So the colour I avoid using is brown and this challenged me to actually design a card using it. For some reason on this photo the card base looks gray but it is a very dark brown by GKD called Charcoal Brown. The kraft strip is a scrap piece cut with a die from a distressed edge set by Spellbinders. I stamped the sentiment in Walnut Distress ink and clear heat embossed it. To get the background I used a stencil and some distress collage medium that I coloured with Frayed Burlap ink before adding it to the card stock. It dries to a faint crackle finish that I think adds to the bark of the trees. The deer was die cut from a chocolate box lid that I had saved because I liked the gold design on it. This piece also looks gray but it is a light brown in reality. I found a sequin on my desk so I added it to the sentiment strip with a tiny gold jewel in the center. Don’t know why I avoid using brown, because the end result of this card is actually something I like.
Lavender House Creations 
The background is great behind the lovely deer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw a technique on the HeroArts blog that used paste and colour this way. I thought it was a good way to make a background and I’m glad you like it.
LikeLike
I am loving this as I happen to be a huge fan of browns – lol! Love all the warm tones here. Great idea to use the saved box top; the pattern with the gold is so pretty. And the crackle texture on the trees looks great!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again Lisa. I am a person that likes jewel colours along with golds and tend to gravitate that way when making cards. To use brown is a deviation for me but I’m glad you like this. I shall have to remember your preference when making a card for you – lol.
LikeLike
Lovely card and your warm brown tones are perfect for the scene you created. You are awesome at repurposing materials. This really is a lovely serene card. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much my friend.
LikeLike
It’s funny how all your browns really don’t look brown in the picture. I’m glad you described it, as I can see it that way. So glad you used browns, even though you don’t like them, as this is a lovely Christmas card.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Golda – I don’t mind brown, it just isn’t my go to colour. I’m a summer person and prefer the jewel colours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely understand that!
LikeLike
Oh Johanna, I am really, really liking this one. Love the birch tree background for a deer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you like it Gerry – it turned out better than I expected it to actually.
LikeLike
I think this is great! I like the recycled deer – he’s a treasure. I agree that sometimes we can dislike – or least, not be drawn to a colour – and still like the end result of a project that uses it. Thanks for joining us again at As You See It Challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your delightful comments.
LikeLike
You ended up with a lovely rustic look by using a colour you’re not drawn to! Great results and thanks for playing along with our Not My Jam challenge at As You See It Challenges!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLike
Your card is a great showcase of neutrals Johanna – it’s funny how we can still end with something we like, even if the starting point was not our favourite! Love the deer! Thanks for sharing with us over at As You See It this week!
LikeLike
I agree with you and thanks for commenting.
LikeLike