Here in the UK, we are seeing the first signs of spring. A few bulbs have sprouted, the days are getting longer, and occasionally there’s a little warmth to the sunshine. However, it’s still that transition phase; we haven’t hit the full-on acid-greens of true spring yet. The colour palette is more muted with soft watery blues, warm greys and dusky pink-browns. It was those watery blues that inspired the colours for my card. Anyway, I digress; my card is part of a blog hop today to celebrate the new Be Creative release from Simon Says Stamp – scroll down to find out all the details. 

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

how to layer the soft colours of early spring

When you are working with soft, pale colours, I find that the best way to showcase them is with subtle textures and layers. I started this card using the Parallelogram background set. I stamped it in Versamark ink on Hot-Pressed Watercolour card, and white heat embossed it. I then used a combination of Speckled Egg and Antique Linen Distress inks on a mat and set to with lots of spritzing of water and dunking the card into puddles of ink, drying, dunking, drying, dunking etc. until I had a softly layered watercolour piece. I die cut the panel with a Nested Circle die and then trimmed one side slightly.

Next, I worked on a simple background panel for the card. I used the Fantastic Flowers Stencil and randomly swiped Ranger Opaque Matte Texture Paste across a piece of Ivory card. When dry I trimmed the panel and mounted on a Fog card base.

For the greeting, I used the Big Old Birthday set and stamped a sentiment in Versamark on Vellum, and white heat embossed it. I trimmed the vellum to a skinny banner, folded the top over the texture paste panel, and secured it on the back. I then attached the watery blue background circle with foam tape and laid the sentiment banner over the top. I added the tiniest slithers of foam tape behind the letters to attach it to the circle.

I did debate adding a die cut leaf over the circle but, in the end, decided I preferred the card with the blue background as the focal point rather than covering it up. I finished off with a sprinkling of Eggshell Pearls and Nuvo droplets. 

more inspiration

Here’s another card I made using the Be Creative release. You can find the original post here. This card uses the Fantastic Flowers set, the Fantastic Flowers Stencil, Greetings Trio Dies and Big Old Birthday set.

blog hop

As mentioned above, this post is part of a blog hop to celebrate the Be Creative from Simon Says Stamp. Hopefully, you’ve arrived here from Amy’s blog, but if not, an excellent place to start is Simon’s blog. As with all good hops, there are offers and giveaways.

• Use code ART4U to get the Handcrafted With Love set FREE with any purchase!  Offer valid while supplies last or until 19 February at 11.59 pm EST.
• Simon is giving away a $25 coupon from comments left on each hop stop. Winners will be announced on the Simon blog on Wednesday, 22 February.

Now it is time to hop on over to Lisa’s blog. Here’s the complete hop list to keep you on track.

Simon Says Stamp Blog

Nina-Marie Trapani

Caly Person

Suzy Plantamura

Amy Rysavy

Debby Hughes

Lisa Addesa

Sidnie Des Jardins

Miriam Prantner

Bobbi Lemanski

Kath Stewart

Barb Engler

Misty Elam

Jennifer Kotas

Allison Frazier

Allison Frazier

supplies

You can find links to the supplies I’ve used below; click on the picture or shop icon to get taken directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Items marked with an asterisk (*) provided by a store or the manufacturer. You can read my affiliate and product disclosure here. I genuinely appreciate your support.