Lovely as a Tree sympathy

The reason and need for a sympathy card is never an easy time for anyone. I was contacted this week in a commission to make one. 

Knowing nothing of the recipient or her father, I had full creativity and with that, too many options. 

I have a new favorite layout design that allows for a focal image, so that was "easy enough".

I first looked at my options for the sentiment. So sorry, with sympathy, thoughts... Choices were all over the map. 

I picked, of all things, Rose Wonder. There is a border stamp that outlines the die cut (represented in grey). That die cut is a perfect match for the sentiment. Here's an image of the set. 

I'm still left with a stamp set. Neutral and masculine - that narrows it down a bit. Lovely as a Tree is a Stampin'Up! classic (longest reigning stamp set, only recently retired)? The Open Sea - nautical theme? Hightide with an inspiration for a beacon of light? 

I don't want to say I "settled" for Lovely as a Tree but it was the one that also allowed me to crack in to my blending brushes. I wanted to try and colour the land and do a sunset or sunrise. I've been told it shows the changing seasons (of life). 

My card focused on the image and using Whisper White (thick for the base) and Basic Black really framed the art. 

I used Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral and Petal Pink for the sky. Always start with your lightest of colours, you can always add more - but can never remove it :) 

I felt like it needed a bit of SUN so I used Daffodil Delight. 

For the 'grass' I used a variety of greens. First I pulled Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz and Granny Apple Green. Blending all those (layer by layer) didn't give the contrast/depth I wanted so I picked Shaded Spruce. 

And immediately regretted it. I forgot to start off the card. I forgot to test the level of ink on the blending brush. I had made a mistake - but, with all blending you just keep going and move the colour around in the hopes that it works out. 

This time it did! Take another look at the focal image. 

Do you see a tiny sliver of white, on the right, just above the green? Yeah. That's where my masking wasn't "perfect". 

Oh now wait a minute! What's masking? I'll explain. I stamped the image on a separate piece of paper, cut the 'top' from the 'bottom' and temporarily covered the areas I didn't want to have colour coverage. This allows to colour outside of the lines in a full range of motion without it affecting the final results. 

Now for more photos :) This card will be given to the family soon. I don't think my blog has enough readers to spoil it. 

If you have continued this far, thank you. I appreciate the time you have taken to do so. 

As always, if you have any questions on the technique, products or just in general - please ask. 

For now, JustSaying - Thank you. 

Christie