Monday, March 02, 2015

HLS March CAS Challenge - Sponging


Hi everyone.  At Happy Little Stampers, it's the start of March's CAS Challenge ...




The above card uses two different sponging techniques.  One of my favourite ways to sponge is over a stencil to create some interest in the background. Here I partially sponged the background to bring focus to the area of my main focal point (the hibiscus flower).  I also added sponging to the petals of the hibiscus, giving the flower lots of colour and dimension.  I layered the die-cut, using a solid flower for the base, and then adding a second layer on top of the individually-cut petals, popping them up for dimension with rolled glue dots. Finally I inked a stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge set (SU!) in versamark and heat embossed with gold ... same embossing for the sentiment.

This month we are so happy to have Susan joining us as our Guest Designer.  I hope you'll check out her gallery ... lots of beautiful cards to inspire!  So happy to have you with us Susan! :)


And if you also add your card at the challenge of at Happy Little Stampers Forum, you are automatically entered for a randomly-drawn prize at the end of March.  :)

I'll be back in a week with a reminder card using a different sponging technique. :) See you soon! :)

Also, happy birthday to Virginia's View challenge!! :)  Congrats on turning one and congrats on hosting a fabulous challenge, Virginia!  I'm joining in for Challenge #13 - All Things Embossed (the gold sentiment and "splatters" are heat embossed).



And also entering this into the Less Is More Challenge (#213 - This makes me happy).  I am totally happy with this card.  I think it's the combination of mixed media in a CAS design with colours and techniques I adore. :)

And this is also a reminder of the current challenge at Mixed Media Card Challenge - Hints of Spring.  This card is definitely spring-y to me :)









Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge (SU!), Where the Heart Is (Simon Says)
Paper:  White (Neenah)
Inks:  Distress inks:  Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Squeezed Lemonaide, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Hibiscus Flower die (Memory Box), Twigs and Berries die for leaves (Memory Box), blender pen, gold embossing powder (Hero Arts), heat tool, Branch Background cut file, Silhouette Cameo for cutting stencil, plastic sheet, sponges


Challenges:
HLS March CAS Challenge - Sponging
Virginia's View - Challenge #13
Less Is More #213 - This Makes Me Happy
Mixed Media Card Challenge - March - Spring


29 comments:

Carol said...

This is beautiful Loll, love your sponged background and the pretty die. Carol x

JJ said...

Hi Loll,

WOW! This is stunning, so love the Hibiscus flower, never seen this as a die anywhere before, will have to take a look at memory box as I love Hibiscus flowers, got five of them at home lol! beautifully coloured, love it all.

Love & Hugs

Jacquie J xxx
http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

nancy littrell said...

I have never seen your Gorgeous Grunge speckles so beautiful. Loved reading all your details too. Your hibiscus is just stunning. TFS my friend.
I hope to play by tonight:-)

Anonymous said...

I really like this one Loll. Love the sponging.

Brenda said...

Oh my this card is just beautiful Loll! I love that Hibiscus flower, you have inked it up beautifully. I also love how your background turned out. The leaves are fabulous and I love the gold speckles. Yep, just stunning! Hugs, Brenda

Bonnie said...

What a gorgeous flower, Loll! It looks so pretty against the soft green of the stenciled leaves and I love that gold embossing that adds elegance!

Susan said...

I love your card - the sponging is great, but what it makes it so superb for me is the simple addition of the gold heat embossed Gorgeous Grunge speckles - that was a brilliant idea!

gail said...

This card is stunning. Love that flower, and your embossing. Gail xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Stunning card Loll your grungy background is amazing and your hibiscus so pretty

Anne

Petra Swart said...

You make the most beautiful cards, Loll!!!!
Have a lovely day!!!

Bea said...

This is lovely Loli - the gold really makes a difference - your blog is always a joy to visit :)

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Gorgeous, yummy and totally delightful Loll
This colour and flower makes me happy too
Thanks so much for sharing and taking part.
Sarah xx
Less is More

Julie B said...

Gorgeous card Loll, so full of detail and texture but still CAS. :)

Virginia L. said...

Wow, this is one BEAUTY that you created, Loll!! I love love the gold splatter against the flower! So glad that you join the fun over Virginia’s View “All Things Embossed” Challenge!

Kathyk said...

This is gorgeous and whilst everyone LOVES splats ... GOLD splats have to be even better!

Kathyk

Chrissie said...

This is stunnign Loll, a truly beautiful creation!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Anita in France said...

You've created such a fabulous, velvety look to that stunning bloom, Loll ... it's gorgeous ... and I love the gold embossing with it! Anita :)

Lucille K said...

Your card is just beautiful, love the bright flower and the little details :)

Anne said...

Wow Loll, what a striking and creative card, love it!
Thank you for joining us at Less is More
Anne
LIM

Barb Ghig said...

WOW! This is a real beauty, Loll! I love the Hibiscus flower and your leaves and gold splatters in the background are fabulous! Such a striking card!!!

aufspapiergebracht said...

So beautiful ;))))))
Elisabeth

MaryH said...

Love the hot warm colors on this one. A lovely hibiscus (reminds me of Florida summers) and the background sponging & delicate gold heat embossing adds to the feel of heat & relaxation. Great card indeed...love this particular flower die. TFS

Heather said...

Those colours are just so beautiful and vibrant. I love how the background colours recede perfectly as you have made them paler and paler.
Gorgeous.
Heather T

sannalippert said...

gorgeous card, Loll! love the sponging and the golden details with the beatiful flower! greetings, Sanna

shirley-bee said...

The partial sponging and splattering are the perfect background for your beautiful hibiscus flower, Loll!

Julia Aston said...

I just want to reach out and touch that soft hibiscus flower Loll! great colors and I love the touches of gold!

Darnell said...

Congratulations on being Showcased at LIM, Lolly, for this brilliant work of art! I hope you are continuing to heal well! Hugs, Dolly

Darnell said...

Congratulations on being Showcased at LIM, Lolly, for this brilliant work of art! I hope you are continuing to heal well! Hugs, Dolly

BożenA said...

This card is amazing. The colors and the idea of perfect. I love the gold splatter, the card is the perfect finish.
Regards,
Bozena