Stella has been waiting a long time for me to finish this card. Several months ago I made the copper frame from Spellbinders Classic Frame Frameabilities and created the filigree edges by cutting away all the embossed areas with a craft knife. I know... who has time for that? Not me! I guess that's why it took me so long to finish the card -- once that was done, I felt I'd spent just about enough time on it! Add to that, the whole reason for this card was to make use of another of Stella's papers which just doesn't speak to the oooooooh and ahhhhhh of my soul. I didn't use very much of it but, oddly, I don't have much of this piece left, which tells me I must have liked it at one time. Funny how a person's tastes change.
I thought I might bring out the prettier aspects of the paper by giving it a good dose of pink paired with burgundy, which is the deeper color in the paper. Still, it looked cold to me and, once again, it was set off to the side on my stamp table. Today I gave it a focal image, and that little bit of extra color in this exquisite stamp (retired Stampin' Up! Gentler Times) gave the card the life it needed.
A few more details: The burgundy card base is embossed with the Cuttlebug Textile embossing folder. It required that I reposition the folder and emboss a second time in order to cover the entire card front. I positioned the paper under the frame so there's a flower in each corner. The oval in the frame was cut after the paper was in place. The image is colored with Copics, and the edges of the image oval were sponged with caramel ink while the die was still in place. The ribbon is retired Stampin' Up!, and the pretty copper flower embellishment is one of Flourishes Finishing Touches brads. I had one remaining Brenda Walton rhinestone in this color, and it was perfect!
I think that covers it. My goodness, Stella has got some staying power! I was reassessing the Stella situation again today and, though her stock is dwindling, I believe she'll still be with us for a while yet.
I'm glad you could drop in for another Ruby Tuesday. Take care!
Wow, I'm soaking up the details. This is gorgeous!
Posted by: Joan B | 03/30/2010 at 02:51 AM
Beautiful card, but way toooooo much work for me. Great job, TFS Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne
Posted by: Lynne Hurlburt | 03/30/2010 at 03:26 AM
beautiful card. The frame may be labour intensive, but it's gorgeous. I think well worth the effort. Very pretty background paper and I like that you got each flower in the corners. I probably wouldn't have thought about that. Pretty focal flowers and the ribbon and rhinestone really add nice touches.
Posted by: Yogi | 03/30/2010 at 06:29 AM
Beautiful card, Leslie! I love the pink and burgundy together, looks so elegant! The frame is so gorgeous and it really makes flowers to stand out even more! Love the embellishment you added and ribbon!
Posted by: Elena | 03/30/2010 at 06:43 AM
Beautifully done Leslie! My - that stamp is so pretty and you've framed it out perfectly!
Posted by: nancyk | 03/30/2010 at 08:46 AM
Who would have guessed Stella could look so different ?!? I love the vintage, yet bright look with all the added bright pinks and beautifully colored main image. Every little detail made for a gorgeous and creative "one of a kind" card. TFS and for your detailed description. Your journey with Stella was well worth it :-)
Posted by: nancy littrell | 03/30/2010 at 09:09 AM
I love this card and the image and frame are exquisite!
Posted by: Lenoria | 03/30/2010 at 09:12 AM
Congratulations Leslie on joining the Dream Team!
Your card is gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing and looking forward to further inspiration from you!
Have a good week,
Mary
Posted by: mary friederichsen | 03/30/2010 at 09:47 AM
Just lovely Leslie!! I love the way you set that image off with the Spellbinders frame...and the Finishing Touch Brad with the perfect color rhinestone just finishes the card perfectly!!! The coloring is, as always, perfect!
Wishing you and yours a Blessed Easter!!!
Posted by: Velta | 03/30/2010 at 11:13 AM
Beautiful card, Leslie - I love it! As always, your coloring is just so fabulous.
Posted by: Lynette | 03/30/2010 at 11:18 AM
Stella's really got her groove. This is another beautiful card, Leslie.
Posted by: Linda E | 03/30/2010 at 01:43 PM
Another gorgeous Stella card! The frame is so elegant in metallic and I love that bouquet stamp.
Posted by: Jessica Canham | 03/30/2010 at 03:54 PM
very elegant and so inspiring
Posted by: Mary Satterfield | 03/30/2010 at 05:31 PM
Another great card! love the colors you chose and the coloring of the flowers is gorgeous. If you feel the need for more Stella paper....I know someone who has some ;)
Posted by: Barbara | 03/30/2010 at 07:50 PM
That frame is gorgeous! I still have this SR paper (6x6) left - all of it as it is my least favorite of all of the patterns. You still made it look beautiful!!
Glad to hear RT will be around a bit longer!
Posted by: Harriet Skelly | 03/30/2010 at 07:57 PM
very pretty, has a royal feel to it!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 03/31/2010 at 07:53 AM
Oh my goodness Leslie - this is exquisite! You know how I feel about that stamp set! Every time you use it I want to pull it out and play with it again. You are always such an inpsiration to me, friend!
Posted by: Jami | 04/01/2010 at 11:32 PM