Birthday Berries

Good morning, peeps!  It's a lovely, sunny day, albeit frigid!  Church was a bit sparse this morning.  I suspect many people didn't want to brave the cold.  The sunshine this morning gave me a much needed boost.  I came home and immediately got into my 'comfy, not for public' clothes.  Short of pj's, there's nothing better.  

So, first things first, I wanted to get this blog post done, then it's up to my art studio to create some more.  Today's card features an awesome stamp from Penny Black.  Actually two stamps:  berry kissed 40-492, and special thoughts clear set 30-338.

I used my Misti and some Strathmore bristol smooth paper to stamp and watercolor the berry branch.  My technique is to ink the stamp in my Misti with a very light color.  Usually I use antique linen in the Tim Holtz distress inks.  Next, I use distress mini ink pads and/or markers to 'ink' up the various areas.  After inking, I use a watercolor brush and a little water to paint the areas, and add details and highlights.  I repeat stamping and watercoloring several times until I get the look I'm going for.  

When dry, I use my Faber Castell polychromos colored pencils to add the final details, such as deep shadows and stronger highlights.

The spatters are made with FineTec gold paints, flicked on with a brush.  The verse is embossed with Ranger gold embossing powder, as is the panel along the left edge.  
Here's a close-up of the spatters and coloring details....

Challenges:

Penny Black At Allsorts  - Something new (berry stamp)

Penny Black Saturday Challenge  - Anything goes!

Allsorts Challenge - No patterned papers

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Winter blues
 
I hope you are able to relax today, and spend some quiet time, reading or doing what you love.  Or go out and enjoy the sunshine.  Whatever your 'thing' is, make some time to refresh your spirit.  

Blessings,