Dry Embossing with Re-inker Watercolouring - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  I absolutely LOVE this technique that Christine showed us this month.  It uses Distress Re-inkers to randomly watercolour a background using 2-4 colours.  Using re-inkers means that the colours are very vibrant.  Pair that with creating a simple black background using an embossing folder with ink, and the contrast gives you a WOW! card --- every time! :)

Please check out the details for the technique and link to video on the blog ...

Group of Seven Cardmakers

The card and black ink I used made all the difference for me.  I found that cold press watercolour paper gave me the best results.

For the black ink, I found the best for me was Versafine Clair Nocturne.  I'm sure other black inks would work, best to experiment.  Warning ... adding black ink to your embossing folders is a bit messy so be prepared with some paper towels.  And sometimes it stained my embossing folder (depending on the manufacturer). 

The Distress Re-inkers used above are Wilted Violet, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed.  They look so pretty together.

An Embossing Folder (Botantical Folder - 3D - Tim Holtz / Sizzix) was used to create the black background by simply swiping black pigment ink on the inside of the folder - debossed side; then placing your inked, dry panel next to the black ink and running it through an embossing machine.  Mine covered most of the background with the first run through, but not all.  I inked the folder again, lined up the embossed image and ran it through a second time.

The card was finished with a black sentiment banner, embossed in white (Simply Sentiments - Lawn Fawn).

Close-up ...

I'm sending to Can You Handle the Pressure, where it's Anything Goes with Embossing.

I've made a few more of these cards.  This technique is addictive! :)

The card above is made with Distress Re-inkers:  Salty Ocean, Salvaged Patina Ocean, Mowed Lawn and dry embossed with Vine Canopy Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp).  A large hellow die-cut (gift from a friend) was added to finish the card.

I'm sending this card to NBUS Challenge #54.  First time using the beautiful embossing folder above. :)

The card above was made with Brushos (Turquoise, Ultra Marine, Violet) on cold press w/c paper, misted with lots of water.  The Woodland Embossing Folder (SU! / Sizzix) was used to emboss and add black ink.  The black was not solid with the first press, so I inked the folder again and ran the panel through a second time.

The above Christmas card is heading to the Rudolph Days September challenge, where it's always Anything Christmas Goes. :)

... and also sending to Peace on Earth Challenge #48 - with optional mood board (see below).

One more quick, CAS card using the leftover ink from the brushos card above ... 

* * * * *

I hope you'll try out this technique.  If you do, please join us by adding your card to the Group of Seven Cardmaker's blog ... there's a link party at the bottom of the post that's open for the next month.  Hope to see your cards there! 

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Card #1:

Stamps:  Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   Cold press Watercolour paper (140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Distress Re-inkers:  Wilted Violet, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz); Versamark; Black (Nocturne) Versafine Clair (Tsukineko)
Accessories:   Water mister, Watercolour paintbrush, Botanical Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz / Sizzix), smile die-cut (Penny Black)

Card #2:

Stamps: n/a

Paper:   Cold press Watercolour paper (140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Re-inkers:  Salty Ocean, Salvaged Patina, Mowed Lawn (Tim Holtz);  Black (Nocturne) Versafine Clair (Tsukineko)
Accessories:  Water mister, Watercolour paintbrush, Vine Canopy Embossing Folder (Simon Says Stamp), Large Hello die-cut (gift from a friend)

Card #3 & 4:

Stamps:  Shine Upon You (Penny Black)

Paper:   Cold press Watercolour paper (140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Brushos:  Turquoise, Ultra Marine, Violet; Blueprint Sketch distress ink (Tim Holtz); Black (Nocturne) Versafine Clair (Tsukineko)
Accessories:  Woodland Embossing Folder (SU!/Sizzix), diluted white acrylic paint, splatter brush

Challenges:

Group of Seven - September - Dry Embossing with Re-inker Watercolouring

Can you Handle the Pressure - Anything Goes

NBUS Challenge #54

Rudolph Days September Challenge

Peace on Earth Challenge #48

Fall Floral

Hi everyone.  Fall is my favourite time of year with all the amazing colours of the fall flowers and changing leaves.  This card is made with Peeking Dahlia Stencil (STAMPlorations), which is an off-the-edge design.  I used Distress Inks:  Spiced Marmalade and Seedless Preserves Seed for the flower - LOVE the contrasting colours.  I stamped the sentiment (Lots of Thanks - retired) in Seedless Preserves DOX inks.  I always forget to use DOX inks when I'm stamping a sentiment.  It makes a solid image in one go which means it stays true to it's colour, whereas I usually have to stamp Distress Inks two or three times to fill in a sentiment, which usually ends up darker than I want.  

Close-up ...

I'm sending this card to the Simply CAS September Challenge (second entry), where it's always Anything Clean & Simple Goes.  This month the optional theme is "Use A Stencil".

... and while I'm at it, I'm going to also enter this card into September Stencil Fun! Challenge (also second entry), where it's always Anything Stencil Goes.  This month the optional theme is "Fall".

I wanted to say I'm so impressed with Darlene and Diane's challenges.  I know the work that goes into organizing them, and they have a huge assortment of challenges every month (and some even bi-monthly).  Thanks for all your hard work Darlene & Diane!  You and your teams are appreciated!!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Lots of Thanks (retired - Simon Says Stamp)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Spiced Marmalade, Seedless Preserves; DOX Ink:  Seedless Preserves (Tim Holtz) 
Accessories:   Peeking Dahlia stencil (STAMPlorations), sponge brushes

Challenges:

Simply CAS Septmeber Challenge

September Stencil Fun! 

Alcohol Inks on Acetate

Hi everyone.  Today's card is made from my stash of leftover bits.  I had a piece of alcohol inked acetate with a two shades each of blue and green.  I placed it behind a white die-cut of framed trees (from AliExpress) and popped it up on my card base.  The sentiment is from Poppy Stamps (retired).

Close-up ...

I love when I can create a quick and easy card! :)

I'm entering this card into Seize the Birthday Challenge #269 where Anything Birthday goes.  I opted out of the Topping this time.

... and I'm sending this to Simply Clean & Simple September Challenge where Anything CAS goes.  I didn't use the Optional Theme this time. 

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Birthday Blowout (Poppy Stamps - retired)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); acetate
Ink: Alcohol Inks (Ranger); Black (Memento) 
Accessories:   Framed Tree die (AliExpress)

Challenges:

Seize the Birthday Challenge #269

Simply Clean & Simple September Challenge

Penny Black - Festive Finesse

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a card using one of the new Christmas release from Penny Black.  This is a lovely die called Festive Finesse.

I'm sending this card to Merry Little Christmas Challenge #52 where Anything Goes Christmas!

... and since this is the first time using this wonderful die, I'm also entering this card into the NBUS Challenge #54 (second entry).  :)

I die-cut two of the greenery and berry twigs from Hot Press watercolour paper and then watercoloured them using Distress Inks (Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Crushed Olive, Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany).  I removed the bottom stem from just one of the die-cuts before creating my prints.

For the card front, I used the same Hot Press watercolour paper, spritzing my print-making die-cut with lots of water, flipping it over the pressing down.  I repeated to get a second print.  Then I set aside the wet die-cut to dry ... I used it on the inside panel of the card.

The main die was watercoloured and then adhered over the prints (just adhering the stems so the leaves and berries are loose to create a bit of movement).

I stamped the sentiment (Full of Christmas - Penny Black) in black ink and added a few white dots on the berries to finish the card.

Close-up ...

I love this easy technique of print making, introduced to me by my dear friend Bonnie.   Thanks Bonnie!

Thanks for stopping by!

Penny Black Products

Festive Finesse

Full of Christmas

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Full of Christmas (Penny Black)

Paper:   Hot Press Watercolour paper (Arches 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Crushed Olive, Candied Apple, and Aged Mahogany (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Festive Finesse die (Penny Black); Watercolour Brushes, Water Mister, White acrylic paint pen (Posca)

Challenges:

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #52

NBUS Challenge #54

More Ink Blending (DOX inks) with Water Lifting

Hi everyone.  A few more cards for August's Group of Seven technique - Ink Blending (DOX Inks) with Water Lifting.

The card above uses three colours of Distress Oxide Inks (Saltwater Taffy, Adandoned Coral, Candied Apple).  LOVE this combination.  Gold heat embossing an image from the Thriving stamp set (Penny Black) and then water lifted the colour from the flower petals and leaves.  Subtle, but pretty!  Finished by splattering with gold paint and adding a gold heat embossed sentiment banner (Banner Sentiments - Penny Black).

I'm sending the above card to Penny Black Saturday September Challenge - Anything Penny Black Goes.

And this time, a Christmas card.  Just blended DOX inks - no water lifting.  

The background is blended DOX inks:  Shaded Lilac, Wilted Violet, Villianous Potion.  They look so pretty together! :)  First time using this stamp that I've had for a LONG time (AliExpress).  Because it's my first time using it, I'm sending the above card to NBUS Challenge #54.

... and also sending to Peace on Earth #47 - Anything Christmas Goes.

Still time to share your DOX ink blending cards with (or without) water lifting at Group of Seven if you'd like.  There's a link party there ... come join us! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Card #1:

Stamps:  Thriving, Banner Sentiments (both from Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Oxide Inks:  Saltwater Taffy, Abandoned Coral, Candied Apple; Versamark 
Accessories:   Sponges / blending brushes, gold embossing powder, heat tool, watercolour brush, gold acrylic paint for splattering, splatter brush

Card #2:

Stamps:  Christmas Wishes (AliExpress)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Oxide Inks:  Shaded Lilac, Wilted Voilet, Villianous Potion (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   sponges, splatter brush, diluted white acrylic paint

Challenges:

PBSC September

NBUS Challenge #54

Peace on Earth #47

Fall Colours

Hi everyone.  I'm back with another sunflower card to celebrate that fall is almost here.  And thank goodness for that.  We've had the worst summer on record for fires burning in B.C. with about 2M hectares of land distroyed and over 400 structures, many of those people's homes.  The cooler weather that we've had this week has helped a lot, but what we really need is rain.  But not too much rain ... with the current drought conditions, lots of rain will most likely cause excessive flooding.  We are so thankful to all the hard working firefighters and to those firefighters that have come from all over the world to help us.

On to the card.  I LOVE this stencil from Magenta and was happy to pull it out and make a card with it.  I was inspired by the mood board at Triple B September Challenge ... the flowers and the colours.

Triple B - Sepember Challenge

... and then I saw the mood board at Double D challenge - beautiful Fall Plaids.  A great combo for a card. :)  The plaid paper I found is long retired from SU! ... and it was a bit dull, so I sponged over top with Mustard Seed DI to brighten it up.

Double D Fall Plaids Challenge

... and one more challenge

September Stencil Fun Challenge - Fall

The stencil is done with Distress Inks as well:  Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Rusty Hinge, Gather Twigs, Walnut Stain, Mowed Lawn, and Rustic Wilderness.  I just kept adding layers of colours until I was happy with the look. :)

I thought it needed something more, so took the Textured Mesh stencil (retired - Memory Box) and sponged over top of the centers of the flowers.  The final step, stamp the sentiment in black ink and heat emboss with clear embossing powder --- helps it to stand out more against the sunflower background.

Close-up ...

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Sending Hugs (Impression Obsession)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Patterned paper (SU! retired)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Rusty Hinge, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Three Flowers Sunflower Stencil (Magenta), sponge brushes, Clear Embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool

Challenges:

Triple B September Challenge

Double D Fall Plaids Challenge

September Stencil Fun! Challenge

Little Reindeer

Hi everyone.  I'm working on my Christmas card stash today with a fun card using an adorable image from Gerda Steiner - Little Reindeer.  LOVE this sweet face!! ... and his decorated antlers. :)

I stamped the reindeer in black and heat embossed in clear before using the matching die to cut him out.  I then watercoloured with Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain, Mustard Seed, Rustic Wilderness, Blueprint Sketch, and Candied Apple.  To add some interest, I used my white acrylic pen to add some highlights to the Christmas lights and the reindeer before adding crystal glaze to the lights, ornaments, stars, and nose.  

I added a snowhill to the background (leftover piece of embossed and sponged background from when I made THIS card).  And stamped the sentiment (Merry Messages - Lawn Fawn) in black ink.  Then popped the reindeer on top.

Close-up ...

I'm sending this card to the Christmas Craft Creations August Challenge - CAS.

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Little Reindeer (Gerda Steiner); Merry Messages (Lawn Fawn

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Audrey Blue card stock (Simon Says Stamp)
Ink:   White Pigment Ink (Hero Arts Unicorn); Black (Memento); Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain, Mustard Seed, Rustic Wilderness, Blueprint Sketch, Candied Apple (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Holiday Greenery Folder (Simon Says Stamp), sponge, Clear embossing powder (Ranger), watercolour brushes, Crystal Glaze (Nuvo), red chalk, white acrylic paint pen (Posca)

Challenges:

Christmas Craft Creations August Challenge - CAS

Sunflowers!

Hi everyone.  Today's card is for a couple of challenges;

Beautiful Blossoms - Optional Mood Board #8 (I focused on the sunflowers) ...

and Double D August Challenge - Sunflowers ...

I used my Stampendous Pop Sunflower stamp set and the jug is from Penny Black's Country Charisma set.

I stamped the jug and sunflowers onto mixed media paper in black ink and heat embossed with clear.  I fussy-cut the images and then watercoloured using Distress Inks (Mustard Seed, Crackling Campfire, Walnut Stain, Rustic Wilderness, Blueprint Sketch).  

I used a piece of brown patterned paper with text to cut a strip to go behind my jug of sunflowers, tearing the edges to add some depth and interest.  The sunflowers are popped up for added dimension.  The sentiment (Amy R --- long retired) was stamped in more Walnut Stain ink. 

Close-up ...

Sunflowers make me happy and it was fun creating this card. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Pop Sunflowers (Stampendous / Spellbinders); Amy R - retired

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Documented Patterned Paper (Simple Stories)
Ink:   Black (Memento); Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Crackling Campfire, Walnut Stain, Rustic Wilderness, Blueprint Sketch (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger); heat tool, watercolour paint brushes

Challenges:

Beautiful Blossoms - Optional Mood Board #8 - Sunflowers

Double D August Challenge - Sunflowers