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

IDEAS Sept. - Inks / Colour Mediums

Hi everyone.  It's Monday and time for IDEAS Challenge.  Today is "I - Inks/Colour Mediums".

I haven't used my powdered inks for a LONG time, but have been inspired by a few friends that have used theirs' recently.  I started by creating a sky background using Lindy's Magicals.  These little pots of powder are so amazing with the colours bursting when sprayed with a little water.  Most of the ones I have include a Mica powder that adds shimmer as well ... so pretty!  You can see the shimmer in the close-up photo below.

I was inspired by a card by Rowena ... thank you for the inspiration!!  I used a new-to-me die (Little Town Border - Lawn Fawn) to die-cut the houses on the hill.  I watercoloured them with distress re-inkers to get very vibrant colours (Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Mowed Lawn, Salvaged Patina, Picked Raspberry).  I also watercoloured a scrap piece of mixed media paper with Mustard Seed and cut it into small pieces to add behind each house, popped up to create depth.  I splattered white "snow" and stamped a sentiment (Merry Messages - Lawn Fawn) to finish the card.  

Close-up ...

Sending the card to the following challenges:

1) NBUS Challenge #66 - first time using the border die!

2) Peace on Earth #71

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Merry Messages (Lawn Fawn

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Re-inkers:  Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Mowed Lawn, Salvaged Patina, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz); Black ink (Versafine Clair)
Accessories:   Magicals:  Hydrangea Blue, Tea Pot Purple (Lindy's), Little Town Border die (Lawn Fawn), water mister, diluted white acrylic paint

Challenges:

IDEAS Challenge - Sept. - Inks

NBUS Challenge #66 

Peace on Earth #71

Guest Designing at Seize the Birthday!

Hi everyone.  I'm excited to be the Surprise Party Guest at Seize the Birthday for November and January (the challenge takes a break for December). :)   Thanks Nancy!

Today's challenge (#273) is all about Neutrals ...

  

I had fun creating a CAS (clean and simple) card using two shades of brown ink with black accents.  I LOVE how this combo looks.

I started by using sponge brushes over a retired leaf stencil from Carabelle Studio, onto mixed media paper.  I started with Gathered Twigs for the complete background and then sponged in the middle with Vintage Photo.

I die-cut the leafy branch (Fresh Foliage from Memory Box) in black card stock and used a piece of foam with my stylus, to add shape to the leaves.  I also cut a small sentiment banner from black card stock; then stamped (Simply Sentiments - Lawn Fawn) in white pigment ink before heat embossing with white embossing powder.  I attached the leafy branch with glue on the stems and placed the sentiment banner over top at the bottom of the card.

Close-up ...

I'm sending this card to the Stencil Fun November Challenge.

The Seize the Birthday challenge is open for 12 days.  I hope you'll come join us with your Neutral Birthday cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Stamps:  Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Gathered Twigs, Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz); Unicorn - white pigment ink (Hero Arts)
Accessories:   Leaf stencil - retired (Carabelle Studio), sponge brushes, Fresh Foliage die (Memory Box), White Embossing Powder (Ranger)

Challenges:

Seize the Birthday #273 - Neutral Colors Only

Stencil Fun November Challenge

Ink Blending 2 with Water Lifting - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Today is the Group of Seven Cardmaker's technique post and this month we are playing with Ink Blending of Distress Oxide Inks plus Water Lifting.

Please check out the details for the techniques and link to videos on the blog ...

Group of Seven Cardmakers

There are several videos by Kristina Werner on colour combos listed on the Group of Seven blog.  The card above uses Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade, Seedless Preserves.  I LOVE these colours together!

Once my ink blending was done and completely dry (also added anti-static powder), I used my heat tool to emboss my line image Blooming (Penny Black) with white embossing powder. 

I used a paint brush and plain water to paint over the image.  The water reactivates the ink and by simply dabbing with a paper towel, some of the colour is removed (this is called Water Lifting or Faux Bleaching).  I let my panel dry a little before adding the water a second time to lift even more ink.  This made more of a contrast with the ink blended background.

Once I finished the image, the flowers were masked and then diluted white acrylic paint was splattered overtop.   The sentiment (Smiles - Penny Black) was white heat embossed to finish the card panel before mounting it on a card base.

Close-up ...

I really enjoyed these two fun and easy techniques. 

I'm sending the above card to the PBSC August Challenge - One Layer Cards.  This is my second entry this month! :)

... and here's another card using the same techniques ...

The colours used for the above card are Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Salvaged Patina Distress Oxide Inks.  I received a few of these hello die-cuts from a sweet friend a LONG time ago.  It's perfect over the Winterberry Background (retired).

... and finally, a Christmas card using the blending technique (no water lifting this time) ...

I blending DOX ink Tumbled Glass, Peacock Feathers, and Mermaid Lagoon for the winter sky.  Tore two pieces of white card stock for snowhills and splattered the sky with white acrylic paint for snow.  The row of houses (Simply Celebrate Winter - Lawn Fawn) is stamped in black ink and heat embossed in clear before watercolouring.  The houses were die-cut with the matching die before being popped up for added dimension.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set.

Sending this card to Rudolph Days - Anything Christmas Goes.  Thanks Maureen!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Blooming; Smiles (both Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade, Seedless Preserves (Tim Holtz);  Unicorn (white) pigment ink (Hero Arts)

Accessories:   Jumbo Sponge Daubers (Tsukineko), finger dauber, White embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Watercolour paint brush, white acrylic paint (diluted), splatter brush

Card #2:

Stamps:  Winterberry Background - retired (PinkFresh Studio)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Salvaged Patina(Tim Holtz);  Unicorn (white) pigment ink (Hero Arts)

Accessories:   Jumbo Sponge Daubers (Tsukineko), finger dauber, White embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Watercolour paint brush, hello die-cuts (gift from a friend)

Card #3:

Stamps:  Simply Celebrate Winter (Lawn Fawn

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Tumbled Glass, Peacock Feathers, Mermaid Lagoon (Tim Holtz);  Black Ink (Memento); Distress Inks:  Fired Brick, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz)

Accessories:   Jumbo Sponge Daubers (Tsukineko), Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Watercolour paint brushes, white acrylic paint, splatter brush

Challenges:

Group of Seven - August - Ink Blending with Water Lifting

PBSC August Challenge - One Layer Cards

Rudolph Days August Challenge

June CAS Mix Up Challenge - Pastes / Gels

Hi everyone.  So happy to be back with new challenges after taking a few months off.  Today is the start of the CAS Mix Up June Challenge, hosted by me. :)

Stencil Challenge

I do love using different pastes and gels through stencils.  It's always fun to see how they react to the colour mediums.  This time I started by smooshing my mixed media paper in three colours of Magicals (powdered inks with shimmer).

I used a water mister to spray the card and move the colours around.  Once I was happy and the card dried, I placed the stencil (Wander and Find stencil from Carta Bella - retired) overtop and added a layer of white embossing paste.  The white paste is quite wet and it reactivated the magicals, causing them to bleed into the paste.  I really like the soft colours of the paste, rather than it being white.  A happy accident! :)

I added a lovely corner die-cut (Chrysanthemum Corner from Memory Box - retired), which was gifted to me by a dear friend.  I thought it worked perfectly with my angled panel.  To finish, I stamped (Simply Sentiments - Lawn Fawn) and white heat embossed a black sentiment banner and attached it at the bottom of my angled card front.  The whole panel was popped up on foam for added dimension.

Close-up ..

We are happy to have two amazing Guest Designers this month.  Welcome to ...

Julie (Crafted by Jules)

and

Darnell (Djkardkreations)

I hope you'll check out the challenge blog to see the fabulous cards from our Guest Designers and our wonderful Design Team.  There are also some video tutorials on using Pastes and Gels if you're interested.  I hope you'll come play along! 

Remember to include some open (or white) space on your card ... and also use a stencil for this month's challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Thank you.

Stamps:  Simply Sentiment (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Magicals (Lindy's); White Pigment ink (Hero Arts)
Accessories:   water mister, Wander and Find stencil (Carta Bella), White embossing paste (Dreamweaver), palette knife, white embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up June Challenge - Pastes / Gels

Season's Greetings

Hi everyone.  A quick and easy card made today to play along with two challenges.  I'm just slipping in under the wire for JUGS #628 - Red, Black and White.

I really wanted to play along with this classic colour combination.  And to start me off is the wonderful challenge this month from Christmas Craft Creations April Challenge - Tartan / Plaid.  They are celebrating their 2nd birthday!  Congrats to the team!!

I started with some lovely buffalo plaid paper.  I added a simple white die-cut of snowy trees (AliExpress) on top and a die-cut sentiment, Season's Greetings Line Border from Lawn Fawn as the bottom.  The main panel is popped up on the card base for added dimension.

Simple but oh-so perfect for Christmas!

Close-up ...

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

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Thank you.

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Buffalo Plaid patterned paper (Carta Bella); black card stock (SU!)

Accessories:   Tree border die (AliExpress), Season's Greetings Line Border (Lawn Fawn)

Challenges:
JUGS #628 - Red, Black and White

Christmas Craft Creations April Challenge - Tartan / Plaid

CAS Mix Up January Challenge

Hi everyone and Happy New Year!!  We are starting 2022 with a fun CAS Mix Up challenge from our host, Jenny.  She wants us to try out Loose Watercolouring.  This means that you can go outside the lines and not have to worry about it! :)  Jenny has provided several links to video tutorials on the CAS Mix Up challenge blog if you need some guidance.

The card above is a pretty stamp from Penny Black (Full of Glee).  I used markers to add ink to the outline image, pink for the flowers, green for the leaves and stems.  I then used a water brush to move that ink around the image, adding more ink if needed.  This is a fun and easy way to do loose watercolouring.  The main panel was cut at an angle and mounted onto a Pear Pizzazz (SU!) card baes.  The sentiment (Lawn Fawn's Simply Sentiments) is stamped in Versamark and heat embossed in white.  

Close-up ...

We are thrilled to have Karen (Random Reflections) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the rest of the CAS Mix Up Designer's Loose Watercolouring cards, along with the beautiful card from Karen.

Then come play along.  Hope to see you in the CAS Mix Up gallery!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

It is also important to add sw1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

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Stamps:  Full of Glee (Penny Black); Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:  Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Pear Pizzazz card stock (Stampin' Up!)
Ink:   Distress Inks and markers:  Picked Raspberry, Peeled Paint (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories:   water brush, splatter brush, white embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up January Challenge - Loose Watercolouring

Guest Designer for Just Us Girls - Challenge #600

Hi everyone.  I'm so excited to be Guest Designing at Just Us Girls for the month of August.  Thanks to the team inviting me and special shoutout to Vicki for providing all the details!

This week's challenge is #600 - 6 of Anything.

Prizes!!  Check out the challenge blog!

I started with a new-to-me stencil, Painted Flowers Wreath (Simon Says Stamp).  It has six flowers and six large leaves. :)  I sponged on colour and then removed stencil and lightly sponged a soft brown ink over top of the wreath, leaving the rest of the card white.  In the middle of the wreath, I stamped Sending Hugs (Impression Obsession) in black ink, heat embossed in clear.  I finished with adding just a few dots of white from my Posca pen.

The inside has stenciling off the edge with more soft brown sponging overtop.  Finished the card with a sentiment on the inside, Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn).

Inside view ...

I hope you'll come join us for this very fun challenge.  Check out the challenge blog to see the amazing cards from the talented Design Team and see what's available for prizes!

  

What 6 things will you add to your card?? :)  See you in the gallery!

Stamps:  Simply Sentiment (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Abandoned Coral, Candied Apple, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Antique Linen (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Painted Flowers Wreath Stencil (Simon Says Stamp), blending brushes, painters tape for masking, water mister, clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool

Challenges:
Just Us Girls #600 - 6 of Anything

Zoom Session - Embossing with Foil Card Stock

Hi everyone.  Yesterday we had our regular monthly Zoom call.  This month Bonnie shared a new-to-us technique following one of Jennifer McGuire's videos.  

Bonnie graciously mailed each of us a package of different coloured foil card stock to use.  Love happy mail! :)  Thanks Bonnie!  Each of us made several cards from the foil card stock ahead of time and then shared our finished cards on our Zoom call.

Technique is simple.  Dry emboss foil card stock and embossing folders (regular or 3D EFs both work well).  As an added element, use a sanding block to highlight the raised design.  It removes the colour to reveal silver underneath.  Then make your card.

I tried several of the colours so there are lots of photos below.  I cut the pieces to make two cards from each of an A2 Foil card front (5 1/2 x 4 1/4).

My favourite is the card at the top of this post.  I LOVE the rose coloured foil with black and white accents.

Sending the first card to NBUS Challenge #29.  Actually every one of these cards uses a new product. :)  Yay!

All products I used are listed at the bottom of this post.

* * * * *

Love the blue foil paired with white die-cuts ...

 

* * * * *

The bright green makes beautiful Christmas cards.  Three more for my stash! :)

  

* * * * *

Last, but not least, gold foil card stock with a beautiful flower embossing folder.  No sanding on the butterfly card (gorgeous butterfly die-cut gifted to me by Bonnie)

  

I hope you like this technique and will give it a try.

Product Links

Card 1:

Blossom Field Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp) 

Fresh Foilage die-cut (Memory Box)

Greetings (Cavallini & Co)

Card 2:

Blossom Field Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp) 

On the Edge Thank You (Simon Says Stamp)

Card 3:

Gracious Leaves embossing folder (Memory Box)

Frieda Curve die (Poppy Stamps - retired)

Simple Sentiments (Lawn Fawn

Card 4:

Gracious Leaves embossing folder (Memory Box)

Berry Branch die-cuts (Penny Black)

Happy Messages (Stampendous)

Card 5:

Holiday Greenery Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp)

holly vine die (retired)

Inspired (Penny Black) - reindeer die

Art Deco Celebrate Christmas - Poppy Stamps - retired

Card 6:

Holiday Greenery Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp)

JOY die (AliExpress)

Card 7:

Holiday Greenery Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp)

Blooming Poinsettia die (Poppy Stamps)

Snowglobe Sentiments (My Favorite Things - retired)

Card 8:

Tim Holtz Botanical 3D Embossing Folder

Dreamy die (Memory Box) - butterfly die-cut gifted to me by Bonnie

Brushed Wishes (Stampendous - retired)

Card 9:

Tim Holtz Botanical 3D Embossing Folder,

Two flowers die (AliExpress)

A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)

Challenges:

NBUS Challenge #29