Paper Seedlings: RUBY RED HIBISCUS

I have been slowly building up my collection of Stampin' Blends. Stampin' Up!'s version of alcohol-based markers are simply fabulous.

Being completely heartbroken that the beautiful set, Humming Along, found on page 36 of the Occasions Catalog, is on the Retiring List, I decided to use the hibiscus from the set to showcase these markers.

I truly love that hibiscus and promise to continue using it forever and ever. I've had many red hibiscus plants/trees over the years, and never tire of seeing these beautiful flamboyant flowers. And the stamp of the flower from this set is so realistic.

Because the flower is so lovely in and of itself, I wanted it to be the complete focus of my card. I still wanted a little embossing to add a bit of dimension, so selected the Subtle Embossing Folder, which lends a truthfully subtle texture. Perfect and elegant.

To color the flower, I used a combination of Poppy Parade and Cherry Cobbler, Granny Apple Green and a touch of Mossy Meadow for the leaves, and Daffodil Delight and Mango Melody for the stamen.

To add just a bit more pizzazz to the stamen, I adhered three weird little sequins that were tinier and more cupped than traditional sequins. I like the touch of bling and dimension these three little guys bring to the overall effect of the flower.

I felt a bit odd having my card be in the colors of green, red and white. Too Christmas-y? But no. I think it works.

There is very little dimension to this card in that only the oval is popped up onto the card background with Stampin' Dimensionals. And, then, of course, the three sequins.