September 05, 2007

Heartfelt Wishes { Fresh Bloom by Stampendous }



Once again I've been coloring images that were sent to me by my friend Michelle of Stamper's Dream. This lovely flower is "Fresh Bloom" by Stampendous and I've colored it with prismacolor pencils and blended with gamsol.



This card is a 5-1/4" square and I've used Stampin' Up! Lovely Lilac & Orchid Opulance cardstock. For the upper half of the background, I have used the "plastic wrap" technique for a creative challenge at the Stamp Shack. The orchid piece was stamped with the french script background and then put through my Cuttlebug with the Stylized Flowers embossing folder. The flower and the orchid piece are matted in basic black and the flower is attached with dimensionals.



Initally, I had black ribbon tied on the right side, but I didn't care for it. It seemed to me that it took away from the flower as the focal point. What do you think? (see photo 2)



Then, as if that wasn't enough, I decided that the lilac background wasn't dark enough and got out more plastic wrap and the black ink pad! Did I ruin it or do you like it better? You be the judge! :) (see photo 3)



The sentiment "Heartfelt Wishes" is from an Clear Design set by Hero Arts ~ Friendship Messages.

Please let me know what you think of this card and which variation is your favorite. I love hearing from all of you! Smiles, Pam :)

Quote for Today ~

"What a great blessing is a friend with a heart so trusty you may safely bury all your secrets in it. ~ Seneca

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Just beautiful! Your coloring with those pencils totally amazes me! I do like it better without the ribbon. I agree with you that it takes away from the image.

Awesome card, my friend! :-)

Jami Speidel said...

I like this layout a lot. I'd have to say that my favorite card is photo #1, but they all look very nice.

Alex said...

Very very pretty - I like them all because they all have a different look but if Ihad to pick, it would be the third because I really like the effect it left. They are all great Pam! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Karen said...

This is beautiful. I love your coloring.

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

An absolutely glorious color combination! And this layout is so perfect for highlighting your coloring. SImply beautiful card!

pescbrico said...

you coloring is really grat! The core of the flower seem to pop up!

Pegg S said...

You are right about the ribbon. These are all gorgeous tho! I think I like #1 the best -- the 3rd is still great but the darkness detracts from the bloom. Maybe number 3 can be softened a bit?

Stampin_Melissa said...

I agree with you about the ribbon, it is distracting. It is hard to chose between #1 and 3, but I slightly lean toward #1 because of the more simple and elegant feel to it. Great cards!

Tee said...

i seem to love the 3rd card..and yes it looks good without the ribbon. I do love the fantastic coloring and I wanted to say, I love coming back just to read what quote you've written today.
Quite often i've got answers to my questions through these quotes. I always think of them as a sign.
God bless you for writing such magnificent quotes.

Alhambra Club said...

This is beautiful, love every version, but if I had to pick it would be the one without the ribbon, the card and coloring of the flower are beautiful alone.

Momsnack said...

I prefer #1 - great job. That stamp is on my wish-list!
NancyS(momsnack)

Mandey Koehler said...

I love them all!! You always have good work! Can't wait till our next meeting.

Sharon in NE said...

Those colors are so gorgeous! I am a "vanilla" sort of girl, so I prefer #1, then #3. But I would GLADLY take #3 just to make you feel better and I would put my name very proudly on that card!!! ;D
You do incredible work Pam!

Tami Bayer said...

Thanks for sharing your process in creating this card. I do this all the time...keep changing little things. I really like your completed card alot, the black really grounds the flower.

Anonymous said...

My favorite is #1. Definetly don't like the ribbon. I do like #3, and if that was the only one you showed would have said it;s great. Love the color combo!!!