It's Time for the Occasions Mini

Here is my first project using a stamp set from the new Occasions Mini Catalog.    I used her design and followed her tutorial for the most part, but I made some changes to the process.  This card uses the Valentine Defined Set, which I just love.  It made me think of my inlaws because for some inexplicable reason, my father-in-law likes those pink lawn flamingos and once bought some for my mother-in-law.  So, I bought the set with plans to make an anniversary card for them.  This project is inspired/CASEd from one by Michelle Zindorf.  The changes I made to the process are as follows:

• I left my moon as the original Whisper White card stock.
• I used Daffodil Delight, So Saffron and Tangerine Tango to create my sunset sky.  Applied in that order.
• As I applied my Daffodil Delight with my brayer, I went side to side rather than from the top and bottom.  I just found it applied more evenly for me.  When I added the So Saffron, I applied from the top and then the bottom. 
• I did not use the brayer for the Tangerine Tango, I only sponged the Tangerine Tango into the desired areas.  Again, I was having trouble getting the brayer to give me an even look.  The transitions were coming out too abrupt.
• Since my moon would be white, I wanted a bit of a white reflection in my water.  So, in the middle of the card, I added some Whisper White ink using a sponge.  I started wide at the top of the water, working the sponge back and forth over my card stock and getting thinner as I got to the bottom.

Once I had my sunset sky and reflection in the water, I followed Michelle's design and process for the flamingos and plants.  I decided not to cut the card apart and do the window effect as I had a smaller image than Michelle.  I also stamped the word Love using the same stamp set and punched it with an oval punch.  I adhered it down folding over the edge of the image.  I then mounted it all to Basic Black card stock for the card base.

Thanks to Michelle for her great tutorial and idea.  It was really a perfect way to use these flamingos and I hope I did justice to the original!

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity