Falling Leaves

Happy Thursday!! Can you believe we are into November and most of the way through another week?!! I want to start by clearing up a bit of confusion from my last WOYWW post (a coldy head is not recommended when you want to make sense). My minx of a dog is called Sky (not Morti). It was Morti that asked me to post a picture of her, so the comment was directed to her, but having read it back it didn't make a great deal of sense to anyone but me:) And in answer to the queries, yes she is an Alaskan Malamute, like they say in the advert 'Soft, strong and very, very... random!!'

Right, now for today's card, and if I say so myself it took hours to complete and boy was worth it:)) I've done my best with the photography, and hope it really shows the lifelike leaves. It's an entry for;

Sunday Stampers challenge - Autumn/Fall (which is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp)

Arful Times Challenge - Orange, Brown and White

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosties 2 challenge - Crumpled Kraft Suede (which is sponsored by the Funkie Junkie Boutique)

You will have seen these leaves on my desk yesterday. I had fun spending an age recreating some part of what is happening to them out in our local park at this time of the year. There are three types, all stamped from a set by Creative Expressions (see HERE).

The curly leaves are made from crumpled kraft suede - see Compendium of Curiosties 2 page 40 (Brushed Cordrouy Distress Stain/Walnut Stain Distress Ink/copper mica powder) and have been overstamped with Coffee Archival Ink/Walnut Stain Distress Embossing Powder. It makes them so crunchy and real.

The maple leaves are made from guilded kraft glassine - see Compendium of Curiosities 2 page 39 (Copper Mixative/Butterscotch Alcohol Inks/Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink) and have been overstamped with Coffee Archival Ink/Clear Embossing Powder. The copper colour really holds on these.

The oak leaves were stamped onto card which had a mix of Picket Fence/Brushed Cordrouy Distress Stains and Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink smooched onto it. After covering in clear embossing powder I deliberately overheated it to cause the edges to turn opaque in order to take on that look of mildew as the leaves on the ground begin the process of turning into mulch.

The combination of white on white embossed vellum added a clean contrast to the decaying wreath. It seemed right to avoid being my normal 'careful' self by following the diecut edges precisely with the leaves.

To finish the wreath a bow of Spiced Marmalade/Walnut Stain coloured seam binding and a bronze glass heart button were added, together with mini faux acorns (brown translucent beads surrounded by Antique Bronze Distress Stickles). The background card used the same colour inks (with the inclusion of Gingerbread VersaMagic) as a base with more leaves stamped. Spritzing to let these bleed softened the effect. It has to be said, sticking to a limited colour palette can be a challenge which works really well.

This card now has a special job to do so it will be leaving me shortly. What will remain behind is the experience of creating elements which mimic nature closer than I imagined was possible. I hope you like it.

Hugs, Buttons x