Happy Birthday Bear

OMG, aren't these brand new Meadow Cottage Bears by Christine Haworth so much fun? Today I'm using the Happy Birthday bear set.

This is a simple and classic symmetrical layout, using a large central image and a greeting underneath. I wanted the focus to be on that adorable bear!

First I stamped the image in black, and colored with my Spectrum Noir markers.  For a change, I picked out my designer background paper first, so that I could be sure to color his bow to match. I used a Cuttlebug dry embossing folder and embossed a white quarter sheet.  From the center, I die cut the white scalloped layer, and I used what was left as a frame layer behind the designer paper. No waste! In person this adds just a touch of subtle texture. I added the greeting, two pearls that as serendipity would have it, matched perfectly, and a tiny pearl in the center of the little card that he is holding.  This was all matted onto a magenta card base.

I've noticed that when I use white as a layer, the card seems lighter and has a softer feel overall.  Using black as a layer, which I often do, makes for higher contrast and pops colors more. When I want something more dramatic or am using brighter colors, I use black.