CHINESE LANTERNS

There are times that you have to  take some liberties on artwork. This stamp called for just that. I found the image very appealing, but was completely unsure what this plant material was. 

So I took some liberties. I designated it a Chinese lantern and went from there.

I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored it in with Stampin' Blends.. The Blends I used were SU 900, Light Calypso Coral, Light and Dark Granny Apple Green and Light and Dark Pumpkin Pie.

Once my "Chinese Lanterns" were colored, I fussy cut the image, leaving a generous white margin around it since so many of the stamped portions were wispy.

I found a leftover piece of Designer Series Paper that coordinated really well with my littls plant. A tied loopy bow of Linen Thread atop the fussy cut piece gave it that finishing touch.

I really love the sentiment from the Wildflower Path stamp set to add to the bottom. It would be appropriate for so many occasions.

Have you ever come across a stamp that you love, but you don't have any idea what it actually is -- so you have to use your imagination and make it your own?

In case you don't know what Chinese Lanterns look like: 

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Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, 

we lose the excitement of possibilities. 

Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.

 - Gloria Steinem -

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Imaginary

Smiles.