Beyond Basics Backgrounds

This week I've been taking Altenew Academy's Beyond Basics Backgrounds.  Lydia Evans was the instructor and we had 6 lessons on creating different backgrounds.

Each day was very unique!  Some techniques I've seen, but none had I tried.  I really enjoyed this class and learned a lot!  I've only managed to get 3 of the days lessons done.  I'm not sure I have what I need to achieve a couple of the other lessons, but will be looking through my stash to see what I can come up with!

Lesson 1 is DIY Stencil and creating an ombre look for your card.

Supplies:
Altenew Freeform Greenery; sentiment from Floral Shadow
Ink:  Hero Arts Ombre tide pool to navy
Embossing powder:  SSS Fine Detail


Lesson 3 is Foiling Stamped Images without a Laminator.  Well, I have a Minc Mini so I used it for the butterflies as I just wasn't getting good results otherwise.

Supplies:
Altenew Botanical Garden; sentiment from Floral Shadows
Foil:  Heidi Swapp rose gold
Embossing powder: JudiKins Sticky Stuff, Stampendous Stamp N' Bond (similar results with both)


Lesson 5 is Water Bleaching.  I really enjoyed this one and I think this card is my favorite!

Supplies:
Altenew: Botanical Garden; sentiment is from Spring Daisy
Distress Inks: Blueprint Sketch, Wilted Violet, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
Embossing powder: SSS Fine Detail white


This was an awesome class and I would definitely recommend it!!  Thanks for taking a look!!

I'm entering the last one in Darnell's NBUS Challenge #9.  My NBUS for this is Altenew's Botanical Garden stamps.

Hidden Word Notecards

I'm participating in Week 2 of Darnell's NBUS Challenge #9.  Get all the details HERE.

The main part of this challenge is to use NBUS (Never Before Used Schtuff).   One of the optional themes was to create a "hidden" word.  I've seen this done before but never tried it.

I had a few NBUS dies and embossing folders that I used on these.  I think they turned out adorable and would make a wonderful gift set.  I'll definitely be making more!!

NBUS: MFT Grateful die/Spellbinders embossing folder EL-003

Here's a photo of all three that I made:

Other NBUS: Simply Said Hello: Avery Elle; Spellbinders EF ES-014
Inks used: SSS Hot Mama, Mint Candy, Willow
Background stamp: Fun Stampers Journey Lacy Trim
Used fun foam for popping up the word die cuts.

Thanks so much for taking a look!  Your comments are greatly appreciated! :)

(P.S.:  Darnell, I hope you are healing quickly!)

Happy Birthday w/chrysanthemums

I've always admired all the talented card makers that use pencils to color images stamped on kraft.  When I saw that Darnell of djkardkreations.com was having a challenge with an option for this technique, I thought I'd give it a try.  A requirement is to use NBUS (Never Before Used Schtfuff).  And who doesn't have not used crafty stuff?!!

You can find the details HERE.

I learned some things in the process of making this card.

• Maybe I shouldn't have used such a detailed stamp on my first try of this technique.
• It took a LONG time (at least it did me) to color this with pencils (3ish hours).
• I think this "spotlight" coloring looks better on a white card.
• Pay attention when adhering the image to the card base.  Yes, it is upside down.  I went with it.
• I still struggle what to do with images that I have ready to go onto a card.  Layer/not layer; where should the sentiment go; what color should said sentiment be; embellish or not, blah, blah, blah.  So many decisions.  Maybe I'm too picky.

Anyway, it is done and I think it turned out okay.  I used (new to me) W Plus 9's Beautiful Bouquets: Mums and was colored with Prismacolor Premier pencils.  I have loved seeing others do this "spotlight style" stamping and coloring and was inspired by Therese Calvird's card (click HERE to see her beautiful card.)  The sentiment is from MFT's Beary Special Birthday.

Thanks so much for taking a look!

Sweet Birds 2

I love this bird die from Concord & 9th and had to make another card with it!

I'll also enter this into these challenges:

Where Creativity Meets C9
Dies R Us Challenge #64 - Anything Goes Using Dies
Flickr LOVE!--Handmade Cards, ATCs January Challenge Anything Goes

This card uses another "never been used, but have had forever" die from TCW 4x6 Chickenwire die.  I used Distress Inks on the chickenwire and then added clear embossing powder for the look.    The sentiment is a die from My Favorite Things.  I really like using stamps and dies I've had for a long time and the flowers and branches from Heartfelt Creations was perfect.  I made the background with Spun Sugar and Worn Lipstick Distress Inks.

I wonder who will get this for their birthday? :)  Thank you so much for taking a look!

Sweet Birds

It's a new year and time for me to use some new products.  Not just newly purchased, but things I bought (who knows when) and have never used!!  I'm also on a mission to use my stash of beautiful patterned paper whenever I can.  I love the pretty paper and buy it, but then don't know what to do with it!

This year, I'm also going to try to enter more challenges.  So here is where I'm entering my card:












Where Creativity Meets C9

Dies R Us Challenge #64 - Anything Goes Using Dies

Flickr LOVE!--Handmade Cards, ATCs January Challenge Anything Goes

This card uses new to me Concord & 9th's By Your Side Bird Die.  I just love these sweet birds!!

This one gets some patterned paper from an Authentique 6x6 paper pad I've had forever!  The sentiment is also Concord & 9th's By Your Side Stamp set.  The frame is My Favorite Things Pierced Rectangle Frames.  I used Squeezed Lemonade Distress Ink to create the yellow background and also on the birds along with Broken China.

 Thank you for taking a look!