Alcohol Inks on Acetate Christmas cards

Hi everyone.  Sharing more cards from a recent play day with Susan and Christine.

I had watched this video on YouTube and was so impressed with the technique that I wanted to give it a try.  This is just a simplified version from the video as I didn't heat emboss on the acetate or add glitter.

I started by cutting a 12"x12" piece of acetate into four each pieces of 6"x6".  It's much easier to handle the smaller pieces when doing a technique.   I buy large sheets of acetate from Amazon.com to cut my own stencils using my Silhouette Cameo, so I always have lots on hand.

I smooshed three colours of Alcohol Inks (green, blue and purple) onto a piece of acetate. Once the inks were dry, a scrunched up piece of white tissue paper was added to the alcohol ink side (back) using soft gel, which acts as an adhesive (glue would work as well).  The scrunched tissue is visible through the acetate and adds to the design.  Once that was dry, I trimmed it up and cut it into six small pieces to create six CAS cards of three designs.  One set of three for my Christmas stash, and one set of three to donate. :)

I added simple white die-cuts that have been "iced" with dazzling diamonds glitter glue.  A simple sentiment stamped in gray finishes the card.

I love the translucent look to the pieces, and the shine from the acetate.

Here's the other two ...

I'm entering into April's Rudolph Days over at ScrappyMo's blog where anything Christmas goes.  So happy I made these cards at the right time of month!  Rudolph Days runs from the 25th to the end of each month.  Come join the fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Short & Sweet (Stampin' Up!)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Alcohol Inks:  Stream, Citrus (Ranger); Purple (Pinata); Smoky Slate (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Acetate sheets (Grafix .007), Country Landscape die (Memory Box), Fir Tree Border die (Impression Obsession), Simple Snowflake Sash die (Poppy Stamps), Dazzling Diamonds glitter flue (SU!)

Challenges:
April's Rudolph Days

In the Studio with Susan and Christine

Hi everyone.  Had a really fun day in the studio today.  Susan and Christine came over and we played with all sorts of things.  The card above was some experimenting with Distress Oxides.  This is my first try with sponging them ... they are so creamy and blend beautifully.  This is a combination of only two colours (Broken China and Cracked Pistachio) on mixed media card stock.

Once I finished sponging, I spritzed my leaf background stencil with water and then pressed the wet side into the sponged card.  I blotted quickly with a piece of paper towel, removed the stencil and blotted again.  I got this beautiful ghosted image of the stems and leaves.  I added a die-cut white frame and white flower sprig.  The sentiment is stamped with the Broken China DOX (Distress Oxides) ink.

I had to try it another way.  So I sponged the same two colours onto a second piece of mixed media paper.  This time I laid the stencil on top of my sponged card, spritzed with lots of water, blotted with paper towel, removed the stencil and blotted again.  I got a softer version of the one above.  This time the background of the stems and leaves are ghosted.  Love the subtle colours.

Have lots more panels from today with different products.  Will be sharing soon once I make them into cards.

I'm entering the above card at AAA Cards where they are looking for Stenciling.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Many Everyday Messages (Hero Arts)
Paper:  Mixed Media (watercoloured panels); White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Distress Oxides:  Broken China, Cracked Pistachio (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Mini Climbing Vine stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), Flower Frolic die (Penny Black), Lorelai Outline Leaf die (Poppy Stamps), Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Challenges:
AAA Cards #88 - Stencil

Green & Pink Blooms

Hi everyone.  One final card for the CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green & Pink.

This time I tried no-line watercolouring ... sort of. :)  I stamped my image in soft gray, with the hope that when I finished watercolouring, that gray would be covered with my green and pink watercolouring.  I guess the gray is a little darker than I thought, so you can see it.  I still think it worked fairly well.  Next time, lighter on the first stamping! :)  I used diluted reinkers to watercolour my stems, leaves and flowers and then finished with a bit of splattering.

We are winding down the CAS Waterolour April challenge.  Just three more days left to play along.  I hope you'll join us if you haven't had a chance to do so.  Lots of inspiration from our Guest Designer Marcia, our talented Design Team, and our wonderful participants.  Come play along!

Stamps:  Softly (Penny Black); Gratitude (Penny Black)
Paper:  Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Smoky Slate (SU!);  Reinkers:  Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Paint brushes

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green & Pink

Blue Bird Thanks

Hi everyone.  One more Inlaid Die-cutting card for April's CAS Mix Up Challenge, which ends in four days.

This is a thank you card I sent to my sweet friend, Bonnie.  She had sent me a gift certificate for Simon Says Stamp and part of my purchase was this gorgeous die-cut bird.  Thanks again, dear friend! :)

The background of the bird and strip along the bottom of the card is yupo paper with smooshed acrylic paints.  A few weeks ago I made some canvases, and this was the leftover paint that flowed over the sides of the canvas.  I smooshed several types of paper to use of the paint (card stock, yupo, mixed media).  They all turned out pretty, but I think the Yupo is the prettiest!

I've really enjoyed making inlaid die-cut cards this month.  It's not a technique that I've used often and it was fun.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Sentiment: Where the Heart is (Simon Says)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Yupo
Ink:  Pacific Point (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Acrylic paints (mix of blues and greens), Bird of Roses die (Simon Says Stamp)

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up April Challenge - Inlaid Die-cutting

Silver Wreath and Updated Studio

Hi everyone.  This week I've been inspired by the Merry Monday challenge being run by my friend Linda.

I do love wreaths and this was a simple one to make.  The silver glimmer paper did most of the work.  It's so shiny and sparkly. :)  I added a few red glitter balls and a die-cut red glimmer paper sentiment.  Thanks for the great challenge, Linda!!

Updated Studio
Hubby and I started a renovation on my Art Studio several months ago.  Life got in the way for a few of those months, but we got back on track and are just nearing the finish line.  A few little details to take care of, but most of the reno is done.  I need to get some art up on the walls!

Here's my Studio.  Warning ... picture heavy (and wordy too!). :)

I LOVE my new floor.  Isn't it cool??!! :)  Painted the walls a soft gray and installed bright LED light fixtures that are on a dimmer so I can control the amount of light. New chair (Source - Burnaby, B.C.) that is super comfy - will be buying a second one to replace the computer chair that has done it's time. :)  Two new work desks from Ikea (one for crafting and one for computer work).  In the picture above, the desk is in the "sit" position. Picture two will explain.

This picture shows the desk in the "stand" position.  With a click of a button, the desk raises and lowers so that I can work either sitting or standing. :)

Computer desk with my light box (which still needs a brace --- one of the outstanding projects).  Drawer unit (Walmart) hold lots of "stuff" and my Silhouette Cameo sits on top.  I even have all the drawers labeled! :)  This desk is also a sit/stand desk.

Storage unit is 6 feet tall.  Holds LOTS ... all my stamps, dies, and some of the papers I use most often.  The tower holds all kinds of adhesives, sequins, cording, pearls, etc. Again, all labeled so I can find things easily.

Two more drawer units (Walmart) and a small cabinet that holds my ink carousel. The drawers are filled with mostly colouring mediums (labeled) ... brushos, alcohol inks, markers, embossing pastes, etc.  The small unit has my card sleeves and envelopes.  My new cutter is on top of the middle cabinet (LOVE IT!).  Big Shot is on top of the cabinet in the corner.

You can see that the drawers and inks are within easy reach of my desk.  And I have a 6ft shelving unit (Ikea) to the right of my desk that is filled with the products I use every day. Easy reach again. :)

Here's a close-up of some of the shelves beside my desk.  Everything is labeled ... embossing powders, sprays, inka gold, distress inks, oxide inks, zigs, stencils, paint brushes, etc.  Green and blue containers are from the $1 store.  Notice the beautiful wooden container ... it was hand made and gifted to me by a sweet friend.  Thanks John!

Last is a picture of my closet.  There are three bookshelves (more Ikea) in there which are pretty much filled with overflow ... extra paper, coloured papers, extra baskets, punches, ribbon, etc.  These are the things I don't use that often.  Still needs a bit of organizing, but it's not bad.  See that weird shaped piece of wood in the middle?? Hubby made me a stand for my camcorder so it will be easier to film videos. Hopefully will be putting it to good use soon.

Thanks for taking a look at where I create!

Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Silver glimmer paper (SU!); Red glimmer paper (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Breezy Wreath die (Poppy Stamps), red glitter balls ($1 store), Merry die (Simon Says Stamp)

Challenges:
Merry Monday #244 - Wreath

Violeta's 1st Birthday

My grand-doggie turned 1 on April 15th.  Jer and Alex hosted a party at our place so that the dogs had a yard to play in.  Worked really well as the day was sunny and dry so they did spend some time outside.

I had so much fun making this card for Violeta's Birthday.  I watercoloured the digi image using my zigs, trying to get as close to her colour of fur as possible.  And, of course, the balloon had to be purple!  :)   Not sure if Violeta appreciated the card Nana made, but Jer and & Alex did.  It's a little keepsake for them.

My friends Susan and Christine attended the party with three of their four dogs. This is the usual group of dogs that get together for a play day while Susan, Christine and I get to play with ink.  It was Tessa's 1st birthday the week before Vi's, so I made her a card as well.  Again, not sure Tessa thought much of it, but her mom Susan liked it.  Tessa is white with sand coloured spots so I tried to keep her colours on the dog below. :)

And one more card for another friend of Vi's that is turning one ...

I had fun making the doggie cards. :)  Hope you enjoyed seeing them.

Here's a picture of the princess getting ready for the party.  She wanted to wear pearls for the special event, but they only lasted about five minutes before they were off and left somewhere in the back yard. :)

Card 1:
Stamps:  Puppy Love (Bugaboo); Sentiment - Happy Birthday (Sentiment Sampler by Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Zigs; Baked Brown Sugar (SU!); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Paint Brush, sponge

Card 2:
Stamps:  Dog (Chubby Chums by Paper Smooches); Let's Party (Word Salad by Paper Smooches); Party Hat (unknown)
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Pacific Point Polka-dot (SU!)
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar (SU!); Zigs
Accessories & Tools:  Sponge, Glossy Accents

Card 3:
Stamps:  Dog (Chubby Chums by Paper Smooches); Sentiment - Happy Birthday (Sentiment Sampler by Paper Smooches); Cupcake (unknown)
Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Baked Brown Sugar (SU!)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Copics for cupcake; Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Brown Watercolour spray (Dick Blick); Sparkle Texture Effect (Martha Stewart)

Watercolour Spritz

Hi everyone.  Just a reminder that we are already over half way through the month. There is just over a week left for the CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green & Pink.

Watercolour Spritz technique was used for the card above.  I placed my stamp in the misti, coloured with Stampin' Up! markers, spritzed with water and stamped onto watercolour paper.  I reinked the stamp a few times to add more colour ... and used a paint brush to move some of the wet colour around.

A simple stamped sentiment and splattering of green ink finishes the card.

I hope you'll find time to check out the reminder post on the CAS Watercolour challenge blog.  There are more inspirational cards from our wonderful Guest Designer, Marcia ... and the rest of our talented Design Team.

I'm entering this card into a couple of Penny Black challenges, both are "spring" themed this month:

Penny Black Saturday

Penny Black & More

Stamps:  Bejewelled (Penny Black); Sentiment (Cosmos - Technique Tuesday)
Paper:  Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Stampin' Write Markers:  Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, paint brushes

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green & Pink
Penny Black Saturday - Spring
Penny Black & More - Spring

Inlaid Die-cut Tag

Hi everyone.  Made another card for the CAS Mix Up April Challenge - Inlaid Die-cutting, that is being hosted by my good friend, Bonnie.

I used Catherine Pooler's video HERE to create this card.  I used the same technique she shared and my card ended up being very similar to her card. :)  

I started with an AI background from my stash, where I had smooshed blues and greens and once dry, spritzed with blending solution to create the pretty, dotty design.  I die-cut my tag, and then ran it through my Big Shot again with the Lively die.  I cut a second flower sprig from white card stock and inlaid it into the AI smooshed background.  I added a little piece of white ribbon at the top, popped the tag up on my card front and finished with a white heat embossed black sentiment banner.

Check out the challenge blog where we have several links to video tutorials.  Make a CAS (clean and simple) card that includes inlaid die-cutting and one other item from the "your choice" list on the challenge blog's right sidebar.  Then link up to the challenge.  We'd love to see you in the gallery!

I still had the left over die-cut flower sprig from the alcohol ink background, so I made a second card.  This doesn't include inlaid die-cutting, but it's a great way to use up my leftovers.  A two-fer card, as Darnell would say. :)

Used my Clarity Brushes to add a soft gray background through a stripes stencil. White heat embossed a black sentiment banner and popped it up with the end of the leafy sprig tucked in-behind.  :)

Stamps:  Sentiment - Painted Butterflies (Altenew)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Yupo; Black (SU!)
Ink:  Alcohol Inks (Ranger); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Luggage Tag die (STAMPlorations), Flower Frolic die (Penny Black), white embossing powder, heat tool, white satin ribbon

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up April Challenge - Inlaid Die-cutting

Pink Calla Lilies

Hi everyone.  Having fun playing with the CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green & Pink.  Love this colour combination.

For the card above, I used a beautiful stamp gifted to me by my friend Deepti (designer of the stamp - Dee's Artsy Impressions).  I heat embossed the image in Liquid Platinum and then watercoloured using my Zigs.  I stamped the sentiment in soft green to match.

I thought this would be perfect as a square card, so I cut down the image panel. Happy with how it turned out.

If you get a chance, come check out the gallery.  So many gorgeous Green & Pink cards.  I know you'll be inspired. :)

Stamps:  Smile (dee's artsy impressions); Friendship Garden (Fiskars)
Paper:  Mixed media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Versamark; Distress Inks:  Picked Raspberry, Mowed Lawn, Twisted Citron (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Liquid Platinum embossing powder (Ranger), paint brushes

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green and Pink

Joy

Hi everyone.  Today I'm playing along with Merry Monday Challenge #242 (Twigs and/or Branches).

I took my cue from the inspiration photo.  I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the branches, ornament and hanger from watercolour paper.  I then smooshed the branches with two shades of  green ink, and smooshed the ornament with two shades of red ink.  I pressed the hanger into my Delicata Silver ink pad and also used it to stamp the Joy sentiment.  The snowflake was inked with white paint and a layer of wink of stella was added for a little sparkle.

Thanks to Debbie of Merry Monday for the fun challenge.  I was happy to have time to play along this week. :)  The challenge is open until noon on Sunday, so there's still lots of time to join in.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Merriest (Avery Elle)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Watercolour paper (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Festive Berries, Candy Apple (Tim Holtz); Delicata Silver (Tsukineko)
Accessories & Tools:  Silhouette Cameo cutting machine, water mister, Picket Fence white Distress Paint, Wink of Stella

Challenges:
Merry Monday #242 - Twigs and/or Branches

More play with Distress Oxides

Hi everyone.  More playing with my new Distress Oxides inks.  They react so differently than any product I've used so far.

I love the colours of the background and it is a good example of how you can layer MANY different colours of ink and they all show.  I pressed two colours onto my craft mat, spritzed with water and smooshed onto a piece of watercolour paper. Dried with my heat tool, and repeated, adding different colours each time.  I used six different colours and the amazing thing is that you can see all of them.  Very cool!

I added a simple die-cut (layered with black foam for added dimension) and sentiment to finish the card.  I'm learning lots just playing with these fun inks. :)

Stamps:  A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  Black (Stampin' Up!); Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Distress Oxides:  Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick, Wilted Violet, Broken China, Cracked Pistachio (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, heat tool, Meadow Leaf die (Poppy Stamps)

First Play with Oxides

Hi everyone.  Received my Distress Oxides in the mail today. :)  So excited!!  I wasn't going to get them because I have been spending lots of $$ on stamp supplies lately, but caved yesterday and placed the order.  I couldn't believe they arrived today. :)

So this is my first play.  They are so unique and it will take me a while to figure out all the different ways to use them.  For the card above, I just swiped three colours (Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick) directly onto a mixed media paper card front.  Just little swipes of colour here and there.  Sprayed with lots of water and let it run.  Used my heat tool to speed up the drying, and then splattered water droplets (ghosting).  Used Walnut Stain to stamp my image and sentiment. Easy and fast card.

Since my inks are brand new, I'm heading over to join Darnell's April Fool's Day Boo-Boo & NBUS #11.  No boo-boos on this card, but NBUS inks. :)

Stamps: Efflugence (Penny Black);  Enjoy (Penny Black
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Oxides:  Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick, Walnut Stain (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister

Challenges:
NBUS #11

CAS Watercolour April Challenge

Hi everyone.  Today is the launch of the new CAS Watercolour challenge for April.

This is such a pretty colour combination.  I started by heat embossing this pretty image in white on mixed media paper.  Zigs were used to watercolour the flowers using a damp brush.  I used a soft gray zig to outline the flowers, spreading out the colour with a damp brush.  It seems to give the flowers a bit of a lift from the page. To finish, the sentiment was stamped in soft gray ink.

We are excited to have Marcia (Marcia K Designs) are our Guest Designer this month.  Marcia won our February challenge - Love.  Welcome Marcia!

I hope you'll have time to check out the challenge blog.  There's lots of inspiration from our wonderful Design Team and our special Guest Designer.

And I hope you'll come play along.  Just remember to keep you design CAS (Clean and Simple) and include watercolouring following our challenge of Green & Pink!

Stamps: Sweetbriar Rose (Stampin' Up!); Enjoy (Penny Black)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Zigs; Smoky Slate (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  White embossing powder, heat tool, water brush

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour April Challenge - Green & Pink