Strength

I need to work on my taxes, so I made a vow that I would work on them after I finished writing this post - may God give me the strength!  The Card Positioning Systems team, sponsored by Really Reasonable Ribbons, challenged their readers to use sketch CPS 257 to design a card.  It is a straight forward sketch, with a horizontal line that is perfect for the use of a ribbon.


I guess because I was thinking of strength, the circular shape reminded me of some Japanese menko cards depicting Samurai scenes which I received from a Japanese friend.  Menko are considered the forerunner to modern Japanese trading cards, and were exchanged by children through a game similar to  the way pogs were in the 1990's.  Anyway, I played around with the elements and it worked.

I used Canson Mi-Tientes card stock in burgundy to create the horizontal card and bisque for the 2 vertical panels.  Before cutting the panels, I used an All Night Media Asian script stamp and a black Archival Ink pad to create the background.  I also rounded the outer corners and inked the edges with a Clearsnap sienna ink pad.  After attaching the panels, I taped down the burgundy and gold brocade ribbon strip.  I inked the edge of the menko card and attached it to the card with some foam dots.  Finally, I researched the Japanese character for "strength."  Using sumi ink and a Japanese calligraphic brush, I drew the character on a piece of chipboard.  I also wrote the word in English with a Micron pen and then stained it with the ink pad.  I doubled up the foam dots, and attached it the the bottom of the right hand panel.


This is definitely a MANLY CARD!  I love to hear from my blog viewers, so please do not hesitate to leave a comment.  And now, I'm off to work on my taxes!

Comments

Jennie said…
Fab masculine design!! Perfect ribbon accent. Great job on the CPS sketch and thanks for playing along this week.
Lea L. said…
Great job on your card!! Thanks for playing along with CPS sketch 257!!
Vicki G said…
Ilove the rich colours in your card. The image is bold and beautiful. Thanks for joining us at CPS This week!
SusanLotus said…
I like your card very much!
Have a wonderful day even if you have to work with your taxes and that honestly doesn´t sound so fun... ;)
Bless U!
** Isa ** said…
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog and the lovely comment! Fab card and I love the colours x
Teresa Zuehls said…
I love your card and take on the sketch and the best of luck on your taxes.
hola!
muy linda participación en CPS
yo tb estoy participando, por si me quieres pasar a ver!!
un abrazo
c@
Patrice said…
Love the Japanese theme...please join me again at 52 Card Pickup!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/03/52-card-pickup-week-12.html
Thank you for the invitation, Patrice!