"Creative Watercolor Media"

For my first card, I used the "Scalloped Ornaments" Stamp set as well as the "Elegant Swirls" stencil.  It is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", top folded, on "Neenah Solar White" cardstock

For the stenciled panel I ink blended pinks and yellows, which, where they overlapped, gave me some subtle orange/peach colors.  I then covered the entire panel with "Versamark" ink and heat embossed with a clear glittery embossing powder.  It has an interesting texture, kind of like sandpaper. 

For the image, I stamped in "Versamark" and then heat embossed with fine white embossing powder.  Then I cut out the images with the coordinating die.  To color the images, I used my 24 pan set of "Altenew's" watercolors.  I chose soft pastel colors for this.  

The sentiment is from the "Best Sentiments" stamp set.  Which reminds me.... I have no idea where I put that set.  I must go on a hunt!

The stenciled panel as well as the flower image were popped up with foam tape for added dimension.

My second card is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and side folded.  The base is "Neenah Solar White" and the image is on "Canson XL" watercolor paper.  

I stamped the image and the sentiment from the "Paint-A-Flower, Sweet Pea" stamp set.  I used what is called no line water coloring.  I started off with "Rangers Antique Linen" for the main image so that I would not have a bold line.  This ink is usually able to blend into whatever you are water coloring so that you don't have a coloring book look with a bold line.

I ended up using both my "Altenew" 24 pan set as well as the "Altenew" Metallic watercolor set.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set.  Then to finish it off, I flipped it over and scored a frame all around the edges before adhering it to the card base.

For my final card, 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" top fold, the card base is "Neenah Solar White" and for the first panel I used "Canson XL" watercolor paper.  

To begin, I used the "Leaf Clusters" stamp set and placed them randomly around on the watercolor paper using my "Misti".  I then wet the entire watercolor paper, inked up the stamps and placed onto the wet paper.  I did this several times and waited for it to dry.  Once dry I filled in the negative areas with a pale yellow watercolor wash.  After that was dry, I put the panel back into my " Misti" and stamped again, over the puddled yet dry image.  It kind of reminds me of a shadow after I had stamped the images onto the dry watercolor paper.  

The sentiment is from the "Halftone Smile" stamp and coordinating die sets.  Both the watercolor panel and the "you make me" sentiment is popped up with foam for added dimension.  To finish it off, I splattered some gold paint randomly across the card.

Thanks for looking!

"Beyond Basic Backgrounds"

I love this, it gives me a chance to start with the background and then I add the stamps.  More times than not, I pick my stamp set first and then go from there.

My first card uses the "Leaf Clusters" stamp and die set.  This size of the card is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4", top folded and "Neenah Solar White" cardstock for the base and panels.

I first ink blended my panel using "Distress Oxide" inks.  I then did the water bleaching/baby wipe technique with the stamps randomly in my "Misti".  I did this several time, however I still had not achieved the look I was going for.  I then stamped a flannel background image with "Hero Arts -Unicorn" ink and then heat embossed with a fine detail clear embossing powder.

The sentiment is also from the "Leaf Clusters" stamp set.  The leaf was cut out in green cardstock using the coordinated die set.

Both the leaf and the main panel is popped up with foam for added dimension.  To finish off the card I added some faceted flat back baubles.

For my second card I ink blended an Ombre look in blues to green.  I then used the "Layered Medallion  B Stencil" and "Unicorn" effect paste by Finnabair. 

While that was drying I die cut out of vellum the large image from the "Dodec Star" die set.  I also heat embossed the silver panel several times to build up a nice fluid silver.   The sentiment is from the "Painted Greetings" stamp set.  All were layered flat except for the sentiment panel, that was popped up with foam tape.  To finish this card off I added some faceted, flat backed jewels.

My final card was quite the mishmash.  It measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" top folding on "Neenah Solar White" Cardstock.

The background panel was created with acrylic paint and gel plates.  The die cut layer is from the "Tangled Loops" cover die.  On it, I did some simple ink blending, then added gold ink in various places.  Once adhered to the background, I flicked metallic blue acrylic paint as well as gold ink all around.

I have no idea what stamp set the sentiment if from (please let me know if you know what it is) but I do know it is from "Altenew".  Anyway, it was stamped with "Versamark" ink and then heat embossed in fine detail silver embossing powder.

For a very subtle embellishment, I coiled up some silver thread and placed it behind the sentiment, which was popped up with foam.

 Wow!  I have been on quite the hiatus.  With going out of state without any papercrafting supplies, and then having major surgery with complications, I am finally back!

My first post from Level two of the AECP course is "Beautiful Details" By Marika Rahtu.  She does some amazing detail work.  Mine certainly were not at her level.  Something to strive for.

In this card I used a couple of the leaf stamps from the "Marbled Boom" stamp set.  I used the same ink with my fresh new flowers.  To get the variances in shade I would ink up and stamp several times before I re-inked.  This card is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" top folding on Neenah Solar White cardstock, then mounted with foam tape on a dark plum cardstock which was then mounted onto the card base.  The sentiment is from one of my favorites....."Seasonal Blooms" the first layer (black) I used the coordinating shadow die and the second layer (detailed) I cut out of shiny gold cardstock.  To finish it off I gave the card some splatters here and there . This card is very mellow compared to other cards I usually make.  At first I hated it, but it has grown on me.

For my second card, I used Prismacolors on the back of vellum cardstock.  This card is 5" x 5", top folding.

  I stamped the image from the ""Build a Garden Magnificent Branch" set. To make it visible to me, I stamped it in "Versamark" ink and then heat embossed with a fine clear embossing powder.  That became the back of the image and I colored on the now reversed side (the side that is not heat embossed) which will be facing up.

The sentiment is from the die that is from the "Seasonal Blooms" stamp and die set cut out of shiny gold cardstock. The flower, leaves and sentiment are flat mounted onto "Neenah Solar White" cardstock which was then mounted with foam tape onto the card base.

Thanks for reading!

 I have now completed all of the Level One Final Assignment!

As I stated previously, One set of masculine and one set of feminine cards.

I am glad I was able to finish the masculine cards first so I did not have the added pressure and feeling of impending doom hanging over me.  I did not want to do six cards all with the same set, I felt I could make a cohesive collection using three, but staying within the same colors.  That was my focus, using those colors in different ways or techniques.

But, I did not know what feel I wanted to go with.  Bright and whimsical, or classic shabby chic.  I chose shabby chic.  Finally I paired that down by choosing the colors that inspired me based on the fabric that I was covering my presentation box with.

To represent the classes, I chose "Let it Shine",  Easy Ink Blending Techniques, and Irresistible Inking Techniques.  I knew I was going to watercolor, use masking, foiling, die cutting, layering and a lot of bling.  All cards are to have "Neenah Solar White" cardstock for the base.

For my first card I used Altenew's "Nature Blossoms" stamp set.  It is a top folding 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  I started with the background.  On "Canson XL" watercolor paper I began with the "Nature Blossoms" coordinating stencil, using the "Distress Oxide", "Bundled Sage" ink I blending the various leaves making a background pattern, then taking the line image stamps from that set and "Distress Ink" in the same color, I stamped each leaf image.  Next, using the "Bundled Sage" ink I added some watercolor washes throughout the panel, just to soften it.

I could not decide if I wanted gold or silver embossing powder, so I tried both.  The gold won.

Both the flower and many leaves were first heat embossed with the gold embossing powder, then watercolored and die cut.  I arranged the variety of leaves and the blossom onto another panel.  Both the flower and the panel are popped up using foam for added dimension.  The "warm wishes" sentiment is from the "Heartful Sentiments" stamp set and is also popped up with foam.  To finish off this card I glued down both sequins and rhinestones.  I love the layout of this card and will definitely be using it again.

Using the same "Nature Blossoms" stamp set I created my second card.  It is side folding 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  Using "Canson XL" watercolor paper I stamped my first flower in the center using the "Hero Arts Contour Ink" for no line coloring.  I had to make both leaf and flower masks in order to layer up the images.  

I wanted this card to have a soft airy look to it.  The sentiment is die cut from one of my favorite sets "Seasonal Blooms" in a soft pink.  The entire panel is popped up with foam and finished off with rhinestones throughout.

For my third card I changed stamp sets and used Altenew's "Wild Rose", another delicate flower blossom.  This card is top folding 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  I first stamped the flower and leaves with "Versamark" then heat embossed with gold powder.  Next, I stamped each layer to show the depth of the images and die cut each.  Before I adhered the cut out pieces, I first stamped what I wanted the card to look like in black ink so that I could place the images correctly while also leaving the black and white images.

  I ended up covering up most of this stamped area with my die cuts. I placed the leaves down and then popped up the rose with foam.  The sentiment is from the "Say it With Love" stamp set and also embossed in gold embossing powder. 

 I have a tip for you.  When setting up stamps in your "Misti" or other type of stamping platform, use a quilters grid.  I purchased a package of sheets (maybe 4 in a pack) of this heavy duty plastic with a grid that is just like the grid on the cover of the "Misti".  I then cut it the same size asthe stamping area of my "Misti".  I also have a full sized sheet (I think it is about 9" x 11") for my 12" x 12" "Misti". 

 Anyway, I lay the grid down OVER the cardstock that I am going to stamp on, I then line up the sentiment on the grid lines.  I am able to line it up both horizontally and vertically.  I then close the lid, picking up the stamp and just peel away the grid from the stamp.  Perfect alignment!

  I finished the card with both sequins and rhinestones.  

I really liked how easy it was to lay down my images having stamped them first onto the panel.

My fourth card uses the same stamp set, but it has a bit of contemporary twist to it.  Foiling!  the card is also a horizontal top folding card measuring 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  I started of on my first panel using "Deco Foil Duo" paste and the "Elegant Swirls" stencil.  The "Deco Foil Duo" gets very sticky once dried making it a great way to add foil.  Using my "Brutus Monroe" scribble foil I ran it through my "Minc" on heat setting 3, the ran it through my switch, just to make sure it was evenly stuck down.  I love the magic when you peel away the foil and the design is revealed.

The Leaves and flower are both watercolored.  I was sure to stamp the outline in "Versafine" ink to assure that the black did not bleed into the watercolor.  I think that even though the layout is basically the same as my third card, it has a totally different emotion that is evoked.  Plus, I think just the simple adding of more leaves changes it up.  

Before I die cut my elements I sprayed shimmer all over the cardstock.  I made the shimmer out of "Tsukineko Frost White" ink.  This is so cheap to make and yields stunning results.  All you do is fill your mini mister up with rubbing alcohol and then add a drop of the ink, close it up and shake.  The shimmer does not wipe off like shimmer powders do.  They also make an ink called "Champagne Mist" which has a soft golden rose look to it. 

 The sentiment is from the "Sentiment Strips 3" set and is heat embossed in silver embossing powder.  This panel, the rose and the sentiment are all popped up with foam. 

My fifth and sixth card uses the "Regal Beauty" stamp set.  This next card actually has three pieces that are popped up each time.  It is also a horizontal top fold measuring 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  The first layer I stamped a background using the "Leaf Clusters" stamp set and then running it through my "Switch" and the "Dotted Tile" debossing cover die.  I used my "Frost White" shimmer spray all over the background for a subtle shimmer and popped up the layer. 

 I feel that the "Regal Beauty" flowers have amazing depth in the many stamping layers.  I cut it out with the coordinating die.  I feel the simple popped up white rectangle was a great way to showcase the focal point.  The bloom is also popped up, and I cut the "hello" sentiment from the almighty "Seasonal Blooms" die in shiny gold cardstock.  I finished the card, like the others, with sequins and rhinestones.

For my sixth card I first cut out my square so I could later pop it up.  I then ink blended "Spun Sugar Distress Ink" in an Ombre effect on the rest of the panel, and then splattered watered down ink and the "Frost White" ink sporadically around.  Lastly on that panel I sprayed water to lift some of the ink with a paper towel then I spritzed my shimmer spray as well as the white cut out.  For the flower I stamped it in all of it's layers, but with the leaves I only stamped the solid stamp and then watercolored the rest.  Leaves and flower also received the shimmer spray.  The "Happy Birthday" sentiment is from the "Simple Sentiment 3" set.  Only the square and the sentiment are popped up with foam.  This card was finished with little half pearls and rhinestones.

Now onto the packaging!  I used the same pattern as the masculine box but certainly learn a few things from the first one some technical and some aesthetic.  I actually used the same fabric as the masculine box, however I had sewn the embroidered on tulle fabric onto the cotton.  I ended up using INVISIBLE thread!  Yeah, I'd say, it was so flippin' hard to thread the needle and bring up the bobbin.  I don't know if I will ever use that again!  Now I know.

The box was wrapped in the same fashion using the PVA glue except for the sides, I ended up taking the triangle pieces up over the lip of the box and adhered them that way.

  I lined the inside of the box with a coordinating patterned paper and also created a little step up tray to raise the contents up.

  For the lid I covered the fabric edges on the lid with pink satin ribbon.  For the ribbon I actually used "Fabri-Tac" glue.  This stuff is so strong and sets so fast.  It also stinks like crazy.  Be sure to use in a well ventilated area.

  This box also has the postage stamp pocket and pen.  To close it, I set an eyelet in the box and an eyelet into the lid and used the same satin ribbon tied into a bow.

This was a fun project!

Thanks for looking.

 I survived!  I did not think I would.

 After completing all the classes in Level One for AECP there is a final challenge.  The assignment was to create both a masculine and a feminine card set that is cohesive and package it.  There were very specific requirements.  When I read what I had to do, my heart sank.... I HATE making masculine cards; They are such a huge struggle for me.

After a brief internal battle in my mind I decided I had to "just do it"!  I started an outline of sorts, brainstorming my ideas.  Some were good and others, not so much.  

I first decided that I wanted an industrial, grunge look, but also clean.  Rusted metals came to mind.  And I should do geometric and right angle images.  Finally, I choose a triangle using Altenew's "Trigonometry" set.  

Next, I needed to choose which of the classes I wanted to highlight in my project.  

I chose:  Easy Die Cutting Techniques

               Easy Ink Blending Techniques

               Let it shine

My brainstorming ideas were put to paper so I would have a rough outline.

I knew that I wanted each card to have a matching blended backgrounds, for that, I chose "Distress Oxides" blended on bristol board.  I love how smooth bristol is and ink blending is so simple. 

I also decided to make my own watercolor cardstock using "Lindy's Magicals".  I chose the Enchanted Forest collection since it reminds me of rusted and patinaed metals.  It looked like a hot mess!  I loved it!

In an earlier post I explained that "Lindy's Magicals"  are a a powder that is basically white and once water is added, the magic happens and it turns into vibrant color.  I shall take a detour and explain that in case you don't know this, it is actually best to tape your watercolor paper down before you add water (especially with large and heavy paper).  I have some coated Masonite boards that are cut down to accommodate large pieces of paper that I use specifically for this purpose.  Not to mention, you can easily move the board out of the way while it dries.  I use painter tape to adhere my paper to the boards for easy removal.  OK, back to my process, I actually used the powders wet and brushed it all over, then flung more powder here and there.  I then sprayed the entire watercolor paper with my fine water mister.  It puddled in areas and some were down right flooded.  The flooded areas I mopped up a bit with paper towel.  This is what it looked like after spraying it.

After it dried, I decided it needed even more, I went back to painting it on.  

This is a close up of the finished piece (what is left of it, after making my cards).

In some areas the powder did not dissolve all the way and it other areas it was on super thick.  Both of these gave it a great metal texture, yet also awesome shimmer and shine.  I made it a point to use some of this new cardstock incorporated into each card.

For additional "shine", I heat embossed, foiled, and added metal brads and staples.  Very manly!

Now, onto the cards!  All cards are mounted onto "Neenah Solar White" cardstock and all are ink blended using the "Distress Oxides", Brushed Corduroy, Pumice Stone, Stormy Sky, and Peacock Feathers. 

For my first card, this is where I chose which triangle which I wanted to use throughout the series.  I chose the bold outline triangle.  The card is top folding, 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

On my blended panel I stamped the triangle in a waterfall pattern and then black heat embossed.  The sentiment "Congrats" is from Altenew's "Sentiments & Quotes" stamp set.  I must say, Altenew has some great sentiment only sets.  The stamped sentiment is mounted onto a piece of my "rusted metal" paper with antiqued brass brads, then popped up with foam for added dimension.  I cannot tell you how hard it was for me to get rolling and finish the first card.  I had many attempts and none "felt" right.  Once I got this one finished I prayed the others would be easier to design.  They were.  Hmmm, maybe I changed my attitude and decided I would make this fun.  Yes, I think that was it!

For my second card I knew I wanted to use a cover die, but was not quite sure how I wanted to execute it.  I ended up with a series of progression.  The left panel I die cut a stencil and used embossing paste colored with "Lindy's Magical" powder, nope.  The middle panel I used the stencil I made and some "Deco Foil Duo" paste.  I placed some "Brutus Monroe" foil, thinking that the pattern was all scratchy looking and that it could look manly.... NOPE!  Too much bling!  Obviously my third try was the one that I used.

My second card is also top folding 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I started by cutting my blending layer into two pieces.  The bottom was mounted onto the card base and the upper part was run through my "Switch" using Altenew's "Lattice" die.  Diamonds/triangles, hey, right angles.  I am onto something!  I then lined up and adhered the die cut up with the bottom so that the blend is continuous.  The sentiment banner is from the "Sentiment Strips" stamp set and popped up with foam.  I finished the card off with making a vertical double banner out of my rust paper, attached together with mini staples, and then cutting strips of my metal paper for the bottom portion of the card.

My third card idea went for a bit of a ride before I decided on how I wanted it.  Here, you can see my various experiments.

The panel on the left was "Lindy's Magicals" powder dusted onto the embossing folder, misted with water, and then run though the "Switch" using Altenew's "Linked Ovals" 3D embossing folder.  Then I remembered that they were going to all have the blended base panel.  That was OK, I thought it looked horrid anyway.  The middle panel was what I was going for, but the bristol ripped too much.  Finally, by the third attempt (which was the final card) I misted the BACK of the panel with water before putting it through the "Switch" which resulted in the fibers of the cardstock breaking down a bit so it was not under as much pressure.

This card was super simple.  Top folded, 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I blended, embossed (even though there were no triangles at least it was a geometric folder), rust cardstock strip, which is adhered with super sticky double sided tape, and then the sentiment popped up with foam and from the "Sentiment Strips 3" set.

At this point, since I am half way through my cards, I am going to have a brief intermission.  I have been making journal and art books for the last year and I have discovered that the tape adhesive was (A.) not staying for long periods of time and (B.) was leaching onto the front of the cards showing horrid yellow tape lines.  Therefore I now use, almost exclusively, a PVA glue.  PVA glue is water soluble, no odor, cost effective, super holding power, fast drying yet allows you a little wiggle room in case you did not line something up just right and does not warp the paper and dries clear.  I buy it in a huge bottle and then pour it into a tiny needle opening bottle.  I can thin it out and use it with a paintbrush if I want , this also has no added warping to by cardstock and paper.  Not to mention... I know it will not yellow.  This is what I buy.  I get it from Amazon.

Intermission is over.  Onto number 4.  I love doing these mosaics! 

Top Folding 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I chose the Altenew "Kaleidoscope A" cover die for this.  The cool thing about these dies is that when you use them as an inlay, they are like a puzzle that you get to put the pieces where you want.  I cut out both my blended layer and a white layer but kept all the positive pieces from the blended cardstock.  Left with a white frame and a pile of colored pieces, I then mounted the frame onto the base and started piecing in all the little triangles and other geometric shapes into the negative spaces using my PVA glue in a fine needle tipped bottle.  The "Many Congrats To You" is from the "Sentiment Strips" stamp set which is mounted onto the metal paper and popped up with foam. 

By this time I have certainly found my Mojo!  Card five, top folded 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I stamped out many triangles with a glue ink pad then placed silver foil on it and ran it through my "Minc" using the number 3 setting.  It was not a real crisp foiling attempt.  Normally I would have had some choice words coming out of my mouth, but this was awesome!  It looked aged and rough.  I loved it!  I then watercolored each triangle using the same colors as my blended panels but I used "Distress Inks".  I followed the same pattern for each triangle that I used with the blended layers when laying down my watercolors.

  To incorporate my metal cardstock, I cut strips/banners and randomly laid them down horizontally at different angles.  I fooled around with angles and straight horizontal with my strips.

  Once again, I waterfalled the triangles but left one out so that I could pop it up with foam.  When adhering each triangle, I made sure to not put adhesive on the downward point so that I could slightly curl each one up.  The sentiment "You're Amazing" is from "Sentiment Strips".

My final card of this collection is top folding, 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  My one and only horizontal card.  I stamped and heat embossed six triangles then ink blended each triangle individually, then cut out.  I arranged each triangle to make a large hexagon.  Each triangle is popped up with foam and mounted onto a single square of  my "metal" cardstock.  The "Happy Birthday" sentiment is from Altenew's "Sentiment Strips 3" set. 

When I was done I had to laugh at myself.  I had psyched myself into an overwhelmed mess thinking there was no way I would come up with anything.  I certainly proved myself wrong.  I am quite pleased with how this turned out.  But, there was still the packaging of this entire collection!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do before I even had planned out my cards.  

A stationary gift set! 

 This was going to be a set that, I'm assuming a female, would buy and have on their desk full of cards ready when the time is needed.  There would be envelopes, a pen, and stamps all in the box just waiting for the perfect time to be mailed out.  Back to brainstorming.......

I decided that it was going to be pizza box style, covered in fabric, taller than a pizza box so more cards could be placed in, or recycled to store other items.  The closure still has me pondering though.  I used mat board for the structure.  I cut it and scored it with a utility knife and metal ruler.  The dimensions are 10" x 7" x 3" height.  I ended up creating a little removable riser at the bottom of the inside of the box so the cards are not lost within the depth.

I corner rounded the front flap edge and then chose a soft cotton fabric that is neutral and has a subtle marble pattern to it.  To adhere it, I used my PVA glue which I placed in a glass jar with a lit that fits well and added some water to it, thinning it down so that it is slightly runny and spreads easily with a paintbrush.  This glue is strong enough to adhere fabric to the mat board permanently.  I found it helpful to start at the bottom and then work my way around, using binder clips to hold in place while drying if needed.  This glue makes it easy to stretch the fabric smooth so you don't have to iron it first, as you can see in the following photos.... all wrinkly.  No problem.

I ended up lining the inside with kraft cardstock, put baker's twine around both the cards and the envelopes, made a pocket for the stamps on the inside of the lid and wrapped in tissue paper (which was awful wrinkly, sorry about that).

and then sealed with a gold wax seal.

To finish this post off.... I am going to share what my desk looks like after a major creating session.  I just keep pushing stuff back until I eventually have only a 6" x 6" area to work.  Organized chaos, I say!  Anyone else have this problem? 

In all honesty, I was not done yet, but this was so bad I had to stop to put some things away.

Thanks for looking!