Fragrance of Christ

Hi Friends!

This morning I am sharing the first card in a set of six using the lilac image from A True Friend (Divinity Designs LLC formerly Our Daily Bread Designs).   (FYI- this is not an affiliate link but I do love their images and one time was on their Design Team).  The set is now a Stamp/Die Duo but I chose to fussy-cut the iris image :-)

This card also incorporates a sentiment from the retired  Divinity Designs LLC set, Sweet As Perfume. 

I have not inked up either the iris or the sentiment in a while.  Most of you who follow my blog know that I am focusing on inking up my "unloved" stamps, but I am starting to realize that it most likely will take the rest of my life to do so, lol! 

Plus, so many new sets are being created everyday that I really have to restrain myself from purchasing any new stamps....

I love the iris image in A True Friend set- it is so realistic plus irises along with lilacs were my mother’s favorite spring flowers. 

We have had a mild winter so far so the flowering trees are starting to bloom as well as daffodils and crocuses.  I know that the lilacs and irises are soon to follow and when I see irises, I always think of my Mom. 

She went to be with the Lord in 1993 and died from complications due to Stage 4 endometrial cancer (it is hard to believe it has been that long since it seems like yesterday in many ways).  

I was fairly young when she was diagnosed and always so busy with work-  I regret many of the times that I did not take "time" for her while she was alive.  Also, I did not know the Lord as my Savior yet (I was saved in 1996) so my life was totally different than it is now.  I like to think that when my husband and I accepted Christ as our Savior that she was among those who were celebrating in heaven!! :-)

Creating this set of cards and coloring the irises, allowed me to focus on her and look forward to our heavenly reunion one day!  What a glorious day that will be when I see my Savior and all of my loved ones that are with Him now!!

Also, as I have mentioned in previous posts, I am slowly making my way through all of the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenges and used #SC232 for the layout on this card.  This sketch was from 2010 (thankfully the sketches at Splitcoaststampers do not expire:-) and I thought that the layout would work well for this card.

In addition to using the SCS Sketch, I am participating with The Flower Challenge #42 “Anything Goes” Challenge and the Double D 03/18 "Welcome Spring" Challenge (I was inspired by the spring flowers especially the purples).

To create this card:

Ink the iris image from A True Friend using Versamark™ Onyx Black, stamp onto a prepared piece of white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.

Once the embossing cools, watercolor with water-based markers and fussy cut the image (the set from Divinity Designs, LLC now comes with a coordinating die).

Emboss a piece of white cardstock with the lace embossing folder, trim and mount onto black cardstock.  Add the layered textured gray horizontal strip and mount the entire panel onto a white card base.

Stamp and heat emboss the sentiment in the same manner as above.  Die cut with a stitched rectangle die, mount onto white cardstock and adhere to the card front.

Layer the square pieces of designer paper onto black cardstock and adhere to the card front using dimensional foam.

Die cut a piece of white cardstock with a stitched rectangle die, mount onto black cardstock and adhere to the card front with dimensional foam.

Add the looped silver cord before mounting the fussy-cut iris with dimensional foam.

Use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the petals and finish off the card with a few rhinestones.

Stamp Sets: A True Friend , Sweet As Perfume (both Divinity Designs LLC)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black; Stampin’ Write Markers- Highland Heather, Gorgeuos Grape, Concord Crush, Granny Apple Green, So Saffron, Crushed Curry; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

Cardstock/Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Textured Basic Gray (Stampin’ Up!); misc. designer paper from my stash

Accessories: Gemini, Jr.™, MFT Stitched Rectangle A2 STAX Set 1 & 2, Crafters Companion Ornate Lace 3D Embossing Folder, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, AquaPainter™, Silver Twine, Rhinestones

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- I am praying that the threat of the pandemic will subside soon and everyone will be safe!  Virtual hugs to all of you!