Everyday Expressions

Hi Everyone! I had such a great day today! We are busy getting ready for Thanksgiving, AND my sister came over for a couple of hours of crafting. Look!  I even took a picture while working on today’s card of my favorite tea, Constant Comments from Bigelow, in my favorite dinnerware, Fiesta. Life is great, and I am truly blessed.

I created this card for Simon Says Stamp Blog Challenge using Avery Elle’s Christmas Florals set, and it did in fact turn out to be a huge challenge! I stamped so many Poinsettias in every color I could find, but I wasn’t happy. Nothing fit the picture I had in my mind. I wanted soft, but non-traditional colors for this Christmas card. Finally, my sister said, “Why don’t you do blues and turquoise with silver? I love that color combination.” After playing a while longer, Peacock Feathers Distress Ink inspired me to use the beautiful bird colors of blue and turquoise/green with silver.

I stamped the flowers using Peacock Feathers and Chipped Sapphire Distress Inks on watercolor paper. I spritzed with water, and then blotted dry. The leaves were stamped with Encore silver pigment ink. I found it tucked at the back of the ink drawer, and I think I’m in love with it. Isn’t it pretty? Finally, all pieces were cut using the coordinating dies.

The top cardstock is watercolor paper that I wet and then lightly painted with Broken China and Tumbled Glass. I used Broken China and Brushed Pewter Spray Stains for splatters. I used the Flag Stax from My Favorite Things to cut the top flag from the cardstock, and then pieced the rest back together. The bottom flag was cut from white Crafter’s Companion Shimmering Cardstock. (You didn’t think I’d forget my favorite cardstock did you?)

I used silver Ranger embossing powder for the Simon Says Stamps Big Scripty Holiday Greetings, and then both flags were adhered using foam tape. All of the flowers and leaves were placed using glue, foam tape, or foam dots for varying dimension, and I used Wink of Stella on the Poinsettias. Finally, I added matte pearl embellishments to the middle of each flower for a finishing touch.

So there you have it. My attempt at non-traditional Christmas colors. What do you think? Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Erin