Red & Kraft

Hi everyone.  I'm starting out 2025 with some Christmas cards using new-to-me gifts from Christmas!  Today I'm playing with a new die (Glorious Poinettia - Memory Box).  I cut the flower from mixed media paper and then sponged colour over top (Real Red and Baked Brown Sugar inks - SU!).

The background uses the Splash Watercolouring technique to create an artsy backdrop for this pretty poinsettia.  The sentiment (Christmas Messages - Hero Arts) is stamped in more of the Baked Brown Sugar ink.

I made this card specifically for the Color Hues Challenge #101 - Red & Kraft.  Love this colour combo!!

Since this is a new die, I'm sending this card to a couple of more challenges, NBUS Challenge #70 and Die Cut Divas January Challenge - Something New.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Christmas Messages (Hero Arts)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Real Red, Baked Brown Sugar (both from Stampin' Up!)  
Accessories:   Glorious Poinsettia die (Memory Box), sponges, water mister

Challenges:

Color Hues Challenge #101 - Red & Kraft

NBUS Challenge #70

Die Cut Divas January Challenge - Something New.

Penny Black - Dignified, Refresh, Ascending

Hi everyone.  I had a play with three new Penny Black dies (from the latest release):  Dignified, Refresh (second time posting a card with this fun die!), and Ascending.  I made the cards with the same technique, print making with die-cuts (click link for Group of Seven post on this technique).

Starting with Dignified (51-821), I cut two of the leafy stems from mixed media paper.  I coloured both with Distress Inks: Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn.  I misted one lightly with water and pressed the coloured side onto a mixed media panel, making a print with the die-cut.  A second panel with print was made for the inside of the card.  The second die-cut was added to my front panel over top of the print. 

I cut the front panel down and added it to a black card stock base.  I stamped "Happy Birthday to you" (Super Day (31-044) Penny Black) in black ink.  All three cards use sentiments from the same stamp set.

Close-up ...

* * * * *

Next, I followed the same steps with Refresh (51-817).  This time I used Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Saltwater Taffy, and Abandoned Coral.  I added two prints to my card front, using just the flower heads.  I adhered the die-cut flowers to the front of my card panel over top of the print background.  A simple sentiment "Wishing You a lovely day" (Super Day - Penny Black) was stamped in Abandoned Coral distress oxide ink.  I used a white Posca pen to add white centers to the flowers.  And I used the extra cut and coloured flowers for the inside of the card. :)

Close-up ...

* * * * *

For the third card I used Ascending (51-820), this time I used Distress Inks Salvage Patina and Wilted Violet; then misted with water and flipped it over, pressing it onto a mixed media panel to create a print.  I repeated the process to add a second print onto the same card front.  I stamped a simple "Have a beautiful Birthday" (Super Day - Penny Black) with Villanous Potion distress oxide ink.

Close-up ...

I'm sending the cards to the following challenges:

IDEAS Challenge - "D" is for Dies / Die-cuts - all three cards!

NBUS Challenge #63 - Cards 1 and 3 (first outing for both Dignified and Ascending dies)

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - June - Card 3

 

  

Thanks for stopping by!

Penny Black Products

  

Dignified (51-821)                       Refresh (51-817)                    Ascending (51-820)  

 

Super Day (31-044)

Stamps:  Super Day (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Saltwater Taffy, Abandoned Coral, Salvaged Patina, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz); Distress Oxides:  Abandoned Coral, Villanous Potion (Tim Holtz); Black ink (Memento)
Accessories:   Penny Black dies:  Dignified, Refresh, Ascending; water mister

Challenges:

IDEAS Challenge - "D" is for Dies / Die-cuts

NBUS Challenge #63

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - June

Twofer Challenge #32

Hi everyone.  It's the start of a new challenge at Twofer (#32).  This month's challenge is ...

The challenge is to create two different silhouette cards for two different occasions, using the same stamp, die, or stencil.  Please make sure to take a photo of your two cards together and use that as your entry to the gallery.

This is such an easy and fun challenge.  There are so many wonderful silhouette images (surprise ... I chose flowers!) -Just Because (Uniko). :)  For my first card, I masked off the card front with removeable tape, then sponged three colours of Distress Inks to create a colourful sunset.  I stamped the flower image in black, having it slightly outside the box.  The simple sentiment is stamped in black as well and then I used a black fine liner to add a few dots for interest.  This card is a great way to say hello to a friend or it could be used for many other occasions.

My second card uses the same beautiful flower image Just Because (Uniko) (a gift from a sweet friend).  I started by creating a fun watercolour background with just two colours of Distress inks (Abandoned Coral / Mustard Seed).  I smooshed, splashed and dragged my mixed media paper through the diluted inks until I was happy with how it looked.

Next I stamped the silhouette image and sentiment in Versamark and heat embossed in white.  I love the soft colours of this card.  Such a contrast to the dramatic colours above (which I love too!) :)  This is a great encouragement card.

Twofer Challenge #32 is open for two weeks, closing end of day October 24th.  I hope to see you in the gallery!

Stamps:  Just Because (Uniko); Essential Sentiments (Maker's Movement)
Paper: Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Picked Raspberry, Mustard Seed, Abandoned Coral (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Removeable Tape for masking, sponges, Black Micropen .1

Stamps:  Just Because (Uniko); Essential Sentiments (Maker's Movement)
Paper: Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Abandoned Coral (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools: water mister, white embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
Twofer Challenge #32 - Silhouettes

CAS Mix Up July Challenge

Hi everyone.  Today is the start of the CAS Mix Up challenge for July and it's all about Stenciling!  Nancy (scandinancy creates) is our host and she wants us to do some stencil tracing.  Basically you do your stenciling, and then with the stencil back over the image, outline it using any pen colour you want ... or outline the stenciled design free-hand.

The above card starts with a bright yellow splashed background.  Click HERE to see my video on splash watercolouring.  The stencil image is from Silhouette America and it is cut with my Silhouette Cameo machine using a piece of acetate.  I sponged through the stencil and once dry, went over the stencil again with a coating of matte gel (clear).  It makes the colours more vibrant.  Outlining was a bit of an issue with the gel, so I ended up outlining around the outside of the gel, rather than using the stencil as a guide.  It worked well.  A black sentiment banner with white heat embossing finishes the card.

My card has Splash Watercoloured Background, Stenciling, Sponging, Embossing Gel, Stencil Tracing, and Heat Embossing.  Whew!  That's a lot on a card that is still CAS. :)

Close-up ...

We are so happy to have THREE Guest Designers this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see Greta (GG Creations), Sandie (London Days), and Kia (Kia's Art Bits) wonderful Stencil Tracing cards and the lovely cards from the rest of our Designers.  I know you'll be inspired to give this a try!

Products
Birthday Blowout (sentiment) - Poppy Stamps
Poppy Field cut file - Silhouette America (Donna Downey)

Stamps:  Birthday Blowout (Poppy Stamps)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  More Mustard, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Peeled Paint, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Spring flowers stencil (cut wtih Cameo), acetate, sponges, Clear Matte Gel (Goldens), Black Micropen, White embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up July Challenge - Stencil Tracing

CAS Watercolour November Challenge

Hi everyone.  We have a fun challenge for our last challenge of the year.  This month is hosted by Karen (Snippets).  She wants us to watercolour with only one colour.

Using black or white for sentiment only, is allowed.  Otherwise, stick to shades of the same colour.  I do love smooshed and splashed backgrounds.  This was easy to make with three shades of distress inks (broken glass, salty ocean, chipped sapphire).

Once dry, I placed a wildflower stencil over top and sponged more chipped sapphire ink.  Stamped the sentiment in the same colour.

Close-up ...

We are so happy to have Birgit (Rapport fran ett skrivbord) as our Guest Desiger this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see Birgit's Monochromatic watercoloured CAS card, along with the cards from our talented Designers.  Then come play along.

This will be our last challenge of the year.  The Designers are taking the month of December off to relax and rejuvenate before all the amazing challenges coming up in 2020.

* * * * *

Jessie discovered it's fun to play with the toilet paper roll. :)

Lots in the bedroom, and bits all down the hall (didn't take pic of those),

and finally, the cardboard roll in the center, all chewed to little bits

and left in the family room. 

 

Last picture is Jessie sitting on the top of the love seat (she does

this all the time), looking innocent. :)

Stamps:  special sentiments (Penny Black)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White car base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Broken Glass, Salty Ocean, Chipped Sapphire (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, Wildflower stencil (Tim Holtz), sponges

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour November Challenge - Monochromatic

CAS Christmas October Challenge

Hi everyone.  It's the start of the October challenge for CAS Christmas.  Luckily I've been making Christmas cards all year and my stash is almost big enough.

This month's challenge is hosted by Susan (Cardmaker's Garrett) and she chose ...

I had some fun making this card.  I used four different die-cuts along with some smooshing, watercolouring and stamping part of a sentiment.  Also used coloured card base again, which I really like with this scene.

The background blue is smooshed and was sitting in my stash, just waiting for the right card.  I used a large line of tree die, splashing with two shades of green distress inks.  The line was cut in half, so I have another to make a second card.  The snow was a die-cut from Susan that had the word "winter" attached to it.  The shape was just right, so I cut off the letters.  All the parts were glued together and then splattered with diluted white acrylic paint for some falling snow.

I also used a small wreath die that had a tiny deer, cutting it off to add just in front of the trees ... it was just the perfect size.  The last was the die-cut square with MERRY attached.  LOVE it!  I masked a sentiment stamp to just use "Christmas" and heat embossed in white.  All these dies and sentiment were NBUS until today. :)

Close-up ...

We are excited to have Lyn (Lyn's Paper Petunia) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge post to see Lyn's and our Designers fabulous Winter Scene cards.  Then come play along!

Stamps:  Christmas Sentiments (Gina Marie Designs)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Island Indigo (Stampin' Up!)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Salty Ocean, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools: Line of Trees die (AliExpress); Deer from wreath die (AliExpress), Merry Frame die (Poppy Stamps); white embossing powder, heat tool, white acrylic.

Challenges:
CAS Christmas October Challenge - Winter Scene

CAS Watercolour December Challenge

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the last CAS Watercolour challenge for the year.  This month is being hosted by Bonnie and she chose ...

NOTE:  December challenge will run Dec. 2 - 15

Thank you!

I started with a splash watercolour background done on mixed media paper in tumbled glass distress ink.  I stamped the bluebell image onto the background with waterproof black ink.  Heat set to make sure it was dry and then watercoloured with zigs.  Used two shades of blue and one of green to colour the image.  Cut a backing for my panel that was 1/2" longer and stamped the sentiment in black and then adhered my watercoloured panel on top.  Popped it up on foam onto my card base for further dimension.

While I was at it ... I thought why does this have to be bluebells??!!  There are lots of other flowers that have similar petals, so I watercoloured a second one in orange.  Used another splash watercolour background on mixed media paper, this time in peacock feathers.  Stamped the image with the same black ink and watercoloured with zigs.

Here's a photo of the second card ...

I personally like the orange card better because of the contrast of the orange on the blue background (complementary colours).  Which one do you like better??

We are thrilled to have our Guest Designer Michele (I Card Everyone) joining us for our last challenge of the year.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the beautiful Thank You cards from our Designers and wonderful Guest Designer, Michele.

Then come join us.  The challenge closes at midnight Dec. 15th.  Hope to see you in the gallery!

Stamps:  Happy Together; Banner Sentiments (Penny Black)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series); White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Versafine; Zigs (Kuretake); Tumbled Glass and Peacock Feathers Distress inks for backgrounds
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, water brush

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour December Challenge - Thank You

Smile

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a fun card using this adorable octopus die that I just received from a sweet friend!!

Isn't it cute??!!  You just have to smile when you see the expression on his face.  I only made the background yesterday, which I die-cut for the octopus, but already can't remember what I used.  Seriously, this is scaring me a bit.  I have been SUPER busy on the computer with lots of admin work which takes concentration, but only a day to forget.  Geesh!  I think it was smooshed distess inks and if so, most likely mowed lawn and peacock feathers. :)  I used a stylus to shape his head and tentacles.

Luckily I made the rest of the card this morning, so it's fresh in my mind.  Background is made with the splash background technique using just peacock feathers distress ink.  A quick video on how to make this quick and easy background is HERE.  For the seaweed, I die-cut from the same piece as the octopus, but wanted it to be darker green so sponged mowed lawn ink over top.  To add a bit of "shading" I used the edge of my sponge in a few places ... lots of ink on the edges of sponges. :)  I stamped the sentiment in the same green ink.

Here's a close-up ...

When making this card I realized I don't have any sentiments that are "ocean themed".  Looks like I need to go shopping again. :)

Have a great day and hope this made you smile!

Stamps:  Believe (AliExpress)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series); White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Distress inks:  Mowed Lawn, Peacock Feathers (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Willow branch die (AliExpress); Octopus die (AliExpress), stylus, black marker

August Rudolph Days

Hi everyone.  I'm playing along with Rudolph Days.  The challenge runs from the 25th to end of month and it's always Anything Goes - Christmas.

I made this card using a snowflake dry embossed card front sent to me by my dear friend Bonnie.  Have to say that I've had this for a LONG time.  I put it away in a safe place. :)  I just found it the other day, so wanted to use it for today's card.

This was dry embossed onto Mixed Media paper.  I used the Splash Watercolouring technique (click link for video) with Brushos to make the background.  I love the randomness of this technique.  I love how the turquoise and ultra marine colours have lots of pigments .. you can even see a bit of purple.

Once it dried, I took a metallic silver pen and went along the tops of the dry embossed image.  It turned out pretty well considering my hand sometimes is not very steady. :)  I cut the panel down to size to just show a portion of the snowflake image.  I popped up the image on a piece of foam and added a silver embossed black banner to finish.

Here's a close-up ...

I had so much fun making this, I did a second one that I will donate.  My stash of Christmas cards is already well underway with over 60 cards done.  I do love to make Christmas cards! :)

Why don't you build your stash and come play along at Rudolph Days.  Maureen is the host and she is super friendly as are all the participants.  It's a fun place to be!

Stamps:  Snowglobe Sentiments (My Favorite Things)
Paper:  Mixed Media paper; White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Black (SU!)
Ink:  Brushos:  Turquoise, Ultra Marine
Accessories & Tools:  Snowflake embossed image (gift from Bonnie - unknown origin), water mister, silver metallic pen, silver embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
Rudolph Days August Challenge