Stenciling over Heat Embossing - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  This month at Group of Seven we are playing with this fun technique that combines two techniques (heat embossing / stenciling) to create unique cards.

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 ...

• The best backgrounds for this technique are words, script, etc.  Other small design backgrounds work well too.
• White embossing of the background design is beautiful and soft.  For a stronger contrast, use coloured embossing powder.
• Intricate background designs are not suited for coloured embossing as the stenciling over top doesn't stand out.

For the above card I started with the Crackle Background Stamp (Simon Says Stamp), stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.   Placed the Tumbling Leaves Stencil (Simon Says Stamp) over top and using small blending brushes, sponged randomly with three colours of Distress Inks:  Peacock Feathers, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade.  Once I was finished, I lightly swiped over the stenciling with a dry paper towel to remove any excess ink that was sitting on top of the heat embossing (resist).  A large die-cut hello sentiment is cut three times from black card stock, glued together to create a thick embellishment, and then coated in crystal glaze.

Close-up ...

I'm sending the above card to Stencil Fun October Challenge - optional theme Orange.

I wanted to try out a few more pairing of heat embossed backgrounds and stenciling so here's what happened ...

The above card uses Dream Background from Unity, stamped and heat embossed in clear, before sponging over the Butterfly stencil (Visible Image) with Distress inks Salty Ocean and Wilted Violet.

Sending the above card to Triple B (Birds, Blooms & Butterflies) October Challenge.  I didn't use the optional mood board this time.

... and a Christmas card ...

This time I used the En Francais stamp from Stampin' Up! for the background, inking with White Pigment ink and heat embossing with white.

I placed a stencil of a poinsettia (cut from my Silhouette) over top and sponged on colour (Distress Inks: Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Candied Apple).  To finish, a sentiment (Snowglobe Sentiments - retired - My Favorite Things) was stamped in more of the Mowed Lawn ink.  

Sending this over to Rudolph Days October Challenge where Anything Christmas Goes.  Thanks Maureen!

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Crackle Background (Simon Says Stamp)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Versamark; Distress Inks:  Peacock Feathers, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool; Tumbling Leaves Stencil (Simon Says Stamp), small blending brushes, hello die (AliExpress), Crystal Glaze

Card #2:

Stamps:  Dream (Unity)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  White Embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Butterfly Stencil (Visible Image), sponges

Card #3:

Stamps:  En Francais (retired - Stampin' Up!); Snowglobe Sentiments (retired - My Favorite Things)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   White Pigment Ink (Hero Arts Unicorn); Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Candied Apple (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  White embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool; sponges, acetate sheet, Silhouette Cameo for cutting stencil, Silhouette America cut file, silver metallic pen

Challenges:

Group of Seven - October - Stenciling over Heat Embossing

Stencil Fun October Challenge

Triple B October Challenge

Rudolph Days October Challenge

Penny Black - Radiant Red

Hi everyone.  Today's cards feature a stamp from the Penny Black Christmas release (Radiant Red - 40-903).  This is a gorgeous poinsettia image that is fun and easy to watercolour.

This is my first time using this stamp, so I'm sending the above card to NBUS Challenge #55.

... and I'm also sending it to Penny Black Saturday Challenge - September, where Anything Penny Black Goes.

For the card above, the outline image is stamped off-the-edge onto mixed media paper.  I heat embossed the image in white and watercoloured using Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany.

The sentiment (Full of Christmas 30-734)  is stamped with black ink.  To finish the card, I splattered with diluted white acrylic paint ... there's a bit of a snow storm going on with this card. :)

Close-up ...

And I've created a second card using the same inks and white embossing, but this time I used vellum.  The embossed image is on the front with the watercolouring done on the back of the image.  I have sandwiched the vellum between two pieces of white card stock, both with a circle die-cut in the center.  

I added a foiled sentiment using the Xmas Classics (15-004)  and some silver foil.  You simply rub the design onto your card, burnishing the sticky design, lay your foil over top and burnish again.  So simple and quick to do! :)  The sentiment looks black in the photo above.  I wasn't able to get a photo, but trust me, it's lovely and shiny silver foil. :)

I'm sending this card to Merry Little Christmas Challenge #52.

Penny Black Products

Radiant Red (40-903)

Full of Christmas (30-734)

Xmas Classics (15-004)

* * * * *

Just a quick note that I added a new tab (Sketches) at the top of my blog of some of my favourite sketches I use when making my cards.  These sketches are Clean & Simple designs and I use them a lot (with slight variations to keep things more interesting).  I've also included small photos of several cards that I've made using each sketch with links to the original blog posts.  I hope you find this useful. :)  

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Radiant Red (Penny Black); Full of Christmas (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Versamark; Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   White Embossing Powder, heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, diluted white acrylic paint, splatter brush

Card #2:

Stamps:  Radiant Red (Penny Black); Xmas Classics (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Vellum
Ink:     Versamark; Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   White Embossing Powder, heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, diluted white acrylic paint, splatter brush, Circle die (Spellbinders - retired), silver foil (decofoil)

Challenges:

NBUS Challenge #55

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - September

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #52

Stencil Fun!

Hi everyone.  The other day I watched a 5-minute card video by Gina K called Magic Masking Strips with Stencils.  I really like the design of the card she made so I decided to try it for myself.  I basically copied Gina's card.  It was a fun and easy card to make.

I used three stencils (Flourish Layering by Tim Holtz; Crisscrossed Stencil by STAMPlorations; and Bubbly by Kaisercraft ) along with three colours of distress inks (Salvaged Patina, Mowed Lawn, Mermaid Lagoon).  To finish the card, I added a die cut sentiment (Painted Thanks - Simon Says Stamp) in black and coated with three coats of melted UTEE.

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

I wanted to try another card using softer colours of ink and changing up the design.  I came up with this CAS design ...

With lots of masking, I used the Flourish Layering Stencil (Tim Holtz) only for this version.  And I used Salvaged Patina distress ink again, along with Saltwater Taffy (my FAV distress ink colour!).  This card makes me happy.  :)

I could see me making more of these, changing up the stencils, colours, and angles of sections. :)

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Thank you.

Stamps:  

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Salvaged Patina, Mowed Lawn, Mermaid Lagoon (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Masking tape, 3 Stencils:  Flourish Layering (Tim Holtz), Crisscrossed stencil (STAMPlorations), Bubbly (Kaisercraft); blending brushes, Painted Thanks (SSS) die-cut, UTEE

Challenges:

August Stencil Fun Challenge

Lovely Letter - Penny Black

Hi everyone.  I had fun creating this cheerful birthday card using Penny Black's Lovely Letter stamp.  

I started by stamping in Coffee Archival Ink and then watercoloured using distress inks (Saltwater Taffy, Abandoned Coral, Shabby Shutters, Salvaged Patina, Peacock Feathers, and Gathered Twigs).  I added a few dots of design to the teacup using my white acrylic Posca pen, then sponged around the outside of the image with more of the Shabby Shutters distress ink.  Happy Birthday was stamped in the "card" (from the same stamp set) to complete the card.

Close-up ...

I'm sending this to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge for August, where they are looking for one layer cards.  Not something I make often, but happy how it turned out. :)

I'm also sending this card to Seize the Birthday #267 - Anything Goes (I didn't do the topping this time).

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Thank you.

Stamps: Lovely Letter (Penny Black) 

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Coffee Archival (Ranger); Distress Inks:  Saltwater Taffy, Abandoned Coral, Shabby Shutters, Salvaged Patina, Peacock Feathers, and Gathered Twigs
Accessories:   watercolour paint brushes, white acrylic pen (Posca), sponge brush, black permanent marker

Challenges:

PBSC August Challenge - One Layer Cards

Seize the Birthday #267 - Anything Goes

CAS Challenges August Reminders

Hi everyone.  Back to reminder you that we are half way through August.  There's nine days left to play along with our CAS Mix Up August Challenge - Stamping Through Stencil.  Jenny is hosting this challenge and I've had a lot of fun looking through my stencils to see what would work with stamping.  Another great way to stretch the use of some of our stencils!!

Jenny is our host.

I used a stencil that I made with one of my heart dies.  Placed it over my card front panel and secured with tape before lightly sponging with Antique Linen distress ink.  I sponged darker around the edges.

Stamped the image, Rose Teacup (Stampendous) in versamark ink and heat embossed with Liquid Platinum embossing powder (Ranger).  The roses and berries are watercoloured with distress markers, Candied Apple and Mahogany; the leaves are watercoloured with distress marker Peeled Paint.  The card is finished with a sentiment from an AliExpress stamp set, stamped in Candied Apple ink.  

Close-up ...

We have been so lucky to have two very talented Guest Designers with us this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the amazing cards from our Guest Designers, Bobby (bits and pieces) and Michele (I Card Everyone).  Also check out the beautiful reminder cards from our talented Design Team.

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And here is the reminder card for CAS Christmas August Challenge - Decorations.  This is a cute image from Gerda Steiner (Little Reindeer).  I love how the reindeer has decorated his antlers! :)

Cathy is our host.

Used a new-to-me embossing folder to add a frame of embossed snowflakes to the background.  Stamped the reindeer in black and heat embossed in clear, then watercoloured with zigs.  Added cheeks using red chalk and white Posca pen, shine on the his nose and the stars is Crystal Glaze.  Tore a piece of white card stock for the snow hill and added clear wink of stella to the torn part to add some shimmer.  The sentiment (Merry Messages - Lawn Fawn) is stamped in Candied Apple Distress Ink.

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I hope you'll check out the challenge blogs to see the amazing cards from our Designers, Guest Designers, and participants.  If you haven't had time to play along, there's over a week left before both challenges close on 24th at midnight PST.  Come join us!

CAS Mix Up Reminder - sending you love
Stamps:  Pop Rose Teacup (Stampendous)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White Card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Antique Linen distress ink, Distress Markers:  Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany, Peeled Paint (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Heart stencil (cut from die); Liquid Platinum embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool), sponge, Watercolour Paint Brushes (Round #2 & #4); Snowflake Oval Frame embossing folder (Simon Says Stamp)


CAS Christmas Reminder - Merry & Bright
Stamps:  Little Reindeer (Gerda Steiner); Merry Messages (Lawn Fawn)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Real Red card stock (Stampin' Up!)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Zigs; Candied Apple Distress ink
Accessories & Tools:  Snowflake Embossing Folder, paint brushes, Clear Wink of Stella, red chalk, white Posca Pen, Crystal Glaze (Nuvo)


Challenges:
CAS Mix Up August Challenge Reminder - Stamping through Stencil
CAS Christmas August Challenge Reminder - Decorations

Lovely Flowers

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful stamp set from Stampendous - Lovely Flowers.  These images are so quick and easy to work with.  I stamped the jar in black ink and heat embossed in clear.  Added some masking tape to the top of the jar and stamped the flowers over top (again in black ink and heat embossed in clear.  Watercolouring these fun, whimsical flowers is a dream! :)  I used distress inks for the flowers and then added a grounding with gray dye ink at the bottom.  I love the choice of sentiments and how you can mix and match them.  I have one more stamp set that I'll share with you soon.

Close-up ...

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Product Links

Lovely Flowers (Stampendous)

Stamps:  Lovely Flowers (Stampendous)

Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Black (Memento); Distress Inks:  Abandoned Coral, Squeezed Lemonade, Cracked Pistachio, Wilted Violet, Salty Ocean (Tim Holtz); Smoky Slate (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, paint brush, masking tape

The Flower Challenge #57

Hi everyone.  Today is the start of The Flower Challenge #57 - CAS!  For my card, I used a digital image provided by our Sponsor - Joy Clair Designs.  These flowers are so fun to watercolour!

I printed the design onto Mixed Media paper and then set the ink with my heat tool.  I used Distress Inks (Mowed Lawn, Peacock Feathers, Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Crackling Campfire) to watercolour the image.  I added a little sponging through a simple tiny circle stencil (Mini Tiny Circles stencil - The Crafter's Workshop) with more Mowed Lawn ink to add something for the background.

Close-up ...

We are thrilled to have Rachel (Rachel Alvarado Designs) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the beautiful CAS cards from our Designers and our wonderful Guest Designer, Rachel.

Product Links

Floral Joy - Digital Stamp (Joy Clair Designs)

MiniTiny Circles Stencil (The Crafter's Workshop)

Stamps:  Floral Joy (Joy Clair Stamps)

Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Crackling Campfire, Mowed Lawn, Peacock Feathers (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   water brush, Mini Tiny Circles stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), sponge, white Posca acrylic pen

Challenges:

The Flower Challenge #57 - CAS

Twofer Challenge #27

Hi everyone.  Today I'm playing along with Twofer Challenge #27 - Flowers.  You all know how much I LOVE flowers, so I couldn't miss this! :)

I used a stamp that I've had for AGES, but don't believe I've ever used on a card before.  So I'll be sending this first card to NBUS Challenge #14.

I stamped my hydrangea on a post-it note and fussy-cut to create a mask.  I stamped my first image in the center (bottom) of a piece of mixed media; topped that image with my post-it mask, and then stamped on either side of the center image to have the flowers go all along the bottom of my card.

I watercoloured the hydrangeas with distress inks, stamped a simple sentiment, and added a little bit of white with my gel pen to finish the card.

Close-up:

For my second card, I stamped the same hydrangea image onto mixed media paper and again watercoloured with distress inks.  I cut a stitched square aperture in my card front, adding the watercoloured image to the background.  A simple sentiment finishes the card.

I hope you'll join in the fun at Twofer, creating two different designs using the same stamp, die or stencil.  And if you use something new (or old but unused), come add your card to the NBUS gallery!

Stamps:Floral Bouquet (Avery Elle); Special sentiments (Penny Black); Where your Heart is (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Black permanent (Versafine); Distress Inks:  Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry, Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools: paint brushes, white gel pen, Stitched Square die (AliExpress)

Challenges:
Twofer Challenge #27 - Flowers
NBUS Challenge #14

August Rudolph Days

Hi everyone.  Time for the August Rudolph Days Challenge that runs each month from the 25th to end of month.  I've been playing along each month, building my stash of Christmas cards. :)

Before I get to the details of how I made this, I want to apologize for not getting around blogland to visit and comment, and I don't see it getting much better in the near future.  A couple of days after bringing Jessie home, a renovation was started on my house.  Not the best timing, but happy it is happening!  My house is now a construction zone which takes up time and is very challenging with a puppy!  Today the contractors are not here ... and Jessie was tired and needed a nap.  My chance to get a card made. :)

On to the card ... quick and easy (or clean and simple). :)  Won this Square framed Joy die from Memory Box and this is the first time using it.  I LOVE IT!  So simple, yet elegant.  I cut four and layered them together with glue to create a thick die-cut.  Added three glitter snowflakes to create a white-on-white card.  Happy with the results.

Close-up ...

Not easy to photograph an all white card with glitter, but did my best.  This would be a good design to make several for my stash and for donating.

Jessie's slept the whole time I was making my card, so that was a bonus! :)

* * * * *

Ozzy and Jessie (and Jeremy)

Went for a doggie playday at my mom's the other day.  My nephew just adopted a sweet Springer Spaniel pup, named Ozzy.  This is their second time together playing.  They took a break to cuddle with Jer.  Aren't they adorable together??

Violeta (Jer's dog - my granddoggie) was there too ... she's so pretty!

Violeta

Paper:  White card stock (Neenah); Iridescent glitter paper (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Joy Journal Frame die (Memory Box), Small Snowflakes dies (Impression Obsession), small pearl

Challenges:
August Rudolph Days - Anything Goes Christmas