More Mixed Media Play Time

Hi everyone.  I had so much fun following Eileen Godwin's techniques last week, that I have continued to play with layering stamps and stencils to create mixed media cards.  Eileen really helped me get out of my comfort zone of CAS design.  

Today's card uses three stencils and one stamp to create a fun and bold card for a friend.  I started by doing a stencil monprint on mixed media paper with a crackle stencil (retired) in Distress inks Brushed Corduroy and Gathered Twigs.  I then used the beautiful STAMPlorations Peeking Dahlias stencil to add flowers to the corners.  I LOVE this stencil ... it reminds me of my Great Uncle Fred who always had a huge garden of dahlias each year ... all different colours, shapes and sizes.  I used several Distress inks to sponge the dahlias (Abandoned Coral, Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogant, Black Soot).  It really adds so much depth with the shading.  I used my black thick POSCA pen to add the "seeds" in the center and a fine liner black to add some details to the petals.  The center is covered in Crystal Glaze to give it shine and depth.  

I added a little stenciling of some beautiful vines (Twisted Vines from Sweet Poppy Stencils - gift from a sweet friend). Used Brushed Corduroy again so that it shows over the crackle background.  The vines are outlined with Clear Wink of Stella for some sparkle.

Finally, stamped the sentiment Friend (Happy Messages from Stampendous) to finish the card.

Close-up ...

I'm entering this card into the STAMPlorations January Stencil Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Happy Messages (Stampendous)

Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Abandoned Coral, Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Black Soot
Accessories:   Water mister, Crackle stencil - retired (Prima); Peeking Dahlias stencil (STAMPlorations), Twisted Vines Stencil (Sweet Poppy Stencils), sponges, Black Posca Pen, Fine Black Liner (Sharpie), Clear Wink of Stella, Crystal Glaze (Nuvo)

Challenges:
STAMPlorations January Stencil Challenge

CAS Stencil November Challenge

Hi everyone.  Today is the start of our last CAS Stencil challenge for the year.  The team will be taking a break for December.

This month is hosted by the very talented Linda (Life in the Craft Lane).  This is my favourite stenciling technique.  I hope you'll give it a try and play along with us!

I used a crackle stencil and just one colour of distress ink, Brushed Corduroy.  I swiped the ink across the back of the stencil and then placed the inked stencil on an acrylic block, just so it's lifted off the table and is easier to pick up when wet.  I spritzed with lots of water and then turned it over onto a piece of mixed media paper.  I used paper towel to blot continuously until no more ink was coming off.  This created a crisp and clean image.  I removed the stencil and then placed another paper towel on top, swiping across with my hand to pick up any access ink.

A second piece of mixed media was used to make the leaves.  I used Lindy's magicals to get intense colour and shimmer.  Once dry, it was die-cut with a leaf die from AliExpress.  I do love this die!

Cut down my stenciled background and added a stamped sentiment to match the leaves.  Popped the panel on top of my card base with a piece of foam, gluing the leaf in place.

Close-up ...

We are thrilled to have Lucie (Lucie G. Stamps) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the beautiful Stencil Monoprint cards from Lucie and our wonderful Designers.  Come join us in the gallery with your CAS Stencil Monoprint card!

Stamps:  Essential Sentiments (Makers Movement)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Rusty Hinge (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Lindy's Magical Powders (Cowabunga Copper, Maple Crimson), Crackle Stencil (Prima), water mister, Leafy sprig die (AliExpress)

Challenges:
CAS Stencil November Challenge - Stencil Monoprint

Autumn Maple Leaf

Hi everyone.  Here's another card for the CAS Watercolour October Challenge - Maple Leaf, hosted by me!

We are celebrating our 3rd birthday ...have you taken a look at the gallery on the challenge blog??  It's full of gorgeous maple leaves!

Close-up ...  sorry for the glare from the lights.

There's still three days left to play along before the challenge closes.  Hope to see your beautiful maple leaf card in the gallery!

* * * * *

Yesterday Jessie and Violeta had a play day.

Alex took lots of great photographs!

Jessie made herself comfortable in Violeta's bed, right in front of the fire.

Life is good!

 Jessie wants to take this bed home with her.

Violeta taking a quiet break from the action.

Jessie and Violeta sharing the bed.  

Best Friends!  How cute are they??!!

Stamps:  Essential Sentiments (Makers Movement)
Paper:  White card base and panel (Neenah 110 lb.); Hot Press watercolour paper (Arches 140 lb.)
Ink:  Autumn Maple Crimson, Cowabunga Copper (Lindy's magical powders); Rusty Hinge (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Maple Leaf die (Poppy Stamps), Crackle Stencil (Prima), Gold d'Oro foil (Decofoil), Decofoil transfer gel, Stencil Pal, Laminator

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour October Challenge - Maple Leaf

Crackle Poppies

Hi everyone.  Sharing one more stencil monoprint card before the challenge closes tomorrow.  This is my favourite stenciling technique and I have a huge whack of backgrounds in my stash, yet I keep making them! :)

I bought a crackle stencil a while back and hadn't had time to play much, but had a chance today and used the stencil monoprint technique and had SUCCESS!!  LOVE how this turned out.  Made a couple more backgrounds in different colours while I had the stencil out.

Stamped my favourite Penny Black poppy over top and watercoloured using distress inks and a water brush.  Stamped a simple sentiment to finish the card.

Here's a close-up ...

I hope you had a chance to play along with this super fun and easy technique.  If not, there's still some time to give it a try before the CAS Mix Up challenge closes at midnight (PDST) August 24th.

I'm entering this into the Penny Black Saturday - August Challenge - Anything Goes - optional:  On the Move.  Well nothing moving here ... but this is my favourite Penny Black poppy.  :)

I'm also entering this into the Craft Stamper Take It Make It August Challenge - 2nd entry.

Stamps:  Blooming Garden (Penny Black); Where the Heart is (sentiment - Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy; Gathered Twigs, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Barn Door, Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Crackle Stencil (Prima)

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up August Challenge
Penny Black Saturday - August Challenge - Anything Goes - optional:  On the Move
Craft Stampers Take It Make It August Challenge - Anything Goes