5 Things I Like: Patti Willey

It’s time for another episode of “5 Things I Like…”. Do you like how I’ve turned my blog entries into episodes like this is some sort of long-running television show? Delusions of grandeur? Perhaps that’s the case, but I own it.

This episode comes from a new pen pal friend of mine in Vermont, Patti Willey. Like me, Patti is a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. Unlike me, she is a kitchen and bath designer.  She has a sharp sense of humor and a supportive nature, and I enjoy her witty remarks on my blog each morning just as the blog entries post around 6 am. I also enjoy her emailed suggestions and unfiltered comments. Patti says her stampin’ style is somewhere between Shabby Sheek and Clean & Simple.  I’d agree.  Whatever her style, I love her cards.  You can check them out here.  Anyway, here’s the RAK (that’s Random Act of Kindness) card she made for me:
20120916-202507.jpgAnd here are 5 things I really like about this card:

  • This layered layout.  Patti says she referred to a MOJO Monday layout challenge as inspiration for this layout.  Smart!  Get inspiration wherever you can get it.  Regardless how she came up with this layout, she gets major credit for making the shapes and patterns work well in this layout.  There’s a lot to look at in this card, yet it’s not overwhelming to the eye.
  • The colors.  There’s a lot of detail in this card (the layers, the images, the patterns), so it’s pure perfection that Patti limited her color selections to just two colors: Summer Starfruit and Midnight Muse.  The ribbon, the card stock, the Comfort Cafe DSP, the ink – all in two colors.
  • That balloon!  I’ve not been a fan of the That’s Amazing! stamp set…until now.  This balloon looks really great in Midnight Muse (seems I’ve seen lots of it in browns and grays, so it’s never really popped for me).  And, notice how that balloon fits perfectly inside the Window Frames Framelits Dies? What a striking centerpiece for this lovely card!
  • The ribbon.  I’m jealous when people are able to utilize their ribbon on their cards.  I have lots of ribbon in all colors and sizes, but my tendency to over-simplify my cards limits the use of ribbon.  I know that ribbon can certainly contribute nicely to a Clean & Simple card (even when tied in a lovely bow like above), but I seem to design around it – and then look at my ribbon, asking “why am I not using my ribbon?”  I feel challenged to use my ribbon for more than just a flat strip across the center of a card.
  • Those sweet, little tickets.  Did you see the tiny tickets dangling from the center of the Summer Starfruit bow?  They are both adorable.  Here’s the smart thing about the tickets:  they are the only element of the card that brings the Midnight Muse and Summer Starfruit together.  I love that.

Stamp Sets:  You’re Amazing!  Inks:  Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit  Papers:  Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe  Accessories:  Window Frames Framelits Dies, 3/8″ Stictched Satin Ribbon (Summer Starfruit), Scallop Edge Border Punch, 3/16″ Metallic Brads

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Brian

19 Comments

  1. Phew! You found 5 things you like about my card! I was so worried Id’e be kicked off the show! 🙂
    Boy Mister you caught me by surprise today! I hope this card is enjoyed by all, but most of all, thank you for our new friendship!

  2. I love it. I especially love the colors you put together. Great card!

  3. The card is fabulous, I think it’s perfect for a man. I always have trouble making cards for my male friends or family members. You can’t put a lot of bling and this card hits the mark. Thank you Patti and Brian for sharing.

    • Thank you for your kind remarks Maria! I’m guilty of not building masculine cards, I’m thankful you’ll think this will pass muster! Have a great day! 🙂

  4. So now it`s the Patti and Brian Show… Patti this card has so many neat things I`m surprised Brian could narrow it down to 5 things (he`s Jealous Patti ..the old jealousy bug kept him from really giving you the credit for such a great card..) I love the new In Colors and you picked two pretty pretty ones..and adding the ribbon was necessary ..after all it is Back To Spool time.. I think I like the use of blue and yellow a lot for this card it`s not expected. Yay for Patti !

  5. I LOVE the envelope too! I need to remember to do something with the envelopes. It adds another touch of fun!

  6. This is a real beauty. Great job Patti!

  7. I agree that she did a fabulous job on this card! I received this set at Convention…and also was not too crazy about it, but now see some inspiration using it. Thank you Brian for sharing this card with us!

  8. Brian, as far as I’m concerned, your blog IS a long-running, highly-successful television show…..grandeur?–yes! Delusional?–no!
    Great post today! –Terri

  9. I tried to get back sooner but it`s those trees!!! I can`t stop making them … Brian see if you can get Patti to do a card using that elephant in that stamp set …so far I haven`t seen anyone do one yet ..or you buy the set and get your creative magic going … oh the wonder of it all . Such fun !

Leave a Reply to Patti Willey Cancel reply