the CLASSroom

Hello, Monday 06.30.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Yes. More watercoloring. But this time, I used a very pretty stencil with Distress Inks and a mister bottle--a "brush-less" effect.

At first, I was disappointed at what I got. I *almost* tossed it away...

Almost.

But, I set it aside, and tried again. A couple of times. Tried different colors, and also used Distress Markers (for colors I don't own the Mini Pads in yet) to get colors into particular areas. Sidebar: I've also concluded I definitely need to get MORE colors of the Mini Pads!!!

I wanted to compare the amounts of water and how much to spray onto the stencil to get a result I liked.

Anyhoo, when I look again at the now dried first attempt, it looked very different!!! It looked... PRETTY!!!

I kept it. And all the others. YAY!!! *bounces off chair*

Such a great way to get an all over/background watercolored effect! Definitely going to play more with this and my stencils/masks! WOOT!!!

And that Hero Arts Gold Shimmer Spray?  TO DIE FOR!!!

Enjoy the video here or over on our YouTube Channel and thanks bunches for watching and subscribing!

 

 

Have a happy Mundane! ;)

 

SUPPLIES:

Tim Holtz Stencils, Doily	Distress Ink Pad, Broken China	Distress Ink Pad, Faded Jeans	Inkssentials Mister, 2 oz.
Hero Arts Spray, Gold Shimmer	Savvy Stamps Dies, Thanks Script	Hazel & Ruby The Makery Sequin Tubes, Shine & Sparkle Gold	Distress Watercolor Cardstock
Watercolor Paper, 10 pk	Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 9x12	Studio Calico South of Market, 12x12 Vellum	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Ranger Multi Medium, Gloss Mini, 1/2 oz.
Ranger Multi Medium, Gloss With Brush, 1 oz.	Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.	Ranger Multi Medium, Matte With Brush, 1 oz.	Accents, Glossy
Accents, Mini Glossy	QuickStik	Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Pitt Artist Pen, Black, Set of 4
Teflon Bone Folder	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal

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Patriotic Luminary by Sharon Harnist

I saw a cute idea on Pinterest for a patriotic luminary and wanted to re-create it for the upcoming U.S. holiday, with the supplies I had on hand . . . These were the results!

I think we all have a stash of jars either on hand or in the recycle bin, so this is a great way to recycle them AND make a cute gift for friends, neighbors, family OR to add a prettier flare to your summertime patio mosquito repellent candles! My jar was a hamburger dill pickle jar, about 5" tall and 3" in diameter.

There are probably a lot of different ways this project could be accomplished, but here's what I did, like I said -- with supplies I had on hand:

1. After throroughly scraping off the jar label and washing the jar, I wiped it down with alcohol to make sure all sticky residue was removed. Then I masked off the top and bottom of the jar with 2-inch 3M Post-It Labeling Tape (any area I did NOT want to be painted white). I left about 1/4 of the back of the jar "open"/unpainted just so a little more candle light would show through it, but you could certainly paint it all around (click on any photo for a larger view):

I painted on one coat of Gesso, let it dry, then painted on another coat in the opposite direction (just to try and avoid streaking). I like the slight "linen" look this yielded. (Photo below shows the first coat drying):

2. Again, with what I had on hand, I found this My Favorite Things Waves Stencil in my stash.  Had I planned better and wanted to be perfectly "American Flag correct", I may have used any number of straight line stencils Ellen carries, but I like that mine looks like it is waving in the wind!

3. After the Gesso dried, I made about a 2" x 2" square mask from the 3M Post-It Labeling Tape and applied it to the upper left of the white area (this is the area that will be painted blue later).

4. I taped the wave stencil over the whole white area and then airbrushed Copic R27. This is one of the beauties of flexible stencils ... they will bend around most anything!

5. Next, I removed the wave stencil (rubbing alcohol will clean it up quickly) and 2-inch square mask, and then masked around the square so I could do the blue airbrushing.

6. Airbrush the square area with Copic B37.

Next, I'll tell you what I thought would work (but didn't!) and what I did to fix it! I die cut masking tape with MFT's Scattered Stars Die-namics and then used it to apply paint through:

I placed the star mask over the blue airbrushed square and painted on another coat of Gesso. Either my mask wasn't stuck down well enough, the Gesso was too gloppy, or my brushing skills are lacking/too messy (most likely!), because somehow I ended up with globs instead of nice crisp stars!  Soooo to fix that, I quickly wiped off as much of the Gesso as I could and re-airbrushed blue back over the square.

Seeing all those tiny stars still stuck to my die cutting plate above, I decided to lift those off and stick them to the blue airbrushed square (yes, each individual little one!) . . . it worked perfectly!

To make sure the stars would stay stuck to the luminary (since they are cut from a removeable paper), I sealed them on with a coat of Ranger Gloss Multi Medium.

To finish the luminary, I tied Tim Holtz Silver Tinsel Twine & Winter Tinsel Twine (Red) around the neck of the jar, then tied on a Jenni Bowlin Vintage Cream Button with blue striped twine.

Here's a look at the luminary lit up in a semi-dark room (along with my summertime framed subway art!):

I hope you have a lovely upcoming holiday and are enjoying your Summer!

~ Sharon 

3M Post-It Labeling Tape, 2 in x 36 yd	3M Post-It Adhesive Roll, White, 1x400 in	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Scattered Stars	Faber-Castell Gesso
My Favorite Things Stencils, Waves	Copic Airbrush Kit, ABS-3	COPIC Sketch Marker R27, Cadmium Red	COPIC Sketch Marker B37, Antwerp Blue
Ranger Multi Medium, Gloss With Brush, 1 oz.	Tim Holtz Tinsel Twine, Silver	Tim Holtz, Tinsel Twine, Winter	Doodle Twine Assortment, Primary
Jenni Bowlin Vintage Sew-On Buttons, Cream

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Hooray by Heather Campbell

Hello and happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a wonderful week!  Today I have a fun card to share that uses a stencil to create a backgrounds - they make the perfect "place mat" for all of the fantastic sentiments that are now available!  This is a technique that I just can't get enough of and really wanted to share it here. 

First, when you're using a stencil, it's very important to secure the cardstock layer and the stencil securely to your work surface - I typically use the 3M post it adhesive.  

I used 6x6 stencils and added color slowly using my distress inks.  

I kept going until I got the color and size I wanted. 

Then I stamped a sentiment from the new Mama Elephant Splendid set.  I just adore these sentiment sets and gosh they make for quick cards too! 

I used my Avery Elle Dotted die to trim the panel and get the focal point (the sentiment) exactly where I wanted it. 

With my panel properly dotted, I secured the panel to a kraft card based and stamped both birds from the same stamp set as the sentiment. 

And I added the stars. 

I colored in the birds with my Copics. 

Then, I used my Wink of Stella brush to add sparkle to the sentiment. 

(hard to capture in the picture but this is a MUST TRY TRICK!) 

And then, to finish it off, I lightly spritz the entire front with Perfect Pearls!  Shimmer just makes me happy! 

The end result is so happy, sparkly and shiny!  Thanks so much for sharing a part of your day with me!  Have a great day!

 

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Splendid	Crafter's Workshop Templates, 6x6 Triangle Mosaic	Avery ELLE-ments Dies, Dotted	Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, Clear
Distress Ink Pad, Worn Lipstick	Perfect Pearls Mists, Perfect Pearl	Hero Arts Dye Ink, Black	3M Post-It Adhesive Roll, White, 1x400 in
Ink Blending Tool, 1 Round	Ink Blending Tool	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 250 Sheet Ream
Tombow Adhesive Dot Stamp Runner, Permanent	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal

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Hello, Monday 06.23.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Normally, I reach for a permanent black ink, i.e. Staz-On, to stamp an image I'd like to watercolor/color with water-based markers. But, the other day I wanted to use a softer colored ink and reached for Hero Arts' Shadow Ink in Soft Sand.

As I started to watercolor over the stamped images, I noticed something interesting--the inked lines "absorbed" the color I was washing over the image! I think it's a fun and different effect from the norm! It should be noted that my watercoloring medium in this instance was Distress Markers swiped against an acrylic block + a waterbrush

Be aware, in order to get the effect, you do have to be willing to color over the top and "outside the lines"... BE SLOPPY! I think of it as "impressionistic" watercolor. ;) *chuckle*

I think this li'l crab-guy from Lawn Fawn's Life is Good set looks so cute in this soft, subtle beach scene!

Enjoy the video here or on our YouTube channel and thanks so much for watching and subscribing!

 

Happy Mundane!

•••••••••••••••••••

SUPPLIES:

Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Life is Good	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Hello Baby	Hero Arts Shadow Ink, Soft | Sand	Distress Marker, Broken China
Distress Ink Pad, Broken China	Distress Marker, Barn Door	Distress Ink Pad, Barn Door	Distress Marker, Vintage Photo
Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Broad Brush Nib	Waterbrush, Small
Studio Artist Brushes	Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Tim Holtz Grid-Blocks, Set of 9	Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 9x12
Distress Watercolor Cardstock	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Icy Mint, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Icy Mint, 25 pk	Distress Marker Set of 12 w/ Tube
Distress Marker Set of 49 w/ Tube	Distress Mini Ink Pad, Kit #1	Distress Mini Ink Pad, Kit #2	Distress Mini Ink Pad, Kit #3
Distress Mini Ink Pad, Kit #4	Distress Mini Ink Pad, Kit #5	Distress Mini Ink Pad, Kit #6	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Presh
Ranger Multi Medium, Matte With Brush, 1 oz.	Studio Calico Atlantic, Wood Veneer, Boats	Stickles, Fruit Punch	Be Creative Tape, 5mm (1/4")
3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4" Squares (1/16 Thick)	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape

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In Detail: Product Reviews & News – 11 Black Stamping Inks by Jean Manis

Welcome back to another installment of In Detail. I’m switching gears this week to talk about black stamping inks. I’ve collected 11 different black inks to investigate. There are several more black inks available at Ellen Hutson than those I’ve included in this post, but I’ve chosen a wide variety of inks. You’ll find Ink Pads in the subcategory Pads under Inks in the Storefront and Reinkers in their own subcategory.

First, let’s take a look at the inks that I tested. I’m including information in the descriptions below that has been provided from the manufacturers. Please note, unless specified as such, the use of the word “marker” does not mean Copic.

Dye Inks

Hero Arts Black India Ink is quick-drying, acid-free, archival, non-smearing, fade-resistant and designed for both porous and non-porous surfaces. It can be used for watercolors and markers.

Hero Arts Black Dye Ink is quick-drying, acid-free, archival, non-smearing, fade-resistant and dries permanently on most papers. It is waterproof for watercolors and markers. A reinker is available.

Hero Arts Blackboard Mid-Tone Shadow Ink is formulated for good coverage with solid stamps. It’s water-based, acid-free, archival and fade-resistant.

Hero Arts Night Chalk Ink is quick-drying, acid-free, archival and fade-resistant. It offers a gentle mid-range color.

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink is fast-drying, acid-free and fade-resistant. Its works well with Copic and other markers as it will not smear. The ink is offered in a Dew Drop size and a reinker is available.

Archival Jet Black Ink provides permanent results on many surfaces. It’s designed to work over water-based inks and markers, acrylic paints, water colors, Adirondack Alcohol Ink or Perfect Pearls pigment powders. It’s acid-free, waterproof, and permanent on matte and glossy papers. A reinker is available.

Pigment Inks

Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black Ink is a mixed-media ink for paper, fabric, wood, leather and more. It’s permanent on non-porous surfaces when heat set. A reinker is available.

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink is a natural oil-based pigment ink that dries quickly on matte cardstock delivering great stamping results for fine detail. The ink works with watercolor and markers. The inkpad is designed to last 3-5 times longer than regular inks. A reinker is available.

Adirondack Pitch Black Pigment Ink provides opaque coverage that air dries on matte paper surfaces. The ink is embossable and can be heat set on gloss paper, vellum, shrink plastic, metal and glass. A reinker is available.

Brilliance Graphite Black Ink is designed to work on vellum, mica, acetate, photo papers, sculpey clay, shrink plastic and more. A reinker is available.

Solvent Ink

StazOn Jet Black Midi Pad Ink is an acid-free, archival, fast-drying solvent-based ink, designed for decorating non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, such as metal, shrink plastic, acrylic, cellophane, aluminum foil, leather and some glass surfaces. A reinker is available.

I wanted to test the inks for myself, putting aside the descriptions provided by the manufacturers. I’m primarily interested in using these inks for stamping in the creation of cards. I don’t do a lot of mixed-media, and my interest is not currently in the creation of home décor projects, so I did not test the inks on plastics, glass or clay.

Most of the 11 inks I already owned. I repurchased the Brilliance as I found mine to be somewhat dry. I purchased the Adirondack as I did not own it. I didn’t reink the pads before beginning my tests, although, in general, I do reink the pads on a regular basis (for those that have reinkers). Additionally, while I’m sharing photographs of the stamping, nothing compares to looking at the stamping first-hand. I’m interpreting the findings for you in the information below.

To begin, I stamped each of the inks on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock using the Hero Arts Hello Bubble wood stamp. I wanted to test the inks’ coverage with a solid image. To note, I stamped the pads with the stamp, rather than inking the stamp with the stamp pad. 

Of the four Hero Arts inks, in the top row, the India Ink and the Blackboard ink gave the best coverage. The Blackboard color is a different black than the India ink, almost like a dark gray. The Chalk ink does not come with a reinker, and I’ve had my ink pad for awhile. To be honest, I’ve seldom used the ink. Moving to the second row, the Ranger Archival and Memento Luxe gave terrific coverage. Finally, the Adirondack gave the best coverage compared to the Versafine and the Brilliance. I’m simply noting coverage here; depending on your project, the surface you’re working on and other considerations, you’d have a preference for one ink over another.

I wanted to test the inks on a detailed sentiment, so I chose one from the Avery Elle Red and Goldie stamp set. Again, I stamped the stamp into the ink and then onto Neenah cardstock.

All of the inks stamped adequately, although on close inspection, the StazOn sentiment is a little fuzzy. The Memento Luxe, Versafine and Brilliance (all pigment inks) gave the most legible results with good coverage. 

Next, I stamped and heat embossed the same sentiment on Neenah cardstock with all of the inks, using Ranger Super Fine Clear embossing powder. Obviously you won’t be able to truly see the embossing in the photo.

Initially I wasn’t going to even try this test on those inks that aren’t typically heat embossed, like the Hero Arts or Memento dye inks, but I figured I’d try heat embossing them all. Surprisingly, all of the inks grabbed some of the embossing powder. In fact, the heat-embossed Hero Arts dye ink and Hero Arts chalk ink sentiments both looked better than their stamped (and not embossed) counterparts. Of all of the inks, the embossed Memento Luxe looks like best. Of course, there are a number of factors here affecting the results, including my heat embossing. Furthermore, the environment may affect results. The Pacific Northwest (where I live) is fairly humid. That being said, in the future, I’ll be more inclined to try heat embossing dye inks with the super-fine powder.

Now, let’s move on to other surfaces. I stamped a different sentiment from the Avery Elle Red and Goldie stamp set with the inks on a piece of acetate. When stamping on acetate, you have to stamp carefully, as the ink has a tendency to slide on the surface. Again, I stamped into the ink, rather than stamping the stamp with the ink pad. I stamped with StazOn twice as I slipped on the first take. 

I let the inks air dry and then went back and wiped them with my finger. As you can see, the StazOn and Ranger Archival were not smudged, the StazOn being the most resilient and the Ranger giving a clearer impression. Some of the inks could be wiped off as if they were never stamped. After several days of drying, the Hero Arts inks, the Ranger Archival and the StazOn cannot be wiped off.

Next, I stamped the same sentiment onto foil paper with each of the inks. 

After air drying for about an hour, I swiped the inks with my finger. Only the Staz On (which again I’d stamped twice, this time because I lost track of the order in which I was stamping the inks!) was not smudged. Even after several days of drying, the Memento and Adirondack Pigment inks can be wiped off completely. With sufficient dry time, the Ranger Archival would be fine, and it stamped well on the foil. Please note, results with heat setting may have been different, but I only let the inks air dry.

I also stamped the same sentiment with all of the inks on vellum paper and let it air dry. 

I swiped the inks with my finger and found that the Adirondack Pigment and Versafine inks smudged, whereas the other inks did not. In terms of clarity, the Brilliance ink looked the best. On the other hand, the Ranger Archival ink soaked into the vellum and blurred the sentiment. Again, heat setting the pigment inks may have prevented their smearing.

I stamped the bear from the Avery Elle Red and Goldie stamp set with the inks on Distress Watercolor Cardstock, added some scribbling using a Faber-Castell watercolor pencil and then applied water to the images using one of the Studio Artist Brushes. 

The Hero Arts Chalk, the Memento Luxe and the Brilliance inks did not stamp particularly well on the paper. The Memento Luxe, Adirondack Pigment and the Brilliance reacted with the water and are not recommended for watercoloring without heat embossing.

I looked through the cards I’ve made over the past several months to determine which black inks I use most often. I’m sharing close ups of the cards as examples of the ways I use these inks most frequently.

Versafine: This is my most often used black ink. I use Versafine ink to stamp sentiments, embossed and not. It seems to be the most forgiving ink when stamping sentiments. I emboss Versafine for watercoloring images and coloring with Copics. A word of caution, I have had some discoloration with light-colored Copic markers and heat-embossed images. I might have tried to color too soon after heat embossing or there might be an actual reaction that I only notice with the light-colored inks.

Stamped Versafine ink for Sentiment 

Heat-embossed Versafine ink for Copic coloring

Heat-embossed Versafine ink for watercoloring

Ranger Archival: I most often use Ranger Archival when working with mixed media projects because of its waterproof nature. I also use it for watercoloring when a stamp image is too fine to heat emboss.

Ranger Archival ink on Sprayed Mist Background

Ranger Archival ink for Watercoloring

Memento: I use Memento when I am working on a Copic-coloring project. Memento black ink was one of the first inks I purchased for its all-around versatility. I’m not as fond, however, of using it for stamping sentiments as I am of the Hero Arts dye inks.

Memento ink for Copic coloring

What was the first black ink you purchased? Which black ink do you use most often?

Want to know more about the best inks to use for Copic Markers? Check out this article by Sharon Harnist. 

--Jean

 

Hero Arts India Ink, Black	Hero Arts Dye Ink, Black	Hero Arts Shadow Ink, Mid-Tone: Blackboard	Hero Arts Chalk Ink, Night
Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	StazOn Midi Pad, Jet Black	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	Memento Luxe Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black
Adirondack Pigment Ink Pad, Pitch Black	Brilliance Pad, Graphite Black	Hero Arts Wood Block Stamp, Hello Bubble	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Red and Goldie
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack

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Sparkling Congrats Card by Julia Stainton

Now and then it's good to get back to the basics and enjoy simply stamping techniques. Many times the stamp images in themselves are so beautiful that they really don't need all the extras. Today's card project revisits three simple stamping techniques to create a beautiful floral panel.

I love stamping on patterned paper. This card design can also be stamped onto plain cardstock but I really love text papers and this one in particular. It's a lovely text print that is on the angle. No...I didn't put it that way. The print is angled on the original square 6x6 paper. It's from the new Studio Calico line, South of Market and I just can't get enough of it. Using an angled print is great on simple card designs as it provides visual movement in the design without adding additional layers and distractions.

Here's a detail image of the stamping. I've used a two-step stamping set by My Favorite Things Stamps called Contemporary Roses. It's a beautiful classic stamp set and seriously, roses never go out of style!

Two Step Stamping is a beautiful and simple stamping technique. You need a stamp set that has been designed for it. Basically what it is, is two stamp images that when combined create one single image. In the above image you can see the stamps that go together to create a two step stamped image. The large solid rose is stamped first and then the more open petal accents stamp is stamped overtop of the original image. This adds a lovely dimension and detail to the stamping.

I've also used two other simple techniques...

Stamping Off is a simple way to get more "color choices" from one ink pad. Yes the color remains the same but you get a lighter version by stamping off. To stamp off an image, simply ink your stamp image in the ink, stamp it off onto some scrap paper and then stamp it without reinking onto your design surface. This is a great way to add some subtle dimension and effects to your project.

Double Inking is the final quick stamping technique that I've used in this design. You can see the example above in the leaves. First I inked the entire leaf stamp in a lighter ink (Pear Tart for this project) and then used a darker ink pad (Bamboo Leaves) to come in and lightly brush it across one or more edges of my stamp before actually stamping the image on the paper. I love this look as it really adds a soft almost watercolor look to your stamping.

One of the ways I've accented this project is with clear sequins. It's a subtle look that doesn't take away from the stamping. I find Glossy Accents to be a great way to adhere sequins to a project. It holds well and dries fast. Because I use it so much, I like to keep it on my desk with a pin in it. The pin keeps the glossy accents from drying out and also prevents the nozzle from clogging.

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom!  Have a fabulous and creative day!

 

Supplies:

 

Gold Hearts Chipboard Shapes	Contemporary Roses Stamp Set	South of Market 6x6 paper pad	Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, 6 mm Cupped, Sparkling Clear
Penny Black Dies Hooray	Thermoweb Adhesive Pick-Up Square	Xyron, 1.5" Create-a-sticker Machine	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 250 Sheet Ream
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	Memento Ink Pad, Pear Tart	Memento Ink Pad, Rose Bud
Memento Ink Pad, Tangelo	Bamboo Leaves Memento Dew Drop Ink	Green Leaf Trinket Pin	Accents, Glossy

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White Lilies and Anja’s Border

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom. I have lots of flower dies and punches to play with but sometimes need a little help to know how to make my flower look more natural and authentic.  Doing a Google search for photos of a particular flower brings up more inspiration than you can believe.  Here is a link to the lily photo search that I did for my project today.

Here are a couple of photos that inspired my white lilies made with the My Favorite Things Lily set.

I loved the softness of the pale green stamen and lovely white flower petals and thought they would look so pretty paired with the Marianne Design Anja’s Border and the small foliage die from the Massa Leaf Frame. The Hansa Yellow Shade 220.3 PanPastel was a perfect match for the center of the flowers and the Bazzill Juicy Pear for the stamen.

Apply PanPastel to the center of each flower section with a mini applicator.

Turn the flower section face down on the molding pad and form the petals with the smaller end of the stylus.

Turn the flower section face up on the molding pad and push down in the center with the small stylus to push the petals up.

Apply a small dot of glossy accents to the center of the base flower and attach the second flower  inside it and hold in place until set.

Color the tips of the stamen with a Pale Olive YG95 Copic marker.

Roll the stamen around the tip of the tweezers, apply a small amount of glossy accents to edge and hold in place to secure.

Apply glossy accents to the center of the flower and set the stamen in place with the tweezers.  Hold it in place for a moment until secure.

Form the leaves of the foliage using the molding pad and stylus.  Alternate by forming some leaves from the front and some from the back to give a natural appearance.

Place the cardstock on the magnetic platform and place the Anja’s Border die face down to cut to create the decorative layer. 

Attach mounting tape to the back of the decorative layer and attach it to the card base.

Attach foliage with glossy accents to create the base for the floral spray.

Attach the three lilies to the foliage and card base with glossy accents.

I’m so glad you stopped by the CLASSroom and I hope you enjoyed my tutorial. 

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Lily	Marianne Design Dies, Anja's Border	Poppystamps Dies, Massa Leaf Frame	Sizzix Accessory, Tool Kit inspired by Susan Tierney-Cockburn
Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel 9 ml, Hansa Yellow Shade 220.3	COPIC Sketch Marker YG95, Pale Olive
PanPastel Sofft Mini Applicators, 12 pk	Accents, Glossy	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Juicy Pear, 10 pk
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 25 pk

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Hello, Monday 06.16.2014

(click the pics to enbiggan)

 

A plain WHITE die cut???!!! *gasp* Yup!

I LOVE the look!  So refreshing, layered over the other bright colors in the background! I played with the Koi Watercolors to make a lovely, sloppy puddle wash and then layered the die cuts over-top--I think the little photo frame die worked especially well because of the opening that breaks up the patterned paper and allows the watercolors to still show through.

My quest to use more of my patterned papers continues...  *pats self on back* Hey, baby steps, right?! *chortle*

This is as good as I can get when it comes to collage so I hope you enjoy! ;)

You can watch the video here or on our YouTube channel and thanks a million for watching and subscribing!

 

Happy Mundane!

 

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SUPPLIES:

Sakura Koi Watercolor Paint, Pocket Field Sketch Box	Studio Artist Brushes	Savvy Stamps Dies, Photo Frame	Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 9x12
Savvy Stamps Dies, Garden Flower	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Hello Baby	VersaMark Ink Pad	Judikins Embossing Powders, Opaque White
Stampendous Embossing Powder, Detail White, 0.78 oz.	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, White	Doodlebug Sprinkles, Beetle Black Dot	Studio Calico Enamel Dots, Black & Grey
Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Basic Grey Highline, 6x6 Paper Pad	Basic Grey Highline, Collection Pack
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Be Creative Tape, 5mm (1/4")	Glue Dots Sheets, Ultra Thin
Hero Arts Embossing Gun

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Happy Father's Day by Sharon Harnist

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there! Today I have a fun ombre effect card to share with you, along with some tips to jazz up your die cuts. So while this particular card sample may be a little too late for you to order all the supplies you would need to make it on time, you'll either be prepared early for next year <grin!> or you can always change up the sentiment strip and this card will be fantastic for any other summery need -- birthday, anniversary, get well, etc!

This card also uses a popular re-surfacing technique which I was doing about 6-1/2 years ago, inlaid die cuts.  It's quite easy ...

1. I just die cut the My Favorite Things' Chevron Cover-Up Die-namics once out of a "base" Inkssentials Kraft Cardstock 
2. Apply adhesive all over the area of the Bazzill Card Shoppe Butter Mints card base that I knew the chevrons would cover, and
3. Then adher the kraft chevrons to the card base (left in the photo below):

4. Next, to create the ombre effect I die cut the Chevron Cover-up out of four different colors of beautiful Bazzill Card Shoppe cardstock: (I added the lightest blue Icy Mint to represent the sky, not shown in the photographed above, but is shown below). Then shown in order below is Gumball (medium blue sky), then the deepest "ocean" color of Candy Necklace, then Robin's Egg for the lightest "surf".

Just add the colored chevron strips onto the card base, between the kraft chevrons and press firmly ... then you have an inlaid die cut card base that is nice and flat but has lots of interest and character!

5. (Above) - I added some shading to the Peanut Cluster die cut trunk with Copic E55.
6. (Below) - The palm leaves were cut from Gumdrop (darkest green) and Easter Grass (light), then Copic YG23 marker used to shade the lower halves of the largest leaves (there's already a nice embossed line down the center of the large leaf for you to follow!), then all the leaves were adhered together with foam tape:

7. The coconuts were also cut from the Peanut Cluster cardstock, the debossed holes colored with Copic E55 marker, then sponged with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink:

8. The palm tree was mounted with Copic Foam Tape to the card base.
9. The sentiment from Hero Arts ClearDesign-Celebrate Everyday stamp set was added with Memento Rich Cocoa ink to the MFT Washi Tape die cut from Butter Mints cardstock (and fit perfectly!) and also mounted to the card with foam tape.

I hope you will enjoy using some of these techniques to jazz up your die cuts!

~Sharon

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Chevron Cover-Up	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Palm Tree	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Washi Tape	Celebrate Everyday STamp Set by Hero Art
Memento Ink Pad, Rich Cocoa	Inkssentials Surfaces, Kraft Cardstock, 8.5 x 11	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Butter Mints, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Icy Mint, 10 pk
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Gumball, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Robin's Egg, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Candy Necklace, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter Grass, 25 pk
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Gumdrop, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Peanut Cluster, 25 pk	COPIC Sketch Marker E55, Light Camel	COPIC Sketch Marker YG23, New Leaf
Ink Blending Tool, 1 Round	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	Copic High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"

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Party Animal by Heather Campbell

I love a good birthday stamp set and nothing screams birthday better than balloons!  I've been on the prowl for a great balloon set and gosh did I ever find the greatest balloon set ever!  The new Avery Elle Balloons set is just perfect!  

I started with the party animal stamp in the Aquamarine shade.

I die cut him out using the new coordinating die. 

Then I stamped balloons in rainbow order along the top of my panel, starting with Lemon Grass. 

Then Mimosa, switching balloon sizes. 

Continued stamping with Fizz and then Cherry inks. 

Finishing off the top of the panel with Sugar Plumb and then Sapphire. 

Then, I stamped all the balloons again in the same rainbow order, just moving reverse with the colors from right to left.

Next, with my panel stamped complete, I die cut the dotted border and size from the new Avery Elle Dotted dies set.  This might be my favorite die set ever!  If you liked Custom Panels, you'll really love the new Dotted dies set.  It leaves the coolest embossed dots around a perfectly trimmed panel.  I am seriously in heaven with this die set!

Here's a close up.  It's just adds that little extra touch to finish the panel.  It just makes me happy, I tell ya!

Next, I stamped the sentiments on black cardstock and heat embossed them in white. 

Then I simply trimmed them down to size with my paper trimmer to create my own dymo labels.  I love this trick!  

Finally I stamped the adorable little bursts around the animal in Fog ink and used the 2nd generation of the stamp to stamp with the balloons to get that lighter grey stamped version.  I secured the party animal and label sentiments to the panel with foam adhesive and lastly secured the panel to a kraft card base. 

I've been loving the look of metallic string behind sentiments and images, so I was very excited to find this May Arts string in stock!  It also comes in gold!  I just wrapped it around and secured it in place by prying up an edge of my foam adhesive!  Easy peasy and such a fun, trendy accent!

Thank you so much and sharing a part of your day with me!  Have a great one!

-Heather

Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Balloons	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Party Animal	Avery ELLE-ments Dies, Party Animal	Avery ELLE-ments Dies, Dotted
String by the Spool, Metallic Silver	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk
Avery Elle Ink Pad, Fog	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Sugar Plum	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Sapphire	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Cherry
Avery Elle Ink Pad, Aquamarine	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Lemon Grass	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Mimosa	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Fizz
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4" Squares (1/16 Thick)	Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag	White Embossing Powder

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Hello, Monday 06.09.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

The new Savvy Stamps release has arrived and they are so much FUN--I just adore their fresh, hand-drawn style!!!

I decided to go for a multi-colored effect using some pretty Avery Elle pigment inks--pigment inks work awesome for this technique because they are much slower drying than dye and you can blend them quite easily, right on the stamp.

The other trick with selective inking (a.k.a. ommitting) is to use Sponge Daubers--my personal favorites are the ones with the airtight caps--makes it so easy to store them without making a mess... or having to wash 'em. ;)

Enjoy the video here or on our YouTube Channel and thanks ever so much for watching and subscribing! Your comments are always so appreciated!

 

 

Happy Mundane!

••••••••••••••••••

SUPPLIES: 

Savvy Stamps, Bloom	Savvy Stamps, Floral Jar	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Sea Glass	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Lemon Grass
Avery Elle Ink Pad, Raspberry	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Aquamarine	Avery Elle Ink Pad Set, Set of 15 Colors	Shape 'N Tape, Black
Studio Calico Classic Calico Vol. 2, Wood Veneer, Butterflies	Enamel Accents, Black and White	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber w/ Airtight Cap	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber 25 pk
Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber 3 pk	Teflon Bone Folder	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/4"	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed
Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4" Squares (1/16 Thick)	Accents, Mini Glossy	Accents, Glossy

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In Detail: Product Reviews & News – MFT Blueprints and Avery Elle Custom Panels by Jean Manis

Welcome to another In Detail post. Today I’m reviewing two die cut sets: My Favorite Things Blueprints 13 and Avery Elle Custom Panels Elle-ments.

I don’t really know quite how to categorize these sets. Unlike the die sets I’ve recently reviewed manufactured by Sizzix, neither of these sets creates the actual card base. These sets often greater flexibility in terms of card design than the Sizzix Flip-Its and Stand-Ups die sets. Both the MFT and Avery Elle sets contain a main card panel die, in slightly different dimensions, which I’ll get into in a moment. These panels would be attached to the card base. There are pieces in both sets that I might not ever use, and there are pieces in both that I’ll use again and again. 

As of My Favorite Things’s May release, there are fifteen Blueprints sets. Each Blueprints set contains a variety of large and small pieces. There are basic shapes such as squares, circles and rectangles, as well as word dies, arrows, flowers and bows. There are downloadable sketches available for the My Favorite Things Blueprints, which can be found in the Product Description on the store website.

The Blueprints 13 set must be cut apart before use. (The Elizabeth Crafts Design Die Snips and File Set are suggested tools for this use.) The set comes packaged with a magnetic sheet.

The approximate measurements of the Blueprints 13 pieces, according to the manufacturer, are as follows: Stitched Rectangle 4" x 5 1/4", Fishtail Banner 2 5/8" x 4 3/4", Bracket Banner 2 1/8" x 4", Washi Tape 3 1/4" x 1/2", Fishtail Flag 1 3/4" x 1/2", Stitched Line 5 1/4" in length, Rounded Edge Label 2 1/2" x 3/4", Large Arrow 2 1/8" x 3/8", Small Arrow 5/8" x 1/4", Large Star 7/8" x 7/8", Small Star 1/2" x 1/2", Circle 1 1/2" in diameter, and Pinking Edge Circle 1 5/8" in diameter.

To begin my investigation of the Blueprints 13 set, I cut cardstock strips (4 ¼" x 11") with the dies in the set using my Sizzix Big Shot and Magnetic Platform. Following the sketch guide for Blueprints 13, I combined the cut pieces. I didn’t glue down the pieces, as I was simply arranging the shapes on the card fronts. For each, I used the stitched rectangle, measuring 4" x 5 ¼", as the card panel. This will definitely be my most-used die from the set. (While I could easily create this size panel with my paper cutter, I prefer having a die to cut paper exactly, and I like the finish of the stitched edge.)

I began working with only solid cardstock pieces, but I soon realized that pieces stamped with background stamps or dry embossed with stencils or embossing folders were needed for visual and textural interest. With a lot of layers, it’s important to include some pattern. 

In the photo on the left, above, the fishtail and bracket banners were cut for a horizontal orientation. The set includes a stitched line to finish off the cut edge.

Personally, I had a hard time figuring out where I would put a sentiment with the designs shown in the sketches. Most of my card designs are simpler than these, as I tend to use fewer layers. Additionaly, I would replace the arrow with a different die cut. While My Favorite Things does not have any specific stamp sets that coordinate with this Blueprints set, they do offer a large selection of sentiment stamp sets, which would work with the various shapes, such as the circle or the rounded edge label. For example, the Lollipop Additions – Birthday stamp set coordinates with the Lollipop Treat Die Set, which includes a slightly smaller circle (1 3/8") than the circle die in the Blueprints 13 set. Obviously other stamp manufacturers sell circle stamps sets that would work. My Favorite Things also sell two stamp sets–Washi Patterns and More Washi Patterns–designed to resemble washi tape that work with the washi tape die in the Blueprints 13 set.

I ran into this same issue when I worked with the Sizzix Stephanie Barnard Flip-Its die. I just haven’t built up a collection of sentiments that work inside circles.

While I don’t usually make any purchase suggestions in the In Detail post, one of the Blueprint sets would be a great introduction into die cutting for someone just starting to build their die collection. My Favorite Things offer a wide collection of STAX (stackable) dies: circles, rectangles, squares, labels, and other shapes sold in a variety of sizes in the set. However, it takes some time to build up a collection of those, and the Blueprints offer an affordable option if you simply want to “dip your toes” into the die cutting pool.

Now let’s turn our attention to the Avery Elle Custom Panels Elle-ments set. Designed by J.J. Bolton, the set includes the following dies: an A2-sized rectangle (4" x 5 1/4"), a label, three circles, three hexagons, a curvy line, a curved line, an angle, and a curved-edge shape. The set also includes an alignment guide (the plus sign) to align dies. The set must be cut apart before use. In this case, I have not included a photo of the set before I cut it apart. 

In the photo below I show how the A2 rectangle die can be used to cut a card front panel from patterned paper. 

Angled card panels are currently trending, and the A2 die can be used to easily create a variety of angled panels. Please note: for the following examples, I've combined the cut pieces but did not use any adhesives. In some of the photos you may detect that the cut pieces have shifted slightly.

Similarly, the angle die in the set, which is not a 90-degree angle, can be used to create angled card panels. Simply vary the position of the die to create any number of different shapes. Even a shift in one direction by a small amount creates a different shape.

You can also make an angle cut, then shift the die down and cut again, to achieve another angle piece. 

Even though I was using a magnetic platform (and brand-new cutting plates), I found that it was necessary to hold down the die with washi tape for precise placement.

The wavy line / hill die can be used to create panels with two different shapes simply by using both sides of the cut paper. The length of the wavy line is just a bit greater than 4 ¼". For an actual card, I would trim the wavy line/hill panel to size.

The curved die can be used in a variety of ways. Its width is just a fraction under 5 ½". For my first example, I placed the curved die on an A2-sized panel vertically and ran it through my Big Shot. 

Then I folded the cut panel back (I could have also snipped it on the edges) and used the A2 die to cut a hill shape at a width of 4 ¼".

Finally, here's another example using the curved die, in which I cut the cardstock first with the A2 die and then with the curved die. I added a die cut sentiment to the curved area for illustrative reasons.

As you can see, the line dies included in the Avery Elle's Custom Panels Elle-ments set leave the creation of the shapes up to the imagination of the crafter!

--Jean

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Blueprints 13	Avery ELLE-ments Dies, Custom Panels	Lifestyle Crafts Embossing Folders, Jubilant	Impression Obsession Cover-a-Card Cling Stamp Set: Thin Stripes
Memory Box Stencils, Wave	Hero Arts Cling: Magical Background	Lawn Cuts Dies, Scripty Thanks	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal
Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies

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Hand Stitched Accents by Julia Stainton

 Making your own embellishments for your cards and other paper crafting projects is fun and easy to do. Lately I've been creating with hand-stiching and thought I'd try out some stitching templates to create some of my own accents.

 

Today I have two projects to share with you. I love how well hand stitching works on both clean and simple, vintage or shabby, and more freestyle designs.

The Amy Tangerine Embroidery Stencils are super cute and I love how they come with a piercing mat and embroidery flors and needles. I've used the Hello Cut and Paste Stencil today, but check out the Right Now Cut and Paste Stencil as well for more fun options.

Working with the stencils is very easy. Simply lay the piercing mat onto your work surface, layer the paper you want to stich on top of that and then lay out the stencil where you want to stitch your image. I used the Alterations Edition Die Pick to pierce the paper but you can also use one of the enclosed needles. You do want to make sure you pierce all the holes first before trying to stitch.

If you're new to hand-stitching, what you want to do is a simple back-stitch so that each of the holes  is filled with floss. Come up through a hole with your needle, take a stitch backwards and then the next time your needles comes up through a hole, it should be two ahead. Take another back stitch and continue with the pattern until you are finished stitching.

For my first card, I've simply stitched on heavy black cardstock using the leaf template. Stitching directly on the card base or a panel that's layered above it makes a lovely accent.

A tissue paper flower was die cut from layers of white tissue paper and added to the design.

One thing you may want to note is finishing off your thread on the reverse side of the paper. When finishing off your stitching or when you run out of thread, slide your needle under a few of your previou stitches to secure it.

I love how sweet the ampersand looks stitched! Instead of having it on the card base of my next design, I wanted to be able to cut it out as a layer.

An easy way to cut out something and make it look more professional is to plan where you are going to cut before you start doing so. Sketch out an outline around the ampersand in pencil. This gives you nice even edges and makes your cut edges smoother. Remove any pencil lines still left after cutting.

Once your stitched element is cut out, you can begin to put your card design together. I've adhered it with a dimensional foam adhesive. I find a foam adhesive works well to hide the bulk of the stitching on the reverse side.

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom! Have a fabulous weekend!

 

 

Supplies:

 

South of Market 6x6 paper pad	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed BlackManufacturer: Scrapbook AdhesivesSKU: SALLL1615	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"
laraine pearl white flowers	Teflon Bone Folder	Wood Bingo Motifs	EK Tools, Precision 5 Inch Scissors with Sheath
Wood Alterable Buttons	Tissuestock 12x12 White, 20 Sheets	Micro Dot Alterable Alpha	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Tattered Florals
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Lustrous Button Jewels	Aqua Paint Dabber	Green Leaf Trinket Pin
Neutral Hemp Cord	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 250 Sheet Ream	Gummy Worms Card Shoppe Cardstock	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy
Tim Holtz Sanding Block

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Framed Quatrefoil Floral Spray by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  Does it hurt your soul a little to throw away all the pieces of cardstock left from intricate die cuts? It does mine.  The first time I used the Taylored Expressions Quatrefoil Cutting Plate I looked at those pieces and thought there had to be a use for them.  Sure enough the four petal shape makes a perfect flower to use with the quatrefoil background.  I love getting two things for the price of one.  LOL!  

My project today is a floral spray with a double matted frame and quatrefoil decorative background.

Cut two frame sections. I cut the smaller frame to create a 1/4” border.

Apply mounting tape to the back of the largest frame.

Attach the top frame over the smaller frame being careful to line up evenly.

Punch out the pieces and save all the petal shapes and set aside.

Lay the quatrefoil over the back of frame to measure and cut to fit.

Apply adhesive to the back of the frame and attach the quatrefoil piece.

Apply another layer of mounting tape and attach the frame to the card base.  You don’t have to apply another layer of tape but I always like adding layers of dimension for interest.

Lay the flower face down on the molding pad and form with the stylus.

Turn the flower over and push down in the center with the small stylus.

Apply glossy accents to the flower center and attach a second flower offsetting the petals.  Hold in place for a second to dry.

 

Lay the foliage on the molding pad and form with the stylus.  I form some leaves on the back side and some on the front side to create a natural looking stem.

Apply glossy accents to the stem and attach the flower.

   Attach a tiny pearl into each flower center.  Hint:  I always add a dot of glossy accents to reinforce the pearl.

The Floral Spray Arrangement

I usually do a “dry run” of the design by laying the stems and flowers in place to get an idea of how I want to arrange the floral spray before attaching them. 

Apply glossy accents to the lower back portion of the lower stem and attach to the card base.  Secure and hold in place with your pick tool.  Repeat this step until the large stems are in place. I attached four stems pointing down and one pointing up.  You can follow these steps in the following photos.

Apply glossy accents to 4 or 5 of the smaller 2 leaf foliage stems and fill in around the center of the design. 

Attach the two center flowers to the card base with small squares of mounting tape. The tape will elevate the flowers to appear on the the same level as the flowers on the stems.  Did that make sense?  LOL!

Complete the design by applying glossy accents to a few more small stems and fill in around the flowers.

Here’s a closer view of the completed floral spray.

I hope these step by step photos will inspire you to try creating a floral spray.  Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom.

Taylored Expressions Dies, Cutting Plate - Quatrefoil	Elizabeth Craft Designs Die, Curvy Leaves	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Squares	Pearls, Snow
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter Grass, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Sour Grape, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 25 pk	Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Teflon Bone Folder	ATG Kit, Advanced Tape Glider	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
Accents, Mini Glossy	Sizzix Accessory, Tool Kit inspired by Susan Tierney-Cockburn

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Hello, Monday 06.02.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

 

The entire time I was making this card, I was thinking, "I didn't do this quite right..." I actually circular filed it and deleted all the video footage. All of it.

About an hour later, I went back and pulled it outta' the trash and started channeling my inner Bob Ross.  I got all my supplies back out and re-filmed the watercoloring process. Go me!!! *grin*

Some things to keep in mind when playing with the "Magic Watercolor" technique:

• Concentrated water-based dye colorants will yield the most vivid yet translucent results. Try Dylusions Sprays, Distress Ink or Adirondack Dye Ink Reinkers or Refills. Use a pipette (or dropper tool) if needed, to transfer the ink to a paint palette
• Use watercolor paper; regular card stock will disintegrate
• Plop and dab the concentrated ink from your palette onto the puddles of water and let the water spread the color; you can push it along with your brush if needed.  The embossed lines will act as barriers, holding the color within the puddles of water
• Don't freak if the color spills outside the image lines; watch the video to see how I chose to resolve that. :)
• If you choose to speed up the drying process with a heat gun, keep the tool far enough away that you don't re-melt the embossing powder. Otherwise, some of the ink sitting on top of the embossed lines could get trapped into the embossing powder. Ask me how I know... *wink*
• If any residual ink remains on the embossed lines after your project has thoroughly dried, just buff it off gently with slightly damp tissue.
• Use a strong adhesive to mount the watercolor panel to your card base to eliminate any warping; if it's badly warped, then place it under a heavy book overnight and then mount to your card 

Enjoy the video here or on our YouTube channel and thanks so much for watching and subscribing!

 

 

Happy Mundane!

 SUPPLIES:

Savvy Stamps, Blossom Flower, Large	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Modern Leaves	Distress Watercolor Cardstock	Watercolor Paper, 10 pk
Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 4x9, 10 pk	Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 9x12	Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag	Distress Embossing Pad
Emboss It Ink Pad, Clear	VersaMark Ink Pad, Small	VersaMark Ink Pad	Powder Tool Adhesive Deactivator
Hero Arts Embossing Powder, White	Dylusions Ink Spray, Cherry Pie	Dylusions Ink Spray, Squeezed Orange	Dylusions Ink Spray, Dirty Martini
Studio Artist Brushes	Inkssentials Mister, 2 oz.	Mini Mister, Individual	Mini Mister Set
Inkssentials Pipette	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Droppers	Plastic Paint Palette	Tim Holtz Ink Palette
Bazzill 40 lb. Vellum, 25 pk	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Be Creative Tape, 5mm (1/4")

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