IDEAS July - Stencils

Hi everyone.  I want to thank everyone for their well wishes, thoughts & prayers.  The surgery went well and I'm home recovering.  I appreciate all the support!

Today's card is for the IDEAS Challenge with Darnell.  There are five Monday's this month, so this week is "S for Stencils".

I used a stencil (Interlaced Circles - Color Factory) for the background which is from my NBUS box. :)  I sponged the stencil with Scattered Straw, creating an ombre effect.  I torn along the top of my stenciled panel at an angel; then added it to my card base.  

I die-cut Dignified (Penny Black) leafy branch, watercoloured with Peeled Paint Distress Re-inker, and then cut it up to place behind my Hellebore image (Stampendous), which is also from my NBUS box. :)  The image is stamped in Watering Can Archival ink and watercoloured with Distress Re-inkers.  I stamped a sentiment to finish the card.

Close-up ...

Sending this to the following challenges:

IDEAS Challenge - July - Stencils

NBUS #64

Stencil Fun July Challenge

Just Us Girls Challenge #737 - Stencil Week

  

 

Edited to add:  Adding to the JUGS #737 challenge - thanks for the heads up Lisa!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:   Hellebore (Stampendous); Many Everyday Day Messages (Hero Arts)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Watering Can Archival Ink (Ranger); Distress Re-inkers:  Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters, Aged Mahogany, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Interlaced Circle Stencil (Color Factory); Dignified die (Penny Black), sponge brush, watercolour brushes

Challenges:

IDEAS July Challenge - Stencils

NBUS Challenge #64

Stencil Fun July Challenge

JUGS #737 - Stencil Week

Kaleidoscope - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Today we are starting a new technique at Group of Seven.  I saw a beautiful card made by my friend Jenny (My Paper Epiphany - third card in post) using this technique and I'm so excited we tried it out for Group of Seven. :)  Thanks Jenny!!

Jenny's inspiration card

For the card at the top of the post, I stamped a large image in Versamark onto mixed media paper; then heat embossed with Liquid Platnium (Ranger).  I used Distress Re-inkers to watercolour the image, making sure the whole card front was covered with colour.  I believe it would be OK to leave bits of white, but not large patches of white.  Once dry, I cut the panel up into 1/2" wide pieces, rearranged them in a random order; then taped them to my card front.  These bright colours are so HAPPY!! :)

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

Group of Seven Cardmakers

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

• Tried this with a variety of stamped images and was happy with each one.  A great technique if you are looking for an arsty type of card.
• The technique is to colour the images loosely, which I did for the Christmas cards below, but keep mostly inside the lines for my two Floral cards.  Both ways worked.
• Also tried this with stencils and it worked great.  Best to make sure your background is coloured before sponging over the stencil.  I simply smooshed a light colour of ink.
• Try cutting up your panel in random-sized strips for a different look
• Great way to use some images from your stash that you've been hanging on to for a long time, but not used because they aren't "quite right".  This technique makes everything look good. :)

* * * * *

Close-up ...

* * * * *

I had this image in my "need to finish" pile for a long time.  It's called Roses Be Happy (Stampendous - retired).  It was already watercoloured, but I used my zigs to add more colour as I find vibrant colours look awesome with this technique.  Then I cut it up into strips, rearranging them randomly and cut it into a smaller panel.  LOVE how it turned out.

* * * * *

I decided that I should try this using sponging through a stencil. :)  I smooshed the background, then sponged over the Layering Poinsettia stencil by Tim Holtz with more Distress Inks.  

The stencil was removed before I sponged around the outside edge of the poinsettias and holly.  We have done this technique before and we called it Stencil Bleed (click to see our Group of Seven post). 

I cut the panel in half and outlined one with a silver metallic pen.  The other panel was left as is.  It's amazing how different they look. :)  Thanks for the suggestion to try it both ways Christine!

 

Sending the above card to the following challenges:

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #57

Peace on Earth #68

 

* * * * *

I have done a similar technique in the past, cutting up pieces with random widths and spacing them apart a little (below ... 1) foiled piece; 2) stenciling over coloured card stock).  Here's a few alternative ways to try this technique ... 

Past cards

(click on photos for more info)

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Card #1:

Stamps:  Dahlia Collage (Stampendous); Birthday Blowout (Poppy Stamps)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Versamark; Distress Re-inkers: Mowed Lawn, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany, Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry, Salvaged Patina (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Liquid Platinum embossing powder, White embossing powder (both from Ranger), heat tool, watercolour brushes

Card #2:

Stamps:  Roses Be Happy - retired (Stampendous); Happy Snippets (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Versamark; Zig markers
Accessories:  Gold embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool; watercolouring brushes

Card #3 & 4:

Stamps:  Merry Christimas (SU! - retired)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Salvaged Patina, Candied Apple, Mowed Lawn, Mustard Seed 
Accessories:  Water mister, Layering Poinsettia stencil (Tim Holtz); detail sponges, Silver metallic pen (Pilot)

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Kaleidoscope

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #57

Peace on Earth Challenge #68

IDEAS June - Embossing Folders

Hi everyone.  It's time for the next IDEAS Challenge with Darnell.  This week is "E for Embossing Folders".

I used a new-to-me embossing folder, Gracious Floral (Memory Box).  I sponged colour over the image on the debossed side and then used a direct to stamp with Versafine Clair black ink to swipe across and cover the background.  Unfortunately, when the ink was added to the background, it showed cracks from the embossing.  So I fussy-cut the embossed image and placed it over a black embossed background (Weathered - Taylor Expressions - retired) with a distressed edge to match the distressed look of the image.  The two pieces were placed onto a black card base and a simple sentiment banner in white added over top (Simply Sentiments - Lawn Fawn).

Close-up ...

I'm sending the above card to a few challenges:

IDEAS - Week 3 - Embossing Folder

NBUS #63 (never-before-used-schtuff) - this was the first time I used the embossing folder

Can you Handle the Pressure? - The main image is embossed as well as the background

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Wilted Violet, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn (Tim Holtz); Versafine Clair nocturne ink
Accessories:   Gracious Floral embossing Folder (Memory Box), small sponges, Weathered embossing folder (Taylor Expressions) 

Challenges:

IDEAS Challenge June - Embossing Folders

NBUS Challenge #63

Can You Handle the Pressure?

Penny Black - Sophistication

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing another of the new Penny Black release.  This time I've used a cling stamp called Sophistication (40-929).

I started with the Honeycomb Stencil (Penny Black), sponging along one side of my card front in Salvaged Patina distress ink.  Removed the stencil and then stamped Sophistication in Smoky Slate ink (SU!) and heat embossed in clear.  

I watercoloured the image in Distress Inks (Ripe Persimmon, Crackling Campfire, and Peeled Paint).  I then stamped the sentiment (Family Sentiment - Penny Black) in more of the slate ink to finish the card.

Close-up ...

Sending the above card to two challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - May

Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes 

    

Thanks for stopping by!

Penny Black Products

   Sophistication (40-929)               Honeycomb Stencil              Family Sentiment (30-555)

Stamps:  Sophistication; Family Sentiment (both Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Salvaged Patina, Ripe Persimmon, Cracking Campfire, Peeled Paint (Tim Holtz); Smoky Slate (SU!) 
Accessories:   Honeycomb Stencil (Penny Black), sponge, Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, watercolour brushes

Challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - May

Beautiful Blossoms - Anything Floral Goes

Elegant Writer - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Today for Group of Seven, we are working with the Elegant Writer pen.  Christine first introduced me to this marker several years ago, but I didn't buy one for myself until last year.  I'm sorry I waited so long! :)

The pen is filled with water soluable ink.  When you add it to your card, the ink looks black, but add some water and you will have inks in gray, green, blue and pink show up.  It's really magical.  A little goes a long way. 

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

Group of Seven Cardmakers

For both my cards today, I kept things CAS.  I was busy making cards ahead for upcoming commitments and packing up our house at the same time, so I kept things simple.  :)

For the card above, I used a wonderful image called Tree Poem (Stampendous), stamped in black and clear heat embossed.  I added a few lines of elegant writer here and there and then took a wet brush to spread the colours, dabbing with a paper towel which shows off the pink and blue colours.  I love the classic black and white colours with just a touch of added colour in the background.

Close-up ...

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

• If you decide you want to buy one of the Elegant Writer pens, make sure it has a silver/gray casing.  This is the pen with the water soluable ink.  I mistakenly bought Elegant Writer pens that were in a black case ... permanent markers in black.  :)
• I found the video by Karlyn invaluable (you will find it on the Group of Seven blog).  She is an artist and also teaches art ... and she has lots of tips on how to use these amazing pens.
• I outlined images or partially outlined images and then added water to spread the ink.  If I wanted to add just a touch of colour, I would use a damp watercolour brush to pick up just a bit of colour directly from the tip of the Elegant Writer pen. 
• Once you add water and move the colour around, you must blot with a paper towel and that's when you will see more of the pink and blue colours.  
• As per Karlyn's video, I misted lightly from above to set the ink once I was finished.  Then I could leave my image as is, or add more watercolouring using inks or paints of different colours easily without any bleeding. 

* * * * *

Here's another CAS card using a black heat embossed image with the Elegant Writer pen.  Simple, but so pretty!

This time I used an image from the Create Chaos (Visible Image) stamp set.  Again, I kept it black and white with just a touch of colour from the elegant writer.

Sending this card to Simply Clean & Simple April Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Card #1:

Stamps:  Tree Poem (Stampendous); Many Everyday Message (Hero Arts)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Black (Memento); Elegant Writer
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, watercolour brushes

Card #2:

Stamps:  Create Chaos (Visible Image); Many Everyday Messages (Hero Arts)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Black (Memento); Elegant Writer
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, watercolour brushes)

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Elegant Writer

Simply Clean & Simple April Challenge

Masked Stenciling - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Welcome to a new month at Group of Seven Cardmakers.  The group is having fun playing with new-to-us techniques and products and love sharing our experiences with you.

Please check out the details for the technique on the blog ...

Group of Seven Cardmakers

This month, the Group of Seven have been inspired by an amazing card artist, Pat (Colourful Card Creations)!  Welcome Pat!  Thanks for joining us this month!

I first saw this beautiful card below on Pat's blog.  The Group of Seven were excited to try out this uniquely creative technique.

I have admired Pat's cards and followed her blog for many years.  

Pat's Inspirational Card

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

• The masked shape is part of the design of the card.
• It's important to add the mask first, then add stencil over top before sponging the design.
• To make your masked area pop, sponge a light colour once your mask is in place BEFORE you add your stencil over top.  Then add more sponging over the stencil.    
• I die-cut the curved masks for my designs but you can also hand-cut (or die-cut) any shape you like.

* * * * *

For the card above, I die-cut a curve and used it as a mask over my card front.  I placed a splash stencil  over top.  I thought it worked perfectly as large raindrops falling on my little girl with her rubber boots and umbrella (Rainy Days die - Simon Says Stamp).  I used Zigs to colour the girl's boots, coat and legs, but it was easier to sponge colour (Carved Pumpkin, Ripe Persimmon DIs) onto the umbrella.  I used my white Posca paint pen to add the dots.   I finished with a fun sentiment (retired), stamped in black and heat embossed with clear.

This is the first time using this sweet die (I've had it for a while!).  Sending this card to NBUS Challenge #59.

 

* * * * *

I made a second masked stencil card using a curved mask cut with a snowdrift die. :)  I used the Fading Florals stencil (Simon Says Stamp), sponging with Distress inks (Shabby Shutters, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed, Crackling Campfire).  I used my white Posca paint pen to add a few details to the stenciling and then stamped the sentiment (Gratitude - Penny Black) in more Crackling Campfire ink.

Sending the above card to Seize the Birthday Challenge #278.  No topping this time. :)

* * * * *

... and one more card ...

I first cut two masks from the same curve die.  Placed one over the bottom of the card (for a snowhill), and the second one on the right side of the card as part of the overall design.

For the stencil, I used a tree die (Tree Frame - Gina Marie Designs) that I cut from Yupo.  Yupo is made of plastic and it makes great stencils from dies because it never rips and after inking you can wipe the ink off with a damn cloth or paper towel ... and then it's ready to use again! :)

I used the colours of the rainbow to sponge over the tree stencil (Distress Inks:  Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Fired Brick, Picked Raspberry, Carved Pumpkin, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn ... then a little more of the Salty Ocean).  I removed the stencil and splattered with diluted white acrylic paint and gold acrylic paint.  Once dry, I stamped the sentiment (Believe - Penny Black) in gold delicata ink.

Sending this card to Christmas Craft Creations - Stencils or Embossing Folders.

... and sending it also to Rudolph Days Challenge.  Thanks to Helen for taking over for Maureen!!

I had a lot of fun with this technique.  Thanks for the inspiration Pat!!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Rainy Day Play (Clearly Besotted)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress inks:  Salvaged Patina, Salty Ocean,Carved Pumpkin, Spiced Marmalade (Tim Holtz); Zigs:  Bright yellow, Flesh 
Accessories:   Curve die (My Favorite Things), Splash stencil (Silhouette America), sponges, scrap paper for curve mask;  Rainy Days die (Simon Says Stamp), Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool

Card #2:

Stamps:  Gratitude (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress inks:  Shabby Shutters, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed, Crackling Campfire (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  Fading Florals stencil (Simon Says Stamp), detail sponge brushes, Snowdrift die (MFT), scrap paper for curve mask, white Posca pen

Card #3:

Stamps:  Believe (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Yupo
Ink:   Distress inks:  Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Fired Brick, Picked Raspberry, Carved Pumpkin, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn (Tim Holtz); Delicata Gold Ink (Tsukineko)

Accessories:   Tree Frame die (Gina Marie Designs), sponges, scrap paper for curve masks, white acrylic paint, gold acrylic paint, splatter brush

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Masked Stenciling

NBUS Challenge #59

Seize the Birthday #278

Christmas Craft Creations - Stencils or Embossing Folders

Rudolph Days February Challenge