Monday, October 23, 2023

Penny Black - Fir Branch

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing another of the new release Christmas stamps from Penny Black (Fir Branch - 40-913).

I started with a piece of mixed media paper, inking up the leaves using Mowed Lawn Distress ink.  I spritzed a little water onto the inked image before stamping onto my card front.  I repeated with a second inking and spritzing and did the same with the pinecones in Vintage Photo and Gathered Twigs Distress inks. 

To finish the card, I stamped the sentiment (Full of Christmas - 30-734) in black ink and heat embossed with clear so it would stand out more over top of the leaves.  I splattered the whole card with lots of diluted white acrylic paint to create snow (hard to see in the photo).

Close-up ...
I'm sending this card to Penny Black Saturday October Challenge.

I made a second card using the same as above.
This time after stamping my main image, I cleaned off my stamp (not removing it from my Misti) and then re-inked the entire stamp with Versamark, heat embossing in clear powder to protect the image.  

My friend, Christine (It's a Card Day's Night) introduced me to Elegant Writer (a pen filled with dye ink).  Even though I bought "black", when you add water, there are all kinds of colours (gray, blue, pink, etc.).  I used the Elegant Writer to add a watercoloured background.  I scribbled the pen onto an acrylic block and picked up the colour with a wet brush to add to my background.  Very cool! 

The card was finished the same as the first one, stamping the sentiment and splattering with diluted white acrylic paint.


Thanks for stopping by!

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Stamps:  Fir Branch (Penny Black); Full of Christmas (Penny Black)
Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs (Tim Holtz); Versamark; Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Water mister, Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Elegant Writer (Black - Extra fine tip), watercolour paint brushes, white acrylic paint, splatter brush

Challenges:

22 comments:

nancy littrell said...

Love your watercolored stamped PB pine branch Lolly. Your 2nd card with the watercolored background gave an artsy effect...great to add 2 more Christmas cards to your stash, my friend. TFS Love and Hugs...

I Card Everyone said...

Loll, I really love them both - but that water-y amazing background really makes this branch pop! I may need to see that pen in action!
=]

HilaryJane said...

They are both beautiful. I love the soft effect from the spritzing and thanks for the info about the elegant writer, it looks intriguing and I love the background you created with it xx

Bonnie said...

Wonderful watery goodness, Lolly! Love how the water gives such a dreamy quality to this image! Great results with the Elegant Writer! I need to give it a try. I have a pen, just haven't got around to using it.

Marcia Hill said...

Both of these are absolutely BEAUTIFUL Loll, but I am especially loving the 2nd card...so soft and dreamy with more of that water colored look! Such a simple image but you made it SHINE on both of your lovely, lovely cards!! Hugs. :0)

Lisa Elton said...

I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite, Loll because they are both beautiful!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Love both versions Loll. The first one is crisp and perfectly CAS and the 2nd has a lovely soft feel. Hugs x

Pat said...

These are both beautiful Loll using the green and then the two browns with some spritzing of the stamp to give that brilliant watercolour effect, and love the extra work with the Elegant Write pen on the second. I have seen some of the wonderful results Christine got using it, and you also have added some on the second which gives a soft dreamy look to the background. I actually went on line to watch a couple of videos and now I understand more what it does, and I think it is brilliant, and will maybe get one to give it a try. x

Susan said...

Love both versions, Loll. Great use of the Elegant Writer to get the background colours on the second card. And the first one is such a perfect CAS card.

kiwimeskreations said...

A beautiful image and so prettily stamped, Loll, but the background on the second card is stunning - it really gives depth and a hint of a foggy atmosphere to the card
Blessings
Maxine

Julie B said...

Such an effective technique Loll. Both cards are fab in their own way, the first has a crisp, clean look whilst the second is all soft and moody, just like this morning! Everyone's wood burner smoke had settled in the hollows when we took Max out. :)

TK said...

Perfect cards - pine boughs, snow in the air, your pretty cards really make me feel like I'm home for the holidays!

Bobby said...

That technique makes it look like you actually watercolored the image, Loll. and I'm sure you could do that. The background that the pen added to the second card gives a very artistic look.

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Both are gorgeous, love the watercolour effect. x

Sue N said...

Two beautiful cards, Loll! I love the look the watercolor BG gave to the second one! You always inspire me! Sue

Christine Alexander said...

Gorgeous pine cone branch and love how you used the elegant writer as watercolour. I'll have to try using it that way ♥

Linda said...

Two stunning cards. I love the soft watercoloured look to them, especially the one with the shading in the background, very arty. I need to go and find one of those pens now! xx

Papercraft Boutique said...

Both of these have a beautiful watercolor-look, Loll! The first card is clean and well-designed, and the second one has a dreamy atmosphere with the Elegant Writer ink effect! Love both cards!
Hideko xx

Heather said...

These are all beautiful Loll. And yes the elegant writer is a bit magical!

Trina P. said...

That stamp and both twofers are beautiful. That EW looks interesting… {enabler alert} may have to look into that.😂

Leslie Miller said...

I'm drawn to the earthy look for Christmas cards. These are so beautiful, Loll! The Elegant Writer is a fabulous product I've never seen before. I love the effect. There are more things on heaven and earth...

BożenA said...

I love the first card. It is really beautiful and a great decoration in my living room. Thank you very much for this wonderful card, my dear Loll.
The second tab has such a dreamy look thanks to Elegant Writer.
xx