Becky's Stampin' Studio: Peaceful Pier Scene

I saw this stamp set in the new Annual Catalog and knew I had to have it! It truly is so peaceful! No dies, no DSP, just an awesome stamp set! This idea was created by LeeAnn Greff. It's just stamped in Memento Black ink, and lightly colored with ink and a Blending Brush. I love the effect. I also love the Spotlight effect of the raised center, die cut with a die from the Textured Notes Dies. Accents are the cute brass birds!

Measurements:

Balmy Blue 1/2 sheet, scrap
Basic White: 3 1/2" x 4 3/4" (front), 4" x 5 1/4" (inside)
Basic Black: 3 5/8" x 4 7/8"

To Make This Card:

I started by stamping the cluster of trees on the White, front layer with Memento Black ink. I stamped it so that the right side of the trees just missed the right cut edge, the largest tree just missed the top, so it was approximately 1" from the bottom of the piece.
Then, I stamped the "pier", so that the end just missed the left cut edge, grass was parallel to the bottom, and the tree "bank" just touches the "pier". I DID use my Stamparatus for that!
I finished the scene by stamping some of the tall grasses, in the lower left corner, and to continue the "path" off the pier.
Next, to add color, I blended Lost Lagoon ink in the lower left corner for the "water", Granny Apple Green in the lower right, for the "grass", Daffodil Delight for the "horizon", and Balmy Blue for the "sky". I also added Wink of Stella to the "water".
Then, take Blends and use Granny Apple Green for the large tree and bushes, the "rocks" and "pier" in Gray Granite, and the Tree Trunk in Pecan Pie.
Now, take a die from the Textured Notes Die, and cut out the "scene" leaving a balanced frame. (optional)
Adhere the "frame" to the Black layer (this is really tricky to do). Good Luck!
Then add the die cut to the center with squares of the Foam Adhesive Sheet.
Finish with a small, narrow sentiment in Balmy Blue. I used the sentiment from the stamp set, and chose a small, narrow tag from the More Messages. There were several to choose from!
I finished with a couple of the smaller brass birds from the Dragonflies embellishments in the Online Store.