Something glided, something gold

Recently I have had a thing for a coral red with teals and blues. I think that this card kind of has an eastern feel to it. The gold embossing was perfect for Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge and their "Royal" theme. 

The first thing I did was to stamp the leaves from WPlus 9's Spring Blooms in their Flamingo pure color ink on water color paper. When it had dried I water colored around the leaves with Peacock feathers and Mermaid lagoon distress inks and a water brush. For my background piece I took the whole distress ink pad in Antique linen and swiped it across a white paper till I had the coverage I wanted. The edge also has Vintage photo distress ink softly applied with a blending tool around it. 

All of the embossing was done with Hero Arts gold embossing powder. The leaf panel was popped up on fun foam and then the card was assembled. And for a crowning royal touch, so gold sequins for a lovely congratulatory card. 

I am trying to get involved in more challenges to stretch myself, help myself grow, and try new things. Card making gives me a creative outlet and I get to encourage others, but right now I feel a little lost. Not sure but I feel like I need a bit more direction.