Birthday Asters

 Hi bloggers!  I wasn't going to show any of the new items on my upcoming shows, but quite honestly, I am just dying to put something new up on the blog.  This card isn't going to be demoed so I'm not giving too much away but I still really liked it.  The colours are so fresh and springy (really thought we needed that right now too).  I started by stamping the blue background with one of the new stamps from the show (called the Bold Vintage Floret Background by Heartfelt Creations).  I used a clear perfect medium pad and heat embossed the image with white powder.  I added a few sprigs from the Rye grass set the same way.  Next I embossed the entire background with the Cr. Expressions Floral embossing folder.  I cut the background into four equal panels.  I added some 3D foam to each strip then mounted them on a slightly larger piece of white card.  Next I cut out a bunch of the Delicate Asters to make the flowers.  Now, I know you will think I mean, but if you want to see how these flowers are made, you need to catch some of the shows.  I can't giveaway all the secrets to the sneak peek yet, now can I?  I used glue in the centres and added clear micro beads for a domed effect, showing just one of the ways in which you can finish the centres. I stamped my sentiment and cut it out with the fancy tags two die and sponged it lightly with weathered wood distress ink.   I cut some of the leaves and then used the lovely swirl from the Bella Rose die set to add some swirly bits to the card around my flowers.  I pierced the edges (and don't forget the piercing will be demoed during the shows too) to complete the card.  You could easily add more colour to the card by sponging the flowers, I wanted to show them in several different ways and this card was probably the simplest.  Finished dimensions are 7 1/2" x 8" in size (this measurement refers to the largest mat on the card, to answer a question that was left).  Just a quick note, in case you hadn't seen it, I figured out how to post my show hours so I have added the hours for my next set of shows on C & C to the right hand side of the blog.  Please note that there has been an extra hour added to one of the days and show times are always subject to change.  All for now, Sue x