Experimenting with Markers

Hi everyone.  I sent this off to my dear friend Jules (Crafted by Jules) for her birthday.  Hopefully you'll receive it soon Jules, but for now ... you'll get to see it virtually. :)

Happy Birthday Jules!!

This card is a little experimenting I did with the Watercolour Spritz technique. Usually a silhouette stamp is used for this technique, but I used an outline stamp this time.  I coloured the outline stamp with markers, using colours that I wanted to use for my image, spritzed with water and stamped onto watercolour paper that already had a splash watercolour background done in two shades of yellow distress inks.  Click HERE to see my tutorial on making Splash Watercolour backgrounds.

The images created a wonderful outline for me to watercolour.  I learned that I should use a lighter version of the colours so that they blend into my watercolouring to create a no-line look.  But other than that, I'm happy with how it turned out.  I used a brush and more distress inks to watercolour the petals of the flowers, adding shading to create a dimensional look.  I then splattered lightly with both green and bright orange inks.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Stamps:  Blooming Garden (Penny Black); A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Watercolour panel (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed, Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Festive Berries, Barn Door (Tim Holtz); Old Olive (SU! -- used for the sentiment)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, paint brushes

Snowflakes and Brushos

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing two cards that are very similar.  Different dry embossed backgrounds, but same techniques, stamps and products.

I will keep one for my Christmas card stash and donate the second one.

I used some dry embossed backgrounds given to me by my good friend, Susan.  I think I've had these for a couple of years.  I'm just a little slow at getting to things sometimes. :)  Anyways, I think they make a great background for my snowflake tags.  Lots of white space (which I love), along with some fun products and techniques ... Brushos over top of heat embossing.

Here's the second one ...

I still struggle with photographing anything that is heat embossed ... and silver seems to be the most difficult of all.  Probably being on the vellum banner adds even more challenges for my camera (and me). :)

I used snippets for the tags, snowflake die-cuts and vellum banners, so I'm heading over to play at the Snippets Playground.  Di is back after a fun-filled vacation where she met up with Darnell and several crafting friends.  I'm sure Parsnip is glad she is home. :)

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Snowflake Background (Hero Arts); Handy Christmas Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb); Mixed Media tags (Strathmore 140 lb.); Silver Foil (SU!), Vellum
Ink:  Versamark; Brushos:  Turquoise, Ultra Marine
Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder, heat tool, water mister, silver embossing powder, embossing folder backgroundss (gifted); Marianne snowflake die (Simon Says), white ribbon, silver cording

Challenges:
Snippets Playground - Week 239

No Reply Blogger Notice

Hi everyone.  A few of my blogging friends have recently done posts on a common problem faced by many bloggers.  I thought I'd join them to pass along info on how we can be better connected.

Do you get comments on your blog without a return email address??  Lots of times I get comments from people and it has their name, but the email address is "No Reply Blogger", or it comes in as "via blogger.bounces.google.com".  There is no way to return those comments directly.

I like to followup up with people that send me comments.  Mostly because I really appreciate them taking the time to send me a message, but it also gives me the opportunity to get to know people a little better.  Sometimes it's just to share a mutual appreciation for each other's work, and sometimes it is the start of a good friendship.

Many people that leave comments don't even realize that they come up as "No Reply Blogger".  They assume their their email is being included, but a lot of the time it is not.

If you want to find out how your comments come through to others, leave yourself a comment on one of your blog posts (you can delete it afterwards).  It will send you an email and you can see for yourself if your email address is included.

If your email isn't included you can EASILY change this.  It's in your Blogger Profile.  Open your blogger dashboard (the place where you start posts, etc.) and you will see your profile picture at the top right.  Click on your picture and a drop-down menu will appear, click on "Blogger Profile".  It opens with your profile picture, list of blogs you follow, etc.  At the top right is an "Edit Profile" button ... click on it. It has a list of items with check boxes. Make sure the line "Show my email address" is checked and then hit the "Save" button at the very bottom to save your changes.

A simple fix to keep us all better connected.

Thank you and have a great day!

Stencil Monoprint and More

Hi everyone.  I'm back with more sunflower stenciled cards.  I'm having fun trying all different techniques with my sunflower stencil.  Still have a few more to try. :)

Today is the stencil monoprint technique.  This is where ink is added to the stencil itself.  You can press with inks pads onto the back of a stencil, or use sprays, paints, stains, etc.  Spray with water to activate the inks, then flip it over onto a piece of mixed media or watercolour paper.  Press and blot with a paper towel or cloth to keep the open areas of the stencil free of colour.  After the colour has been pressed into the card, you pull the stencil off and then blot one last time to absorb any excess diluted ink.  This is a way to colour the background of your card front, leaving the stencil image free of colour.

My dear friend, Lee-Anne (Creatively LA) has a wonderful video tutorial on this technique.  Click HERE to watch ... you'll be so glad you did as she explains the technique and shows a few different products that you can use.

I used three colours of distress inks for my monoprint (squeezed lemonade, abandoned coral and worn lipstick), sprayed with water, pressed onto watercolour paper and ended up with this beautiful print.  All that was added was a stamped sentiment in brown ink, which was clear heat embossed to make the colour a bit stronger.  Easy and quick card to make.


Here's a stepped-up version ...

I used the same three inks, but must have sprayed more water as they blended and combined so you mostly see the coral colour.  After it dried, I added the stencil back over top and lined it up with the image from the print.  I spread a layer of embossing paste and let it dry.  It adds a lot of depth and texture to the card front.  This time I added a vellum banner with white heat embossed sentiment.

Hard to photograph this card as it is so light ... but (hopefully) you can see the texture.

Two ways to stencil monoprint, the first card using just the negative of the stencil ... and the second card using both the negative and positive.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Sentiment (Cosmos - Technique Tuesday); Sentiment (The Big, the Bold, the Happy - Winnie & Walter)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Watercolour paper (gift from my friend Christine)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Squeezed Lemonade, Abandoned Coral, Worn Lipstick, Vintage Photo); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Mini Joyful Sunflower stencil (The Crafter's Workshop); water mister, Embossing Paste (Dreamweaver), palette knife, clear embossing powder, white embossing powder, heat tool

My Favourite Colours

Hi everyone.  Playing along with this week's JUGS Challenge #352 - Coral, Yellow and Pink.

If you've followed my blog for a while, you know that this is my favourite colour combo.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! :)

Last Saturday when I had my friends Susan and Christine over, I showed them how I've been saving my inky paper towels that I use for mopping up leftover ink after making a card.  I hang them over the drawer front of a small cabinet to dry.  I have them saved in colour families ... one for yellow, orange, pink ... and another for green and blue.  Once they are dry, I reuse them to mop up even more ink, until they start leaving ink behind when cleaning up.  That means they are full and ready to use to make backgrounds.

Here's a picture of how I have them drying ...

I used the top one for the background of today's card.  The colours show more orange and pink, but there is yellow ink in there too. :)

I placed the dry paper towel over a piece of mixed media paper (works with regular card stock too - use less water, and watercolour paper), sprayed with lots of water and then pressed with my fingers to get a random design.   The ink transfers through to the card stock and so does the design of the paper towel, which adds lots of visual texture.

If I want a more consistent design, I found pressing with an acrylic block on top ... or using a brayer works well.  Click here to check out my earlier card using this same background technique.

Then I just added two die-cut flower sprigs in black, along with a white heat embossed sentiment on black banner.  Super easy card to make.

I used snippets of black paper for my die-cuts and banner, so I'm heading over for some play time at the Snippets Playground.  Di is away this week, so Parsnip is in charge.  I'm sure there's lots of shenanigans going on there this week! :)

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Stamps:  A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media card front (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Left over distress inks:  squeezed lemonade, mustard seed, spiced marmalate, ripe persimmon, picked raspberry (Tim Holtz) ... or a combination of some or all of them
Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, Flower Frolic die (Penny Black),

Challenges:
JUGS Challenge #352 - Coral, Yellow and Pink
Snippets Playground - Week 238

Sponged Stenciling and More

Hi everyone.  Sharing two more sunflower stenciled cards using sponging over a stencil.  The first one  (above) is just sponging ... simple.  I used distress inks and then added a fun sentiment from Lawn Fawn to finish.  Easy, peasy one layer CAS card.

Here's my second version ... with a slight difference ...

The second one is sponging as well, but there's a little more to it.  This has been dry embossed first using the stencil, and then sponged afterwards.  LOVE this subtle embossing, but it's hard to capture in a photo.

For dry embossing with stencils, here's the "sandwich" that works for me with my Big Shot ... (Open to Tab 1 on platform, cutting plate, stencil taped to card front ... stencil facing down, silicone mat, Sizzix Textures impression pad).

I left the stencil and card front taped together while I sponged over the sunflower. Looks very similar to the card above, but in real life you can see the raised design of the sunflower and it adds just a little something extra.  I took a close-up shot, but not sure you can really see the difference ... trust me, it looks very cool. :)  I added another "sunny" sentiment ... who knew that I had so many different ones??!! :)

Just another couple of ways to use a stencil.  I hope you are enjoying all the different ways I'm using this stencil.  It's been lots of fun and I still have more ways to try. :)

I'm entering this into AAA Cards #69 - One Stash Favourite Challenge.  I do love to play with stencils. :)

Hope you are all having a great day.  Thanks so much for dropping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Sentiment - Sunny Skies (Lawn Fawn); Sentiment - Sweet Summer Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Distress inks:  Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain (Tm Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Mini Joyful Sunflower stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), sponges, Big Shot

Challenges:
AAA Cards #69 - One Stash Favourite

In the Studio with Susan and Christine

Hi everyone.  I spent yesterday with my crafting friends, Susan and Christine.  We played with all different stenciling techniques.  We all love to work with stencils, so it was fun to try out some new things, revisit some old techniques, and just have fun getting inky. :)

Susan also brought her sweet new puppy, Tessa.  She is so adorable and was good as gold while we made cards.  Below is a picture of Tessa taken by Susan about a week ago.  :)  Isn't she precious??!!

I used one of my card fronts from yesterday's play day to create the card above.  I cut this cityscape with my Cameo using acetate to create my own stencil.  The stencil was placed on top of a piece of mixed media paper and then pressed firmly with a Versamark pad to coat all the open areas of the stencil.  Black embossing powder was sprinkled over top and heated until melted.  Then more fun with spraying water on the card front and sprinkling on Brushos.  I kept adding more colour and spraying more water until I was happy with the background.  To finish, I flicked large droplets of water onto the sky using my fingers and blotted up with a paper towel.  The splatters add lots of visual texture to the sky.

Turns out this will fit four challenges - YAY!

I'm entering the card above into AAAChallenge #69 - One Stash Favourite.  Playing with Brushos is one of my favourites things to do, and the colours for the night sky are definitely the focal point of the card.  This is such a great challenge!!

... and entering at CAS-ology #206 - ART.  I think this looks like a piece of art. :)

... and also playing along with CAS(E) This Sketch! #181.  I moved the sentiment to below my focal point.

... and entering at Inkspirational #113 - Photo Inspiration. See the cityscape on the bottom cake layer??  Perfect! :)

I'll be back soon with more cards made from our day of playing with stencils.

Thanks so much for dropping by for a visit!

Stamps:  A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah); Mixed Media card front (Strathmore 140 lb. - 400 series); Black (SU!)
Ink:  Versamark; Brushos:  Turquoise, Ultra Marine, Purple
Accessories & Tools:  Cityscape stencil cut with my Silhouette Cameo, Black embossing powder, heat tool, water mister

Challenges:
AAA Challenge #69 - One Stash Favourite
CAS-ology #206 - Art
CAS(E) This Sketch! #181
Inkspirational #113 - Photo Inspiration

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

Hi everyone.  Today is my dear friend Bonnie's (Stamping with Klass) birthday. Happy Birthday to you Bonnie!!  Wishing you the best birthday ever, my friend!

Here is the card I sent her and thankfully, she received it on time.  I just never know what's going to happen with the mail delivery between Canada and the U.S. :)

For this card, I started with the background.  I had smooshed up some left over blue ink to create the first layer.  Then I used a monoprint of this leafy vine stencil using brushos (turquoise, lime green and leaf green).  Happy how it turned out.

The daisy die-cut is also a NBUS (never-before-used-schtuff) for me.  I bought it because I saw both Bonnie and my friend Linda (Life in the Craft Lane) make gorgeous cards with it.  I HAD to HAVE it! :)  I die-cut two for each flower on the card, colouring them with my Zig markers.  Then I shaped the petals, cut off the stem from one of the flowers, and layered the flower head over top of the other to create some depth and interest.  I repeated for the second flower.

A simple white frame, stamped with Happy Birthday using the same Zig markers I used for my flower stems, and the card was ready to assemble.

My CAS Mix Up card has stamping, colouring using zig markers, die-cutting, smooshing and stencil monoprint with Brushos ... so I'm heading over to CAS Mix Up July Challenge - Markers.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, and if you have time, please drop by and wish Bonnie a happy birthday!

Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes (Stampin' Up!)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Brushos:  Turquoise, Lime Green, Leaf Green; Zigs (Kuretake)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Mini Climbing Vine stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), Bashful die (Penny Black), stylus and mat for shaping, Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up July Challenge - Markers

Tropical Breeze

Hi everyone.  I tried a different way of using markers for this card.  Nothing new, just new to me.  I used an acrylic block, scribbled with five different distress markers starting with the lightest colour at the bottom, misted with water and then pressed mixed media paper on top.  I'm really happy with the background.  To me, it looked tropical, so I stamped a silhouette palm leaf on top.

This is my reminder card for CAS Mix Up July Challenge - Markers.  The challenge is open all month, so there's lots of time to play along.  We already have lots of amazing entries.  Come join in the fun!

Since this has a tropical feel to it, I'm entering it into The Heart's Desire Challenge #2 - photo inspiration and/or sketch.

I used the photo inspiration, picking up on the tropical feel.  This challenge was just started recently by The Heart's Desire, an on-line stamp supply retailer.  My good friend, Toni (Frankie Helps Craft) is on the Design Team.  I was just blown away by the gorgeous card she made for this challenge ... along with all the other Design Team cards --- just so much wonderful inspiration.  I had to play along.

And I'm also playing along at Virginia's View Challenge #22 (Summer Challenge) - All About Colors.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!



Stamps:  Breezy (Penny Black); Sentiment - Painted Butterflies (Altenew)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Ink Markers:  Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Acrylic block, water mister, white embossing powder, heat tool, paint brush for splattering, black acrylic paint (Liquitex)

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up July Challenge - Markers
The Heart's Desire - Challenge #2
Virginia's View Challenge #22

DIY Stencils

Hi everyone.  I've been busy cutting out stencils with my Silhouette Cameo in preparation for a Stenciling play day this weekend with a couple of crafty friends.

Today I'm using one of the stencils I cut to create two Brusho snowflake cards.  I first placed the stencil over my card front and sprinkled with three colours of Brushos and then sprayed lots of water.  I took a monoprint (second card), where the background is coloured (see card near bottom of post).

I still had ink on my stencil after taking the two prints so pressed it into my mat, sprayed with more water, and splashed the colour onto my background of my first print (above), using my Splash Watercolouring technique.

I doodled around the outline of the snowflake with a silver metallic pen and heat embossed the sentiment in silver.  I used my clear Wink of Stella to add a bit of shimmer to the snowflake. Hard to see the shimmer in the photo above, so here's a close up ...

For the monoprint card below (using the leftover ink on the stencil from above, flipping it over onto mixed media paper), I doodled an outline in black and also added wink of stella to add shimmer.  A black banner with white heat embossed sentiment finishes the card.  Two cards from just one sprinkling of Brushos. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Card One - Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R); Card Two - Christmas Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Card fronts - Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. - 400 Series)
Ink:  Brushos:  Turquoise, Ultra Marine, Purple; Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Snowflake stencil cut with Silhouette Cameo, Silver Embossing powder, White Embossing powder, heat tool, silver metallic marker, fine point black marker

Ghosting Technique Video Tutorial

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a video tutorial on the Ghosting Technique (sometimes called Faux Bleaching or Water Stamping).

I used three different types of card stock, along with three different types of colouring mediums to show the variety of looks you can get with this technique. They all start with a dry, inked background, and then the "ghosting" can begin.

Below the video is a detailed written description of the ghosting technique.  All three cards in this post are made from the backgrounds done in the video.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch the video.  You can watch it on YouTube by clicking HERE.  I'd appreciate a "thumbs up" if you find it helpful. :)  Thank you!

The first segment of the video is ghosting using distress inks (see card sample above).  Since the background is sponged (no water used), you have the option of using regular card stock, watercolour paper or mixed media paper.  I used regular card stock (Neenah 110 lb.) for the card above, randomly sponging with two colours of distress inks.  Distress inks work really well for this technique as they react well with water.

Once you have your inked background, the ghosting technique is always the same. Add water, let sit for 10-15 seconds, and then remove with a paper towel.  You can use a stencil, stamp or just flick water.


IMPORTANT TIP:  If using a stencil, make sure to remove the stencil quickly after spritzing with water so the stenciled images stay crisp.  If the stencil is left on the wet surface for long, the water seeps underneath the stencil and blurs the images.

* * * * *

Ghosting with Watercolour Sprays on Watercolour Paper

For the second card, I used watercolour paper saturated with two colours of watercolour sprays.  You can use watercolour paper or mixed media paper for the sprays.  Regular card stock will not hold up with all the water content of the sprays.

It is important to use "freshly" made backgrounds when using watercolour paper for this technique.  Pulling out one from a stash will not work well.  Not sure why, but assume the ink absorbs into the watercolour paper and over time becomes permanent.

Again, just added a stencil over top, spritzed with water, removed stencil right away, waited for the water to activate the inks (10-15 seconds) and blotted with a paper towel.  The watercolour paper will be wet after the ghosting technique.  As it dries, the contrast between the background and the ghosted images becomes greater.  You are left with a subtler ghosting image when using watercolour paper.

* * * * *

Ghosting with Brushos on Mixed Media paper

Here's the third card from my video.  This time I started with Brushos (3 colours) on mixed media paper.  You could use watercolour paper or mixed media paper with Brushos, but not regular card stock.

I just flicked some water onto the dry, inked background, left it for 10-15 seconds, and then blotted up with paper towel.  You can see the large bleached splatters in the background.

Because I used Sponging to create my blue and brown background, I'm entering the first card into the Just Us Girls Challenge #351 - Sponging.

Thanks for dropping by for a visit!

Create without Fear card:
Stamps:  Subway Art Buiders Create (STAMPlorations)
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Black (gifted to me by my friend Christine)
Ink:  Distress Ink:  Peacock Feathers, Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Sponges, Clock stencil (Tim Holtz), water mister, Copper Frantage Embossing Enamel (Stampendous), heat tool

Leafy Hello card:
Stamps:  The Big, the bold, the happy (Winnie & Walter)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Watercolour sprays made from Liquid Watercolor Concentrate (Dick Blick)
Accessories & Tools:  Leafy stencil cut with my Silhouette Cameo), water mister, white embossing powder, heat tool, Rose die-cuts (gifted to me by my friend Bonnie)

Sunset Silhouette card:
Stamps:  Effulgence (Penny Black); Sentiment - Where your heart is (Simon Says)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. - 400 Series)
Ink:  Brushos:  Lemon, Orange, Brilliant Red; Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Black embossing powder, heat tool, Black acrylic paint and Gold acrylic paint for splattering (Liquitex)

Challenges:
Just Us Girls #351 - Sponging

Heat Embossed Sunflower

Hi everyone.  Another card made with my new sunflower stencil.  I'm having lots of fun playing. :)  Check out my two earlier cards using this stencil HERE and HERE.

This time I started with a watercolour spray background I had in my stash.   I first used my anti-static bag to go over the front panel of my card.  Then I placed the stencil over top, and pressed with my Versamark pad.  Clear embossing powder was poured over top, and the image was heated until the embossing powder melted.

Love how it gives just a little more colour to the image.  Very subtle, but pretty.  I couldn't capture the shine from the embossing powder on my whole card photo above, so I'm sharing a pic below that shows some of the shine.

Tomorrow I'm going to move on from my new stencil for a little while.  I'll be sharing something completely different.  Make sure to come back and check out my latest video tutorial.  See you then!

Stamps:  Sentiment - Best Thoughts (Stampin' Up!)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Mixed Media card front (Strathmore 140 lb. --- 400 Series; Black (SU!
Ink:  Watercolour sprays from liquid concentrate in yellow, orange and magenta (Dick Blick; Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Mini Joyful Sunflower stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), embossing buddy, clear embossing powder, heat tool, white embossing powder

Ghosted Sunflower

Hi everyone.  Back again today with another sunflower stencil card.  I'm having a lot of fun figuring out different ways to use my new stencil I received as a gift from Bonnie.  And I used a fun word die for the sentiment, sent to me by my friend Barb. I'm so spoiled!  :)

Yesterday I shared THIS CARD, using the stencil with a sprayed background and Brushos to colour the sunflower.  Today I have a more delicate image of the sunflower, done by sponging the background with two distress inks (spiced marmalade and worn lipstick), then using the ghosting technique to remove colour to create a soft and subtle design.  Another fun way to use this stencil and I'll have more to share soon. :)

Again, playing along with Time Out Challenge #61 - Inspired by Words ("Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine").

Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps:
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick (Tim Holtz
Accessories & Tools:  sponges, Mini Joyful Sunflower stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), water mister, Smile word die (Penny Black)

Challenges:
Time Out Challenge #61 - Inspired by Words

Sunflower Stencil

Hi everyone.  Playing again in my studio today.  I just received this gorgeous sunflower stencil in the mail ... a gift from my dear friend, Bonnie (Stamping with Klass).  Thanks Bonnie!!

I am trying out a few different ways to use this amazing stencil.  First up, I used a lightly watercolour sprayed background to start.  I placed the stencil over top, sprinkled with Brushos and then spritzed with water.  Love how it turned out.  Click HERE to see a video of the technique I used.

I added a sentiment and then popped up the main panel on my card base.  Easy and fun card to make.

I'm playing along with the Time Out Challenge #61 - Inspired by Words ("Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine").  The timing for getting this stencil was perfect! :)

Also playing along with STAMPlorations July CAS Challenge - Anything Goes with optional Twist:  Orange. :)

Stamps:  Sunny Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. hot press)
Ink:  Watercolour sprays made from Liquid Concentrate - Yellow, orange, magenta (Dick Blick); Brushos:  Orange, Terra Cotta, Light brown; Distress Ink:  Walnut Stain (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Mini Joyful Sunflower stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), water mister

Challenges:
Time Out #61 - Inspired by Words
STAMPlorations July CAS Challenge - optional twist: orange

Floating Alcohol Inks

Hi everyone.  A while ago I had a day where I tried out the Floating Alcohol Inks technique.  I made lots of different combinations of colours, using leftover pieces of glossy card stock.  Click HERE to see a card I posted earlier using one of those backgrounds. This technique produces a marbled look --- very cool!

Fast forward 9 months later ... I still have a big stash of these backgrounds.  Just so happens that my good friend, Karen is running a challenge on Splitcoaststampers using this fun technique.  Here's a link to Karen's Floating Alcohol Ink card.

So I pulled out a FAI background from my stash, placed the clock stencil from Tim Holtz over top and sponged some vintage photo distress ink.  Mounted my piece onto foam and popped it up on my card front with a simple stamped sentiment. Easy, peasy ... and another CAS mixed media card is done. :)

I need to delve into that stash more often. :)

Since I used a snippet of glossy to make my background, I'm heading over to Snippets Playground for some fun!

And dropping in to play at Simon Says Wednesday where Anything Goes this week.

Have a great day!

Stamps:  Fun Birthday Sentiments (Happy Little Stampers)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); glossy card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Alcohol inks:  red, blue, yellow, brown (Ranger); Distress Ink:  Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Clock stencil (Tim Holtz), sponge

Challenges:
SCS Technique Challenge - Paper Marbling - you must be an SCS member to join in the challenges
Snippets Playground - Week 236
Simon Says - Anything Goes

Experimenting with Liquid Pearls

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a second Christmas card I made for Merry Monday Challenge #211 - Blue, Gold, White / Silver.

I experimented with liquid pearls after seeing this awesome post by my friend, Maria (reislingmama).  Seriously this girl always comes up with wonderful new ways to use a product.  Maria used the technique to make her background for her card.  I decided to make it my focal point.

I followed her technique, first adding pearl drops to my card front, then spread with my fingers.  Then I added a bit of gold liquid pearls, again, spreading with my fingers.  I wanted to add blue, but didn't have that colour, so made my own by combining the pearl (white) liquid pearl with some peacock feathers re-inker.  It mixed really well and I ended up with a very saturated colour of turquoise, which was spread on top, along with a few drops of silver glitter glue. :)  I dried my card front with my heat tool, and then die-cut the large snowflake from Stampin' Up! Happy with my experiment ... thanks again Maria for such a fun idea!

I popped up the snowflake over a snow embossed background (embossing folder borrowed from my friend Susan, so I don't know the name).  Then stamped the sentiment onto a strip of card stock and adhered along the bottom.

I'm including a close up pic you can see the shimmer and sparkle from the liquid pearls and glitter glue ... along with some great texture.

Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps:  Christmas Greetings (Stampin' Up!)
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Peacock Feathers Distress Ink (Tim Holtz) (both ink pad and re-inker)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Snow Flurry die (Sizzix for SU!), liquid pearls (pearl and gold), silver glitter glue (SU!), heat tool, snow embossing folder (from Susan)

Challenges:
Merry Monday #211 - Blue, Gold, White / Silver