Tropical Hello

Hi everyone.  Have been busy for a few days, but managed to find some time to create this card.  I started it last night ... and struggled and struggled ... nighttime is NOT my creative time!  Back at it this afternoon and still struggled.  Decided I needed to put everything away and forget about it.  I will move on to something else.  But I am stubborn :) ... so I pulled it back out and it finally came together.

You have probably noticed that I am totally "in love" with this layout ... have used it a lot lately - so that was the starting part that was easy.  And I knew I wanted to use coral and yellow - so I had my layout and colors.  The trouble I had was with the backing for the flower ... what to use.  Tried all kinds of leaf sizes and shapes along with some flourishes.  The leaves should be green, right??!!  It all looked so wrong.  As soon as I added the white leaves, I felt at peace :)  Struggling over - yay! :)

This is going to be a card for a class I'm holding this coming Saturday for my two cousins (sisters Joanne and Colleen) ... and Joanne's daughter Demi.  I am so looking forward to spending a crafty afternoon with them.  I wanted to show them how to make this beautiful (and easy) background.  This is the same background technique (faux mother-of-pearl), I used for the Peace Dove card shown here.  I just randomly pounced a squished up piece of Saran Wrap with some white enamel shimmer paint on my card stock (leaving lots of open space) and after it dried, sponged on yellow and coral inks.  So easy, so pretty and a great backdrop for this pretty 3-D hibiscus flower.

The two other things we will be covering in the class is how to add dimension to die-cuts.  Taking a flat die-cut and using a stylus and mat to add shape ... as I did with the leaf sprigs above.  It adds a lot to the overall look, without a lot of extra work - simple.  And the third thing I'm going to cover is how to add details to a flower to bring it to life, including layering (paper tole), sponging edges and shaping for dimension, and adding finishing details (veins and dots).

Now I just need to come up with two more designs to fit the course. :)  Here's hoping I'll be back soon with more cards.  :)

Edited to Add:  I'm entering this into the latest challenge at Curtain Call - Perfectly Peach.  Thanks for letting me know Lee-Anne! :)

Stamps:  Where Your Heart Is (hello sentiment) - Simon Says
Paper:  White (Neenah); Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight (SU!)
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Fresh Foliage and Hibiscus Flower dies (Memory Box), Frost White shimmer paint (SU!), saran wrap, sponges, white gel pen, stylus and mat