New Power Poppy Digital Release - My Favorite Pair

Hello, sweet friends! I've been missing you, but I have been so busy caring for my dear husband who had knee replacement surgery on December 12. Yes, it was an early Christmas present! Hehe! He is doing much better, but he has a long way to go with lots more physical therapy. We are blessed to have him walking again and thank God for His faithfulness to us in every way. So on to my post today. It's been more than six weeks since I last picked up my Copic markers, and it felt good to carve out a little time to color and make a card (wow, was I out of practice).

Today I am happy to join my Power Poppy Instant Gardeners to introduce a new digital release that is absolutely gorgeous! It's called My Favorite Pair! Are you ready?

Here's what Marcella shares about this new digital image:

"A perfectly piled jumble of ripe pears, African violets, and meandering ribbon comprise the second in my series of vintage café au lait bowl bouquets. Think of the fun you can have with this one! As we burrow into our winter wonderlands, the freshness of houseplants in window sills is sometimes the only green to be seen! Bursting forth with blossoms in purples, blues, reds, and whites — the coloring options are endless. This illustration comes with an alternate version with a hand-lettered sentiment and a no-line version of each complete drawing. Pick up Snowdrops and Tea Roses to complete the set, and look for another café au lait bouquet coming in February."

It's hard not to use the complete illustration — with all the exquisite details and elements sweet Marcella puts into her artwork (each one a masterpiece). The possibilities with this one are endless, and just wait till you see what my teammates have done! As always, I find it hard to decide what colors to use. So I tried using my color wheel, and it helped some. I think this might be a complementary/split complementary color combination, but I need more practice in using the color wheel. I printed the image on X-Press It Blending Card, and I used a lot of Copic markers! I masked off a portion of one of the sentiments from Potted Primroses using my Mini MISTI.

Once the coloring was done, I struggled with many options for a layout. In the end, I kept it very simple and decided to sponge the edges to bring out some of the color from the pears to balance it out. I used one of the new Life Changing Blending Brushes and was very happy with the blending. I mounted it on some Rich Razzleberry card stock and adhered it to a white card base, and that was it. 

This card is for a very dear friend who was by my side all day during my husband's surgery and till he finally arrived in his room late that night. She encouraged me, took care of me, prayed with me, and loved me. And she told me it was her privilege to help me. I am blessed by friendships like hers. She is a cherished friend, and I cannot thank her enough for being there for me (and us). Proverbs talks about friendships. It's my prayer that you develop friendships like hers. 

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
Proverbs 27:9

For my stamping friends, you will find this new digital image at Power Poppy. Hop on over to the Power Poppy blog and see what Marcy shares about this stunning new digital release and see what my teammates have to share. You will be completely inspired! 

Oh, my precious friends, you have continued to be in my prayers even in the midst of all the stress and work of helping my husband recover. God has given me some quiet moments to pray as He brings your names to mind, and I thank you for your friendship and your prayers. I know He is always working and will continue to bless and encourage each one of us. And it's in the hard times that we grow (James 1:2-4). I know that for a fact. May God give peace and comfort to us all. You are a blessing to me, and may God be praised and glorified in all things.

Blessings, dear friends,

Stamps: My Favorite Pair and Potted Primroses (Power Poppy) 

Paper: X-Press It Blending Card, Rich Razzleberry (SU!), 110# Solar White (Neenah)

Ink: Printer, Onyx Black (Versafine), Scattered Straw Distress Ink
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Mini MISTI, Life Changing Blending Brushes (Picket Fence Studios), white tape

Techniques: Digital images with Microsoft Word, Copic coloring, masking
Card Size: A-2