Inspired by Nature - Pair-a-Flower contest.

 Altenew are having a contest at the moment called "Pair a Flower"

I have a LOT of Altenew floral stamps and as it is early Spring here in New Zealand I went out into my backyard and had a look around....

these two photos inspired my cards.....

First photo is some Lily's (actually just across my fence in my neighbours backyard!)

This used the Paint a Flower - Calla Lily stamp.   I used Cloudy Night grey ink to stamp the image onto some rough Kraft paper and used Prismacolor pencils and some Mineral Spirits to add the colour.  Once it was coloured I restamped it with the grey ink to sharpen the outlines.  The sentiment was stamped with Charcoal Suit ink.  I matted the kraft onto some white card and then added to a dark grey card base.

My second card was inspired by the gorgeous Freesias I have down the side of my drive - both in pink and white colours.  The have the most amazing scent too. 

I used Fresh Freesia stamp set and after stamping with Obsidan ink I used Altenew Woodless Watercolour pencils to add colour.  I also used the pencils to add splatters after stamping the sentiment from the stamp set.  I had die cut the panel with a Gina K Master Layout die as I did with the purple card to make the scalloped mat. 

Spring is such a beautiful time in the garden.  I have Snowdrops, Daffodils, Fushia flowering as well as flowers on my orchid.  

Thanks Altenew for this wonderful contest.