Tuesday 20 March 2012

FM 50 & SUO 41: Mother of Pearl Blossoms

I was intruiged by The Friday Mashup's challenge this week, because it involved the Mother of Pearl technique and I have never done it before. It sounds daunting but it's not. It's a pretty neat technique because it shimmers/shines depending upon how you hold it under the light. Plus, I was in the mood for something spring, and thrilled to see that SUO's challenge this week was to make a project celebrating spring!

Under bright direct light...



Yet it's barely noticeable under softer diffused lighting...



Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pirouette Pink
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette cardstock, and First Edition dsp
Tools: Framed Tulips Textured Embossing folder, Beautiful Wings Embossilits, white coloured pencil, scrunched up piece of plastic film
Extras: Mini Vintage tags, 1/2" Chantilly Lace Crochet trim, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbbon, Frost Shimmer paint

I layered the Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon underneath the lace trim for a subtle pink effect. I dug out my mini vintage tags, they seemed to have gotten more vintage all on their own. Yes, I have had them for awhile, and I do use them sparingly...so that extra vintage bit of rust on my tag is for real.


My greeting on the inside... 



Here's the card in another light, where the "pearlescent" part is more subtle, yet still shows up. I coloured over my blossoms with a white coloured pencil because I wanted them to be white with a hint of pink, and so they would pop a bit against the white. 


As far as I can tell, the technique really only involves sponging some crumpled plastic film into some paint. I poured a tiny bit of Frost Shimmer onto a paper plate and then crumpled up the film and sponged it in the paint. Then I'd sponge it off a bit before putting it on the card. 




I thought this technique would look nice on a mostly white or vanilla card. As I mentioned before, I don't do the "ethereal" look easily but I really put my mind to it, and with the help of this technique in the back of my mind, I think I managed to make it work. 

Happy First Day of Spring! Yaaaaaay!

10 comments:

  1. GORGEOUS!!! So soft and pretty! Every detail...the lace, the tag...everything works so well together! Thanks for joining us at the Friday Mashup! Be sure to comment on the DT cards for a chance to win blog candy!!

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  2. Totally gorgeous! Glad you played along with our challenge this week.

    Cheers,
    Kasey ~ in Oz
    Friday Mashup DT

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  3. This is beautiful! I just love this set. Thanks for joining the Friday Mashup this week. Make sure you stop by and comment on the DT entries (today!) to be entered to win blog candy.

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  4. This is a gorgeous creation .... wonderful work!

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  5. Gorgeous.. and Cherry Blossoms were a perfect choice for this technique. I love the colors you used. Thanks for joining us at the Friday Mashup this week and helping us celebrate #50.

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  6. Gorgeous! I love this set and you totally nailed the challenge! This technique is super easy, which is why I love it, LOL.

    Thanks so much for playing along with us at The Friday Mashup!

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  7. This is so lovely! The layered ribbons are a wonderful idea and the technique is gorgeous. Glad you joined us at SUO Challenges this week!

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  8. I looooovvvveee this card. The details are on every eye catching area possible. The use of layers, colours,frosting as well as the authentic rust !! Just fabulous.

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  9. Wow Darcie! I LOVE this one. I love the shabby look you were able to achieve with the First Edition paper and the lace. It's just stunning! Thanks for joining The Friday Mashup this week.

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  10. Hi Darcie,
    Can you email me at stampingholly@hotmail.com with your mailing address you were one of our Blog candy winners. Thanks

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