Colourful Impressions Swaps - April 2011

I am very fortunate to be involved in a large stamping group in my area called Colourful Impressions.  This group led by the wonderful Kristina Koch meets on a bi-monthly basis and features guest speakers, make and takes, demonstrations and an opportunity to get together with other demos and share.  One of the really fun parts of participating is there is always an organized swap.  This time around we had to make 15 cards, so here's a look at mine.

Just a few days before the meeting I received my new Paisley Petals designer series paper (DSP) from the Spring Blossoms promotion and I was dying to try it out.  Initially I came up with a design that incorporated four blocks of DSP and a stamp sentiment from the Friends Never Fade Stamp Set (IB&C 118750 w).  Here is a picture of my first card design:

DSP distressed with Cherry Cobbler ink around edges and layerd on
 Bravo Burgundy.  Pear Pizazz layered on Bravo Burgundy
and image stamped in Marina Mist

 

While I was happy with this card it just wasn't doing it for me so I went back to the drawing board and came up with my final card.  The changes I made, that I think made a dramatic difference were using the Framed Tulip textured impressions embossing folder (Occasions Mini Catalogue 121809) on my Bravo Burgundy base, and layering this with a piece of Whisper White cardstock texturized using the Square Lattice Embossing folder. I reduced the size of the DSP pieces and used 2 instead of 4 pieces.  I also  changed was the Pear Pizazz layer to River Rock as it went better with the DSP.  The final touch was adding the flag like layer from the Petal Cone Die (121810 Mini Occasions Catalogue) in River Rock to go below the sentiment.  Here's a closeup look at the finished card.   

Tomorrow I'll share the swap cards I received in return. They are simply awesome.   Thanks for coming to visit.  Let me know which one you like the best.............. I 'd love to hear from you.