Awash With Flowers

I saw a card on page 19 of the Stampin' Success April 2011 issue and I wanted to make it.  But there was something about the card that just wasn't sitting well with me.  I liked the card as it was but yet there was something that it needed. 

I got out my Awash with Flowers set (one I hadn't used in a while) and stamped the flowers and leaves.  I colored them and cut them out pretty close to how they were done on the original card.  I cut the Pretty in Pink center strip and the Rich Razzleberry layer behind it.  As I was putting the flower together on a white background piece of scrap paper it dawned on me that I should try the background in white.  Oh, i almost forgot.  The flowers were colored in with a sponge and Pretty in Pink ink first and then Regal Rose in the center. The leaves were colored in the same way but using Pear Pizzazz.  I also sponged the edges of each flower petal using Regal Rose and I sponged the leaves using the Pear Pizzazz.

I did need to have green in the card because of the leaves so I used Pear Pizzazz card stock for the base of the card.  On top of that is a piece of white card stock cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8".  I used the "Square Lattice" embossing folder on it and taped it in place.

Next I stamped the words on.  They were from the "Sincere Salutations" set.  I didn't want to get it all done with the paper piercing and find out I ruined it by stamping the words crooked.  Then I'd have to do all that paper piercing again!!   UGH!!

The original card was also stitched using a sewing machine.  I don't do sewing machines!!!  I don't like to sew but there is the alternate technique "Faux Stitching."  I punched holes in the card stock using the Mat pack and paper piercer. Then I took my white gel pen and drew in the stitch lines.  It probably would have taken less time to do this on the sewing machine but mine doesn't sit out so it would take that long to get it set up, threaded and sew the card stock.  And I am pretty sure I wouldn't get it straight!!

After I got the faux stitching done I affixed that layer to the Rich Razzleberry.  I wrapped a piece of linen around the layers twice and tied them in a knot off to the right. Then I taped the back of the piece and gently set it in place.  I didn't want to push down too hard because I needed to get the flowers behind it. 

I first assembled the big flower.  I had punched out a 1" circle and used it as the base for the flower pieces to be set in place.  Once I got it the way it looked in the magazine stuck it on the card.  I added the leaves and then began to add the other two flowers.  Then I pressed those two layers in place firmly.

On the buttons I took a fine point permanent marker and drew inside the circle part of the buttons.  The buttons just needed a little more definition.  And as was done in the magazine I tied some linen to the center of the buttons.  I set them in place with some Crystal Effects and I let them sit for a while to dry.  And the rest is history!! 

The cutting of the petals were what took the longest on this card and it really wasn't all that long.  I wouldn't want to make these for a swap though, I don't think I'd like to cut that many flowers out!!!  All in all it was fun and I can see myself making another one of these cards!

It's such a fresh spring looking card.  Maybe that is why I liked those flowers so much!  I have always wanted to copy a card from one of the Stampin' Up! books or magazines but never have.  I like how my card turned out.

Thank you SO much for visiting today,
Wanda