Butterfly Brilliance with TE

Happy St. Patrick's Day and a new challenge from the Card Concept #151: Butterfly Brilliance!

This is such a wonderfully inspiring photo! Colors are brilliant and who doesn't love a butterfly? I feel my style for this card is Classy & Elegant with its rich color scheme and drama. I was most inspired by the butterfly image and the green background.

To create the background, I started with a sheet of Legion 140 lb. Stonehedge Aqua Watercolor Paper.  I like to buy it in sheets and cut to size as I need it. This is a very soft cottony paper that absorbs quickly. I played around one afternoon and sprayed various sheets in my Splat Box using Distress Spray Stains. As best as I can tell, I used Peacock Feathers and Mustard Seed. Combined, it makes a really pretty green. Gave a final spray of my Heidi Swapp Color Shine Gold.

Once totally dry, I cut the panel to size leaving the raw distressed edge. I like that look. Using my MISTI Stamping Tool, I first removed the foam pad, since I am using a nice thick red rubber stamp and therefore it is not needed. I placed my watercolored panel into the corner of the MISTI and carefully determined my position for the Big Butterfly stamp from Taylored Expressions:

One or two inkings with Altenew's Obisidian Black Ink was all that was needed. This is such a rich, dark ink it just works beautifully over a colored background.

The die cut "Smile" comes from Sugarpea Designs Floral Envie Sugarcut. It's always nice when you get extra dies in your package that can be used with any card.

I placed some Altenew's Gold Washi Tape along the rights edge and on the inside of the card. This is such a pretty gold and adheres to the card without a problem. Comes in various widths, too!

I had cut off a tiny strip of the watercolor paper and decided to use it on the bottom of the inside of the card. Hate to throw it out! The inside sentiment is from Altenew's Dearest Friend Stamp set. I am making a number of Friendship Day cards for my daughter's shop in Wake Forest, NC for friendship day on July 30th. 

I love the little colored strip along the bottom edge:

I made a second card with even fewer details. No sentiment. I think I'll wait until I need it and then add the sentiment.

So when you don't feel like coloring a detailed image, get out your Splat Box and have fun with Spray Stains. My goal is always to leave plenty of white - I feel that it makes everything pop and sparkle!

I hope you can join us for this challenge! Let's see your creativity at work!

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