Exotic Little Black Dress

Well!  I hope y'all aren't gonna think I'm really weird or something! One just never knows from where inspiration is gonna strike! When I first saw these two particular prints in Graphic 45's Flutter designer paper, I immediately thought of Victorian "beetle wing" dresses.  They were, at one time, all the high fashion rage and they're stunningly gorgeous in an exotic, odd way.  Here is a link to one and a little history, since it is possible or maybe even likely that you've never seen or even heard of the Victorian version, although you might have seen beetle wings in Egyptian fashion and art.  

Then I came across this easy origami video for folding a cute little dress!  I used a scor-pal for some of the folds of mine since this paper is a little thicker than traditional origami paper.  A little bit of sponging with Black Soot distress ink helped to add the illusion of even more dimension to the folds and edges of the dress, and also helped the bright yellow paper underneath to recede into the background instead of being so boldly prominent.  The camera didn't really pick up the added sparkle of the clear Wink of Stella that I added to the beetle wings of the dress, but IRL it is readily visible.

I used a fishtail banner die to cut the stamped sentiment into two separate pieces to dangle from the ribbon "belt" and added a little sparkle there too with the Wink of Stella markers.  With a change of sentiments inside and out this would make a fun birthday card, something for bridal, prom or girls' night out.

I just love the dimension of the folds of the skirt and how 3-D it sits on the front of the card, and how appropriate is it that there is a peek of beetle wing in the background paper right at the hemline!?! 

The paper (and sponging) that I used on the card front was repeated on the inside along with a favorite scripture.

I suppose a card and a post like this shows how completely enthralled with Victorian fashion I have become!  For much of this year I was immersed in research for one period or another, grateful for knowledgeable friends to show me the ropes in the reenacting world.  They would totally comprehend and appreciate the strange inspiration for today's project!  I know exactly to whom I should send this card!  ❤️

All of the supplies used for today's card are from Stamp Simply:

• Graphic 45 Flutter 8x8
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - All Occasion Sentiments SET 2
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Scripture for Graduation & Beyond
• memento-full-size-tuxedo-black-p-366.html
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Black Soot
• Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool
• May Arts Burlap String - 10 yard Bundle (sm34)
• Prima Audrey Flowers - Turquoise Teal
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Fishtail Sentiment Banners
• Seam Binding - Danish Blue - 5 yard Bundle
• Rhinestones - Ice Blue
• Zig Wink of Stella Brush - Clear Glitter Marker
• Zig Wink of Stella Brush - Gold Glitter Marker
• Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue