Friday, 5 September 2014

A Birthday Flourish

At A Vintage Journey we commence a new challenge today chosen by Jennie - the theme is 'With a Flourish'. As Jennie says have you ever noticed that much of Tim Holtz's packaging includes that fabulous flourish? So the challenge is to see what we can do with flourishes! Do check out the rest of the design teams creative flourishes over at A Vintage Journey.

I started two cards as I wasn't sure which was going to work! I took a piece of Tim's paper and some grungepaper and stamped my background with the wonderful images from the Papillon set. The paper version is still on my desk, but I loved the feel and texture of the grungepaper - so went with that one.
I also added some machine stitching and stamps from Stampin Up (from Gorgeous Grunge and Work of Art). My butterflies were back to Papillon and I used various techniques on grungepaper - embossing powder, archival ink and distress paint.
My flourishes are a Tim die, kindly cut for me by Chris Warner - as I dont have the die yet!
I matted my card on some grey and then black card, before adding to the actual card base.


My card is for a lovely colleague - her birthday is Saturday but she will get it today at work along with her little gift from as all - as long as she remembers the cakes!

I would like to enter into 'A Special Birthday' at Fashionable Stamping Challenge.

Thanks for looking
Nikki 
xx
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18 comments:

  1. Pamellia5 September 2014 at 00:33

    I've never seen anyone use neutrals as well as you do! This is fabulous Nikki, I just love all the butterflies and your swirls are gorgeous! I really love that one little white butterfly, she just grabs the eye! So beautiful girl! hugs :)

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  2. Unknown5 September 2014 at 01:30

    This is really beautiful... and I agree with Pamellia... I can't use neutrals at all... have to have some color... this is elegant and very well done Nikki... Love it... Also Jennie right ... tim always uses flourishes... I same some...LOL... You just never know... even though I do have the die... saving is BAD for me... have to stop this... but they are so pretty... maybe I will try a monotone... in the mood for some blue.. .but you never know... thanks for all the lovely comments you leave too... Love them... and appreciate them all... Love, Light and Peace...Bonnie

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  3. Astrid Maclean5 September 2014 at 07:06

    Wonderful elegant card Nikki! Love how you have arranged the butterflies over the swirls, very pretty without being too girly and over the top, - love it!

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  4. Redanne5 September 2014 at 08:29

    Wow Nikki, I never thought to use grunge paper in this way, it works so beautifully! I love the gorgeous butterflies and those flourishes are just perfect. Anne xx

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  5. Anneke5 September 2014 at 10:15

    Wonderful piece of ARTWORK. Love the way it looks.
    Wonderful combination, everything fits so well.
    Thanks for showing this special card Anneke.

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  6. Brenda Brown5 September 2014 at 10:25

    Fabulous Nikki, such a gorgeous card with so much texture and detail. I bet your colleague will love it - I hope she remembered the cakes.
    Enjoy the weekend.
    hugs Brenda xxx

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  7. Lucy Edmondson5 September 2014 at 10:37

    This is so elegant, Nikki! Stunning!

    Lucy x

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  8. Doreen5 September 2014 at 10:57

    Love the fab design and details,this is gorgeous.xxx

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  9. Jenny Marples5 September 2014 at 18:19

    This looks so good with it's monochrome colour scheme Nikki. Lovely. Jenny x

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  10. Terry5 September 2014 at 21:36

    Love the neutral color palette, Nikki! The butterflies and flourishes work so well together and your colleague will be so happy. Enjoy the weekend and the birthday party!

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  11. Juliz Design Post5 September 2014 at 21:40

    Wow such elegance with this neutral colour palette and design.
    Julie x

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  12. Meggymay5 September 2014 at 21:45

    Beautiful colour shades.Its a fantastic card and I'm sure your friend will love it.
    Yvonne
    p.s. Thank you for sharing it with us at FSC as well.

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  13. Mrs.B6 September 2014 at 18:59

    Hi Nikki, Love the subtle background on this card, really makes the flourish and butterflies pop.
    Thanks for sharing at FSC
    Avril xx

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  14. Jools Robertson7 September 2014 at 17:09

    Fabulous flourishes! Love the colours so dramatic and the wonderful effects on the butterflies too, Gorgeous!

    Jools x

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  15. S@ndy Diller8 September 2014 at 04:37

    Very nice card Nikki - I have been enjoying your work. Just love your style. I am planning to get out that old sewing machine and give it a go. You have encouraged me.

    Hugs xx

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  16. Words and Pictures9 September 2014 at 02:03

    Stunning card, Nikki - such subtle elegant colour tones and beautiful layered depth. Gorgeous!
    Alison xx

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  17. sarascloset15 September 2014 at 05:55

    Thinking to use grungepaper in the "raw" like this is genius! I really have to say that this is the most beautiful neutral piece I think I have ever seen. Those flourishes really pop, so does that sweet little white butterfly!

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  18. crafty creations16 September 2014 at 20:28

    Hi Nikki and wow what a stunning card great depth and beautiful colours

    Hilda x

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment. Nikki

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