This is a card that I posted yesterday on Splitcoastampers for a challenge to use backgrounds.  It really turned out to be a card that is making me think about new things to try.  Since I already love to use backgrounds I set a few extra challenges with this card.  I had to use an "odd" color combination and once I decided to throw in a Big Blossom from "pieces that need to be used" box I decided to also challenge myself to make a larger card.  I had been looking at my display board and really thinking that I needed more variety in sizes. This card measures 5 x 7 since I had envelopes to fit that size and had yet to make a card that fit them.

I'm pretty happy with the card but I still feel I need play with both the color combo and more sizes.  Handsome Hunter, Taken with Teal and Green Galore were the original colors I started with.  I was surprised how much I liked the Green Galore piece stamped with the Floral background in Handsome Hunter Craft, two colors I never would have put together. The Green Galore really pops through the Hunter. It's outrageousness just seemed to cry out for another bright color so  I found a piece of Orchid Opulence already stamped with the Blossom in my box.  The blossom inspired me to go for a larger card and now I'm game to try more.  I'm not that much of a collage stamper and I feel that many of my past efforts to stretch my designs over larger areas look somewhat contrived.  This card has encouraged me to challenge myself more in this area.

I'd love to hear about your experiences stamping larger, not necessarily square cards.  Hopefully we'll explore this area a little more in the coming weeks!