Friday, May 23, 2014

Maple Leaf Forever


Hi everyone.  I started out by making a card today for the Free for All Challenge at Splitcoast Stampers.  I thought it was to include a symbol of our flag (maple leaf) ... but when I went to link up, realized that it was to "show our colors" with our flag ... whoops! :)  So even though there is a little red on the maple leaf, this is not at all like the solid red maple leaf on the Canadian flag.  :)  Oh well ...

I did have a lot of fun coloring this leaf using my new alcohol inks that I received in the mail a couple of days ago.  Can you believe this is the first time I've owned alcohol inks (besides copic markers that is).  Crazy!! ... and my order also included 28 colors of Tim Holtz Distress Inks (also my first time owning any of these inks).  I'm going to have a lot of fun playing with my new toys! :)  One thing I learned today ... alcohol inks are MESSY! :)  Not that I mind getting a little inky, but next time I'll probably wear gloves. :)

I squirted and squiggled a little bit of the three colors onto my craft sheet, dropped over some blending solution and then pressed my maple leaf into the ink.  Pulled it up and pressed it down again ... several times, until it was all covered (smooshing technique).  So pretty!  Mounted it onto a wood grain embossed background and added a popped up sentiment and bow of gold thread twine.  Easy, CAS card.

I'm going to enter this (second entry) into the ATS&M #96 - Anything Goes challenge.







Stamps:  Lots of Thanks (Simon Says)
Paper:  110 lb. White (Neenah); glossy white
Ink:  Botanical, Poppyfield, Honeycomb, Blending solution (Ranger Alcohol inks); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Large Leaves #2 die (Cheery Lynn), Wood Grain embossing folder (Sizzix), Gold-threaded Twine


Challenges:
ATS&M #96


17 comments:

Lee-Anne said...

Well you certainly did well with the alcohol inks...and oh yes they are messy aren't they? Lovely colors and the embossed background is just perfect for your maple leaf. Have a great weekend, Loll!

Harriet Skelly said...

Loll, that leaf is gorgeous! I don't own any alcohol inks. They sound like fun though!

Bonnie said...

Wow! I've been seeing some really pretty techniques using alcohol inks! This is especially pretty! I thought it was some of your heated copper at first and wondered how you got the green. This is gorgeous!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Not sure my comment took! Love this card, that deep, rich color against the white is so stunning! Fabulous job with your new toys :)

Brenda said...

This is stunning Loll! I love your leaf and I thought too it was your copper that you heat to get the wonderful colors. But as I kept reading I found out that you used the alcohol inks! Love, love, love how beautiful your leaf is! It looks amazing against the white wood grain embossing. I think too you are going to have a wonderful time with your new goodies! Hugs, Brenda

Pat said...

I've had a few alcohol inks for a couple of years - time to break them out! This is the most beautiful leaf and I love the simplicity and appropriateness of the background. I can imagine the fun you'll be having with your fresh supplies, and look forward to our enjoyment when you display your results.

nancy littrell said...

Gorgeous Loll. I love your woodgrain BG, twine Sep too. TFS mf.

nancy littrell said...

P.S. Loll, I played with my unheated copper and my alcohol Blendabilities markers. The ink dried quickly and has a real earthy rich tone. I want to try a die cut leaf. I tried a heated piece of copper, but the colors were very muted. Don't we have fun:-)

Barb Ghig said...

This is really stunning, Loll! I think using alcohol inks was the perfect choice for your leaf, and of course your woodgrain background is fabulous! So much beautiful color and texture...WOW!

Between new alcohol inks and 28 distress inks, you're never going to come out of your studio...ever again :-)

Susan said...

You must have had so much fun playing with your new alcohol inks! Your maple leaf might not be pure red like our flag, but it is much more beautiful and natural this way - I love it!

Stamps and Paper said...

Wow Loll such a stunning leaf and cant believe your've not used alcohol inks before the colours are just amazing. and love you r wood grain background...

Anne

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I always think of Canada when I see a maple leaf...no matter what color it is! : ) (My husband is a Maine Black Bears hockey fan and we usually have a Canadian on the team.) Yay, Canada!

Anita in France said...

I'm sighing, Loll ... this maple leaf is so gorgeous ... and so eyecatching against all the lovely textured white! Beautiful! Anita :)

Pat said...

This maple leaf on that crisp white woodgrain background is just beautiful. x

Anonymous said...

Hi Loll. Love your coloured Marple leaf, it's stunning. It's always fun to play with new toys. Thanks for joining us at ATSM this week. Have a lovely day! hugs Monika xxx

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

This leave is fantastic! Looking forward seeing more of your alcohol ink creations - maybe I should pull mine out of the drawer again... Thanks for joining my blog, Loll - I have a welcome picture for you - hop on over, if you have time. http://fun-stamping.blogspot.com/2014/05/hello-to-my-new-members-and-two-cards.html

Danielle Vincent said...

Pure gorgeous Loll! They might be messy but you sure rocked them! LOVE the woodgrain background too. thanks for joining us at ATS&M for Anything Goes. Hugs D