Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Just Cork It

I spent a lot of time surfing the internet one day and came across a card that really inspired me. Foolishly, I did not tag the site or otherwise make note. Now, I wish I could remember the blog where I got the inspiration for this card so that I could acknowledge the talent. If anyone knows to whom I am referring, please leave a note below and I will be sure to add the information to my post.

The main thing that caught my eye was the cork that was used. As soon as I saw it, I knew that was what I wanted to incorporate into this card for my son's birthday card.



The mystery card used some of the new printed cork card stock from DCWV. I had some plain cork c/s here and decided to add my own pattern to it. I pulled out a couple of layering stencils from Stampers Anonymous (Harlequin and Clockworks) and sponged on 3 colors of Ranger distress inks to create the pattern on the cork and inside the card. Then I used the darkest ink color (Walnut Stain) and sponged the outer edges to distress the panel.



I stamped the greeting on some more cork, die cut the label, and sponged on some more ink while the label was still in the die. From a different color of cork c/s, I die cut a mat and distressed the edges of both with Walnut Stain ink.



I decided I needed something lighter to pop the label, so I found some mottled beige c/s that I have had in my stash for years (decades even), traced on it with a pencil around the largest die, then hand cut  the label and distressed the edges with the medium ink color (Vintage Photo).



Finally, the ribbon is from SU and I sponged on some Rusty Hinge ink to soften the starkness of the ivory. An SU large bronze brad and Ideaology pin holds it all together. I added that and the Tim Holtz elements to the label, and used foam tape to attach it all to the card front.



















I lam pleased with how this card turned out. Very testosterone. Thanks to my mystery inspirational artist. And to my boy, who is an amazing son, husband, father, and telecommunications expert, I send a big Happy Birthday. Love ya kiddo.

Stamps: JRS Grand Birthday Sentiments
Papers: Recollections ivory card base; natural and rust colored  cork c/s - unknown; mottled beige c/s REALLY unknown!
Inks: Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, Rusty Hinge,  Vintage Photo
Dies: JRS Vintage Labels and Banners
Other: SU brown and ivory striped ribbon; Tim Holtz for  Ideaology metal findings; SU large metal bronze brad; Tim  Holtz for Stampers Anonymous layering stencils Harlequin and  Clockworks.








Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Majestic Morning

I know you have all be waiting with baited breath for my first creation using the newest Heartfelt product line called Majestic Morning. LOL

I was practicing my flower shaping skills this morning using the new die and coordinating stamp, and following the great video Emma Lou has on her blog here.


My first step was to create my die template so I grabbed some gold/tan card stock that I have lots of and cut the template. When the blossoms popped out, I decided I liked them so much, I continued cutting until I used up the whole 12" x 12" c/s. It is funny how some cards come together that way.

I sponged some Carmine red 3D stamp paint on the edges of each petal before shaping them. It adds a wonderful shimmery touch to the finished product. I also sponged some 3D paint on the sentiment. Added a  glob of Dries Clear glue in the center of the two larger flowers and drop some brown gala glitz. Shook off the excess and let it dry. This adds another bit of glitz to everything.





Stamped two images with the stamp from Beautiful Juliet, then cut the circle from one image and the 'thinking of you' strip from the second; then layered the strip through the circle. I also used a panel from the Majestic Morning paper package. Yup, HFC came out with yet another great paper collection, and I love the colors in this one. They are so bright and cheery and the panels make card creating so easy.


Now I have to get back to my flower shaping practice. I think it is a skill I will be needing when I work the HFC booth in Mesa in March.


Stamps: HFC Beautiful Juliet.
Dies: HFC Sweet Juliet and Majestic Blooms.
Papers: HFC Majestic Morning collection, SU White, Bazzil green and golden rod.
Inks: Ranger Distress Rusty Hinge, Ancient Page black, Viva 3D Stamp paint carmine red.
Other: Art Institute Dries Clear glue, glue dots, HFC blossom shaping tools and mat, Gala Glitz brown