Sooooooo I don't need to apologize for my love of birds, but it is exciting when birds show up in the SU catalogue. This is the third time that I know of that a peacock has graced a stamp set. The
Royal Peacock photopolymer stamps and matching
Royal Peacock Detailed Dies are ornate and perfect for a touch of class or style. I just wish that there were some feather stamps to go along with the peacock. I ended up making two cards as I wasn't satisfied with the first. Sometimes a card is a problem solving journey. It began with a sketch, like all good ideas:
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| Click for larger |
However, the reality was that the peacock stamp and the
Heirloom Frames oval die were too large to use together. Another oval would have to do. Tip: Die cut first before embossing for best results. I cut a bunch of front panels from a 6x12" piece of peacock paper and tried different embossing folders on them. I liked
Subtle embossing folder because it leaves just a hint of an impression. Since I was die cutting and embossing anyway, I also made a panel with the
Layered Leaves 3D embossing folder.
Now back to the card...sample 1 started with a white base and I stamped all over it with Old Olive and Pretty Peacock. That seemed too loud, so I toned it down by sponging the same colours on top. Looking good!
I die cut the branches from the matching set with copper foil cardstock, but as I assembled the pieces together, it was not looking right. Instead of being harmonious, all the elements were screaming at each other. Oops! A piece of Balmy Blue cardstock and some sponging around the edges with Pretty Peacock brought calm to the storm. It covered up all my work to this moment and I was glad! A sentiment, a circle punch and a little touch of gold ink completed the card.
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| Card 1 - click for larger |
For the second card, I went for tone on tone. I stamped a
Pretty Peacock base with the flowers in
Pretty Peacock ink and the effect was more subtle than a white base. As Stampin' Up! does not sell a gold ink pad, I edged the base and embossed panel with gold ink from another brand. The differences between the bases really changed things up.
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| Card 2 - click for larger |
So, I guess that's my free advice this month - don't be afraid to make extras, cut extras, stamp extras - you never know when you need to change your design. And if not, there always another project waiting in the wings!
