SSS Peace on Earth Release

*This post contains affiliate links to Simon Says Stamp

Happy Thursday!  Simon Says Stamp has a new release out today called Peace on Earth, and as the name suggests, there is lots of holiday in this release (also some fall stuff too).  

Today I wanted to feature one of my favorite stencils from the release, the Berries & Leaves stencil.

I'm showing it off two ways.  For my first card, I started by applying embossing paste to a panel of watercolor paper.  

Once that was dry, I watercolored the paste portions.  For this step, I tried to stay just on the paste portions, but didn't sweat it too much if a little got onto the paper itself because I was planning to add some color to that area as well.

Next, I went back and added a very light wash of color to the panel itself.  I didn't wait for the watercolor on the paste to dry because I think that you get a softer more organic look if you get a little bleed of that color into the background - that's why I wasn't too worried about those accidental areas where I colored a bit outside the lines on the paste portions.

After the panel was dry, I added a bit of white and dark brown splatter to finish off the panel.

The sentiments are from the XL Christmas Greetings stamp/die set.  The Merry was stamped on watercolor paper and popped up over the panel.

For this next card I went with a very different look.

I started with a panel of green cardstock, and then inked the stencil with Mowed Lawn Distress Ink.

Next, I used a very fine brush to add gold accents using watercolor.  I used the Blue Gold 901 color from the Gansai Tambi Starry Colors set.

I also added just a bit of splatter with the same gold watercolor.

The card was finished off with the Merry & Bright die which was cut from the new Matte Gold Cardstock (I absolutely love this cardstock, I don't think I will ever use that mirror cardstock again!).  I cut the die once from the gold and twice from the same green as the base, stacking them together for a bit of height.

Which card is your favorite?

Be sure to head over to Simon to check out the rest of the release.  I have lots more inspiration to share from this release over the next couple weeks too, so stay tuned!