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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Tulip Challenge


My friend Linda, and all her family are gathering to celebrate her mother's 90th birthday. To give me some inspiration for a card, Linda told me her mother's favorite flowers are tulips, peonies, gladiolas, and lilies. This was my challenge because of all the stamps in my collection, the only one of these I could find was one Hero Arts tulip stamp! While rummaging through the "flower" drawer, I found this adorable little old-fashioned girl (Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers) and wondered why it was there until I realized that the flower drawer was also labeled "Easter" and on her skirt were the words "Happy Easter" and her basket is full of little chicks. Ahhh, an idea hatched! I used the tole technique for dimension -- the bonnet and ribbon are separately cut out, burnished and raised. The tulips are cut out and inserted in a slit cut in the basket, and lay over top the chicks (which I colored green so there would be no sign left of them). One tulip drapes down with a wire stem and the tiny "Happy Birthday" is glued atop the "Happy Easter." Once the little girl was all assembled, for even more dimension, she was affixed with foam dots on top of the Darcie cottage scene. A Stampendous verse inside says: "Today I Celebrate You." So now I can truly say, I've met the tulip challenge and can happily send off Birthday Greetings to Dorothy on her 90th Birthday!

19 comments:

Riet said...

What a beautiful cards Martha,l love the images and colours.
So gorgeous papers.
L love them all.

Hugs Riet.x

Jane Wetzel said...

OMG..This is so pretty...u r very talented! (incase u didnt know that) :)

Sue said...

WOW, how clever......don't ya just love when inspiration kicks in!!
Great card, sure Dorothy is going to love it.

stephanne said...

Awwww, this is fantastic!! Your image is adorable, I love the vintage feel of that cute little lady, and what a great idea to swap out chicks for tulips, which look terrific, by the way. Love the tulip hanging out of the basket. I like how you've left the scene uncoloured and the girl is vibrant, looks like she's walking towards us. Beautiful work!!
Stephanne

Phyllis W said...

Hello. I've been checking out your blog and I'm impressed with the detail of your cards. Beautiful.... You are quite the artist. I kinda got lost on your blog. I could spend hours doing that.

Linda said...

What a beautiful card. I admire your creativity. Maybe one day I'll take up a project such as this. Right now, there is no time. I know my mom will totally enjoy receiving this card.

mueppi said...

Wow.. Martha
your card is so wonderful!
I love it!
Hugs Gisela

Sharon said...

Lovely card, I'm sure she will love it!!

Martha said...

Your card is soo cute, love it!!
And thank you for leaving a comment at my blog :)
Martha

Suzie Q said...

Hullo,Hullo,
thanks so much for your kind comments have enjoyed browsing your blog your creations are great
Suzie Qxx
off to see martha lol x

Marcea said...

what a clever idea and so much work. The efforts were totally worth it though sweetie because you have a stunning card as a result. What a sweet image
-x-

Donna said...

This is such a sweet card Martha and I think it will be very well received by your friends Mum, hope you enjoy the gathering :) Donna x

6 wacky women said...

Gorgeous card, Martha.
Love the paper tole idea...looks fabulous!!

Karen x

Janiel/ janny said...

OMG!! What a beauty!!!! and you are clever to boot! have a great weekend, janny

Heather said...

Hi Martha and oh WOW - this is really inspired. Love the monochrome background and how you've treated thay little cutie and pinched her chicks and given her tulips. Brilliant work.
I've left you a little something on my blog.
hugs Heather xx

Louise said...

I just checked this out and your cards are incredible.

Janine said...

Very pretty!!! Thanks for visiting my site!!

Marilynn said...

Very clever how you created exactly what you wanted by using what you had! Way to go.

Jackie said...

Lovely card, love the background scene.
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a lovely comment. We always have a great time on our (regular) get togethers :o)
Jackie xx