Using Tim Holtz Brushstroke Flowers

I've had these dies in my stash for a while but hadn't had the inspiration to use them until now.  I think the inspiration came from watching so many Tim Holtz Youtube release videos and seeing so many talented examples for his products.  

This black paper with cream pinstripes was just begging for something a bit more classy and a black tie.  I don't know about you, but I love the classic combo of black and red and this brushstroke flower just begged to be deep red. 

I started by die-cutting the largest flower from Brushstroke Flowers No. 3 and leaves from Brushstroke Flowers No. 2 from colored cardstock.  This is a little trick I've learned from watching Yana Smakula.  Yana uses this trick when coloring with Copics, but it works equally as well with ink blending.  The flower was cut from red scraps in my stash and then I added Aged Mahogany and Fired Brick Distress Inks to add flower depth.  The leaves were cut from green scrap with Peeled Paint and Forest Moss applied.  The floral center was inked with Hickory Smoke and Black Soot.  For the sprigs, I used pearlescent cardstock and one of the dies from Wildflower Stems 1.

The flower was such a beautiful focal point on this card that I opted for no sentiment and added a few gems to complete the black tie vibe I felt this card had.  This card would be classy for a wedding or anniversary card, or other special event or occasion.  I've listed the supplies below, when still available, using affiliate links.