I always enjoy creating projects that combine soft color palettes with lots of texture and layered details, and this piece was a perfect opportunity to do exactly that.

For this project, I started by building the background with a combination of stamping, stenciling, and a piece of a very old paper napkin. I wanted the surface to feel rich and interesting without overwhelming the focal elements.

The color palette revolves around muted blues, soft neutrals, and touches of dusty pink. The cooler blue tones create a calm atmosphere, while the pink cup adds just enough contrast to draw the eye across the composition. I like pairing colors this way because it creates balance while still allowing individual elements to stand out.

Texture plays a big role throughout the piece. I also incorporated loose plastic thread. Rather than covering every section equally, I left some areas lighter and quieter to give the eye a place to rest.

The focal point features two layered teacups, each raised with dimensional adhesive to create shadow and separation from the background. The cups immediately became the stars of the project, so I kept the surrounding embellishments fairly minimal. A piece of open weave fabric tucked behind the cups adds softness and texture without competing for attention.

To finish the project, I added machine stitching around the edges. Stitching is one of my favorite ways to complete a mixed media piece because it helps contain all the layers while introducing another subtle texture. The slightly imperfect lines reinforce the handmade nature of the project and tie everything together visually.