Garden Flowers in Pot!

I just had to play again in Loll's CAS Watercolour Garden Challenge.

Here is my flower garden in an outdoor ceramic pot!

I have been wanting to use this beautiful SSS "Bouquet of Thanks" image of flowers again.  

Thank you Loll for this beautiful set:-)

I stamped my image onto Fluid 100 Hot Press paper with Versamark using my MISTI 

and then heat embossed with Wow Bright White EB powder.

Next I had fun watercoloring with my Zigs and aqua painter.  

I painted the flowers in two different colors to look like several plants 

coming up from an outdoor pot.  

I colored each petal by moving my Zig color with my aqua painter.  

I really liked the dark to light effect.

Found a scrap piece of Distress Oxide using Faded Jeans and Wilted Violet.

Die cut a circle,  then I die cut another off set circle and trimmed bottom to sit flat.

Stamped my Penny Black sentiment and attached main image
to SU Very Vanilla Thick CS.

I love the simplicity and beauty of the flowers and pot. Hugs...

You have until midnight on the 24th to play along.

Adding to STAMPlorations March Challenge: All about Spring and Faith.

Supplies:

Stamps: SSS Bouquet of Thanks.  Penny Black "Happy Snippets".

Paper: SU Thick Very Vanilla. Fluid 100 Hot Press.

Inks: Versamark. Zigs. Distress Oxides for pot. Archival Jet Black for sentiment.

Accessorites: MISTI, Aqua painter, Spell binder circle dies, Wow Bright White EB powder, heat tool.

Less is More #367 Stencil and One Layer Card!

My Less is More #367 OLC card using a new to me stencil from ARTplorations

Designed by Sanna!

I just had to touch my new to me Sanna Stencil tonight and came up with this fun and easy One Layer Card thanks to this weeks Less is More Challenge.

I used Strathmore Mixed Media paper for my card base because I was not sure 

if I would be adding water. It turned out I did not.

I taped my stencil down over my card front and used 3M masking tape

to mask off all, but three of the blooms from my ARTplorations 

"Flowers 1" Stencil designed by Sanna.

Then the fun began to use my Clarity Stencil Brushes to brush on my Distress Inks.

I used TH Distress Inks in this order: Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade and Festive Berries

for the flowers and then Mowed Lawn for the stems and leaves.

Removed masking tape and stamped my image from STAMPlorations pretty "Blooming Buds"

designed by Deepti.

And Done!  Amazing.  I really like the soft colors for this sympathy card.

I am taking my card over to STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge too.

STAMPlorations March Challenge: All about Spring and Faith.

Just getting under the wire with my card.  Hope you like it.  Hugs..

P.S.  My card was a Less is More #367 Show Case Winner:-)  I am thrilled! 

Be sure and check out all the winners:-) Thank you LIM!

Supplies:
Stamps: STAMPlorations "Blooming Buds" by Deepti
Paper: Strathmore Mixed Media
Inks: TH Distress Inks: Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade and Festive Berries for the flowers and then Mowed Lawn for the stems and leaves.
Accessories: ARTplorations "Flowers 1" by Sanna. 3M Masking Tape. Clarity stencil brushes.

CAS Mix Up Acetate Dragonflies!

So pleased to play in our CAS Mix Up Acetate, Stamping and Your Choice Challenge!

Thanks again Susan for such a fun challenge!

I chose Alcohol Ink on Acetate + Stamping + Inlaid Die Cuts and Die Cuts!

We are still Celebrating CAS Mix Up's 2nd Birthday this month!

You have until the 24th to play along and possibly when a prize:-)

Here are my 2 cards using the negative and positives of 2 die cut Dragonfly corner images!

Here is my Friends Forever card!

My Lots of Love card!

I used the same supplies and techniques for both my cards.

I chose 2 pieces of Alcohol Ink on Acetate with Tissue backing from my background stash.  

One was a pretty green and the other a pretty blue background.

It can be a challenge when die cutting designs that have narrow pieces.  

I used a scrap piece of Arches 140# Cold Press as an extra shim when die cutting my MB "Dragonfly Stems Left Corner" Die. 

The extra thickness worked really well.  

Of course that was after  tossing my 1st try using my normal die sandwich.

I am sending you to my alcohol ink on acetate French Marigold Tissue Technique Card for the full description of my background.  Such a cool technique and you can never make just 1 background!

I dry embossed  a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of Gemand Woodland 110# cardstock.  

Then die cut 1 dragonfly corner from the blue background saving all the tiny pieces.

Next die cut a 2nd corner from the green background, saving the pieces.

Then I die cut each woodland grain card front with the dragonfly corner die.

Next I attached the dry embossed backgrounds to my SU Thick Whisper White Card Bases

I used SU Fine Tip Glue Pen to add dots of glue inside the apertures.  

I placed the positive dragonfly images in 1st weighting down with my largest acrylic block.

When dry added the negative pieces.

Used the same technique on 2nd card.  It was a bit tedious,  but fun.  I used a toothpick to help move the glue around and had a baby wipe handy to wipe up extra glue.

I finished my cards by adding CUTplorations Dragonfly Die that I shaped with stylus

and popped up with dimensionals.  

Stamped my PB Happy Snippets sentiments using MISTI and Archival black ink and Done!

I was pleased with the results and happy to have 2 cards for my stash:-)

You have until the 24th to play along with us at March CAS Mix Up.

Be sure and check out the inspiring DT and our GD cards.  Hugs...

Supplies:

Stamps: Penny Black "Happy Snippets"

Paper: SU Thick Whisper White. Gemand Woodgrain CS 110#, White Tissue Paper

Inks: Archival Jet Black.  TH Alcohol Inks: Greens and Blue

Accessories: Acetate Sheets, Big Shot, Memory Box "Dragonfly Stems Left Corner" die, CUTplorations "Dragonfly Layering Dies", SU Fine Tip Glue Pen, Dimensionals, MISTI to repeat stamp sentiments on textured CS.

.

CAS Watercolour Garden Reminder!

CAS Watercolour March "Garden" Challenge Reminder Card!

Springtime is such a Gorgeous time of year with thoughts of Spring Gardens!

Here is my Garden Card...Enjoy!

And a Close Up!

I chose the same older SU Stamp Set, "Long-Time Friend" that I used for my March Launch Card!

Both stamps are beautiful and easy to Watercolour.

I stamped my image with Versafine Black pigment ink onto Fluid 100 Hot Press WC paper and heat embossed with SU Clear EB  Powder. Then began the fun of relaxing Watercolouring with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush and Aqua Painter.  I let each layer dry, which does not take long, before adding another layer of color.

Next I Die Cut my image with my Penny Black "Antique Frames" Dies Set.  Then placed in my MISTI and stamped my sentiment with Versafine Black ink and heat EB with clear EB powder.

Mounted main image and popped up using fun foam onto a SU Whisper White card base,
that I had die cut with CUTplorations
Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Die.
Added Wink of Stella to flowers and Done! 

I am itching to Garden...how about you?
You have until the 24th to play along with us at CAS Watercolour.
Be sure and check out the inspiring Garden cards from our very talented DT and GD, Nonni (Nonni's Handmade Cards)!  Happy Spring Dear Friends!  Hugs...

Adding to The Flower Challenge #18 Anything Goes.  

Supplies:

Stamps: SU  Wood Mount "Long-Time Friend" 2006 (ret).  Penny Black "Happy Snippets" sentiment.

Paper: SU Thick and Regular Whisper White CS.  Fluid 100 Hot Press WC paper.

Inks: Versafine Black.  Zig Clean Color Real Brush waterbase markers.

Accessories: Penny Black "Antique Frames" Die.  CUTplorations "Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Die". SU Aqua Painter.  Wink of Stella on flowers.  Fun Foam ($ store).

CAS Mix Up Die Cut Acetate Reminder

More beautiful and creative CAS Mix Up Acetate cards by our talented DT and Guest Designer,  

Cathy (Cathys Card Spot)

Here is my card using Stamping + Acetate Alcohol Ink Tissue Background + Die Cuts

Close Up showing all the pretty shine from die cut flowers and copper foil frames.

I chose a background from my Alcohol Inked Acetate with tissue paper from my stash!
I used Pinata alcohol inks: Senorita Magenta and Gold Metallic and T.H. Watermelon alcohol inks.

I am sharing my Marigold Alcohol Ink on Acetate Tissue Paper Card from a previous post.

It has all the same steps that were on the background that I used for my die cut flowers.

I loved the shine from the alcohol inks and especially the gold metallic alcohol ink.  

The SU Copper foil paper matched the gold closer than the SU Gold foil, 

so the Copper was my choice for framing my MB die cut flowers and PB sentiment.

I attached my main image to SU Thick Whisper White card front using fun foam

and popped up sentiment using 3M foam tape.

My card will be for a dear 88 year old forever girl friend,  who is now living in assisted living.

Daisy has the sweetest smile and the most wonderful caring nature.

She is a retired Xray Tech,  whose hobby has always been gardening.  

I know Daisy will like her card because she is always so easy to please:-)

You still have until the 24th to joining us at CAS Mix Up.  We  would love to see your Acetate cards!

Adding to The Flower Challenge #18 Anything Goes.

Supplies: 

Stamps: Penny Black "Happy Snippets" sentiment.

Paper: SU Thick Whisper White and Copper Foil.  Amazon Acetate.

Inks: Pinata: Senorita Magenta and Gold Metallic and T.H. Watermelon alcohol inks.  Archival Jet Black.

Accessories: Memory Box Tall Umbels Left Corner Die.  AliExpress Stitched Rectangle Die.  Fun Foam.  Foam Tape.  SU Fine Tip Glue Pen for attaching die cut flowers.

Twofer March Challenge: Blossom

Time for Darnell's #3 Twofer Challenge: Blossom!

Here are my Twofer cards using Penny Black "Promise Me" tulips stamp.

Such a relaxing and enjoyable creative day Zig Watercoloring  

these beautiful Penny Black images.  

Close Up of my 1st card.

I used the same Zigs watercoloring technique for both cards.

I inked the stamp with Tea Dye Distress Ink and stamped the image

onto Fluid 100 Hot Press WC paper then moved the ink around with my aqua painter.

I then used my Zig pens: Light Violet, Violet, Lemon Yellow, Yellow, Bright Yellow, Orange, Mid-Green and Olive Green and aqua pen to watercolor my flowers
letting my layers dry before adding more ink.
I used my white gel pen to highlight some areas.

I am sharing my favorite Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens videos.  I used tips from both these videos for my cards.  The 1st video is by Jennifer McGuire (6 ways to use Zigs).  The 2nd video is by K. Werner (Tips for Watercoloring with Zigs).

If you use Jennifer and Kristin's tips you will have beautiful success with your Zig watercoloring.

I stamped my sentiment using Archival Jet Black ink then used my SU Square Die
to die cut my tulips and then decided to die cut a smaller square and pop up the smaller square with fun foam.  I attached the larger square to my 4 1/4" square SU Very Vanilla
card base using more fun foam for the layer.

Next attached the smaller square, popping up with 2 layers of fun foam.
I was very happy with the CAS design.  Hope you like it too:-)

My card is for a dear friends Daughter-in-Law,  who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Wishing my card of encouragement will brighten her day.

Close up of 2nd card.

I used the same Zig Watercoloring technique with a little change of colors for the flowers.
Using Pink, Carmine Red and Wine Red for the middle tulip and Yellow, Bright Yellow, Orange and Scarlet Red on the other tulips and same greens.

Next I die cut my main image and stamped the sentiment.
Next I gave my background a wet on wet watercolour wash using my aqua pen and Zig Light Blue,  which is perfect for a soft wash.

I added the same size die cut SU Rose Red background angled
and attached both layers with fun foam to SU Very Vanilla card base.

Done and another card I like.  Love your challenge Darnell.
It is so fun to end up with 2 different designed cards for 2 different occasions for my stash:-)
This card is for a dear friend who has recently moved to Assisted Living
learning to adjust to not living in her own home with her gorgeous garden!

Think Blossoms and Spring my friends!  Hugs....

Supplies: 

Card 1: 

Stamps: Penny Black "Promise Me" tulips and "Happy Snippets" sentiment.

Paper: Fluid 100 Hot Press.  SU Very Vanilla

Inks: Archival Jet Black.  Clean Color Real Brush Zig pens..colors listed on card description.

Accessories: SU Aqua Painter.  White Signo Gel Pen.  SU Square die cuts (ret). Fun Foam. 

Card 2:

Stamps: PB Promise Me.  STAMPlorations Trendy Feathers 2 sentiment.

Paper: same as card 1 plus SU Rose Red Core'dinations (ret).

Inks: Zig colors listed on card description. Archival jet black.

Accessories: Memory Box Stitched Rectangles Dies. Aqua painter, fun foam.

New CAS Christmas Card Challenge: Holly!

So excited to play in Loll and Bonnie's brand new CAS Christmas Card Challenge:-)

Challenge #1 is Holly!

I was inspired by This beautiful CAS card by Susy aka Boss on Splitcoaststampers,  who was recently chosen Featured Stamper for the week of February 18th:-)

Here is my CAS Holly Christmas Card!

While I had my supplies out I made a 2nd card for my stash:-)

I have a feeling my Christmas card stash is going to grow much quicker than normal with the new CAS Christmas Card Challenge:-)

I started by swiping T.H. Mowed Lawn and Barn Door Distress Inks onto acrylic stamping block and spritzing with water using my T.H. spritzer.  Then stamped onto Fluid 100 Hot Press WC paper.

I used my aqua pen to help move the ink around and add more ink from my block where needed.

When dry I stamped my holly and berries from STAMPlorations "Layered Holly" by Shirley,  with Archival Jet Black ink using my MISTI. Adding Wink of Stella to stamped images.

Then I die cut the frame using SU Square Dies (ret) attaching my main image to my 5" x 5" SU Thick Whisper White card base.  Next adding fun foam to my frame and covering my image.  As you can see,  I used the same framing design as Susy's card above.  Susy also stamped her background with her inked and spritzed acrylic block.

Instead of a silhouette die cut image like Susy used,  I die cut a sentiment
and attached to the upper left corner using Tomboy clear glue.
Thank you Susy for your inspiring card and Congratulations again for being chosen
SCS Featured Stamper.

I was very pleased with both my cards and so happy to add to my Christmas Stash.
Thank you Bonnie and Loll for creating your new awesome challenge:-)

Congratulations dear friends.  Hugs...

Adding to STAMPlorations Never-Ending Anything Goes Challenge.

Supplies:

Stamps: STAMPlorations "Layered Holly" by Shirley

Paper: SU Thick Whisper White.  Fluid 100 Hot Press WC paper.

Inks: T.H. Distress Inks: Mowed Lawn and Barn Door.  Archival Jet Black.

Accessories: SU Square Die Cuts (ret).  Acrylic Block.  T.H.Spritzer.  CUTploration "Be Jolly Word" Die. Tomboy glue.  Fun Foam. Wink of Stella.

CAS Watercolour Garden

Loll is hosting our March CAS Watercolour Challenge: Garden!

  Our beautiful Garden Cards from our DT and wonderfully creative Guest Designer, Nonni (Nonni's Handmade Cards) will hopefully remind you that Spring will soon be here:-)

We also want to welcome our new DT member Marcia (Marcia's Stampin' Pad).  Marcia plays in our challenge often and has inspired us with her beautifully creative CAS Watercolour designs.
So happy to have you as our new DT Member, Marcia.

 We will miss Christine (It's a card days night), who chose to  move over to our new
CAS Christmas Card Challenge,  which starts tomorrow, March 3rd:-)
Thank you Christine for your amazingly creative CAS Watercolour designs!

Here is my Zigs Watercoloured Card using my Aqua Painter!

Close Up...Wink of Stella on all blossoms.

I watercolored a favorite old (2006) wood mount SU set.  I watercolored with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush set and SU Aqua Painter.  It was so easy to add highlights and move the ink around.

I have discovered that the Zig waterbased paints are too dark unless I thin with a paint brush or aqua painter.  They blend well also when adding color on color.

I began by stamping my image onto Fluid 100 Hot Press paper using Versafine Black Pigment Ink and then Heat Embossing.

Then I spent a relaxing hour watercoloring my images,  drying between layers

 until I was happy with the results.

Next I die cut my image with my SU Square Collection Die (ret).

Used a scrap of SU Perfect Plum Core-dination Paper (ret) to cut another square the same size as the main image.  Attached Perfect Plum layer to CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Die card front and placed in MISTI.

Stamped the sentiment from SSS "Bouquet of Thanks" set using Versafine Black and Heat Embossed.

Then popped up main image using fun foam and Done.

Now I am really ready for Spring Gardening:-)

You have until the 24th to play along. We would love to have you join our springtime fun!

More Challenges:

SSS Monday Challenge: In the Garden

SSS Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes.

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Long-Time Friend (ret).  SSS Bouquet of Thanks sentiment.

Paper: SU Thick Whisper White and Perfect Plum Core-dinations CS.  Fluid 100 Hot Press WC paper.

Inks: Versafine Black.  Zig Clean Clolor Real Brush markers.

Accessories: SU Clear EB Powder and Heat Tool.  CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Die.  SU Square Collection die (ret) and Aqua Painter. Fun Foam ($ store)

CAS Mix Up Acetate Shaker Card!

Congratulations Bonnie and Loll for your 2nd CAS Mix Up Birthday:-)
Thank you for all your fabulous Challenges, my friends.
I am so pleased to be on your fabulous DT:-) Thank you for your continuing Inspiration!

Prizes
$25 gift certificate for Simon Says Stamp for challenge Winner
&
$25 gift certificate for Simon Says Stamp for one random draw of all entries
(must follow the challenge rules to be eligible for prizes)

Now for our March Acetate, Stamping plus Your Choice Challenge.

Hosted by Susan (Cardmaker's Garret)

This is also Susan's last month on CAS Mix Up.  She is moving over to Bonnie and Loll's new CAS Christmas Card Challenge starting on the 3rd:-)  We will miss you my friend,  but know you will continue to inspire us with your CAS Mix Up cards. We look forward to more of your Awesome Christmas Cards, my friend.

We are now Welcoming our new DT member, the amazing CAS mixed media stamper,
Mac (The Sweetest of Peas)  Be sure and check out her Gorgeous acetate card.
You have until the 24th to play along.

Be sure and check out all the fabulous samples by our DT 

and Wonderful Aussie Guest Designer Cathy (Cathy's Card Spot).

Here is my Acetate + Heat Embossed Stamping + Die Cuts Shaker Card!

This is a challenge,  Right?  So I chose a Shaker Card using an Acetate window, 

which for me is a....Challenge!  

I used K. Werner's Awesome Circle Shaker Card Tips YouTube video,  which is one of several helpful Acetate Techniques videos on the CAS Mix Up Challenge site.

I began by using my MISTI to stamp my sentiment using Versafine Black pigment ink onto acetate sheet.  Then Heat Embossed carefully with SU Clear EB powder.

My 1st try I heated too close, so the acetate warped.  My 2nd try worked.

Then I used the larger partial circle die to cut out the sentiment.

Next die cut my 5 1/4" square card front using larger partial circle and attached the acetate sentiment to the back of card front using Tombow liquid glue.  

Added SU Foam Adhesive Strips (thin for shaker cards) around die cut acetate sentiment.

Added 3M foam pieces all over back of card front.  Added 2nd layer so would be same height as SU Foam Strips.  Sprinkled popped up window with sequins.

Next cut a 5 1/4" square of leaves DSP and attached to foam dimensionals.

Then used adhesive tape to adhere card front.

Die cut a large polka dot frame from the back of the same DSP 

and a smaller white frame to give the window a finished look.

Both frames were inlaid to keep the CAS design.

Attached the shaker layer to SU Thick Whisper White Card Base and Done...2 hours later!

Yes,  a challenge,  but I was happy with the results:-)

It is the layering that always confuses me,  but Kristin made it look so easy.  Instead of a circle I used the AliExpress Stitched Partial Circle dies.  I also added a leaf SU DSP (ret) layer inside and used the opposite side of DSP for the polka dot framed layer for the finishing touch!

Hope you get to join Susan's fun Acetate Challenge.  You have until the 24th to play along.  Hugs.

Supplies:

Stamps: SU "Feel Goods" (ret)

Paper: SU Thick Whisper White CS and Designer Series Paper (ret)

Inks: Versafine Black

Accessories: Amazon...007 Clear Craft Plastic  (acetate sheet).  AliExpress Stitched Partial Circle Dies. SU Clear EB Powder, Heat tool, Foam Adhesive Strips, which worked great..sequins did not stick to tape.  3M foam dimensionals.  Tombow liquid glue.

Reminder Bonnie and Loll's new CAS Christmas Card Challenge starts on March 3rd:-)