Poppies and Paper

In remembrance of Memorial Day, I thought I'd make some poppy-inspired cards using two stamp sets from My Favorite Things.

For this first card, I used the outlined poppies, stamped in Memento ink. I started by using Prima watercolor pencils, but decided to go with the Prima watercolor confections paints instead for a more vibrant color. I softened and blurred everything with a water brush, and added the gingham ribbon to sort of anchor those flowers in the corner.

The next card took a bit of work. I started by stamping the background stamp in PTI Soft Stone over the entire panel. Then, I stamped the flowers in PTI Pure Poppy Ink. I made a mask for the lower flower, placed it on top, and then stamped the stems in PTI Prairie Grass so that it disappears under the flower. I added the leaves, and then softened it all with a water brush.

An easy, no embellishment card that is ideal for mailing.

For both of these cards, I used a new pack of paper I found on Amazon from Paper Accents called Snow White. The reason I got this card stock is because, after a fair bit of sleuthing, I found it was rumored to be the brand that the card maker/artist Biggan/Birgit uses to make her fabulous water colored creations. Well, after using it, I can tell you that it is not the same. Biggan's cards have a definite textured weave to them, almost like a fine linen. This just felt like a lightweight watercolor card stock. Not really all that special. I paid too much for it, too. Ah well. It was worth a try.

Do any of you cafe regulars know what card stock Biggan uses? If so, please share the secret!

Blessings on this Memorial Day, cafe friends!