Queen of spring blossom

Hello crafting friends!

As we continue to live in some kind of science fiction horror story, I hope you are as comforted by our crafting community as I am. Come and escape for a while!

I was so proud to be asked to join the inspirational team at CAS Watercolour as Guest Designer this month! Let's have a look at the challenge:

It couldn't be a more uplifting theme could it?! Here's what I came up with:

On my solitary walks with Eva pup, the magnolias have caught my eye - they have been laden with blooms this year and really earned their reputation as queen of spring blossom! For my card, I used the branch and leaf from Concorde and 9th's Beautiful Branches and the flowers from MFT's Floral Focus - and I doubt whether you'll find a tree like it in real life! Call it artistic licence!

The card started with a fade-out wash of blue ink on dampened watercolour paper. I stamped the branch and leaves over the top before it had dried to get a 'painted' look.

The flowers were stamped and watercoloured in Stampin' Up's Petal Pink with Calypso Coral details, then fussy cut and arranged on the background.

The panel was cut out with a Heffy Doodles stitched rectangle die and a lovely blocky sentiment from Uniko added for contrast with those delicate blooms.

So now it's over to you!  Creating something gorgeous with spring flowers should cheer you up! Do go to the CAS Watercolour challenge page to see what the amazing team has created to inspire you and you can link up your creation there when you're ready :)

EDITED TO ADD SOME AWARDS
So pleased this card made the Top 3 at The Sisterhood of Crafters :)

And delighted to see that it was chosen as a Favourite at Happy Little Stampers Watercolour!

CHALLENGES
I'm linking this card up with The Sisterhood of Crafters where Spring is the theme. Also Happy Little Stampers Watercolour Challenge, where Anything Goes (there's an optional twist of Stars, which sounds fun, so I may be making another card for this!) I'm also linking up with a new-to-me challenge {PIN}spirational Challenges where there's a wonderful graphic to inspire us - I was inspired by the spring.

AND IN OTHER NEWS
In an effort to keep cheerful during lockdown, I have enlisted the help of Bill Bryson. I am a big fan of his books, such as The Lost Continent, Notes From a Small Island and Notes From a Big Country, and have just started reading The Road to Little Dribbling. It has not disappointed. I'd only got to page 4 when my OH popped his head round the door to ask if I was okay as he could hear me screaming in agony. "Sorry dear?" I said. "Oh yes thanks, I'm fine. Just reading a book."

Hope you are finding plenty of ways to stay sane and cheerful while also keeping safe and well. Do share your tips!

Hugs,