Encore, encore - Blossoms

I came across a fun challenge from Stamps R Us while visiting Lynn and thought it was an extremely clever and fun idea.  All you have to do is re-post an older project that you made, but no backlinking.  I chose Blossoms that I created about a year ago.  It was a fun card to make and incorporated several different techniques.

I colored the Magenta rubber stamp vase with Distress Inks and an aqua brush.  The posy branches are from Heartfelt Creations and are fussy cut to fit into the vase.  I also added pearl centers to each flower.  The background was created with glossy cardstock and walnut ink.

Here's a close-up of the flowers and a better shot to see the vellum flowers that were added to a few of the blossoms.

Hope you enjoyed this encore presentation.

True Love - TLC Blog Hop

Welcome to the Create with TLC Blog Hop.  I needed an anniversary card for a couple who have been together for a long time and thought this rubber stamp image from Magenta and the sentiment from Create with TLC fit the bill perfectly.

I used Distress inks to created the sponged background as well as coloring this cute image of Susie and Benjamin's First Kiss.  I pop dotted their heads and left the bottom of the image flush with the background for a more dimensional look.  Here is a closer look so you can see the details better.

A  glitter pen was used to create twinkling stars and to highlight portions of the sentiment.

 

The next person on the hop is .................. Krisa.   Thanks for stopping by and looking around.  (You'll notice that I use sentiments by Create with TLC quite a bit.)   

Blossoms

I used a variety of techniques while making this card.  Since I didn't have any patterned or solid paper that I liked with this, I made my own base using glossy card stock sprayed  with Cornflower Walnut Ink by Tsukineko.  I blotted some of the excess spray to give it more of a mottled look. 

This gorgeous vase is an older stamp by Magenta.  I used Distress Inks to color in the image with an aqua brush.  This is a simple technique where you stamp the ink pad colors onto your craft mat and use a small aqua brush to pick up the colors.  I combined a couple different colors until I came up with the shades I wanted.  Since I wanted the vase to be raised, I outlined the image onto chipboard and cut it out; then I adhered the vase to the chipboard so it would have a solid feel to it.  (I didn't think pop dots would give me the exact effect I was looking for.)

The posy branch is part of a set from Heartfelt Creations.  I stamped the image several times, masking the previous ones, until I had the look I was going for.  I did use Copics (RV00, RV02, YR61, G03, G07, E25, E27) to color this image.  I then fussy cut the branchs using either my Exaco knife or my Color Bee scissors by EK Success.  These are the best scissors for cutting out tiny details.  It cuts through the paper like it was melted butter.

Heartfelt Creations also has die cuts (made by Spellbinders) to match a number of their rubber stamps, including this one.  I used the smallest flower die to cut out some blossoms in vellum.  I airbrushed the white vellum with YR 61 to match the blossoms better.

Here is a close up so you can see the vellum flowers better:

I used a tool from my cake decorating supplies to curl each individual vellum petal.  (This is the same tool used to curl petals made from gum paste or fondant.  Don't worry, I have more than one, so this one is now in my craft room.)  Who knew these tools would serve a dual purpose : ) ?   Next, added small pearls to the four corners and to the center of each flower.  The final step was to layer this onto black cardstock.

Thanks for checking it out..

Flower girl

Copic markers were used (as usual) to color in the images.  The stamp is from Magenta and I purchased it here.  After I finished coloring everything, I used my Spellbinders Labels Eight to cut out the image as well as my mat.  I sponged Distress inks over the mat for more definition. 

I used Flower Soft to highlight the outside edge of my image and the rubber bands in her hair.  As a finishing touch, the ribbon was airbrushed the same color as the dress using Copic markers.  All of this was layered onto a light green patterned paper and then white cardstock for the base.

First Kiss

There are a number of elements to this card.  To start off, the background is a sponged ink technique using Distress inks (Faded Jeans, Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire, Pumice Stone, Forest Moss, and Bundled Sage).  The image is by Magenta and I used Copic markers to color the image.  After coloring, I cut out the image to place on the background. 

I layered this onto a cream cardstock cut with Spellbinders' Scalloped Edge Frameabilities.  It is the inside portion of the larger frame.  The blue cardstock was cut to an A2 size (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") and then I used the Tim Holtz Alterations On The Edge Plaque & Postage die to alter the edge of the card.  I also added a ribbon (and adhered before layering the focal point) that goes around the card and ties on the side.  I added another piece of the cream cardstock on the inside of the card, to both highlight the edge as well as making it easier to write a message.  Lastly, and it's hard to tell, a Copic Atyou Spica (clear) glitter pen was used to create twinkling stars.  In person, they reflect the light beautifully, creating a romantic feeling.

This image could be used for a number of occasions, including Valentine's, an anniversary, or for an engagement.  I think I'll be using this image quite a lot.  Enjoy!