Monday, February 15, 2021

CAS Challenges February Reminder

It's already half way through February, so time for reminder cards for both CAS Mix Up and CAS Christmas Challenges.

Starting off with CAS Mix Up reminder ...

Nancy is our host.
Started out with a piece of card from my stash.  I believe this was done with watercolour sprays and cling wrap to give a lovely design to the background.  I sponged a stencil (Peeking Sunflowers - STAMPlorations) - given to me by a dear friend, over top of the background using Distress inks (Ripe Persimmon, Crackling Campfire, Ground Espresso).  I then used Versamark to go over the stencil again, sprinkled UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) over top and heat set.  I love the thick shiny finish of the sunflowers.  Stamped a sentiment in Ground Espresso and clear heat embossed to match the rest of the design.

Close-up ...

Sending this card over to the STAMPlorations February Stencil Challenge - Anything Goes.
Also this is a new to me stencil, so adding this to the NBUS #23 gallery as well ...


------------------------------------------------


Susan is our host.

This card uses a new-to-be stamp set called All Cats (Gerda Steiner).  I stamped the image in black, clear heat embossed and then did the same with the sentiment (Stampin' Up! retired stamp) except used red ink.  I fussy-cut the image and watercoloured with Distress Inks (Hickory Smoke; Black Soot; Spun Sugar)  Added cheeks with red chalk and  small white dots with my Posca pen; then crystal glaze for the eyes.  The background is done with a Snowflake Stencil (Paper Artsy), sponged in Tumbled Glass ink and then coated and heat set with Kaldeiscope Embossing Powder (Stampendous).  You can see the shimmer a little better in the close-up photo, but you can't see that the shimmer is iridescent with lots of colours.  So pretty!

Close-up ...
Since I heat embossed through the snowflake stencil, I'm adding this card to the CAS Mix Up challenge gallery!

------------------------------------------------

I hope you'll check out the challenge blogs to see the amazing cards from our Designers, Guest Designers, and participants.  If you haven't had time to play along, there's over a week left before both challenges close on 24th at midnight PST.  Come join us!




CAS Mix Up Reminder - Hey Sunshine!
Stamps:  Many Everyday Messages (Hero Arts)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink: Distress Inks:  Ripe Persimmon, Crackling Campfire, Ground Espresso (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  cling wrap, watercolour sprays, Peeking Sunflowers (STAMPlorations), UTEE, heat tool


CAS Christmas Reminder - Merry Christmas Cat    
Stamps:  All Cats (Gerda Steiner); Sentiment - retired (SU!)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Black (Momentum); Distress Inks:  Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Spun Sugar, Tumbled Glass (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Snowflake Stencil (Paper Artsy), blending brush, Kaleidoscope embossing powder (Stampendous), heat tool, clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, water brush, red chalk, white Posca acrylic paint pen, crystal glaze (Nuvo)


Challenges:
CAS Mix Up February Challenge - Stencil Heat Embossing
CAS Christmas February Challenge - Dogs and/or Cats
STAMPlorations Stencil Challenge - Anything Goes


34 comments:

Debbie said...

Love that sunflower card, Loll - simply stunning.

Nstiz said...

I love that Gerda Steiner little kitty and of course you presented it perfectly! Love the background you worked around him too. Just a fun "make me smile" kind of card.

Nstiz said...

I didn't realize it was a double post. The sunflower is gorgeous especially with your background. I love the techniques you employ and it reminds me to crawl out of my comfort zone sometimes.

Linda said...

Your little kitty card is just so adorable. Love your stenciled snowflakes in the background.

Bonnie said...

Love these sunflowers, Lolly! They are so bright and beautiful! And that little kitty just makes me smile! Love the snowflakes too!

Sandy said...

I don't know what you would call your sunflower card but I call it beautifully dramatic!! I don't know how in the world you think up doing all this - I would probably make a mess! Obviously you system works Loll so keep it up!
I am a cat lady so you know I love your Merry Christmas cat.
Sandy xx

nancy littrell said...

OMG..Stunning stenciled and heat embossed sunflowers, Lolly!!! I love how you started with a piece of cling wrap background and then stenciled your beautiful sunflowers. Your color choices are perfect for the sunflowers. TFS your sweet kitty CAS Christmas Card Challenge card too. Looks like you had sweet fun making this card. Your watercoloring of your kitty is perfect. Love your softly stenciled snowflakes for the background too. TFS both cards my friend. Love and Hugs..Nancy

nancy littrell said...

So happy that you shared your 2nd card with the heat embossed stenciled snowflakes with us at CAS Stencil Challenge too. Isn't it amazing how versatile our stencils have become:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy

Susan said...

Both are fabulous, Loll. Love the shine and the rich colours in the sunflower one. And I love that kaleidoscope embossing powder in the background snowflakes for the cat one - I know the lovely iridescence in that ep give. And what a sweet little cat holding the Christmas message - great fussy cutting! Thanks for making such a great card for the challenge I'm hosting.

Christine Alexander said...

your sunflower is stunning Loll, Love the mix of crackling campfire and ground espresso, and your little Gerda Steiner kitty is adorable:)

Carol L said...

I've been calling "Hey Sunshine" for a few days now, but she isn't answering?! LOL Beautiful card with the warm sun and such an adorable little Christmas card with that precious kitty image too! Fun :)

Mac Mable said...

Wow to the stunning and happy sunshine card Loll....great colours and striking stencilling x. Adorable Christmas card and that little kitty's face is super sweet x.

HilaryJane said...

love your mix up card, those sunflowers are stunning and what a perfect background for them. It is always so nice when you find something like that in your stash. The embossed shine is such a lovely enhancement xx

HilaryJane said...

Forgot to say something about your Christmas card, what a cute cat, love his expression and rosey cheeks. the lovely shine on the snowflake background is a perfect backdrop xx

Brenda said...

Love your sunflower card Loll, it is just stunning! The colors you used are so warm feeling, so the sentiment is just perfect. Gorgeous!! Your cat card is soooo cute! I love how you have colored him, the glittery snowflakes behind him are amazing. Love that! Two amazing cards! Hugs, Brenda

I Card Everyone said...

Sunflowers, and a cat? Two of my favorite things, and two wonderful smile-inducing cards!
=]

Marcia Hill said...

Your sunflower card is AWESOME Loll!! I love the rich colors and shine...just gorgeous!! And your little kitty with his sign is just too cute and the sparkly bachground is SO pretty!! Two awesome cards my friend! Hugs. 😊❤

Brenda in IN said...

I said "oh" out loud when I saw each of these cards, Loll. The sunflowers are so beautiful with the mix of colors you used. I want to reach out and touch them in person. The kitty image is so darling. Great snowflakes stenciled behind her.

Julia Aston said...

Two beauties here Loll - your Utee Thick embossed flowers are just stunning on the first - and that cat is just the cutest little thing holding her Christmas message with the snow flurrying around her! xx

Barb Ghig said...

Two fabulous cards, Loll! I love the layers on your first card and how you added texture to the sunflowers with UtEE...so striking! I also love the expression on your little kitty...he is too cute, and the stenciled snowflakes are just beautiful! Someday I'll learn to watercolor just like you...thanks for inspiring me to practice ~ xx

Pat said...

Both of these cards are gorgeous Loll and absolutely adore those sunflowers over your sprayed background and the colours and very shiny embossed finish using the UTEE is really stunning, and the sweet and prettily coloured cat with the glittery snowflake background makes the perfect Christmas card. x

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my word, I have so much to learn from all of you at CAS Mix Up. Your sunflower card is totally amazing in the most scrumptious colors. Wow, that crinkly background! Making note to self. It's an adorable twofer you have there with the kitty and delicate snowflake background. I have that GS set, but never thought to use it for Christmas. I love it!

Darnell said...

Lolly, these are both amazing! That fiery uber-glossified sunflower is incredible in every way! I love how you were able to compose the design to give equal attention to both the beautiful pearly background and the bold flowers. Even the sweet sediment is perfect! And your new cross-eyed kitty couldn't be more adorable wishing us a Merry Christmas with his gorgeous fur and rosy cheeks. The iridescent shimmer on those background snowflakes must be sensational irl! Pinning them both! Thank you for sharing with everyone at NBUS! Hugs, Dolly

Susan Joyce said...

Awesome sunflowers Loll, love the texture and colours you achieved.

Vicky Hayes said...

Aha! Cling wrap is one of the watercolour techniques I have just been learning so it's wonderful to see it in action on your card! Love that you gave it a coat of shine and what an appropriate sentiment. The Christmas card has a very different feel. The stencilled background is very pretty and I've been seeing a lot of sparkling embossing going on at the moment (another thing I 'need'!!) What a cutie that little cat is with his rosy little cheeks! Vicky x

Trina P. said...

Whoa! That stencilled sunflower is stunning! Your kitty Christmas card is adorable! Beautifully watercoloured. The shimmery embossed snowflake background is gorgeous.

Papercraft Boutique said...

Amazing sunflower card, Loll! Love the unique cling wrap background and the glossy bold sunflowers! Wonderful tone of the colors.
The chubby cat Christmas card is so adorable, especially with those shiny round eyes! I can see the pretty iridescent shimmer in the close-up, but I'm sure it's more beautiful in real life!
Hideko xx

Linda said...

LOVE the sunflower card, the clear embossing gives a fantastic shine and great texture too.
Your little Christmas kitty is sooo cute, I love the sparkly background too xx

Heather said...

Both your cards are lovely but I think the sunflower card has stolen the show; it is so artistic and eye catching.

Ros Crawford said...

This is a stunner!! From that gorgeous kitty to the gentle background... Stunning!

Ros Crawford said...

Forgot to comment on that amazing sunflower!! I was so engrossed with it... Love the BG and the petals look like something I could eat... salted caramel? It's divine and so beautiful!

My Paper Epiphany said...

The stencilled card is jaw-dropping:) The colours are amazing! The Christmas card is very cute too.

BożenA said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! especially for the first card. It is so striking in its beauty !! I love every element of it, both the stunning background and the beautiful sunflower created by stencil and UTTE. You are genius! The second card with this cute kitty lit my face with a smile :-)
xx

Bobby said...

The out-of-focus look on the background of your sunflowers is fantastic, Loll, as is the beautiful gloss on the flowers. I have that GS cat stamp but never thought to use it for a Christmas card. I hope I have a sentiment that fits the card.