Thank You Card, Aperture, Butterfly + Branches

The Card Concept have a lovely challenge going on right now...  and I've got my card finished just in time to show it  :)

The part I always struggle with most is that The Card Concept asks that you make a card in a particular style - and I never know which of their categories I best fit into.

Some people just 'know' that they have certain fixed styles that suit them..  I'm not sure I ever will if I'm totally honest!

Anyhow...  I think 'Classy and Elegant' is the best fit for this design.  Or is it Freestyle/CAS?  What do you think?

I've used two 10 x 10 cm cards, cut an aperture out of the one using my Memory Box, Large Snow Globe die and then glued them together.  Once the extra panel pieces are glued on this looks really effective and it's a lot less work than cutting a big piece of card to size.  Plus it adds extra strength to the whole design, which is always a bonus in my book  :)

The 'Splatters' stencil has been added using one of my favourite colour Distress Inks (Walnut Stain).  I've also used another of Tim Holtz's stencils (Blossom) on one of the inner panels.

I cut the large butterfly (Memory Box, Blissful Butterfly Border) from Centura card for some subtle shimmer effect, added a dew drop embellishment and then, to echo the shimmer already on the card I used Crackle Accents on the 'Thanks' sentiment.  I have to confess I bit the bullet on this die and ordered it in from America!  It's by Papertrey Ink and is called 'Wet Paint Cuts' in case anyone wants to know :)

The small butterflies are from my Martha Stewart, Pop Up Butterfly Punch.  This is one of my 'go to' punches that I use time and time again...

... and the branches are cut up sections from my Memory Box, Woodland Branch die.

As for the leaves...  they are from one of my newest die sets, called Tiny Tattered Florals (Sizzix/Holtz).  This set has the cutest rolled flowers.  I suspect I'll be playing with those shortly so you're bound to see them on my blog quite soon :)

Here's the reference picture for The Card Concept Challenge.  As you can see I took my inspiration from the colour palette.

Summer has finally arrived here in the UK this weekend!

Wherever you are, I hope you have a good week ahead...

Donna