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Saturday, February 11, 2017

Clarity Brushes

Hi everyone.  Today I'm experimenting with my new Clarity Brushes that I received as a gift from a dear friend.  I'm so spoiled!! :)

I bought this die a while ago, but hadn't used it yet.  First, I die-cut it from acetate to create a stencil, which I taped down over my card front.  Then I added colour over top with my brushes.  I love how these brushes blend the colour so perfectly.  I only used two colours of ink, brushing lightly over each section to building layers of colour.

I added a white heat embossed sentiment banner and die-cut "you" to add a small bit of dimension to my one layer card.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Edited to add:  A few people are wondering what type of acetate I use to make my stencils.  I buy Grafix acetate sheets (.007 thickness) that I buy in packages of 25 (12"x12" sheets) through Amazon.  It works for me with my Big Shot and I also cut a LOT of stencils with my Silhouette Cameo using the same acetate sheets.







Stamps:  A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Distress ink:  Mermaid Lagoon, Mowed Lawn (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Birch Tree Window die (Simon Says Stamp), Thinking of You die (Simon Says Stamp), Clarity Brushes, Acetate sheet to make stencil, white embossing powder, heat tool

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34 comments:

  1. Marianne11 February 2017 at 14:37

    A delightful card, Loll. I love that I can use my brushes to do some subtle and soft blending.
    Marianne x

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  2. BożenA11 February 2017 at 14:46

    Beautiful!! I love how you put a color with brushes. Sponge sometimes leave unwanted smudges, ink brushes imposed perfectly! I never managed to carve out a die pattern in acetate ... maybe I was using too thick acetate?
    Hugs,
    BożenA

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  3. Cathy11 February 2017 at 14:51

    This is so pretty Loll, I've never heard of clarity brushes but must have a look as the inking is beautiful. Cathy x

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  4. Mac Mable11 February 2017 at 15:12

    So delicate and loving the blending. Such a great die and how you used it as a stencil is so inspiring x

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  5. Di11 February 2017 at 15:17

    Oooh Loll, this really is utterly gorgeous! Love the trees and the inking. I love my Clarity brushes too so can see absolutely where you're coming from.

    Hugs

    Di xx

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  6. Happy Dance11 February 2017 at 15:42

    This looks like Spring!! What a gorgeous card, and the stenciling is just wonderful. The blacks in your sentiment are such a good idea; my eye was drawn right into your focal point. You'll have to do a tutorial on using those Clarity brushes; I know we'd all be delighted if you did. Such a pretty card! Bev

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  7. Bobby11 February 2017 at 16:27

    I love the soft look Clarity brushes produce. This is lovely, Loll. What kind of acetate do you use to make a stencil? I tried some once and it must have been too thick because it wouldn't cut through.

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  8. Betty11 February 2017 at 16:47

    beautiful card Loll - and lucky you to have a friend who give you such wonderful gifts - love my Clarity brushes

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  9. Susan11 February 2017 at 16:58

    Beautiful stencilling - love the smoothness you achieved with the brushes! Can't wait to try them next weekend! And love the way you did the sentiment too.

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  10. Bonnie11 February 2017 at 17:22

    This is beautiful, Loll! Gorgeous colors and stencil! You have convinced me to give my Clarity Brushes another try!

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  11. Nstiz11 February 2017 at 18:55

    How soft those brushes color! I don't have Clarity but do have some old Judikins color dusters! Love the effect of these, Loll. What a fabulous gift!

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  12. Charlene11 February 2017 at 19:09

    I like it! :)

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  13. Sheila H11 February 2017 at 19:11

    How clever to make your own stencil. Your color blending is beautiful.

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  14. Christine Alexander11 February 2017 at 19:32

    I'm so looking forward to trying out those clarity brushes :). I love the soft even colour, awesome card

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  15. nancy littrell11 February 2017 at 19:57

    I thought your stencil image was a die cut image...so much dimension with your stencil brushed background. Love your heat eb sentiment and die cut you also. A really soft and beautiful card my friend. TFS Hugs...I now have Clarity Brushes on my wishlist..

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  16. Kath12 February 2017 at 01:32

    A beautiful card and a fabulous coloured background.
    Kath x

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  17. Aileen12 February 2017 at 01:45

    How stunning does it look. Love the softness of this. They are impossible to get in Australia, so will hope they come later as often happens here. The die you used to make the stencil is just wonderful too, much clearer detail I think. Wonderful card Loll

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  18. Stamps and Paper12 February 2017 at 03:19

    Loll your card is beautiful, love the idea of the stecil and the colours you've used are stunning....

    Anne

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  19. Jeanne12 February 2017 at 04:44

    Beautiful card, Loll! Such a sweet peek through scene. What a lovely blend you have achieved with the Clarity brushes. And what a dear friend to bless you with those. I know you will think of her each time you use them. Lucky, indeed. Thanks for sharing! Wonderful work. Thanks, too, for sharing the information on the acetate, too. :)

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  20. Faith A at Daffodil Cards12 February 2017 at 06:56

    This looks 3D it is beautiful.
    Faith
    x

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  21. My Card Attic: Hazel12 February 2017 at 07:28

    So beautiful Loll! Soft and serene looking! I have the clarity brushes too, but I obviously don't have the skill to use them as I always end up with brush marks, no matter how gently I go! You have done an amazing job! Have a wonderful Sunday my friend! Luv n’ Hugs. Hazel xx
    My Card Attic

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  22. Maura12 February 2017 at 07:43

    Love this, Loll, and thanks for the tip about the acetate. I just ordered some ink duster brushes and am hoping they will do the same type of thing. Your sponging looks great!!

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  23. Brenda12 February 2017 at 10:47

    Wow, you got nice blending with the brushes Loll! I love your card and love the background! How fun to make a stencil from this die cut, I need to try that out and see how I do. Thanks for letting us know about what acetate you use. Now, I will have to save to get me some of those brushes! Hugs, Brenda

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  24. Linda12 February 2017 at 11:29

    So lovely, Loll. Beautiful background.

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  25. Sue13 February 2017 at 05:49

    Very pretty, beautifully soft inking, Loll! I've had that die for about six months, it's still in my NBUS pile! Great idea to create a stencil x

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  26. Petra Swart13 February 2017 at 06:00

    Oh, my, this is soooooooo beautiful, Loll!!!! Such a clever idea to create the stencil and such a lovely soft effect you got with your brushes and the ink!!!!! Wow, wow, WOW!!!!! Love it!!!
    Have a great day!!!
    Hugz

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  27. Marcia Hill13 February 2017 at 06:01

    Lovely, lovely card Loll! Love the blue and green together and so pretty with that stencil! Haven't played with my brushes in awhile...think I need to get them out!! :0)

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  28. scrappymo!14 February 2017 at 10:32

    Thanks for the tip about the acetate. I have just been using heavy weight card stock as I have made a stencil twice...but the acetate stencil would last forever!

    Love this stunning card...especially the way you made the sentiment.

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  29. Darnell14 February 2017 at 11:28

    This is serene and lovely, Lolly! You laid the color down beautifully with your new brushes! It's amazing how you seemed to have gotten a depth to the color, but it still looks like a light touch was used. If that makes any sense! And I love your chose of sediment treatment for your design! Hugs, Dolly

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  30. BożenA14 February 2017 at 12:47

    My dear Lol, all the best for you! I love you very much
    hugs,
    BozenA

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  31. Canonbury creations14 February 2017 at 13:31

    Fabulous Loll, the way used the sentiment is perfect on that beautifully shaded background
    Val x

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  32. Sarn14 February 2017 at 23:06

    Lovely fresh looking card with a great splash of colour & nice bold sentiments xxx

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  33. Pat15 February 2017 at 16:25

    This is a great die and making a stencil with it is a wonderful idea Loll. I have a set of these brushes and they do make it much easier to get a smooth finish, and the pretty greens and blues you have used here go beautifully, and you have managed to make some areas darker so it isn't just a flat colour. The white on black sentiment is the perfect contrast too. x

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  34. Daria28 April 2017 at 08:02

    Beautiful card. Thanks for the information about the acetate you use.

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment. I love hearing from you! Loll :)