I had a lot of fun playing with Hero Arts images this week. The range of styles that Hero is currently offering is really exciting. Because I am a technique junkie, I often see images in terms of how versatile they are - how many different techniques can I apply to one image?
My post today focuses on the first two images that I ordered from the Winter 2010 CHA Release. They were my "gotta have it" stamps!
The first image is simply called Large Line Flower and is a nice big stamp measuring 4x4 inches. Polyshrink techniques are a little easier with large images like this one to ensure that the finished piece is still big enough to be a focal point on the card.
Polyshrink Line Flowers
Prepare the Black Polyshrink by sanding it gently in straight lines horizontally and then vertically. It's important to use a Polyshrink Sanding Block as the grit is just right.
Stamp the Large Line Flower with New Canvas Palette Ink and allow to dry.
Trim the image close to the frame with sharp scissors or a small guillotine trimmer for precision.
Shrink according to package instructions. If you shrink in the oven the image will shrink the more evenly as compared to a heat tool. I used a heat tool! The shrunk piece is shown below and measures about 1.75 x 1.75 inches.
Painting on a glossy surface can be a challenge, especially a black one! I used Wild Plum Adirondack Dimensional Pearls mixed with a little water on my craft sheet and one of the smallest Studio Line Brushes to color the flowers.
I added Glossy Accents (Ranger) to the flower as well as some small clear jewels. The Polyshrink piece has been layered on Iris Cardstock (Hero Arts).
...and the sentiment does not always need to go on the outside of the card. Sometimes a little surprise tucked inside can be fun! This sentiment is from the Life is Not Perfect stamp set as was watercolored with Pink Sherbet and Raspberry Adirondack Ink.
Spritzed Background Dandelion Artist Trading Cards
Randomly mist a full sheet of Craft-a-board beginning with a Mini Mister filled as follows - 3/4 water, 2 full droppers of Scattered Straw Distress Ink Reinker and a pea size scoop of Pearl Perfect Pearls. Shake and mist.
Continue spritzing with a mister filled as above with Broken China Distress Reinker and Pearl Perfect Pearls.
One more time with Aged Mahogany Distress Reinker and Blush Perfect Pearls. Keep adding color until it is beautiful and sparkly! Heat set.
There is going to be lots of ink left around the edges of your Non-Stick Craft Sheet. Use that ink to create more backgrounds by pressing smaller pieces of Craft-a-board directly to the sheet and "printing" the color to the surface.
Here is the background after many layers of added color. Just something that I will set aside and use another time when I need some inspiration.
Here is a shot of the full sheet finished.
Next I cut the sheet into ATC sized pieces - 2.5 x 3.5 inches. I am completely amazed at the serendipity of the color combinations! Gorgeous and each one is different.
This is the other stamp I just had to order as soon as it was available. It's called Dandelion Frame and it is just gorgeous! I stamped it with Jet Black Archival Ink on the ATC backgrounds.
I finished them with a sentiment from the Vintage Butterflies set which reads "Life involves passions, faiths, doubts and courage". I also added some small black gemstones in the flower centers.
This set is all ready for my ATC swap group this month! I love being ahead of the game and these were so quick to make.
I do wish you courage in whatever you are facing this week!
Cheers, Lisa
