Author: natashavacca

Snowflake Season – Simon Says Stamp card Kit

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Hi friends! I hope your week is off to a great start! It is another super cold week here! I am dreaming of a warm spring day, aren’t you? I love the January 2021 Snowflake Season card kit from Simon Says Stamp! The card kits are an amazing deal and full of product! I encourage you to check them out! I always look forward to the new kits and what the month has to offer! The card kit is currently sold out, but the individual kit contents are available for purchase!

Background

I started my cards today by using the pattern paper from the kit – Blurry Flurries (Whimsy Stamps). The paper is currently sold out, but WOW this paper is stunning! You can have Simon contact you when it is back in stock – just the click the Notify Me button. I started by using the pattern paper from the kit! This paper is double sided, it was hard to choose which side to use, I loved them all! I used the Filigree Snowflakes embossing folder also in the kit to emboss the pattern paper panels I chose to use for my cards. I used my Big Shot for the embossing. Simon offers the sandwhich by machine on their website, be sure to check this out! I ran all 4 panels through my machine. I wanted to add a bit more shimmer and shine to each panel. I used metallic watercolors to add sparkle to each panel. On a couple of the panels I also used gold ink. I swiped the ink pad gently across the panel to add the ink. I then trimmed down the pattern paper panels using a Hero Arts nested Rectangle die. I also trimmed 4 sheets of the colored card stock also included in the kit. I trimmed panels to match my die cut snowflakes.

Putting it Together & Sentiment

The kit also includes the Eliza snowflake wafer die. I die cut the snowflake 4 times, using the colored card stock from the kit, as well as the Silver Holgraphic Cardstock! This card stock is so beautiful and shiny! Once they were die cut I embossed the snowflakes using WOW Embossing Powder. I chose 3 different powders for my die cuts today: Disco Ball, Fairy Dust, and Pearl Gold Sparkle). These 3 powders are so sparkly and beautiful! I treated each die cut with my embossing buddy and then added WOW embossing ink and sprinkled the powders on each. Then I heat set each snowflake! I love the added shine these powders gave my card. I die cut the Silver Holographic Card stock using the Waffle Flower Skinny Strips die. I adhered the 2 panels to my A2 card base, as well as the skinny strip. I then adhered my snowflake. I chose 2 sentiments from the Snowflake Season stamp set. I stamped these in black on white card stock. I trimmed my sentiments and then adhered these with foam tape. I added a few sequins to each card and my winter greetings are complete!

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope this post finds you doing well!

Crafty Hugs – I’ll be back soon!

Natasha

Watercolor – Mixed Media

natashavacca8 Comments

Hi Friends! Hope this post finds you doing well and healthy! I love to set crafty goals for myself and one goal I have this year is to learn more about mixed media! I have a long way to go and today’s card is my first attempt! I made mistakes along the way, but in the end I had fun creating! So let’s get started!

Stamping & Coloring

For today’s card I am using the beautiful Floral Heart stamp set from Simon Says Stamp! This heart is stunning and it is a large stamped image! It fills up an A2 card base very nicely! I inked up the image using my WOW embossing pad and stamped the image on Canson XL watercolor card stock. I used my Misti stamping tool as this paper has texture and I stamped it 3x to ensure I had a clean impression. I then used a gold embossing powder for the heart image. I taped down my image to my board to help with warping. For the image I chose to use liquid watercolors from Brutus Monroe, as well as shimmer spray from Tattered Angels. I added the color to my glass mat and wet the heart image and then applied the ink to my card stock. It was fun to see how the colors mixed together. I chose 2 shades of pink, purple, and a yellow. I let the panel dry in between my color layers and reapplied the ink once dry. I repeated this process 3 times to ensure a bright heart image.

Once my heart was complete I used my Gansai Tambi watercolor set to add the blue around the heart image. I chose 3 different shade of blue for the background of the panel. I followed the same process as shared above and allowed it to dry in between layers. I also added some gold as well to the image for added shine and interest!

Background

Once everything was dry it was time to add some more design elements to the card. This is where my mistakes started to happen…. but this is what I love about card making! I love to try new things and when they don’t go as planned, see how I can “fix” it! I wanted to add some texture to the background panel, so I chose to use a background stamp, as well as a stencil and texture paste! For the background stamp I used the Sketchy Lines background stamp from Simon Says Stamp. I initially stamped them in black and I didn’t like the “feel” of it. So I decided to emboss them in gold. This was mistake one, but in the end I liked the gold! I stamped a few heart images in the background using Picked Raspberry Distress Ink from the Mandy’s Flowers stamp set! I then added some texture using a Tim Holtz Stencil set – Mini Layering Set 43. I chose the splatter stencil and used clear texture paste with the stencil. I decided to add a bit of glitter to the paste for added shine. This was my 2nd mistake… I added too much! But I still went with it! What do you think? I trimmed down my panel using a double stitched rectangle die from Gina Marie Designs.

Putting it Together & Sentiment

For my card I chose to use the Love You die sentiment set from CZ Designs and Simon Says Stamp! I love these dies! The font is AMAZING! I doe cut this using both black and white card stock. I adhered these together and added them to my panel. I then chose a sentiment from the All Things Happy – sentiment set. I love these pre-printed sentiments too! The card stock is super thick and these are so easy to use!

Thank you for stopping by today! I can’t wait to learn more about adding mixied media elements to my cards!

Crafty Hugs!

Natasha

February Membership’s Kit of the Month

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Hi friends! I am super excited to be back with you today! I always love the first of the month at Unity Stamp Company – this means the new monthly memberships are live and there is truly something for everyone! Do you love monthly crafty mail… I do! You can check out all the memberships and see if one is right for you! Today I will be sharing a card using one of the stamped images from the Kit of the Month! This kit is full of beautiful red rubber stamps! I am starting off the month using this GORGEOUS butterfly stamped image! It’s a large stamp and fills up an A2 size card front! Let’s get started!

Stamping and Coloring

For today’s card I had fun creating a bit of a mixed media vibe using the large butterfly stamp from the new February Kit of the Month! I love this large butterfly stamp and know I will be using this large stamp again very soon! I started by stamping the image using Versafine Black ink onto Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper. I then used my Karin markers to color the images. I did a very simple watercoloring with these images today. I only did 2 layers of color on each butterfly. I let each layer dry in-between. I used by zig clean color brush markers around the butterfly images to create the shadows. I used a gray and a black marker around the butterflies to create some more contrast. I let the coloring dry and then fussy cut the one side of the butterfly image and set it aside.

Background

To create the background I used the beautiful Lots of Love background stamp (this stamp is currently on sale too)! I love the script font on this background stamp! I used clear embossing ink and heat set the image used Raven Fine Embossing powder from Brutus Monroe onto Canson XL watercolor paper. I then used my Starry Colors Gansai Tambi watercolors to add gold to sections of the watercolor stamped panel. In looking back I think I should have picked a different color, but I decided to keep it! What do you think? I added splatters using both gold and gray.

Putting it Together/Sentiment

Once everything was complete it was time to put everything together. I die cut both panels using a double stitched rectangle die from Gina Marie Designs. I adhered the butterfly panel using foam tape to the scripty background. I then adhered this to my card panel. I chose 3 sentiments from the September 2020 Sentiment kit! I love these sentiment kits so much! There is so much variety in these kits and they stamp so AMAZING everytime! I stamped these sentiments onto black card stock and heat embossed them using white embossing powder! I glued them down and used foam tape as well behind one of the sentiments. I added some Distress Mica Flakes to 4 of the butterfly images! These flakes are so beautiful and so much fun in person! I hope you enjoyed my card today!

Unity has several memberships to choose from – check each one out to see if one of them is right for you! I love my monthly memberships!

You can click on any of the links I have shared if you are interested in purchasing the products. The products listed are a compensated affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

Smile You are Loved – Mixed Media Style

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Hi friends! I am excited to stop in and share a beautiful new release with you from Unity Stamp Company – Smile You are Loved. I used this beautiful new floral stamp kit to create a mixed media style card! I hope you like it! Let’s get started!

Stamping and Coloring

Today’s card features a simple mixed media style! This year I am hoping to learn more about mixed media and adding these techniques to my cards! I started by stamping the large floral image onto Neenah 80lb cardstock. For today’s project I wanted to use my alcohol markers! I don’t use these very often, as I am not as comfortable with these! To be honest, I get a bit nervous with them! Once I stamped my imaged, I practiced different blends on scrap paper before I started working with my flower image. Once I built up my confidence a bit, I started to color my flower image! I always admire card artists who color with Copics, so wanted to try again! I love the “flicking” method, the details and the realistic appearance this gives to floral images! I don’t own many Copics, but I do have the full set of Ohuhu brush markers and used these for today’s card.

I worked from darkest to lightest and build my color this way. Overall as I continued I started to relax and had fun with the coloring! Maybe I will try it again! When my coloring was done I went back in with a gel pen to add white highlights. Next time I will add colored pencils to the nooks and crannies! I used my brother scan and cut to trim the image and set it aside!

Background

Once my floral image was colored and cut out, it was time to start my background. To create the background I chose a stencil from Altenew – Sketched Lines Stencil. I adhered the stencil to an A2 card panel with tape and then used Ranger Texture paste with my stencil. Once I completed the texture paste I used a gold glitter from my stash on top. I thought this would be a fun way to add a bit of shine on the white background! I set this aside to dry!

Once the panel was dry, I trimmed down the card panel using a double stitched rectangle die from Gina Marie Designs. I added a few splatters as well using both black and gold.

Putting it Together/Sentiment

This kit has 3 beautiful sentiments, I chose the sentiment Smile you are Loved. I stamped the sentiment and then trimmed it down with my paper trimmer. I added foam tape to both the floral image and the sentiment. I wanted to add a bit more gold to my card. I chose a gold thread from my stash and wrapped it around my hand about 10 times and then trimmed the thread. I then adhered this behind the floral image and my card was complete! I added a few gold accents onto the floral image using Stickles.

Unity Stamp Company also released several other stamp kits this past weekend! I did share these cards on social media, but wanted to attach them here as well!

I created a card using the ADORABLE Love Puppies stamp set designed by Graciellie Designs! Isn’t this set so cute! It has 2 adorable puppy stamped images! If you love these puppies, Unity also released a CUTE paper pack that coordinates with these pups – Love Puppies paper pack

Unity Stamp Company is loving gnome stamp sets and I am too! They just make me smile! I created a fun and bright card using Shenanigan Gnomes. I paired this with the AWESOME Kawaii Rainbow kit which was a recent Unity release too!

Be sure to check out the AWESOME sale too! All Friendship and more stamp kits are 50% off – add them to your cart to see the discounts appear!

You can click on any of the links I have shared if you are interested in purchasing the products. The products listed are a compensated affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.

Thank you for stopping by! I will be back tomorrow to share the new monthly kits that will be releasing over at the Unity website! You don’t want to miss these beautiful kits!

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

Watercolor – Unity Stamp Company

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Hi Friends! I hope you are having a great weekend! I wanted to stop in to share with you a gorgeous new release at Unity Stamp Company! It’s a beautiful release and we are celebrating Angela’s birthday too! Angela has added her favorites and has put over 100 stamps on sale! I hope you’ll check it out! I have included links below!

Stamping/Coloring

I am sharing the gorgeous new stamp Falling into Place which was designed by my dear friend Sandhya Iyer! Isn’t this stamp gorgeous! I love the large image and the beautiful florals as well! I started by stamping the large butterfly image onto Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper. I used my Karin brush markers to color this image. I used a variety of colors and when I was done I had about 20 pens in my cup! I apologize I didn’t write the colors down this time! I continued to build color until I had the look I was going for. I then set the image aside to dry. Once it was dry I fussy cut the image using my Brother Scan and Cut.

Background

I then stamped an image from the January Kit of the Month. I love this large stamp and the distress look of it. I stamped this on a watercolor A2 sized panel. I stamped the image 3 times in various directions using WOW embossing ink and then heat embossed the image using gold embossing powder. I then chose 4 colors of Gansai Tambi watercolors to create the watercolor background. I chose 2 purples and 2 pinks. I added a bit of gold as well. I continued to build color and then set it aside to dry.

Putting it Together/Sentiment

I die cut the watercolor panel using a Gina Marie Designs scalloped rectangle die. I trimmed down a piece of black cardstock and adhered both the back panel and watercolor panel to my A2 card base. I added foam tape behind my butterfly image and adhered this to my card. I chose a sentiment from Wonderful and Simple Things September 2020 sentiment kit. (sentiment kits are a part of the mystery discount too – add them to your cart to see the discount). I heat embossed the sentiment using embossing ink and white embossing powder. I glued my sentiment strip to my card panel. I completed the card with a few sequins!

On release day, I shared on social media the beautiful new stamp kit Care and Hope Iris. This kit is also created by my dear friend Sandhya Iyer. This kit is the latest monthly floral release! I love this iris! I paired the stamped/colored image with pattern paper from Unity – Pink and Blue Watercolored paper pack.

Thank you for stopping by today! It truly means a lot to me! Here are the links to the amazing release and SALE too!

You can click on any of the links I have shared if you are interested in purchasing the products. The products listed are a compensated affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.

I will be back soon to share more crafty inspiration!

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

Love You Too Release – Simon Says Stamp

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Hi Crafty Friends! I am so excited to stop in to share with you the beautiful new release from Simon Says Stamp – Love You Too! This release is gorgeous – truly something for everyone! You can check it out here.

I am super excited to share with you the beautiful new Sweet Friend stamp set! This set is just gorgeous! I love the floral images, the sentiments, and the adorable bumble bee! So let’s get started!

Stamping/Coloring

I started by stamping all of the floral images in the set on Fabriano Hot Pressed watercolor cardstock. I stamped the images using Versafine ink in black and I heat embossed them using a clear powder. When I started my card I wasn’t exactly sure of my layout yet, so I colored all of the images. For this card I used my Karin markers. I continued to work in layers and allowed them to dry in between. These floral images are so fun to color! Once everything was colored I set these aside to dry. Once they were dry, I used my Brother Scan and cut to “fussy cut” the images. It was time to get started on my background!

Background

To create my background I used the gorgeous Lumen 3D embossing folder from the Holly Jolly release. I am loving the new 3D embossing folders Simon is creating! The details are gorgeous! On the Simon website you can find the “sandwhich” for your die cutting machine. I trimmed down a panel of white card stock and used my 3D folder in my Big Shot machine. I then used my Gansai Tambi watercolors to create the watercolor background. I placed several colors on my glass mat and added the colors to my 3D panel. I continued to add layers until I was happy with the colors. I wanted the background to be a soft pallet. I then trimmed down the panel (once it was dry) using a GMD rectangle die. I then set it aside.

Putting it Together/Sentiment

I chose 2 sentiments from the Sweet Friend stamp set. I stamped them using WOW embossing ink and then used a white embossing powder on black cardstock. I then adhered the 3D panel to a card base and started to decide on placement of the floral images. Once I chose the laytout, I did decide to add some splatter to the florals. Once that was complete I adhered everything with foam tape and added a few sequins!

I hope you like it! I am loving this AMAZING new release! Tell me what your favorite new product is.

Have a good day! Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

NEW Release – Unity Stamp Company

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Hi Friends! I am so excited to be back and share with you the AWESOME new release at Unity Stamp Company! This release has something for everyone and I couldn’t wait to share it with you! You can see all of the new stamp kits here. There are new backgrounds – 3 new ones is this release, adorable new gnome kits, new Graciellie Design including a stamp kit and pattern paper, as well as a gorgeous new floral sentiment kit! So let’s get started with the beautiful Hello Fresh Start January sentiment kit! This kit has 14 stamps!

Stamping and Coloring

For my first card I wanted to create a one layer card. I love dimension, but thought this set was so pretty to stand alone! I started by stamping the large floral image from the Hello Fresh Start January sentiment kit on Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper. I used my Karin markers to color this image. When I watercolor I enjoy mixing colors and adding layers to my cards! For this image, I initially had it in my mind to use soft colors, but then I got a bit carried away with adding colors, so I went with it! Has that happened to you? For this card I used the following colors: Pale Pink 220, Lipstick red 181, Gold 283, Orange Red 051, Apple 210, Curry 297, Olive Black 441, and Egyptian Blue 305. I added several layers of colors, always letting it dry in between.

Card Assembly/Sentiment

This set has AMAZING sentiments and the font is beautiful! I stamped the sentiment on my card panel using black ink. To complete the card I added splatters using Gansai Tambi Starry Colors, in #902 and Arteza metallic colors in Copper. I love adding splatters! I try to choose colors from within my images generally. I then die cut the image using a stitched rectangle die from Gina Marie Designs. I adhered my card panel to the card base. For a finishing touch I added Stickles to parts of the floral image in a purple color. I like how this compliments the orange floral image. I hope you enjoyed my first card!

For my second card I am sharing the beautiful new Criss Cross Hearts background stamp! I love background stamps and this is a perfect addition in my craft room! Today I wanted to show you how I created a watercolor striped background using this new stamp! Let’s get started!

Stamping/Coloring

To begin this card I stamped the beautiful new Criss Cross Hearts background stamp using a black ink. I wanted to create a striped watercolor background. I taped the image to a board and used washi tape to create the stripes on my background panel. I wanted the stripes to be different dimensions so I didn’t measure, I laid the tape down. I then used my distress inks to create the watercolored background. I used Picked Raspberry, Mustard Seed, and Peacock Feathers. I started by laying down water on the section of the card panel and then applied the distress ink using a paintbrush. I followed the same pattern for the other sections. I originally left a few white stripes, but I wasn’t happy with this, so I added gold Gansai Tambi over the whole panel. I completed the whole process two times. I then set it aside to dry.

I then stamped the adorable bird from One Crazy Bird on Canson watercolor cardstock. I heat embossed the image using clear embossing ink. I completed a quick watercolor using the same colors of distress inks as shared above. I added watercolor around the bird image as well and set it aside to dry.

Putting It Together/Sentiment

While everything was drying I started to work on putting the final elements of this card together. I chose a piece of pattern paper from my stash and used a die from Gina Marie Designs. I trimmed down the stripped panel and adhered this to my card base. Using the same die I trimmed down the hearts background. I used a circle die with the same outer stitching to trim down the little birdie. I decided on placement of everything and adhered down the hearts and adorable birdie! I chose a sentiment from the One Crazy Bird kit and heat embossed this on black card stock. I trimmed it down using a die cut from my stash and popped it up with foam tape!

I created a 3rd card for this awesome new release! I will share a picture with you and links to the products used!

Happy Birthday Gnome

Here is a link to the products used on this fun Birthday Gnome kit!

Unity Stamp Company is kicking 2021 off with an AMAZING new release and a HUGE Sale! Check out the sale here! There are amazing stamp sets at $10, $12, and $14! WOW!

Additional SALE……

You can click on any of the links I have shared if you are interested in purchasing the products. The products listed are a compensated affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

New Monthly Membership – Unity Stamp Company

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Hi Friends! Happy New Year! I hope this post finds you doing well! Thank you for supporting me this past year! Your support means so much to me! Let’s have an amazing crafty year! To start the year I wanted to stop in to share the new monthly membership kits with you from Unity Stamp Company! They are awesome and there is a kit for everyone! Today I am sharing 2 cards with you using 2 kits –Background of the Month Kit and Uniquely Unity

Stamping/Coloring

I am so excited for the new Background of the Month Kit. I love background stamps and I am excited to see all the variety of stamps this year! I started by stamping the image on Fabriano Hot Press watercolor cardstock. I used my Karin Brish markers to color the large floral image! I love the large, modern floral image on this background stamp! I used the following colors on the flower, from lightest to darkest: Pale Pink, 220, Magenta Red 170, Lilac 226, Amber 195, and Sapphire Blue 189. I let each layer dry before adding more color. Once my coloring was complete, I set it aside to dry.

Card Assembly/Sentiment

While everything was drying I started to work on my sentiment. I chose a Hello die from Altenew. I die cut the sentiment 3x and glued them together. I then chose a sentiment from the Wonderful and Simple Things Sentiment kit. I stamped the sentiment using WOW embossing ink and heat set the image using white embossing powder. I then trimmed the sentiment and added some foam tape.

I added metallic splatters to the card panel and once dry trimmed it down using a Hero Arts rectangle die. I adhered this to a black card panel and adhered it to my card base. I adhered my sentiments and added a few sequins.

I hope you enjoy this card!

Stamping/Coloring

I am excited to share my second card with you using the beautiful new January Uniquely Unity monthy kit. To create my scence I stamped the branch image and the bird stamped image. I did some masking to create the scence. Once everything was stamped I colored the images using my Karin markers. I used: Red 209, Lilac 226, Apple 210, Henna 105, Cocoa 213, Sepia 074. I added colored pencils in the nooks and crannies.

Background

I had so much fun creating the background! I used the Winter Blessings stamp set to create the background. I prepped my cardstock with my embssing buddy. I stamped the evergreen image on kraft cardstock. I used VersaFine Clair ink in Pinecone. I stamped the evergreen image in a random pattern on the cardstock panel. Then I heat set the images using gold embossing powder. I covered a litle bit too much with the gold powder, but I was still happy with it. I then used Distress Inks in Walnut Stain and Vinatge Photo to add some distressing to the panel. I splattered the panel with metallic watercolors.

I then die cut a circle to place behind the bird and branch image. I used Distress Oxides on the circle die cut: Wild Honey & Tumbled Glass. I added splatters using Perfect Pearls.

Putting it Together/Sentiment

It was time to put everything together. I trimmed down by evergreen panel and glued this to my A2 card panel. I chose a piece of pattern paper from my stash and added some distress ink to the panel. I like the old worn look of the paper – Don’t you? I adhered a small strip on the panel. I then adhered the circle die cut and foam mounted the bird/branch image. I chose a sentiment from the kit and stamped this on cardstock and used Distress Ink in Antique Linen to add a rustic touch. I foam mounted the sentiment.

Thank you for stopping by! Be sure to check out the memberships at Unity Stamp Company! You can click on any of the links I have shared if you are interested in purchasing the products. The products listed are a compensated affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

Watercolor on an Embossing Folder

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Hi Friends! I wanted to stop in to share a card using the beautiful Peony Bundle Embossing Folder from Simon Says Stamp! I love this folder and couldn’t wait to ink it up! I was inspired by two crafty friends and recent cards they made using 3D embossing folders – I couldn’t wait to try this technique using this gorgeous 3D embossing folder! I was inspired by 2 special crafty friends Bonnie and Mansi. You can click on their names and it will bring you to their Instagram page – you will be inspired by their gorgeous work as well!

Embossing Folder/Coloring

I started with a piece of Arches Cold Press watercolor paper in an A2 panel size. I spritzed the panel with water and placed this inside my embossing folder and ran this through my big shot. I did have to figure out the best “sandwhich” with these new folders as they are a bit thicker. I did find using the bottom plate of the big shot and several pieces of thicker card stock on top of the embossing folder was the best “sandwhich” for me. On the SSS page you will find how to create a ” sandhwhich” for your die cutting machine – Peony Bundle Embossing Folder. Once my panel was embossed I taped the panel onto my wood board and I was ready to watercolor. I truly enjoyed this process and adding several layers of color! For my card today I used my Mijello Mission Gold watercolors. I LOVE these colors and the vibrancy of these colors! I completed the watercoloring over a couple of evenings. I painted around the floral image using black. I liked the softened gray around the outside of the floral. Once my panel was complete, I let it dry.

Background

I trimmed the floral image using a Hero Arts rectangle die. I wanted to add a bit of interest and dimension behind the floral image. I used an embossing folder from my stash. The folder is from Jo Ann Fabrics. I like the bit of extra dimension behind my watercolor. I adhered the embossed panel onto an A2 card base. I wanted to add some splatters to my Peony Bundle panel. I used my Arteza metallic watercolors. I chose several colors from my set. I unfortunately added a few too many, but it is ok! I went with it and in the end I am happy with the result.

Card Assembly/Sentiment

It was time to adhere the watercolor panel to my card base. I wanted this card to mail easily and so I used a flat tape to adhered the panel to the card base. To ensure proper placement I used my T-square ruler. I have a small cup of sentiments on my desk and I chose a sentiment from this cup! I love this sentiment, it is from a Gray Muse Stamp set. I loved the navy background and thought it was a nice way to tie in the deep blue within the green leaves. I added my favorite twine – May Arts twine! I love this stuff – it adds the perfect finishing touch to a card!

I hope you enjoyed this card! I learned a lot while watercoloring this panel! Most importantly I had fun! Thank you to Bonnie and Mansi for their beautiful inspiration!

I will be back later this week to share some new crafty inspiration!

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

Watercolor – Sketched Peony

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Hi Crafty friends! Do you love to watercolor? I wanted to stop in to share a watercolor card with you using the beautiful stamp set – Sketched Peony by Alex Syberia, for Marker Forte. I have linked to all of Alex’s stamps she has designed for Marker Forte. There are so many beautiful stamp sets she created, as well as stencils, and pattern paper!

Sketched Peony

Stamping/Coloring

I started by stamping 2 of the floral images from the set, as well as 3 of the leaves from the set on Canson Watercolor cardstock. I prepped the area first with my embossing buddy and then stamped the images using my Misti and clear embossing ink from WOW. When I use clear embossing ink I like to stamp the images at least 2x to ensure I get a good impression. I then used Gold embossing powder for my images and heat set them. Then I tapped them down onto my board so I was ready to watercolor.

For my card today on the floral and leaf images I used my Mijello Mission Gold watercolors. I just enjoyed the process of watercoloring and did a lot of color mixing. I love the openness of the floral images and just had fun! I let each layer of color dry on it’s own and then set these aside to dry completely. Once they were fully dry, I fussy cut each of the watercolored images using my Brother Scan and cut. It was time to now work on my background!

Background

To create the background I used an A2 sized panel of Canson watercolor cardstock. I taped this to my wood board again. I tape down my cardstock to prevent warping. On the background I used my Gansai Tambi watercolors. I used a mix of blues to create the watercolor wash and added 2 different golds as well! I love to create a watercolor background! The results are never the same and it creates a nice focal point for your card! Once the background was dry I used a combination of metallic watercolors (Arteza) to add splatter to the background. I chose a peach shade and a metallic purple. I wanted to add colors from the floral images to the background. Once it was dry, I trimmed down the panel using a Gina Marie Designs rectangle die!

Card Assembly/Sentiment

It was time to assemble my card once I chose the placement of my flowers and leaves. I glued one of the leaves down, then all other elements were adhered with foam tape. I have a small cup of sentiments on my desk and chose one from the cup for this card! I thought it added a nice final touch. I then add May Arts twine (another favorite) to create a bow and a few sequins as well.

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope I inspired you to create a watercolor card this week and/or a fun background!

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha