Creativity Unlocked: Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers | Adding Bold Colors in Memory Keeping + Video Tutorial!

Hi there, it's Nathalie with a new Creativity Unlocked and a new idea on adding bold colors in memory keeping layouts. This time we are focusing on the new Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers.

Welcome to Creativity Unlocked, where we highlight a new product from each month's collection or a fan favorite from past collections!

Keep on reading for more tips and project ideas using this new stamp/die/stencil set!

Build A Garden: Esplanade Flowers

Have you ever walked down an esplanade? This stamp set is inspired by a walk down a picturesque esplanade lined with amaryllis plants. It features three flowers, accompanying leaves, and some versatile sentiments. Create a blooming focal point or a bold border around your project. The optional lines/veins you can stamp within each element provide multiple design possibilities! Add color to the stamped images with the coordinating coloring stencil set and bring life to your blooms!

Need help with layering? We've got you!

Download the layering guide/s below:

• Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers Stamp & Stencil Layering Guide 1
• Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers Stamp & Stencil Layering Guide 2

Let me show you today's project featuring the new Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers!

I love the new Build-A-Garden:  Esplanade Flowers Set! The delicate design in the blooms is perfect for many projects.  In addition, the multiple layering images in the stamp set just make this set versatile and filled with possibilities.

Let me take you through the spread, and show you how adding bold colors to your memory keeping will result in truly eye-catching results.

1.   Use a bold color solid cardstock

For starters, a bright background (preferably solid color) will provide a needed anchor for the spread. The color in the background helps to frame the pictures and also helps to enhance the color in the blooms.

2.  Add a Contrasting Color

Adding bold colors in memory keeping layouts is about contrasting and complementing tones so that they each shine separately, but together they create a symphony.

My choice to play with bright fuchsia and purples (see ink colors in the supply list of this post) is bold but very pleasant for the eye. I am using shades of fuchsia that have blue in them, which connects to the basic makeup of the purple color inks.

3.  Limit your color choices

In order to have a bold color combination pop from the page, I am limiting my palette to only two colors (there is plenty of extra color in the photos).  Black (Obsidian Pigment Ink) elements add that extra pop of boldness to the page.  I am using the Hello Friend  Stamp/Die as a means to add a graphic element that will contrast drastically with the Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers but complements them too (stamping the outline of the flowers with black ink makes them work nicely together in this case).

4.  Add a Subtle “Textural” Element

I am playing with textures on the page in different ways.

First, I am using the Grid Stencil and Strawberry Crisp Dye Ink to add a subtle interest in the background. I am opting for a stenciled look to avoid adding bulk to my spread, but this can easily be replaced with an embossed background.

My choice to layer photos and embellishments creates interest but also cheats the eye into a “textural” feel for the spread.

I finish the spread with a few Essential Black and White Enamel Dots to truly add dimension and texture to the spread. You can watch the spread come together in the following video or watch it in HD on Altenew's YouTube Channel:

Designer's Tips

Vary your design by stamping just the outlines or adding in the optional linear elements. You can also omit the outlines and use the inner lines to add detail to the stenciled images. Mix and match techniques for a unique look! Create additional depth on your project by die-cutting each element along with 4-5 coordinating cutouts from white cardstock. Stack and adhere them together before attaching them to your card or layout!

Perfect Pairings

We've curated a few items that will go well with this product. Check them out!

• Leafy Wreath Die
• Geometric Roulette Stencil
• Mega Happy Die

I hope this has inspired you to check the newly released Build-A-Garden: Esplanade Flowers and take a chance on adding bold colors to memory keeping.

I cannot wait to see what you will create with the newly released Build-A-Garden Set. Remember to share your finished projects with us; we'd love to see what you create!

XO

~Nathalie

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