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May 28, 2022

Love Gives Us a Fairy Tale (and some Japanese Garden pictures)

Hello and welcome! 

It's Saturday again and that means it's time for a new challenge at the Allsorts challenge blog.I'm also sharing a few photos I took at the Japanese Garden I recently got a chance to visit. 

At Allsorts it's Mervi's turn to host this time around and she chose "Anything But Birthdays". We have 2 prizes this week -  a Paper Boutique 8x8 Sunflowers paper pad and a Tattered Lace Cut & Emboss plate. Hope you will join in for your chance to win! You have one week to link up with us, but do remember it has to be a new creation so the post can't be dated before the challenge start date.

When I was working on this card I was thinking our theme was any celebration but birthday, so in order to make a celebratory card I decided on a wedding card even though I don't need it. I really should make some use of the planner I purchased!!! It always works out so beautifully in the beginning, but as time goes on I get lazy and don't fill in my planner, instead I think I remember what the upcoming themes are. At least it worked out perfectly this time as it does fit the actual theme of "Anything but Birthdays". 

So here is the wedding card I made in a monochromatic way.

I started out by trying to create a moonlit sky using Stormy Sky and Chipped Sapphire Distress ink with a circle die cut as a mask for the moon. I also used my white Posca pen to flick some "stars" onto the background.

The silhouette couple is a rubber stamp I won a few years ago, I think it was through Lost Coast Designs but I could be totally wrong. If anyone recognizes the stamp please do let me know. It didn't come in a package. 

Related Wedding Themed Products You May Like:


Using a stamp platform, I stamped with Versamark ink and heat embossed with black embossing powder. The willow I stamped along the top is from Lavinia stamps

The sentiment is a real oldie from Whimsy Stamps and was part of a wedding themed set but no longer available. It was also heat embossed. I framed the image panel with SU Night of Navy paper and then mounted onto a white card base. To finish it off I decided to add a few sticky rhinestones

I'm sharing with these challenges:
Krafty Chicks - All Occasions // TIME OUT Challenges - Quote Prompt below (I made a moonlit sky) // Double D Challenges - Monochromatic // Fab n Funky - Anything But Square // Paper Shelter - Add Embellishments (I added rhinestones) // Simon Says Stamp  - AG // The Paper Funday - AG // Unicorn Challenge - Bling // Crafting Happiness Challenges - AG // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges - AG // Path of Positivity - AG // 

This post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!


As mentioned, here are a few photos from our visit to the Japanese Garden. We live less than 3 hours away but somehow never managed to visit. So glad we finally did as it is absolutely beautiful and tranquil. 


Don't you just love Weeping Willow trees?


Lots of fish in the lakes and as you can see the wind blew in some blossoms.


One of the gorgeous waterfalls.







And here is a photo with the two of us in front of a beautiful pink dogwood tree. I had planned on wearing a pretty sleeveless blouse (as I like to dress up a bit when visiting Botanical Gardens) but it was way too chilly so instead I dressed more casually with this periwinkle colored fleece jacket I've had for a few years and my comfy Taos slip on sneakers. 

If you live close enough or have some time to spend in the Rockford, Illinois area, I highly recommend this garden (it's on place no. 4 of all US Japanese Gardens according to USCityTraveler.com), although sadly I don't recommend the on-site restaurant because my food arrived burnt and our waiter only checked on us when it was about time to leave.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Link Parties:
Dare to Share // Sunday Showcase - First Sunday with Ada and Mireille  //  Inspire Me Monday //  Link Up Potpourri //  Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with Your Hosts @ My Random Musings // Jenerally Informed The Happy Now // Spread the Kindness Linkup @ Shelbee on the Edge //  Thursday Favorite Things // Little Things Thursday // Encouraging Heart and Home @ Slices of Life // 

38 comments:

Linby said...

A magical card, so beautiful. Lovely photos of the Japanese gardens a pity about your food though.

Marilyn said...

Beautiful card! Love your photos of the Japanese Garden

Amy Johnson said...

Your card is so beautiful and romantic! And I'm so happy you got to the Anderson Japanese Garden. It is so incredible, isn't it? We didn't eat at the restaurant when we were there.

Darlene said...

Oh Ellie your card is just beautiful and 'dreamy'. Thanks for sharing all the amazing photos from the Japanese Garden too! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Double D ‘Monochromatic’ challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often. We appreciate your support!!

Darlene
DOUBLE D CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Mervi said...

Fabulous card and the blue background is magical, gorgeous.

crafty-stamper said...

Absolutely gorgeous wedding card love the silhouette images and perfect sentiment.Thank you for joining us at TTCRD
Carol DT x
The Japanese Gardens looks amazing must admit took so long looking at the pics I forgot what your card was and had to go back and check lol-senior moment!
Carol x

Dena J said...

Beautiful and so perfectly romantic! Love your card. My oldest son has lived in Japan for 13 years now and I adore visiting all the gardens when I am there. Your pictures are beautiful and this looks like gardens I have seen in Japan. Magical - like your card!

Pauline C said...

What a fabulous card Ellie - magically romantic and atmospheric for a wedding. Also what gorgeous pics form your visit to the Botanical Gardens - a beautiful place for sure. We are lucky in that there are quite a few weeping willows in the countryside by rivers not too far from where we live - it's great to get out into nature .
Pauline xx

HilaryJane said...

I think you have been very successful with your moonlit card, the whole thing is beautiful. I hope a wedding comes along soon so you can send it to the lucky couple. Thanks for sharing the photos of that amazing garden too, it certainly does look very special xx

Suze said...

Lovely card Ellie. I like your beautiful photos of the Japanese Garden. What a shame the restaurant wasn't as good. Thank you for entering the Celebrate Something Special About Your Friends Challenge at Path of Positivity.

brenda said...

I wondered what the sentiment make was as I have it on a PB set but laid out t differently, but it's perfect for a romantic card and your's is lovely Ellie. Beautiful gardens as well.

B x

kiwimeskreations said...

What a gorgeous card Ellie - the background shows the couple off to perfection!
Those gardens are amazing - looks as though you had a wonderful day out
Blessings
Maxine

Donna Walls said...

Gorgeous card, I never think to create a card for a wedding. The Gardens are beautiful and so peaceful. Looks like a very nice visit; except for the food! Thanks for entering your lovely project in The Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge.
Donna

ScrappyHorses said...

What a gorgeous wedding card! The design is beautiful and that sky is perfect! I also enjoyed your garden pics; so lovely! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Path of Positivity! ~Katrina

Donna Walls said...

I'm back wearing a different DT Hat to say Thanks for entering your lovely project in The Paper Funday Challenge.
Donna
The Paper Funday Challenge
The Inspiration Station Challenge

Sarn said...

What a beautiful wedding card. Looks wonderful and your inking is brilliant.

Thanks for sharing your trip to the stunning Japanese gardens . .. and it was nice to "see" you.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Helen said...

Beautiful card - very elegant. Loved looking at your photos too.

Thanks for joining us at the Paper Funday Challenges.

Helen x
DT

Linda Mc Enery said...

Your background is so beautiful, and perfect for the silhouetted couple. I absolutely love the sentiment! Thanks for sharing this with us at The Paper Shelter!
Linda

Kathy Krug said...

Beautiful romantic card and fabulous scenescape pictures. hanks for sharing with us at Double D Challenge Blog. Please join us again. We love seeing your creations.
Kathy
DD DT

papierelle said...

Deine Karte ist wunderbar romantisch!! Und danke für die tollen Fotos aus dem Japanischen Garten, sehr beeindruckend. Bei uns im Nachbarort gibt es einen Bonsaigarten. Vor Jahren hat der Besitzer seinen Garten öffentlich gemacht und man kann ihn besuchen. Wirklich sehr beeindruckend, alles Pflanzen im Bonsaistil begleitet von typischen japanischen Pflanzen. Gundi

Lovely said...

The card is beautiful and elegant! Love it!
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com

Rainey's Craft Room said...

A beautiful, romantic card Ellie. Gorgeous photo's too of both the gardens and you! :o)
Lorraine

OlgaB said...

This is just gorgeous! Love it!
Thank you for joining Creative Moments.
Hope to see you again!
Hugs from Africa!
OlgaB

Barbara Bruder said...

What a lovely wedding card. I'm sure the bride/groom (whoever receives this) will love your beautiful card. I also enjoyed your pics of the Japanese Garden too. Thanks for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry. Barbara DT member for { World Wide Open Design Team Challenge}

Arlene said...

Dramatic and magical. Beautiful! So glad you shared your card over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge. Guest DT, Arlene

Crafting Queen said...

Such a beautiful card. Thanks for joining 613 Avenue Create. Anesha

Anonymous said...

So elegant, thanks for sharing with us at The Paper Shelter this week, Julie DT

Leanne said...

Nicely done, I like the silhouette cards and this is pretty. I also like all your photos very nice. Happy Crafting and thanks for playing our challenge at Krafty Chicks Challenge.

Leanne DT Member
Krafty Chicks Challenge

Nancy said...

What an absolutely beautiful card! I love the shaded background which is perfect that that beautiful die cut! Thanks for playing along with us at Time Out Challenges!

Dagmara Gorczyńska said...

Gorgeous card and I love the background!

Thank you for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge.
~ DT Dagmara

Anonymous said...

Your card is gorgeous, it's a fabulous design. Your photo's are great too, what a beautiful place.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Joanne said...

This would make a lovely anniversary card too; it is SO beautiful!!

Berni Cuttino said...

The silhouette says it all. Simply elegant. Thanks for playing in our neighborhood at 613 Avenue Create. We look forward to seeing you again.
Hugs
Berni Cuttino, 613 Avenue Create , DT Coordinator
613 Avenue Create ,Challenge Blog
chasingthedream, My Blog

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CraftyGirl said...

I am very glad you joined us this week at Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge Blog. I hope you had a fantastic time!!! See you back very soon to play in another amazing challenge. :)

TTFN,

CraftyGirl
craftygirlcardsandcrafts.blogspot.com
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Design Team Member

Chana Malkah said...

Beautifully romantic! You are a talent!

Thanks for hanging out on our front porch at 613 Avenue Create !
Hugz,
Chana Malkah, Owner
Redora Lee Designs , My Blog
A Place to Start , Challenge Blog
613 Avenue Create , Challenge Blog

Create With Joy said...

Lovely as always Elibelle! Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!

mireille said...

What a beautiful card! The japenese gardens are always one of my favorite spots when visiting botanical gardens. Love the picture of you and hubby at the end.
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Loose Stitches said...

Beautiful creation and pictures! Thank you for sharing with us over at The Creative Crafters. We hope to see you again.
~ Sherry DT/Admin xx