Altenew Inspiration Challenge Card – CAF: Open Peony

For this month’s Altenew Inspiration Challenge, I decided to make a mixed-media card using colors based on Emily’s challenge post.

First, I sprayed the background with some Tim Holtz Distress Oxides and Mica Sprays and then added a little more Distress Oxide Ink around the border with a blending brush. I then loosely stamped “happy birthday” multiple times on the background using Altenew’s Birthday Builder Stamp Set and Puffy Heart Fresh Dye Ink, purposely leaving the upper left of the card clear since that is where I wanted to place my sentiment.

Next, I applied a bit of embossing paste to the lower right of the card using Altenew’s Leaves & Berries Stencil. While that was drying, I cut and assembled my CAF: Open Peony flower and leaves. I added a little blending ink to the die cuts for some additional shadow and contrast using Cosmic Berry and Mangrove Root Inks.

After attaching the flower and leaves, I added a little Titanium White Gouache splatter. I mounted the dried card to the base and finished it with a sentiment from the Sweet Sentiment Die Set. I am really pleased with the finished card. Even my husband said, “Wow!” 😁