Second-Hand Rose

Today I've been looking at other artists' blogs and admiring their creations. I realize that my "art" all too often imitates life, and I wonder if that's something unique to me, or if everyone feels that way, at least some of the time. I so admire those little masterpieces with the perfect colors and the just-right embellishments. I'm sure their creators are the same people whose outfits and accessories always inspire second looks and sounds of appreciation. I so want my cards, like I want myself, to be an "Uptown Girl," but we both just sort of end up being a "Second-Hand Rose." Is there hope? Can it be learned through repetition and attempted duplication? It's what I'm working toward.

How I wish I knew how to add more embellishments to this card; I envisioned something "luscious", like a wedding cake. The card is lighter lavender than it appears: the front was cut horizontally, the sentiment stamped on the inside, and the top and bottom of the front are held together by a strip of acetate, creating a "window" to view the sentiment. Most of my papers and embellishments have been in my craft room, just waiting to be of service, so I rarely know the company they came from. As simple as this card is, though, it still fits a few challenges.

Oh Alice                            window or hole
Challenge Up Your Life      lace and pearls
The Shabby Tea Room       pearls and pastels
City Crafter                       flowers and frills
Easy Craft Projects            purple