That 3D "Book Cover" Embossed Card, Again...

 

As my husband pointed out, I "must really love that folder!" And I have to admit, I do as well as all the other beautiful and interesting 3D designs. 

This time I did a photo study. First, use a White Dye Ink to highlight the raised design. I prefer to let that dry before adding the color. However, you can work while the white is still wet and get great results. As you may notice, I used the Altenew Crisp Dye Inks. I think the following photos will make this easier to follow.

Again, instead of using a brush applicator, I decided upon the eyeshadow applicator. I  prefer to use the flat side, tapped onto the color several times before lightly blending using slight circular strokes. It may take 2-4 applications to achieve the look you desire.

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I'd like to wish all of you a fantastic upcoming September. Ours will be busy so I may not be on again until October. So, please, have a great few weeks creating and remember - Christmas is coming!

Always, Barb 

May God Bless all of you.

3-Dimensional Peony Cards – Different Finishes

 

My thoughts: Dimensional folders have been around for a long time in our card crafting world. Originally, we called them embossing folders. The embossed pieces had a nice, slightly raised image and became a favorite “background” for our embellishments and sentiments. That design added a more professional look to our card creations and we received the admiration of the recipients. As technology advanced, the embossed designs became more intricate and with a more highly raised impression. Today, there are hundreds (or more) wonderful 3-D folders to select from...

Today’s projects are using the Altenew’s “Book Cover Engraving 3-D” folder. The technique for both cards start out the same but are completed a little different (at least, different for me).

Rough instructions: I really enjoy doing my 3-Ds with the darker pearlescent papers – black is my preference but I used a deep purple for the other card front.

Highlight design: For both projects, I used Hero Arts’ Hero Hues White. Two – four light applications to just the raised designs. The white might fade somewhat but do not let the worry you.

For the one on black: I decided to use an eyeshadow applicator to apply the colorations. Using the flat side of the applicator to LIGHTLY apply the colors. I found by using a circular type of blending worked for me. Let the color dry a few minutes before doing the next layer – some areas took 3 applications. … Colors used: Versa Color: 61 Olive, 161 Green Tea, 69 Bamboo, 60 Celadon, 182 Bisque, 52 Topaz, and 56 Cinnamon. Let the color dry than, if you wish, apply a spry sealer.

For the one on purple: This was started just as the other by highlighting the raised design with white. Using the same type of eyeshadow applicator, I applied several applications of Brilliance’s Galaxy Gold. When the gold dries – lightly buff with a tissue.

Thank you for dropping by today – hope your creative creations are exactly as you dreamed, and you are having fun.

Till next time – God Bless!

OOOPS TO WOW = CARDFRONT

Wanted to relax the other day and 

decided to do a few 3D card-fronts - JUST FOR FUN. 

WIP - I have a nice collection of 3 dimensional embossing folders and am always astonished by their impressed results. At first, I thought I'd do this one with just the white ink on a dark metallic paper.  Happily, that was going beautifully until.. I dropped the ink pad and created a real mess. 

I'm not always thrilled when I try to save a messed up project, but I gave it a go. Took just a Kleenex tissue and started buffing the entire piece. The black paper, of course, starting getting a gentle greyish tint. Feeling a little impressed with the look, I then reinked the embossed design. The white stood out so sharply with the greyed tone on black. 

To add some interest but not to overpower the white, I used soft-tipped eye shadow foam brushes to very lightly apply color to the flowers and leaves. 

I'm thinking of adding a leaf-gold edging and maybe use an off-white, cut to the same size, card-stock for the base card. 

Materials used: Stardream Lapis Metallic cardstock; Altenew's Decorative Florals 3D embossing folder; Hero Arts AF249 Unicorn pigment ink; Versa Color Topez, Bamboo and Old Rose inks; and rubber tipped eye shadow applicators. 

Thank you for stopping in. Wishing you a remarkable week.

May God Bless You and Yours

Winter Cardinal - An Acetate Lesson

Today, I'd like to talk about how to do an easy card layout using two unrelated stamps. A few years ago, I started imprinting my stamps on clear acetate. When dry, I stored that stamp and its image together. (I use StazOn Jet Black and let it dry.)

For this project I have selected two, Penny Black stamps, Winter Gem (40-857) and the Cardinal from Trilling Birds (40-809)

Both of these are large, so I placed my acetate print on the cutting mate. This looks like it will need to be a 6"x6" card.

That is when I usually select my envelope - a 6.5" square - and set the Cardinal to get an idea that everything will fit. 

For this card I selected a 9"x12", 140lb watercolor cardstock then cut down to a 6"x12" and folded to a 6"sq.

What you see above is what the layout will appear. The branch and pinecone were stamped with VersaFine Clair - Pinecone and the cardinal with VersaFine Clair - Morning Mist.

This project is a blend of products - VersaFine Clair stamping ink, OLO alcohol pens, Tombow water color pens and a Sparkling watercolor paint. 

At this writing, I'm waiting for my "Snow" to arrive. 

Hope this little lesson with acetate impressions helps when building those layered images card fronts.

Till next time -

May God Bless You and Yours.

PS - this layout was inspired by stamp artist Micheline Jourdain -

Wispy Enamels

(Left card has a deep purple base cardstock, not pink.)

In an effort to straighten up my "paint-room," I came across one of my very old painting practice journals. Searching through was a series of wispy style freehand designs using a "rake" brush and enamel paints. Such a relaxing way to spend the day. These two cards were really just for practice but our daughter was encouraging me to develop them into cards.  

When playing with this style, I usually just let the brush guide me - no patterns. 

Enamels are a type of glossy acrylic, thicker in texture, creating a textured or slightly sculptured finish depending upon your brush strokes. 

Enamel Paints are from Plaid Enterprises

Rake Brush by Royal Brushes

  

    

Thank you for stopping - please check back again and see what mischief I've gotten into!

Mask that Horse

 

I recently decided to experiment using the July OLO Challenge colors (RG7, OR4.2 and R0.2). It was an exciting experience and created a few ideas for a special birthday card.

We have a friend celebrating his 87th birthday in a few days. For as long as we have known him, he has loved his horses. So, what better than this proud beauty for the focal point of his card.

Wanting to do a "country" theme, Stampscape stamps were the obvious choice for the background. Their versatility and proportional sizes make for a more realistic scenes.

We cut out a mask for the horse. Masking papers with low tack glue are easy to work with.

For this scenic project, first stamp the focal point item (horse) in your cardstock. When dry, position the cutout mask on top. The mask prevents any other stamped design from appearing on the surface you are protecting.

Usually, I suggest you do the detail of the farthest away area first - the mountains. Then the hill (waterslide) next. When doing the cabin, you may want to block off or mask part of the hill so the cabin looks farther away.

When happy with your layout, remove the mask. 

The finish is totally up to you. Use the medium you are most comfortable with. Below is the list of most of the colors used for my finish. 

MATERIALS: 

Deep Red - Wild Horse stamp

Stampscape - 324G - Rocky Waterside left, 188F - Rocky Peaks, 140E - Cabin and 254B - Tall Grass

VersaFine Clair - Morning Mist for all stamped images.

Very smooth off-white cardstock

Horse - OLO - RG7-Red Gray 7, OR4.2 - Pink Granite, R0.2 Pink Lemonade plus many green shades, brownish shades and grays. (I forgot to write the colors down - sorry.)

Well, that is it for today. If you have never used Masking sheets before, they are life savors.

Thank you for stopping in today. Hope you return often and leave a comment, please. 

May the rest of this month be filled with new and wonderful memories. Try something new but don't ever stop creating - 

May God Bless you Always!

Smooth or Textured?

Just for fun, let's do a paper surface comparison using the same stamp and products. For this, I selected an extremely smooth quality paper (X-Press It, 250gsm) and a high cotton count watercolor cardstock (w/c postcard).  Select the stamp, pigment ink and the medium of your choice...

Work side-by-side, start applying the same color or blended colors to the same areas ...

 

Continue ...

I loved the differences Both could be used as is or you could add a touch of color to the background. I elected to add a light application of a light blue to the smoother surface and a light orange to the textured surface. 

Have not decided exactly how to mount these for card fronts but will in the next few days. 

Material list:

• Stamp: Chocolate Baroque - Rose Duo
• Leaves - OLO brush tips -YG8.7 Fern, YG2.3 Muscat Grape
• Ribbon - OLO brush tips - B4.6 Blueberry, B4.3 Vintage Blue
• Rose - OLO brush tips - O2.4 Golden Poppy, Y2.3 Buttercup
• Background - PanPastels - Phthalo Blue Tint,  Orange Tint
• Applicators for Pans - I used make-up brushes 

Hope you will do a few fun comparison projects for yourself. I actually found it to be enjoyable and relaxing.

Have a great week - 

May God Bless

Beauty of the Season - 1

It is time to start our Christmas Cards!

While searching through some of my older patterns, I came upon one from my early ceramic teaching days, more than 45 years ago. We did this design with our students to use as, what our ladies called, "Hostess Gift Plates." They filled the plates with homemade cookies. 

As for the pattern itself, I think I was inspired by another artist (can not think of her name, sorry) but I did modified it. So it is only my semi-original design. 

I transferred my pattern in an old fashioned method - on the back side of the pattern, I used an ordinary pencil to scribble (blacken) the entire design area. This way, when you ink the design, you can erase any remaining pencil marks. Or, you could use tracing paper. Either way, while transferring the pattern, decide how much of the design you want. Make this your card, your way. I'm sure it will be perfect. When transferred, redraw your pattern with a waterproof ink. 

I love blending with alcohol pens (markers). On my pallet, I'll do a little puddle, usually in the darker color, and pull the tip of the lighter color pen through it. As a rule, my preference will be just 2 colors per blend but sometimes I get carried away and ... who knows what will happen.

When complete, the fun of selecting the base card can be a challenge. When in doubt, I ask my husband. Usually we agree!

Material list:

Card front: X-Press It, 250gsm

Waterproof MICRON 05 Black

OLO Alcohol Pens: V1.1 Heather, R1.8 Maroon; Y1.2 Light Yellow, OR2.3 Salmon; YG8.7 Fern, YG2.5 Avocado

Card base - Green pearled (?)

Use stamp of your choice for the greeting.

If you decide to use my pattern, I would love to see what you come up with.

Till next time - Thank you for stopping by. 

God Bless.

 Elegant Writers

Have you tried them yet? So much fun with some exciting effects. Just add water and - wow!

I may have shown these card fronts on aNNie's World Wide site but I finally finished mounting those pieces. After pulling out the backgrounds using a flat brush and water, I filled in the slimline card using watercolors and PanPastels (total play-time!) The other card was finished with just the exciting pastels.  

I do not have patterns of those two but I am adding a pattern you may want to try. 

Well, I think I need to get back to stamping some some cards. Trying to come up with Christmas ideas and maybe a few for the fall season. Hummmm

Till next time,

May God Bless You and Yours.

Elementary! Elementary, My Dear!

Blue + Yellow = Green 

Yes, that color combination really is elementary to every beginner art student and serious artist! Once we fall in love with combining color with color, there is no stopping the romance. 

Materials for this card: Stratmore 140lb/300g/m Watercolor paper, Blick Studio Acrylic- Phthalo Blue, Arteza - Mid Yellow, and W. A. Portman 1/4 flat.

Today, I would like to challenge you to a color experiment. You can use my simple hand-drawn pattern or one of your own, to mix any two colors using acrylics, watercolor, crayon or pastels, to create a card front. When completed, please post your challenge piece - let everyone see your results - just list the colors you used. (Wish I could offer a reward for taking this challenge, but let your card be your self-reward).

Freehand Brush-stroke Practice with Watercolors

Many years ago, I taught several classes doing what I classified as "Fantasy Painting." I still refer to this style as Fantasy but in reality, it is basically simply using your favorite brush strokes by loading two or three colors on that brush. I also suggested that the students practice each type of stroke with different shaped brushes of different sizes. Then paint.

One day, one of my extremely talented students asked why her pieces did not look as good as my class sample. I remember trying to suppress a giggle when I answer, "you should see my waste can!" 

Today's watercolor practice piece says the I need more practice. With this type of technique, I do not sketch it out first - just relax my arm, put on some relaxing music and let the brush "talk" to me. For this piece, there are mistakes, flaws, and puddles that should not have been - but this was just a practice piece. I'll probably do one or two more using these colors before I feel comfortable enough to publish.

So, here is my flawed PRACTICE FANTASY BRUSH STROKE STUDY: 

ADDED PROJECTS:

Years ago, my husband asked that I design two of our large ceramic vases with my brush-stroke Fantasies. These were kiln-fired.

Thank you for stopping by today and letting me ramble on.

These vases were my passion and now trying to reduce my surface size, 

for greeting cards that has been a wonderful challenge. 

Please stop by again

and 

May God Bless Ya'll.

Autumn Leaves - Fantasy Line and Color

It has been a very long time since I've blogged! Like so many of our friends, our lives just got way too busy. For that, I apologize. I just realized how much miss sharing with you.

If you are visiting here for the first time, please note that I am just a card crafter, just like you. I do not consider myself a professional, just an old "want-to-be" artist.

During the past few years, I've continued creating and experimenting with new ideas and revisited some of my almost forgotten techniques. Watched so many videos that I was starting to get confused (ok, so I'm pushing the 80 year old mark and that may explain some of it!). 

When I finished the project I'm showing today, I thought it might be fun to share the step-by-step process. Years ago, when I did my Fantasy designs, I used  acrylic paints and would double and triple load my brushes. Recently, my husband asked me to try sketching out the design and use alcohol inks (pens) to blend. It was different but so much fun. 

Well - here we go - the material will be listed at the end. Fell free to borrow my sketch and let me know what you come up with. 

  

Materials:     

Sketch pencils

Tombow-Mono Zero Eraser

Susan’s Garden Specialty Cardstock – 8-lb.

Lavinia Stencil – Leaf Trails

PanPastel – Hansa Yellow Tint

Solve Make-up blush brush     

Gardeners Green Pea – 10lb Christmas cardstock

OLO ALCOHOL PENS (MARKERS):

·        O2.5   CARMEL

·        OR1.3   PAPAYA

·        OR4.7   CHOCOLATE

·        R0.6    CRANBERRY

·        R1.8    MAROON

·        R5.7    AMARANTH

·        Y8.6    FENNEL SEED

·        YG2.5   AVOCADO

·        YG8.5   MOSS

·        YG8.7   FERN

·        YO2.5   YELLOW OCHRE 

Well, that is it for today. 

Till next time - May God Bless You!