Hope Hello for Paper Players #399

IHi Everyone.  Happy Sunday.

It's the fabulous Laurie's turn to host our 399th Paper Players challenge this week.  399 challenges!  You know what that means, right?  Next week is our FOUR HUNDREDTH CHALLENGE!  I really hope you check out the challenge next week.  It is truly an amazing challenge with some fabulous - and I mean fabulous - prizes!  But, more about that next week :-)

Here's the wonderful sketch that Laurie has for us this week:

I have no idea why, but I decided this week was a PINK week!  I know... there must be something in the air - but this card is really pink :-)

I started with the flower.   I used the central flower from the Altenew Hope set and stamped that in pink with a yellow center.   I had to add a little glimmer, too.  I really seem to be addicted to my gel pen!

Here's a close-up of the flower:

I was originally tempted to use patterned paper for the layers, but decided I really didn't want anything to detract from the flower.  Consequently, I went with texture instead.  I used the Altenew background die - Dotted Scales.  But... the white wasn't cutting it, so I used my blending sponge and some Altenew ink to add just a softness of pink!

Finally, I felt it needed just a little more texture.  I have some old sheets of Altenew woodgrain paper.  Unlike the heavier weight woodgrain, this is very thin, which was perfect considering I needed it to cover up the very bright pink base.  I thought the bright pink base would work, but it overwhelmed everything.  Adding the thin layer of woodgrain not only added texture, but dramatically reduced the brightness of the pink base.

Then, I needed a vertical layer to go behind the flower.  This time I went for the Watercolor Stripes stencil and the same pink ink.   Now.  What to do with the sentiment?  I felt it needed a darker color to help contrast the bright colors.   I ended up using my go-to, Label Love from Altenew.

Here's my card:

I hope you will join us and play along this week.  As usual, if you need some inspiration, you only have to check out the fabulous cards from our design team:

• Claire
• Joanne
• Laurie
• LeAnne
• Nance 
•  Sandy
•  Elizabeth
• Jan
• Annie

On a personal note:

It was a perfect day today.   Not too hot - in the very low 80s, with a slight breeze.  It was a little more humid than I would like, but my craft room is the perfect escape on warmer, more humid, days. I did get to make some cards for the upcoming challenge - including our 400th!

I also managed to watch the woodpeckers feeding their young and the birds flying backwards and forwards to the feeder, catching insects and even taking a bath!

On the deck, we have a birdbath.  This birdbath provides water and a place to cool off in summer, and a warm place to roost - and get water - in the depths of winter.    On either end of the deck we have the Oriole jelly feeders and the hummer feeder.

Occasionally - well - regularly - we get a nocturnal visitor.  He/she climbs the deck stairs and then goes to the jelly feeder on the right of the deck.  Instead of climbing down, he/she walks all the way along the deck and straight through the bird bath.  I heard a clanging the other night and chased him/her off the deck, but this is what he/she left behind :-)

Perfect paw prints as he/she beat a "hasty" (in Raccoon terms, that is) retreat.  They really are amazing creatures!

We haven't yet removed the stump and the animals and birds are loving it.  The male and female mallards often take up residence on it and the male and female pheasants do the same.  Sadly, I never get a photo of those two!

I'll be back tomorrow with another card - and some more photos.  In the meantime, warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

Hugs

Jaydee

Card recipe:

• Stamps:  Hope.  Label Love - Altenew
• Inks:  Altenew
• Die:  Dotted Scales Debossing - Altenew

Comments

[Nance Leedy]

Oh this is lovely, Jaydee! The pink flower really pops on the subtle background. Love the simple stripes and the texture from the embossing die is gorgeous. Beautiful card, my friend!

[sandym]

Oh my, this is just gorgeous, Jaydee. I love the layers of texture and pattern, and that pretty pink bloom... well, you know I love that, too. And your nature pic's... they always make me smile. What wonderful visitors you have.

[Annie A.]

This is such a pretty card with the soft pink and different textures. I hope you're having a good week ~ Hugs, Annie

[Claire Broadwater]

Jaydee, this card is GORGEOUS! I love the PINK theme and that flower is beautiful! The textured neutral background allows your bloom to pop! That mallard duck is so pretty! I know that pesky raccoon can cause some mischief. When my Daddy was here and gardening they were always eating all his produce! I hope you have a wonderful week, My Friend! XX

[Joanne James]

Jaydee I just love it when you have a pink day - this card is fabulous! That flower is gorgeous and the close up really shows the shimmer, which adds wonderful detail. I love the way your textured neutral background layers really allow your flower to take centre stage. And fun in the garden too! I have some mallards that have taken to flying into my garden from the nearby canal - two male suitors and a female. It has made for some interesting antics of late!

[laurie]

I'm loving the pink!Your bloom is gorgeous, and the bit of glimmer adds a pretty touch!

[Kelly W.]

Wow Jaydee, your card is just stunning! The layers are subtle and interesting and the flower is gorgeous!

Mr. Mallard looks amazing with all his shades of gray. I usually focus my attention on their heads but your camera angle gives me new perspective on just how handsome he is all over!

ps...love the tiny tracks!