May 31 2007
Happiness Blooms
I just love this image! When I saw Julia’s WT challenge for this week on Splitcoast Stampers (use a retiring set), I headed straight for this one. I combined it with this week’s sketch challenge.
I headed for my pile –and I mean *pile*– of Wild Asparagus paper from My Mind’s Eye, looking for a pattern I thought would work well with this image. (I don’t think there’s a pattern in that collection I don’t like.) I found a piece with rust colored blooms and olive leaves…perfect!
I used the Hollyhock wheel (also retiring) with rust ink across the top and bottom of the rust base. I cut two strips from the patterned paper, using the reverse side of the print for the vertical strip. I sponged the edges a bit with distressing ink and adhered them to the base.
The girl is stamped using black Stazon and then watercolored and the edges sponged. I mounted this piece onto rust cardstock and adhered it to the cardfront using dimensionals. I positioned the sentiment with a Stamp-a-ma-jig then tied that yummy ribbon. I don’t usually like bows, but I thought it looked nice with this image.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Thursday! 
Paper: Really Rust, watercolor, My Mind’s Eye Wild Asparagus Spring Floral/Peach
paper”
Stamps: And Everything Nice, Hollyhock jumbo wheel
Ink: Black Stazon, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, Barely
Banana, Ranger Walnut Stain Distress
Accessories: May Arts ribbon, dimensionals, aquapainter, black marker, sponge
This is so pretty, Michele. I’ve wanted this stamp set and wheel for a long time and will order it tomorrow. The bow looks perfect with the little girl. Beautiful watercoloring.
I’ve had my eye on this stamp for almost a year - of course when it jumped onto the retired list that was the final straw - I’m ordering it! This set makes the cutest cards, & yours is certainly no exception - love your colors, etc. Just a great card!
Love that paper, the colors you chose and your coloring, Michele — very cute card!
This is just WOW. Your colors and coloring are amazing!! Fabulous job M!
totally awesome coloring, M!! this is just the sweetest card
and that ribbon….drooool 
Michele, this is absolute sweet perfection! What a wonderful combination of colors that came about, first because of the stamp image and then because of the paper that worked with it. Isn’t it great how that all comes about? I love how you used the Hollyhock wheel with this, too–another great match! I also really like this sketch. Dang, I guess I just love this card! I have this paper, too–I must be hoarding it–it’s so gorgeous!
So very pretty! Love your watercoloring and all the soft pretty colors that you used!
Linda
Adorable!! Great layout, super colors — amazing coloring!!
Michele this is so sweet I just LOVE it! I’m not usually drawn to these colors, but this is awesome!
I love love love your card. I want this set badly b4 it retires and I think you’ve just pushed me over the edge with your card.
Beautiful work.
Misty
Gorgeous coloring. I keep staring at the little girl!!!
WOW! I’ve always seen this set in my mind with pastels, but your earth tones really nail it! Gorgeous!