Channeling My Inner Lyssa

One of my stamping heroes, Lyssa Zwolanek, has been featuring a bunch of cards using the ombre technique. These types of cards are so easy to do and look so wonderful when you're finished! You should check out Lyssa's creations on her blog: Song of My Heart Stampers.

So, when I saw this week's color combo challenge on the Create with Connie & Mary challenge blog, I knew that I would be channeling my inner Lyssa!



First of all I have to say something about a couple of ink colors. There's something about Real Red that has made me call it the "devil color." I think its possessed! I get it on my fingers without knowing it and then everything I touch--especially an almost finished perfectly stamped card--gets Real Red on it. Oy. And when I use Real Red at a stamping event, well, let's just say the color gets on everyone and everything.

I've recently discovered that Blackberry Bliss is also a "devil color." I can't tell you how many times I stamped the sentiment for this card and got it perfectly aligned using the stamp-a-ma-jig only to find a tiny finger print somewhere on the panel. And there's ink all over the outside of the ink pad. What?!

So, let this serve as a warning: Use extreme caution when stamping with Real Red and Blackberry Bliss since both these colors want to get all over you and everything else!!

The main image on this card is punched with the Petite Petals punch--it's one of my faves! I also like how it coordinates with the little flower punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack. Add a basic pearl to the center and you've got some super cute flowers!! The sentiment is from the "Apothecary Art" stamp set. I can hardly make a card without some ribbon and I love, love, love Stampin' Up's 1/4" cotton ribbon--I have it in every color, including Blushing Bride.

tams# 2717

Product List

Apothecary Art - Wood-Mount Stamp [127506] $60.95	Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [133642] $5.95	Petite Petals Punch [133322] $12.95	Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack [133787] $16.95
Rose Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102544] $6.95	Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133675] $6.95	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50	Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments [119247] $4.95
Blushing Bride 1/4" Cotton Ribbon [134558] $5.95	Stamp-A-Ma-Jig [101049] $11.95	Glue Dots [103683] $4.95

Ombre Hello Lovely

Ombre is trending. My daughter has dyed her hair ombre:  dark brown, dark red, dark blonde. It looks really nice. Ombre is trending in home decor and crafting, too. I thought I'd try a simple ombre card. First, you need to decide on the colors you'll use. I tried different combinations of pinks and as well as combinations of blues. I decided I liked the pinks the best. For this card, I used Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, and Blushing Bride to get my ombre efffect. I started off with Pink Pirouette as the lightest color, but it was too light. I might try this again with blues. I like the color gradients. And, of course, I had to add a bit of bling to the card and some ribbon for the finishing touches.

(Stamp Sets: Hello Lovely, Apothecary Art; Inks: Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Blushing Bride; Card Stock: Whisper White, Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals; Accessories: Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones)