AECP-Level 2-Polychromatic

 

I can't say enough about the Altenew Classes!  Each one is filled with tips and techniques to help you with all your crafting.  The cards below were inspired by the Polychromatic class.  Polychromatic is defined as using 2 or more colors. The class consists of 6 different lessons, each using a different technique.

This technique is called Faux Watercolored Effect.  I really enjoyed this technique and made 3 different cards using it.  I colored my stamps using waterbrush markers, spritzed with water and then stamped onto watercolor paper.  You will get a slightly different look each time.  The stamps used were from the Coneflower set and the Stunning Cosmos set.  I wanted the emphasis to be on the flowers so I opted to not use sequins or jewels.

As you can see in the above photo, each flower is slightly different as well as the leaves.

I used the Gardenia set for this card and did add a few black splatters.  The sentiment is heat embossed with black embossing powder and is from the Coneflower set.  I ink blended my card front with Kitch Flamingo Distress Oxide Ink and also added a die cut using the Garden Trellis Die.  I mounted my stamped piece onto a slightly larger piece of black cardstock, added a few gems and mounted it to the card front.

This card was made using the same technique.  The stamp set for the flower is Antique Roses.  The sentiment is from All The Hearts set as is the sentiment.  This stamp set has a matching die that cuts out several small hearts. I attached several to my stamped piece and used the stamp to stamp the edges of my card front.  The edges are also LIGHTLY ink blended with a green ink that matches the leaves.

As you can see from the picture, I used Heart Beat, Honey Drizzle and Azurite inks to watercolor my background piece. The inks are lighter when spritzed with water and added to the watercolor paper. I used the same technique on another piece of watercolor paper and die cut the balloons using the Birthday Greetings Die.  I added 2 more balloons to the back of each one for added dimension. The sentiment and balloon strings are from the Faithful Feathers set.  The balloon strings are the center stamp for the feathers.  This is a way of stretching your stamps! I added Glossy Accents and tiny stars to the balloons as well.  To finish them off, I added some white twine knots.

Happy Stamping!

AECP-Level 2-Masking Unleashed

 The Altenew Educator Classes are some of the best around!  Each class is full of wonderful tips and tricks.  The instructors are varied and each has so much to offer. My latest class was no exception! Masking Unleashed is all about using different masking techniques on your cards. 

The steps for this card are simple but do require a little time.  Start by cutting a circle out of a piece of masking paper and using the outside piece for masking. Adhere it to your card front, align your stencil over your circle opening and lightly ink blend a light ink color over the area.  Keep the area that you plan to place your flowers lighter than the rest.  Remove your mask and decide on your flower placement.  After stamping the main image, mask it off and continue stamping and masking until your image is complete.

The ink colors on this card are Altenew Misty Moor, Marshland, Sea Forest, and Mangrove Root. The flowers are from the Always There stamp set and the sentiment is from the Faithful Feathers stamp set.  I heat embossed the sentiment in gold onto a matching color of cardstock.  I also added a tiny gold piece of cardstock on either side of the sentiment strip and a few gold sequins.

These cards use die cuts from the Just Leaves die set as masks.  I cut 2 of each one from masking paper, adhered one to white cardstock and began ink blending.  After a light coat of ink, I then attached the second mask, off setting slightly from the first and ink blended a little more. I white heat embossed the sentiments and finished the cards as shown.  The card on the left uses the Leaves Frame die with one cut from brown cardstock and another cut from vellum.  Adhere the 2 frames with the leaves turned in different directions.

For this card, die cut the You Are Loved die out of masking paper and place it on your card front.  Ink blend over your card front.  Without removing your die, stamp your flowers and leaves.  Remove your mask, adhere some jewels and your card is finished!  I used Altenew inks for this-Teal Cove, Vineyard Berry, Coral Bliss, Citrus Burst, Sea Forest and Pink Pearl(for the blending). The flowers are from the Stunning Cosmos set and the leaves are from the Always There set.

When masking, always start with your top layer first, the pink flower in this card. Mask it off after stamping and stamp your second layer-the blue and purple flowers.  Mask this layer off and stamp your third layer-the leaves.  After my stamping was done, I colored the image using various alcohol markers.  To finish the card, I added some black splatters, the sentiment(white heat embossed on black cardstock and fussy cut) and adhered my piece to an A2 black card.  The leaves and flowers are from the Perfectly Perfect set and the sentiment is from the Coneflower set.

Happy Stamping!

Altenew-November Challenge

 Just a quick note today to spotlight the Altenew November Challenge.  I ink blended the colors for the challenge onto a piece of white cardstock and then ran it through the Cloud embossing folder from Altenew.  I cut one of the leaves die 3 times from black cardstock and glued them together.  I then adhered all to the ink blended piece. I added a heavy dose of Wink of Stella to the die cut, white heat embossed my sentiment and added some silver splatters.

AECP-Level 2-In The Mood for Color

 These cards are inspired my my latest Altenew class- In The Mood for Color.  Did you know that your color choices relay a message to the recipient?  I had never considered this when card making.  This class was another good one in the Altenew lineup.  

My first card uses blue as the main color.  Blue is calming and tranquil. I think this is a good color for a sympathy card and this one is going to my cousin in North Carolina who recently lost his wife.

I stamped each of the blooms in the Wallpaper Art set and colored them with various blue Copic markers.  After stamping the leaf stamp from that set onto my cardstock using Hunter Green ink, I ink blended Arctic blue ink around the edges. I then arranged my blooms.  I attached my cardstock piece to a black piece of cardstock slightly larger.  My sentiment is stamped in black and is from the Starry Flowers stamp set.  This piece was also backed with black cardstock.  All were then adhered to an A2 card base.  The blooms were trimmed as they were hanging over the edge in places.

The color red signifies love, passion or energy.  The Watercolor Blooms stamp set if full of blooms and is easy to stamp.  I stamped several of the images using a base layer of pink with the second layer in red.  The foliage is stamped using Just Green ink.  The sentiment is from the Paint A Flower Anemone set and stamped in red.  

The circle of black and white is preprinted vellum from my stash backed with a white piece of cardstock.  I dry embossed my card front with an embossing folder in my stash as well.  I thought the tiny dots continued the theme of my card.  After die cutting and attaching all of my pieces, I adhered my card front to an A2 card base.

Yellow is a color that can demonstrate energy, optimism, or cheer.  I think this card does that.  It utilizes a partial die cut technique that I have been wanting to try.  The bloom in the Ranunculus set is perfect for this. I used Mocha, Citrus Burst, Maple Yellow, Honey Drizzle and Caramel Toffee for the flower.  The foliage was stamped using Galactic Stream, Dew Drops and Aqualicious inks. I then ink blended the edges using Maple Yellow.  The sentiment is stamped in Galactic Stream, then in Versa Mark and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. To finish off the card, I added tiny gold splatters.

The next two cards are quick and easy ones using embossing folders.  Altenew has some amazing folders.  I received this one in my last order and love it!  This is the Floating Foliage embossing folder.  I used a very light green cardstock from my stash.  After the panel was embossed, I lightly ran Cracked Pistachio Distress Oxide Ink over the raised portions.  I used Lucky Clover Distress Oxide ink to darken the centers of the leaves. I cut a 1 1/2" strip off one end of my panel and after white heat embossing my sentiment, I attached it to black cardstock.  I then attached the top portion, added a few pearls and attached to an A2 card base.

Words associated with the color green are growth, soothing and natural.  This embossing folder seems to use those words as well.  The card below uses the same technique as above with a slight color change.  I used Mowed Lawn and Luck Clover Distress Oxide inks.  I completed the card using the Fancy For You die cut out of some gold card stock in my stash. I did add a few matching gems from my stash as well.

Two slightly different looks using the same embossing folder.  I hope you enjoyed today's cards.

Happy Stamping!

AECP-Level 2-Beyond Basic Backgrounds

 As I continue my learning process with these wonderful classes, I have come to realize how little I know! This class was taught by the talented Lydia Evans and was very inspirational.  I am very anxious to try a technique using freezer paper, but need to purchase some first!  

To make the above card, I cut multiple leaves from the Antique Roses set into masking paper.  I positioned it over a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of white cardstock.  I then inked the leaves using Sea Forest, Coral Bliss and Honey Drizzle. The outline image was stamped in Caramel Toffee.  To add more interest to the background, I stamped a small image from the same set using 2nd generation stamping in Mocha ink.  The sentiment is from the Japanese Mum set. The top of the sentiment was stamped using Caramel Toffee and the bottom in Mocha.  I then stamped the sentiment in Versa Mark ink & heat embossed it using clear embossing powder. The edges of my art piece were inked using Sea Forest & the inside was lightly ink blended using Misty Moor ink.  A matching strip if cardstock & ribbon complete this card.

Here is a close up of the different colors in the leaves.  

This picture show the color gradation of the sentiment.

This card uses the same technique, but I heat embossed the veins of the leaves using a copper embossing powder.  My copper cardstock wasn't an exact match, so I heat embossed the right side of my card using the same embossing powder.   The leaves are from the Majestic Bloom set and the sentiment is from the Faithful Feather set.

These 2 cards were made by ink blending Distress Oxide inks onto my background, letting them dry thoroughly and then stamping with a stamp spritzed with water. I have never used water to stamp with before, so this technique was another new one for me.  Both of these cards will be on their way to hopefully brighten someone's day soon.

Happy Stamping!

AECP-Level 2-Beautiful Details

 YAY! I passed my Level 1 final challenge and am moving on to Level 2.  I am so excited to continue to learn from these fantastic instructors.  This class is called Beautiful Details and the instructor is Marika Rahtu.  I could watch her color every day and still be amazed.  She says to practice, practice, practice.  I am sure to get some practice time in during these classes!  On to my card samples.

 This card was made by using a Navy marker on 2 of the leaf shadow stamps from the Antique Roses set from Altenew. I used first, second and third generation stamping to make the blooms.  I then stamped the stem using a stamp from the Stunning Cosmos set. The sentiment is stamped in black ink and is from the Always There set. I completed the card by adding a few splatters and diagonal cardstock trim that I ran through an embossing folder for dimension.

I also added details to the blooms with a Micron 01 fine liner pen. I was pleased with the way these flowers turned out.

With this card, the emphasis was on the leaves. I stamped the Gardenia outline in Gray Denim and only one of the layers in Coral Bliss. I also stamped the leaves in Gray Denim onto watercolor paper. I used Copic markers & Prisma Color Pencils to finish the detail of the leaves.  To add contrast, I ink blended Cracked Pistachio Distress Oxide Ink onto the right upper corner.  The sentiment is stamped in Charcoal Suit Ink. 

A few added gems from my stash complete the card.

This card used one of my favorite stamps from Altenew-Japanese Mum.  I stamped the base color in a soft peach and only one other layer in a darker shade.  The rest of the details were added using Copic markers.  I added details to the leaves with Prisma Color Pencils. The sentiment is stamped with Mangrove Root. I used a die in my stash to add interest to the background and ink blended with Antique Linen Distress Ink.  A few splatters were added as well.

Here is a close up of the detail on both the blossom and the leaves.

My husband really likes this card.  I started by white heat embossing one of the flowers from the Kind Reminders stamp set onto Vellum.  I then flipped it over & used several Copic Markers to color it in-grays, greens & yellows. I used the Dotted Scales Debossing Die on a piece of white cardstock and added a black die cut frame. I then die cut a square out of black cardstock for added interest and attached my bloom.  I did add 2 white die cut blooms behind my Vellum bloom for added dimension.

I also added some darker lines using a Micron 01 fine liner pen. 

Happy Stamping!  

AECP Level 1Final Challenge-Feminine Card Set

 

Oh my, what fun I have had creating! This post contains my submission for the feminine set of my Level 1 Final Challenge. The Level 1 classes are so full of wonderful inspiration and ideas.  If you have the chance, you should enroll in these classes.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed and will increase your crafting skills. This card set incorporates lessons learned from the following classes-All About Layering 1 and 2, Easy Die Cutting Techniques, Irresistible Ink Blending Techniques and Let It Shine.

For my color palate, Purple or Lilac was a must as it was my mother's favorite color. I experimented with different combinations of inks and cardstocks. I fell in love with the ink blending of Antique Linen and Old Paper Distress Oxide Inks. TIP-When using Distress Oxide Inks, let your inks dry well before using your inked piece. 

CARD#1-My ink colors for this Ranunculus bloom (and all my flowers) are Pale Mauve, Amethyst, Grape Agate, and Plum.  The leaves color palate are Marshland, Sea Forest and Mangrove Root.  I ink blended Old Paper Distress Oxide Ink onto the lower left corner, letting it fade away toward the center.  I had some foil tape, but it was too wide, so I made my own. TIP-Make your own tape by adhering a double sided adhesive sheet to a foil sheet of cardstock and then cut it to your desired width. Remove the backing and attach it to the desired area of your card front.  I attached a few gold sequins for more shine.

My sentiment is from the Ranunculus set as well.  I also added some Wink of Stella to the bloom but try as I might, I couldn't capture it in a picture.

CARD#2-I used the Dotted Scales Debossing Plate to add interest to my ink blended background.  The tulips are from the Build A Flower-Bearded Iris Set.  I continued with the same purple color palate for the bloom and green color palate for the leaves.  The sentiment is from the Ranunculus Set. I backed it with purple card stock and adhered it with foam squares. 

I added a few purple gem stones from my stash for some bling.  I truly wish the color of this ink blended background was more defined in the photo.  It is such a soft background. 

CARD#3-This card uses a pale green cardstock as its background and also a recycled element-a used dryer sheet!  I used an oval die to cut out the center area of the pale green card stock and then ran it through an embossing folder.  I then placed it on my card front and traced the inside lightly in pencil.  After stamping and die cutting several blossoms from the Stunning Cosmos Set, I adhered them in place to peak through the oval.  I then covered the blossoms with a glue stick, topped this with my dryer sheet and then rubbed a tiny bit of fine glitter into the sheet and wet glue. When this was dry, I trimmed my excess and attached my embossed cardstock using foam tape. Tiny pearls were added as well.

Above is a close up to see all the glitter and sparkle.  The sentiment is from the Bearded Iris Set.

CARD#4-The ink blended background is more visible in the picture of this card ( I may need a better camera/phone-ha). I used the Gem Frame Die to cut out the center and then cut a second one from my Gold Mirror Cardstock.  The ink blended piece was adhered using foam tape to an A2 card front.  Using the inlaid technique, I then adhered the gem die cut to the card. The bloom and leaves utilize the same color palate and are from the Antique Roses Set.  Wink of Stella was added for more sparkle.

The above picture more closely shows the effect of the inlaid technique.  I also added some purple enamel dots from my stash that are just the right color.  The sentiment is from the Majestic Bloom Set.

CARD#5-The Japanese Mum Set is one of my very favorite sets from Altenew!  This card just makes me smile.  I first ran a piece of white cardstock through an embossing folder very much like Altenew's Organic Linen 3D Embossing Folder.  However, this folder is not 3D or Altenew, so it did not emboss as deeply. I then backed this piece with a Gold Mirror Cardstock. My blooms & leaves were adhered & trimmed to fit the A2 card front.

The sentiment is from the Ornamental Bliss Set.  I adhered a purple strip of cardstock to a Gold Mirror piece and after white heat embossing the sentiment to a Vellum strip, I adhered it by wrapping it around to the back of my Gold cardstock and adhering it with tape.

CARD#6-This is by far the easiest of the set when it comes to creating!  I am a huge fan of Altenew's 3D embossing folders.  I only have 2, but my wish list is VERY LONG!  I ran a piece of dark purple cardstock through my machine using the  Daisy Bed 3D Embossing Folder.  Using a VersaMark pen, I inked the center of each flower, applied Iridescent Embossing Powder and heat embossed with my heat tool.  When this was dry, I applied White Pigment Ink over the raised parts of the petals using a (you guessed it) finger dauber. TIP-Pigment Ink takes longer to dry, so either heat set it with your heat gun or wait about 30 minutes.  

I absolutely love the way this card turned out and plan to make several more in different colors.  

Above is the hand made gift box for my cards.  I used the gold foil cardstock for the "ribbon".  I just cut my strips wider than the ones I used on my card and adhered them to the box top. Below are instructions for the box.

Measure the depth that you need for your box. I wanted my box to be 1 1/2" deep.  This measurement is placed in the end blanks of the equation. Since my cards are 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", I chose 4 1/2" as my width and 6" as my length.  This gives you the measurement for your cardstock.  Cut your cardstock 7 1/2" x 9" and score at 1 1/2" on all 4 sides. TIP-FOR THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX ONLY-Before you score, cut a smidge (1/16") off of 2 sides that share a corner.  This helps your top to fit better and doesn't affect your end result.

Since I wanted my box top to be shorter in depth than my box bottom, I used 1" for my depth.  See the equation above.  Below is a screen shot to show you how to cut and adhere your box together.

See how nicely the cards fit into the box!  I made the box for my masculine set in the same way.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you found some inspiration and enjoyment. And give Altenew classes a look, you will not be disappointed.