The Card Concept #171 - Cast Your Cares Tulip

 

 

Hi Friends!

It’s time for the #171 {Spring Garden} Challenge at The Card Concept!

I was inspired by the colors and flowers in our photo as well as the Spring Theme to create a Clean and Layered/Mixed Media card!  I enjoy the cooler weather of spring, and here in Maryland, the last few days have had temperatures in the 50’s & 60’s- my kind of spring weather for sure! 

I also wanted to share with those of you who follow my blog, I have not been posting as frequently as I would like.  My hubby, Dave has been battling five different cancers over the last 20 years and the most recent cancer was just diagnosed on Monday, March 7^th.  After exhibiting increasingly rapid dementia type symptoms (over the course of about a week), it was discovered that he had a primary brain tumor the size of a lemon in his left frontal lobe.

Dave had brain surgery on Wednesday, March 9^th and they were not able to remove all of the tumor (due to blood vessels that were intertwined within the mass).  He is being transported (hopefully today) from Johns Hopkins to a rehab center near my home and my prayers are that he would get stronger physically, so I can bring him home to be with me.

We know that the Lord has the perfect plan for us, and while I may wish to keep my hubby here with me on this earth, if the Lord decides to take him home to heaven, I know that it would be far better for Dave.  Unfortunately, Dave will never regain his short-term and some of his long-term memory (or possibly the ability to speak) again.

One of our favorite verses is
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”   Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)

Thanks for the chance to share a bit with my followers- I feel like we are family even though we may never have a chance to meet here on earth :-)

Also, many of you know that I enjoy participating with online challenges and will be linking this card to one of my favorite challenge sites, Retro Rubber Blog Challenge #178 “Anything Goes”.  

The Retro Rubber Blog Challenge requires that you use a stamp that is at least one year old (one of my goals as well).  The sentiment on this image from Stamp Simply is many years old as well as the main Power Poppy digital floral image.  FYI- I had this image printed and hand colored in my stash since 2019 (when my hubby had his bladder/prostate removal surgery), 

Thankfully, this image was perfect for both challenges! If you have not had a chance to visit us at The Card Concept , I hope you will take a moment to do so! Gorgeous designs from the rest of my sisters on The Card Concept Design Team, plus stop by the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog and check out their talented Design Team as well!

Other than the time it took to hand color/watercolor this image, the card took very little time to create!

To create this card:

Using a editing software (I used the retired Stampin’’ Up! My Digital Studio), download the digital Tulips in Hobnail Pitcher image from Power Poppy by Marcella, resize and print onto white cardstock.

Hand color the image with watercolor pencils and water-based markers.  I used a water soluble graphic pencil as well for the shadow area (or you could use a black watercolor pencil).  Once you are satisfied with the colors, die cut the panel with a stitched rectangle die.

De-static the lower right hand area for the panel with an embossing powder tool.  Ink the verse sentiment from the Fear Not clear stamp set  (Stamp Simply) with Versafine Black Onyx ink, stamp onto the prepared area, apply embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  I just love the fonts used in the Stamp Simply Fear Not stamp set, don't you?  Plus this verse is also one of our favorites! 

Layer the main focal image panel onto black cardstock and trim close to the edge.

Layer a piece of designer paper (approx. 4” x 5 ¼”) onto a 4 ¼” x 5 ½” piece of black cardstock and mount onto a white card base.

Adhere the main focal image panel to the card front.

Use a clear glitter marker to add shimmer to the tulips and you are done!

So easy and flat for mailing!

Stamp Sets: Fear Not (Stamp Simply), Tulips in Hobnail Pitcher digi image (Power Poppy by Marcella)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine Black Onyx, various Watercolor Pencils- Derwent™, Stampin Up!, Water-based Markers (Stampin’ Up!), Water Soluble Graphite Pencil; Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Marker

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black; Stampin ‘ Up! designer paper (retired and from my stash)

Accessories/Tools: Big Shot™,  Stitched Rectangle A2 STAX Dies (My Favorite Things). Embossing Powder Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Thanks again for taking the time to visit! I hope you will have the time, create a card based on our #171 {Spring Garden} inspiration photo and join us!