Monochromatic Colour Scheme

This is a project I created for a friend.  It will hopefully be inspirational to the recipient who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  I was going for a soft, restful monochromatic effect.  The background was watercoloured on a sheet of Strathmore Mixed Media paper.  Before applying the watercolour to the paper, I spattered it with Pebeo masking fluid. Once the watercolour was completely dry, I removed the masking fluid dots and then stenciled the tree ring image with an Altenew stencil and a sponge dauber.  I used Frayed Burlap Distress Oxide Ink to ink the stenciled image.  I stamped and embossed the sentiment using a stamp from Woodware Craft Collection Clear Magic entitled "Always Remember" with SU copper embossing powder.  I decided that I wanted to add some ink spatters, so I covered the writing with a simple paper mask.  I used Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Ink and US Art Quest MicaColor copper paint to add the spattering.  The skeleton leaves were stamped with Versamark and embossed with stamps from the Stampin' Up "Rooted in Nature" using SU copper embossing powder on Neenah Desert Storm 100 lb. paper.  After fussy cutting the leaves, I created some dimension by manipulating the paper with my fingers.  The leaves were adhered to the background using liquid glue and dimensional tape.  I added a May Arts Jute Twine bow as a finishing touch.  I trimmed the finished piece to fit in a 5" x 7" frame.