A Two-Tone Flora Arrangement in Turquoise and Blue…

I really do like flower images and always have.  But, honestly, so many of them begin to be repetitive as time goes on.  And as my collection grows larger, I must be more selective about the flower image stamps and dies that I include.  But…

There was no doubt in my mind that the Stampin’ Up! Two Tone Flora bundle was one that my collection really needs.  The two-step stamping process lets these flowers unleash your color creativity.

I have been making so many cards with these images – and played with various color combinations.  But, as we sometimes do, I was getting into a color-rut.  So, I turned to the latest Color Hues – Color Challenge to find some other inspiration – and to help me shake it up.  They did NOT disappoint!

This color challenge wants a combination of Blue and Turquoise and only allows neutrals beyond those two colors.  I just knew that this would work well for me because this is NOT my usual combination…so here is the formula for the card that I came up with:

1. Stamp about 9 or 10 of the medium flower images on to Basic White card stock using Misty Moonlight and Coastal Cabana ink.  The first image of the flower will be lighter (or you may want to stamp the inked image once on scrap paper and then on to the real cardstock surface for more contrast.) 
2. The second layer of the stamp (which has the detailed lines and shading) is applied on top of the first once using the same ink color.  The result will be detailed lines and shading that really pop.  Cut the images out using the Two-Tone Flora dies or fussy cut them.
3. Arrange the flowers without adhesive on the face of the card.  (This is the 3-3/4” x 5” Basic White card stock panel.)  Using very light pencil marks, mark approximately where the flowers will be. 
4. Using Smoky Slate ink and the foliage image from the Two Tone Flora stamp set, stamp some foliage on the card face around where the flowers will be placed.
5. Before gluing the flowers in place, though, use the Stampin’ Up! Cut and Emboss machine (or other embossing machine that works with thin dies and embossing folders) to dry emboss the 3-3/4” x 5” Basic White card stock panel for the card face with the Pretty Flowers Embossing Folder.
6. Place the flowers back on the embossed card panel and glue in place using a mix of glue and some Stampin’ Up! Dimensionals on a few of the flowers to create texture.
7. Adhere this panel to one of the larger Basic White panels and then to the Misty Moonlight card base.
8. Emboss the very bottom of the remaining Basic White card panel (4” x 5-1/4”) with the Pretty Flowers Embossing folder.  Do this by tucking about a ½” at the bottom of the panel into the embossing folder and run it through the embossing machine.
9. Using a sentiment from the Pansy Patch Stamp Set and Misty Moonlight ink, stamp the inside sentiment on that panel.
10. Adhere the panel to the inside of the card.
11. Stamp the “Thank you” sentiment which is also from the Pansy Patch set onto a scrap of Basic White paper to create the banner along the bottom of the card face.
12. There is a little bit of bling with the Pearl Basic Jewels scattered over the card face, after being colored by the dark Misty Moonlight Blender pen.

This is not a color combination that I would generally choose.  But since starting this design, I have seen several pictures of bridesmaids’ dresses and designer wear in these two colors.  It is apparently popular – and I apparently live under a rock…

Hmm.

But now my eyes are open to this very pretty color combination.  And I realize that it is festive – or that it can be a bit more subdued.  It may be appropriate for a more serious message as well as the thank you card that I have created here as well.

Have fun with this design!  I think that it would be VERY special as a wedding or a wedding shower card using the bride’s colors…or as a baby card in the appropriate gender color (if it has been revealed).  Enjoy!

Here are the supplies that I have used for this version: