Power Poppy - The Blog: Tree of Life

Monday

Inspire Me Monday: Yin & Yang!

Happy Monday everyone! Welcome to Inspire Me Monday. I’m your hostess Allison Cope! I hope you’re all having an amazing summer. My family and I are off on vacation this week to do a little camping together. Before we know it, our son will be “too old” to go camping with his parents!

Today I’m sharing a fun tutorial on how I made what I’m calling “Yin & Yang” cards. Trust me it’s SUPER simple!

In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang (also yin–yang or yin yang) describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.

So grab something refreshing to drink and join me at my scrappy desk to see how my fun cards are made...

To see the video in HD, click here.

I’m so glad you could join me today. Here’s a quick review of all the cards…

The cards we made today feature the glorious “Vibrant Thanks” stamp set.

My other example cards include this pair made using the “Tree of Life” stamp set.

And my final set of cards features the “Dahlia XL” stamp set and sentiment from the “Pure Prairie Spirit” collection.

So what do you think? Is this the kind of card you’d like to attempt making on your next adventure in your crafty world? I sure hope so!

I made a very similar card last year using the gorgeously detailed stamp set "Lilac Time". You can see that card right HERE on my blog.

Have a great week everyone and thanks for stopping by. I’d love to hear what you think and give that video a quick “thumbs up”.

~ Allison Cope ~

Tree of Life Cards
Stamps: Power Poppy (Tree of Life)
Cardstock: Recollections (110# Medium Light Cloud), Simon Says Stamp (Black, Apple Green)
Embossing Powder: Ranger Adirondack (Lettuce), Stamp n’Stuff (Detail Black)
Dies: Simon Says Stamp (Stitched Rectangles), Catherine Pooler Designs (Circles)
Ink: Versamark

Hey There Dahlia Cards
Stamps: Power Poppy (Dahlia XL, Pure Prairie Spirit)
Cardstock: Simon Says Stamp (Audrey Blue, Fog Grey)
Dies: Spellbinders (Labels 28), Studio Katia (Stitched Loops)
Ink: Catherine Pooler Designs (It’s a Boy), Versafine (Onyx Black), Copic Markers (N0, N1)

Hi Friend Cards
Stamps: Power Poppy (Vibrant Thanks)
Cardstock: My Favorite Things (Pure Plum), Strathmore (Watercolor Paper), DCWV (Gold Foiled Cardstock)
Embossing Powder: Recollections (Detail Gold)
Ink: Versamark, FineTec Pearlescent Colours
Dies: Lawn Fawn (Stitched Rectangles)

Friday

Abundance preview, Day 3: Tree of Life

We’re sharing a stamp set today that has roots that go back to the beginning of time — a theme I’ve been wanting to explore for some time, because the imagery that is created in its honor is always so richly colorful, filled with lush flowers and fruits, and just totally fascinating. This theme is the Tree of Life!

The Tree of Life concept appears in nearly every culture and every religion, in folklore and mythology, and nearly always symbolizes life and abundance. Branches decoratively curving, heavy with fruit, lush leaves, birds and creatures galore — a hub of activity and source of giving.

Before I share previews of my new set and let you lose with the Bloom Brigade, I want to share a few images of beautiful artworks dedicated to the Tree of Life.

Early 17th century English needlework depicting 12 different fruits on the same tree, with flowers and animals of every stripe.

Ancient Egyptian design on papyrus.

Traditional Indian mithila painting on fabric.

Embroidery design for bed tapestries by William Morris’ daughter, May, which includes every flight of fancy, and greatly influenced my design.

Gustav Klimt’s famous Tree of Life frieze

Sonia Patwardhan’s Tree of Life work done in the ancient Indian Kalamkari method of painting on cloth and dying the colors directing into cloth.

Are you inspired yet?? I know I feel charged up just looking at all of that vitality — so many interpretations, so many ways to bring this theme into full color. The possibilities are endless (and you’ll see that the Bloom Brigade’s creativity is endless as well, WOW what COOL cards they’ve made to share with us!!) Introducing my newest clear stamp set: Tree of Life.

I think you’ll have more fun than you know what to do with using this set. It’s just a FUN one to work on! The leaves are shaded such that you’ll know exactly where to put your shadows and highlights — which really brings this design to life. I’ve included extra critters, more flowers, and plenty of pretty sentiments that underscore the theme of the image. The image itself is rather large, so whether you color the entire piece or crop into it, you will have a very detailed and dynamic creation.

If you don’t believe me, come see what the Bloomies have made with Tree of Life — you are gonna love these cards — I feel that I could look at them for hours!! You’ll find that you can make an outstanding card even without coloring in the stamp design. Which of our designers tried this approach? You’ll have to go peek for yourself:

Thank you marvelous Bloomies — what exquisite works you have been making for this week — TOTALLY AWESOME STUFF! Just when I think it can’t get any better, they go and blow the lid off. But wait — you haven’t even seen what we have in store for TOMORROW!!! See you then.