Kaleidoscope - Group of Seven

Hi everyone.  Today we are starting a new technique at Group of Seven.  I saw a beautiful card made by my friend Jenny (My Paper Epiphany - third card in post) using this technique and I'm so excited we tried it out for Group of Seven. :)  Thanks Jenny!!

Jenny's inspiration card

For the card at the top of the post, I stamped a large image in Versamark onto mixed media paper; then heat embossed with Liquid Platnium (Ranger).  I used Distress Re-inkers to watercolour the image, making sure the whole card front was covered with colour.  I believe it would be OK to leave bits of white, but not large patches of white.  Once dry, I cut the panel up into 1/2" wide pieces, rearranged them in a random order; then taped them to my card front.  These bright colours are so HAPPY!! :)

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 ...

• Tried this with a variety of stamped images and was happy with each one.  A great technique if you are looking for an arsty type of card.
• The technique is to colour the images loosely, which I did for the Christmas cards below, but keep mostly inside the lines for my two Floral cards.  Both ways worked.
• Also tried this with stencils and it worked great.  Best to make sure your background is coloured before sponging over the stencil.  I simply smooshed a light colour of ink.
• Try cutting up your panel in random-sized strips for a different look
• Great way to use some images from your stash that you've been hanging on to for a long time, but not used because they aren't "quite right".  This technique makes everything look good. :)

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Close-up ...

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I had this image in my "need to finish" pile for a long time.  It's called Roses Be Happy (Stampendous - retired).  It was already watercoloured, but I used my zigs to add more colour as I find vibrant colours look awesome with this technique.  Then I cut it up into strips, rearranging them randomly and cut it into a smaller panel.  LOVE how it turned out.

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I decided that I should try this using sponging through a stencil. :)  I smooshed the background, then sponged over the Layering Poinsettia stencil by Tim Holtz with more Distress Inks.  

The stencil was removed before I sponged around the outside edge of the poinsettias and holly.  We have done this technique before and we called it Stencil Bleed (click to see our Group of Seven post). 

I cut the panel in half and outlined one with a silver metallic pen.  The other panel was left as is.  It's amazing how different they look. :)  Thanks for the suggestion to try it both ways Christine!

 

Sending the above card to the following challenges:

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #57

Peace on Earth #68

 

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I have done a similar technique in the past, cutting up pieces with random widths and spacing them apart a little (below ... 1) foiled piece; 2) stenciling over coloured card stock).  Here's a few alternative ways to try this technique ... 

Past cards

(click on photos for more info)

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Card #1:

Stamps:  Dahlia Collage (Stampendous); Birthday Blowout (Poppy Stamps)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Versamark; Distress Re-inkers: Mowed Lawn, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany, Kitsch Flamingo, Picked Raspberry, Salvaged Patina (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Liquid Platinum embossing powder, White embossing powder (both from Ranger), heat tool, watercolour brushes

Card #2:

Stamps:  Roses Be Happy - retired (Stampendous); Happy Snippets (Penny Black)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Versamark; Zig markers
Accessories:  Gold embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool; watercolouring brushes

Card #3 & 4:

Stamps:  Merry Christimas (SU! - retired)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Salvaged Patina, Candied Apple, Mowed Lawn, Mustard Seed 
Accessories:  Water mister, Layering Poinsettia stencil (Tim Holtz); detail sponges, Silver metallic pen (Pilot)

Challenges:

Group of Seven - Kaleidoscope

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #57

Peace on Earth Challenge #68