I’ve had the Moroccan Nights set since On Stage in April and it was one of the free sets we got!  I  finally came up with a design using this set that I am happy with.  The set has a unique look to it and you really have to think outside the box to use it. Usually, I love images with a Moorish look to them, but this one was a challenge for me.  So, I just sat down with some of the matching DSP and came up with this card design.

For me, adding the Gold Sequin trim with some Gold Metallic Thread was what tied it all together.  I also added a Rhinestone to the star in the one lamp as well as taking some of the Gold Sequins from the trim and scattering a few.  The bling really makes the card pop.  I wish I could have gotten it to photograph better!  I love the Moroccan DSP and will be trying out a few more ideas for “autumn” type cards.

Recipe

Papers: Moroccan DSP, Early Expresso, Cajun Craze
Stamps: Moroccan Nights
Embellishments: Basic Rhinestones, Delightful Dijon 5/8″ Striped Ribbon, Gold Sequin Trim

This is my entry for Global Design Project #GDP045 this week.  I am making it at the 11th hour with final entries due very soon!  This week’s challenge is a color challenge using Melon Mambo, Smoky Slate and Basic Black.  Typically I would have chosen to start with the Pop of Pink DSP and most likely a more graphic style of stamp.  This time I went a different direction.  There are some fabulous ideas and designs in the challenge this week.  I highly recommend you hop over to the Global Design Project and take a look or click on the icon below to see all the fabulous designs!

I wanted to challenge myself to do something different and experiment more with watercolor.  I found a really easy way to do watercolor on a card!  The background element was stamped in Smoky Slate on watercolor paper and then I took an aqua painter and just spread out the color some.  It is almost faultless watercoloring…at least for me!

I wanted a large floral element and of the stamp sets I have,Butterfly Basics had the element I needed.  It was an extra benefit that this set also coordinates well with the butterfly in Watercolor Wings!  I wanted a little bling and used the Metallic Enamel Dots in silver and some retired silver metallic cording.   It would have worked to use Metallic Silver thread, but that I didn’t have!  I thought a band of the silver cording was perfect to dress up the card a little.  It is hard to see on the image, but it really makes a pretty, shiny  touch.

Another detail you cannot see well is the 2 layers of butterflies I cut out in vellum that had been stamped with the same stamp used in the background.  Those dressed up the card as well.  A closeup of the vellum is shown below. 

Recipe

Papers: Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Melon Mambo, Watercolor paper
Stamps: Butterfly Basics, Watercolor Wings
Embellishments: Silver Metallic Enamel Dots, Silver Cording(retired)
Tools:Butterfly Framelits and Thinlets, Big Shot, Aqua Painter