Today starts the first challenge of 2024 with a choice of options (Embossing Wet or Dry) - Challenge #275. I made two cards (the one above with dry embossing, and a second card with wet embossing).
The card above uses the Perfect Peonies from Clearly Besotted. I stamped the image in black ink and heat embossed with clear before watercolouring using Distress Inks (Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Mustard Seed). I placed the peonies on a layer of pink card stock, covered with a dry embossed vellum piece I received in the Christmas card from my friend Leslie. It was so pretty, I had to use it right away! :) Thank you Leslie! I finished the card by adding a simple Happy Birthday sentiment stamped in black.
I'm sending the above card to the Triple B (Birds, Butterflies, & Blooms January Challenge. They have provided a mood board for inspiration. My flowers are pink and the layer of embossed vellum (sort of) looks like snow. :)
... and then ....
This card is done using "Wet Embossing" and my very favourite embossing gel, Glass Bead (Golden). I used the Leaves stencil from Simon Says Stamp, sponged with Distress Inks (Peacock Feathers, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness). I removed the stencil and cleaned off the ink before placing it back over top to add a layer of glass bead gel. I love the sparkle from this amazing product. I kept the card design CAS (clean and simple) so that the beautiful leaves were the star, simply adding a sentiment to finish.
I hope you'll join us with your Happy Birthday card(s). As always, Anything Birthday goes with optional theme. Hope to see you in the gallery!
I'm sending the above card to Stencil Fun January Challenge - where it's always Anything Stenciling Goes with optional theme. I went with the Anything stenciling this time. :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Card #1:
Stamps: Perfect Peonies (Clearly Besotted); Greetings (Cavallini & Co)
Paper: White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Pink Pirouette card stock (SU!)Ink: Obsidian Black Pigment Ink (Altenew); Distress Inks: Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Dry embossed vellum (gift from a friend), clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool
Card #2:
Stamps: Brushed Wishes (Stampendous)
Paper: White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)Ink: Distress Inks: Peacock Feathers, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Leaves Stencil (Simon Says Stamp), sponge brushes, Glass Bead Gel (Golden), palette knife
Challenges:
Loll you are a wonderful guest - I'm so happy that you will continue with Seize the Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI am just loving the first with the gorgeous lilac shades with green - of course, that embossing is wonderful, too - I see 'paisley like' swirls!
I haven't the patience for wet embossing, but I sure do love it when you use it! I can just imagine how wonderful that shimmer from the glass beads is!
=]
Both cards WOW! I love the first card with its amazing embossed vellum effect. This is a very feminine card. In the second card, I admire the subtle glow of the glass beads. The CAS style further enhances this stunning look appearance.
ReplyDeletehugs,
BożenA
You never fail to produce amazing artwork, Loll. These are both absolutely gorgeous! The flowers, sigh... and I'm glad you found a use for the embossed vellum. I haven't found the best trick for adhering it yet unless I can hide it. And those leaves are breathtaking in such a calming, quiet way. I've seen you use this gel before and have been wanting it. Well, today is the day. I've already ordered. You are quite the enabler. I hope I can do it justice. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe are spoilt today to have 2 of your fabulous card to enjoy. they are both amazing xx
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards Loll. Love the pretty flowers on the first card along with the embossed vellum - so pretty. The leaves are definitely the star on the second card. Love the colors. We are so pleased to have you as our Surprise Party Guest at STB.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, as always x
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! what beautful cards Lol. So love the amazing blending on those gorgeous flowers and pretty subtle background. Those glass bead leaves are so sparkly and love the touch of colour on the tips. You Rock!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on guesting, Loll! I do so love those pretty flowers and the embossed vellum. I've never heart of wet embossing... I know where has she been! But your results sure are pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love the softness of the vellum over the pink, Loll. Such a sweet card. The glitter on the leaves is wonderful. Congrats on your guest assignment.
ReplyDeleteTwo Gorgeous Birthday cards, Lolly:-) I LOVE how you attached the vellum dry embossed background over pink CS and your stamped, die cut beautifully watercolored flora image. Your 2nd CAS card design with the stenciled leaves and added glass beads is stunning, my friend. TFS both cards and Congratulations on being a Guest Designer on Seize the Birthday:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning pair of cards Loll - the pink one is so soft and feminine, and those leaves - stunning and so elegant
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Congrats on the GD spot Loll, you've rocked this challenge with your inspiration. Love the soft and pretty first card and the second is so crisp and CAS. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they LOVE having you as their GD Loll...especially with the 2 beauties you're sharing today! Your 1st card is so pretty with the soft lilac and green coloring and that embossed vellum behind is the perfect addition! And I know how that glass bead gel sparkles, so your leaf card must be spectacular in real life! Lovely, lovely cards my friend!! Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty card! Love the bg embossing - welcome to Guesting with STB
ReplyDeleteLoll, both of your cards are just so striking as always! You know I have sitting on my desk a piece that I did at our retreat in Canada and I think we may have used the product that you mentioned in your leaf card, because it definitely has a beaded feel to it and I didn't write on the back what it was, but I love the shine it gives and the extra texture for the 'feely' part! Now I can make a card and list the product used! Thank you so much for being our special guest again, you inspire so much creativity!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Loll on your guesting again. The dry embossed card is lovely and how fun to have friends sending along bits that can be incorporated into new cards. Your wet embossing uses one of my favorite SSS products. I have the stencils, dies and out line die. Its just a perfect image. I love the glass beads adding both texture and sparkle.
ReplyDeleteLoll, two fantastic cards. The vellum provides such a soft feel to your first card. And the glass bead provides that pretty sparkle. So happy to have you as our Guest.
ReplyDeleteYour coloring on that first card is stellar, Loll! YOU shaded it perfectly and LOVE the soft colors. I have to agree that the glass bead gel looks super on your second card. It's one of those cards that I want to touch. Two fabulous cards!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful birthday cards, Lolly! Love the pink embossed background on the first and the beautiful contrast of the brighter pink flowers! The leaves are colored so pretty on the second card and I know the sparkle the glass bead gel adds! I know STB is enjoying having you as their guest!
ReplyDeleteHi Loll, Happy New Year to you! The first card is such a show-stopper as you have watercolored it beautifully. As for card number two, I am not familiar with embossing gel and as soon as I am done I am going to click on your link and check it out. I am usually very late to the party when it comes to new techniques and such. Sometimes I wonder if I really am a cardmaker. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh Loll ... your cards are always SO beautiful and inspiring! LOVE what you've created today! Congrats on your GD spot! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our STENCIL FUN, Simply Clean & Simple and Triple B challenges Don't forget to check out our latest adventure ... WORD POWER (link below)! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
ReplyDeleteDarlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Co-Owner … Can You Handle the Pressure, Double D, Four Seasons, Peace On Earth,Stencil Fun, Simply Clean & Simple, Two Old Bats, Triple B, Word Power
Great to see you guesting over at Seize the Birthday Loll, and with these two fabulous cards. Who could resist that pretty piece of vellum which looks wonderful over the background pink card, and then the pretty watercoloured peony flowers in coordinating shades of pink are perfect, then those gorgeous leaves in such bright and pretty shades of green with the added glass bead gel which adds a real 'wow' look to them. x
ReplyDeleteYou have added so much to our Seize the Birthday Challenge. I am always so impressed with your cards. This is no exception. Your first card is so lovely and delicate, I love the look. The second card is simply outstanding, and I am going to look up that gel as soon as I can. So glad that you are SPG!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards, Loll. I love the first, pretty blossom on the embossed/colored background, and then the bead gel really elevates the leafo -- I really thought it was a couple layers of die cut just because the beads give it a beautiful, dimensional feel
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on GD! Both cards are beautiful and showcased both embossing techniques brilliantly. Great designs on both, too.
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards Loll, the dry embossed velum is so pretty and of course I'm always a fan of gel bead- they're so shimmery
ReplyDeleteTwo gorgeous cards Loll, those flowers are coloured beautifully and are so pretty against the soft pink vellum. The bead embossing gel looks amazing! Think I have some of that lurking in a drawer somewhere so I hope it hasn't dried up :). Thankyou for guesting with us again, Cathy x
ReplyDeleteThese are both beautiful Loll!!! I was very intrigued with the pink background and now I know...(and am going to try!) Thanks so much for being our Guest Designer.
ReplyDeleteOooohh these cards are lovely! I loved both of your embossed cards. What gorgeous inspirations! Thank you so much for these, Loll!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards, Loll! I love the delicate embossed vellum on the first card, it’s so feminine. And I think I also have a tub of glass bead gel languishing alongside many other gels and pastes. Must get them out. Thanks for continuing to provide such fabulous inspiration as our Surprise Party Guest.
ReplyDeleteThese are both so pretty! So clever of you to repurpose the lovely embossed vellum (I always forget to use vellum for an EF). I don't even know what embossing gel is but I love the result and will now have to investigate. Happy 2024 to you!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautifully done cards mf....love the first one with the flowers, very elegant looking
ReplyDeletexx Karen