I made this card as a combination “get well” and “happy birthday” for a friend who spent her birthday recovering from surgery. I could think of better ways to spend my birthday! It doesn’t look very much like a birthday card, perhaps, but she likes the earthy things of nature, same as I do.
I used Flourishes’ Ferns and Fiddles and did the coloring with soft chalks, using a very small sponge applicator on the fronds. Only the slightest touch was required to color and highlight all at once. That’s what I love about chalks – there’s no worry about blending an edge; chalks give a smooth transition of color all on their own. I wrote a tutorial about coloring with chalks, which you can see here if you’d like.
I used 7 Gypsies Gypsy Market designer paper on the card base, and added to its femininity with the pink ribbon threaded through punched slots. The image is finished off with an appropriately named Finishing Touches architectural brad in copper.
Today (Thursday, if this posts as scheduled) I will be on my way home from CHA where I’ve probably been having a very good time. I’ll have one more card to share tomorrow and then I’d better get stamping again. See you soon!
Stamps: Ferns and Fiddles Paper: Textured chocolate and artichoke, Flourishes Classic Ivory, 7 Gypsies Gypsy Market designer paper Ink: Artichoke Accessories: Ribbon, brad, soft chalks for coloring, spray matte sealer, double rectangle punch
OMG this is just beautiful....and that sentiment is my most favorite saying!
Posted by: Glenda Brooks | 07/29/2010 at 02:51 AM
Beautiful, Leslie. I'm thinking I need to revisit that tutorial on chalks!
Posted by: Peggy - Small Steps to Giant Leaps | 07/29/2010 at 03:00 AM
Wow Leslie, this is gorgeous. Great job on coloring with chalks.
Posted by: Pauline | 07/29/2010 at 04:34 AM
Really beautiful card. Thanks for the reminder about using chalks - such a nice, soft effect. Nice ribbon treatment, too.
Posted by: Robin Kirkpatrick | 07/29/2010 at 04:58 AM
Gorgeous card, awesome coloring!!
Posted by: Cindy H. | 07/29/2010 at 05:40 AM
Leslie that paper is so lovely, and you have balanced it perfectly with the delicate stamping and coloring. I'm sure your friend will love it.
Posted by: Heather T | 07/29/2010 at 06:49 AM
Greetings from Buffalo, NY! Great card, Leslie...I love how you ran the ribbon through the card with your stamped and lovely colored image! Thanks for sharing the chalk tutorial also! debbie
Posted by: Debbie Pokerwinski | 07/29/2010 at 07:21 AM
Beautiful and unique! Great card.
Posted by: Lisa Summerhays | 07/29/2010 at 09:08 AM
Ooh, Leslie, this is so beautiful! I {heart} ferns...
Posted by: Danielle | 07/29/2010 at 09:50 AM
Wow..you get upload even when you are not home...I am impressed!
Love the "Earthy" look. Gorgeous DP, beautifully chalked and sponged main image and I love how you wove your ribbon. All the perfect touches including the brad and
"Just Breathe"! I can't wait to hear about CHA! TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 07/29/2010 at 09:58 AM
Beautiful card Leslie! It's so soft and inviting.
Posted by: Susan | 07/29/2010 at 10:44 AM
very pretty, has that Tuscany feel to it, like the threading of the ribbon through the image sheet!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 07/29/2010 at 01:24 PM
WOW - gorgeous!! Love the woven ribbon accent and the way you colored the main image. Off to check out your tutorial! TFS!
Posted by: Amy Sheffer | 07/29/2010 at 08:47 PM
What a wonderful card...the colors are fantastic and I love that pop of pink ribbon!
Posted by: Christina Franco | 07/30/2010 at 05:10 AM
You always do such lovely work with your chalks, Leslie!! This is just gorgeous!!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 07/31/2010 at 05:41 PM
Gorgeous card Leslie.
Posted by: Leigh | 08/04/2010 at 09:29 PM