A Retiform Journal Page: The Seven Ages of Man

This page was made for one of the June prompts over on Nina Ribena's Art Journal Prompts and More: Repeat After Me / Retiform.  I had only come across this technique once before on Shaz Silverwolf's blog but had never tried it for myself.  As I needed to divide the page up into sections and wanted to turn it into an art journal page,  I went with the theme of the seven ages of man speech from the Shakespeare play As You Like It; I studied it at A Level and it has stuck with me.

Christmas Patchwork Strip Card

Having made a birthday card earlier this tear by creating my own patchwork strip background, I decided to have a go at a Christmas version, with an added step.

Waterfall Birthday Card

I haven't made a waterfall card for quite some time, but having seen a stunning example of one by Sue Ralph recently, I decided to have another go.  I had to think hard before getting started, but eventually decided on 5 images in the waterfall on an A5 card.

Learning to Fly

I had great fun trying out a range of different techniques and media on this tag, from Distress Oxides, Aqua Tints and Gilding Wax, to die cutting, embossing and sanding back. This is being in the Craft Stamper blog challenge 'Anything Goes' and also the Tag Tuesday fortnightly challenge 'Things with Wings'.

From Copying Designs to Creating my Own

Exact copy using Imagination Crafts Decoupage stamp set

Free stamp make

I must admit, looking back on photos of cards that I have made in the past, I can tell that I wasn't the confident card maker that I feel today.  I tended to slavishly attempt to recreate ideas that I had seen in magazines or online.  Nowadays, I may look to other people for inspiration, a jumping off point or to explore a new technique, but I always want to put my own twist on an idea.  To illustrate, I thought I'd share some cards from way back in the past; apologies if I no longer know the names of the original designers.  They are based on cards that I saw created in Craft Stamper more than two years ago.  Thanks for the inspiration, but I feel far more confident these days.  If anyone ever wants to use one of my designs for inspiration, you are more than welcome to.  I am happy to give back to that generous crafting community who have helped me so much over the years.

IndigoBlu Poppies

Larger version of original with a different sentiment; starting to get adventurous!

Thanks so much for your inspiration, ideas and talent.  I would never have got started without your examples to inspire me.