New Challenge #66 at Aurora Wings Challenge Blog

A brand new challenge starts today at Aurora Wings with the theme of Black and White with or without a Splash of Color.  I decided to go with Harlequinade, available HERE on AuroraWings.com and HERE on Etsy, because I immediately think black and white for a harlequin pattern, but also because I had several option for adding a "splash" of color.  My first thought was red for the roses, but was afraid they would dominate the piece so I chose the more subtle lilies instead.

Here's a closeup of Harlequinade.  I've colored with Copics and had quite a time getting the detail I wanted in the flowers.  Because I'm still not feeling 100% I thought that printing the image smaller would be quicker and easier, but it was a bit of a struggle since the whole card itself is only 5x7".  It was the pearls, however, that gave me the most grief.

I've found that the only way to use any type of "liquid" pearls (these were done with Nuvo drops) is to apply them in stages, meaning leaving gaps between so they don't run together and waiting until those dry before filling in.  I applied them twice yesterday and again, this morning and then realized this would be a problem if I needed to die cut the image which I hadn't originally planned on.

I was sure I had black and white DP that would work but didn't check for it until after the image was finished.  What I found was that almost ALL of my B&W DP really had an ivory or cream background that looked horrible with the stark white of the image background. The only B&W pad had pretty wimpy prints so I looked for dies and settled for 2 layers from the Spellbinders Majestic Labels Twenty Five. I knew what was gonna happen when I cut the image but I prayed for a miracle.  NOPE. After cutting and embossing all my beautiful pearls were SQUISHED.  That took two more rounds of Nuvo action to recover.  Note to self, PLAN AHEAD and cut BEFORE, if you need to.

Once I found the right dies I didn't have to think much more.  My first top mat was black, but it sort of minimized the impact of the image so I tried again with gray and used black behind.  Much better.  Had I used the roses as my "splash" I probably would have printed them several times to fussy cut and pop, but the lilies were too small. I did manage to pop the 3 layers with foam and also added a crinkle ribbon bow from DL.Art backed by black tulle to finish it off.

Sorry I was so "chatty".  I think I may be reentering the "Land of the Living" so...  Anyway, my Aurora Teamies have done some exceptionally creative work for this challenge so be sure to visit the Challenge Blog and check out their fabulous creations.

Here's how to keep up with all that's happening at Aurora Wings.

Aurora Wings Challenge Blog (current challenge runs through May 19th)

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Aurora Wings FB Group 

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And in case you missed the new Showcase Coupon code.  It's been extended through next Wednesday.  WooHoo!  Good on ALL digi stamps in both shops.

I'm entering the DL.Art April Linky Challenge, Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #80 AG, TTRCD April 10-16 AG, Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #229 AG, the {PIN}spirational Anniversary challenge #213 AG, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday AG, Simon Says Wednesday Add Some Texture, Craft Rocket April #47 Flowers,  A Perfect Time to Craft #4 April AG (3/3), Craft-Dee BowZ April AG w handmade bow, the Classic DT Open April Challenge #4 AG (2/3), the World Wide DT Open (April 15) AG, HLS April AG w/dies,