Monday, February 23, 2015

FEELING SKETCHY CHALLENGE #115

When one creates as much as I do, there is usually a time (or two) when my mojo escapes the studio and this artist is left simply without direction.  It's on these occasions that I seek out sketch challenges to help rein in my mojo.  Today, I would like to introduce you to a sketch website that I found recently called, "Feeling Sketchy Challenge Blog."  But, let's step back a moment.

Jessica Sporn of Jessica Sporn Designs is, among a myriad of other things, a stamp designer.  She has recently created a series of new stamps being showcased and sold through RubberMoon Stamps.  Jessica asked several artists to "test drive" her new stamps, and I am thrilled to have been one of those artists.  My goal in the studio today was to create something artful with Jessica's stamp called "Hamsa Blessing."  Not being familiar with this "blessing," I had to do a bit of research before beginning.  Here's what I found:
The hamsa has been variously interpreted by scholars as a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic amulet, and as a pagan fertility symbol. Yet even as the magical form remains shrouded in mystery and scholars debate nearly every aspect of its emergence, it is recognized today as a kabbalistic amulet and as an important symbol in Jewish art.  (taken from My Jewish Learning)
Armed with this knowledge, I was ready to begin...but, begin what?  This is where the Feeling Sketchy website came into play.  The sketches provided by this site are primarily used by visitors to create cards, but any artistic endeavor is welcomed.  Here's the sketch for this week:



Feeling somewhat in a beige-y mood today (it's Monday, after all), I sat in front of my towers of 12" x 12" scrapbooking papers and just started pulling out papers that caught my eye.  Here are the supplies I used for my card:
  • Graphic45's A Ladies' Diary Collection (Moment in Time)
  • The Paper Company's Buckskin Brown (feels like suede!)
  • Prima's 12" x 12" Burlap
  • Turquoise and beige card stock from my stash
  • RubberMoon stamp called "Hamsa Blessing"
  • Recollections foam adhesive mini circles
  • Ranger "Coffee" Archival Ink
  • Petaloo's burlap flower
Here's my card, along with some detail photos.





I loved learning something new today.  I would like to thank Jessica Sporn for allowing me the privilege of playing with her "Hamsa Blessing" stamp, and I hope you will visit RubberMoon Stamps to check out Jessica's other stamps.  You will find them here.

Lastly, when you're feeling like you need a bit of inspiration, take a moment to check out "Feeling Sketchy."  You will find them here.


22 comments:

  1. That is beautiful Kay. I love the combination of the brown with the blue and the burlap panel is fab !
    Corrie x

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  2. Gorgeous card,Kay and that Hamsa stamp looks a stunner,beautifully intricate
    Yep,I hate when the mojo goes....you always wonder if it'll come back
    Big hugs
    Donna xxx

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  3. I love the close ups of the detail. You do a great job with the photography. But better yet, you do a great job of remaining true to the sketch.

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  4. Thank you for sharing what you do to get back your mojo, the sketch you chose is lovely.

    Liking your colours and especially your blue hessian flower. The stamp is so different to anything i have seen and again TY for explaining what the symbol represents.

    Hope mojo returns soon! :-) xxx

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  5. Kay - your colors are so beautiful. This card is gorgeous. I'm so glad you included the background of the Hamsa as well. Mwah!

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  6. That burlap looks so great! I love the flower; such a bright colour! Sadley my work gives me not more time to apply for more DT's, but thanks for thinking of me! (Would like to have 8 more hours more in a day:)! ) Hugs, Gerrina

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  7. Kay I loved hearing of the symbolism of this stamp along with the beauty of its design. So lovely and your presentation of it is equally lovely. (((Hugs)))

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  8. Well I liked learning something new, too! So thanks for sharing! I'm loving all the texture you've got going on. You sure know how to work some burlap. Thanks for popping by my blog and giving me a crafty follow, I'm off to do the same. :D

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  9. Beautiful card. Thanks for joining us at FS ~ Michelle DT

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  10. Gorgeous Kay!! What a wonderful make with Jessica's new stamp!! I love it! xo

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  11. This is stunningly beautiful. so natural and elegant. I cannot wait for pay day. I will have to come back to your blog and go shopping.
    Thanks for such beautiful inspiration.
    hugs
    susan s

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  12. Love the texture on this card, just gives it an extra "umph" somehow LOL!!! I also like how you used the sketch for inspiration. Sometimes Mr Mojo needs a helping hand and sketches can be just the push he needs!

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  13. Kay such a beautiful card; loved the colours, the texture, blue and brown is a great combo!

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  14. Perfect piece. The flower only adds. Nice work my friend. xox

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  15. Perfect! The turquoise color you used is perfect, hamsa and turquoise are used as protection. Beautiful stamp! You used it wonderfuly!

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  16. My mojo frequently goes awol Kay.
    Loving this creation and that flower is divine!
    Have a good day lovely xxx

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  17. Pretty stamp. I like the heavy on the burlap. That blue flower is gorgeous.

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  18. Wow how lucky Kay... and yes I did learn something new. I didn't know any of that. Love the colours you used and the burlap? looks great. <3 So glad that you played along ;)

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  19. That's just an exquisite card my friend!!!! Love the delicate colours of your flower too, the stamp is well showcased and gorgeous indeed, and your idea of recovering your card with burlap is fantastic. Bises! Coco xxx

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  20. I agree with Susan, very elegant. These are the same colors of my bedroom, very calming.

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  21. Oh this is gorgeous Kay, I really want to touch your burlap flower, and the stamp is so striking xx

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Thank you for taking a moment to leave a comment! Your kind words are appreciated and serve as inspiration to me.