Sunflowers of Provence - Play Date Cafe

The first thing that comes to my mind when you mention the Provence region of France is sunflowers - lots of them.  So when I saw at the Play Date Cafe the challenge was Provencal Style using the colors in the image below as the inspiration, I knew I had to start with sunflowers as a main focus. I also knew I'd combine that with a variety of colorful patterns that stand on their own when alone, but then when combined together look related and a perfect match for one another.

The individual patterns I selected here are from different manufacturers and designers and wouldn't be seen together in the store. However, when combined here they work in harmony for that Provencal feel.  These wonderful papers are from Creative Imaginations "Narratives" (blue and cream), October Afternoon "Fly a Kite" (yellow) and Basic Grey "Pattern Paper" (multi-color floral).  A little bit of distressing, using Tim Holtz "tea dye" distress ink, was done to provide an aged feel and some definition.  I also stamped french script lightly on the blue and cream paper to add some depth and for that Provecal tie-in!  Same with the Fleur de Lis punched edge on the SU Regal Rose paper.  If it's French you've got have a fleur de lis somewhere - right?!!!

The sunflowers stamp used here is new from Hero Arts.  I colored it with my Copic markers and sponged the blue ink (SU Bashful Blue) to pick up the blue in the background paper.  In the flower centers I used copper Stickles to add the bit of sparkle and depth needed for the image to pop.

For the finishing touches - a handmade distressed flower made from my SU scallop circle punch, a few Papertrey vintage buttons and some beautiful lace stitched on that I recently got at Joanne's.  The layout of the card is from the Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge (SC288).

Merci for stopping by today.....  Au revoir et salut!

Wahoo! Another award for my work.  This card received an honorable mention in the Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC37!  They call the honorable mentions "Cream in our Coffee"!  I call it WONDERFUL!!!!

Thanks to the design team!



Recipe:
Stamps - SU French Script background, Hero Arts "Three Sunflowers"
Paper - October Afternoon "Fly a Kite: Dandelions", Creative Imaginations "Narratives", Basic Grey "Pattern Paper", SU So Saffron, Regal Rose
Ink - Palette Noir Black, Copic markers, Tim Holtz "tea dye" distress ink
Accessories - Nesties Labels 8, circles and scallop circles dies, EK Success fleu de lis edge punch, Papertrey vintage buttons, lace