Pleasant Poppies CCMC252 FMS86

I'm really glad I did most of my housework yesterday 'cos with the family all busy today, it has given me time to sit and make cards, and that has to be good, right?

I'd had so much fun with the Create with Connie and Mary challenge colours this morning, so after a break I decided to watercolour a portion of the HUGE  Pleasant Poppies stamp. I used Stazon stamped on Stampin' Up! watercolor paper. Each flower was shaded very simply with my Stampin' write marker in So Saffron. I also 'shadowed' one side of the blossom and stem with a soft line in Sahara Sand, because it helps the image POP!

I wonder if you can see what I mean in this close-up?

The Blender pen is invaluable too, as it really does what its name implies - helps blend the colours smoothly.

If you would like to learn this technique, I'd be happy to show you, if you're nearby.

I decided to use Amy's sketch here. Don't forget to pop over to Freshly Made Sketches to see the other fabulous cards too.

I stamped a Happy Birthday greeting with Itty Bitty Banners stamp set, there is a lovely assortment of greetings in that set, which is carrying over to the new catty. A small strip of retired DSP at the bottom of the panel was mounted onto a Soft Suede base, and I had to use retired ribbon too, as I really wanted a narrow piece and I had nothing current that was suitable. The greeting was topped with a So Saffron button threaded with linen thread and I lined the inside with the DSP and some more poppies.

Happy stamping!

Rachel