WWC254 - Tristan's Challenge: All About Occasions

I am forever hunting around for Birthday cards.  Yes, I make cards and so technically should never be without cards, right, but it doesn't turn out that way.  It seems as if a lot of the cards I make are for all sorts of other occasions.  This year I intend to make at least one feminine and one masculine birthday card each month and, hopefully, the problem will be solved.

For my last Stampin' Up! order, I included those stamps and dies which I knew I could happily use from the Mini Catalogue.  One such bundle was the Timeless Tropical which has so many images that "speak" to me.  I love the hibiscus flower in particular.  What a beautifully detailed stamp that is, and it has lovely leaves as well as the accompanying dies.  I went online to search out hibiscus blossoms and was blown away by the variety of colours.  I finally settled on the yellow/pink version but am determined to try my hand at some of the other gorgeous colours with future cards.

One thing you'll notice about my card is the layering of patterns.  I didn't want to use any patterned paper but instead turned to some of my current and retired embossing folders.  The background pattern is the debossed side of the Hammered Metal 3-D ef.  After embossing the cardstock, I used a sponge and some Cajun Craze ink to pick up the raised pattern.  I used a second embossing folder, the Stone 3-D ef, for the retired Galvanized Metallic paper.  It has a duller sheen than the silver foil, but I think it compliments the silver embossing in the sentiment perfectly, don't you?

I hope you'll check out the wonderful creations by the Watercooler Artists over at our Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.

I've linked this card up to the following challenges:

Just Us Girls Challenge #518 - Trend Week: Create Dimension

Lemon Shortbread Challenge #111 - Always Anything Goes

Addicted to Stamps and More #372 - Make Your Mark