Altenew May 2017 Inspiration Challenge

I have a card for you today that I am entering into the Altenew May 2017 Challenge hosted by May Park this month.  I have been very slow to get an idea for this challenge which is just how it goes sometimes. In case you don't know, Altenew has a special release each month on the 15th called Build-A-Flower and each month has a new and different bundle. The bundle includes a 6 x 8 Layering Stamp Set and the coordinating die and can only be purchased in this special grouping. Neither the stamp, nor the die, can be purchased separately.  When I saw the Build-A-Flower Magnolia Set for this month, I knew I would use it for my card. It normally doesn't take too long for my order to get here and it only took about three days this time. Honestly, I was planning to watercolor this image, but once I got it embossed I wanted to test it with the layering stamps and that sold me on just stamping it.  I will watercolor it some other time.

I stamped two of the images in Versamark on Watercolor Paper and heat embossed them with Antique Gold Embossing Powder.  One of the reasons that Altenew Stamps are so popular is that the consumer has the option of coloring in the image however they want; stamping, markers, paints, colored pencils which leaves you a whole bunch of options. I like that I can make every card a little different from the previous one.  Using the inks from Altenew's Rose Petal Collection which is available in regular sized pads and in the Mini Ink Cubes although that collection is sold out right now.  I stamped the layers in Rose Quartz, Puffy Heart and Purple Wine.  I used Mocha for the branch and Frayed Leaf with Forest Glades for the foliage. The banner sentiment is from Altenew Beautiful Day and is one I use often and stamp several of at once so I have them ready to go.  

Once the flowers were stamped and die cut, I really wanted to go for the deep green like the background of the inspiration image. I dry embossed a panel of Pinefeather Cardstock and then using Tonic Nuvo Embellishment Mousse in Indian Gold, I rubbed it onto the background panel. I tried to hit all the high spots on that panel. This dries instantly since I was using such a small amount. When that was done, I die cut the panel with a Stitched Rectangle Die and mounted it to a top folding white card base. I put foam tape on the back of my flowers and mounted them to the background panel. 

I have to say, I am really happy with how well this card turned out and I hope you like it as much as I do. Be sure to stop over to the Altenew Blog to see all of the entries there. There are always so many talented people entering the challenge. Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you'll leave a comment so I can also visit your blog!