FLOWER QUARTET

Occasionally Stampin' Up! releases some beautiful extra special paper that features designs that are outlined in metallic. I always always hoard these papers with the intention of using them for something really really special. Of course, they are one of the things that find themselves languishing for a long time amongst my stash of future projects.

Once in a while, in a fit of guilt I guess, I will cut into one of these pieces and do something with it. In this case, I cut a piece that measured 4" x 5 1/4". The beautiful flower images were outlined in metallic gold. These papers are usually a little heavier than normal, so they take the Stampin' Blends beautifully.

The card is sitting on top of a piece of the paper so you can see exactly how incredibly beautiful it is even without any coloring. 

In coloring the design for my card, I had decided that I would make each flower variety in its own color. How surprised was I when I finished my piece! It was neatly divided into quarters. That's how this particular section of the paper ended up being. Before I began my coloring, I never even noticed this! 

To tell the truth, I was not particularly fond of this delineation. I almost just set it aside in disgust. But really, it had taken me a long time to do the coloring, and it WAS sort of pretty. Sort of. 

I deccided to go ahead and make it into a card anyway. The butterfly that I used to further decorate my central portion is, unfortunately, retired. 

The dies I used, however, are still available, and I love them, and use them frequently. The two labels were die cut with the Stitched So Sweetly set, found on page 166 in the Annual Catalog. 

I added a bit of ribbon hanging down between the labels to add a bit of whimsy. 

You can see in the photo below that the coloring has something of a mottled look to it, rather than the solid look you get with the Stampin' Blends. I achieved this unique look by using the Color Lifter pen after I had colored in all the flowers. By dabbing the colors with the Color Lifter, you actually remove a bit of the color, giving it sort of a sponged look.

The Stampin' Blends I used include: Dark Granny Apple Green, Light Balmy Blue, Light Highland Heather, Light Cinnamon Cider, Dark Daffodil Delight and Light Flirty Flamingo.

A closeup of the coloring:

If you have invested in any of the Stampin' Blends -- or ALL of them as I have! -- be sure you add the Color Lifter to your arsenal. It is so cool to be able to do special looks like in this card.

Do you use Stampin' Blends? Do you love them? Do you feel intimidated by them? Do you have ALL of them? 

If you would like to start or add to your Stampin' Blends collection, I would love it if you would order with me as your demonstrator!

Blended

Smiles.