Saturday, August 29, 2015

Blue Blooms


Hi everyone.  It's the start of a new challenge at Addicted to CAS.

This challenge is being hosted by the super talented Joanna (Harty by Heart) ... and she'll have us all feeling "BLUE" this week. :)






I'm still having fun experimenting with both my watercolour sprays and my Zig watercolour pens. :)

This time I made the background using the Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique (click link to see video).  But instead of sponging with waterbased inks after sponging on the frost resist paint, I used my watercolour sprays to add colour.  I sprayed several times, blotting in-between with paper towel until I got the depth of colour I was happy with.  By that time, the card stock was really wet, so I let it dry overnight.  It did warp, but I find if I run it through my Big Shot between two new plates and add a shim, it flattens out really well.  I love the shimmer and shine of the background. Here's a close-up photo so you can see it ...




I stamped my flowers onto mixed media paper in waterproof black (I love working on mixed media paper with the zigs ... or any kind of watercolouring for that matter). The watercolours blend and move so easily as they don't absorb into the paper as fast as w/c paper.  I coloured them with just one shade of turquoise, adding layers to create depth.  Used green for the stems and a little yellow for the flower centers.  I then fussy-cut them and popped them up over my main panel, which was framed with black.  A simple black stamped sentiment and the card was done.

I hope you'll come join us at ATCAS for this fun challenge.  We have Linda (PaperCutting Kind of Day) guest designing for us this month.  Come check out the challenge HERE to see Linda's beautiful "blue" card and the cards from the rest of our wonderfully talented Design Team.  I know you'll be inspired to join in.

I'm going to enter this card into a couple of other challenges:  ATS&M #159 - CAS (second entry) and Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes (also second entry). :)

Thanks for dropping by for a visit!








Stamps:  Efflorescence (Penny Black); Where Your Heart Is (Simon Says)
Paper:  White card base and main panel (Neenah); Mixed Media (Strathmore); Black (SU!)
Ink:  Black Archival (Ranger)
Accessories & Tools:  Frost Paint (Tsukineko), saran wrap, Green and Turquoise Watercolour Sprays made from w/c concentrate (Dick Blick)

Challenges:
ATCAS #71 - Blue
ATS&M #159 - CAS
SSS Wednesday - Anything Goes

36 comments:

Julie B said...

Gorgeous as usual Loll!
I've bitten the bullet and bought a set of Inka Gold waxes, played a bit but not as successful as you with the results. Still I will persevere! :)

Cathy said...

Beautiful card Loll, the background is stunning. I'm going to rewatch your video when my internet speeds up! Cathy x

Unknown said...

Love your card Loll! I enjoyed watching your video too, I will have to try it out myself! :-) Thanks for the inspiration!

Aileen said...

Beautiful card Loll, love the blue flowers and the background. Perfect

JosieD said...

Wow, love this card. The background technique really makes it and sets off the lovely yet simple stamp image. You and Bonnie both are wonderful inspirations for me, and your styles are so on target for what I like and try to do. Thank you!
Josie

Unknown said...

I love the gorgeous colors of your card, Loll. The black frame really makes than stand out!

Maura said...

This is so lovely, Loll!! I love the blue and green combo and your delicate flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for the tip about flattening a slightly warped card stock! And by the way, I did go ahead and order the zigs! Woo hoo!

Sarah G said...

Love the shimmery background, Loll and beautiful flowers - lovely cool colours!

Vicki Dutcher said...

LOVE IT! This card is fabulous~

Anonymous said...

Beautiful soft colors Loll. Love this card.

Unknown said...

Really an inspiring card. There is some special magic in much of your work that no demo can explain. Thank you for sharing. I think I'll go and paint now.

Susan said...

Love the faux mother of pearl with the sprays! I must try that! And of course, I love the blue! I have to get busy and make a birthday card for a friend so I'll do something for the ATCAS challenge!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Swooning here Loll! What a fantastic, elegant and striking card. Love the background and those gorgeous blooms with dimension! Off to watch the video! Sarah x

Pam said...

This is lovely!

Bobby said...

I always love the backgrounds you create, Loll. This one is fabulous with those lovely blue flowers.

Barb Ghig said...

Your background is absolutely gorgeous, Loll! I also love how you colored the blooms, too! I'm so glad you added your card to the ATSM challenge...It's so beautiful!

Linda said...

This is so pretty ...... I love the MOP technique and the colours you've used here are simply stunning! xx

Pat said...

I love these pretty meconopsis poppies Loll and such a pretty colous and sparkle on the background too. Totally gorgeous! x

Anita in France said...

Gorgeous, shimmery background Loll ... a beautiful backdrop to those perfectly watercoloured blooms ... just lovely! Hugs, Anita :)

laurie said...

What an amazing card! The background is stunning!

laurie said...

What an amazing card! The background is stunning!

Bonnie said...

Another fantastic background and beautiful, blue flowers! My FMOP backgrounds never look this pretty!

MaryH said...

Love this more mottled look that you've achieved on the soft background...the sprays really looked splendid with the frost. Will have to try this out!!! The lovely blue flowers are so pretty and it's easy to see the Zigs are in the right hands for this card. Aren't they just wonderful? Great card...really shimmers so beautifully. TFS & Hugs.

gail said...

love the card, I have whatched your video and will have ago at the technique sometime. xx

Gloria said...

Hi Loll!
Your blue blossom looks so beautiful!
Your design is Fabulous!!!

Mandy said...

Gorgeous card Loll! So elegant and pretty, I absolutely love the pretty flowers.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Mandy xx

*Vicki* said...

Loll, this is absolutely amazing!! Really gorgeous background you've done along with the stunning blue tones as well!! Thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

Ksenija @Sweet Kobylkin said...

Loll, this is gorgeous! Thanks for a tip on flattening the watercoloured panel! -Ksenija

anja curvers said...

Such an amazing card really love it.

Julia Aston said...

What a beautiful background for your pretty flowers Loll! Julia xx

Mac Mable said...

Ohhh just love this delicate and beautiful card. The colours are gorgeous and the techniques clever. Loving the colours, the layout and the delicate sentiment. Just perfect!

Greta said...

Stunning background & gorgeous flowers--love this card, Loll!

Bhavana said...

gorgeous beautiful card Loll :) Loved the those flowers in blue :)

Jaydee said...

Loll, that background is stunning and the shimmer adds just the perfect touch. Your popped flowers and the monochromatic colors work to create a perfect CAS card
hugs
jaydee

Lee-Anne said...

Your faux mother of pearl backgrounds never cease to amazing me, Loll! Perfect backdrop for those gorgeous flowers!

Mary Decker said...

Beautiful card! You are a very skilled Artist! Thanks for taking the time you do to post videos an share your talents. Appreciated!