6/30/2022

ALTENEW: COLOR YOUR DAY, FINAL PROJECT

I couldn't wait to take this class to find out how to use color.  I know, it sounds easy but it can be quite challenging.  The instructor talked about using a color wheel and how it helped her.  

For this first card, I learned about the 70 / 20 / 10 rule.  I used this rule of using light grey (70%), medium grey (20%) and purple (10%) ink color.  It really balances the card and also draws focus at the same time.

Here's how I made them:
  • Using the solid triangle image from the Sohcahtoa stamp set, I stamped it on a piece of cardstock, carefully lining up the corners and using alternating light and darker grey colors.
  • I stamped the flower image from Build-A-Flower Cora Louise Peony stamp set multiple times in purple and grey and the leaves in green.
  • I die cut out the flowers and leaves.
  • Next I stamped the sentiments using Versafine onyx ink.
For the second card, picking two colors that go together is easy but picking three colors that look good and is cohesive is made easier using a color wheel.  I used blue, purple and a golden yellow to create this card.
  • First I stamped the fox and balloon image from the super cute Hug Me stamp set on masking paper and then cut it out and placed it on a piece of cardstock.
  • I then placed a cloud stencil over the masked image and used a blending brush with blue ink to create the background.
  • After peeling off the masking paper, I used alcohol markers to color in my fox and the balloons in varying shades of purple.
  • To highlight the clouds, I pulled out my trusty quickie glue pen and prisma glitter to outline the top portion of each cloud.
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ALTENEW: BEYOND BASIC BACKGROUND, FINAL PROJECT

Ooooo, this class was FUN!  For my final Beyond Basic Background final project, I learned several techniques.  I think my favorites are 1) using a simple single image die cut and creating a stencil background and 2) using a die cut cover die (full card size die cut) to create a mask to use with watercoloring.  Here are my two cards with quick steps on how I made each one.

Single image die cut stencil:
  • Using one die cut flower image from the Altenew Painted Flowers set, I randomly cut out the image in various location from one piece of cardstock, focusing on the top of the card.  My goal here was to create a cascading flower look.
  • Once all flowers were cut out, I masking taped this onto another piece of cardstock to create the card front.
  • Using purple ink and a sponge dauber, I used a lot of color towards the top of the card, lightening the color as I went down the card.
  • Taking the matching floral image, I heat embossed using white embossing powder.
  • Used white embossing powder on the sentiment as well
  • Finished the card with silver thread and sequins.

Die cut cover die mask technique:
  • Using the Tangled Loops cover die, I cut it out of masking paper.
  • I placed the cut out masking paper onto a piece of watercolor cardstock.  (To prepare the watercolor cardstock, I spritzed it several times with water.  This helps it "accept" the color easier.)
  • I smooshed blue ink onto my glass table top and combined it with a little bit of water and painted the card front, focusing on making the top darker and "thinning out" the blue as I went down the cardstock, creating an ombre effect.
  • Die cut the word Thanks from black and white cardstock to make it pop off the vellum strip.
  • Finished the card with sequins.
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6/10/2022

ALTENEW: BEAUTIFUL DETAILS, FINAL PROJECT

I really enjoyed this class because there were several tips on adding beautiful details to your cards (e.g. using a light color to create a shaded area behind your stamped images, splattering ink very softly onto the card, using embossing powder to stamp on watercolor paper provides a crisper, more arty look, adding tiny embellishments).

For these cards, I used the Garden Rose stamp set included in the Craft Your Life Project Kit. This is quickly becoming another one of my favorite Altenew stamp sets.

Stamp Sets used:
Garden Rose
Sentiments/Quotes

Steps:
  • Using a blender brush, create shading behind the stamped images with Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide ink
  • Stamp several roses and leaves on watercolor paper using VersaFine Onyx ink and VersaMark and sprinkle with clear and gold embossing powder
  • With Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide ink + water, use a brush to create splatter on the card base as well as added a little bit of color to the roses
  • Stamp sentiment on top portion of the card
  • Using double sided foam tape, position roses on top of leafs
  • Embellish with clear dots
Steps:
  • Using a light grey ink pad, I stamped the leafs onto the card base
  • I stamped, using 2 shades of blue ink, the rose and then die cut it out
  • Using masking tape, I created a blue shaded border on the right side of the card
  • I used a thin strip of black glitter paper and adhered it next to the shaded area
  • I popped up the rose with double-sided foam tape
  • Added more details to the leaf images using a grey alcohol marker
  • Stamped the sentiment along the top portion of the card
  • Embellished with tiny dots
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6/08/2022

LAWN FAWNATICS CHALLENGE 126 - BEACH VS. MOUNTAINS

I'm jumping into another Lawn Fawnatics Challenge.  This time the challenge is creating a beach or mountain scene. I love how this card came out.

This is the story of two friends who went sailing and were reunited with their favorite mermaid.  They enjoyed a day of swimming and laughing together and now the day is over and they must bid farewell.  Sea you soon, the little mermaid hopes!

Supplies Used (All Lawn Fawn):
Mermaid For You
Smooth Sailing
Tiny Winter Friends
Stitched Cloud Backdrop: Portrait
Stitched Wave Borders
Textured Canvas Cardstock - Blue & Green
Spectrum Noir Tri-Blend Alcohol Markers: citrus, coral, iced grey, aqua, pale pink shades, earth brown shades

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