I colored the background first. I cut the card to the actual size I was going to use so that I could keep the vivid edge. I stared with my lightest color (mustard seed) blending from the outside in. Next I blended with spiced marmalade and finished with fired brick. I used black soot to stamp the really cool tree from Sheena's A Little Bit Scenic - Pinescape set. Torn paper makes a great mask for the ground and mountains. I used a little sponge to fill in the color. Side note: Sponging not only adds to your scene, it's a great way to cover up booboos. ;o)