We are so excited to introduce Swoon Cycling Team Member Julie Ranae Murray. She brings a wonderful passion to cardmaking and today is no exception, especially with so many weddings on the horizon, but let's have Julie tell you all about it...
" I am so excited to have this opportunity to share my designs with the fans of Little Yellow Bicycle. The 'Swoon' collection is a beautifully elegant set and SO very versatile for all sorts of paper crafts.
I was very inspired to create wedding cards, as I have a niece who is getting married this summer. I would love to take this same collection and create a memory album to match, so that is next on my creative list!
The designs and subtle textures of each of the papers made me think of a patchwork quilt, so my first card has an 'elegant' quilt design. I used only two different sheets from the collection, but used both sides of the paper. I simply cut them to fit the size of the front panel and rounded the corners of each square.
The 'Paper Flowers' kit is perfect for creating layered flowers. There are subtle designs on each of these flowers which help add dimension to the card. I used the 'Jewel' stickers for the centers...Easy Peasy!
I love how easy LYB makes it to layer elements to take this card to the next level. I added the sentiment & dove from the 'Fabric Favorites', a small acetate rose vine from 'Clear Cuts' and additional pearls to finish it off.
As soon as I saw the 'Wedding March' paper, I knew I needed to use it as the focus of a card. For this one, I created a 'wallpaper' background using not only paper, but a border from 'Cardstock' stickers and paper from the 'Decorative Edge' set.
Once again, I made flowers using the 'Paper Flowers' kit. I love that there was a rosette that could be created that matched the music paper. How gorgeous are those stick pins?
I added the sentiment and a couple of tiny pearls and again...simple and elegant.
For this card, I wanted to use the sentiment 'With this Ring' from the 'Journaling Cards' set as my inspiration for the entire card, so I used a circle die cut and created 'rings' using a variety of the beautiful textured papers.
I think my favorite thing in this collection are the sentiments from 'Fabric Favorites' and this one is no exception. I love the silky texture of each one and by adding a few gems, including one to create a bride's engagement ring, it was a great finishing touch.
Each of these cards was very easy to create if you just think 'layers'. LYB have made this collection so simple to layer, as each element works perfectly together.
I hope you found some inspiration for the weddings that you have in your future.
I thank Little Yellow Bicycle for the opportunity to share my designs today. It's been an awesome experience! "
Wow, wow, wow! Wonderful projects from Julie. Please visit her blog Julie's Open Window for more inspiration.
Bet there are some weddings this month that will need some cards! Happy crafting.
Liz
LOVE your cards, Julie!
Posted by: Alex | Friday, April 06, 2012 at 05:47 AM
Wow, your cards are just beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration. :)
Posted by: Kim Thomas | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 08:36 PM
AMAZING cards by Julie! LOVE those flowers and the papers! FAB FAB FAB:)
Posted by: Savannah O'Gwynn | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 07:34 PM
OMG, Julie, one is prettier than the next! You have ME swooning!
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 03:45 PM
Beautiful work Julie, as usual! All that white and details just shine. :)
Posted by: Alicia Thelin | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 02:58 PM
What absolutely beautiful papers and cards.
Posted by: Carolyn | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 12:07 PM
These are stunning Julie.
Posted by: Anita Mulcahey | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Another HUGE thanks to LYB for the opportunity and to all of you for your kind comments!
Posted by: Julie Ranae | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Gorgeous cards!
Posted by: Kris Berc | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Julie!!! LOVE THESE!!!! You did a wonderful, elegant style!! Hugs, Katrina
Posted by: Katrina Hunt | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Beautiful cards!
Posted by: Victoria | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 10:49 AM
These are so lovely! Beautiful work!
Posted by: Lisa Swift | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 09:59 AM
Julie, your cards are so pretty!! Love all the detailing!
Posted by: Robbie Herring | Tuesday, April 03, 2012 at 09:12 AM