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 April Inlaid Die-Cutting

Are you ready for our April CAS Mix Up Stamping + Inlaid Die-Cutting + Your Choice Challenge?

Inlaid Die-Cutting is one of my favorite techniques.  Be sure and visit the CAS Mix Up April challenge to get fabulous samples by the DT and our Guest Designer Maria (White Mood).  There are several wonderfully creative video links if you need tutorials for inspiration.

Here is my card using Stamping + Inlaid Die-cutting + Stenciling with Clarity Brushes

I just received my Clarity Brushes using a generous SSS gift certificate from Bonnie and Loll.  Thank you again girl friends.  You are so generous, creative and the BFF :-)

The 1st thing I did after receiving my brushes was to view a YouTube Video Clarity Brushes Quick Stencil Cards by Understand Blue (Lydia) (4:32). Lydia's video was so very helpful.

I used Arches Hot Press Watercolor paper.  I then taped my ARTplorations "Bubbles" stencil over my paper using my favorite 3M masking tape.  I am using the 3 smallest brushes for the 3 color families, then all you do is wipe your brush across scratch paper before you change to the next color family.

Using Lydia's technique I loaded my brush with Tim Holtz Distress Inks; Scattered Straw and Fossilized Amber using a swiping across technique until I was happy with the look. Then did the same with Mowed Lawn using the same brush and overlapping the yellow and greens to blend. Next I used the 2nd brush using Broken China again over lapping the green and blue to blend.  The brush gives a much softer look than blending tools, sponges and sponge daubers with no lines or marks. Very soft and pretty I think.  For darker coloring blending tools are best I think to use over stencils.

I then took my stenciled layer and die cut my Memory Box "Vignette Floral Branch" Die. It is a pretty intricate die, so I used the inlaid technique of just placing the die cut image back into the stenciled layer (just like placing a puzzle piece),  turned the layer over and scotch taped the entire back to hold the die in place.

Next I used 3M foam tape to pop the piece over a layer of SU Marina Mist CS creating a very thin colored frame.  My only embellishments were tiny SU pearls in the center of each flower and a stamped and popped up sentiment from the retired SU "Kind and Caring Thoughts". I was so happy with my 1st Clarity Brushes project.  Hope you like it too.

We would love to have you join our new CAS (Clean and Simple) Mix Up Inlaid Die-Cutting Challenge.   You have until April 24th to play along.  Happy Stamping..Hugs.

Supplies: Listed in Description

NBUS Challenge #11 by Darnell..NBUS Clarity Stencil Brushes and Memory Box Vignette Floral Branch Die. No boo boo's..

STAMPlorations Anything Goes 

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes