Inky Fingers and a Peaceful Mind | Workshop with Aditi | Altenew

This workshop started in the usual way for me: I had almost none of the products Aditi used for her original card. 😂
Of course, I know that is going to happen when I join her workshops, and honestly, I love the challenge. Instead of trying to recreate her card exactly, I use different products while following her techniques and then see how close I can get to the same feeling.
And sometimes the result surprises me.
The differences between Aditi's card and mine can be quite small. A slightly lighter background, different flower colors, a larger or smaller piece of the floral image and a slightly different layout. Nothing dramatic, but still completely my own card.
This time, however, choosing the colors was a little more challenging.
The original card had a muted, almost vintage feeling, so bright colors weren't going to work. I didn't have the same ink colors Aditi used, so I had to mix what I had to create softer shades. For example, my yellows were much brighter than the vintage-looking yellow I needed, so I mixed colors until I got something closer to the feeling we were after.
And I think it worked!

Building the Background

The background was built up in several layers.

I started with ink-smooshing, followed by some subtle stamping. Then I added Gold Glitter Relief Paste through a stencil to bring in some sparkle and texture.

For the little torn piece across the card, I used the same Traces of Yesterday 3D Embossing Folder that Aditi used. I ink-smooshed that piece first and then ran it through the embossing folder, giving it even more texture.

I also used different products from Aditi's original card, including the Wavy Grid Stencil and Moroccan Lattice Cover Die. I love finding products that can create a similar feeling even when they aren't the same products the instructor used. And, of course, sometimes Aditi's advice helps me see which of my own supplies might work. 

The black geometric elements from the Moroccan Lattice Cover Die were especially important. They add contrast to all the softer colors and textures, and I think they really help bring the whole card together. They also echo the black outlines in the flowers, so the darker elements feel connected rather than added just for contrast.

Keeping the Flowers Simple

One of the little pieces of wisdom I always appreciate from Aditi is knowing when not to add more.

Because the background already has so many layers, textures and details, we kept the flowers relatively simple. They still have color and dimension, but they don't compete with the background.

I used the Craft Your Life Project Kit: Flower Arch and kept the flowers in soft lavender tones, with muted yellow and green leaves.

This is something I find myself thinking about more and more when I make cards: it isn't only about how beautiful an individual element is. It is about how all the elements work together.

Sometimes a flower needs to be the star.

And sometimes the background deserves a little attention too. 

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed making this card.

Mixed media is something I don't do often enough, because I find the process surprisingly relaxing. There is something about the uncertainty of ink smooshing and layering that makes me stop thinking about whether everything is going exactly according to plan.

You put down some ink.

You add another layer.

You get your fingers inky.

And somehow your mind gets a little quieter.

Inky fingers and a peaceful mind.

I think I need to remember that.

And perhaps I also need more ink colors. 😂