Hi everyone! I’m so glad you’ve stopped by today. In this month’s Newsletter, I wanted to take a look at one of my favorite coloring methods....coloring with Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. I'll also be using the new Mondo Sakura from the fabulous Essentials By Ellen May Release. So much good stuff!
The Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers are water based pigment markers with a genuine brush tip. They’re a great way to quickly color an image or create quick watercolor effects. The real brush tip also makes them great for brush lettering techniques. I think the best part of the markers themselves is their ease of use.
I’ve done a thorough in depth comparison on these markers versus the Zig Art And Graphic Twin Markers. To check out that post, click HERE. I think you’ll get some great information.
While they are easy to use and give great results, there are a few things to remember to get the best results.
Paper matters. While I love my Neenah Solar White for Copic coloring, it is not my card stock of choice for coloring with most water-based markers. I prefer either the Smooth Bristol or a watercolor card stock for coloring with these types of markers. These card stocks allow the marker to sit on top of the paper and blend easier.
Blend it beautiful. While another marker of a lighter shade or water are the most obvious choices for blending out these markers....they’re not the ONLY choice. Try other things that you might have in your stash to give different looks. My favorites are shimmer pens and the Art and Graphic Twin Blender Pen. You could even use a paint brush dipped in pearlized water to blend these out and give a fun pearlescent effect to your coloring.
Think about ink. A permanent ink is important for images that are going to be exposed to a wet medium like water based markers. Choose a black ink that won’t bleed when exposed to water. My favorites include the VersaFine Clair Pigment ink, the Catherine Pooler Midnight Ink and Hero Arts Intense Black Ink. All of these are permanent when dry. I like to hit them all with a heat tool for a few seconds if I’ll be coloring the images right away so I know that they’re set and I won’t have a bleeding image when I color.
Mixology means more. You may not have the perfect shade....but that's okay! You can create custom shades by mixing colors. Mix them on an acrylic block and pick them up with a paint brush, or blend them together right on your project. This means you can get the perfect shade every time!
For today's card, I colored the Mondo Sakura from the May Essentials By Ellen release on Bristol card stock using the Zig Real Brush Markers. If you haven't checked out the amazing new products released this month, you can click HERE to see all of them! You don't want to miss these!
To add a special touch, I used a fine tip glue pen to add some glue to the end parts of the stamen of the flowers. I allowed this glue to dry and then pressed some champagne foil over the top of the adhesive to add a touch of gold to this card project. I love the way the foil shines and catches the light.
Be sure to check out today's video tutorial. I'll be walking you through the creation of this card...and give you some tips and tricks along the way.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you've enjoyed this project and some tips for using the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. And I hope you leave here inspired to create something beautiful of your own! Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day.
XOXO
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Hi everyone! Welcome back! I hope you're having a fabulous April!
In this month's edition of the Ellen Hutson In Touch Newsletter, we're talking windows. I'll be sharing a few window card ideas in today's video tutorial and give you a few tips for creating window cards of your own.
These projects feature the newest Leading Ladies from the Essentials By Ellen line, Hot Mess Lady and Everyday Hero Lady. They are so much fun. I'll also be using the Be Strong stamp set, which coordinates perfectly with these new ladies. I've done all of my coloring with Copic Markers.
Window cards are a fun change-up to a basic card project. They're not difficult to create by any means and they are an easy way to step up a card design.
Windows come in lots of shapes and sizes. You can use almost any die to create a window on your card project. Think outside the box and experiment with the dies you may already own. Today, I'm using the Silver Linings Die Set to create a rectangle window, I'm using the Brushstroke Love die to create a word window and finally a basic heart shaped die to create a fun heart shaped window.
In addition to different shapes and sizes, there are a lot of ways to use windows on your cards. Here are a few of my favorite.
Frame it up. A framing window is used when your focal point is actually on the inside of your card. The window creates a frame around the focal image and allows the recipient to have a peek of the focal image. Once the card is opened, the entire image is revealed. In the card featuring my lovely super hero, I've used a rectangle to frame up my lady. Once the card is opened, the Everyday Hero Lady, in all her caped glory, is revealed. This window is rather large and gives a big sneak peek, but it would also be fun to create this with a smaller window, and allow the cape to be a big surprise when opened.
Suspend it. I love to use frames on my card as a means to suspend elements. In the heart window card, I've used the window as an opportunity to suspend my die cut greeting, making it appear as if it's floating. I added acetate to the back of the window so I could adhere the greeting in the center. If your suspended element is big enough, you can skip the acetate and allow it to stretch over the entire window and attach it on either side. This is a fun way to add something unexpected to your card project. You'll also notice that I've suspended some vellum clouds in the first window card. I love this effect.
Pattern play. In the final card project, I've used a word die to create a window. This peek-a-boo window allows the recipient to see the patterned paper showing through the window. At first glance, you may think it's just a little bit of patterned paper backing. When the card it opened, a whole new element (a die cut heart) is revealed. Allowing the pattern to peek-a-boo through the window adds color and pattern to the front of the card, as well as the inside of the card.
Shake shake shake, shake your card. I didn't create a shaker card today, but it is definitely another fun spin on a window card.
Go all the way. Try adding a window that goes through all the panels of the card, card front and card base....all the way through the back portion of the card base. This is always such a fun way to add another variation to your window cards. It's like a see through card!
As your experimenting with window cards, try something you've never tried before. Try an unexpected shape or use a sentiment die to create your window. Add patterned paper, dry embossing or some stamping on the inside of the card and allow it to peek through the window. Look beyond your normal and find some fun new ways to incorporate windows in to your next card project.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you've enjoyed this look at window cards and that you've been inspired in some new way! What's your favorite way to use windows? Let me know in the comments below! Maybe we can inspire each other!
Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!
XOXO
Copic Colors Used R 20, 22, 00, 11, 32 E 00, 21 YR 24, 27, 29 Y 19, 35 YG 01, 03 T 1 BG 11, 32, 13
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Hello everyone! I hope you are having a fabulous December. There is so much to love about this season, and I'm drinking it all in. Everything just seems a tad lighter and the party atmosphere is in the air! And if there's anything I love, it's a party...as long as I can be home and in my jammies by 9:30 pm. When I saw the Party Bundle available at Ellen Hutson this month, I knew my cards were going to stay true to that party spirit I feel everywhere.
I decided that a party isn't complete without some confetti, glitter and a little bubbly (sparkling cider or champagne). So the cards I created today are all about moving, shaking, confetti, glitter and bubbly. I'm going to walk you through the creation of two simple cards that move and shake. They're perfect for ANY celebration!
There are lots of ways to make cards that have interactive elements, but I really wanted to make these cards simple and manageable. I've created a shaker card and an Action Wobbler card to give the cards movement, without spending a ton of time creating them. These simple additions can really be the wow factor you're looking for! And I know the recipient always loves these types of cards.
Both of my cards feature products from the Party Bundle and the Bottles of Bubbly die set. I'll also be using the Cue the Confetti stamp set in my second card today. The Party Bundle pairs fabulously with all of the products from the Essentials By Ellen December release. I love bundles like this that act as a kit of sorts. Just pull out the bundle and a couple of stamps and dies and you'll be cranking out the cards in no time. I find it helps keep me focused on using the products in front of me and narrows down my focus, which makes the creating process much easier.
I'll walk you through the creation of these cards in the video tutorial below. Be sure to check it out. We're going to have some fun. I've also linked the products used in these projects below.
What newsletter would be complete without a few other ideas for interactive cards? Here are some of my favorites.
Make it shimmy. Action Wobbles might be the easiest way to add a little movement to your cards, and they come in multiple sizes now! Check out THIS hilarious booty shakin' card by Sandy....it really moooooooooves. ;)
Make it shake. Shakers are always a favorite of mine. Let's face it, anything with sparkly things that move around are sure to grab my eye. Click HERE to see a fabulous collection of shakers created by some of my favorite people.
Make it slide. Slider cards are lots of fun and come in many forms. I love THIS ONE by Julie and THIS ONE by Carly. Here's another type of slider by Julie.
Make it fling. Seriously, what could be more fun than a confetti flinging card? The new Confetti Flinger die set from Essentials By Ellen is sure to give anyone a surprise they won't forget. Want to see it in action? Here's a card by Julie featuring this fun new interactive die. I've also shared one on my personal blog. Click HERE to check it out along with a video tutorial!
Make it pop. A three dimensional element on the inside of the card is sure to thrill anyone. I love Carolyn's pop up card! You can find it HERE.
Make it shine. Real lights? On a card? Yes, please. Click HERE to see a holiday card I created with Chibitronics LED lights. Looking for non-holiday inspiration? Check out projects from Julie, Carly, Carolyn and Karolyn.
There are so many ideas for interactive cards, these are just a few of my favorites. Want to see more? Just head to The CLASSroom blog and type "interactive card" in to the search bar. That'll keep you busy for a while. So much inspiration there!
What's your favorite type of interactive card? I'd love to know. Leave it in the comments below. Is there one I didn't mention that you absolutely LOVE making?
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you've enjoyed this look at some cards that move featuring the Party Bundle...and a whole lot of other interactive cards as well.
Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day.
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Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you are having a fabulous day.
Color trends come and go. Staying up on the color trends in your card making and paper crafting can keep your cards feeling fresh and current. One of this year's top color trends is black and white. It's classic. It's graphic. It's bold. And when you combine it with a pop of orange, it's FABULOUS! This combo isn't just for Halloween folks.
Today, I wanted to share three ways to incorporate color trends in to your projects. Keep in mind, these aren't the ONLY ways to incorporate them. There's probably an endless number of ways to incorporate them. But these simple methods are sure to get your wheels turning.
All of today's cards will feature black and white along with some pop of orange. I hope you'll find inspiration to create your own projects featuring this fun on trend color combo.
Incorporate Color Trends Using Patterned Paper
Just like color trends change, so does the world of paper crafting. And often times, we see the products evolving to match current trends. Patterned paper is a fun and easy way to incorporate color trends in to your projects. You can pick up an on trend 6x6 patterned paper pad and instantly have numerous options with fun patterns to boot. You can also make your own patterned paper with background stamps.
For my first card project today, I used patterned paper for my black and white element. I love the very bold graphic nature of this patterned paper. A little of it goes a long way. I also brought in some solid black card stock and white linen card stock to repeat the colors in the project. I added a pop of orange using some stamped images.
Incorporate Color Trends In Your Focal Image
As stampers and paper crafts with endless options for inks, a stamped focal image, incorporating a "hot right now" color is a quick and simple way to add that color trend to your project. A fresh ink color can open up a whole new world of inspiration. But lucky for us, most of us already own one or two....maybe 10....black ink pads.
For my second card, I used Versafine Onyx Black pigment ink to stamp the Mondo Peony stamp set on to some vellum and clear heat embossed over the top. Now vellum may not be your typical go to for incorporating white, but it's a fun alternative to white card stock. It changes the feel of a card completely. It's a versatile product that can easily be altered using standard dye ink pads.
I also added a quick watercolor backdrop for my peonies. This was a great way to add a pop of orange and keep the card feeling a little softer.
Incorporate Color Trends Using Embellishments
Embellishments just might be my favorite way to incorporate color and SHINE. Not all embellishments are shiny...but nevertheless, they are a great way to incorporate color. Enamel dots, twine, sequins, Nuvo Drops, ribbons, thread, glitter, washi tape, gems....the list goes on and on. You know you love them. Some of them (like gems and enamel dots) can even be altered to change the color. So while you may not have the perfect color on hand, maybe you can create it.
In the final card today, I used black and white embellishments to add dimension, shine and color to my card. I used a combination of Taylored Expressions Enamel Dots, Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops and some black and white bakers twine. They are all the perfect finishing touches to my card.
For my pop of orange, a simple stamped Wonky Backdrop (one of my favorite sets), serves as the grounding place for my grouping. I muted the orange back with a layer of vellum over the top so that the other elements would really stand out.
So there you have it! Three easy ways to add color trends to your card making projects. And don't just stop at black and white. There is color inspiration everywhere.
In the video tutorial below, I"ll walk you through the creation of each of these cards. Be sure to check that out.
I hope you've found some inspiration for incorporating color trends in to your card making projects. What's your favorite way to add color? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by! It's your turn to get to crafting. So what are you waiting for? Ready. Set. GO!
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Hi everyone! Welcome to the Ellen Hutson March Newsletter. Spring is looming, and what screams spring more than flowers? So I've decided to share the flower love....by introducing you to Waffle Flower, a new line to the Ellen Hutson store.
Waffle Flower is a company with a vibe that's all their own. Their designs are fun, funky, whimsical and bold. They offer both stamps and dies. And I just know that you're going to love these stamps.
Today, I'll be creating a couple of projects using the Little Mermaids stamp and die set from Waffle Flower. I can't get over these adorable mer-monkies. I love all things mermaid, and who doesn't love a cute little monkey? Put them together and you have one of the cutest stamp sets EVUH!
A mermaid wouldn't be a mermaid without a little sparkle. And a card wouldn't be Carissa's without a little sparkle. So I've decided to use some of the new Wow Sparkles Glitter to make those mermaid tails sparkle. The Wow Sparkles Glitter is a loose glitter that can be added to any project using your favorite glitter grabbing adhesive. I've used the Zig two way glue pen to adhere my glitter. This makes it easy to get in to all those tight spots.
The sentiments in the Little Mermaid stamp sets are perfect. I love the play on words. You are fintastic. Pearl-fect! Super fun!
To make a quick and easy ocean scene for my mermaids, I used stamps from the Otter Ware stamp set and the new Tim Holtz Brushstroke stamp set. The large circular stamp in the Brushstroke set made a quick and easy water scene. And the waves and seaweed from the Otter Ware stamp set make the perfect accents.
I'll walk you through both of these card projects in the video tutorial below. Be sure to check it out. I'll show you how these cards came together. They're pretty quick and easy.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you've enjoyed a look at Waffle Flower in action. I think this line is a Pearl-fect addition to the Ellen Hutson store. Be sure to check out all of the Waffle Flower products by clicking HERE.
Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!
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Adding beautiful shimmery golden accents to your card designs doesn't get much easier than this! I recently got my hands on a set of Gansai Tambi Starry Colors and instantly fell in love. This collection of water-based pigments are super-infused with mica, come in generously sized traditional solid Japanese watercolor pans and are available at an amazing price!
The hues will stop you in your tracks! The color names listed on my box referenced Blue Gold, Red Gold, Yellow Gold, Champagne Gold, Light Gold and White Gold. But, I think the packaging on my box came from their earliest production, because I see they have renamed them Gemini Yellow Gold, Cazimi Gold, Lyra Gold, Star Dust Gold, Aether Pearl and Luna Silver.
They can be used on their own for Sumi-e brush painting, dipped pen calligraphy, brush lettering and watercolor work. The shimmery colors can be mixed in with other Gansai Tambi watercolors to create custom hues or you can paint right over previously watercolored work with as much opacity or translucency you like--it's all about the amount of water you use.
While I was playing with them, I tried both mixing and painting over the top and found that mixing with color, produced a more delicate, overall translucent shimmer. I noticed I also had to swirl my paintbrush around to remix the color + gold just prior to actually painting because they do separate and the heavier mica particles settle at the bottom of the palette wells. Just something to be aware of if you are trying to custom mix your own shimmery colors this way. Painting straight Starry Colors over the top of previously laid down (and dried) color enabled me to vary the intensity of the shimmer in specific areas with greater control.
The colors are stunning on either watercolor paper or black card stock and the opacity over black/dark card stock is rich and luminous!
I wanted to compare the Starry Colors with the metallics in the 36 pc. set of Gansai Tambi watercolors, (to the left and right). The Starry Colors are decidedly more shimmery whereas the Metallic Gansai Tambi have a more matte, altho still somewhat shimmery metallic finish. The hues and shimmer are significantly different and not duplicates of the other.
Another fun thing to note is that if you wanted to swap any or all of them into the 36 pc. box, the pans are the same size as the others and will fit without any problem! Cool!
The effects are quite dazzling, whether painted alone on off-white watercolor paper or atop other colors to give them shimmery highlights.
Over black card stock, they show up easily and with stunning opacity--I don't normally make single-layer black cards, but these paints make it hard to stop wanting to make a mile high stack of 'em!
As with any water-soluble painting medium, you will want to stamp your images with bleed-proof inks or heat emboss, to avoid any bleeding or muddying.
I hope you enjoyed taking a closer look at the Gansai Tambi Starry Colors--they are positively DREAMY, and once you try them, I think you'll become as obsessed as I am with them!
One of the things I love to do, is mix and match my stamps. For example, Advent and Totally Awesome. When you begin to combine these two stamp sets, you'll find a whole new set of options for their use!
Both stamp sets can stand-alone--Advent is actually a holiday themed set, while Totally Awesome was created to celebrate various occasions or accomplishments! But, you may not be aware that we even designed the latter set with words sized to specifically fit within the 1x2" Scratch-off Stickers!
The same sentiments used for a sweet wedding card...
Can be used to create a fun, interactive birthday card--just switch out the word "LIFE" for "BIRTHDAY" and cover those words with Scratch-off Stickers! Because the height of the words allowed for it, I cut my 1 x 2" stickers in half, which enabled me to really stretch this supply!
Here the numbers from the Advent set are used for both a subtle background and then also die cut for a focal on this masculine birthday design; note that we included ordinals in the Totally Awesome set--Yup! They work with the Advent numbers! And, yup, we did that on purpose. :)
Do you know someone graduating from high school or college this year? Or next? It doesn't take much to customize the year! I used yellow and gold watercolors to create a pretty wash of color as a backdrop to the numbers, but you could use the student's school colors to further customize the design.
I'm always looking for easy ways to enhance my cards--items that add a special touch, but aren't overly labor intensive.
Prills, a natural, non-toxic, tiny, hole-less pearl-like bead, are a new-to-me embellishment that can be used in a myriad of ways.
Here I used the Minnie (white) on the centers of my vellum poinsettias, for added texture and interest! A clear-drying adhesive works best for this particular application, but you can also apply them to Be Creative Tape, or try using them as filler on your next shaker card! I also think the colored ones would be super fun as "candy sprinkles" in embossing paste "frosting" on a cupcake image!
It's hard to capture the sparkling golden effect on this design, but it is lustrous and beautiful in real life--take my word!
I recently had a chance to play with the Minc Toner Pen. This is a pump-action pen that draws toner fluid down the barrel and into the nib; you can write or draw and once dry, apply heat-reactive foil over the top of your designs using the Minc.
The pen's nib is on the thicker side, so it doesn't work well for "fine-line" writing or drawing and I found I needed to keep it upright to get the most consistent line of toner fluid.
The packaging states that best results are achieved on smooth or glossy/coated papers, so I tried it on Neenah Solar White and on glossy white; the most impressive results were indeed on glossy.
In a quick experiment, I tried applying the toner pen to a stamp then impressing it to paper (see acorn images above)--I think I need to play with that more to figure out how to get a consistently even application of the toner fluid onto larger stamp images, but on small ones, I was surprised it worked fairly well! The toner didn't seem to harm or stain the stamp at all and cleaned off easily with just a baby wipe. *fist pump*
I also tried it on Bazzill Card Shoppe and achieved fair results, but miniscule particles of foil from the piece placed over the toner pen transferred to the paper, leaving a super subtle golden sheen over the surface. It's not really perceptible in the photo, but if you are a perfectionist, you will probably notice this and may need to adjust your design to accommodate for that, when working with non-glossy papers.
On this sample, I hand-lettered a simple word over Avery Elle patterned paper and foiled with the Minc. Although there was some residual gold shimmer on the paper, it didn't detract from the design and I was pleased with the end results.
So, how would I use the pen? I think it's a great option for larger scale hand-lettering (due to the tip design) and for spot foiling pre-stamped images, patterned papers, or decorative chipboard pieces that are thin enough to go through the Minc machine, etc. and for "inking" up smaller stamp images and foiling those.
As with all things, it's important to experiment with any new-to-you tool, to find a method that works for you!
Enjoy watching this month's video in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thanks for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up!
Thanks for stopping by and for joining me for the November issue of In Touch!
Well, let me explain a little more... It's a trend I am hot for, but not hot at. When the whole idea of foiling hand-stamped images hit the scene, I must admit, I was elated! I don't have a laser printer and the nearest FedEx/Kinko's was 20-25 min. away Besides, who wouldn't want to achieve that gorgeous look in a hand-made card? WITH STAMPS?! GIMME GIMME!!!
I've had a small 6" "pouch" laminator for years, and before I plunged too deep into foiling, I just bought two rolls of foil and tried the heat embossing method with my little, and "old" machine. It does not have controls so one heat temp is all ya' get.
I burned through an entire roll of foil, various clear embossing powders of different grinds and several days trying to make it work. Yes, days. When I get fixated on something, that's what I do. But, each time, no matter what trouble-shooting strategies I tried (typing paper carrier, no carrier at all, card stock layer, finer grind of embossing powder, even sticky embossing powder!), all I got was a hot mess of embossing powder and foil. No stunning, beautifully foiled images.
Thinking that perhaps my old machine just ran waaaaay too hot for the technique, I decided to order the Royal Sovereign Laminator. But, by the time it arrived, I had moved on to other methods of foiling, and the RSL went into the closet...
Still, the idea of foiling my stamped images, sans laser printer/toner, beckoned to me... I recently broke open the seal on the RSL, got out my sticky embossing powder, and decided to give it another go.
The Royal Sovereign has two temperature settings and comes in two sizes (9" and 12"); with my machine, the lowest setting didn't seem to do the job, and the higher setting yielded results similar to my experiences with my old 6" machine--the one without any temperature controls.
I tried different types/thicknesses of paper, making different carriers out of copy paper, copy paper + parchment paper, scrapbook paper + parchment paper... Switched the heat setting and tried no carrier at all... Ultimately, I just couldn't get the look I was hoping for--either the foil wouldn't stick or the embossing powder combo just spread/smooshed too much and obliterated the details...
In a last ditch attempt to see if there was any other way conceivably possible to foil my stamped images, I decided to try this, because I happened to have it:
Cosmic Shimmer Flake & Glitter Glue. It works very well for adhering Gilding Flakes because it remains sticky/tacky once it dries--my hope was that it would hold the foil to the paper just enough to keep it from shifting/slipping and fuse the foil to the paper surface while going through the laminator.
NOTE: Whenever stamping with glue, be sure to wash/clean the stamps thoroughly immediately after use; it's much harder to clean off--sometimes impossible- if you leave the glue on the stamp for an extended period of time.
I usually scrub them first with Ultra Clean, and then also wash both the stamps and the acrylic mounts into a bowl of warm, soapy water, to remove any remaining residual glue. An old toothbrush works well for getting into the nooks and crannies.
My glue applicator tools get sealed in a ziploc bag and I mark them with washi tape so I know not to use them for ink.
As you'll see on the video, I used an ink blending tool and squeezed the glue onto the foam, spreading it evenly with the nozzle tip of the glue bottle, and then pounced it onto my stamp and then pressed it to my paper surface. I didn't worry about hurrying because I needed the glue to be completely dry so it would be tacky.
Then, I applied the foil transfer sheets, sandwiched it into a copy paper carrier and inserted into the laminator.
Through trial and error, I found that sending it through the laminator with the foil on top didn't stick nearly as well as flipping it over so the the foil was on the bottom and the card stock was on top.
The photo above is a comparison of results between using sticky embossing powder (left), and the Cosmic Shimmer Flake & Glitter Glue (right). While it's not "perfect", I was personally much happier with the results using the Glue method.
I did try foiling just with the glue, after allowing it to dry without sending it thru the laminator, but it seemed I got more even/consistent pressure, and better adhesion of the foil when I did use it.
There are several other glues that also dry "sticky/tacky" that I don't have yet but would like to try with this method, including:
I did try stamping with the Essential Glue Pad, carefully applying the foil transfer sheets and running it through the laminator. After stamping, however, the Essentials Glue Pad didn't seem to dry tacky like the Cosmic Shimmer Glue, so I had to be very careful not to shift/move the foil sheet once I placed it over the image. I liked this method for doing just a single small to medium sized image and working fairly quickly. It didn't work nearly as well if I was stamping the image repeatedly, across larger surfaces, like the side of my card below; the Glue Pad seemed to absorb down into the paper or dry "un-tacky" and by the time I got the whole thing ready and into the laminator, it was really hit and miss as to where the foil would actually bond to the card stock. The Cosmic Shimmer Glue performed much better in that regard.
For any areas that didn't get foiled, I used the Quickie Glue Pen to touch up those spots. It goes on blue, but dries clear and you do need to be patient and allow it to dry. And, yes, it does dry tacky so you can apply scrap pieces of foil to those areas.
Through all my experimenting, I ended up with a lot of leftover negative foil pieces; not wanting them to go to waste, I applied Xyron adhesive over the top of some water-colored paper scraps I had in my bin and then mounted the negative foil pieces over top, trimming off any overhang. As you can see, the watercolor shows through nicely--makes for a quick/easy card!
I used the glue method to foil this medium sized butterfly stamp in melon--I did fussy cut it after foiling, since I don't have the matching dies.
Now that there is a 6" Minc Foiling Machine available, and it has a variety of temperatures, I'm very curious to try my glue method with it to see if I can achieve even better foiling results!
If you're anything like me, you love having different looks for the same product! The Be-YOU-tiful die is a favorite of mine because I love that the letters are joined together to create one "unit", and the lettering style itself is thicker, providing some super fun options! Each of the ideas shown could be done with any die cut word of similar styling.
I wanted to create a bold statement with this design, but also wanted the coloring work to be quick and easy. A large image, like this Stampendous butterfly and Distress Stains made this one of the speediest watercolor projects I have ever done--like, EVER!!! I did pre-clean this stamp to "season" it; initially, it was repelling the water-based Distress Stains. A quick scrub with some stamp cleaner and patting it dry had it primed and ready to go. Another large scale butterfly that would be awesome with this watercolor method is one by Tim Holtz, HERE.
The beauty of using the Distress Stains for this watercolor method, is that the scrubby top made it easy to apply the color to the stamp surface, and there is no need to worry about spritzing the stamp with water! The Stains have just the perfect wetness and consistency to just apply color and stamp! BOOYAH! *fist pump*
Stacking multiple die cuts of black card stock into the negative space before gluing the watercolored die cut layer on top, pops it up just enough to define it and yet still retain that crazy cool almost "camouflaged" look--the one that makes the person you give it to wonder just how in the world you did that... But, of course, we know the easy-peasy secret! *wink*
TIPS:
Layer your paper and die on top of 4 thicknesses of unused dryer sheets (I typically fold two in half and then stack them together) before running through the Big Shot and you will be able to eject the die from the paper without a pokey tool, and all the bits and pieces will also stick to the dryer sheet without getting lost.
The gold foil accent dots on the butterfly card were achieved using the same method described below on the next card (Hint: This Two Way Glue Pen is your friend and one of my most favorite tools... Just sayin'...)
Ombré + glitter is a marvelous combo! Here it is highlighted by a gold foil background that was created by swiping a Two Way Glue Pen, allowing the glue to dry; it will become tacky to the touch when dry and allows you to press transfer foil sheets to it--a super fun and super easy way to quickly add foil accents to your projects! Gotta love that!
Be-YOU-tiful was die cut from iCraft double-sided adhesive foam; with the sticky on both sides you can mount it, and then remove the liner from the front side to add glitter or anything else that will stick! Be sure to watch the video to see how I mounted the die cut foam piece to the card without distorting its shape--it's a lot easier to see how it's done than try to understand a written description. :)
TIPS:
To apply glitter in an ombré fashion, choose 2-3 colors that blend well from one to the next, and keep your project tilted so glitter lands as much as possible on one area at a time.
I like to use disposable cereal bowls lined with coffee filters, one per glitter color. It allows me to keep the glitters from cross-contaminating, and it's easy to then funnel the glitter back into the jar when I'm finished. It also helps keep the mess at bay. Ask me how I know... *wink*
This final design is an example of "repeat impressions". The die was "debossed" using the Silicone Rubber Sheet with the Big Shot multiple times across the surface of Letterpress Paper. (Debossed = pressed down into the surface; embossed = the pattern is "reliefed" or raised from the surface)
I made a thick, chipboard like embellishment by die cutting the shape 3x from Neenah Solar White 110# card stock and a pretty floral patterned paper, layering and gluing them all together. It was then mounted over one of the debossed images.
TIPS:
I adore the debossed look on Letterpress Paper in particular, but you can also try watercolor paper or heavy weight card stocks; be aware that too much pressure can cause the paper surface to crack sometimes, so you will have to play with the amount of pressure/shims necessary with the type of paper you are using.
I did not have the Impressions pad handy, only the Silicone Rubber Sheet. So, I had to modify my sandwich as follows for the above results:
