This homework assignment was one that I had to think about for awhile.  I watched the class videos again to better understanding what the task was.  I did not have any guy stamps from Altenew so I had to think creatively.  I have used the canopy leaf set many times so that was the only non-flower set, so that limited my choices.  I inked a quarter sheet of white card stock with  a variety of green distress inks that I had in my collection.  I used a foam blender tool to apply the inks for a shaded background.  Then I stamped the leaf branch all over the paper filling in leaves where ever I could.  I used a favorite go to technique- I die cut circles, lots of them, small, large, stitched edge or plain edge.  I started to plan out the design, even a circle inside a circle.  I die cut white card stock, a larger piece of black card stock.  I trimed the circles that were on the sides and  stamped a hello from an Altenew set I had inside one layered circle.  The stamp circles once arranged, looked like they were a camo background.  Next time I will try it using blended blue ink.

The homework assignment on the class schedule was Easy Ink Blending Techniques.   I watched the videos again to review the techniques as a refresher.  I have used ink blending for many of my cards and other paper projects.  My challenge was to figure out what Aletnew stamps I wanted to use, the newAltenew ink cubes I recently purchased and the layout for the stamps.  I decided to use the Dahlia stamp set as it had large flowers and would make it easy to paint with the distress ink cubes. I stamped the flowers using Versamark ink and white embossing powder on water color paper.  I painted each flower, adding paint for shading and accents.  I used a heat tool to dry between painting and to add shading.  I used a blue distress ink for the background and lots of water for a soft effect.  I added a word banner from my collection of Altenew stamps.  I used a stitched die cut from My Favorite Things to cut  the paper for the A2 card.  I love the soft painted colors.

The title of this homework assignment is Clean and Simple Boutique. I was not sure what the title meant and how I was going to plan and create a card for this homework task.  I had to watch again all of the videos to get a better understanding of the task at hand.  That was very helpful.  Then I had to research and decide  which Altenw stamps  and inks I was going to use for this homework assignment.  I selected the Leaf Cluster stamp set to use the solid image cluster stamp.  I used Tim Holtz oxide inks in salty ocean, peacock feathers and iced spruce for stamping and a light green ink for stenciling.  I stamped each leaf cluster overlapping the middle image.   The ink colors were vibrant and complimented each stamped image.   I used the Altenew gradient dot stencil to create the background and add visual interest.  A stamped Altenew word sentiment using black ink finished the stamping.  The die cut is from a stacked set from My Favorite Things and the rounded corners added visual interest and colorful blue corners.  The final step was to use my black glaze pen to add dots to the leaves.  This pen is one of my favorites and the ink dots are raised on the paper. I use it often to add the finishing touch to stamped projects.   Makes a big difference.  Now after completing this homework, I have a better understanding that sometimes less is more but still can be impressive and creative.

After watching and watching again the video tutorials for Layering 2 All About Layering, I was ready to create several new layering cards for the required homework.  I ordered several new layering stamps, dies and ink cubes of gradient colors.  Using gradient ink colors is a key ingredient to successful layering.  I leanered that from  the Layering 1 course.  I used the Dahlia Blossoms stamps, die and oranges inks. I also borrowed a set from a friend called Ethereal Beauty for additional layering stamps.  I practiced many, many times using the pencil marks to line up each stamp layer.  I watched a few more videos from the Altenew blog and Pinterest posts. After I had several good samples, I was ready to begin getting the pieces stamped and die cut.  I used a set of ink cubes from Altenew in shades of orange. My submission to Group 17 is the card with the single dahlia flower.  I created the background using the lightest shade of ink cube, watercolor paper, and a spray bottle to dilute the ink to begin with.  Then I added another darker shade of ink for contrast.  I die cut the paper using a stitched edge from My Favorite Things. I added a small paper doily, taped some gold thread to the back of the flower and foam tape to secure the flower.  I tucked the leaves behind the flower and stamped the sentiment to the lower right corner using Versamark black ink.  A few flat enamel dots for accents, and gold Nuvo drops to the center of the flower. The focal point of the card is the flower and the paper doily was a nice accent piece.   The other pictures are other cards I created using the layering technique.  Still a work in progress, but getting more successful every time I stamp using using the layered flowers and leaves.

Additional layering cards using the Etherial Beauty set and Dahlia Blossoms set.

Nancy Souza Layering 2 Group 17

Nancy Souza Layering 2 Group 17

Nancy Souza Layering 2 Group 17

Each lesson was inspirational to learn about techniques that use stamps that were layering sets.  I watched all of the video tutorials and sometimes watched them  again.  I found as a beginner layering stamper,  using the pencil guidelines very helpful.  This helped me practice and practice again.  I also checked out the homework posts from other stampers which was also very helpful as well. I was inspired  by the posts.

I also found using the MISTI stamping platform very helpful when I was stamping multiple layered flowers and leaves.  I watched an Altenew post on Instagram that reviewed the same helpful techniques.  I used both ideas  to practice layering and then select the stamped images  that were the best, die cut those and  used them in my card.  I ordered a set of the gradient shades of pink mini ink pads.  This was extremely helpful when stamping all of the layers of  the antique roses  and leaves.  The rich shades of color was great. I found that numbering each mini cube very helpful and was a great guide and that helped to select the right color of ink for each layered stamp of the rose.   I used some green ink for the leaves that I had in my ink supplies and that worked well.

I also learned about layouts,  design elements and how to add those little details that make a difference.    These helpful tips helped me to create a well balanced card and includes visual interest. and a focus area.  I used the element of three for the roses and leaf clusters.  I added a layered die cut square from  gold glitter paper, a stenciled gradient dot stencil from Altenew, a stamped word sentiment from Altenew  and a few Nuvo drops for visual interest.

I feel more confident about using layering stamps, but still a work in progress.  So glad I found a helpful teaching  tool to learn new techniques and refer to again and again.

Here is my card for the final project All About Layering 1 class AECP Group 17 /Gallery Post-

These additional card photos are  some additional cards that I created using the antique rose layered stamps and dies, zinnia layered  stamps and dies and layered leaves.  I have also posted these cards on my Instagram page as well along with several other cards for homework for the All About Layering 1 Class.

Layered Leaves

Pink Layered Zinnia

Paper Doily Resis

I have been busy working on my card samples for the All About Layering Class 1 cards.  I used the leaf canopy stamp again.  This time I stamped the leaf branch outline with Versaclair black ink and then clear embossed it.  I used an Altenew shade of pink to stamp the leaves.  To add interest I used a black Glaze pen to add the dots on each leaf and accents around each leaf.  I added a strip of black and white striped paper, and word tag and some pink Nuvo dots for accents.  Simple color combo. 

I am working on the All About Layering 1  course and this is my card for Lesson 3.  I used a large zinnia flower stamp and matching die. This set also had the matching leaves.  I used the mini ink bundle in shades of pinks. I die cut the flower and leaves from the coordinating dies.  I used a gingham printed paper with a scalloped edge die from My Favorite Things.  The stamped sentiment is also from an Altenew stamp set.  Time to post on the Class Gallery!

I am working through the All About Layering 1 Lessons which focus on techniques for using the layering stamp sets.  I learned how to align the layers of inked stamps by making guiding pencil marks for aliging the next stamped image.  I used the Antique Rose set, the Canopy Leaf set and the Zinnia set.  Here is Lesson 2 that I used the Antique Rose smaller rose stamps.

I have been a rubber stamper and card maker for over 20 years.  I enjoy teaching classes and sharing with friends in my  studio space at home.  With the current health pandemic and staying at home, I was searching for a new way to learn new ideas and techniques while at home. I discovered the call out to participate in the Aletnew Educator’s Academy.  I have used Altenew stamps for a long time, especially their beautiful flowers and leaves.  So this was the right time to learn new ideas and techniques right from home. Perfect!  I recently was accepted to the Altenew Educator’s Academy AECP  and belong to Group 17.  I was excited to be accepted. 

• Lesson 1 focused on techniques for layering  so I had to search my Altenew stamp collection and the inks I would use.  The only layered stamp set I have is the Leaf Canopy  set.  I have used this stamp many, many times for many different occasions and love its simplicity and diversity.

• The Leaf Canopy set includes two solid leaf sprigs and two outline matching sprigs.  I selected two different shades of Ranger distress green ink-mowed lawn and shabby shutters to add shading to the stamped leaves. I selected Versamark black ink for the outline stamps
  

• Now it was time to practice.  Using the smaller outline stamp, I tried a few on Neenah white cardstock using the black ink. Then I inked  the leaf  which I had on an acrylic block using the shabby shutters light green ink. Aligning the solid image to fit inside outline image. Practice was helpful to create a good  image.  As I was practicing I was planning the layout for the final card homework.

• My final stamped image for the used the smaller leaf sprig.  I stamped the outline with the black ink five times on Neenah white cardstock so the images trailed off the sides of the  quarter piece of paper.   Then stamped first with the light green ink and again with the  same ink to create a more solid image.  Then ink spattered with a fan brush to add visual interest  to the white paper.

• I stamped the Just Because sentiment from Altenew on white paper, trimmed to size and lightly inked with green ink. I like to add visual interest and added a gold thread bundle to the back of the word tag.

• I die cut the stamped cardstock using a stitched edge die from My Favorite Things and used my favorite tape runner to add double sided tape and glued it to my card front to create the A2 card. I added some clear Wink of Stella to the leaves for  a subtle shine.

• I added  foam tape to the word tag and then adhered the gold thread to the sticky foam and added it to the card front.  I like the simplicity of the card and how it can be used for multiple occasions just by using different sentiments.

• Supplies-  Altenew Leaf Canopy stamps, Altenew sentiment, My Favorite Things stitched die cut, Distress green inks, Versamark black ink, Neenah white card stock, Wink of Stella clear pen,  foam tape, Scotch brand tape runner, gold thread, fan brush, acrylic blocks, mini spray bottle for water 

It was time to work on some Mother’s Day and happy May cards.  I stamped a beautiful large peony flower stamp from Studio Katia in the corners of the watercolor paper.  I masked the flowers so I could add additional leaves.  I used water color paint for the flowers and leaves and then added some accent paint splatters.  Of course a bit of glitter accents to the leaves and petals.  The sentiment is from Altenew that I stamped and embossed on vellum paper.  This took awhile to finish but I love the way it came out.  The month of May is  just a few days away- hooray!  Happy mail is always welcomed and this will be in the mail soon!