Birthday Leaves--#tgifc436

My inspiration for my entry in this week's TGIF Challenges color challenge was, believe it or not, a message I got this weekend from a complete stranger.  She asked, "Are you the Sara Nell who made the winning card for TGIF Challenge #132?".  I said to myself "well, maybe".  Then she went on to describe the card and asked if I was the right Sara Nell, how did I do the background?  Then I knew immediately which card she was talking about because I have gotten this same question several times in the past.  I am sure the people who ask are amazed at what a simple technique it is.  Anyway, that got me thinking that it has been a long time since I have done a leaf card.  I pulled out my Season of Chic stamp set (#158810) and the coordinating Chic Dies (#158815), and created this card with this week's color challenge of Crumb Cake, Blackberry Bliss and Pool Party:

The background was created with the Exposed Brick 3D embossing folder (#161600).  Crumb Cake ink was sponged on the inside top (the side with the logo) of the embossing folder before I put the Pool Party card stock in and ran it through the Cut & Emboss Machine. This is the technique I was asked about--so easy but it gives the background a bit more depth.

On my original card I used the baby wipe technique to give my leaves a mottled look.  The background leaf image in the Season of Chic stamp set already has the mottled look, so I stamped it in first and second generation Crumb Cake ink on Crumb Cake card stock.  The second step leaf image was stamped in first and second generation Blackberry Bliss ink. the open work leaf was die cut in Pool Party.  The birthday greeting was stamped in Blackberry Bliss ink on Crumb Cake card stock and die cut using a Stylish Shapes die (#159183). 

A double bow of Linen Thread (#104199) and a smattering of Rustic Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots (#159082) complete the card front.  The front is layered over Blackberry Bliss card stock and a Crumb Cake card base.

Have a great week!

--Sara Nell

 

Creation Station July Hop--A Color Challenge

 

Welcome to the July Creation Station Blog Hop!

We've got a color challenge for you today.  Each designer on the team will be creating with one new Core color, one new In Color and White.  Be sure and click the "Next" link at the end of each blog.  You'll get to see each designer's blog and be inspired with new color combinations to use in your own projects.  I can't wait to be inspired by the other designers' color combos, too!

For my two projects today, I chose Wild Wheat for my new In Color.  I wanted to experiment with this new color as many are a little afraid of it.   My new core color is Berry Burst (which is actually an old favorite In Color returned to join the Brights color family).  I am really loving this color combination, although my husband said that Wild Wheat was an ugly color and I should use something else!  Please let me know what your position is in the comments.  

For this card I used the Season of Chic stamp set (#158810) and the coordinating Chic dies (#158815).  To add depth of color, I used watercolor wash technique on Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper (#149612).  I did a wash of Berry Burst for the background followed by a Berry Burst splatter created with a Berry Burst Stampin' Write Marker (Brights Assortment, #161696).  Over this was I layered a Wild Wheat grid die cut, followed by the blooms and leaves and greeting.  The blooms and leaves were die cut out of ombre washed scrap sheets of watercolor paper created by the addition of more water to the Berry Burst and Wild Wheat ink as it was brushed down the sheets. Three Wild Wheat Dots (2023-2025 In Color Dots, #161620) in the center of each bloom complete the card. 

For this note card, I wanted the focal image to be inked with Wild Wheat.  It took a little experimentation before Herb (my husband and card critic) to at least admit that the card was okay but would be better without Wild Wheat.  I really like it!  For this card I used the Nature's Prints stamp set (#158793) and coordinating Natural Prints dies (#158800).  For the background, I stamped the floral image in Berry Burst on Basic White card stock then layered a sheet of Vellum card stock (#101856) over it.  Then I added the die cut plant images.  Three Wild Wheat dots complete the card.

So, do you like Wild Wheat or do you share Herb's opinion?  Did I change your mind?  I have several other color combinations in mind that include Wild Wheat.  This modern neutral is growing on me! 

Now it is time to check out Denita's Blog and see what her color choices are for our hop today! 

To Denita's Blog . . .

Have a joy-filled day and, for those here in the United States: Happy Independence Day!

--Sara Nell