12 November 2021

Kraft fails?

 Hi Everyone, I am still so busy and maybe this is why these are not good cards, I'm in too much of a rush to make them. I know we show our cards when we are pleased with them, but today I am showing you my failures and asking for your help!

I have been trying to make Christmas kraft cards, but have failed miserably. I see kraft cards on the web, that have been stamped and have the most gorgeous results, being kraft and CAS.  I thought I could do as well, seems I can't! What do I need to do to get good results, apart from wonderful designs? ;D

I thought I would show you my failures and maybe with your advice I will be able to use up the rest of the pack of Kraft card I have and be a little more proud of the result. The colours are different due to different day light.

first two cards are stamps and dies magazine freebies,
 the Cameo cut card is also a magazine free cut file
last card are Altenew stamps and die

all stamps

die and stamping

cut with Cameo

stamped with Distress Oxide
 bell is heat emboss on gold mirror card, die bow.

Thanks for looking and thank you in anticipation of your wonderful advice.

EDIT

I have taken your advice and added a couple of things to make these cards better, I hope you think so. I also tried Beccy's tip on white pencil as suggested by NanaConnie.

 Added some white Nuvo pencil to wreath centre and bow and gem.

Added Nuvo white pencil and coloured in gift boxes.


22 comments:

Janette said...

Hi Faith, well firstly I don't feel in any position to tell anyone they have failed, your cards are lovely, but, I do understand what you mean, only thing I can think of is maybe a smaller card to fill the area more, other than that I am stumped, sorry if this doesn't help.xx

crafty-stamper said...

They look fine to me Faith,love the embossed jingle bell and two wreath ones.Must admit I have never had a good result on kraft so gave up lol
Carol x

Maria said...

I think your cards are very lovely!! I only have one suggestion on the first card of maybe placing a pop of color on the snowflake with a red gem. But, I think the cards are very pretty!

Shona Erlenborn said...

I think they are all quite lovely, Faith. I particularly like the last one, though I think a twine bow might look better?

Beebeebabs said...

Very nice thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!!!

NanaConnie said...

Faith, I don't think your cards are failures at all, but if you really want some help with working on kraft cards, check out what Beccy (Beccy's Place) does with white pencil on kraft. https://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2021/11/day-10-i.html
Personally, I have given up trying to use alcohol markers or water colors on kraft because I really like the effect of white on kraft much more than colors on kraft. Colors just don't allow enough contrast, in my opinion. When I do work with white on kraft, I use both pencil and gel pen because I like the combo effect of those two things. :-D

Crafts-by-Alison.blogspot.com said...

They are all lovely Faith but as was suggested in an earlier post perhaps use smaller card stock. Love Alison x

Brenda said...

It's a good thing you live far, far from me cause I could smack you! lol Not really, but I'd like to shake you. Your cards are fabulous and beautiful! I love kraft Christmas cards, red and kraft just scream Christmas to me. So the only suggestion I have is to put a pop of red on your first card. Besides isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder? I love them and there is nothing wrong with your kraft cards! Hugs, Brenda

cuilliesocks said...

Oh Faith these cards are so lovely, I love your designs and the white with kraft is gorgeous. You are too hard on yourself, no failures here, Kate x

Carol L said...

These are all wonderful cards just as you made them! I fail often too, but often a little addition of something is all a card needs to please me. I'd add a big sparkly gemstone to the center of the first card, but I like the others exactly as they are! NJ!

Shirley Young said...

I’ve never been happy with anything I’ve done with Kraft card Faith, yours look miles better than my efforts. I do agree with other comments about adding a bit of colour to the first one but they all look lovely as they are xx

cotnob said...

They look OK to me Faith, especially the last one, but if anything, I would agree with Janette, perhaps a smaller card base for the first three.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Christine said...

I like your cards and if you are unhappy then may I suggest a bit of Baker twine or narrow strip of paper across the card. You could always use the leftover cards as diecuts and go kraft on white.... I saw a couple on Pinterest and am going to try it..... You can go first if you like! lol

Mac Mable said...

Nope no failures here Faith....These are so creative, your designs and I love them! x.

Rosemary said...

please don't be so hard on yourself as i think they were all quite nice! but the little touches you added to them have given each a little something extra!

Beccy said...

Faith, I love CAS and I love white on kraft, so all your cards really appealed to me the way they were. I especially love the first one... to me it looked perfect! I think it's just a matter of personal taste.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a dear friend who taught me how to paint. If ever I was unhappy with something, she would advise me to give it the "boot treatment"... leave it in the boot of your car for a few days and then take another look. It's amazing how a little time and distance can change your perspective. Kudos to you for trying something outside of your comfort zone!
Cheers,
Beccy

wannabcre8tive said...

Your cards are not failures. I think you feel this way because they are more CAS than you normally make. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves.

Sarn said...

I see no failures here Faith. They look great to me. Think you’re being too hard on yourself.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Marlena M. said...

I struggle with kraft as well and if it turns out nice...it's a happy surprise! Love your edits here Faith!

Brenda said...

What a huge impact these little changes made to those two cards Faith! They looks so different just with those minor changes, it's so funny how something so small can make such a huge difference. Well done my friend! Hugs, Brenda

NanaConnie said...

Love the edits, Faith! :-D

Monica C. said...

Faith, your cards are lovely. I definitely don't think you should call them fails!!
Maybe something to add would be texture of some sort. Either a tone-on-tone background stamp or use an embossing folder?
Hugs Monica