!!! The flowers are so pretty! TFS!!

Tobey said...

Love the newspaper advertising paper for your PP!!! really fun!!! The flowers are so pretty! TFS!!

Regina Mangum said...

Very vintage and very lovely!

Betty-Ann said...

Very elegant...I love the flowers!

Marilyn Nimmo said...

Great card - love the background paper. The flowers are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

great interpretation of the sketch!!!

Sue VanDeVusse said...

This is jaw-dropping gorgeous!

Agata said...

Beautiful card!

Winter said...

Beautiful card! I love the flowers and what a great sketch! :)

Heather said...

Beautiful card! Love your ideas in it!

Stephanie said...

Wow the card looks nothing like the sketch, and your right it's still fabulous...and the sky didn't fall.

Michelle said...

So Vintage.. wow! I can never seem to make vintage stuff, always ends up looking messy.. TFS!

Julia Aston said...

I love the text bg and the beautiful frame! super lovely card from your sketch!

snarflemarfle said...

Great card! I love that glitter frame!!

By the way, when I try to order the mag with the coupon code, it says the code is not valid. Odd...

Ms. Lucie said...

Ohhhhhh-I love your sketch. I love your actual card. I DO use tons of 3D embellies on my cards and flowers are usually a must for me. So this card is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!

Bridget said...

Lovely flowers!

- Bridget N

Rebecca said...

Very nice card, sometimes it is good to tackle that OCD lol

Ashley Harris said...

So pretty Jess! Love it!! Hope you are getting settled in. Take care!

Patti said...

Oh! great sketch and beautiful! card!! : )

Patti

barbie_love said...

love the text in the background so elegant!

mjaguiar said...

love your design and your card so much! very inspiring!

Axes DesigNs said...

I love the paper...it is so pretty!

Nicole Maki said...

Beautiful card. Love your interpretation of the sketch.

Vel said...

Wow, that is such a gorgeous and original card!

connie said...

I love your take on the sketch. Beautiful card.

sideoats + scribbles said...

LOVE this, Jess! So pretty! And I know what you mean about "letting go" -- but I think I could get used to it! Woo hoo, freedom to play! :)

michelle said...

Loving those flowers what a pretty card

Marsha said...

Such a great card. Love the outline instead of a cut out.

Daniela Dobson said...

So pretty, love the colors

charlotte said...

Oh the roses are beautiful. I love it!

Sue D said...

Great sketch and card-especially knowing that you varied it.

Suz said...

beautiful card thanks for the inspiration

LMcBurney said...

I think it is a great take on the sketch! You did a great job!

ScrappyPam said...

I love it - wonderful interpretation of the sketch!

debbie susee said...

Love your background paper!

stephanie johnson said...

this card is so beautiful, I love the flowers

JulieHRR said...

Funny girl! It turned out lovely! Can you hear the monkey clappin' over your use of more than 1 (ONE) flower?! *chuckle* Aaaah, the hemmin' and hawin'...BTDT...pretty much every time! *more chuckling* Thanks for inviting me to hop with ya', Jess! *smooches*

cathy said...

Very pretty card. And I like the sketch you chose too.

Atticelf said...

I love cards with text backgrounds - very nice.

Sole` said...

I never thought of using newspaper for my cards. Thanks for the idea.

danni reid. said...

loooove this card!

Unknown said...

LOVE how you used the glitter frame. And, as much as I'd love to win a copy, the special is pretty good....

Jennifer said...

Beautiful. . . It looks like you pulled it out of Grandma's hope chest!

Laura said...

I've already ordered a copy of Go To Sketches but I had to comment and say, I'm just starting out making cards and I, too, will dump out the whole jar of buttons so I can hem and haw about which one(s) to use. :-)

Jennifer Moore said...

What a pretty card.

pixiedust61 said...

I love that you challenge yourself to not follow the sketch exactly. I fall into that pattern myself and I am going to give myself permission to go " outside of the sketch"
Carol

Helen F. said...

Jess, your card for this sketch is just amazing! I was laughing as I read your post ~ you could have been writing about ME :o)

Angela said...

Love your content as much as the card. Thank you for the insight and inspiration!

Carrie said...

Beautiful. Love the flowers!

Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

I know what you mean, I lOVE the hemming and hawing!!! You came up with a fantastic card!

rudie2shoes said...

The flowers are beautiful on your card!

Amy said...

Great sketch and card!

Anonymous said...

It's perfect in every way. Just saying. :)

nsmerkt said...

Love the vintagey look one this one! Stunning!

mustangkayla said...

What a pretty card! Love the background paper and the flowers!

Summer Braxton said...

very pretty and very shabby.

Angy said...

so neat - love how this came together.

Kate Burroughs said...

Love the flowers! Great card.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful card!!

Rachel S. in Spooner, WI

{VICKI} said...

just hoppin thru

Jeni said...

Great card! I love the newsprint background.

Sharon said...

I like how you used the vintage paper.
Sharon

Mary Ashby (Happy Now) said...

AWESOME!!

Rona said...

LOVE that sketch - and your card is gorgeous

Betty said...

So glad to know I'm not the only "hemmer and hawer" when it comes to making a card!!! Your friends...and mom...did a wonderful job with your great sketch! BTW, your card is beautiful!!

bzyPTmom said...

Love your card-very pretty!

Ravengirl said...

Good for you for breaking through all those "rules" and look what you got for it! A wonderful card and praise from people out in blogland! I can't wait to see what your friends did with your sketch!

Playing with Paper said...

Just Beautiful Jess!!

nancy said...

I approach sketches the same as you, following them exactly. Then I remember that, just like rules are made to be broken, sketches are made to be modified. And in this instance, your creation from the modified version of your sketch, is even more wonderful than the original.

Paper doll said...

BEAUTIFUL, EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, sorry didnt mean to yell!

Monika Reeck said...

Wooow love that paper background....adorable card

sharon g said...

Love the newspaper!!!

Zgirl said...

Love the card. The background paper is super cute...way to design outside the box... THanks for sharing. Naz

Anonymous said...

Love all the flowers, indeed!

Kathy H said...

Lovely... I didn't know Bev was your MOM!!! Yay to both of you!

Jenny McGee said...

Great card with an interesting color twist for an Easter card.

Sherri Everett Thompson said...

Beautiful card-I love the contrast of the glitter and text paper. Thank you for sharing!

Erika M. said...

Loving your card and sketch!

Nicole said...

Love this!!!! Great card.

Karla Anderson said...

really like the flowers on this card.

Char Dobson said...

Beautiful card.

Diana Waite said...

this is just SO pretty!

Sandi M said...

What a beautiful card you came up with from the sketch!

Karey said...

Hoping to win a copy!

Anonymous said...

the glitter frame is amazing, this card is so cute its KILLING me!
great job!
jenn post
noblekatt (at) hotmail (dot) com

karahoward said...

I feel the same way about sketches. I'm going to try and not freak out so much about following the rules/.

Melonie said...

Absolutely beautiful card!!

Unknown said...

Wow, I love the card that you made! It is so cute!

Debbie G said...

Wow great card...

DebbieG said...

Oh what a pretty card. I love the flowers. Thanks for sharing.

syrant said...

Love the newspaper background.

Unknown said...

I can relate to your OCD leanings and appreciate seeing how someone else pushes outside the sketch box.

Debbi said...

Beautiful card. I need this magazine. TFS

DeniseB said...

Love the vintage feel and the beautiful flowers!
DeniseB

wendyg said...

Beautiful card!

Chriss Blagrave said...

Beautiful card, beautiful use of all of the elements and a great sketch!

jordanbev5@yahoo.com said...

I like that you went outside the lines you yourself usually follow. Good for us to hear that someone as talented as you has pains like we do! LOVED THE CARD!!!!!!!!! EVERYTHING!

Susan said...

Love the background with the flowers. Thanks for sharing.

Carolyn King said...

beautiful!!!!!!! love it and the great sketch!

dazey said...

Love the glitter frame and background paper. Perfect!

Cynthia Baldwin said...

Thanks, Jessica! I think your card is lovely. Reading your post, it reminds me of myself when I scrap...I tend to obsess over details, and funny enough - I have to follow a sketch to the T!
I think that's why this issue is going to be so great for me: there are so many sketches and ideas, I'll just be able to pick and choose from all the examples! :) TFS.

Unknown said...

Beautiful card - love the background.

christine said...

Love your gorgeous card!

Marla said...

Love it with all those luscious flowers!

Karen B. said...

Those flowers against the text are amazing!

NitaBugg said...

Love the flowers!

Unknown said...

Those flowers are gorgeous. Can't wait to check out your friends' cards.

Anonymous said...

Love it...great job. Thank you for sharing!

Barb M. said...

Cool card!

Brittney said...

what a great job - I love the flowers!

Chloe said...

Beautiful! Love your card! And your blog!

Kim said...

Very cool card!!! I am a big hemming and hawing person myself!! Thanks so much for sharing your sketch and your card!!!

Nancy B said...

I can see why you didn't want to give up the glitter frame but it truly is beautiful on your card.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is so pretty.

lisa a.

Jennifer Rzasa said...

Thanks for sharing your card..it's so pretty!

jscraps said...

love the flowers

marcy h. said...

Beautiful Card!!

Gwen said...

Great card! Way to break free!

Fika said...

so beautiful.. wonderful take on the sketch.. love all the flowers :)

One Scrappy Gal said...

Amazing card!

Unknown said...

Oh how pretty! What a great sketch to play along with! Can't wait to see the rest of this awesome book! Thanks for sharing your beautiful creation!

creativearts said...

Lovely card!

Teresa said...

I am a picker and a chooser and hemmer and a hawer too and it often takes me way to long...but I so do enjoy it as well. Love your card...and the flowers!

Fern said...

Gorgeous card! thanks for the sweet inspiration!

Purple Princess said...

So beautiful!

Heather said...

Beautiful card! Thanks for letting us hop through.

Brooke said...

Beautiful card. I really do love how you used your sketch as inspiration as opposed to a hard and fast rule. And very happy the sky didn't fall down on you = )

Nathalie said...

I love the glitter frame as well as the background. I agree that the flowers are a bit of a departure for you, but it works!

Julie said...

Interesting design. Keep up the good work!

paperpapier said...

beautiful creation. what an amazing talent!

pcm said...

i have to say that i am inspired by your advice to just go for it as i too am often bogged down in the details and the decisions... really? the sky won't fall down? :)

Unknown said...

All those items belong together. That is a gorgeous card.

suezie said...

Glad you broke away - card looks great!

Debbie said...

Beautiful card! I like the background paper you chose. It goes really well with the flowers. TFS

Unknown said...

Very cute, love those flowers!

pamboe said...

I love the newspaper background and your flowers

Anonymous said...

Goodness what fun. This is beautiful and inspirational

Donna Espiritu said...

i love how the colors pop! lovely lovey card!

ruth said...

Cute card!

JenMarie said...

LOVE this!!! L O V E the glittah!!

Elena said...

Congrats on making the cover. I'm looking forward to getting a copy of this one!

mary said...

I wish I could whip up a card fast! It takes me forever to figure out what to do, then do it. I am never satisfied with the end result. They never look as good as I see on the web. ( Oh how I wish!)
mks

Unknown said...

Cute card--and I like the flowers!! :)

jengd said...

I love the elegance of your flowers against the "rusticness" of the print paper!

cards4ever said...

Great card. This sketch is sure going to inspire all of us.

Wendy Todd said...

What a sweet card! Love the blinged frame!

Sally Watkins said...

Love the simple glitter outline!

Chris S. said...

Really unique card and it did come together well! I have trouble letting go of things too. Glad to know I am not alone.

Charlene Austin said...

Oh Jess.....the sketch was pretty darned amazing to work with! Thank you so much for including me in the hop. I loved every second of it. You're the bestest.

Anonymous said...

beautiful card! thanks for the inspiration.
Karen Kuschel

ckcpurple said...

Nice card! Thanks for sharing.

Terri C. said...

Beautiful card! I love the background paper!

Cindi (aka iring) said...

Thanks so much for sharing your process! Glad to know I'm not the only one who hems and haws and has trouble with decisions, decisions ...! Cute card!

Christine said...

I love your card. I often get 'stuck' in the sketches too but I have been trying to change that as well. Love your blog and your work!!
xoxo, Christine

cjs said...

Cool card - love those flowers and the 'dictionary' background.

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

It's great (but sometimes scary) to go where the artist takes us - sometimes it's not what we envisaged at all! Thanks for your inspirational card.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for great creation and chance to win this incredible book! WOW!

jen said...

Love this- and you always crack me up! So glad the sky didn't fall- maybe that will let other OCD folks (read 'me') work a little outside of the box! :)

Marge said...

Oh, I LOVE how this came together! Makes me wanna go out in our hot garage (live in AZ!) and find that huge old dictionary my kids grew up with & start tearing into it for projects!!!