The Leaves of Autumn…

All my life, I have enjoyed autumn. As I child, playing in a pile of leaves was exciting. As a young adult, a walk through the wooded areas around our home was a little more romantic in the autumn, especially with someone special. Those romantic memories are still being made today. Oh yes, I am a hopeless romantic who loves the feel of autumn.

The card I am presenting today was featured on my FaceBook video recently. I wish I could take credit for the idea but I was influenced by a video article on the Rubber Stamp Tapestry, September newsletter by Desiree Kuemmerle. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8S3g5FIDWA&t=317s.)  So, I thought I would share both her ideas and mix in a little of mine.

  

Cut Cardstock:

White – For base card, cut 1 sheet to 10.5” x 6.25” and fold to 5.25” x 6.25”.

For top layer, cut a second white sheet to approximately 4.25” x 5.25 “

For middle layer, cut either the Olive or Burgundy to 5” x 6”

For leaves, cut one of each color cardstock to 4.25” x 5.25 “

The Blending:

There are a lot of different blending applicators on the market these days. The blending brush I’m using was purchased on Amazon.

For the cardstock layers and colored leaves, using the blender brush in a circular motion, I lightly blended the edges with Copper working from the outer edge inward. Top layer white you may want to add a blush of any of the inks.

For the white leaf, you can apply the copper (or any color) if you prefer wish to.

White leaf with peg stamps:  

Now for the fun. If you have not used peg stamps before, I do hope you will give them a try. The most important thing about pegs is that you hold the vertically – straight upward. There is, in the wooden peg, a line indicator that will, like on the leaves, show where the stem is. It also helps to notice its location when doing design work (watch several videos for more placement ideas).

The next thing is to make sure you have enough ink on the design.

For this leaf, I used a variety of colors. I selected one leaf stamp and randomly set at least (pressed) at least 3 impressions using one color. Then, with a different leaf stamp, set 3 more impression using a different color. Continue till you are pleased with the appearance.

Optional:

To brighten the color a little more, while the ink is still fresh, apply a coating of Clear Embossing powder to the front of the leaf and heat set.

Veining!

I call this giving life to the leaves. I use either a veining tool or small headed ball stylist. (I also might use some old dentist tools!) If you do not have a sculpting pad, fold several layers of cloth towels together to create a semi-soft surface.

With your stylist, apply pressure onto the back of the leaf and draw the stylist towards and down the stem. Add as many veins as you feel comfortable with. And yes, if you embossed the white leaf, after it cools, you can do the same type of veining.

Assemble:

Add the colored and white layers to your card base. I like double-side tape but you might want a glue, just make sure it is smoothly applied. Arrange the leaves to your desired look.

To the inside, add your sentiment or handwritten note.

Mailing:

Because you have created a beautiful dimensional card, mailing might present a slight challenge. What I do is double box the card. For this I go to PaperMart.com and enter #840965. It is a little deeper clear plastic box which will allow the leaves not to be crushed. Then I use a slightly larger box mailer. (I use this double-box idea for my foam flower cards.)

Material List –

Cardstock: White, Olive and Burgundy

Stamp Set: Rubber Stamp Tapestry’s Indian Summer

Dies: Tim Holtz’s Sizzix 660038- Layered Leaf   

Cut ‘n Boss embossing machine

Ink’s:

Gina K: Dark Chocolate, Dark Sage, Faded Brick, Sweet Mango, and Honey Mustard

Color Box Pigment Ink: Copper

Extra Fine Embossing Powder

Embossing Gun

From Amazon.com: Blender Brush, COMIART Ball Styluses Dotting Tool Set, McGill Paper Blossoms Molding foam, Double-sided Tape 

Paper Mart: Plastic Box - #840965

Household Items: Paper towels and a damp sponge

Thank you…

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed this presentation. I love working with the peg stamps, especially those from Rubber Stamp Tapestry. Their designs are exciting which allows you to be creative. Take a look at their tutorials (pegstamp.com)– great ideas from a variety of stampers. While there, signup for their newsletters.

PS – For my video, please go https://www.facebook.com/barb.tobias.12 for 10/23/2019

Well, till next time…

God Bless You All…

The Splendor of Autumn...

I can not believe it is already October. This week, as Jim & I ran our many errands, we were able to enjoy seeing the beauty of the early autumn colors. Each season has its own beauty but the colors of autumn, well they are my favorites.

For the past few days, I gathered a few sheets of olive green and reddish (brick red) cardstock together and a few sheets of soft pearl white cardstock. Then, I started having some fun. I used Sizzix 656927 Bigz Die - Tattered Leaves by Tim Holtz to cut out my leaves. Made several of each color. Really quick. Actually, I was able to cut 3 layers of cardstock at one time – easy.

Then, going through my crazy variety of inks, I selected the browns, brick red, charcoal and gold from several companies to blend and accent each leaf. The Autumn Splendor stamp is an old favorite but unfortunately it is retired. Wish I could find it again.

Using Susan’s Garden’s sculpting tools, I embossed the leaves and highlighted them with gold ink.

The butterflies are from Paper Mart and just added that touch of color.

I know, these are rather easy projects. It is sometimes just so relaxing getting back to basics.

What are some of your projects for this season?

Well, time to clean up the shop again so I can mess it up with my next project. Thinking of doing some ornaments … maybe a quick video.

Till next time,

God Bless