Congratulations!

Here's a card featuring two of three new special release sets from the {stamps} of Life. The patterned squares behind the sentiment are from backgrounds2build, which is a fun set which consisting of six background blocks to mix, match, or use alone.  The sentiment is from an adorable set called sweet4babies, with darling sweet pea images and coordinating sentiments.

I love the contrast of the white background prints against the dark designer paper!   I sponged on some distress ink to warm the edges, bring out the golds of the designer paper, and tone down the brightness of the white. The mats behind each square bring a touch of the colors from the paper into the rest of the card.  If I had been at home when I made it, I probably would have used my Cuttlebug and nestabilities to cut and emboss the squares, but I made it while in Michigan, so these were cut with a plain ole paper cutter.  ;)

Since I am so in LOVE with these rolled flowers lately, I could not resist adding one here!  I inked the edges and gently split the plies of the paper, and I think it came out absolutely lovely!  I cut some leaf shapes from a scrap of green card stock, then pulled the paper layers apart and gently folded in some veins to add another dash of color and "ground" the bloom to the rest of the layout.  There's a pearl in the center of the blossom, and a row of them underneath the sentiment as well.

I hope you like my card, and that you enjoy seeing a set made specifically for one occasion used for another.  I love being able to get more mileage from the sets I have!

Have a great weekend!