Hibiscus and Poppies

I lived on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i for about six years a long time ago. I remember the beautiful tropical flowers that grow wild and in abundance. So, with those fond memories, I chose to do flowers, in particular, hibiscus, sometimes referred to as a swamp rose.

Hibiscus grow wild in Hawai'i. These flowers have no smell, but a bush or tree in bloom is a stunning sight. I've seen hibiscus flowers that measured 8 - 10 inches across. (Plumeria is the flower that has a strong, sweet scent, and what lei's are made of.)

The Swamp Rose 1194-270J, and Life is in the little things 1127-270BA, are from Floral Swamp Rose Stamp Set 270.  The Woody Convertible 3596-456E, is from the recently released Surfin' Woody Stamp Set 456.      

As a tall shrub, hibiscus can grow to be more than 10 feet tall.  As a mature small tree, they can top out at 15-30 feet in height. Both have approximately a 5 foot spread.

A Vase of Poppies 0710-207H will surely brighten any one's day.

The Vase of Poppies 0710-207H, is combined with Sweet Briar Frame 1163-270P from Floral Swamp Rose Stamp Set 270. To me, this has a kind of 1960's, early 70's flavor to it.

Fun fact: The Hawai'an alphabet has only 16 letters.

Stamp Swamp Rose 1194-270J on old map of the Hawai'ian Islands (free graphic from the internet). Stamp rose again on scrap paper and fussy cut around it. Mask first stamped flower and stamp again. Using Copics, lay a base color of Cadmium Yellow on petals, and Spring Dim Green on leaves. Go over the petals again with Cadmium Red, leaving streaks of the yellow showing. Now using PrismaColor pencils, add highlights to petals and leaves. Blend out with OMS.