Tropical Paradise

It's been so hot and muggy here lately that I feel I've been transported to the tropics. I remember one vacation in the Bahamas many years back that it showered every day right around lunch time and then the sun would shine the rest of the day. You could actually see the steam rising from the street after the showers. The heat and humidity were quite intense then, and it feels the same way right here and now. So we just might as well get into that tropical feel for a card, right?

The luscious Designer Paper called Island Oasis seemed to be a perfect backdrop for our tropical flavored card. It has all these wonderful prints and warm, tropical colors to draw you in. After making this card, I felt like I was sitting on a terrace with lots of flowers dripping down the balconies and flowing from pots all around me. Hope this gives you a similar relaxing feeling!

Stamps: sentiment for inside

Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and So Saffron

Ink: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and So Saffron

Accessories: Big Shot with Island Floral Bigz Die, Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet, Brights Flower Brads, Sponge Daubers, and Dimensionals

It was fun curving up all the petals to make the flower more dimensional and thereby more realistic too. It's easy to curve your petals by just using the Bone Folder to curl them like curling ribbon. You can give them as much or as little curl as you desire. And sponging the edges give each of the layers so much more definition and depth of color.

It was just a little added twist to have the ribbon go through the jumbo brad instead of encircling the whole card. It's the little details that give each card it's individuality. Try doing something just a bit different on the next card you make. Hopefully those little twists will surprise and delight you!

Have fun stamping today. I know I will!

Sharon