A birthday card

I have got a couple of the Tim Holtz framework dies but never had a chance to play with them.  Then I saw the combined challenge between Runway Inspired Challenge and CAS(E) this sketch! challenge and I thought it was the perfect time to use the framework dies!

Frankly, I wished I had bought the lattice framework die - the diamonds would be perfect!  I have the courtyard, honeycomb and the trellis framework dies but not the lattice and I eliminated the honeycomb and the trellis for this card and settled on the courtyard framework die.

My first use of the framework die:

Now let's see the combined challenge from Runway Inspired Challenge and CAS(E) this sketch!:

There you have it.  I think you will understand how bad I wanted the lattice framework die - the diamond cutouts could mimic the patterns on the shorts so well!  The courtyard framework die isn't too bad, it still has some diamond-like openings.

I first cut some gray cardstock with the framework die, then I ran it again on white cardstock covered with tissue tape.  Did you see those filled squares on her pants?  That's what I was trying to imitate.

I stamped the flowers on watercolor paper and colored them with distress markers - Ripe Persimmon, Wild Honey and Dried Marigold, Broken China and Salty Ocean.  For the leaves, they are plain old watercolor paper stained with my go-to leaf colors - Peacock Feathers, Peeled Paint and Mowed Lawn.

I am so happy to have come across this challenge, otherwise the framework die will have to wait much longer before it is broken open!

I am also linking up my card to the following:
Sweet Stampin - no designer paper
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes
Craftitude - Anything Goes
Creative Finger - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by!