RELAX & CREATE - WATERCOLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES

TRUTH: I don’t enjoy coloring in large detailed images. •gasp•

Please don’t huck tomatoes at me; I have always felt that way even since primary school. If it’s gonna take me a long time to color in, I simply won’t do it. I remember in first grade, a classmate looking down her nose at me because I colored outside the lines. My logic: We’re going to be cutting this out, what is the point of staying inside the lines??? Her coloring, on the other hand, was perfect—seriously, every stroke of the crayon was PERFECT. As the teacher came by to observe our progress, she praised my classmate for her beautiful, impeccable coloring. I got a smile and a pat on the back.

WHAT. EVER.

•hair flip•

But, I still absolutely love a large image that fills practically a whole card front and I love color!

I know that the Amaryllis is typically a holiday flower, but I like using it for non-holiday cards, too. I mean, it kinda looks like a lily, possibly a hibiscus flower (dang, that makes me wanna make a tropical floral card with this image—EEP!!!) . . .

This card actually is quite colorful, but, inspired by my friend Carly, I went rogue . . . heh, heh, heh!

Some things you may or may not have noticed in the video:

• Anti-static pouches (Embossing Magic Bag, Inkadinkado) pounced over the paper surface neutralize moisture or oil from your finger tips and calm down a lot of static electricity so embossing powder doesn’t stick in unwanted areas.

• Prior to stamping, blow off the excess powder from your paper surface. Otherwise, the pigment or embossing ink on your stamp will “pick up” quite a bit of the loose powder with every impression and transfer to your ink pad when you re-ink the image. Eventually, this can build up on your ink pad, and make it less tacky.

• This image has finer detail lines; stamping over them a second time can make them bolder. The ink is also more saturated and even; helpful when stamping onto a textured surface like watercolor paper.

• Every time I use black embossing powder, I end up with a hot mess; instead, I prefer a really good black pigment ink and clear detail embossing powder over top. Works beautifully every time.

• Notice how I laid down “strokes” of color from the markers against the outside edge of the embossed lines. These aren’t like Sharpies; you don’t want to “brutalize” (a.k.a. smash) the brush nibs against the surface. Think of them like delicate paint brushes, pre-loaded with color.

• With mid-to-dark hues, it doesn’t take a lot so be careful how much color you initially lay down; start with a few strokes and avoid trying to “fill in”. Paint by “pulling” the colors away from the embossing lines with your waterbrush. You can always add more color later.

• If you get in a hurry and slop a little watercolor where you don’t want it, lift it out by using clean water on your brush and dabbing with clean paper towel, but keep in mind that with dark/intense colors, this can be harder to accomplish.

• Note to self: I probably should have positioned my stamp in the lower right corner (with the bottom of the floral closer to the hinges) instead of the lower left. I would have had more room to let the paper hang outside the edges of the platform on that left side.

Minimalist coloring. YAASSSSSS!!! •fist pump•

And, before I bid you good weekend, I am so happy to share that the Ellen Hutson Warehouse Team is back! YAY!!! And they want to thank you for your support during the “Shelter In Place” with 15% off your orders. Use code BACK15 at check out and please check the fine print.

Stay healthy, stay crafty.

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SUPPLIES:

• Mondo Amaryllis by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Clear Stamps

• It's All Good by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Hex Frames by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne

• WOW Embossing Powder, Super Fine - Clear Gloss

• WOW Embossing Powder, Super Fine 160ml - Clear Gloss

• Clear Fine, Avery Elle Embossing Powder

• Stampendous Embossing Powder, Detail White, 0.76 oz.

• 041 - Light Green, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 050 - Yellow, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 040 - Green, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 12, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 24, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 36, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 48, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 60, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Ranger Watercolor Paper, 10 pk

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12, Canson XL

• Embossing Magic Bag, Inkadinkado

• MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2), My Sweet Petunia

• Mini Media Mat, Waffle Flower Tools

• Large Fine Point (23637), Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush

• Dual Speed Heat Tool, WOW

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White

• Thermoweb Sticky Tape Mini Runner

• Scrapbook Adhesives E-Z Runner Petite Permanent Dots

• Magnetic Cutting Mat & Ruler, Heidi Swapp Tools

• Platinum 6 Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools

Disclosure: Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which I use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas. And, pay the rent.

RELAX & CREATE - DIY STENCIL

I have used the Classic Block Alphabet Die set for SOOOOOOOOO many cards—it’s one of my most used die sets!!! I spelled out what I wanted to say on a card front sized piece of stencil blank (Plaid brand, I think, found at Walmart years ago and squirreled away) and ran it through my die cutting machine.

The spray adhesive I used to help mount it temporarily in place is an old can (talkin’ 4-5 years old . . . sad); after one use, the stencil lost all tackiness. ARGH!!! So, I may need to get a fresh can or try Aleene’s Tack-It-Over-and-Over again, brushing a thin coat on the back side of the stencil. Any suggestions welcome!

I frequently make my own “disposable” stencils from card stock, sometimes even just typing paper, but it’s cool to have one more permanent, that I can use over and over again, clean up without damage. Especially if it’s a sentiment or word I use pretty often. HelloOOoo, staple word. (grin)

Hope you found this enjoyable and relaxing!

Stay well, keep bein’ crafty!

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SUPPLIES:

• Modern Succulents by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Classic Block Alpha by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

• VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne

• Clear Fine, Avery Elle Embossing Powder

• Dual Speed Heat Tool, WOW

• Garden Party, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Eucalyptus, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 2 Pack, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-2)

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Pale Rose, 10 pk

• Crystal Clear Hearts, Essentials by Ellen Embellishments

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White

• Magnetic Cutting Mat & Ruler, Heidi Swapp Tools (work surface)

• Tonic Comfort 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer by Tim Holtz

• Stainless Tweezers, Elisa's Backporch Design

• Platinum 6 Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools

Disclosure: I use affiliate links in my posts; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, which I use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas. And, pay the rent.

RELAX & CREATE - RAINBOW DIE CUT GREETING

I collect “hellos”. Hello stamps, hello dies. I don’t think you can ever have too many because you need small ones, big ones, scripty and block styles, skinny and chunky styles, etc. I’m totally serious. “Hello” is a staple word.

Anyway, the DIY Sticky Mat shown in the video has really saved my sanity sooooo many times when working with die cuts!

I’ve been working on a magnetic cutting mat by Heidi Swapp lately. It comes with 4 little magnets and a magnetic ruler. These have come in handy for lining die cut letters, etc. or holding things down and preventing them from scooching (is that a word?) away from me as I work. I made a little custom washi tape “cross-hair” to remind me to keep my project in that spot for the camera when I’m filming, which I REALLY like because I could position that mark closer to me, rather than dead-center on the mat.

Hope you find the video below relaxing and that it inspires you in some way. ↓ There is an “enbiggan” button in the lower right corner, of the video player if you want to watch in full screen.

Thanks for stopping by!

Keep stayin’ safe, healthy and crafty! (wink)

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SUPPLIES:

• Totally Random Sayings Vol. 3 by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Big Scripty Hello by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• 022 - Carmine Red, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 070 - Orange, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 050 - Yellow, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 041 - Light Green, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• 036 - Light Blue, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 36, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker (this is my primary set of these markers; other size sets listed below)

• Set of 12, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 24, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Set of 60, ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker

• Large Fine Point (23637), Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush

• Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12, Canson XL

• Ranger Watercolor Paper, 10 pk

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• Oyster Gray 100 lb - 25pk, Essentials By Ellen Cardstock

• Black Jack, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Mini MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (6-1/8 X 7), My Sweet Petunia

• Mini Media Mat, Waffle Flower Tools

• Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.

• Jewel Picker, Marvy Uchida

• Stainless Tweezers, Elisa's Backporch Design

• Mini Glossy Accents, Ranger Accents

• Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops, Gloss White

• Enamel Accents - Black and White, Ranger Accents (these work similarly to NUVO Crystal Drops)

• Magnetic Cutting Mat & Ruler, Heidi Swapp Tools (my work surface)

• Platinum Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools

Disclosure: Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, which I can use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas.

PINKFRESH STUDIO APRIL 2020 RELEASE HOP

Pinkfresh Studio is hopping for the April 2020 Release and thanks for stopping by way of Ivana’s place!

SEE THE ENTIRE PINKFRESH STUDIO APRIL 2020 RELEASE HERE.

This release has an awesome assortment from sentiment sets to florals, graphic backgrounds to versatile color block dies—I have some samples to share with a few of my favorites from this April collection!

Feat. Whole Lot Of Awesome Stamp Set | Color Block Diagonal Stripes Die

When you have a gorgeous range of colorful card stock to choose from, it’s pretty easy to make the perfect striped background with the Color Block Diagonal Stripes Background Die.

Feat. Whole Lot of Awesome Stamp Set

Whole Lot of Awesome has a lovely clean cursive style to it and the extra flourishes and accent images are wonderful way to accessorize the script for a full card front. I think it looks quite stunning just gold embossed!

Feat. Simply Sentiments Hello Stamp Set | Color Block Rainbow Die

I couldn’t resist meshing the sayings from the Simply Sentiments Hello set (there’s so many combos and possibilities with this set!) and the Color Block Rainbow Die—watercolored the stripes individually this time, instead of using colored card stock!

GIVEAWAYS:

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-Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full release on the Pinkfresh blog, their IG feed & YouTube channel.

-Each hopper will be giving away a $25 gift card on our blog post. The winners will be picked from the comments, so be sure to leave some love at every stop along the way to maximize your opportunities!

Winners will be pulled and posted on May 8, 2020 on their GIVEAWAY PAGE. You must check that page & claim your prize within 2 weeks.

Your next stop is Kay’s place!

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SHOPPING PROMO:

Pinkfresh Studio is offering free US or discounted international shipping on all orders $35+ from April 30th to May 7th. Please reference the graphic below ↓ - there are 2 codes based on location.

Enjoy the hop—so much gorgeous eye candy to purvey! (all the heart eyes)

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Disclosure: Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, which I can use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas.

MODIFYING A DIE CUT WORD

I love, loVE LOVE the Mondo OMG die—it is proving to be even more versatile than I imagined—YAY!!! (fist pump)

Flowers are usually the standby for my mama for her Mother’s Day card; she is an avid gardener (among her many other talents). But this year, I wanted to try something different and unexpected . . .

FYI: there’s a little “enbiggan” button on the video player, lower right corner; if you click on that, you can watch in full screen. Just sayin’ . . .

A short cut would have been to use patterned paper, but I didn’t have any in exactly the colors I was wanting, so I DIY’d it. Paper crafters gotta do what paper crafters gotta do, eh?! It turned out pretty slick, if I do say so m’self! (monkey clapping)

SIDEBAR/TIP???: I’ve noticed that Glossy Accents works pretty well for gluing little bitty things onto vellum card stock, meaning it holds well. Also, when I first got the needle nose applicator tip and installed it on the bottle, it clogged up within short order. Annoyed, I quit using that particular bottle for, like, a whole year +. (insert bulging eyeballs)

A few weeks ago, I had a brawny handy man (a.k.a. The Mister) use his brute strength to twist that applicator tip off the bottle (I have tendinitis and didn’t have the strength to grasp and twist it myself). I then plunged the whole tip thing into a bowl of almost-boiling hot water, and put something on top to weight it down and keep it submerged under the hot water for a while. This dissolved a lot of the clogged material, but not all of it. It did soften it, however, so I removed the needle nose from the main plastic housing (using some pliers) and then took a pin and essentially "pushed” the remaining clogged/dried material inside, out the end of the needle nose. This took a little patience and persistence, but eventually I got all of it out and have been able to use it once again without issue—I was surprised at how much had gotten stuck inside there (!). But, I may have to do the whole soaking thing every now and then to really keep it clear/unclogged.

What themes do you do typically gravitate towards for Mother’s Day cards?

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SUPPLIES:

• Mondo OMG by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies

• Instant Photo Frames by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

• Oyster Gray 100 lb - 25pk, Essentials By Ellen Cardstock

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Lollipop, 10 pk

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Candy Hearts, 10 pk

• Hero Hues Peony, Hero Arts Cardstock

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Sour Lemon, 10 pk

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Juicy Pear, 10 pk

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter Grass, 10 pk

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Robin's Egg, 10 pk

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Candy Necklace, 10 pk

• Gold, Crafter's Companion 6 X 3 Luxury Cardstock Pack

• 40 lb. Vellum - 25 pk, Bazzill

• X-Press It Tape Runner

• Chisel Tip, ZIG 2 Way Glue

• Glossy Accents, Ranger Accents

• 2 oz. (Pink), Ranger Fine Tip Applicators

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White

• Magnetic Cutting Mat & Ruler, Heidi Swapp Tools (my work surface)

• Tonic Comfort 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer by Tim Holtz

• Platinum 6 Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools

Disclosure: Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, which I can use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas.