Welcome back everyone! Whether you're a longtime reader or coming here for the first time from the amazing Karen, I'm excited to see you!
The Squirrel Squad and I are back again this month with a new challenge! This month, we focused on a botanical theme with a specific color palette. Much like last month's sketch challenge, this is not quite like anything I'd done before. So what's a squirrel to do in a situation like that? Trust that your stash will get you through!
First, let me show you the color palette we were using!
This is one of Anna's plants. She ran the picture through a program and it developed this palette. We agreed that we didn't have to use all the colors in the palette, the card just had to be clearly inspired by it. But if this isn't your first time here, then you know that I was pretty stuck on using all 5 colors. My first thought was a flower image colored appropriately. Then I got a slightly wilder idea that I would build a wreath with die cuts. The wreath would be the greens and the flowers would be the various shades of pink. But sudden inspiration landed me here instead:
I'd started flipping through the binder I knew had some wreath die cuts. It felt like a logical place to start. But before I'd gotten very far in, I spotted this lovely die from Simon Says Stamp, the Circle Leaves Die. It wasn't long before I formulated my plan to go this route instead. First, I cut the image on a basic white piece of cardstock. I wanted a base for my plans. Then I cut the die out two more times: once in the darker green and once in the lighter green. I trimmed the darker green leaves out of the image and glued them onto the white base. Then I trimmed out the "front" branch of leaves and glued that down over the appropriate dark green branches. I wanted to keep building up depth. Next, I grabbed another white rectangle and very lightly marked the parameters of the circle. I wanted to use that to create the darkening pink sunset, but I wanted to make sure all the shades would be in there.
Once I glued all that down, I decided this was the moment I wanted to try a quirky idea I had (and that I'm sure I've seen a version of somewhere at some point). I smooshed an embossing ink pad all over the image then coated it in clear embossing powder. The result was nice enough, but I wanted more depth. I wanted it to look like a ceramic tile. Two or three more coats of embossing powder helped me achieve this. What I didn't expect was for the leaves and ink to change color somewhat. I put that off on my erratic heat gun handling skills. I will say, though, I'm not mad about it. I think it just adds some more interest to the card. But seriously: check out that shine!
I wanted the card to look just a little more finished, though. I cut out one more rectangle for the very top layer. I used a circle die slightly smaller than the leaf die circle and cut out a cover. I then used the Stampin' Up Layered Leaves 3-D embossing folder to add more texture. For a moment I worried I might be gilding the lily, but honestly I usually play it safe. This card was already so full of experimentation and new ideas, I decided why not keep that going.
All that remained was a sentiment, so I used the lovely "hello" die from the Hero Arts Stamp 'n Cut set. I cut three layers from the darker green, then coated it in two or three layers of embossing powder as well. I thought it needed some dynamic shine to hold its own on the card front. When I look at the finished card, I feel a huge thrill with how it turned out! This might be one of my favorites ever!
Thank you for stopping by! Be sure to keep hopping! The Squirrel Squad is a small group so the hop won't take you long, but will leave you feeling totally inspired! Next up: the brilliant and talented Boryana! If you love what we're doing, please leave a comment! We love it even more when you subscribe!