Jul 17 2008
Make Mine a Dahlia
This is the 3-Step Daisy from Kitchen Sink Stamps but I decided to make mine a dahlia. I had one exactly like this in the garden a few years back. Unfortunately, it clashed with everything around it so I gave it away. I’d mail ordered orange and purple dahlias, thinking they’d be a striking drift of color. Well…the purple was totally the wrong shade. They were striking, alright, but not in a good way. I was looking out across the garden one evening and, though it was very colorful, something just didn’t feel right. Suddenly the thought popped into my head that it looked like a circus. Yes, it looked exactly like a circus — all clanging and banging like a bunch of crazy clowns. The dahlias had to go!
Nevertheless, the dahlia, itself, wasn’t without merit. I loved the vibrant red-orange blooms with their dark centers and the contrast against the pretty green leaves. I thought it might make a cheerful card for a friend.
I colored this flower with the 3-Step Poppin’ Pastels technique per my tutorial here. The layered shades of chalk are one of the best ways I’ve found to achieve a deep, rich, velvety flower image. The KSS multiple step stamps are ideal for this type of coloring. I used Apricot, Pumpkin and Ruby Red for my dahlia. The card looks a little countrified with the plaid background and the rick rack. I made the plaid myself with the Plaid Plus set, also from Kitchen Sink Stamps. I love this set! I’ve only just begun to play with it, but there are so many options in addition to plaids – stripes, dots, hearts — lots of different trims and accents. Very fun!
I hope you’re all enjoying your summer. We’re having some beautiful weather here and it feels just right for a summery card. See you again soon!
- Stamps: 3-Step Daisy, Plaid Plus — both from Kitchen Sink Stamps
- Paper: Prism Spring Willow Medium, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Ruby Red
- Ink: Versamark, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
- Accessories: Copper snaps, rick rack, Stampin’ Pastels (soft chalks), Scotch brand foam mounting tape
Stunning Leslie. I really need to get some Kitchen Sink stamps!
Oh my, this card is gorgeous!! The colors are beautiful! I love how you’ve created the color background/highlight (?) right behind the flower - gorgeous!
Beautiful-love it combined with the plaid and rick rack. tfs
Beautiful! I used that technique on my roses that I posted today, thanks to your inspiration.
It really does work well for flower petals.
It’s beautiful and I love the plaid with it! The rick rack is a great touch!
What a gorgeous, gorgeous dahlia! I am surprised that you were able to get such bright, yet rich colors from chalks. I need to practice more. Love your plaid BG panel…..looks just like designer paper. TFS
P.S. Sure had fun on our show and tell playdate yesterday
This is really striking! Very beautiful card!
Love your designs, and we share the same name! I accidently ran across your site searching to see if my own blog would show up. I am a graphic artist myself by trade and do stampin’, scrappin’ and knitting in my spare time. Beautiful design work on everything~thanks for sharing! –LM
Beautiful! LOVE the rich colors!
WOW; the color really POPS; love it!!
Beautiful card, the colors are blended perfectly
What a beautiful card!! I LOVE your dahlia! Gorgeous!!
This is so beautiful, and that dahlia really pops right off your card!! Gorgeous as always, Leslie!!
You are right. This is so velvety. Just checked out your tutorial. Gorgeous stuff here as usual.
You’ve been tagged! Details at http://themessonmydesk.blogspot.com/
Leslie, you are the sweetest!! Thank you for the lovely card
I totally remember seeing it on your blog!! I just got it yesterday because I’m in Maine so I only get the mail when my husband goes back and forth for work. It was a wonderful surprise!
This card is lovely!! I love all your KSS creations
Have a great weekend!
Hi there. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your wonderful work and blog. So much so, that I have given you an award. you can collect it from my blog if you would like it. Happy crafting.
Pauline
Beautiful Card! I love that flower!! It really pops out at you! Thanks for sharing!