NEW TECHNIQUES FOR COLORFUL CARDS!

This lesson focused on techniques to add visual interest and included watercolor resist, masking and inking, focal point, repeated stamping, inking and shading and ideas to repurpose the Altenew stamps and supplies that I had in my collection. I like using bright colors in my paper crafts and these lesson techniques will be applied to many of my paper projects. So great to learn new techniques. Hooray!

Here is the list of stamping techniques that were covered in this class-

1. Golden Garden- using stamps to create a wreath shape
2. Generation Stamping
3. Ink blending and Flicking
4. Masking and Blending
5. Watercolor Resist and Multistep Stamping
6. Smoosh Inking Technique

CARD 1- GOLDEN GARDEN WREATH

This lesson focused on how to multi purpose a leaf branch stamp to create a wreath around the edge of a die cut circle. After watching the lesson video I had to search my collection of Altenew stamps that would work to create a rounded edge. I used the Freeform Greenery stamp from Altenew. I stamped the branches several times using My Favorite Things black hybrid ink. This is a great ink to use when using Copic markers to color and shade. I stamped the branch five times, colored with Copic markers and fussy cut each branch. I also stamped a small bunch of berries and colored with Copic markers in shades of red. The front of the card had a large die cut circle and shaped the branches around the circle opening, overlapping when I needed to. I tucked in the colored berries and there were some I had to trim. I cut another circle, slightly larger than the opening on the front and stamped “Thinking of You” in the middle of the circle. I glued this circle inside the front cover. This also covered the inked leaves that were in the opening of the circle and created a clean surface inside the front of the inside of the card. I added Nuvo clear drops to each berry. Clean and simple and multipurpose as I can also use this layout for a holiday/Christmas card. My take away– the importance of thinking creatively to get more use of the stamps and materials that I have.

CARD 2- GENERATION STAMPING

This second lesson focused on the technique of multi generation stamping. Again I had to rethink what stamp I was going to use as I did not have an outline shape like was used in the class video so it was time to revisit the stamps and resources that I had. I used a small circle stamp from the Funky Flower set. It was small enough where I could stamp the image lots of time that would cover the entire front of the quarter sheet of white card stock. I used my MISTI stamping platform to secure the paper and the position the small stamp. I stamped the funky flower using Altenew ink cubes in a variety of shades of purple. I inked the stamp, stamped the card stock and then moved the paper and re-stamped for a lighter image. I also changed the inks, and repeated the stamping. Where there was a empty space I went back and added another funky flower. The variety of purple hues created an interesting card front. I stamped the sentiment- You Are Simply Awesome from the Build a Flower Flourishing Zinnia stamp set. I die cut the piece using a stitched rectangle edge from My Favorite Things. I use this layered die set often for a finished piece for a card front. My take away- restamping to create a faded image and using multicolored inks to create a clean and simple card front and that can be adapted for multiple occasions.

CARD 3- INK BLENDING AND FLICKING

This next card lesson used a variety of techniques to add color to a stamped image beginning with applying ink to the flower and flicking on another layer of color using coordinating colors from Copic markers to ‘flick’on shading. I went back to my collection of Altenew stamps and selected the small daisy stamp from a set I have used many times. I did not have a coordinating die so that helped me to decide what flower I wanted to use. I stamped and embossed the image with white embossing powder on white card stock. I used a foam blending handle to add yellows and orange inks using Altenew ink cubes. I could color outside the lines of the flower which made it easier. Then I added flicks of darker coordinating colors using Copic markers. I did the same steps for the leaves. The lesson video shared a great technique to create visual interest using colored paper accent. I selected pieces of patterned paper in shades of yellow and orange and added them to a strip of white paper. Then I trimmed it to create the piece I would add to the card front. I die cut the white card front piece using the stitched edge rectangle die from My Favorite Things-my go to die! Added the accent strip and I stamped the Hello in the bottom right hand corner. The last step was to add the flowers using foam tape or glue. My take away– was another technique to color stamped images and the patterned paper strip for visual interest.

CARD 4- MASKING AND BLENDING

Lesson 4 focused on a masking technique and blending inks. Another lesson that I had to think’outside’ the box. I searched through the stamps and inks that I had. I had plenty of 1″ Post It paper tape that I could use to mask off areas to create inked stripes. First I stamped and embossed the half tone smile stamp on white card stock. I selected ink cubes in pinks and purples from Altenew. I marked off a 1/2″ strip to begin the inking creating a diagonal pattern. After the first stripe, I marked off another 1/2″ stripe and covering areas that needed to be kept clean. I used purples and pinks varying the colors as I covered the quarter sheet of card stock. I buffed the inked piece when I was finished to remove any extra ink. I used the Mod Square die from My Favorite Things to die cut the piece. I stamped and embossed the remaining sentiments on black paper and die cut those as well. I assembled the card to a half sheet of white card stock and added stick on purple sequins for a bit of bling. edaway– this was an easy technique to create a background paper.

CARD 5- WATERCOLOR RESIST AND MULTISTEP STAMPING

On to lesson 5 and this technique was to create a background. Another card where I had to made modifications. I used the half tone dot stencil from Altenew and white pigment ink to create a background on watercolor paper. I added white embossing powder and heated the powder. Next step was to watercolor the paper. I used several different colors from the Kuretake watercolor set in blues and greens. I blotted the excess water with paper towel to dry the paper before applying another color to keep the colors from over mixing. I had extra layered flowers and leaves from the dahlia set from another card projec. I stamped the sentiment and die cut it using a stitched oval shape from My Favorite Things and also the stitched rectangle die. I added some gold thread behind the oval before I put all the pieces together. My take away– l liked that I could use a stencil to create an embossed background for watercoloring. Another option to extend what I have in my stamping collection.

CARD 6- SMOOSH PAINT RESIST

CARD 6- SMOOSHING INK RESIST

The last lesson in this series of class videos. The technique used a stamped and embossed image and then added watercolored ink and a piece of clean acetate. Once again, I reached for the Altenew leaf canopy stamp set. I cut a piece of watercolor paper to a slightly larger quarter sheet and stamped and embossed two of the leaf branches using the MISTI stamping platform. I wanted to cover most of the paper background, I picked distress inks-Evergreen bough and Stormy sky to create the ‘smooshed’ background, I swiped the green ink onto the plastic and sprayed with water to create puddles and touched the plastic to the paper and dragged it across the paper. I used some paper towels to pick up the really wet areas and used a heat tool to dry the paper. Then I added the blue ink using the same technique and overlapped some of the colors but kept the blues and greens clean. When dry, I die cut the piece using the same MFT stitched edge die. I stamped the sentiment using Versaclair black ink that I used clear embossing powder to create a crisp image. I added some white twine for accent and attached the sentiment to the card front. My take away– I really liked the smooshing technique as it is very versatile and can be used for many different cards and occasions.

SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES

STAMPS– Altenew leaf canopy, free form greenery, funky flowers, halftone smile, daisy, dahlia, build a flower flourshing zinnia and stamped sentiments

DIES– Altenew dalhlia flower and leaves, daisy and leaves

INKS– Altenew ink cubes pinks and purples, oranges , yellow and greens

STENCIL-Altenew half tone dots

DIES– My Favorite Thing- stitched rectangles, stitched ovals, banners, mod square and circle

INKS AND PAINTS– Distress ink Stormy sky and Evergreen bough, Versaclair black, Kuretake watercolor Blue #63, Blue #64 and Green #51

MARKERS-Copic YG 05 Salad green, YR 02 Light orange, Y06 Yellow, E13 Light suntan, YR02 Light orange, Y13 Lemon yellow, Y19 Napoli yellow, Y000 Yellow fluorite, YG25 Celadon green, YG17 Grass green, R29 Lipstick red, R35 Coral

OTHER- white embossing powder, Park Lane/Joanns stick on sequins, Post it paper tape, antic static powder, MISTI stamping platform , heat tool, Canson watercolor paper, white card stock, Scor Pal scoring tool. Fiskars paper cutter, May Arts twine, pieces of pattern paper-yellow and orange, Nuvo clear accents, 3M foam tape, 3M glue tape runner

WHAT I LEARNED . . .

After reading and watching all the lessons my big take away learning how to create backgrounds for cards that were using different techniques for coloring, painting, blending and stamping. I was able to repurpose the Altenew stamps, stencils and dies that I had to create cards based on the lessons and video techniques. As you read the blog post, you will recognize some of the stamps and resources from other blog posts. Being creative and learning how to repurpose my supplies was a great take away for me.

CARD 1- CREATING A BACKGROUND FOR A PATTERNED EFFECT

I selected the Funky Flowers set from Altenew to create the background. I stamped the outline smile at the bottom of the paper to plan the layout of the card. Then used the MISTI stamping platform to stamp the word ‘just’. The next step was to stamp a mask and die cut it to cover the stamped word. Then I was ready to use the Altenew ink cubes in shades of orange and green to create the background on the quarter sheet of card stock. I stamped the smile outlne stamp on white cardstock and used Copic markers to create a gradient colored image. I die cut it and layered it over the original stamped image. I used my T square ruler to draw a fine black line across the bottom of the paper. I die cut the piece using a stitched edge rectange die from My Favorite Things. The last step was to outline the veins on the leaves with a sparkly glaze pen to add some shimmer.

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CARD 2- USING A MASKED SECTION AS PART OF A BACKGROUND

This card lesson used a masked section for a focal point on the card front. I die cut a piece of masking paper using a rectangle die and placed it in the middle of the white card stock. I did not have a large background stamp to use so I used the Wavy Grid stencil from Altenew to create a background. I used several shades of Oxide inks and a foam blending tool to apply the ink and overlap the colors. I then used coordinating Prisma colored pencils to add shading to each inked block to create visual interest. I removed the mask and used the MISTI stamping platform to stamp ‘sending you a ‘ in the square that was masked, I stamped and die cut the smile word. I used the stitched edge rectangle die from My Favorite Things for the card front. I completed the card by attaching it to a A2 white card base. I used small pieces of foam tape to add dimension to the die cut smile and added it to the square to complete the card.

CARD 3- CREATING A COLORED BACKGROUND

For this card technique I stamped the large flower stamp from the Altenew Sketchy Floral set. I used permanent black ink and stamped the large flower image on watercolor paper. I painted the background using oxide ink weathered wood blue ink. Then I used oxide ink in worn lipstick/pink and cracked pistachio/ green to paint the flowers and leaves using a water barrel paint brush. When that was dry, I used the fine tip Zig markers to add another layer of shading to the flowers, leaves and yellow to the center of the flowers. When dry, I used My Favorite Things stitched rectangle edge die to trim the paper. I used a sentiment from another Altenew stamp set using Versaclair black ink and heat embossed using clear embossing powder the sentiment. The oval stitched die is from My Favorite Things . I added white twine from May Arts around the front painted piece and added the oval using foam tape for dimension. I added the piece to a A2 white card base. The last piece was to add glossy clear accents from Nuvo to the center of each flower. I like the soft blended colors using this technique.

CARD 4- ADDING AND BLENDING COLORS

This lesson focused on layering colors using markers and masking techhiques. After watching the video- several times, I selected an Altenew floral stamp that did not require any maskinfg but had many flowers to practice the coloring techniques using Copic markers. The lesson also focused on using alcohol markers to color, shading and blending to create a background for the stamped image. I modified the background to use a dot stencil from Altenew instead. After several attemps to use Copic markers to add a background color, I switched to using the inked stencil. That gave a must softer look that matched the colored flowers. I liked the new technique of layering the inked strokes to fan out from the center of the flower which created a softer colored flower that radiated from the center, buds and leaves. To continue the one layer concept, I used the MISTI stamping platform to position the sentiment- Enjoy The Little Things. I stamped the flowers using black hybrid ink from My Favorite Things for as I using alcohol inks and Versafine black ink for the sentiment. The final touches were adding white gel pen dots to the flowers and clear Nuvo drops to the flower centers. I die cut the piece using a stitched edge rectangle die from My Favorite Things on to a A2 white card base. Love the soft pink colors.

CARD 5- CREATING A BACKGROUND AND SHADING USING DIFFERENT COLORING TOOLS

This objective for this card was adding shading for dimension. For this card I used watercolor paper and the Altenew Leaf Canopy stamp. I stamped the branches to cover as much of the paper as I could. I used a smaller stamp to fill in the space in the bottom left corner. I painted the leaves using a wash of distress inks- stormy sky, evergreen bough, bundled sage and a wash of blue and gray for the background. When that was dry I used Zig markers- olive green and gray brown to shade the leaves and add depth behind the leaves. I decided to stamp the sentiment- Just A Note- on a separate tag to avoid any stamping problems. I die cut the piece using a stitched edge rectangle. I also used a larger stitched edge die for the larger stamped and painted piece, I added them to a A2 left fold white card stock. I really like this shading technique as it looks more like a painting than just a card front.

LAST CARD IN THE CLASS- SHADING USING TONES OF GRAY

One more lesson and this lesson objective started with the shading first. I stamped Post It paper to cut and create masks for the large dahlia, small dahlia and leaves. I stamped the largest dahlia flower first, covered it with the paper mask, stamped the smaller dahlia twice, left the masks in place to stamp the leaves and the single flower bug. Then I began the first layer of adding the lightest color of gray Copic marker. The lesson also focused on the importance of adding the shading to areas of the flower petals that curled and the leaves under the petals as well. The next step, was to add another slightly darker shade of gray. I did this for several other shades of gray slightly darker Copic marker each time. The last step was to add color in shades of yellow, going from lightest to darkest using Copic yellows. This step allowed the yellow layer to accent the shaded petals tone down the yellow. I did the same steps for adding color to the leaves. The background was colored with a small blending brush with light yellow ink. I stamped the sentiment with black ink and added distress oxide ink in antique linen using a blender brush. I added some pen glaze orange dots using a Kaiser Craft pen to the petals for accents. Almost done, then I used a stitched edge rectangle die for this piece and added it to the A2 white card stock base. Done!

SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

Altenew stamps/die – Charmed stamp set, Leaf Canopy set, Sketchy flower stamp set, halftone Smile and die, Funky Flowers

Altenew inks– Blush ink cube

Altenew stencils– halftone dot , wavy grid

Dies– My Favorite Things stitched edge rectangle dies and oval stitched die

Inks- Ranger distress inks- Stormy Sky, Evergreen Bough, Bundled Sage, My Favorite Things black hybrid ink, Versafine black ink, Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink Ranger Distress Oxide Worn Lipstick, Oxide Cracked Pistachio, Weathered Wood blue, Distress Oxide Antiqiue Linen

Markers- Copic markers YG 05 Salad Green, YG13 Chartruese, Y19 Napoli Yellow, R20 Blush, R21 Light Pink, R32 Peach, RV 02 Sugared, YG25 Celadon Green, YG41 Pale Cobalt Green, YG63 Pea Green, YG23 New LeafAlmond Pink, N00 Neutral Gray, N2 Neutral Gray No.2, C1 Cool Gray, Y15 Cadmium Yellow, Y02 Canary Yellow, Y15 Cadmium Yellow, YR02 Light Orange, Y11 Pale Yellow, Y02 Canary Yellow, G24 Willow Green, G21 Lime Green, Zig Marker- Olive Green, Gray Brown

Paper– watercolor paper, white card stock

TECHNIQUES FOR “THE LOVE OF COLOR” CLASSES-

The lessons in this class focused on the following techniques-

Repeated stamping to add ink and color

Coloring and shading using Copic markers

Coloring and shading using colored pencils

Coloring and shading using watercoloring

Glitter paper and shading with markers

Embossing using embossing powder to create an accent frame

LAYERED INKED COLORS

This card was created using a variety of pink ink cubes from Altenew and the large poppy stamp. The objective of the lesson was using a variety of inks to create a gradient of colors. I had to improvise using the resources that I had so I decided to begin with the lightest shade of pink ink, then a slightly darker ink cube and the last one is poppy pink. Every time I stamped the flower, it created an embossed edge. I also used several shades of green ink for the stem. I then added Altenew washi tape corner accent and a layered gold paper die cut hello. I like the clean and simple card that highlights the color variations using different ink colors.

Steps for the process I used to create the Poppy card.

NEXT CARD- COLORING AND SHADING USING COPIC MARKERS

This class focused on techniques to create shading for flower petals. I used a favorite stamp from Altenew that has large flower petals. I watched the video several times before I was ready to give it a go. I used several different shades of yellow Copic markers- cadmium yellow, lemon yellow and celadon green and new leaf green for the leaves and stems. I learned many new techniques and the shading of the petals really looked dimensional. I used Altenew wonky grid stencil to ink the background. A die cut sentiment, gold cording and black glaze ink dots finish the card.

SHADING AND BLENDING USING COLORED PENCILS

The next card was to use colored pencils to layer each color and add shading and dimension to each flower petal. I stamped the daisy type flower from the Altenew Smile More stamp set. I used heavy weight white card stock and black pigment ink and my MISTI stamping platform. I stamped the larger flower first and then added in the remaining spaces the smaller version of the flower. Following the steps in the video, I used the lightest shade of yellow in my Prismacolor colored pencil set, then added the next darker pencil color starting at the top of the petal closest to the center of the flower. The petals now had shading and dimension. I used the same shading technique for the center of the flower using shades of brown and few spots of white for accent. I used the stitch edge die from My Favorite Things and a triple accent banner sentiment on a white card base. A few copper accent dots from Nuvo.

NEXT CARD- USING GLITTER, STAMPING AND COLORING TECHNIQUE

This card was creating a background that used glitter paper for stamping. I had in my paper collection a package of Micro Fine Glitter Paper in Cool Highlights from Krazy Kreations. I cut a piece larger than the inside of the rounded corner rectangle die from Altenew which was going to be the front of the card window frame. I selected a branch from the Leaf Canopy stamp set and black permanent ink. I used Tombow markers in shades of green and a blender marker after I finished coloring in the leaves. This last step was important to blend in all of the shades of ink. I let it set for awhile to dry while I worked on the rest of the card. I used the rounded rectangle corner die from Altenew to die cut a window from white card stock and then used a larger stitched edge die for the rest of the quarter sheet of white card stock. I stamped the “Thinking of You” sentiment in the bottom right corner using black ink. Before I put all of the pieces together I touched the inked leaves with a piece of scrap paper to help to dry the inked leaves. I used white glue to secure the glitter stamped paper to the card front and then I used foam tape behind the white paper frame. Simple but elegant card. I am glad I had this special paper in my collection!

BONUS AND LAST CARD- USING EMBOSSING GOLD POWDER AS AN ACCENT

This last card in the lesson was to create a visual accent and I created a gold embossed frame for the layered stamped Dahlia flower and leaves. I used a stacked set of square dies from Essential Squares by Ellen, This is a unique set and has many sizes but also cuts just a narrow frame. I used Versamark embossing ink and Egyptian gold embossing powder and heat set the gold frame. I used another square paper piece to ink dots using the gradient dot stencil using an Altenew ink cube. I added the stamped layered dahlia image and leaves to the dotted square using foam tape. The front of the card was a textured light melon colored paper. I stamped the sentiment and die cut the banner from My Favorite Things die. The gold accent frame added a visual accent piece to the card.

SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

Altenew Stamps- layered Dahlia flower and leaves, Canopy leaf branch, Charmed flower, Sketchy Floral, Forever Poppy, Smile More daisy, and a variety of Altenew sentiments from other stamp sets

Altenew Stencils– gradient dot and wonky grid

Altenew Ink Cubes– sunkissed yellow and orange, and pinks

Altenew Dies- hello script and rounded corner stacked rectangle set

Altenew– wide washi tape gold stripe

Tombow Markers- 133 Light Green, 173 Green, 192 Green, N00 Blender pen

Copic Markers– Y15 Cadmium Yellow, Y13 Lemon Yellow, YG25 Celadon Green, YG23 New Leaf

Colored Pencils– Prismacolor yellows and light brown

Watercolor Paints- Kuretake Gansai Tambi paint blocks

Dies- My Favorite Things stitched rectangle and word banners, Essential Squares by Ellen

Supplies– Nuvo drops, black glaze pen, gold embossing powder, Memento black ink, embossing ink, Krazy Kreations glitter paper, foam tape, MISTI stamping platform, Scor Pal score board, 3M large tape runner, May Arts gold twine, white card stock, Fiskars scissors, blending brushes, 3M foam tape