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Thursday, February 15, 2018

Heart Abloom

Hello, dear friends! Spring is in full bloom here in South Florida, and our temperatures are perfect. 

Today I am sharing a most extraordinary Heart Abloom digital release by Marcella Hawley. I could say it's my favorite, but she somehow always "tops" it again! Here's her delightful description:
"A tapestry of spring flowers fill a large, lush heart shape in this Color Story adventure! The flowers for this heart were expressly chosen for scene to celebrate yellows, greens, blues and purples. We have Daffodils and Narcissus, Trout Lilies, a myriad of single and double Hellebores, Trout Lilies, and then the surprise guest: Blueberries! Now, here’s the thing. Blueberries ripening on the vine start out a very pale greenish-white. The same stem can have a multitude of shades in white, pink, chartreuse, light and dark blue. Hellebores also are cross-pollinated to create loads of color combinations. So, whether you take this Color Story into cool territory with green, blue, deep purple, and white, or something warmer with blushes, yellows, and peachy tones, you are pretty much going to end up with a masterpiece! "
Power Poppy, Marcella Hawley, Heart Abloom, Instant Garden Release, February 2018

So if you look down at my card, you are probably saying to yourself, "Well, that's not a heart or all those flowers." But, Marcy has also included a single hellebore drawn from the main image. Now isn't that just fabulous for a simple card? I found a beautiful inspiration photo, pulled out my Copic markers, and colored. I used a Crimson Red to add some of the fine lines found in the Helleborus Harlequin Gem and then used a 50% French Grey for shading/highlights. (And I had to remind myself not to use my Copic markers after using my pencils.)

As most of you stampers know, I struggle with card layouts and with how to finish my cards. I tried using a stencil, tried sponging, and other ideas. But nothing worked beside just a bit of shading.  One of the fun things about this one (giving away my tricks here now…) is being able to make a photocopy of it and then enhance the areas that did not copy well with markers and/or pencils to look as good if not better than the original. So, I’ll definitely be making more of this card…and I am definitely going to try to be more daring with those! Hehe! As many of you know, Marcella Hawley always inspires us by sharing what each element is. Just wait till you see what she has done with it! Wow! So here's my clean and simple card, and it's easy to mail.

Power Poppy, Marcella Hawley, Heart Abloom, Remixed Digital Image, CherylQuilts, Designed by Cheryl Scrivens, February 2018

Reducing stress has been very important for my health, and God has given me an opportunity this week to relieve stress by coloring this beautiful artwork from Marcy. I've been focusing on being quiet and listening to what God would have me do each day and not try to tackle too much. I hope you too might find joy in the quiet of His presence. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
Psalm 23:2-3a

Now it's time for my stamping friends to hop on over to Power Poppy and purchase this beautiful digital image and use it today. And be sure to visit the Power Poppy blog today to read more and see who else is joining me!

Precious friends, thank you for your visits and for your comments that I always love reading. I am behind in replying to your comments (and also your blogs), but I am working on it! May God bless and encourage each of you.

Blessings, precious friends,


StampsHeart Abloom (Power Poppy) 
Paper: Solar White 110# (Neenah), Purely Pomegranate (SU!)
Ink: Printer
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, Rectangles dies (ODBD), Blueprints 27 dies (MFT), Mini Perfect Layers tool, white tape, red tape,
Techniques: Digital images using GIMP and Microsoft Word
Card Size: 4” x 5¼”

24 comments:

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Cheryl, this is such a pretty hellebore. I have been thinking of adding one to my garden. Even up north, it might be blooming this time of year. Your coloring is really pretty and the scalloped edge to the card is a lovely way to finish it. :)

Caly Person said...

I love this big bloom, Cheryl! You’ve colored it sooo beautifully!

Donna Ellis said...

Lovely card, Cheryl, and a great use of the digital image! Such a delicate scallop topper, and pretty colors. The stamp set is amazing! hugs, de

Traci M said...

So lovely in the deep red hues with the grey shading, Cheryl! You’ve given me the hint on copying original art, however...I think your printer is better than mine! Or maybe it’s the artist. 😉 I understand completely about keeping stress low to manage health. I hope you’re feeling better. Hugs and prayers! Have you ever read the book,A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23?

Kia's Place said...

I love how you made this a big bloom Cheryl, it is gorgeous, and your colouring is beautifully done, as always.

Kia's Place said...

I love how you designed this big bloom Cheryl ... it is beautiful, as is your fabulous colouring. Love it.

Melanie Ann MacKenzie said...

Simple, delicate and so very beautiful. Wonderful job. Cheers to you.

Traci M said...

Cheryl, the book is one of my very favorites. I need to reread it also. So comforting. I’m glad you have it! You are beloved by God!!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Simply gorgeous dear sweet friend, I’m loving the way you added class by a simple layout to set off a beautiful image. Ive a stamp not unlike these images that neeeds using too!!
Hugs Shaz in Oz.x

Conniecrafter said...

Oh Cheryl this is a beauty and you don't need to add anything else when your main image is so lovely, I like the thin strip of red to match the flower for your layering and such a pretty scallop for the card base.
I am so glad you are keeping your life as stress free as possible and that you can find it in making cards that bless others. Those quiet times spent with God is the best medicine isn't it, having a sense of peace rush over you is an amazing feeling. God is good! Take care my friend, big hugs.

Cheryl said...

Oh, your finished product is just lovely! As usual! God bless you, sweet friend. :)

Karen Dunbrook said...

so gorgeous mf. I like that you added the shading and let the flower shine!
Hope you are feeling better, there is so much illness and flu around right now.
xx Karen

Leslie Miller said...

You did some beautiful coloring on this magnificent single bloom, Cheryl! I love the hellebores with most of the color concentrated on the edges. Pretty clever trick to print extras. I like your CAS card design, which for many people like me is a struggle. We all have them in card crafting, don't we? This is a real WOW!

Patti J said...

Absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing your tricks with us :) So happy that you are enjoying some quiet time - we all need time to reflect, pray, and just 'be still'. Hugs to you!

Davi said...

Beautiful Beautiful Cheryl!! I love the simple poppy and wonderful coloring! Have a wonderful week :)

Robin Clendenning said...

aw Cheryl, this is so beautiful my friend!! Love your flowers! Love your coloring sweet sister!
Big hugs!!

Tracy said...

Stunning! You added so much detail to the flower petals. Each of those little lines of red makes it look so realistic. Beautiful Cheryl!

Stacy Sheldon said...

I love how you colored this Cheryl, the shadows look totally awesome and real :)

Monika/Buzsy said...

Beautiful card Cheryl. Love the coloring and that trick! I've never done it! The size is so perfect... it takes up center stage! The scalloped edge looks great, and a very nice touch to this elegant number! I am glad you were able to relax and relieve some stress while making this gorgeous card. :)

Shylaashree said...

majestic bloom cheryl. love your colouring

Pretty Paper Junkie said...

Guess who just put Heart Abloom digi in their cart? Your card is so lovely, how could I resit? love the flower being the center of attention and the die just complements it perfectly.
Sweetie don't worry about being behind with your correspondence. I do so love your cards and you always write something so inspiring for your followers. Your blog assures us the you are well enough to create something beautiful for us. (And just look how long it too me to get here.)

Marisa said...

Your flower is stunning. I feel like I could lean into the computer screen and smell it! Simplicity of the design makes it the focal point and love the scalloped border. Slowing down can be hard to do, especially if you are used to going at a faster pace, however, it brings much healing and deep inner joy as we are "still and know that He is God" for the gentle whispers we sometimes didn't hear in our busyness are loud and clear in the quiet (at least I sure have found that to be true in my own life). Hugest of hugs to you my friend and may your quiet times bring you strength and joy ♥♥♥

Stacy Morgan said...

Fantastic Cheryl! This single bloom is just beautiful and the lattice frame is a wonderful touch. I think your coloring rocks and really brings the petals to life with the white background. Beautiful girlie.

Julie Gearinger said...

Cheryl, this is beautiful! Love your coloring and the white background- perfect to allow the bloom to shine! Thanks for the tips on photocopying- hugs and will be praying for you, sweet friend!