Stenciling over Heat Embossing - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  This month at Group of Seven we are playing with this fun technique that combines two techniques (heat embossing / stenciling) to create unique cards.

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

Group of Seven Cardmakers

Here's what I learned when I experimented with this technique ...

• The best backgrounds for this technique are words, script, etc.  Other small design backgrounds work well too.
• White embossing of the background design is beautiful and soft.  For a stronger contrast, use coloured embossing powder.
• Intricate background designs are not suited for coloured embossing as the stenciling over top doesn't stand out.

For the above card I started with the Crackle Background Stamp (Simon Says Stamp), stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.   Placed the Tumbling Leaves Stencil (Simon Says Stamp) over top and using small blending brushes, sponged randomly with three colours of Distress Inks:  Peacock Feathers, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade.  Once I was finished, I lightly swiped over the stenciling with a dry paper towel to remove any excess ink that was sitting on top of the heat embossing (resist).  A large die-cut hello sentiment is cut three times from black card stock, glued together to create a thick embellishment, and then coated in crystal glaze.

Close-up ...

I'm sending the above card to Stencil Fun October Challenge - optional theme Orange.

I wanted to try out a few more pairing of heat embossed backgrounds and stenciling so here's what happened ...

The above card uses Dream Background from Unity, stamped and heat embossed in clear, before sponging over the Butterfly stencil (Visible Image) with Distress inks Salty Ocean and Wilted Violet.

Sending the above card to Triple B (Birds, Blooms & Butterflies) October Challenge.  I didn't use the optional mood board this time.

... and a Christmas card ...

This time I used the En Francais stamp from Stampin' Up! for the background, inking with White Pigment ink and heat embossing with white.

I placed a stencil of a poinsettia (cut from my Silhouette) over top and sponged on colour (Distress Inks: Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Candied Apple).  To finish, a sentiment (Snowglobe Sentiments - retired - My Favorite Things) was stamped in more of the Mowed Lawn ink.  

Sending this over to Rudolph Days October Challenge where Anything Christmas Goes.  Thanks Maureen!

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Crackle Background (Simon Says Stamp)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Versamark; Distress Inks:  Peacock Feathers, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool; Tumbling Leaves Stencil (Simon Says Stamp), small blending brushes, hello die (AliExpress), Crystal Glaze

Card #2:

Stamps:  Dream (Unity)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  White Embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Butterfly Stencil (Visible Image), sponges

Card #3:

Stamps:  En Francais (retired - Stampin' Up!); Snowglobe Sentiments (retired - My Favorite Things)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   White Pigment Ink (Hero Arts Unicorn); Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Candied Apple (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  White embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool; sponges, acetate sheet, Silhouette Cameo for cutting stencil, Silhouette America cut file, silver metallic pen

Challenges:

Group of Seven - October - Stenciling over Heat Embossing

Stencil Fun October Challenge

Triple B October Challenge

Rudolph Days October Challenge

Penny Black - Fir Branch

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing another of the new release Christmas stamps from Penny Black (Fir Branch - 40-913).

I started with a piece of mixed media paper, inking up the leaves using Mowed Lawn Distress ink.  I spritzed a little water onto the inked image before stamping onto my card front.  I repeated with a second inking and spritzing and did the same with the pinecones in Vintage Photo and Gathered Twigs Distress inks. 

To finish the card, I stamped the sentiment (Full of Christmas - 30-734) in black ink and heat embossed with clear so it would stand out more over top of the leaves.  I splattered the whole card with lots of diluted white acrylic paint to create snow (hard to see in the photo).

Close-up ...

I'm sending this card to Penny Black Saturday October Challenge.

I made a second card using the same as above.

This time after stamping my main image, I cleaned off my stamp (not removing it from my Misti) and then re-inked the entire stamp with Versamark, heat embossing in clear powder to protect the image.  

My friend, Christine (It's a Card Day's Night) introduced me to Elegant Writer (a pen filled with dye ink).  Even though I bought "black", when you add water, there are all kinds of colours (gray, blue, pink, etc.).  I used the Elegant Writer to add a watercoloured background.  I scribbled the pen onto an acrylic block and picked up the colour with a wet brush to add to my background.  Very cool! 

The card was finished the same as the first one, stamping the sentiment and splattering with diluted white acrylic paint.

Thanks for stopping by!

Penny Black Products

Fir Branch (40-913)

Full of Christmas (30-734)

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Stamps:  Fir Branch (Penny Black); Full of Christmas (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs (Tim Holtz); Versamark; Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Water mister, Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Elegant Writer (Black - Extra fine tip), watercolour paint brushes, white acrylic paint, splatter brush

Challenges:

PBSC October

CAS Thinking of You

Hi everyone.  A quick post with a quick and easy card. :)

My dear friend's dad (he's 90+) is not well so I wanted to send him a card to let him know I was thinking of him.

I kept it very clean and simple by masking my Bamboo stencil (The Crafter's Workshop - retired) to sponge only two pieces of bamboo, plus some leaves on top in Shabby Shutters distress ink.  A border was masked before lightly sponging Salvaged Patina ink partially along the bottom and up one side, fading out as I went along.  To finish, I stamped a simple sentiment (A Little Sentimental from Clear Besotted - retired) in black ink.

I'm sending this card to Simply Clean & Simple October Challenge - Anything CAS Goes.

* * * * *

I received a lovely email yesterday which included two photos of Jessie.  These were taken by my SIL Alex at our Thanksgiving dinner (Oct. 9th).  I didn't know he took photos, so getting the email was a wonderful surprise.  Definitely brightened my day. :)

 

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Stamps:  A Little Sentimental (retired)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Shabby Shutters, Salvaged Patina (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Bamboo Stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), sponge brushes, removable tape for masking

Challenges:

Simply Clean & Simple October Challenge

Pink Christmas ... for the cure!

Hi everyone.  Today I'm playing along with the Pink Christmas for the cure! challenge at Jingle Belles.  This is their special challenge of the year where Stef and Lauren donate $2 ea for each entry of this challenge to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Thanks to Stef and Lauren for this wonderful challenge!

I started my card by heat embossing Snowflake Background (Hero Arts - retired) in white onto a mixed media card panel.  I then ink blended three colours of pink DOX inks:  Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry to create a fun and bright sky behind a snowy hillside die (Sloping Hillside - Poppy Stamps - retired).  I cut out a second piece with the Sloping Hillside from silver metallic card and glued it over top of the white base, offsetting it slightly so it looks like the trees have snow-covered branches. :)  Finished the card by stamping the sentiment (Christmas Sentiments - Hero Arts - retired) in Silver Delicata ink.  Easy and fun card to make!

I thought I'd try the same ink blending paired with black accents. :)

This time I ink blended the sky in pink inks before adding a die-cut village (Winter Village - Penny Black) - this time in black.  Splattered my panel with diluted black acrylic paint before popping it up on my card base with a foam layer.  Stamped the sentiment (Bright & Light - Penny Black) in Kitsch Flamingo ink.

I'm sending the above card to Christmas Craft Creations October Challenge - Monochromatic.

Thanks for the challenge!

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Snowflake Background; Christmas Sentiments (both from Hero Arts - retired)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Silver metallic card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Unicorn white pigment ink (Hero Arts); DOX inks:  Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   White embossing powder, heat tool, sponge brushes, Winter Village die (Penny Black)

Card #2:

Stamps:  Bright & Light - Sentiment (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   DOX inks:  Spun Sugar, Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   sponge brushes, Winter Village die (Penny Black), splatter brush, diluted black acrylic paint

Challenges:

Jingle Bells - Pink Christmas ... for the cure! Challenge

Christimas Craft Creations October Challenge - Monochromatic

Reminder post The Flower Challenge

Hi everyone.  I'm happy to be back with a reminder card for The Flower Challenge #85 - Anything Flowers Goes.  This month we are celebrating the amazing ladies who have run The Flower Challenge for seven years.  Aileen and Viv are both stepping down from the challenge at of the end of this month.  

The Flower Challenge will continue with Karren taking over the reigns.  YAY!!

For the launch of the challenge on Oct. 4th, I made a card to honour Aileen.  Today I'm sharing a card to honour Viv ...

Viv often watercolours beautiful, delicate flowers in pinks and purples.  She has already received the card. :)

I started by silver heat embossing Dahlia Bunch Stamp (Pinkfresh Studio) onto mixed media paper.  I watercoloured the image using Distress Inks (Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry, Wilted Violet, Shabby Shutters, and Peeled Paint).  I cut the image to size and placed behind a black die-cut sentiment frame that I bought through Amazon.  

First time using the frame, so I'm sending this card over to NBUS Challenge #55 (second entry).  

Close-up ...

Thank you for all your support Viv!! 

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Stamps:  Dahlia Bunch (Pinkfresh Studios)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Versamark; Distress Inks:  Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry, Wilted Violet, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Silver Embossing Powder, heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, Hello die (Amazon)

Challenges:

The Flower Challenge #85 - Anything Flowers Goes

NBUS Challenge #55

More Dry Embossing with Re-inker Watercolouring

Hi everyone.  Two more cards for September's Group of Seven technique - Dry Embossing with Re-inker Watercolour.  Once I started making these, it was hard to stop! :)

The card above was made for my friend, Nancy (scandiNancy creates) to celebrate her birthday which was a few weeks back.

I smooshed Distress Re-inkers (Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Salty Ocean) with Cold Press Watercolour paper and left it to air dry.  I used Versafine Clair Nocturne ink direct from stamp pad to the inside of the Areca Palm Embossing Folder (Altenew), on the debossed side.  Placed my dried, smooshed w/c paper and ran it through my Gemini Jr.  Turned out beautifully. :)  I completely forgot to take a photo before mailing it to Nancy.  She took the above photo for me. :)  Thanks friend!!

... and one more final card ...

This card was made with Distress Re-inkers:  Wilted Violet, Candied Apple, Antique Linen

and dry embossed with Roses Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz / Sizzix).  I used the Heartfelt sentiment die (Penny Black) to finish.

I'm sending the above card to Triple B October Challenge (Birds, Butterflies, & Blooms).  I didn't use the optional mood board this time. :)

If you try out this technique, we'd love for you to share it on the Group of Seven blog.  There is a linky party set up near the bottom of the post.

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Card #1:

Stamps: Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   Cold press Watercolour paper (140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Re-inkers:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Salty Ocean (Tim Holtz);  Black Pigment ink (Verafine Claire Nocturne)
Accessories:  Water mister, Watercolour paintbrush, Areca Palm Embossing Folder (Altenew), large happy die (gift from a friend)

Card #2:

Stamps: n/a

Paper:   Cold press Watercolour paper (140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Re-inkers:  Wilted Violet, Candied Apple, Antique Linen (Tim Holtz);  Black Pigment ink (Verafine Claire)
Accessories:  Water mister, Watercolour paintbrush, Roses Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz / Sizzix), smile die (Penny Black)

Challenges:

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

Triple B October Challenge (Birds, Butterflies, & Blooms)

Penny Black - Cardinal Pair

Hi everyone.  I have another card using one of the new Christmas release from Penny Black called Cardinal Pair.  I just LOVE this scene with the birch trees and cardinals.  I had fun colouring this.  

I started by using a sponge brush to add Salvaged Patina Distress Ink to the bottom and up past the middle of the card, fading out at the top.  I then stamped the image in black ink and clear heat embossed.  I used a watercolour paint brush and a little water (not too much at a time otherwise it might bleed into the background), I went over the birch tree, cardinals, and ornaments, blotting with a paper towel to remove the blue ink.  I let that dry before watercolouring the rest of the image.

This was quick to paint as there's only the one birch tree, two birds and three ornaments.  Once I was done watercolouring, I splattered the background with diluted white acrylic paint.  I also used my white Posca pen to add snow to some of the tree branches (hard to see in the photos).  To finish, I tore two layers of snowhills for the bottom, stamping the sentiment (Christmas Sentiments - Penny Black) in black ink at the bottom of the card.

Close-up ...

I'm sending this card to - Peace on Earth #49 (with beautiful mood board)

Thanks for stopping by!

Penny Black Products

Cardinal Pair

Christmas Sentiments

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Stamps:  Cardinal Pair (Penny Black); Christmas Sentiments (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Salvaged Patina, Weathered Wood, Mowed Lawn, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Wild Honey, Black Soot (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:  Sponge brush, Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, diluted white acrylic paint, white paint pen (Posca) 

Challenges:

Peace on Earth #49

Guest Designing for the Flower Challenge

Hi everyone.  I'm thrilled to be among a group of Guest Designers honouring Aileen and Viv from The Flower Challenge #85 - Anything Flowers Goes.  These two amazing ladies have run The Flower Challenge for seven years and we are here today to help them celebrate the 7th birthday of the challenge and to also say a fond farewell.  Both are stepping down at the end of this challenge.  Thank you Aileen and Viv for your wonderful commitment and work to run a successful challenge all these years!!

This is not the end of The Flower Challenge as Karren will be running it starting next month.  Way to go Karren!!

I wanted to create a card for both Aileen and Viv, inspired by their beautiful styles and colours they love.  Today I'm sharing the card I made to honour Aileen.  The card honouring Viv will be posted as a reminder on Oct. 15 ... I hope you'll come back to see it then!

Aileen likes to use blue for flowers and bold designs, so I hope she likes this card. :).  

The flowers and sentiment (Statement Flowers by Altenew) are heat embossed in silver onto mixed media paper.  I watercoloured the image using Distress Inks (Salvaged Patina, Peacock Feathers, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, and Squeezed Lemonade).  I added a simple strip of washi tape on the side to finish the design. :)

Close-up ...

I hope you'll drop by The Flower Challenge and check out the fun celebration.  Come play along!!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Stamps:  Statement Flowers (Altenew)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Versamark; Distress Inks:  Salvaged Patina, Peacock Feathers, Mowed Lawn, Squeezed Lemonade (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Silver Embossing Powder, heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, washi tape

Challenges:

The Flower Challenge #85 - Anything Flowers Goes

Penny Black - Radiant Red

Hi everyone.  Today's cards feature a stamp from the Penny Black Christmas release (Radiant Red - 40-903).  This is a gorgeous poinsettia image that is fun and easy to watercolour.

This is my first time using this stamp, so I'm sending the above card to NBUS Challenge #55.

... and I'm also sending it to Penny Black Saturday Challenge - September, where Anything Penny Black Goes.

For the card above, the outline image is stamped off-the-edge onto mixed media paper.  I heat embossed the image in white and watercoloured using Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany.

The sentiment (Full of Christmas 30-734)  is stamped with black ink.  To finish the card, I splattered with diluted white acrylic paint ... there's a bit of a snow storm going on with this card. :)

Close-up ...

And I've created a second card using the same inks and white embossing, but this time I used vellum.  The embossed image is on the front with the watercolouring done on the back of the image.  I have sandwiched the vellum between two pieces of white card stock, both with a circle die-cut in the center.  

I added a foiled sentiment using the Xmas Classics (15-004)  and some silver foil.  You simply rub the design onto your card, burnishing the sticky design, lay your foil over top and burnish again.  So simple and quick to do! :)  The sentiment looks black in the photo above.  I wasn't able to get a photo, but trust me, it's lovely and shiny silver foil. :)

I'm sending this card to Merry Little Christmas Challenge #52.

Penny Black Products

Radiant Red (40-903)

Full of Christmas (30-734)

Xmas Classics (15-004)

* * * * *

Just a quick note that I added a new tab (Sketches) at the top of my blog of some of my favourite sketches I use when making my cards.  These sketches are Clean & Simple designs and I use them a lot (with slight variations to keep things more interesting).  I've also included small photos of several cards that I've made using each sketch with links to the original blog posts.  I hope you find this useful. :)  

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Card #1:

Stamps:  Radiant Red (Penny Black); Full of Christmas (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Versamark; Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   White Embossing Powder, heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, diluted white acrylic paint, splatter brush

Card #2:

Stamps:  Radiant Red (Penny Black); Xmas Classics (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Vellum
Ink:     Versamark; Distress Inks:  Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   White Embossing Powder, heat tool, watercolour paint brushes, diluted white acrylic paint, splatter brush, Circle die (Spellbinders - retired), silver foil (decofoil)

Challenges:

NBUS Challenge #55

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - September

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #52