In the Mood for Color: A Serene Blue Card

For my Altenew Educator Certification Program (AECP) Level 2 project, I created a card inspired by the "In the Mood for Color" class. This class focuses on using color to convey emotion, and for my card, I chose the color blue to represent peace and calm.

The focal point of this project is a hand-lettered sentiment: “Serene Heart”, which I wrote myself in a brush calligraphy style to emphasize the soothing mood of the card.

 

  

Supplies Used:

• Build-A-Garden: Pristine Peonies stamp and stencil set
• Lapis Lazuli Fresh Dye Ink (for the flower and ink-blended background)
• Forest Trail Fresh Dye Ink (for the leaves)
• Wink of Stella Clear Shimmer Pen
• White gouache or acrylic paint (for splatter)

  

Card Process:

I started by stamping one of the beautiful peony images from the Build-A-Garden: Pristine Peonies set. Using the coordinating stencils, I colored the flower in shades of blue using Lapis Lazuli Fresh Dye Ink, staying within the cool tone to evoke a sense of peace. The leaves were stenciled with Forest Trail Fresh Dye Ink, providing a natural contrast to the flower.

To add a delicate shimmer, I applied Wink of Stella to the most detailed stencil layer of the flower, which gives it a subtle yet elegant sparkle when it catches the light.

I then fussy cut both the flower and my hand-lettered “Serene Heart” sentiment to make them pop off the background.

For the card panel, I created a smooth ombre ink-blended background using the same Lapis Lazuli ink. I concentrated the darkest tone diagonally through the center of the panel, letting it fade softly toward the edges. Once the blending was complete, I added a few white splatters for texture and visual interest.

 

To finish off, I trimmed the panel slightly smaller than my card base to leave a clean white border, then foam mounted the flower and sentiment for added dimension.

 

Final Thoughts:

Blue has such a calming presence, and I really enjoyed channeling that emotion into this card. The gentle ombre background, paired with the soft shimmer and hand-lettered message, creates a tranquil and serene design—perfect for encouraging someone to slow down and breathe.

✧ ✦ ✧