Hello! Is it time to get back in the swing of things? I’m probably not the only one who’s kicking back a little bit after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I don’t consider Christmas officially over until after the first of the year, but I do feel I can slow down for a while – a year, at least.
First on the post-Christmas day agenda was to make a non-holiday card, and the first stamp set I was anxious to get inky is Snow Wonderful from Flourishes. I particularly love these birds, and once I decided not to fret over what color they should be, I finished this up in no time. Gosh, maybe next I’ll make them blue or purple or gray or orange! This time I wanted to see them all plushy and warm in tones of brown.
I colored with these Copic markers (mmm…makes me think of chocolate – fudge, perhaps. Just finished the last of that today. Too much Christmas candy!):
Before I started coloring with the markers I blushed the background of the image with mustard colored soft chalk. It worked well with this image – so much quicker and easier than shading in with the markers. No worries about being very exact in placement of the chalk since the markers will color right over it and remove it without any harm to the marker.
Now, the sentiment I used comes from Flourishes’ Thank You set. Despite the fact that there are several nice sentiments with Snow Wonderful, I needed this to be a thank you card. Well, thankfully, the word window die that comes with the Tailor-Made Classic Keyhole Die Set is sized for versatility. You don’t really need the dies for the stamp set and you don’t need the stamp set for the dies, but what a beautiful pair they make! I embossed the sentiment in copper to match the copper lettering in the designer paper. You can see the sheen of the lettering somewhat in the first photo.
I’ll sum this up in the recipe, below, and finish with a wish for a happy day. Thank you all so much for stopping by!
Stamps: Snow Wonderful, Thank You (both Flourishes) Paper: Bazzill cinnamon brown textured, Stampin’ Up! So Saffron, Flourishes Classic Ivory, KaiserCraft Hunt and Gather designer paper Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark (for stamping sentiment) Accessories: Button, trim, linen thread, copper embossing powder, Classic Keyhole Die Set (see link above), Scotch brand foam mounting tape
So charming. I too love these birdies. You did a gret job on this card. I wish I would have thought of the chalk for the background, pure genius.
Jan Marie
Flourishes
Posted by: Jan Marie | 12/28/2011 at 04:18 AM
Oh Leslie,
That is gorgeous! Perfect masculine card. This set is added to my wish list. :-)
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and lots of relaxing time.
Beth Greco
Posted by: Beth Greco | 12/28/2011 at 04:56 AM
Gorgeous card, Leslie! Love how you used the chalk with the Copics. I really should use mine more. Your paper choices are stunning too!
Posted by: Linda E | 12/28/2011 at 05:17 AM
Made a really pretty Thank You card-neat image and I like the button you used.
Posted by: Bev J. | 12/28/2011 at 05:42 AM
I so admire the way you design the background to frame the lovely birdies. I think a postage stamp would look like a work of art in your hands. Great card.
Posted by: Francie (Montreal) | 12/28/2011 at 07:07 AM
very pretty and yes those birds would look good in all kinds of colors.
I like the warm tones. Glad you were able to get into your crafting area.
Have a great day and a Happy New Year
Posted by: yogi | 12/28/2011 at 08:40 AM
It's Gorgeous! I love those sweet little birds and the warm colors you used. I'm still taking a break, in fact catching up on blogging today and holding one of my sweet kitties as I'm surfing and commenting. So relaxing. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Ida | 12/28/2011 at 11:41 AM
Gorgeous artwork! You could make those birds green and they would still be beautiful! Those copics are putty in your hands!
Posted by: Linda Carson | 12/28/2011 at 01:20 PM
Love the image and your coloring, I bought some different bird stamps, and I am the same way, didn't know what colors to use, guess I need to just get them out and color them whatever pleases me :)
Love the papers you chose for the background, very cool ribbon, neat texture to it and leaf!
Posted by: conniecrafter | 12/28/2011 at 07:38 PM
Awesome Leslie!! Your coloring is so perfect that I expected the birds to fly from the roost!...They are perfectly situated on these pine stems! You added the nicest touch with the stitching and background papers! As always, you have made another spectacular creation! Happy New Year My Friend!!
Posted by: velta | 12/28/2011 at 08:55 PM
This is beautiful! Those little birds are darling and they look so very plump and happy! I've been watching this set....I think I really need to have it!
Posted by: Glenda | 12/29/2011 at 01:45 AM
This is just beautiful and I love how you used the new set!
Posted by: Karen Wallace | 12/29/2011 at 03:01 AM
Wonderful card and image. I love how you've colored it.
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 12/29/2011 at 05:38 AM
So gorgeous, Leslie! The birds are awesome and so are the papers you chose. Hope your Christmas was merry, and I wish you a very wonderful 2012.
Posted by: Lynette | 12/29/2011 at 06:45 AM
What warm and wonderful colors you used. I love how you colored the birds. They look perfect in their 'plushy tones'. And thank you for the tip about the chalk. I have wondered if the chalk would damage or ruin a Copic. Now I know!
Posted by: Susan (rainy) | 12/29/2011 at 02:13 PM
I love the colors you've used for your sweet little birds...and the papers are so pretty too!! Your sewing looks perfect, and you're making me want that die! ;) Love this one, Leslie!! Have a Happy New Year!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 12/29/2011 at 02:20 PM
Leslie, this card is gorgeous. You just have a way of putting cards together! Love the tones you chose to do this in, and your birds are coloured wonderfully. This card gives an overall warm feeling. I've been pondering on this set, I think I need it now!
Posted by: Pauline | 12/29/2011 at 02:21 PM
Beautiful in your hands no matter what the color of the birds Leslie! Gorgeous creation! Hope you had some wonderful time with your cutie dogs and beloved this Christmas!
Sending hugs from Canada!
Posted by: ChristineCreations | 12/29/2011 at 04:03 PM
Beautiful. I do like the way you've sponged the image first...good idea. Gorgeous colouring too. Like you Leslie, I feel that the Festive season goes until after the New Year day holiday. Enjoy your New Year celebrations.
Posted by: Leigh | 12/29/2011 at 05:01 PM
Ohhhhhhh this is just lovely!!!
Posted by: Elaine Moore | 12/29/2011 at 05:11 PM
Oh, I Love this Miss Leslie! Such Lovely Rich earth tones you chose & your coloring is just Gorgeous! 8-) & I know just what you are saying Miss Leslie, lol, I took a bit of a break myself this past week, I've been a little tuckered out due to a bit of Christmas card overload.. lol But I know I need to get back in the swing of things right quick myself.. 8-) Thanks for the inspiration Lady! 8-)
Hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | 12/30/2011 at 04:33 AM
Beautiful! Love the non traditional colors and such a warm feeling.
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy | 12/30/2011 at 12:20 PM
A very classy card Leslie. Love all the "Oregon" details. It is raining like crazy here tonight...how about you?
Posted by: Sue Kment | 12/30/2011 at 06:19 PM
Beautiful and so Leslie! Love your choice of DP's, beautiful coloring, adorable birdies and sewing. Love your wooden button too. TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 12/31/2011 at 07:44 PM