Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Cactus Garden Inspiration - Stamped Succulent Cards

👉   Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.



Hi everyone,

Ever wonder why artists are so obsessed with succulents? I didn't appreciate their unique charm until I hiked through the desert hills (uphill both ways) on a fascinating adventure exploring the amazing landscapes of Southern Utah. These gorgeous creations pop up everywhere amid the colorful desert mesas adding texture and beauty to the magnificent scenery.  How their gorgeous blossoms survive in the hot arid climate is truly a mystery!


When I returned home I knew I had to use some of my cactus stamps to create some bright summer cards for friends.  Three small neglected potted cactus stamps (two from Hero Arts) called to me from my stamp shelf so I took them down  and colored them with copic markers.  I found directions for this Double Z Joy Fold Card here and created a pattern in Cricut Design Space.   



My plan was to use a bright  yellow, aqua and purple palette for all my cards but when I saw this patterned paper resembling a desert sunset, I had to experiment with it. Sometimes you gotta just go with your mojo.


My original  yellow and orange sunset, coupled with a more intense aqua sky,  created a bright card with  more contrast. I saw all shades, bright and subtle, in the desert sunsets I witnessed on my trip, so I couldn't go wrong here.


I still haven't decided which pallete I like best.    Got a fave?


Sitting in a lovely cactus garden in the warm sun is heaven.   Definitely a halcyon day.

Thanks for visiting.
Go forth and create something fabulous.
Nancy

Playing along with:
        Dream Valley Challenge #182 - All Things Bright and Beautiful
        Stamps + Fun = Creativity - #327 - Summer
        Heartful Stamping Challenge
        Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Challenge #84
        The Corrosive Challenge - Anything Goes
        Dare 2B Artzy Challenge - Bright Colors

6 comments:

  1. Hi Nancy, sounds like you enjoyed your trip, love the pretty colours on your cards and the cacti are brilliantly coloured. Thank you for joining us at Lil Patch of Crafty Friends, good luck in the prize draw... Megan DT LPoCF

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  2. Nice card! I love it
    Thanks for joining us!
    Ana Isabel Dt Coordinator at Corrosive Challenge blog

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  3. Great card - right on point! Thank you for joining the Dream Valley challenge.

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  4. OMG what a fabulous card! I love just everything about it!!!!! Thank you so much for joining us in our challenge at Through The Craft Room Door this week. Looking forward to seeing you again next challenge.

    Judy TTCRD DT
    Don't Mess With Me, I'm Scrappy {My Blog}

    Through The Craft Room Door
    ttcrd.blogspot.com

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  5. Wow! Both palettes are great - that happens to me too! Congrats on making Top 3 over at my heARTful stamping challenge this week!

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  6. Fabulous card, love the colours of your images. Thanks for entering Lil Patch of Crafty Friends, good luck and hope to see you again.
    Denise (Owner of LPOCF)

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