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July 2015

July 30, 2015

Die-cutting Cork & a Sneak Peek by Julia Stainton

It's Christmas in July! As busy as the holiday season is, you can never start too early and I'm excited to share a Christmas card that shows you a peek at one of the upcoming Essentials by Ellen new releases. That's right! The new Fall 2015 release is just around the corner and Julie Ebersole has done it again. You are going to LOVE the new stamp and die sets!

  Stamped-cork-500

Let's get started shall we? My card today gives you a peek at the new Mistletoe and Holly stamp and die sets. They are perfectly coordinated which gives you a perfect professionally cut look and saves you a ton of time cutting out images!

I decided to try out a new technique, for me anyway, and see how well cork would die cut and stamp. I love the fun warm and textural look it gives. It's also super easy to get a unique look just by changing out the material that you stamp and die cut.

Die-cut-cork

To start my project I die cut one of the cork sheets from the Tim Holtz Textured Surfaces pack. These are adhesive backed and easy to die cut.

Stamped-cork

To stamp on the cork I simply used some pigment ink. I adore the Avery Elle White Pigment ink. It has AMAZING coverage which can sometimes be an issue for white pigment ink. I highly recommend it. After stamping the images onto the cork, I heat set the ink with a heat gun. Pigment ink takes a long time to dry so make sure you keep that in mind.

Stamped-woodgrain

I used the same ink on the MFT Stamps Woodgrain Background Stamp. This is such a great background stamp as I love how well it adds texture and interest to anything you stamp.

Copic-stained-twine

To create some matching hemp twine, I cut a length of it and then colored it with a red Copic marker. This is a great way to customize light or natural twine to any color you want!

Be-merry-angle

To put the design all together, I peeled off the backing on the cork die cuts and layered them together to form a swag. Copic markers also work great on the cork and I added little dots of red to the stamped berry areas.

The sentiment also comes with the Mistletoe and Holly stamp set and is stamped in my favorite Jet Black Archival Ink. This ink stamps on pretty much everything! The final touch was to adhere 1/4 inch tiny silver jingle bells to the twine bow knot to make the card look more festive.

Be-merry-flat

Stay tuned for lots of fabulous projects coming up with the Fall 2015 Essentials by Ellen release that is just around the corner! It's time to get your autumn and holiday crafting started! Mistletoe and Holly and the rest of the release will be available for purchase soon!

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom!

  Julia-signature

Supplies:

Posted at 09:00 PM in Backgrounds, Cards, Christmas Inspiration, Copic Markers, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Sneak Peek | | Comments (15)

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#throwbackthursdays - In Stitches

Hi! It's Carly and welcome to our 2nd #throwbackthursdays!

The Craft & Hobby Association recently stated in their summer trend report that stitching is going to be a hot trend in papercrafts for the rest of 2015 so I searched "stitched" and "embroidered" and as you can see by clicking the links below, Julia Stainton & Sharon Harnist are well ahead of the stitching trend!

Hand Stitched Accents by Julia Stainton

Sewing on Cards by Sharon Harnist

Embroidery With Piercing Templates by Sharon Harnist

Sometimes we might not have all of the products in-stock from past blog posts, for example we no longer have the piercing templates Sharon used on her "Embroidery With Piercing Templates" post but we do have other really cute templates that could be substituted. To check out our collection of stitching templates and tools, click this link.

Feeling inspired, I created two different cards with similar techniques using Amy Tangerine's Stitched Embroidery Kit, Hello.

July 30 01 copy

 

July 30 02

1. On two 4 x 5-1/4 pieces of watercolor paper, I created two quick watercolor backgrounds. One simple rectangle and one quick ombre inspired by this tag by Miss Julie, using Distress Ink Peacock Feathers. My favorite way to watercolor with Distress inks is to swipe my ink pad on my Non-Stick Craft Sheet and then pick up the color with my paint brush.

2. While my backgrounds were drying, I stamped my flowers from the Essentials by Ellen Bold Blooms with Altenew Coral Berry ink and die cut them from the matching die set. I also die cut a couple leaves from the Essentials by Ellen Bold Blossom Stand-Alone set.

July 30 03

3. To create the stitched accents I secured my stitching templates to my watercolored backgrounds and to the stitching mat with a little Micropore Tape but a little washi tape would work well too. Then I used the piercing tool that came with the kit to punch the holes of the design. Once the design was punched, I hand-stitched the designs. Super easy!

  July 30 04

4. To complete the ombre background card, I added a few messy dots from the Bold Blooms sets by inking Distress Ink Hickory Smoke and misting with water before stamping. Then I added the stamped and die cut bloom with foam adhesive. And then I mounted it all to a A2 Solar White card.

July 30 05

5. To complete the rectangle background card, I adhered the white leaves to the bloom and then added them both to the background with foam adhesive. Next I added just a few Pretty Pink Posh Flat Charcoal Sequins. And of course, I mounted it all to a A2 Solar White card. 

Thanks so much for joining me today!

Carly

Posted at 08:00 AM in #throwbackthursdays | | Comments (1)

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July 29, 2015

Susan’s Mini Daisy by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I have been having so much fun this summer making cards with Susan’s flower sets.  Today I am sharing her Garden Patch-1 Inch & Mini Daisy & Chrysanthemum set. The small foliage was made using the Impression Obsession Leaves and Stems set and the frame was made using the We R Memory Keepers Nesting Squares.

top card for classroom post

I cut two frames sized 1/8” different in size to create a double matted frame for the square grid die.

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I applied double stick tape to the back of both frames, attached them together and then attached to the grid.

2

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I applied thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and attached to the card base.

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I have not cut the tiny flower and leaf sections away from the grid as I am always afraid I will loose something.  Instead I just cut 1” squares of cardstock and place over the sections that I want to cut out. 

6

Lay the flower sections face down on the molding pad and form with smaller end of the stylus.

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Lay the formed flower face up and push down in the center with the smallest stylus.

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Layer the flower sections together and attach with glossy accents.  I used one large green flower section as a base for each flower.9

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Attach the flowers inside the squares with glossy accents.

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Apply a small dot of glossy accents to the center of each flower and insert a tiny pearl center.

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Cut the leaf stems apart and attach pieces around each flower using glossy accents.

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I purposely rotated how I attached the foliage as I didn’t want  any two of my flowers to look exactly the same. 

KC Susan's Daisy center

This card would be appropriate for so many occasions.  I think the white on white with the small touches of green foliage looks so pretty.

KC Susan's Daisy left

I hope you have been inspired by my project today.  See you next time.

Card size:  5.25” square

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Susan's Garden | | Comments (9)

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July 28, 2015

You're the Best Watercolor Card by Carolyn Peeler

You're the best watercolor card by Carolyn Peeler

Hi everyone! Carolyn here. Before I get started, I want to thank Ellen for her invitation to join the CLASSroom. I am really excited to be joining her roster of designers/instructors. I look forward to getting to know you, her customers, better as we share creativity together! Now, onto the fun stuff!

Lately I have been on a HUGE watercolor kick. It seems to be a trend that is here to stay, which makes me really happy, as it just looks so dang cool, and, as a technique it is pretty fun to work with as well!

To get started, you will want to cut one piece of Ranger 8.5" x 11" watercolor paper in half (4.25" x 5.5"). This will be your card base. Using a corner rounder, round all four corners.

IMG_2991

Next, grab your Ranger Craft Mat and Distress Ink pads in the following colors: Spun Sugar and Worn Lipstick. Take the lids off your ink pads and smush the pads onto the craft mat.

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Using a spray bottle filled with water, spray a circle of water between the 2 ink colors. (If you don't have a spray bottle, you could also use a dropper to drop water onto the Craft mat, or slowly pour a bit of water onto the mat.)

IMG_2993

Using a paintbrush, liberally mix water and ink to create a beautiful medium pink. Then, load up your brush with the watercolor and put onto card. I did this in 2 different ways, the first, is to flick the paintbrush which will spray little droplets of watercolor onto the card. The second way is to paint onto the card front. When painting, I recommend that you try to give your shapes organic edges that are a bit rough. Allow ink to air dry, or, if you would like to hurry the process, use a heat gun to set the ink.

IMG_2994

Next, cut 2 strips of decorative paper. I used paper from the Brighton Pier 6x6 paper pad by Studio Calico and the Open Road 6x6 paper pad by Crate Paper. Each strip is 1.75" wide. The strip on the left is 4.25" long, and the strip on the right is 3.75" long.

IMG_2995

Notch the end of each strip to get that flag shape. Glue the 2 strips to the card front, overlapping the strip on the right over top of the strip on the left as seen in the finished sample. When you apply the glue, do not apply it to the bottom of the strips. After you have glued the top and middle of the strips down, you will gently bend the ends of the flag strips up so that they are raised from the background giving some additional dimension to your card.

Next, you are going to add some green watercolor to a separate piece of watercolor paper for your leaves. Set the green up the same way you did with the pinks earlier, however this time, instead of using Distress ink pads, I used Distress markers in Peeled Paint and Forest Moss.

IMG_2997

After painting the green onto watercolor paper with a paintbrush, use the leaf die cuts to cut out the leaves. Cut the whole leaves out of plain white watercolor paper, and the green cut out leaves out of the watercolor paper that you just painted green.

IMG_2998

Next, stamp the flower onto watercolor paper with Clear Embossing Ink. Emboss with Pink Peony embossing powder. Assemble all the pieces together and assess the project...at this point, I thought that the card needed a bit more texture, so I sewed a little border (using a sewing machine and white thread) across the top of the patterned paper strips.

IMG_3003

Place the flower on the card front, positioning it where you would like it to stay. Before gluing it down, you will want to glue the leaves first. So, apply glue to the back of them and tuck them beneath the flower. Next, using 3 dimensional pop dots, adhere the flower to the card front.

IMG_3004

Using Brushed Corduroy Distress ink, stamp "You're the best" greeting onto the lower right corner of the card front.

IMG_3005

To finish, using a Ranger Ink Applicator and Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink, very lightly distress the edges of your card to give it a bit of definition.

IMG_3006

And, there you are! The card is ready to give away!!

- Carolyn

Posted at 12:00 AM in Cards, Essentials by Ellen, Tips and Techniques, Watercolor | | Comments (4)

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July 27, 2015

Hello, Monday 07.27.2015

Mistletoe holly web1

(Click on the pics to enbiggan)

Today, I'm sharing a sneak peek of a coming stamp set, part of the Essentials by Ellen 2015 Holiday Release line up--mark your calendar for August 4! *wink*

Instead of stamping with traditional "black", I decided to try using some of Hero Arts Inks, in hues that would compliment the watercolor hues I'd be using. It's a nice way to change things up--I love black, and black accents, but I wanted the poinsettia to have a little "lighter" affect.

I'm using Peerless Watercolors on this project--here's a link to the video tutorial I did for the DIY Peerless Portable Palette.  I love to travel with my Peerless! WOOT!!!

All the images in the stamp set are hand-painted, and there will be a die set to match! I don't mind fussy cutting myself, but when mass producing for the holidays, I'll admit that matching dies can be a life-saver... *grin*

 

Mistletoe holly web2

 

One thing I've found super cool with watercoloring over Hero Arts inks, is that while a wonderful non-bleeding ink, they may intensify or take on the the color being painted over the lines.  Look closely at the veins on the leaves to see what I mean. See?  Cool!

Enjoy the video in HD on our YouTube Channel HERE, and please take a moment to give it a thumbs up! 

 

 

Happy Mundane!

1Julie

 

SUPPLIES:

Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Hero Arts, Ink Pads, Tips and Techniques, Video, Watercolor | | Comments (8)

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July 25, 2015

Satur-YAY! 7.25.2015 Acetate Cards

Hi everyone!  Welcome to the first official Satur-YAY!  This video series is all about celebrating the weekend by getting our craft on!  I’ll be joining you once a month, on a Saturday, to share a new video tutorial with you.  I’m thrilled to be here in The CLASSroom with other amazing designers.

Hello Summer (1 of 1)

Today, I’ve created an acetate card for you with vibrant colors.  I wanted to create something that screamed summer.  And these colors DO scream!  If you haven’t already, grab your sunglasses.  You’re going to need them.

I started by creating a watercolor background with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers.  I’ve really been enjoying these markers.  You can see how Julie used them to create beautiful watercolor florals HERE.  They blend so nicely, even when using several colors.  You can use them with or without water.  Today, I’ve just scribbled some color on some watercolor cardstock and used some water and a paintbrush to blend them out and create a colorful background. 

To add a little shimmer to my background, I added some Perfect Pearl mist over the top of my background to give it some subtle shimmer.  I’ve made my own by mixing some Perfect Pearl Pigment Powder with water in Ranger Mini Mister.  I like to make my own because I can add more Perfect Pearl Powder to make it extra shimmery, or add less for a more subtle look.  If you don’t want to fuss with it, you can buy the premade mist as well.  This mist is great for covering large areas with shimmer.  

I knew when I started this card that I wanted to create an acetate card, but acetate cards can be a little tricky.  There are several elements that you have to consider.  You’ll need to think about hiding your adhesive.  The best way I’ve found to accomplish this is to sandwich the acetate between two die cut pieces.  I’ve done this with the Nesting Frame 9 die on the front of the card, as well as on the inside of the card.  I’ve chosen to use a little larger die cut frame on the inside of the card.  It makes a nice mat for the frame on the front of the card and allows more space to write a message on the inside of the card.  I love how the smaller element on the front of the card appears to float over the larger element on the inside of the card.

Finals (9 of 22)

For the card base, I’ve used the Hero Arts Acetate card bases.  You can try creating your own as well.  The Hero Arts Acetate is nice and thick and very clear.  I also highly recommend the Ellen Hutson Acetate.  It’s great quality and perfect for stamping!

In addition to using an acetate card base, I’ve also used some of the We R Memory Keepers Clearly Bold 6x6 Acetate on the front of the card.  I’ve die cut it using the Folk Hearts dies, which are a part of the Essentials by Ellen line.  Die cutting the acetate can be a little tricky.  I used the Precision Base Plate from Sizzix to get just the right amount of umph to cut cleanly through the acetate.  The precision base plate also works beautifully for die cutting my favorite gold glitter card stock.  If you don’t have the Precision Base Plate, you can try adding a card stock shim to your sandwich to get a clean cut. 

Finals (10 of 22)

I attached the heart to the watercolor background with foam adhesive.  Lucky for me, the stripes on this patterned acetate hid my foam adhesive perfectly.  I like to add dimension to acetate and vellum whenever possible.  It adds drama to these see through pieces and really helps them stand out.  It gives them the illusion of floating and adds to the wow factor of using these different paper types 

I’ve created a video tutorial below walking you through the entire creation of this card.  Be sure to watch it for more tips and tricks.  I’ve also linked all the supplies below so you can easily find them in the Ellen Hutson online store.  

Now it’s your turn!  I’d love to see what you create using acetate.  Be sure to post your card projects on social media and use the hashtag #EllenHutsonSaturYAY so I can check out what you’ve made using acetate!

Until next month, enjoy your weekend and get your craft on!  I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and I hope you have a fabulous day!

You can watch this video in HD on the Ellen Hutson YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

Supplies

Posted at 12:01 AM in Cards, Essentials by Ellen, Savvy, Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (12)

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July 24, 2015

Beautiful Backgrounds 8-Stenciled Watercolor by Sharon Harnist

It's a birthday weekend at our house and I wanted a fun and festive card for a teen ... This is what I came up with, featuring another in my Beautiful Background series:

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

This background was created with a stencil made from a die cutting plate, adhered to watercolor paper and watercolored with Distress Inks.  Here are the steps:

1. Die cut blank Stencil Sheet with Taylored Expressions Spotted Cutting Plate and adhere with repositionable adhesive to watercolor paper:

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

2. Rub Twisted Citron Distress Ink pad onto Non-Stick Craft Sheet and using broad water brush, pick up the ink and brush it onto the lower part of the stencil-covered watercolor paper:

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

3. Repeat the process with Fossilized Amber Distress Ink on the top portion of the paper. Remove stencil and let background dry.

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

4. Die cut Taylored Expressions Birthday Treat Toppers from watercolor paper and using Twisted Citron Distress Ink, watercolor the die cut.  Die cut more watercolor paper with Taylored Expressions Build a Tag 2 pieces; watercolor scalloped square with Mermaid Lagoon and heart with Abandoned Coral Distress Inks. (Not shown --  fishtail flag pieces were watercolored with Fossilized Amber):

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

5. Layer Build a Tag 2 watercolored pieces together with Copic X-Press It Foam Tape.  Add sparkle with Clear Wink of Stella marker to flag pieces, heart, and diamonds on background:

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

6. Trim watercolored background and adhere with foam tape to A2 top-fold card made from Neenah 110 lb. Solar White cardstock: 

7-BB-WCStencilBD-SH

You can easily change up the background stencil shape and/or Distress Ink colors to gear this card more towards a boy or girl birthday. The Taylored Expressions Birthday Treat Toppers die set also provides five other circle die images to change up the tag greeting/image, for a year-round set of birthday cards!

Sharon

- supplies

Posted at 12:00 AM in Cards, Copic Markers, Ink Pads, Taylored Expressions, Watercolor | | Comments (2)

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July 23, 2015

#throwbackthursdays - What's Brewing by Carly Tee

Hi! It's Carly and I'm thrilled to be here today for the beginning of our new #throwbackthursdays! I'm excited to revisit and re-imagine ideas from past blog posts and our family of super talented designers!!!

The Ellen Hutson blogs are like a GIANT idea book right at our finger tips that we can search for inspiration, techniques, information and of course, ideas! For today's card I needed a little Halloween inspiration so I typed "Halloween" into the search bar at the top right of the blog.

Capture

The results were wonderful of course! I was totally inspired by Krystie Hersch's layout & glitter, Jean Manis' use of Memory Box die cuts and Julie Ebersole's use of Distress Inks. You can see the original cards by clicking the links below:

Glittery Ghosts by Krystie Hersch

Trick-or-Treat Die Cut Card by Jean Manis

Easy Distress Halloween Design by Julie Ebersole

Hello Monday 08.19.2013

Using all of this wonderful inspiration, I created this little card:

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1. First I started with a 3.5 x 5 card using Solar White cardstock. To create my background, I masked a rectangle on my card front using Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper but Post-It Tape or Frog Tape would also work well. With my Ranger Ink Blending Tool, I applied Distress Ink Shaded Lilac and Twisted Citron.

03

2. Next I misted my card with a bit of water to further blend my Distress inks and I added a few big drops by unscrewing the bottle and tapping the sprayer over the background. 

3. While my background was drying, I die cut. From the Black American Crafts Pow! Glitter Paper, I cut the Memory Box Dies Batty Border and the Memory Box Dies Grim Cauldron. Using Solar White cardstock I cut the Memory Box Dies Witch Kit. And then I cut the Witch Kit again using Desert Storm cardstock.

4. To add detail to my die cut pieces I used the Ink Blending Tool to add Distress Ink Spiced Marmalade and Twisted Citron to the potion bottles. Then I gave them a good coat of Glossy Accents and set them aside to dry. I also added a little detail to the broom with a Clean Color Real Brush Beige 072 marker but a similar color Copic or Pan Pastel would work well too.

5. To make my clear rhinestones match, I gave them a quick color with Copic Sketch Marker YG23. 

6. I assembled all my pieces together over my dry background, adhering the bottles and broom first. And then I 3D mounted the cauldron over them.

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7. Inside I used Mama Elephant's Bella Letters to stamp a cheeky message but Happy Halloween would be cute too!

To find more Halloween stamps and dies in our store use this link!

Thanks so much for joining me for our first #throwbackthursday!

Carly

Posted at 08:00 AM in #throwbackthursdays, Halloween, Memory Box | | Comments (13)

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July 22, 2015

You're a Star by Heather Campbell

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Hello friends!  Hope you're having a fabulous week!  Today I have a fun card to share with you that covers a few techniques - using masking in combination with Distress Ink blending as well as paper piecing stamped images!  

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

First I die cut a large circle from some vellum paper.  I like to use vellum so I can see exactly where I am masking! 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

I added another scallop sea mask using another die.  Here I've masked only the top of the circle so the dark blue sea will appear below. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Once I have everything masked, I can add my distress inks.  I blended this as carefully as I could so I didn't get streaks.  However, it's a sea - it's supposed to be slightly choppy, right? :) 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Then I removed the top mask and then used the other half to mask the sea, so I could add my sky color to my circle. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

To create a more realistic effect, I added some watercolor (just using my distress ink pad and dabbing it to my acrylic block and adding water from a water brush) spatter to my circle now.  I put the mask in place again over the sky so I wouldn't end up with a big blob of sea color in my sky.  

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

During the water process, I ended up with a boo-boo on the top corner, so I used my new Avery Elle Double pierced die and die cut it so it would be slightly smaller and cut off my blob of blue on the corner. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Next is the fun part.  I stamped the images on the blue sea and then again on a piece of paper. 
Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

I colored them in with Copic markers. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

And then I cut them out. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Lastly, I adhered them back to the panel, over the top of the stamped images
Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

To stamp the sentiment I simply curved the sentiment on the block and made sure it lined up. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Then I stamped the sentiments.  

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Next I die cut a bottom layer using Mama Elephant Femme Frames and added it to a kraft card base. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Finally I added Glossy Accents to both the star and jelly fish as well as the bubbles. 

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson Jelly

Thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing part of your day with me.  I hope you have a great day! 

XOXO, 
Heather

Supplies Small

Posted at 12:01 AM in Avery Elle, Lawn Fawn, Mama Elephant, Ranger Techniques | | Comments (2)

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July 20, 2015

Hello, Monday 07.20.2015

Coastal web1

(Click on the pics to enbiggan)

Goin' Coastal today!

And, using the Bokeh Dots stamp set, this handsome crab die from Nautical Notions by WPlus9, and Distress Stain Dabbers to pull it all off! :)

Color scheme inspired by our current Pin-sights Challenge--LOVE LOVE red, white & blue together! So crisp!

Coastal web2

Here are a few other sea-life dies that could also be used to get the same aquatic/coastal look:

I love how the sea salt changed the texture of the Distress Stain--Note to self:  Do more often!!!

Enjoy the video in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thanks for taking the time to give it a thumbs up! You can also subscribe to our Channel so you never miss a new video! :)

 

 

Happy Mundane! Hope you've had a chance to enjoy some coastal time yourself this summer!

1Julie

SUPPLIES:

Posted at 08:00 AM in Altenew, Backgrounds, Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Hero Arts, INspiration, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques, Video, Watercolor, WPlus9 | | Comments (13)

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July 15, 2015

Essential by Ellen July Pin-Sights Challenge

Hello everyone! Laurel here today to bring you our JULY Pin-Sights challenge and also to announce the randomly selected Mix It Up Challenge participant from our latest Mix it Up Challenge!  Please put your hands together for MeganBeth, who was randomly selected to receive the $50 gift certificate to the Ellen Hutson store!!! Please email me at (laurelbeard at me dot com) to claim your prize!!!


Eemiu_badge

50 Store Credit

Let's get right to today's challenge!!!!!! But first, a recap on what the Pin-Sights Challenge is....

The Pin-Sights Challenge is an inspiration challenge based on a Pinterest inspired piece to spark your imagination and creativity that will be held on the 3rd Thursday of every month!

So without further ado, let's take a look at our inspiration piece:

I love these colors and all the patterns within these photos! And I especially love all the sweets in the photo, lol! I have a really bad sweet tooth! Strawberries and coolwhip!  Strawberries and chocolate. Chocolate.... Ok, off topic!!!!  We have THREE amazing designers here today to spark your creativity with their talents based on the above inspiration piece. If you click on each of the designer's names, you will be taken directly to their blog to see more information and photos! All the supplies the designers used will be listed at the end of this post along with our Challenge Link up so you can play along! YES! PLAY ALONG!!!!! So... are you ready to be inspired????? Let's get to it!

 

Essentials by Ellen_July Pin-Sight Challenge_HandmadebyYuki

Yuki Yoshioka

 

Jjbolton_july1

Jjbolton_july2

JJ Bolton (2 cards)

EH You Rock J. Olson L1a

Jocelyn Olson
 

And just how amazing are these projects? I love how different all the projects are even though they were inspired by the same piece! Seriously, #bestdesignersever!!!!!!!

Now it's time where we invite YOU to play along in our challenge! ALL CHALLENGE ENTRIES WILL BE PINNED TO OUR ELLEN HUTSON PINTEREST PAGE!! AND, we have a new Flickr Group!!!!  We would love for you to join our group and tag your photos!!!!

Posted at 09:00 PM in Challenges, Essentials by Ellen, PIN-SIGHTS CHALLENGE | | Comments (10)

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Traveler's Notebook by Kelly Purkey

KellyPurkeyWe are so very excited to welcome Kelly Purkey to the CLASSroom today! Last September I was fortunate to be able to attend a special educational weekend at the Hero Arts headquarters and meet Kelly as they debuted her new line of products. 

Kelly's passion for travel and food are apparent in everything she has created! We would like to invite you to grab your favorite beverage, get comfy and head over to Kelly's blog to take a stay-cation with her! Learn how to document your travels, food passions and more by following along on her Instagram journeys! You can also find her on Pinterest, YouTube and Twitter.

We would appreciate your help thanking Kelly for sharing her creative process as she documents her travels in today's video. Please head over to her Instagram account, Kelly Purkey, and leave a comment there by July 18th. Look for the following photo where she shares a peek of the project below. One lucky random winner will receive some of the goodies she used to create her fabulous travelogue pages.

Kelly, thank you for sharing your creativity with us here today! I look forward to going on a food adventure with you in Portland some day! Big hugs, Ellen

Instagram_giveaway

KellyPurkey_1 (1)

Hi everyone, it's Kelly Purkey here to share a little look at my Clearly Kelly products in action. I've collaborated with Hero Arts on this fun line of products and I hope you've been enjoying using them! They're the perfect size for cards, Project Life, planners, and notebooks. In my project today, I used them to create a spread in my Midori Traveler's Notebook. 

If you haven't seen all the fun things that are being made with the Traveler's Notebooks, you can check out the hashtag #travelersnotebook on Instagram. There are so many amazing ideas there! The Clearly Kelly items are perfect for decorating your own notebook.

KellyPurkey_2

Here I created a spread to document a recent getaway to Las Vegas using some of the new Clearly Kelly sets. 

KellyPurkey_3

I filmed a process video so you can see how it all came together and how I incorporated the products. You can enjoy today's video below or in HD on the Ellen Hutson YouTube channel HERE. If you are new to us here we would love for you to subscribe!

I hope this gives you some ideas for using the stamps on your next project! For more inspiration, please hop over to my blog or view more process videos on my YouTube channel - I'd love for you to subscribe. Thanks everyone!

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Posted at 03:00 AM in Blog Candy, Hero Arts, Scrappy Pages, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (5)

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Susan’s Tulip and Lilac by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I love making flower projects and just couldn’t wait to get my hands on Susan’s Garden Notes Tulip and Lilac sets by Elizabeth Craft Designs. I paired them with the Memory Box Botanical Stem and Creative Expressions Trailing Ivy to create mini bouquet.  The decorative frame was made using the Creative Expressions Austrian Background and Nesting Card Templates.

KC Tulip Lilac Square

Place the frame dies on the magnetic platform and run through the machine to cut.

1

2

The frame is 6” x 4”.  Use the top frame to mark the cutting lines for the decorative background frame.  Cut off the outer edges to fit behind the rectangle frame.

3

Apply double stick tape to the back of the rectangle frame and attach to the decorative frame.

4

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and attach to the card base.

5

Cut several sections of the tiny flowers and form them using the stylus and molding pad.

6

Apply adhesive (I use glossy accents) a little at a time to the stem and begin attaching the tiny flowers working your way up to the tip.  Continue adding flowers until it is full and natural looking. 

7

Hint:  I used mostly lighter purple flowers but added a few darker purple ones to create a more natural looking flower.8

Cut the tulip petals using white cardstock and then add lighter and darker pink ink to create a variegated looking bloom. Add color to both the front and back of each section.

9

10

Use the small end of the stylus and molding pad to push down around the edges of the petal to form. Finish forming the petals by curling them around your finger for a tighter form.  I’m sorry I failed to get pictures of this step.

Attach the petals to the stem with adhesive and hold in place for a little bit to make sure each is secure.

11

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13

Insert and attach the stamen inside the tulip with adhesive and hold in place until secure.

14

Begin arranging the bouquet by attaching foliage and flowers to the card base. There is no right or wrong in this kind of design.  Just do what looks good to your eye and makes you happy.  15

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Finish your mini bouquet with a pretty bow.  I left the ends of the stems showing below the bow because I like the natural look.  I also tucked a couple ivy stems in to add softness to the arrangement.

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You can check out the video tutorial on my blog if you would like to see how I made my multi loop bow.

KC El;izabeth Craft Tulip Lilac 1 center

I love the pink, purple and green flowers and foliage against the all white decorative background.  This card would be perfect for so many occasions. 

KC Elizabeth Craft Tulip Lilac 1 left

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and have been inspired to make your own mini bouquet project.  Thanks for coming by and I hope you have a great day.

Card size:  6” x 4”

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Susan's Garden | | Comments (3)

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July 13, 2015

Hello, Monday 07.13.2015

Floating flower web1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

A while back, I had watercolored some quarter sheets using Dylusions Sprays and Distress Reinkers and then die cut them to make colorful flowers, and I had mentioned a use for the remaining negative pieces, but realized I had never gotten around to sharing that idea, so that's what's on deck for today! :)

You can see how the original watercolor panels were made and used in this video linked here:  Hello, Monday 05.04.2015

TIPS for this project:

  • Pre-plan where the pieces will get mounted to the clear plastic, then apply low-tack tape to all of them, and flip over to apply adhesive; you'll be able to easily mount the petals all at once. The same method can also work for the teeny tiny flower centers, but it is a little tricky since they are so small.  Once mounted to the plastic, allow any wet adhesives you used to dry thoroughly before attempting to remove the tape, and even then, remove carefully so you don't pull the die cuts right back off.
  • Foam tape can be used to pop up the clear plastic; just conceal them behind the larger die cuts
  • If your "floating" focal piece disappears into the background, add a little contrasting color; in this case the black on the flower centers really helped define the flower and gave it nice visual prominence.
  • The wood grain textured card stock adds interest without detracting from the overall effect, and further enhances the floating effect.
  • You can also try trimming the plastic tightly around the outside edges of the petals for a different look.  

Floating flower web2

Enjoy today's video in HD on YouTube right HERE, and thanks for taking a moment to give us a thumbs up!

Hope your Mundane is a happy one! ;)

1Julie

 

SUPPLIES:

 

Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Tips and Techniques, Video, Watercolor | | Comments (4)

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July 09, 2015

Gilded Mondo Magnolia by Sharon Harnist

7-WCMondoMagHello-SH

Hello and happy Friday, everyone!  How about a little watercolor project for your weekend papercrafting?!  If the current watercolor trend is still something you have yet to try and seems a little intimidating, this project is a quick and easy one to get your feet wet, using products you may already have on hand!  

Here are the easy steps to create this card (bold products are linked below in the supply section):

1. Cut a piece of watercolor paper 5.50" x 4". Using a wide waterbrush, spread clean water in a pattern from the upper left of the panel, towards the lower right. Next, tap Mermaid Lagoon Mini Distress Ink onto non-stick Craft Sheet and pick up some of the color with the waterbrush. Spread the color over the wet watercolor paper and allow to dry (click on any photo for a larger view):

7-WCMondoMagHello-SH

2. Next, stamp Essentials by Ellen Mondo Magnolia with Abandoned Coral Distress Ink twice onto watercolor paper and die cut with coordinating Mondo Magnolia dies. Using a detailer waterbrush filled with clean water, go over the lines, pulling the color towards the centers of the petals:

7-WCMondoMagHello-SH

3. Now that the background is thoroughly dry, take Zig Gold Wink of Stella Brush Marker and gently squeeze the barrel until a little of the gold metallic ink fills the brush tip. Tap the marker against your finger so some of the ink flicks onto the background:

7-WCMondoMagHello-SH

4. Stamp the Hello sentiment (from Mondo Magnolia stamp set) with Versamark ink onto the lower left of the watercolored panel and gold heat emboss. 

7-WCMondoMagHello-SH

5. Stamp the center of the magnolia blossom with Delicata Golden Glitz ink onto watercolor cardstock and die cut. Layer the three die cut flower pieces together using Copic High Tack Foam Tape, then adhere the blossom to the watercolored panel:

7-WCMondoMagHello-SH

6. Adhere a 1/2" strip of Chickaniddy Goldie Lox foil paper to the right side of an A2 sized top-folding card base made from Neenah 110 Lb. Solar White cardstock. Then adhere the watercolored blossom panel to the card base using more Copic Foam Tape.

And there is your easy-peasy gilded mondo magnolia!  Thanks so much for joining me today!

- supplies

Posted at 10:01 PM in Copic Markers, Essentials by Ellen, Watercolor | | Comments (4)

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July 08, 2015

You Make My Heart Melt by Heather Campbell

HeatherCampbell for EllenHutsonLLC MFT Penguins

Hi everyone and happy Wednesday!  I can't believe it's already July!  Here is Seattle it has been HOT.  Too hot.  These new My Favorite Things penguins absolutely crack me up as most of us in the Pacific northwest are melting in the heat. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

I stamped and die cut the images out using Memento ink since I'm planning on colorings these with Copic markers.

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

First, I colored in the penguin with my Copics. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Next I colored in the palm tree shading the trunk just slightly.


Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

I had lots of fun coloring in the ball. I left it pretty streaky intentionally.

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Here's the trio completely colored in.  

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

My Favorite Things makes a series of dies called Blueprint dies.  They're designed to work all together and layer - which makes layering so easy

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

I cut the top layer from white and also using Avery Elle 6x6 Neutral collection patterned paper. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Then I used another Blueprints die to create a stitched hill. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Then I layered the panel.

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

I adhered the layers and then cut a pinked circle from more Avery Elle 6x6 patterned paper. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Next I layered everything on a top folding A2 Neenah Desert Storm card stock.

 Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

And added the penguin trio and stamped a sentiment and flowers onto the panel.

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Finally I added the linked circle between the layers.

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Then, I pulled the penguin and the ball up and popped them up with dimensional foam. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Finally I wrapped the card with twine and tied a bow. 

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

For visual interest, I used my corner rounder to round the edge of the card.  

Photo Jul 06, 1 03 37 PM

Lastly, I added glossy accents to the hearts and melting popsicle. 

HeatherCampbell for EllenHutsonLLC MFT Penguins

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing part of your day with me!  I hope you have a great one!

XOXO,
Heather

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Posted at 12:01 AM in Avery Elle, Copic Markers, Lawn Fawn, My Favorite Things | | Comments (3)

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July 06, 2015

Hello, Monday 07.06.2015

File Jul 05, 3 00 38 PM

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Sometimes, you start a project with one idea in mind, and when the plan goes awry, you can end up with crap, OR you can end up with a pleasant surprise...! The technique on this card was a happy accident... And, I'm probably the last stamper on the planet to figure out what would happen, but, hey, I was feelin' so *brilliant*, I'm gonna share it anyways. ;)

Some tips, as you'll hear on the video:

  • Use a good quality RUBBER brayer for best results (ink tends to build up on the plasticky type).
  • Load the brayer with ink by rolling on the Ombré pads in the same direction as the color divisions on the pad to avoid cross contaminating colors. Ask me how I know... (!)
  • Roll and lift, roll and lift, to rotate the brayer in a continuous motion; just rolling back and forth will only ink one area of the brayer because you're not completing the rotation.  Same goes for when you're then brayering your paper surface.
  • Use water-resisting tape to mask, not paper tape; the application of ink will soak thru paper style masking materials.
  • When stamping with Versamark over the top of the brayered ink, allow time for the effect to develop--it's really cool! And, set the card aside to dry where it won't be adversely faded with some awkward pattern.  When I finished my card, I took a photo of it and then immediately filed it into a basket with other cards, against the basket slats; as the ink continued to dry and was exposed to light, and possibly some heat from a nearby lamp, the pattern of the slats from the basket ended up imprinting or somehow fading into the brayered background.  You don't even have to ask me how I know; you can see it right here on the finished card, LOL!  Next time, I'll set my card somewhere where this won't happen.

File Jul 05, 3 04 50 PM

These pictures were taken the day AFTER I'd made the card and you can see just how much contrast the Versamarked hearts created when allowed to dry! It really is a cool effect!  And I love it with the Hero Arts Ombré pads!!!

Enjoy the video in HD on YouTube and thank you for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up!

 

If you try this, let me know--I'd LOVE to see what you do with it! I think it would make awesome bokeh style effects!

Happy Mundane!!!

1Julie

 

 

Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Hero Arts, Lawn Fawn, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (10)

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July 02, 2015

Hoops & Tassels by Julia Stainton

It's always fun to try out unique products. Today I have a card to share with you that features two trends that are popular right now. Embroidery hoops and tassels.

Hoop-card-500This card is a fun mix of old and new and sums up how I feel about creating. I really do just want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares. In case you DO care though, I have a little tutorial on how I put this project together. I hope it inspires you to get creating too!

Crate-embroidery-hoopsFirst item that inspired this project is the Crate Paper Craft Market Wood Hoops. I love these sweet wood hoops that look just like miniature embroidery hoops. They aren't as thick as real hoops so they are great for adding to cards and scrapbook layouts as a fun accent. Please note that these are NOT real working hoops that you can put fabric in but rather and embellishment to put on top of something. I love how they make a great focal point and you can fill them with so many different things.

Hoop-stamping

To create this hoop I used the medium sized hoop from the package. Each package comes with 2 each of 3 different sizes. I'm not sure if you can tell in the above image but I've layered vellum as well as patterned paper behind the hoop and adhered them. The reason for the vellum layer is to soften the patterned paper a little so that the stamping will stand out more. The stamping is done with Jet Black Archival Ink on the vellum and then heat set.

I mentioned the sentiment above and it is one I adore. I usually pair it up with the beautiful images from the set by Taylored Expressions, A Life She Loved. To add a little extra texture and interest I adhered some Maya Road Ruffle Edge Trim on the reverse side around the hoop.

Paper-layer

Next step was to create the card base and background. I used a lovely horizontal stripe paper from the same paper pad as the tassel print. When you're cutting a wide stripe, make sure that you line it up when cutting out the layer. You want to have an equal amount of yellow on the top and the bottom of the layer so it looks balanced. I've adhered it to a 4.5" x 4.5"  card base made from Neenah Solar White Cardstock.

Sewing-layers

As an additional step on the background, the stripes were highlighted by straight stitching each stripe edge and then around the edges of the layer.

Making-a-tasstle

I love the tassel trend right now and it was inspired by the sweet tassel patterned paper that I used to line the embroidery hoop. To create the tassel...

  1. Wrap hemp cording around two fingers of your non-dominent hand. If you're right-handed this will be your left.
  2. Keep looping cording around until you have at least 10 wraps.
  3. Carefully remove from fingers and loop piece of cording through one end of tassel. This will be the top.
  4. Keeping both sides tightly together, take a foot of twine and tie it around the top of the tassel to hold it together. Wrap this end multiple time firmly and knot to hold it together.
  5. Cut off excess cording at this knot.
  6. Cut loops of cording at the bottom end of tassel with scissors.
  7. Using top twine loop, tie to project.

Tassel-dteail

Here's what the tassel looks like on the card. These are so fun to make and are a great inexpensive embellishment. Just think of all the possibilities if you change the color of the twine!

Hoop-card-flat

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! I hope you have some fun and crafty creative time soon!

Julia-signature-wide

Supplies:

 

Posted at 09:01 PM in Cards, Taylored Expressions | | Comments (7)

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July 01, 2015

Essentials by Ellen July Mix It Up Challenge: PAPER SMOOCHES

Hello! Hello!  Laurel Beard here today bringing you our July MIX IT UP CHALLENGE!  And I left no guesses from the title this time! We are mixing it up with the fabulous Paper Smooches!!!!!

Before I get on to the challenge and the amazing samples (yup, plural. I have two to show you today), let's first congratulate the randomly selected participant from our last Pin-Sights Challenge. Remember, YOU could win a $50 gift certificate to the Ellen Hutson store just by playing along.  

Eeps_badge

And our randomly selected participant (courtesy of random.org) is: Cat Craig. Congratulations! Please email me at laurelbeard at me dot com to claim your prize!

A friendly recap of what the Mix it Up Challenge is...  It’s a challenge where we invite one manufacturer to contribute a design that combines Essentials by Ellen stamps/dies with their product to inspire our readers!

For our July challenge, we are giddy to mix it up with Paper Smooches!  We are honored to not only have THE Kim Hughes, OWNER of Paper Smooches joining us, but also Emily Leiphart, one of the fabulous Paper Smooches design team members with us today showcasing some products from both Paper Smooches and the Essentials by Ellen line.  All the exact supplies are listed at the end of this post for your convenience.  Are you ready for the to see their amazing projects? Alrighty then! Let's get to it!!!

PS card - Kim hughes

Kim Hughes

Leiphartonart4296_29Jun15 (17)_wm

Emily Leiphart


I adore how they paired products from both lines to create two adorable and completely different cards! Be sure to click on the links under the pictures to be taken to their blogs to get all the details on these cards! 

 

Now it's time where we invite YOU to play along in our challenge! ALL CHALLENGE ENTRIES WILL BE PINNED TO OUR ELLEN HUTSON PINTEREST PAGE!! And don't forget about our FLICKR PAGE! You are welcome to tag your projects to the group!

  • To qualify, simply combine any Essentials by Ellen product AND Paper Smooches product. You can create anything.. A card, scrapbook layout, mixed media, altered art... The works.
  • We will select one player randomly to receive a $50 gift certificate to the Ellen Hutson store! WOOT WOOT!
  • You have until July 14th to link up your projects. You will find the link up below. The winner will be announced on July 16th!

Posted at 09:00 PM in Challenges, Essentials by Ellen, MIX-IT-UP CHALLENGE, Paper Smooches | | Comments (4)

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Christmas in July Snow Scene by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom. When I saw the new Memory Box Forest Archway tree dies I knew I had to have them to make dimensional forest snow scenes. My project today was made using the Grand Forest Archway, Medium Forest Archway, Small Forest Archway, Valley Deer Trio, Impression Obsession Fir Trees die set and Fir Tree and Small Fir Tree stamps.

KC Forest Archway right

Cut the trees using kraft cardstock and color with a brown Copic marker.  

1

Apply small amounts of Liquid Applique to the branches, lightly dab with finger to smooth and then heat with your heat gun.

2

Apply light brown ink to the deer using a mini applicator. 

3

Lightly apply darker brown ink to the ears, back and legs.

4

Stamp fir trees on the blue card base to create a forest background for the scene.

12

Place cardstock and two dies from the Nesting Card Templates on the magnetic platform and cut.

5

Apply double stick tape to the back of the frame.

6

Remove a section of tape cover from the bottom of the frame and attach a snow layer.

7

Attach double stick tape to the back of the snow layer, remove the tape cover from the rest of the frame and attach the largest tree section to the back of the frame.

8

Trim a tiny portion off the tree frames to help line up on the back of the frames since they are exactly the size of the A2 frame.  I failed to show this step on the first frame above.

9

Attach a second snow layer to the back of the first tree frame using double stick tape. I failed to get a picture of this step.

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the first tree frame and attach the second frame.  The mounting tape creates division between the two frames and dimension for the scene.

10

Attach the smallest tree section and a snow layer to the back of the frame using double stick tape. Apply a final layer of double stick tape to the back of the completed tree frame and attach to the card base.

11

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the crimped fir trees and deer and attach in the scene.

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I wanted to carry on the appearance of the forest archway with the stamped background fir trees. I stamped the taller trees on both sides of the scene and only a small section directly behind where the deer were placed.  The three trees and snow layers create dimension and depth for the scene and the stamped trees draws the eye back through the branch archway.

KC Forest Archway left

Snow in July!  What was I thinking?  LOL!  I just couldn’t resist.  I hope you have been inspired to come in out of the summer heat and create a little snow for yourself.

Card size:  5.50" x 4.25"

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Impression Obsession, Memory Box | | Comments (13)

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