One of the traditions my Sea to Sea Stampers group and I enjoy is our monthly card swap.  Well, it’s *usually* a card swap, although from time to time we’ve swapped other non-card ideas, too.  Since we’re spread all over the country (hence, our name "Sea to Sea Stampers") this swap is accomplished by mail, and we take turns hosting it.  So this month it has been my turn to host the swap and set the theme.  I particularly love the visible versatility of "template" swaps, so that is what I chose.

The template we’re using is the card shown at the top of page 82 of the ’06-’07 Stampin’ up!(r) Idea Book & Catalog.  The instructions were to recreate that card, but with different colors and different stamps – in one’s own interpretation. 

So here’s my contribution – featuring "In Full Bloom", "Canvas", and "Amazing to Zany".  Colors are Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, and Certainly Celery.  The background effect began with ink stippled onto Whisper White cardstock (with a Stipple Brush), then additional ink applied with wadded-up plastic wrap.  The flower was stamped and embossed in white onto vellum paper, then colored from behind with markers – then mounted onto more white cardstock & cut out.  Then *that* whole piece is mounted onto the white background piece as shown.