Enchantingly

Hi everyone.  This weekend we had some lovely, sunny weather.  It feels good to see the sun and not have any rain. :)  Today's card is inspired by a few challenges.  They help so much in getting ideas flowing ...

This is a new-to-me stamp from Penny Black called Enchantingly.  I stamped in black ink and heat embossed the image in clear onto mixed media paper and then watercoloured using my Zig Clean Color Brush pens.  I haven't used them for a while and it was so much fun!!  I then cut out the flower with matching die (Enchantingly Cut Out - Penny Black).

It's no secret that my favourite colour is pink ... with orange as a close second.  I combined the two inks to create a lovely coral for my blossom.  Two shades of light green were used on the leaves.

I added a light sponging of colour over a stencil (Mini Tiny Circles - The Crafter's Workshop) on the card front before adding the flower (popped up for dimension).  The sentiment (from the same stamp set) is stamped in black and clear heat embossed to match the image.

Close-up ...

Sending this card to the following challenges:

1)  Darnell's IDEAS Challenge - Week 2 - Dies - used die for bloom and die-cut trellis background

2)  Time Out #286 - Pick 2 from the list (floral, stencil, spots, arch, water, pastel) - I used floral and stencil. 

3)  NBUS #73 - never-before-used-schtuff - this is my second entry this month.

4)  Die-Cut Diva's April Challenge - Flowers

  

* * * * *

Jessie was "helping" Alejandro do some Spring garden clean-up on Saturday.

He set up his camera and got these fantastic photos of her ...

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Enchantingly (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Black (Memento); Zig Clean Color Brush pens; Shabby Shutters Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder, heat tool, Enchantingly Cut Out (Penny Black), watercolour brushes, Mini Tiny Circles stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), sponge

Challenges:

Darnell's IDEAS Challenge - Week 2 - Dies

Time Out #286 - Pick 2

NBUS #73 

Die-Cut Diva's April Challenge - Flowers

Orange and Teal

Hi everyone.  I was total inspired by challenges to create this card today, starting with Darnell's IDEAS Challenge - Week 1 - Inks.  I used Distress inks to watercolour my tulips and leaves in the colours of the Color Hues Challenge #107.  I also used one of my many PB stamps to join in with PBSC April Challenge, using Spring colours for The Flower Challenge #101.  Thanks to all the challenges that made making this card so fun! :)

After watercolouring the flowers and leaves (Overflowing - Penny Black), I used the matching die (Overflowing Cut Out - PB) to die-cut the image.  I also die-cut a PB frame (Sewing Stackers) and stamped the sentiment (Super Day - PB) to finish the card.  The frame and flowers are popped up with dots. :)

Close-up ...

Sending the above card to the following challenges:

1)  Darnell's IDEAS Challenge - Week 1 - Inks - thank for the inspiration dear friend!

2)  Color Hues #107 - Orange and Teal - love this combo

3)  Penny Black Saturday Challenge April - AG or Easter - I opted for Anything PB Goes

4)  The Flower Challenge #101 - Use Spring Colours - I used Spring colours and Spring flowers. :)

  

* * * * *

Sharing a photo of Gord on his 70th birthday.

We had a wonderful time celebrating. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Overflowing (Penny Black); Super Day (Penny Black

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Black Pigment (Lawn Fawn); Distress Inks:  Carved Pumpkin, Crackling Campfire, Evergreen Bough, Pine Needles (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Overflowing Cut Out (Penny Black), Watercolour Brushes, Sewing Stackers Frame (Penny Black)

Challenges:

Darnell's IDEAS Challenge - Week #1- Inks

Color Hues #107 - Orange and Teal

PBSC - April - Anything PB Goes

The Flower Challenge #101 - Use Spring Colours

Happy 70th Birthday Gord!!

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing Gord's birthday card I made for him.  He turns 70 today!! :)  His stereo is his hobby.  He spends many hours a day listening to music, so the embossed musical notes (Melody - Penny Black) for the background of the card is perfect. :)  He also loves to relax and spends most of his time listening to music in a red leather recliner.  This is a self-portrait. :)  This is his happy place.

Tonight we are celebrating him with his favourite dinner (that I cook) ... shrimp linguine.  There's also a very special cake from Chez Christophe called Gianduja Cherise (linked) - hazelnut mousse and cherry confit.  Doesn't that sound delicious??!!  Gord's all-time favourite flavour --- cherry ... favourite nut - hazelnut.  You gotta love it! :)

For the card ...

I used a new-to-me image from Penny Black, called Unwind, along with it's matching die.  I stamped in black ink and watercoloured with Distress Inks.  I had so much fun making this card.  I've been away from card making for a long time and I'm just getting my feet wet making a few this week.  Even though all my supplies aren't fully unpacked, I have found enough for a couple of cards and hope to be making and sharing more cards soon.

Close-up ...

I'm sending this card to the following challenges:

1)  NBUS Challenge #73 - the stamp, die and embossing folders are NBUS!

2)  Seize the Birthday #302 - Milestone ... how perfect is that??!!

3)  Just Us Girls #769 - Die Week - No Flowers

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Unwind (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Black Pigment Ink (Lawn Fawn); Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Lumberjack Plaid, Aged Mahogany, Black Soot (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Melody embossing folder (Penny Black), Watercolour brushes, Unwind Cut Out (Penny Black), Red Chalk, White Paint Pen (Posca), 

Challenges:

NBUS Challenge #73 

Seize the Birthday #302 - Milestone

Just Us Girls #769 - Die Week - No Flowers

Embossing Paste - Product Focus - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  This month at Group of Seven we are focussing on a product - Embossing Pastes.  We are exploring the different kinds of pastes, ways to use them, and ways to alter them in order to stretch the use of this amazing product (adding colour and/or texture).

Please check out the details for the technique and link to video on the blog ...

Group of Seven Cardmakers

My card uses Dreamweaver Embossing Paste coloured with Brushos Powder (Lime Green).  I added a bit of the powder to my paste on my work surface and used a palette knife to work in the colour until there were no longer streaks.  The powder is very concentrated, so I only used a small amount.  I placed a stencil (Wander & Find - retired) over top of my mixed media card front, secured with tape and used my palette knife to add over top of the stencil, covering just the middle as I had planned to add a card front over top with a circle aperture.  Once I was happy with the coverage, I removed the stencil and immediately washed it along with my palette knife.  I let the paste dry and then added my card front with circle aperture, showing off the stenciling underneath.  And I add a small image of watercoloured and fussy-cut flower over top, tucking the stem into the opening.  A simple sentiment was added to finish the card.

The embossing paste creates a lovely design as well as adding texture and colour.  It really gives the card something special to build on.

Sending this card to the IDEAS Challenge - A for Anything Goes.  I used embossing paste as my Anything Goes. :)

... and sending to Penny Black Saturday Challenge - March.  The flower image is Penny Black.

* * * * *

Here's what I learned when I experimented with this technique ...

• You can use a lot of different colouring mediums to colour your pastes.  That way you can save money by buying white paste and colouring yourself.  Make sure to use a colouring medium that is water soluable (re-inkers, watercolours, acrylic paints, watercolour powders, etc.
• Make sure to mix up enough paste (or even extra) so that it easily covers the area you want.  It's hard to make more afterwards and match the same colour tone.

* * * * *

Violeta & Jessie settling in for a nap after a long walk. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Flower Collection (Penny Black); Sentiment - Scenic Sampler (Stampendous - Closed)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Obsidian (Black - Altenew); Brushos (Lime Green); Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz) 
Accessories:   Wander & Find stencil (retired), White Embossing Paste (Dreamweaver), palette knife, Circle die (Spellbinders), 

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Embossing Pastes

IDEAS Challenge - Anything Goes

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - March

Floating Frames - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Today's technique has been around for a while.  I love the effect of having the images raised so it looks like they are floating above the background.  So pretty!!

Please check out the details for the Floating Frames technique and link to video on the blog ...

Group of Seven Cardmakers

I started by stamping two mixed media card fronts with multiples of the larger image from Alternew's Nature's Magic stamp set.  I watercoloured the images with Distress Inks (see card info below for colours).  I used the matching die to cut them out and then placed them over a white card front, trying to arrange so there weren't large gaps of space.

Once I was happy with the placement, I used a piece of Press 'n Seal over top, pressing it smoothly over the images and background.  I flipped the card over the cut off the excess hanging over the edges.  Tip:  I found the P'nS didn't hold it all together very securely, so next time I'll add a few pieces of removable tape to make it easier to cut.

I then removed the back card stock and placed the Press 'n Seal with the images in my die-cutting machine with an oval die in the center.  I cut out the oval and kept the oval along with the background to make two cards from the one card front.  I added small pop dots all over the images and then added them to my card fronts.  Tip:  Next time I will leave the card fronts attached and try die-cutting them all together.  It's tricky to line the die-cut images with pop dots over a card front and have it lined up perfectly.

I added the card fronts to my card bases.  I stamped sentiments in black ink to finish.

Close-up ...

Here's the oval that is cut from the center.  It makes a beautiful CAS card. :)

Here's what I learned when I experimented with this technique ...

• It a bit fiddly, so be prepared; but, so worth it in the end.  These cards are special.
• Add some removable tape to secure the images to your card front before cutting off the excess.  Press 'N Seal didn't keep everything secure for me and I found it difficult to cut a straight line.
• Try die-cutting the images, Press 'N Seal, and the card front together.  If you remove the card front to die-cut, it's tricky to line it up again.

* * * * *

Sharing a photo from a couple of weeks ago of my sweet little girl.  She is looking warm and toasty out in the snow with a loaner jacket from her buddy, Violeta.  Jessie just got clipped short at the groomers and was shivering while out on her walk with Alejandro, so he borrowed a jacket from Violeta.  Jessie loved it!! :)

Thanks for stopping by!  Still working on our house move and my Studio is far from being unpacked.  I'll be a little while yet before I get a chance to get inky. :)

Stamps:  Nature's Magic (Altenew); Good Wishes (Penny Black), Happy Snippets (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Black (Versafine); Distress Re-inkers:  Picked Raspberry, Carved Pumpkin, Shabby Shutters (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  Watercolour paint brushes, Nature's Magic die-cuts (Altenew), Press 'n Seal (Glad), Oval die (Spellbinder), pop dots 

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Floating Frames

Inspiring Iris

Hi everyone.  Before I get to today's card, I will be signing off for a few of weeks as we move to our new home.  I'll be back before you know it! :)

Today's card is a CAS design using a lovely stamp set from SU (Inspiring Iris).  I've had this stamp in my NBUS (never-before-used-schtuff) box for a LONG time! :)

I started by masking a rectangle using Background Basics stencil (Penny Black) and a sponge brush with Salvaged Patina Distress Ink to create an ombre background.  Then I stamped the outline image of the irises.  There is a matching stamp for the flower heads, but I couldn't get it to line up, so I watercoloured with more Distress Inks (Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn).

To finish, I stamped the sentiment (Super Day - Penny Black), in black ink.

Close-up ...

I'm sending the above card to the following challenges:

1) NBUS Challenge #71

2) CAS on Friday - Challenge #301 - Flowers

3) We Love Stamping February Challenge - CAS

  

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Inspiring Iris (SU!); Super Day (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Salvage Patina, Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Background Basics stencils (Penny Black), sponges, watercolour paint brush

Challenges:

NBUS Challenge #71 

CAS on Friday - Challenge #301 - Flowers

We Love Stamping February Challenge - CAS

Dry Embossed Highlights over Ink Blending - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Today's technique is a combination of techniques (sponging, dry embossing, highlighting).  You have probably done this before, but it's a good reminder to use this technique again.  There are two videos ... one has a twist on the original technique.

Please check out the details for this month's technique and link to videos on the blog ...

Group of Seven Cardmakers - Dry Embossed Highlights over Ink Blending

This is how I made the card.  I started by sponging the a card front of regular Neenah white card stock.  I used three colours of Distress Oxide inks (Mustard Seed, Abandoned Coral, Picked Raspberry).  I did it in (sort of) vertical strips; left my card front overnight to dry, but you can use a heat tool to speed things up.

I then embossed my ink blended card front using the Floral Field embossing folder (Simon Says Stamp).  I used my white pigment ink pad (Glacier White - Ranger) to lightly tap over top of the embossing, which highlights the design.  I let it dry and then did a few more coats of white ink tapping, drying in-between each time.  The ink does take on the colour from underneath, but it gives a lovely muted look to the embossing.

To finish, I added a white die-cut of flowers (Painted Flower Stems die - Memory Box) and stamped a Simply Sentiment (Lawn Fawn) to finish.

* * * * *

Here's what I learned when I experimented with this technique ...

• DOX inks work best to get a smooth blended transition between colours, but they also take longer to dry and bleed through more than dye inks
• Make sure to tap lightly with your white ink (or whatever colour you are using for highlights).  If too much pressure is applied, the colour will go through to the background of the embossed panel.
• Try this with patterned paper or coloured card stock as the base.

* * * * *

I made some more cards with this fun technique.  This time I went tropical.  Info on what I used is below in the card supplies ...

.. and for Christmas ...

Sending the above card to Rudolph Days January Challenge.

... and Winter-inspired.  This time I randomly sponged the two colours instead of two separate colours that meet in the middle ...

Thanks for stopping by!

Card #1: (Spring)

Stamps:  Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Mustard Seed, Abandoned Coral, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz); Glazier White pigment ink (Ranger)
Accessories:  sponges, Floral Field embossing folder (Simon Says Stamp); Painted Flower Stems die (Memory Box)

Card #2: (Tropical)

Stamps:  Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Peacock Feathers (Tim Holtz); Glazier White pigment ink (Ranger); Black ink (Memento)
Accessories:  sponges, Areca Palm embossing folder (Altenew); Pam tree die (AliExpress)

Card #3: (Christmas)

Stamps: Christmas Sentiments (Gina Marie Designs)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Salty Ocean (Tim Holtz); Glazier White pigment ink (Ranger)
Accessories:  sponges, Gracious Leaves embossing folder (Memory Box); Pepperberry embossed and die-cuts (Simon Says Stamp)

Card #4: (Winter)

Stamps:  n/a

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Speckled Egg, Iced Spruce (Tim Holtz); Glazier White pigment ink (Ranger)
Accessories:  sponges, Gracious Leaves embossing folder (Memory Box); trio of trees die (AliExpress); sentiment die-cut (gift from friend)

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Dry Embossed Highlights over Ink Blending

Rudolph Days January Challenge

Penny Black - Resting

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a card using a new image (Resting - Penny Black).  I love this image, but it was challenging to watercolour with all those little berries.  I definitely will use markers next time. :)

I stamped in black ink onto mixed media paper and heat embossed with clear.  Then watercoloured the image using Distress Inks (listed below in the supplies).  I added a wash of diluted Faded Jeans at the end.  In hindsight, I should have watercoloured the background first or sponged.  It would have been easier. :)  

To finish, I splattered with diluted white pigment ink.  Once the splatters were dry, I stamped a sentiment (Festive Snippets - Penny Black) in black ink.

Close-up ...

Sending the above card to the following challenges:

1)  Penny Black Saturday Challenge - January - Something New

2)  NBUS Challenge #70 - 4th entry this month! 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Resting; Festive Snippets (both Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Black (Momento); Distress Inks:  Candied Apple, Carved Pumpkin, Wild Honey, Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Rusty Hinge, Faded Jeans (Tim Holtz); White Pigment ink (SU!)
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, paint brushes

Challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - January

NBUS Challenge #70