Since this is a "clean & simple" challenge, I used only the Stampin' Up Whisper White card base without any layering or matting. I was inspired by Design Team members' Jan Clothier for her sponged spotlight, and LeAnne Pugliese's single daisy blossom.
For my card, I chose the aster flower from SU's 2004 retired "In Full Bloom" stamp set. I first stamped it just a little off center with Stazon Jet Black (since I would be hand coloring it with water-based dye markers).
Next, I hand colored the flower and leaves with retired SU Stampin' Write Markers:
Flower Petals: Eggplant Envy, Orchid Opulence, Lavender Lace, Pale Plum
Flower Center: Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Summer Sun
Leaf: Old Olive, Mint Melody, Gable Green
Then, I stamped the flower and stem again with Stazon onto Therm O Web Masking Magic paper and hand cut the blossom and leaf - trimming VERY close to the stamped lines to prevent halo-ing when I sponged over it. I then peeled off the protective backing and laid these clear thin masks exactly over the top of the colored flower and leaf.
Using a 2-3/4" circle die, I cut a hole in a piece of scrap Whisper White cardstock that was larger than my card front. The card itself was taped to my work surface using painter's tape, then the die-cut hole was taped over it so that the blossom extended beyond the circle a bit. Note: I avoided putting the tape onto the card front in case when I removed it, it might damage the surface. I then sponged the circle (while holding it firmly in place so it didn't shift) using two shades of purple and one shade of green SU inks.
After removing the mask, I stamped the bee from the "In Full Bloom" set with Stazon Jet Black ink as if it was approaching to flower. The bee was colored with the SU Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker, and a black gel pen.
Finally, the "Endless Birthday Wishes" sentiment was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black ink (since the letters were finely detailed and small). I used my MISTI for placement, and in case I had to stamp a second time. Note that the sentiment is actually two separate stamps, so alignment was especially critical.
I am rating the difficulty level as "2" out of "5" because of the need to mask and hand color. I think it will make a beautiful card for one of my family member's birthday later this year!
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2018 GMT Views: 1191
Favorited:5
Registered: August 25, 2004 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 148
Sun, May 27, 2018 @ 4:07 PM
Thank you, everyone! The card was fun to make. I tend to love matting and layers, so doing a single layer card is stretching outside my comfort zone 😉.