It all started with the Teapotter Challenge this week which has a Zen~ish theme. We are making cards and sending them to encourage and lift spirits. Here's the link if you are interested.
At first I wasn't sure what I'd create, but when Cathy issued the Ways to Use It challenge this week use your oldest stamp in a new way I had a place to begin. My very first stamp was a PSX wood mount Botanical Hydrangea. I bought it in 1995. I never used it until 2008. Looking back through my gallery, I found 6 cards created with this fabulous stamp. It was fun to see all the different ways I had used it!!!
This card also fits the Sketch Challenge 840. Dr Sonja has asked us to make a card with a Fancy Fold Front Flap Card. Folds are not my strong suit, but I did enjoy this one (great tutorial linked above)!
And so, I set about to make my very first stamp feel fresh and new and Zen. I stamped the flower onto a very sturdy Mixed Media paper. It was stamped in Archival 'Coffee' and embossed with a Mixed Media Mixed Metals powder which has chunks. I think you can see the wonderful metallic colors. I took a few water brushes and painted the blossoms with Ranger TH Distress Oxides in Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy. When it was dry, I freed it from the flatness of the paper~ :}. I used the wonderful Memory Box 'Gingerbread' papers.
Thanks for stopping by...I wish for you a peaceful moment today. Thank you to all our wonderful challenge hostesses!
editing to add: I photographed this in the morning light. Much better, however it does not capture the Mixed Metals Embossing Powder directly. It is lovely, you'll just have to trust me on that!
Date: Thursday, February 11, 2021 GMT Views: 1459
Favorited:8
Registered: May 26, 2015 Location: Oregon Posts: 5532
Sat, Feb 13, 2021 @ 7:33 AM
I read somewhere (so it must be true ) that if you use a stamp 3 times, it has paid for itself. This one was definitely worth the investment, even if this was it's debut! Your pretty papers and whisper of a bow emphasize the romance that the hydrangea represents to me. It's so well suited to the fancy fold. Have a happy Valentine's Day, Neighbor.
Registered: October 6, 2006 Location: in sunny Florida on the wonderful west coast. Venice FL Posts: 682
Thu, Feb 18, 2021 @ 6:19 PM
I trust you - and completely agree your card is lovely! There are more superlatives but most have been said already. I have always thought that I couldn't be the only one who has OLD stamps yet unused...now I know I'm at least not alone on that point. Thanks for sharing!