Fall into autumn

I needed to make a birthday card for a friend; and although I don't normally tend to use autumnal colours in my crafting, there are so many autumn-themed challenges around this week that I thought I would give it a go.

Having broken out one of my Penny Black brushstroke stamps the other day I think it had put me in the mood, as I decided to use another of my neglected brushstroke stamps but watercolour it in autumn shades. I don't actually have all that many suitable shades of Marvey watercolour markers; but I'm quite pleased with the effect now it is done.

I decided to get much of my autumnal effect by sponging my mat with various colours of Versamagic chalk ink from the "autumn" Colorbox Q set, gradually getting darker towards the edges. I deliberately kept the background fairly simple as I didn't want the watercolouring and sponged inks to be overwhelmed.
Recipe:
Main image: Penny Black "Aspire" coloured with Marvey watercolour markers, and background sponged with Colorbox Q chalk inks;
Sentiment: Stamps Away;
Papers; My Mind's Eye "Wild Asparagus";
Supplies: Flowers by FloraDoodle; pearls from The Hobby House; lace and large pearl brad from stash;
Tools: curved rectangle mega nestabilities; Marianne D Creatables "Flower swirl" die.
I made this card to fit quite a few challenges:

Simon Says - It's Autumn! - photo inspiration (above)

Crafty Calendar (October) - Autumn Birthdays
Tuesday Taggers - Here Comes Autumn
Penny Black at Allsorts - Colours of Autumn
Sentimental Sundays #23 - Autumn
Stampin' for the Weekend #48 - Autumn Inspiration
Our Creative Corner - Beautiful Fall Colours (below)

Catch the Bug - Anything Goes
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle - Anything Goes

Well the weather has definitely turned autumnal with all the wind and rain ... I guess it will be coats and umbrellas at the ready from now on!