You are asking yourself what in the world my title means? The Inspiration Challenge on Splitcoaststampers today has a cocktail dress as our piece of inspiration.
Have you ever started a project that took more sharp turns than you could have expected? As I was not actually inspired to do a dress themed card I was inspired to hand paint some eggplant colored tulips and green stems. The bottom of the dress has swirly flower stems and flowers that look sort of like tulips. I wanted to use the eggplant and yet still pick up on the shiny creamy color of the top of the dress. After I painted all the flowers and stems I was not really satisfied that they look substantial enough so I added a little depth to them by adding lines and etchings with my artist pen. That seemed to make them pop. Somehow my card went from being a light little watercolor and transitioned into a distressed piece with more sparkle than it ever should have had. After I sponged both the flower layer and the main layer with Distress Ink I decided to lightly dust them both with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder and heated. I also added a bit of Stickles to the base of the flower bed and a few of the flowers. The top of the dress has shimmery sparkles and that is what I was going for. I am not so wild about the sparkly distressed look but I am very happy with my little free hand flower garden. Being happy with the experience is really what the whole thing is about.
Stamps: Sanded and Itty Bitty Background
Paper: Watercolor, Eggplant, Naturals Vanilla
Ink: Adirondack Eggplant and Pesto Reinkers and Pads, Distress Ink Antique Linen
Accessories: Brads, Stickles, Iridescent Ice, Grosgrain, Deckle Scissors, Distressing Tool, Watercolor Brushes, Sponges, Artist Pen
This is so beautiful Kittie. I just love how you were inspired.
This is really beautiful. I know that you have probably answered this question before, but for the life of me I can’t remember. What is your “artist pen”? I have seen you write that before and I assumed that I knew, but I am really not sure. I hope this isn’t a really silly question!
You did a super job. I loved this challenge … it was my first one and I plan to do the challenges on a regular basis in 2008!
Teresa
Beautiful card. I love the sparkles and the overall look. (And the cocktail dress is cute too – wish I could wear something like that!!)
Sorry if I double the comment. I posted and it didn’t show up. I love overall design and the sparkles. Purple is my favorite color so I’m liking that cocktail dress too!
You really did a fab job with this Kittie. You really captured the “gold sparkle lamme'” feature.
Great choice of colors and layout for this card. Your handwork is lovely as always. The sparkle really shows well in the photo, so irl I’m sure it’s breathtaking! TFS