I’m occasionally accused of being monotone and predictable in the choice of colours I wear, typically blues and greys. The colour challenge at AAA Cards this week features tones of purples and blues, so I feel quite at home. I’ll also be picking the entries that we will be showcasing, so I look forward to seeing your makes based on the photo prompt below. Here’s my take on the clean and simple card challenge…

Here’s the photo prompt:

I used the distress palette for my colour choices, attempting to match the photo as far as I could. During this process, I was reminded that the distress colours are not an exact match between the ink and the oxides – worth testing prior to use!

I started by masking an area on the card and blending a light background. I then used a combination of oxide (opaque) and ink (translucent) to build up layers of baubles in different colours. Ghost stamping also adds depth to the background layers. A layered die cut finishes off the card – I originally intended just the white lettering but there wasn’t enough contrast and I added the shadow layer.

I also think there was some subliminal suggestion going on as well in my design choices. The photo inspiration seems to be the inside of a hot air balloon. And the card reminds me of a hot air balloon fiesta. Coincidence?

Used for my purples and blues card

• Cardio Majestix: Elegant Baubles
• Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Inks: Milled Lavender / Wilted Violet
• Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Oxides: Wilted Violet / Broken China / Tumbled Glass / Chipped Sapphire
• Sentiment die: generic brand
• Xyron Permanent Rub and Peel
• Stix2 Anything: low tack stencil tape