Sister-in-Law Birthday...#8 and Final for 2013!

One of my many sister-in-law's just returned from a vacation in France.  She absolutely loved it, and divulged that to her surprise France was absolutely beautiful!  One of the many, many sites they saw, of course, was the Eiffel Tower.  I completed a card this last spring while in California, and I posted it on my blog on June 2 after coming home.  There is a lot of information in that post about how this card evolved, but after all that I had done, I still wasn't happy with it.  I know you have all been there...a card that just doesn't "jell" well, and there is this sense of dissatisfaction with what you've done and how it turned out!

Surprisingly, when I decided I would give this card to Judy for her birthday, because it depicted Paris, IF I could do something to it to be more pleased with it, then a creative light bulb went on!  My creative juices seem to work better when I am making a card with a specific person in mind.

All of a sudden, I just knew it needed a flower that blended with all the papers on the front; that meant I had to make the flower myself from the card papers.  My final decision was to use a soft gold metallic paper to blend with the metallic look in the ribbons used and just one of the papers (Graphic 45 Birdsong-Joy Luck).  I was able to peel off the bow that I had previously adhered with hot glue by heating it well with my blow dryer.  The bow peeled off looking like new, so I would be able to re-use it.  Since I knew the card was to be for a birthday, I was also able to add a mini sentiment flag to add a bit more color to the front, which I also felt was needed.  I really hope Judy likes my Eiffel Tower card, as I go to bed pleased with the way it finally turned out!

Recipe:  Bazzill cardstock: Starburst-base, Blackbird, Straw (embossed); Graphic 45 Birdsong-Joy Luck (layer #2).  Extras: Sizzix TH Eiffel Tower Embossing Folder; Spellbinders-Rose Creations die; Recollections Black pearls, Fleur de lis; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink (sponging/ distressing); Trims: 1" black lace, 3/8" gold sheer/ satin edge ribbon, 1/4" Black satin/ metallic gold-edge ribbon.