Summer with Burlap

Hi everyone.  Can you believe it is already August??!! :)  Another month has gone by and it's time for the next Mixed Media Challenge (#2 - Summer:  optional element - burlap).  We had an incredible amout of participants for our first challenge (Touch of Nature) and the DT enjoyed looking at all the beautiful creations - thanks so much for playing along with us! :)

On to Challenge #2 ...

Reminder ... a detailed definition for Mixed Media for our challenges is outlined HERE. Basically it is defined as using stamps, ink and two other items (techniques, mediums, embellishments, special tools, etc.) that add texture and/or dimension.

For my card today, I thought what better way to celebrate summer than going to the beach! :)  Sun, surf and sand - awesome!!  I sponged Mustard Seed distress ink at the top of my main panel and overstamped with more Mustard Seed.  I sponged the bottom with Broken China and Peacock Feathers distress inks and then overstamped with Peacock Feathers.  Even though it's just stamping over sponging, it really adds a look of texture to the background - LOVE IT!

I cut a piece of burlap for the sand and added a thin line of embossing paste along the top to represent the sea foam.  I added some interest to the burlap by randomly swiping diluted Vintage Photo distress inks with my water brush.

For the finishing touches, I sponged more Mustard Seed distress ink onto white card stock and then die-cut a sun.  I coated the sun with granular gel which has pieces of clear plastic that give it dimension and catch the light for added sparkle.  I coated the wake with my Wink of Stella pen (also adding sparkle - although hard to see in the photo above), and attached a small shell.  The words are printed from my computer (using "Rub This!" font), cut-out and popped up over the water.

I hope you'll play along with us and have some fun with this great challenge. Click HERE to check out the amazing cards from the rest of the Design Team.

The challenge is open until the 25th of August ... so there's lots of time to play along.  Hope to see you in the gallery! :)

I'm entering this into the current challenge at Simon Says where Anything Goes.  And also a reminder that this week's challenge at ATS&M (#106) is also Anything Goes.

Stamps:  Mini Mixed Media Backgrounds (STAMPlorations); sentiment computer generated
Paper:  110 lb. white (Neenah)
Ink:  TH Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Broken China, Peacock Feathers, Vintage Photo
Accessories & Tools:  sponges, Big Shot, Sunshine Large die (Lil' Inkers), embossing paste (Wendy Vecchi), Granular gel (Golden), palette knife, paint brush, Aqua Painter, Clear Wink of Stella, shell