Mono-chromatic drama

The title has a double meaning. The monochromatic ivory tones combined with the double black-core mat and the black beads is pretty dramatic. But it also posed a hefty design challenge for me and resulted in more than a few heavy sighs!




I discovered my long hiatus from paper filigree had substantially dulled my design skills, and having to rely solely upon textures, weight and placement and not as heavily upon color was harder than I expected, especially when combined with the striking edges of the mat. It took a good deal of time to find a layout that helped draw the eye around the entire composition rather than hone right onto the mat lines.


The customer sent along the original envelopes with her 41 year old invite (how's that for a testament of enduring love?) hoping that I could incorporate them into the piece. I loved the idea as soon as she mentioned it, and used the creamy envelope paper to create circle-punch 'frosting flowers' and some of the fern foliage.

I'm curious to know if anyone else has worked with monochromatic designs and discovered, like me, that it was more challenging than it looks!