Wednesday, August 03, 2022

August CAS Christmas Challenge - Pine

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the start of August's CAS Christmas challenge!  This month is being hosted by Trina (Phamtastic Design) ... and she would like to see Pine on our CAS Christmas cards.

I started with a large pine branch and pinecome background from Simon Says Stamp (Pinecone Background).  I inked up the pinecones using my mini archival inks Potting Soil and Leaf Green and stamped onto mixed media paper.  I stamped my image and then watercoloured over top with more colours ... this time using distress inks (Ground Espresso, Walnut Stain, Gathered Twigs, Brushed Corduroy, Peeled Paint, Forrest Moss).

Once the watercolouring was done, I used a finger sponge dauber to add more ink around the pine branches (Peeled paint DI), and pinecones (Gathered Twigs DI).  This made it so the background was not stark white.  To finish, I splattered with white acrylic paint and then also heat embossed with Chunky White Frantage for the falling snow.  I mounted my panel on a slightly longer panel, stamping my sentiment (Christmas Sentiments - Gina Marie Designs) in Peeled Paint DI to match.  The last part of the design was to add a final backing panel of dark brown card stock, slightly larger on one wide and in length to add framing.  I popped up the panel with foam.

Close-up ...
I love the versatility of this challenge.  You can use pine branches, pine needles, pinecones ... or pine coloured inks or paint!  :)

So excited to have two Guest Designers this month.  Welcome to Elizabeth (Paper Sweetness), and Lucie (Lucie G. cards).  Please check out the challenge blog to see the amazing CAS Pine Christmas cards from our fabulous Guest Designers and DT.  Then come join us!


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Stamps:  Pine Background (Simon Says Stamp); Christmas Sentiments (Gina Marie Designs)
Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Early Espresso card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Archival ink:  Potting Soil, Leaf Green (Ranger); Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain, Ground Espresso, Peeled Paint, Forrest Moss (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Paint brushes, sponge daubers, white acrylic paint, splatter brush, Chunky White Frantage (Stampendous)

Challenges:
CAS Christmas August Challenge - Pine


30 comments:

I Card Everyone said...

Loll this is so realistic I can smell the aroma!! So pretty!
=]

HilaryJane said...

Those white splatters are the perfect finishing touch for this gorgeous card xx

Tina Z. said...

This is so beautiful.

nancy littrell said...

No wonder your pinecone background has such rich color!! All your layered watercolored Distressed inks plus adding more ink with a dauber really made a difference. TFS all your colors in your detailed description, Lolly. I also have this Pine Background stamp by SSS and I think your beauty is the Best I have seen. TFS and always inspiring me, my dear friend. Love and Hugs...Nancy

nancy littrell said...

P.S. Love your snow and wonderful card design too :-) Hugs...

Christine Alexander said...

Wow, what a beautiful pine cone Loll, love the colouring and framing ♥

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

So very Beautiful Loll.
Faith x

Colleen said...

You colored this to perfection, Loll, it looks like a picture from outside, I can just see the falling snow on the pine branches and the cones, your added depth on the pine cones is amazing! Amazing card, Loll!! Heart Hugs, Col

Susan said...

Beautifully done, Loll! Love the colours you chose and the way you sponged around the branches and pine cones. Fabulous snow splatter too.

Lisa Petrella said...

This is absolutely stunning! A work of art!!! I love it!!!

Bonnie said...

Wow! Your pinecones and pine boughs are so realistic, Lolly! Awesome painting, my friend!

Lisa Elton said...

What a gorgeous card, Loll! I can just smell that pine!

Bobby said...

I want to reach out and pick those pinecones right of the tree, Loll. Absolutley gorgeous!!!

Darnell said...

This is as pretty as a professional photograph, Lolly! Your deep color layering and thick snowfall are impressive and inspiring and I love the offset mat! Hugs, Dolly

Julie B said...

Love these pine cones Loll, the frantage makes for a very wintery feel. :)

ElizStewart said...

Loll... love your snowy pine cones! Your inking is just beautiful. Thank you so much for asking me to GD this month!

Brenda in IN said...

You always go that extra mile to enhance your cards. This is so pretty and the snow looks so real.

Marcia Hill said...

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL Loll and so realistic looking! Your painting on this is just AMAZING!! Lovely, lovely card my friend!! Hugs. :0)

Sandy said...

Absolutely wonderful!!!!!!
Sandy xx

Julia Aston said...

We're in a blazing heat wave for two weeks - and it is so nice to look at the cold snowflakes falling on your beautifully inked and colored pine cones and pine branches Loll! That thin black strip on the 2 edges is a wonderful accent that I need to remember to try doing! xx

Barb Ghig said...

Gorgeous card, Loll! As always, your details make this such a special card, especially your sparkly pinecones and snowy background...I love it! xx

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

So gorgeous Loll - just love that soft peeled paint sponging and the snow!!

Debbie said...

OMG, I LOVE this. Thanks for the great how-to information as I was just thinking this week that I don't have a good feel for how to stamp pinecones and fir needles when all one stamp.

Papercraft Boutique said...

What a gorgeous pinecone card, Loll! Your coloring is amazing, and the pinecones and branches look so real! The softly sponged background, the falling snow with a little of dimension, and the cool framing all highlight the beauty of the focal image.
Hideko xx

Trina P. said...

Wow! This is GORGEOUS! Your inking of the bg stamp is amazing. The depth of colours are beautiful. The white splatters and frantage EP for snow is the perfect finishing touch. Love it!

Linda said...

Wow, Loll this is so gorgeous. Beautiful water coloring my friend. Love this.

Leslie Miller said...

Mesmerizing, Loll! I love the forest more than any other environment and this card takes me there. Beautiful coloring and snow splatters. To me it seems warm and chilly at the same time. Gorgeous!

Pat said...

I love these fabulous pinecones and branches Loll, and your watercolouring is just divine..and some wonderful added snow..a real snow storm I think which looks perfect. x

BożenA said...

Lovely winter card, Loll. I love how you used this background stamp to create this beautiful panel. Your pine branches look wonderful and your white splash looks like falling fine snow.
xx

Sue N said...

Gorgeous card, Loll! I love the pine sprigs and cones! Your coloring gives such depth and I love the falling snow! You always inspire me! Sue