Sunday 16 February 2014

A New Little Venture

Hi everyone and lovely to have you dropping in here. Today I am sharing something new that I started doing and that has been great fun.
Over the last few weeks I have been inspired by seeing little cards created following Stephanie Ackerman's 52 Card Pick-up classes. I loved them so much, I wanted to do my own. One of the places I saw them first was on Anne Kristine's beautiful blog.
Stephanie started this a year ago, so I am running a year behind, but who cares. I am having fun, and to me that is what this is all about.
You can find out more about this project HERE if you are interested. Basically you alter a pack of 52 playing cards, one for each week of the year so to speak, but of course you can do them when you want. I am making them in batches of four cards and will be sharing them as such.
This is the first. All of the cards use the same kind of mixed media techniques, collage, background stamping etc. etc. Just things I love to mess about with. Stephanie gives lots of ideas (plus down loads and ideas for words and sayings if you want). ..
Hearts are a recurring theme in her example and I decided to follow that, finding my own words and sayings however.
The pack I am altering is just under ATC size, so they are quick to do really, specially if you do them more or less in batches. They are also a great way of using up some of these left overs we have all flying around.
Stephanie punches holes in hers to put them on a book ring. For the time being I have decided to keep mine just as loose cards. I may put them together at some later stage.
I am keeping the backs of mine really simple, - just covered with some scrapbook paper and their number, so I know in what order I have created them and what was going on in my mind at the time.
Here you can see the backs of them.
What is the point of these cards you may ask????
Stephanie gives many reasons, here are just a few of them, in her words:
That is why I created this class.
52 hand-created cards of encouragement to reflect on, to look at, to share, to use as support and as reminders for ourselves and for others.   
That is why I created this class.
Whether you create one card a month, one card a week or all at once, the important thing is that you stop and take time to create C.A.R.D.S:
Create something based on what is on your mind, in your heart and/or in your prayers. 
Add quotes or verses that apply to your thoughts and prayers. 
Reflect and remember WHY you are creating & WHAT you are creating. 
Decide to make “that choice” “a change” or say a prayer for what your card represents. 
Share it with others...and then keep on going.  

Well, there you have it, - that is also why I started to make these cards....

I am going to add these cards to the Moo Mania challenge, where the theme is old book paper.
Hope you are having a good week and make a little time to be creative!!


64 comments:

Rosie said...

Wow, your little cards are amazing.

Have a nice Sunday.

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

awesome idea to alter the cards, Astrid! and you have converted them in beautiful mixed media pieces !

Scrumplescrunch said...

I have to agree this is a fabulous idea, and you have made a great start Astrid. I Love all the mix of elements that you have combined to make these little pieces of Art.
Smiles:)
Sue

artwolf2009 said...

Really like this idea (so much smaller than my regular jp but you Kind of are able to say just the same.
Looking Forward to the others

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Astrid your cards are really great, I love the all, and I will make some for me too, ists easy to give as adres or blog card!!!

Greetings
Maria

froebelsternchen said...

The whole project is so interesting and fabulous --- reminds me on my ATC times-- I learned so much by creating them---I was so addicted...
Your cards here are real masterpieces Astrid- and inspiring to create some altered playcards too! I specially love the hint of shabbiness compaired with an amazing touch of elegance..amazing how they turned out!
I am thrilled by all of them!
Great idea to give them consecutive numbers and if you will bind them in the end.. this will be GORGEOUS!

Inkypinkycraft said...

Astrid this is gorgeous , i have to say I signed up for this and have never played! :( . you may have given me the kick I needed to play along....i mean I have paid...so maybe I need to find the time to play...gorgeous cards and off to see if I can find my pack! hugs Trace x

Redanne said...

Oh wow Astrid! I have always been so impressed with Stephanie's work - she always does hearts so well. Your cards are exceptional and I can see why you love doing them. I nearly signed up last year and now wish I had! I look forward to seeing more of these little works of art. Anne xx

Paula Whittaker said...

I've been seeing these cards about in the blog world and now I know what's it's all about, thanks for the info Astrid.
Love your take on the project.

Wendy L said...

Good Idea and if you enjoy it thats the main thing, going to pop over now to see hers. xxx

rachel said...

these are a wonderful idea Astrid and they look fabulous - thanks so much for sharing them with us and I look forward to seeing the next 4 xx

Claire said...

Wow Astrid these are just lovely! What a lovely idea - I'm off over to Stephanie's now to take a peek, Claire x

Jennie Atkinson said...

What a fabulous idea Astrid and your first set of four are just wonderful. I love the colours and media you have chosen and can't wait to see what you do with the next four. I am off over to Stephanie's to see more as it sounds an intriguing project.

Rita said...

Good Morning Astrid. What beauties these little gems are. I have never seen them before. Are they speciality cards. A really lovely idea. Enjoy your Day. Hugs Rita xxx

Shirley said...

Such a clever little idea Astrid would probably like this very much as they remind me of ATC's which I adore making. Gorgeous as ever.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Netty said...

Such a perfect project for the reasons you gave. Each of the cards are such a delight. Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Maryann Laursen said...

You just did it again Astrid, and created a whole new world of beauty here, and you just gave me a fabulous idea these could also be used for, that I´m going to try out and see, if I can make work.
Your first 4 cards here are absolutely amazing and I love, how they´ve turned out. Just gorgeous work as always hun. You are such an amazing crafter.

Elaine said...

What a great idea. I started a pack ages ago with just little stamped designs, but this has more purpose. Your cards are gorgeous and very inspiring, thanks for sharing this - I feel so inspired I may have to sign up myself. I really like her take on things, love hearts and the general distressed feeling of the designs. The best thing is I have everything I would need! Happy Sunday. Elaine x

Heather Jacob said...

wow so arty and fabulous x

Joan said...

Love these Astrid

Ros Crawford said...

That's an amazing idea ... I LOVE your cards ... they are all so perfect and when you've done the whole pack it will be such a treasure ... well done to you!

Artyjen said...

Can't wait to see the rest....if these fabby creations are anything to go by, ;)
Xoxo sioux

Unknown said...

What fun and your cards are beautiful! xo

Meggymay said...

These little treasures are going to be a fantastic collection of art. look forward to seeing more.
Yvonne x

JansArtyJunk said...

These are awesome Astrid...loving the idea of altering cards.. off to check out your link ;) x

Maryanne said...

Such a cool idea! I know there are others who are doing 52 card classes but I never looked into it. Your cards are fantastic. I like how you are numbering them on the back.

Martina said...

Dear Astrid, your cards are FABULOUS in every way! The creativity of design is superb. Congratulations on your wonderful artwork!

Annie said...

Love your gorgeous inspirational cards Astrid. Love the layers and words.

Are they a specific size ?

Hugs Annie x

Almo said...

These first four cards are fantastic Astrid, loving that all the mixed media on them are similar, but they are all so different. Love the do what you do with Joy sentiment, it proves you really enjoyed making these. Looking forward to seeing your next batch. Mo x

Paula J Atkinson said...

Gorgeous little collection.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Too fun! I also started this last week. I ended up adhering them to a card base, but I am using the cards~
I would love you to stop by and check it out~
http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2014/02/reminder-and-fun-cards.html

May said...

WOW...Astrid... I love your playing cards... they are fabulous... Thank you for the link I would love to take part in this going to join up...Hugs May x x x

Elly said...

Just another very cool idea you're sharing. Nice idea to create with friends i'll hold in mind. Your cards are amazing. (:o)

Sandy said...

Would you please slow down. I want to do everything you do and these cards really do seem like a wonderful idea. Your design work is always so creative and special Astrid. I am going to read more about this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Sandy xx

Caroline said...

What a great concept/idea... I find it hard to express my feelings if I have to sit down & 'do it'? Maybe this would be a good way of starting & doing what I love - crafting. Yours are of course amazing. Tfs :)

Terry said...

Astrid, these are such fun and gorgeous! I love your idea of batching in fours. Once again I have been inspired by you! Love these! Hugs!

Anneke said...

What a great idea haven't seen this before. Love to see what you wil make the next time. Thanks for your explanation and for showing your lovely cards. Anneke

Margaret Mifsud said...

These little cards are simply gorgeous Astrid and what a fabulous idea ... almost as good as our Positivity Journal ... hehe!! Your designs are always so beautiful and inspiring Astrid ... absolutely love these!! ox

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Wonderful wonderful Astrid. Your cards are stunning. This sounds like fun.I'm hoping to get some done myself. Thanks for sharing. Karen.x

Marisa Job said...

These are great cards and very inspirational!!

Brenda Brown said...

These are just stunning Astrid, I adore the designs and effects and what a fabulous idea xx

massofhair said...

Beautiful project Astrid & some fab helpful tips.

Enjoy seeing your work it is always a joy:-) x

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

What a great idea - thanks so much for sharing this Astrid. I just love the grungy style you have adopted for this project. Would love to try it but am pretty bogged down right now...maybe in a month or so I can dip my toe into the water on this. Will look forward to seeing more altered cards from you!

Hugs,
Linda

maj. said...

Fabulous project!!!

Words and Pictures said...

They're brilliant, Astrid... I actually signed up for Stephanie's class last year - have I made any? have I heck!! But seeing Anne Kristine on the case, and now you, is really making me twitch with the desire to start... thank goodness it's lifetime access!!
Alison xx

Ellie Knol said...

Amazingly beautiful, I think I found the first online workshop I really want to sign up to... we'll see....

Silvia(Barnie) said...

A gorgeous project. Your first batch looks fabulous, looking forward to the next ones.

Lucy Edmondson said...

They are terrific, Astrid!

Lucy x

froebelsternchen said...

Once again me - I want to say thank you so much for sharing it with us at MOO MANIA & MORE
Astrid!

xxx
Susi

craftytrog said...

These are sensational little artworks Astrid, I love this idea! Off to check out the link.
Alison xxx

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Astrid, I love this idea, and love to use playing cards to make ATC's, they are all gorgeous, love you did the back too, I have a box full of playing cards I would love to join in on this, going to check out the link.. thanks for sharing..

Anonymous said...

They are gorgeous & look so textured, I love them.

Jann said...

Such a sweet and wonderful idea! I will have to check her blog out-your cards are wonderful!

Geraldine said...

Love your four mini works of art, they are beautiful. Looking forward to seeing more.

Stamps and Paper said...

Your little cards are stunning Astrid

Anne

Jenny Marples said...

Love this concept, adore the way you've interpreted it and made it all your own. The shading makes such an impact on these pocket sized gems. Jenny x

Ana K. said...

I just don’t know where the time is flying...again I missed a bunch of fantastic makes...and I have to say that I love all awesome pieces...maybe this APC project is something for me...I can should take a few minutes per day to altered one card...idea is really fantastic and your finished pieces even more...great background and of course I love hearts and beautiful words!Hugs from Slovenia

Claudia N. said...

That's funny, Astrid,

I only bought a place on the old "52 card pick up" class too having seen the wonderful altered playing cards over at Anne's Paper fun ;)

Haven't started using it on playing cards yet but on ATCs and love Stephanie Ackerman's design!

Can't wait to see how you move along through all the 52 cards :) I am sure I will not be able to do one every week but one day I will have my set of 52 cards finished....*lol

Yours look awesome!

Hugs,
Claudia x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

What a cool movement in art, I need to check it out further! Love your quad of cards, and especially that you did the backs! Fabulous!

Margik said...

A wonderful ATC's Astrid!!!

Margik said...

A wonderful ATC's Astrid!!!

heike said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Jools Robertson said...

These ar so beautiful, love them all!
Would have loved to have done the class, I need to do this as a project as, I love doing ATCs and don't always have time to do larger projects so its perfect

Thanks for inspiring me again

Jools x

Crafting With Jack said...

Having just come across this post, I am going to have ago myself. Thank you.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

One World One Heart

Photo

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed

Birthday Card

Birthday Card
Just got a whole lot of new stamps from a brilliant place called the Stamp Smith. This is the image that I first saw on Docraft and really liked. I asked the friend who has used it in an ATC, where she got it. Well she borrowed it from a friend who got it from ebay as a one off. But.... it had a title. I googled the title, and hey presto found the site. They have great stamps and offer a really friendly fast service. I highly recommend them!

Gothic Arch Trifold inside

Gothic Arch Trifold inside

Back of Gothic Arch Trifold

Back of Gothic Arch Trifold

Gothic Arch Within the Heart

Gothic Arch Within the Heart

Gothic Arch, the Key

Gothic Arch, the Key