Hello! My First Altenew Instagram Hop!

I am so excited to participate in a new Altenew Instagram Hop for the first time. The theme for this hop is to create a Mixed Media project using Altenew stamps and related materials. I created three, as I enjoy creating paper projects that are dimensional and have texture, and I like a challenge! Hope you check my Instagram post and visit my fellow AECP colleagues and their Mixed Media posts as well. Here are photos of my projects- two mixed media canvas boards and one mini tag booklet- and details about each one! Have fun and be creative!

Photos of The Mixed Media Projects Using Altenew Stamps, Dies and Inks

Zinnia mixed media canvas board, a mini tag booklet and flower antecd vase mixed media canvas board. I combined a variety of techniques for each project- dimensional flower, fussy cutting layering, painting, embossing, die cutting images incorporating Altenew stamps, dies and inks.

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1. Zinnia Mixed Media Canvas Board Techniques

How To’s- Prep the canvas board using gesso medium. Paint the background using diluted blue distress ink to create a blended effect.

For this mixed media board I used stamps from the Altenew Smiles and Hugs. I stamped the zinnia flower three times using permanent black ink. Then I painted the petals using ink from the Altenew yellow ink cubes then I fussy cut the flowers. Leave two flowers intact and shape the petals. Trim the remaining flower piece to create the center of the flower. Stamp three leaf branches from the same set. Paint them as well using ink from the Altenew Green Valley green ink cubes. Stamp three words from the same set- Smiles, Hugs and Kisses to create mini word banners. Add visual interest by shading the edges of the canvas board and random printed paper and Altenew Gold Thread washi tape. Layer the flower pieces . Use foam tape to add dimension and glue it to the canvas board. Tuck the three leaf sprigs behind the flower. Blend some ink to shade the word banners and adhere them to the board. Extra- splatter some white paint on the board as an accent. I added the dots using a black Glaze pen.

2. Three Mini Vases and Flower Stems Mixed Media Canvas Board

How To’s- Prep the canvas board with a coat of gesso medium. Apply a wash of light green ink using Altenew Green Valley ink cube set to create a blended effect. Add some torn strips from a printed source- I used paper from an old checkbook register.

For this mixed media project I used stamps and dies from Altenew Garden Silhouette set. I die cut the mini vase three times on white card stock. Then I used light blue distress ink to create a water diluted wash to touch the vases to the wash. I let the vases dry and then sprayed it with a textured distress spray to create a glossy textured finish. I used three diffferent flower stems from the set and die cut each one. I used a variety of Altenew ink cubes-Sunflower Field ink cubes, Warm Cozy ink cubes to paint and shade the flowers and stems. I stamped three mini word tags from the Altenew Charmed stamp set. Then I attached the flower stems to the board and then used foam tape to adhere the vases to the board. I splattered diluted white paint to the board to add visual interest. Last step, I added the mini word tags to the vases from the Altenew Charmed stamp set.

3. Mixed Media Mini Tag Booklet

How To- die cut five tags using the Altenew Rounded Rectangle stacked die set from a manila file folder. I used a diluted Altenew Green Valley green ink cubes to create a wash and swiped the tags through the inky puddles to create the colored background.

For this mini tag booklet I used Altenew Leaf Canopy stamp set, the Altenew Breathe mini mandala stamp and the Altenew Smiles and Hugs stamp set for the mini word tags. I stamped a leaf branch to each panel using Versaclair black ink in different positions for each panel and heat set with clear embossing powder. I selected the tag I wanted to be used as the first one, and stamped and embossed the other side as that would be the cover when the tags were folded together. I stamped the mini mandala stamp to the top of the tag using a Altenew green ink cube that blended into the background. I stamped the mini word tags from the Altenew Smiles and Hugs stamp set on white card stock and added one to each panel. I attached the inked tags together using Altenew black and white dot washi tape. I was able to fold the tags to create the closed booklet with a stamped tag for the cover.

SUPPLIES

• Altenew Leaf Canopy stamps
• Altenew Breathe stamp
• Altenew Garden Silhouette stamp and die set
• Altenew Smiles and Hugs stamp set
• Altenew Charmed stamp set- word sentiments
• Altenew Rounded Rectangle Die Set
• Altenew ink cube sets–Green Valley, Sunflower Field, Warm and Cozy
• Altenew Black and White Painted Dots wide washi tape
• Altenew Gold String wide washi tape
• Manila file folder
• Versaclair black ink
• Clear embossing powder and heat tool
• White card stock
• Canvas boards- 4″ x 4″
• Foam tape, double sided tape, liquid glue
• White acrylic paint

A STENCIL IS SUCH A VERSATILE CARD MAKING TOOL

Having stencils in your card making toolbook is such a great versatile resource and can be used for so many techniques. For these three cards I used the Altenew wonky grid stencil. I created several cards for the Altenew Educators lessons using this stencil and for other cards as well.

I used several different sets of Altenew ink cubes for blending and as watercolors. I used the Smile stamp set and coordinating die for the cards. I liked that there were two options to use for the Smile stamp. Great for a guy/masculine card, too.

The other card I designed was to create strips to mask each band of colors for inked diagonal stripes. I used pink and purple Altenew ink cubes here as well. Something a bit different. Here are the photos of the cards. They were all A2 card sizes using white cardstock. Thanks for stopping by. Give these ideas a try. Happy Stamping!

I inked the stencil on white cardstock using a light ink cube. Then I moved the stencil and inked it again using a darker shade of pink from the ink cube set. I stamped the Smile in black ink and die cut the stamped word and also die cut it from white paper to create a dimensional look. . I completed the word tag banner. I added some stick on sequins to finish the look.

I used the same stencil but this time, I inked the stencil with an orange ink cube, sprayed it with water and tapped the stencil onto the wet ink. I repeated the process to cover the white card stock piece of paper. I dried it with a heat tool and trimmed it using a rectangle die for the A2 card front. I used more inked paper for the stamped smile and die cut the word. I drew a black line across the inked paper, stamped the word just and added the die cut smile. You can switch out the color and have a totally different effect.

Another easy card, this one I used a square Post It note to the center of the white card stock. I placed the stencil over the paper and inked through the stencil using a purple ink cube. I removed the stencil and added some dark shading in the corners using a darker shade of purple ink. I stamped the Smile in black ink, added the sentiment and foam pieces to the back of the smile die cut.

I used thin Post It note paper 1″strips for masking while I inked each section. I used. foam blending tool to apply the ink in shades of purple and pink. I stamped the Smile using Versamark ink and white embossing powder. The other banner were stamped and embossed in white embossing powder. A few stick on sequins complete the colorful card.

Hope you have some ideas to use to create your own cards that will make someone SMILE!

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ZOOM WORKSHOP GALLERY OF CARDS

The gallery of cards created during and after the workshop are spectacular! Each of the five cards highlighted a different stamping technique during the workshop. Four creative stamping colleagues participated in the workshop and here is the beautiful gallery of cards!

WORKSHOP FOCUS- USING THE SAME STAMP SET WITH DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

The Altenew Leaf Canopy stamp set has two leaf branches- both outline and solid and the coordinating dies. The theme of the class was to use the same stamp set using different techniques and basic supplies that can used in a variety of different ways.

The card techniques that were shared in the virtual workshop included- using Altenew ink cubes to ink smooshing using a piece of acetate, masking a stamped image, painting a stamped image using ink, and inking and die cut circles to create a background for the card. The only stamps that were used were from the Altenew Leaf Canopy set and coordinating die. Altenew gradient green ink cubes in four shades of green were also used for the cards.

FOUR CARD SAMPLES FOR THE CLASS

CARD 1- INK ‘SMOOSHING’ USING A PIECE OF CLEAR ACETATE/PLASTIC

I stamped the Canopy leaf branch onto a quarter sized sheet of watercolore paper and heat embossed using gold embossing powder. I modelded how to tap the Firefly green ink on the acetate/plastic sheet, spray with water and lay the paper onto the puddled ink. The step can be repeated to add more ink to areas that were not covered. The card was completed when the inked paper was dry. The completed cards were beautiful! This was my sample card.

CARD 2- MASKING A STAMPED IMAGE

I modeled this technique and the results was another stunning set of completed cards. I stamped a large branch onto to white card stock, I die cut the same image from a large piece of Post It paper and covered the stamped image. The talented stampers than added green ink around the covered image to create another background leaving the stamped image as the focal point. Beautiful cards! This was my second card to share prior to modeling the technique.

CARD 3- PAINTING USING ALTENEW INK

I modeled this technique which focused on spotlighting a portion of the stamped background paper. I had already die cut a large tag and taped it back into place. The talented stampers used green ink to watercolor the stamped leaves using a brush and water to pick up the ink. When dry, the tag was removed from the painted paper. A background paper was inked smooshed as well and then used to complete the card with the tag attached to the card front, Easy watercolor technique that everyone enjoyed. Another stunning card completed by the super card makers. This was the sample I shared.

CARD 4- INKING AND DIE CUT CIRCLES

For this card the technique was to create a background of stamped and inked circles. I stamped the white card stock and die cut all of the circles and taped the pieces on the back of the paper. The technique was to ink the paper using the ink cubes using a foam wedge. When the inking was complete, the next step was to create the card front using the inked and die cut circles and trimmimg any circles that overlapped the edge of the paper. The finished cards were awesome and so unique when the cards were completed! Here was my sample card that I shared.

BONUS CARD- INKING ON GLITTER PAPER

Including a card that had glitter was a must. I stamped the leaf branch using permanent black in on a piece of glitter paper. I modeled how to add color to the leaves using a Tombow water based marker. A small piece of paper towel was modeled to dab off some of the wet ink. When dry, the brilliant stampers finished this card on their own. This card was included in the Gallery photo. Beautiful job! Of course! Here was my sample card.

PUTTING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER AND BEST IN SHOW COMPLETED CARDS

The Zoom class was a great opportunity for me to plan the workshop, create samples, write detailed instructions that included photos, and to create a kit of supplies for each of the stampers using Altenew stamps and inks. The best was seeing my stamping friends have fun, being creative, meeting new Zoom stamping friends and enjoy being able to play with ink and paper. Hooray! Here are the awesome best in show cards!

Hello! and welcome 2021 and a new year for more paper crafting adventures. On my journey and enrollment in the Altenew Educators Academy Program, this is my new blog post for Level 3. I selected this course Cards In Motion to learn new tecnhiques and ideas. Here are my cards that incorporate the lesson techniques and of course putting my own spin on the cards. Of course. Maybe you will be inspired by my cards as I was after watching the lesson videos for cards in motion.

LESSONS AND TECHNIQUES SHARED IN THIS CLASS-

1. Shaker cards-two different techniques
2. String spinner- two different techniques
3. Pop up- two different kinds
4. Spinner wheel wreath
5. Reveal window
6. Twist pop up- two different lay outs
7. Combination interactive card

FUN FACTS THAT I LEARNED

This lesson covered so many new techniques and ideas to create cards that all included an element of motion and movement. I had at some point created some of these type cards as I have been a card maker for a long time and still enjoy learning new ideas. In this class I had the opportunity to fine tune some techniques, try new layouts, stretch my card making skills and an opportunity to create my own combination interactive card for the last lesson. I used the Altenew supplies that I had-stamps, stencils, dies and inks. I don’t have an extensive collection of Altenew products, so I had to be creative in repurposing them for the card lessons. I was pleased with the cards I created and have now added new techniques to my card making ‘toolbox’.

HERE ARE THE CARDS I CREATED FOR THE CARDS IN MOTION CLASS

LESSON 1- TWO DIFFERENT SHAKER CARDS

This lesson demonstrated how to create a shaker card by creating a die cut opening in a separate piece of card stock. I adhered the acetate film to the opening of the card stock. The leaf canopy stem was stamped and embossed using gold embossing powder and a water colored painted background. The sentiment was stamped in the right corner, spattered with green ink and stitched edge rectangle die cut edge. Gold and silver sequins were used for the shaker material. I used foam tape to add dimension and to adhere the piece to the finished A2 card.

ANOTHER SHAKER CARD

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This shaker card lesson demonstrates the technique of creating a shaker pocket on the front of the card. It is a separate piece that I created by stamping the roses, coloring them ,using the rounded corner rectangle Altenew die to create a frame. I added the acetate to the back of the frame, added layered foam tape around the frame. Then I added the sequins and added the stamped and colored rose piece to create the shaker part and then attached it the card front I had prepared- stamped and die cut. A different way to create a shaker card that I have tried before. A new technique for me, that was great.

NEXT LESSON- SPINNER CARDS

This lesson was to learn how to make two different types of spinner cards. New technique was to learn how to create a mirror image of the stamp I selected for the spinner section. Watching the video demonstrating the technique of stamping and placing the paper on top to create the reversed image was a great technique and super easy. I fussy cut both images- positive and negative, colored with Copic markers and then attached the flowerthread spinner. A circle die cut in the center of the printed paper and the card front hid the taped thread at the top and bottom of the circle. I added a a piece of solid yellow card stock to the inside of the card and stamped a sentiment to the bottom of the front of the card.

ANOTHER SPINNER CARD TECHNIQUE

This is the second spinner technique taught in this lesson. I created a reverse pop up fold for the inside of the card. I die cut a circle for the middle of the purple card stock. I used the same reverse stamping technqiue for this dahlia flower stamp. For this flower, I had to repeat using mirror stamping to create an opposite image for the spinner. I colored the flowers with Copic markers in shades of purple and this time I had a matching die. I added the thread behind the two flowers and taped the thread to the back side of the pop up fold. I had already stamped a sentiment on the violet card stock and also added a darker shade of purple card stock to the inside of the card and was visible for the die cut circle and spinner. The front of the card I used an embossed dot white paper, two colored dahlia flowers and an oval sentiment. Great easy technique, I liked that there were two different ways to make a spinner card.

NEXT LESSON- POP UP CARDS

The single pop up card is one that I have made before and was good to revisit. I used the same rose bouquet stamp from the Forever and Always and coordinating dies that I used for one of the shaker cards. I stamped two bouquets and colored and shaded them using yellow and orange Copic markers. I die cut the two images- one for the front and one for the pop up inside. I added a printed paper to use on the front and inside of the card and used an X-acto knife to cut the slits to create the pop up fold. I then added the yellow printed paper to the inside and folded the piece for the pop up in the opposite direction. I stamped and die cut a sentiment for the inside and a sentiment for the front using a flag stitched die. I finished the card front adding a gold thread bundle behind the bouquet. I attached the other bouquet to the pop and added the sentiment below the pop up. I liked adding the patterned paper to the inside as it added visual interest for the flowers and not just a white card base.

SECOND POP UP- TRIPLE POP UP

For this card, the pop up was to create a triple pop up. I searched my Altenew stamps that were small enough for the triple pop up inside the card. I found some wonky flowers I had left over from another card project. The bright flowers were the perfect match. I added shading to the flowers and leaves using colored pencils from Prismacolor set. I stenciled the front of the card using the Altenew wonky stencil and light purple ink and a foam blender. I stamped and die cut the sentiment using My Favorite Things stitched edge rectangle dies. I used another smaller piece of white card stock for the inside and I cut the three pop up slits for the wonky flowers. I stamped a sentiment to the bottom of the inside of the card. I liked the bright colors and different shades of purple on the front of the card. Happy Thoughts! perfect match for this card.

NEXT CARD- SPINNER WHEEL WREATH

This card technique was one that was a new technique for me and was a bit challenging and one that I had to watch the video several times, stopping in the places where I needed to review the steps and techniques. When I was finished I was pleased with the card and technique I learned. Of course I added pieces and stamps that I had in my collection. I created the wreath spinner section using a small double flower from the Forever and Always stamp set. I had used it for other wreath arrangements. I added the stamped, colored and die cut double flowers to a single layer wreath die cut piece. The next step was to create the layered spinner wheel to atttach the flower wreath to. Then I stamped the flowers from the Ruffled Flowers set. I used the same color theme using the same Copic markers in shades of pink and purple and green for the leaves. A stamped a hello banner tag for the front of the card. I layered the pieces-first the layered circle base , the layered circle wreath, and then the layered stamped and colored circle for the top which would then create the center piece with the spinner wreath behind it. I added a subtle printed purple check background paper for the front of the card. When that was completed I tucked the hello word tag behind the layered piece. Hooray! A card in motion spinner card.

NEXT TECHNIQUE- A REVEAL WINDOW CARD

For this card, the technique was to create a reveal window which would have a message behind the slider pull tab. A slit was cut in the folded card front for the slider piece and pull tab. The stamped reveal piece would fit inside and slide in and out. A die cut square window for the card front of a square card fold. I used the square die cut piece for the inside sentiment of the card. The light plaid paper for the front coordinated with the stamped and Copic colored flowers. I used the rose bouquet flower set again using pinks, purples and green for the greenery/leaves. Foam tape strips were used inside for the sides and the stopper for the pull tag. The slider was cut to fit inside the foam tape edges and a pull tag was created using a small circle die to cover the partial die cut circle on the pull tab. The stamped piece was one piece, I added the contrast patterned paper to the top of the tab. Inside the window, I had already stamped the sentiment and a hello with the die cut square from the front of the printed paper.

NEXT WAS THE SHUTTER CARD

This wa another new card layout and I reached for the Ruffled Flower stamp set as I need a smaller image for the front and the inside of the shutter section of the card. I stamped the flowers several times on Neenah white card stock and colored them using shades of blue Copic markers and greens for the branches and leaves. I added subtle printed coordinating paper for the card front for the inside of the card that matched the light blue card stock for the card base. . The shutter piece was created with using two flag shaped from the blue card stock that were attached tothe tabs inside. When the front was closed the shutter piece over lapped covering the stamped piece inside. I added a stamped sentiment from a die cut rectangle for the inside of the card. I positioned the circle for the card front to cover both sides of the card front and that was enough for the card layout. I really like this card technique/layout and colors I used for coloring and printed paper.

NEXT- TWIST AND FOLD POP UP CARDS

The two cards for the Twist and Fold pop cards included the same twist and fold piece inside. One card used a horizontal A2 card base (the pink one) and the other one was also an A2 card base with a top fold and a vertical layout. I used the same stamped flowers from the Ruffled Flowers set. The images were small that fit in the four panels for the twist piece. I also used a stamped rectangle sentiment for the front of each of the cards and coordinating Copic colors- pinks and purples. I added printed paper inside the pink card and printed paper for the front of the purple card. I cut the stamped pieces to fit on the pink and purple pop up twist piece that was attached to the white twist and scored piece inside the card glued near the card fold. Makes a statement when you open the card.

LAST CARD- CREATE MY OWN CARDS IN MOTION CARD

The last technique lesson was to combine interactive ideas and to create my own Cards In Motion card. After reviewing the cards I had completed, I had decided that the inside would have a pop up feature. I recently purchased this new Welcome Home set and coordinating die. So I titled my card creation a Swing Reveal Pop Up card layout. I watched a video by Jennifer McGuire and she demonstrated how to make a swing card that revealed a Just a Note stamped sentiment when you moved the circle that had an invisible swing feature. I gave this layout a try and love the way it came out. The hidden feature was a button and fun foam that made the circle pivot and move . On the inside I created a single pop up feature using the same stamped layered image. I added an embossed green edge on the card front and also on the inside. I added accent dots using a white glittery pen. I love the way this card came out and will make a few more.

WHAT I LEARNED . . .

Taking a risk and experimenting with card layouts that used a technique that focused on moving parts was challenging and rewarding at the conclusion of creating all of the cards. I selected this lesson- Cards In Motion as I wanted to learn new ideas and techniques. There were some I was already familiar with and had used in the past and now fine tuned and some that were very new to me. I like a challenge, they took alot of time, had several do overs and many revisits to the videos for the lessons. I used Altenew stamps, inks, stencils and dies that I had in my collection. The Welcome Home set with the circle was new as I found it in a local stamp store. Lucky find. This is my Level 3 class and I can check it off. Thanks for checking out my post and taking a look at my photos. Happy Stamping

STAMPS AND SUPPLIES

• Altenew Welcome Home stamp set and dies
• Altenew Ruffled Flowers stamp set
• Altenew Forever and Always stamp set and dies
• Altenew Dahlia Blossoms stamp set and dies
• Altenew Smile More stamp set and dies
• Altenew Funky Flowers stamp set
• Altenew Leaf Canopy stamp set
• Altenew Rounded Corner die set
• Altenew Wonky grid stencil
• Altenew ink cubes

OTHER SUPPLIES

• Black and Steel Gray ink My Favorite Things hybrid ink pad
• Versafine black ink
• Archival Leaf green ink and Versasclair lawn grdeen
• My Favorite Things stitched rectangle, banner die cuts and ovals
• Lawn Fawn embossed edge die
• Dies- layered circles
• Prisma colored pencils
• Patterned paper
• White card stock and Neenah white card stock
• Colored card stock
• Sakura black glaze pen
• Sakura gelly roll clear star pen
• Nuvo drops
• White and gold thread
• Sequins
• Clear acetate for shaker cards
• Foam tape, liquid glue, 3M tape runner, fun foam from Michael’s
• ScorPal scoring board
• Fiskars cutting trimmer
• Foam blender handle
• Copic Markers- YG13 chartreuse green, G24 W willow, R20 blush, RV02 sugared almond, RV00 water lily, RV 10 pale pink, V01 heath, R 32 peach, V06 lavendar, V04 lilac, V12 pale lilac, Y04 Acacia, Y13 lemon yellow, Y19 Naples yellow, Y08 acid yellow, Y02 light orange, YR04 chrome orange, G24 willow, B41 powder blue, B32 pale blue, BG45 Nile blue, BG11 moon white, YG17 grass green, V15 mallow, Y19 Napoli yellow, YG06 yellow green, YG 25 celedon green , YG06 yellowish green, E50 egg shell, R20 blush,

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

On to Level 3 Quick and Simple Cards Lesson. I selected this class as the course content focused on techniques to create cards that were ‘quick’to create. I of course added my own ‘spin’ to each card. I had to be creative when planning and completing the cards using the Altenew supplies that I had. I applied the techniques that Laurie shared in the videos and I am pleased with the lesson cards.

The card lesson objectives were-

1. Creating sentiment strips
2. Masking and stenciling’
3. Background stamping
4. Covering a card with stenciling
5. Masking and stencilng
6. Embossed / scored accent edges

LESSON ONE AND TWO COMBINED

This card combined Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 objectives. Lesson 1 focused how to stamp multiple sentiments using a stamping platform and grid lines. Lesson 2 focused on masked edges and inking a background using a stencil and a black and white stamped image with a colored accent image. I taped off the card edges using 1″ Post It Note paper tape, inked the Half Tone stencil with Firefly ink cube. I stamped the floral bunch from the Charmed stamp set using black Versamark ink and fussy cut the image. I stamped a single flower from the same stamp, colored the flower and leaf using Copic markers and fussy cut that as well, It needed a pop of color to compliment the inked background. I then used my MISTI stamping platform and spaced out three sentiments, black paper and white embossing powder. I then die cut each strip and also die cut the inked paper to fit the front of the A2 card. I added the sentiment strips and added it to a white card base. Finishing touch was adding black Glaze pen dots to the flowers.

CARD 3 CREATING A STAMPED BACKGROUND

This lesson focus was to create a backgroud using a large stamp and different colored ink to cover the quarter sheet of paper. I created my own background stamp using several different stamps from the Funky Flower set. I masked off diagonal stripes using 1/4″ Post It Paper to cover the paper. I used several large and small stamps from the Altenew Funky Flower set on small acrylic blocks. This allowed me to stamp using different colored ink cubes for the different Funky Flower stamps. I used Altenew ink cubes that were shades of yellow and orange for the smallest stamps. The stamps overlapped in some areas. When I removed the paper strips, the paper looked like it was made from one large stamp. Which was the goal of the lesson. I added a sentiment strip which was die cut, the stamped piece was also die cut and adhered to a A2 white card base. I will try this masking technique again.

CARD 4 BLENDED STENCILS/QUICK AND SIMPLE

This lesson video demonstrated inking a large floral stencil and then stamping inside each stencil opening to create additioinal visual interest. After several attempts of cutting my own stencils and researching my Altenew supplies I decided to use the same lesson objective using the Layered Medallion A and B stencil that I had. I selected a light medium colored beige piece of card stock like Laurie used in the video. I inked Layer A with Cotton Candy ink cube to cover the entire piece of card stock. Layer B stencil I used the Ruby Red ink cube which was a much darker color which would create a contrast to the first layer of ink. This second stencil added darker lines which were contrasting to the color of the card stock and first inked stencil. The stenciled piece reminded me of a mosiac tile with the contrasting colors. I die cut the stenciled piece using a stitched edge die. I inked a piece of white card stock to match the stenciled piece, stamped and embossed the sentiment. I did several at the same time using the technique from Lesson 1. I layered three die cut banners to the bottom of the card. This was another A2 card half sheet of paper with a left side scored fold.

CARD 5 MASKING AND STENCILING

Following the theme of quick and simple, Laurie demonstrated how to create a masked section of a card for visual interest. You could work on the rest of the card keeping the masked section clean. I used white cardstock to start with, masked a section using 1″ wide Post It tape and the Altenew Wonky Grid stencil. I inked the first layer with a light pink ink cube and a foam applicator handle. I used the next darker ink cube and move the stencil to the right which would create a new ink grid. Using the same ink and I moved the stencil down and over one set of lines. This now created a plaid inked image. I loved the background that I created using the same piece of paper, grid stencil, and ink cubes. I removed the Post It tape and then worked on the sentiment. I stamped the half tone Smile stamp with black ink and die cut it. I also die cut three other smiles from white paper and layered them to create a raised imag. I stamped on black paper the word just, inked a coordinating pink piece of paper for accent strips for the top and bottom of the white masked section. This helped to transition from the grid to the white section. I used tiny piece of foam tape to the layered smile die and tucked the just tag under the smile. This piece was glued to a A2 white card base. I added three stick on silver sequins to the top right hand corner of the card front for some bling. This lesson reminded me of how easy it is to create unique inked background papers. I am glad that I had the Altenew Wonky Grid stencil to use as it was a recent purchase.

CARD 6 EMBOSSED/RAISED BORDER

This is truly a clean and simple card layout with a single visual image. Laurie demonstrated how to create a raised outline using to create a border. I then used that concept and to create an embossed edge using the Altenew Rounded Rectangle die. I used a quarter sheet of white card stock, my Sizzix die cutting machine, a rubber embossing mat and the largest rounded rectangle die to run through my Sizzix. This set up created an embossed edge using the die. I really like the raised accent edge using this die, it was smaller than the paper as it was centered on the paper which allowed me to die cut the rest of the paper using my stitched edge die.

The Altenew poppy was stamped using Versamark ink and embossed with gold embossing powder. I painted the flower and stem using Altenew ink cubes using a watercolored blended look. I stamped and embossed the sentiment using the technique from Class 1. This was attached to a white A2 card base. Another technique that I will use again, especially that I figured out how to use a die for the embossed feature. I really liked this technique once I figured it out. A nice frame for the large painted poppy image.

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SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES

Altenew Supplies

Rounded Rectangles Die Set

Layered Medallion A and B Stencil

Wonky Grid Stencil

Gradient Dot Stencil

Smile half tone stamp and die set

Charmed stamp set

Funky Flower stamp set

Poppy stamp set

Ink cubes- pink, yellow, orange, green

ADDITIONAL CRAFTING SUPPLIES

My Favorite Things dies

Cardstock-white, beige

Double sided tape and foam tape

White and gold embossing powder

Versamark embossing ink, Versafine black ink

Post It paper tape

Stick on sequins Park Lane from Joanns store

This lesson focused on the technique known as ‘masking’.  A stamped image is covered with a cut out of of the stamped image.  I used the sticky edge of a Post It Note.  I have also used masking paper for images that are very intricate and needed the entire image covered. For this card the most important part that needed to be masked was the top of the vase and the Post It note paper worked well for this card layout.

I used Altenew stamps from the Garden Silhouette set and coordinating dies.  My paper choices were white card stock for the card base, yellow pin dot paper for the card front and Cason watercolor paper for the tag. The twine bow is from a May Arts spool.  The hugs stamp used Versamark black ink.  The vase was stamped using Stormy Sky blue distress ink. The flower was  inked with  two shades of Altenew yellow ink cubes set and stem was colored with a green Tombow marker.

First step, was to ink and stamp the vase on  a piece of watercolor paper.  I stamped it again on a Post It note, die cut the vase and covered the stamped vase.  I colored the stem and flower, stamped it using my MISTI stamping platform.  I had to ink and repeat the stamping to get a darker image.   Next I die cut largest tag  from Sizzix set that included seven different tag sizes. The die cut image on the watercolor paper creates an embossed edge which adds visual interest to the card.  I stamped the hugs on the yellow dot paper, die cut it to fit the card front and was ready to assemble the card. I tied a twine bow to the top of the tag.

The last step after adding the dot paper was to attach the tag using double sided foam tape.  A clean and simple masked card.

Supplies

• Altenew Garden Silhouette stamp and coordinating die set
• Altenew yellow ink cubes
• Sixxiz Framelits tag die set
• Distress Stormy Sky blue ink
• Versamark black ink
• Tobow markers
• Pin dot printed yellow paper
• May Arts twine
• My Favorite Things stitched rectangle die
• White card stock
• 3M double sided foam tape
• MISTI stamping platform