Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Holiday Wreath

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is one of a series that was commissioned by a girlfriend.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on American Craft Crimson.  The image is Sweet & Sassy Seasonal Wreaths stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and painted with LuminArte Emerald, Olive Vine and Poppy Red Twinkling H2Os.  The wreath was cut with the coordinating Sweet & Sassy die.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set, also stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla.  The card is highlighted with Crafts Rhinestone embellishments.

This stamp set isn't just a Christmas set so I often forget about it.  It's perfect for painting and I love how it mimics the printed paper.  I love the jaunty angle of the sentiment.  That slight angle adds just that extra little interest to the card.  I don't necessarily gravitate to circles and angles so I find this type of card difficult.  I found that the angled sentiment allowed me to offset the wreath which I found more appealing.  I found the placement of the embellishments not as much of the usual challenge so maybe I'm actually getting the hand of it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, October 30, 2017

Traditional Christmas

Hello everyone,

It's time to start working on Christmas cards.  Today's post is a card I've made for a swap at an upcoming crop.


The printed paper is Anna Griffin Yuletide Greetings layered on American Crafts Crimson and Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The image/sentiment is Serendipity stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and coloured with Stampin' Up Light Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities.  The banners are punched from Canford Gold and highlighted with Xmas Red Stickles.

I don't often craft multiples of the same card so when I do, like for this swap, I want to really love the card and I really love this card.  The holly paper is not only beautiful but wonderful to work with.  I love crafting all types of Christmas cards but this traditional card just sends me to a really happy place.  I love the fanciful font of this sentiment and had to be brave about the tiny bit of colouring but the results are exactly what I was hoping for.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Bon Voyage

Hello everyone,

A girlfriend recently celebrated a milestone birthday with a trip to Paris and I crafted this card to celebrate her trip.


The printed paper is BoBunny Detour Stripe layered on Bazzill Bitter Chocolate and a blue of unknown origin.  The image is Stampin' Up but from an unknown set, stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla and layered on more Bitter Chocolate and blue.  The sentiment is Gina K Fanciful Tags also stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Multicrafts.

This was such a fun card to craft as I'd never done a 'bon voyage' card before.  I found this image in my stash and had almost forgotten about it.  For some reason I didn't record the name of the stamp set and couldn't find it in my old catalogs.  I do love this card and was so pleased to make it.  By the way, my girlfriend had a wonderful trip!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Too Early Lost

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a sympathy card that I crafted on behalf of my daughter.  One of the girls she worked with over the summer unexpectedly passed away a few weeks ago.  She was only nineteen.


The image is Stampin' Up Tie Dyed stamped in Altenew Caribbean Sky, Lavender Fields, Midnight Violet and Puffy Heart on Recollections White and highlighted with Wink of Stella Clear 999.  The side panel was layered on a purple of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Verve Forever In Our Hearts stamped in Lavender Fields.  The embellishment is a heart brad of unknown origin (likely Multicrafts).

It is exceptionally sad to craft a sympathy card for such a young person.  My daughter described her an the 'Queen of Tie Die' so it was only natural to use this funky stamp set.  I chose lighter and happier ink colours because it's was sad enough to craft this card.  I also think that when we lose someone so young, we need to remember their brightness and light.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, October 27, 2017

Extra Special

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card was specially crafted for my husband's grandmother.  She's a wonderful women who loves to get an I SPI card.


The image is Altenew Extra Special stamped in Altenew Cosmic Berry, Forest Glades, Industrial Diamond, Moss, Puffy Heart and Purple Wine on Recollections White and cut with the coordinating Altenew die.  The image is layered on two pieces of Lucy Cromwell DoCrafts Papermania paper.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up It's Your Birthday stamped in Altenew Industrial Diamond on more Recollections White.  The card is highlighted with Dazzling Diamonds Stickles.

Mark's Grandmother is one very special woman.  She is uber feminine and I just love crafting cards for her.  I can't let my inner glitter loose and the more the better.  You don't see the background Stickles in this photo but I managed to place them in such a way that I'm actually quite happy with the results.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Fantastically Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card was crafted for my sister.


The printed paper is TaDa Creative Studios Flora & Fauna layered on Recollections Vanilla and Stampin' Up Bravo Burgundy.  The sentiment is Avery Elle Sentimental Too stamped in Bravo Burgundy on Recollections Vanilla.  The 'happy' was cut with the coordinating Avery Elle die.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.  The card was highlighted with Gold Stickles.

These are some of the colours that my sister is drawn towards.  I love the rich colours.  The design is also perfect for adding Stickles.  Subtly added, if I may say.  The layout is very simple with the horizontal aspect being used to accommodate the length of the die cut element of the sentiment.  It wasn't a perfect cutting job but I rather liked the shadow of vanilla that peeks through.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Asian Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card was crafted for my neighbor.


The printed paper is an origami paper of unknown origin layered on Black Prismatic Bazzill and a gold of unknown origin.  The image is Stampin' Up Asian Artistry stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and painted with LuminArte Coral Berry and Forest Green Twinkling H20s.  The image panel is layered on more gold.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are Mark Richards 3mm gold metals.

I have an really love for these beautiful origami papers.  They have such lovely colours and beautiful, intricate designs.  They are fabulous to work with as well.  This card was the perfect excuse to do some painting.  The sheen of the Twinkling H20s work beautifully with the hints of gold in the printed paper and the layers.  My neighbor loved her card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Hubby's Card

Hello everyone,

I'm not quite finished with birthday cards.  The next few posts are cards that I've crafted while working on the commissioned series.


The images are Scrappin' Sports Golf Balls and Stickopotamus stickers.  The images are layered on a blue and green Bazzil and a red and yellow of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Happy Birthday stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.

Regular I SPI followers are aware that my hubby is an avid golfer so his birthday cards, more often than not, golf themed.  I have a variety of stickers and stamps along these lines so I have a lot of options.  I think hubby loves the cards, at least that what he tells me. 

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, October 23, 2017

A Lovely CASE

Hello everyone,

Today's is the last of the commissioned birthday cards I've been working on for the last couple of months.


The images are Stampin' Up Painted Petals and Gorgeous Grunge stamped in Altenew Desert Night, Evergreen, Frayed Leaf, Forest Glades, Ocean Waves and Sea Glass.  The panel layer is Recollections White.  The sentiment is Gina K Framed Greetings stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite.  The embellishments are Michael's Pastel Damask pearls.

I needed inspiration for this last commissioned card so I went looking on Pinterest and found a lovely card to CASE (copy and share everything).  I wanted to use the Painted Petals stamp but wasn't coming up with any good ideas.  I find Pinterest wonderful for inspiration.  I love the combination of the two very different types of images.  I also love the soft colours.  I'm, of course, not happy with the embellishment placement.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, October 22, 2017

More Coloured Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card is another sample of my colouring attempts.


The image is Stampin' Up Remarkable You stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Gina K Heavy White.  The image is coloured with Chameleon BV4 and Stampin' Up Old Olive Blendabilities.  The image is layered on a black Bazzill and a blue of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Gina Marie All Seasons stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The card is highlighted with Platinum Liquid Pearls.

I'm not as fussy about this colouring effort.  I wish the shading was more evident but I think I may have been trying to hard to make it perfect.  You don't always need perfection!  I really like black layer in this and in yesterday's card.  It really helps highlight the images.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Calla Wishes

Hello everyone,

I've another pretty birthday card post today.


The image is Stampin' Up Remarkable You stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Gina K Heavy White.  The image is coloured with Chameleon V04, Stampin' Up Old Olive Blendabilities and Tombow yellow.  The image is layered on a black and purple Bazzill.  The sentiment is Sweet & Sassy Birthday Greeting stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on more Gina K Heavy White and layered on more purple Bazzill.  The card is highlighted with Lavender Stickles.

I wanted to try some more colouring with the Chameleon markers and these images are pretty easy for practicing.  I am quite happy with the results and am really loving the markers.  I've never really enjoyed the results from my colouring but this card turned out really well.  I could have placed the leaves stamp a little better but the placement of the sentiment helps it work out.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, October 20, 2017

Winged Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post uses one my all time favourite stamps.


The image is Stampin' Up Swallowtail stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate and Crimson.  The sentiment is Sweet & Sassy Script Birthday stamped in Pearlescent Chocolate.  The card is highlighted with Copper Liquid Pearls.

This is such an utterly striking image!  I love experimenting with inks on this image because the results can be so incredible.  Using it always tempts me to try some of the Kaleidoscope or Hue inks.  Then I look at all the inks I've got and there is no way I'm adding to the stash.  I'm quite pleased with the placement of the Liquid Pearl placement as it doesn't seem quite as bizarre as it often seems to me.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Birthday In Blue

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post is everything that I love in a card!


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White and a blue also of unknown origin.  The image is Stampin' Up Oh, So Lovely!  stamped in Versafine Onyx Black and coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up Chalks.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Altenew Lava Rock on Whisper White and layered on more blue.  The embellishment is Marianne Design Butterflies.

Oh how I just love this card!  The blues, the layout, the fine lines, and even the little pearl dragonfly.  It puts me in an especially happy place when a result is so pleasing. 

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Pretty Pink Poppy

Hello everyone,

Today's card is another chalked beauty.  Why I didn't post with the other a couple of days ago, I've no idea.


The image is Stampin' Up Oh, So Lovely stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up chalks.  The image panel is layered on a printed paper of unknown origin and Close To My Heart Blush.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Bloom With Hope stamped in Altenew Dark Chocolate and layered on more Blush.

Is there ever a plaid that isn't truly lovely?  I couldn't resist this particular piece.  I love all the colours!  I really love the femininity!  The plaid also works really well with the simple lines of the image.  I actually coloured the image before I chose the plaid paper.  It didn't even take me long to coordinate with the Blush solid.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Sweetly Simple

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post is another simple beauty.


The image is Hero Arts Native Grass coloured with Tombow 228, 565 and 725, then stamped on Recollections vanilla.  The image panel is layered on a pink Bazzill and watercolour paper painted with LuminArte Blushing Rose and Evening Primrose Twinkling H20s.  The watercolour panel was spritzed with Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds Glitter Mist.  The sentiment is Sweet & Sassy Birthday Greetings stamped in Altenew Evergreen.

As soft as yesterday's card was, today's is beautifully bright.  The same image with different colours and layers leads to such a different card.  I love this aspect of stamping and cardmaking!  This is a very pretty card with the bold purple and pink but it's still very simple.  I used the Evergreen for the sentiment to coordinate with the colour of the stems but wish I'd used black instead.  Such a rather nitpicky detail as the card is lovely regardless.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, October 16, 2017

Bold Sentiment

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another commissioned birthday card that has a marker coloured image.


The image is Hero Arts Native Grass coloured with Tombow 076, 373 and 452 and stamped on Recollections vanilla.  The image is layered on Quickutz Tropical Quick Strips.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Calligraphy Celebration stamped in Altenew Olive.  The embellishments are Doodlebug Spring and Boy mini pearls.

This is an image on which I often apply marker.  It's a very simple image that is easy to stamp.  I love the contrast between the small image and the big, bold sentiment. I think I did pretty well with the embellishment placement. I wish I wonder if it's as random as it seems or if there is a method to the placement that I just don't get.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Bouquet Of Blue

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card is another coloured bouquet of roses.


The image is Hero Arts Delicate Rose Stems stamped in StazOn Olive Green on Recollections white and coloured with Chameleon BL3 and BG4 markers.  The image is layered on a shimmery aqua and light blue of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Gina K Tag Line stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite.  The embellishments are Doodlebug Spring mini pears.

This colouring is probably as close to perfection as I'll ever achieve.  The colour gradients couldn't have worked better.  There are virtually no visible shading lines as the ink moves from light to dark.  I wish I could figure out how to do this with the other markers I've collected over the years...

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Purple Roses

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post is another colouring experiment.


The image is Hero Arts Delicate Rose Stems stamped in StazOn Olive Green and coloured with Chameleon PR4 and BG4 markers.  The image is layered on a purple of unknown origin and a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart purple glitter gems.

These Chameleon markers were gifted to me and just might help my issues around colouring with markers.  I so enjoyed using them that I'm actually considering a purchase!  I really loved how the colour density changes as you colour.  It makes the shading aspect, which is so beautiful, a lot easier to achieve.  This isn't the most perfect example as some of the lines are a little harsh but overall, it's not that bad.  I love the coloured image against the alcohol inked paper.  A really beautiful result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, October 13, 2017

Beautiful Berries

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely spring-inspired birthday card.


The image is Stampin' Up Oh, So Lovely stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite on Recollections Vanilla, coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up chalks, and layered on a yellow and green Bazzill.  The die cut sentiment is of unknown origin.

While I was looking for some inspiration at this stage of the birthday card commission, I came across the box of chalks and realized I hadn't used them in quite some time.  This is a favourite image for applying chalks.  They work really beautifully without having to be perfectly coloured which is ideal for me.  I choose this pop of yellow because it's so fresh.  The die cut sentiment was in my stash.  The font is beautiful and I love how it works with the simple lines of the flowers.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Blossoms In Pink

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post is much different from yesterday's card and much more in my usual style.


The image is Stampin' Up Too Kind stamped in Altenew Crimson, Moss and Rouge on Recollections White and layered on Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The sentiment is from an unknown Stampin' Up set stamped in StazOn Olive on Whisper White and layered on a pink of unknown origin.  The embellishments are Doodlebug Baby Boy mini pearls.

I absolutely love this simple card.  These flowers are another two-step stamp set that I really enjoy using.  It's very straightforward so making the impressions are not too difficult.  I found using the Altenew ink sets worked especially well.  I've previously placed the sentiment on an angle in earlier cards and liked it so much I decided to do it again for this card.  I'm just as happy with the result this time around.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Fabulously Fun

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post is just bright and fun!


The images are Stampin' Up Time Well Spent stamped on Recollections White in StazOn Jet Black and painted with LuminArte Evening Primrose, Mango Mamba, Poppy Red, Rich Cobalt, Rose Gold and Twilight Twinkling H20s.  The images are layered on a blue Bazzill.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up It's Your Birthday stamped in Altenew Sapphire.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

This large commission of birthday cards allowed me to really play with a variety of different styles.  I quite enjoyed crafting this fun and playful card.  It's not quite my usual style.  I wanted something especially bright and cheerful.  I also wanted to use some stamps that haven't seen the light of day in quite a while.  I really like the trio of images which were quite easy to paint.  It's made for a great result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Tulip Trio

Hello everyone,

Another tulip birthday card post today.


The image is Stampin' Up Terrific Tulip stamped in Altenew Deep Iris, Forest Glades, Frayed Leaf and Lavender Fields on Recollections White and layered on a lavender Bazzill.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Deep Iris.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.

I just can't get enough of tulips!  This is a set that my brother gifted to me last Christmas. It is a beautiful two-step set that is just a lot of fun to use.  I could repeat this card over and over using every colour of ink I own.  This particular layout allowed me to use a vertical sentiment.  Though the sentiment is a little on the small scale, I think the placement and lack of embellishments makes it work just fine.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, October 9, 2017

Ink Blown

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card is an experiment that I wanted to try after watching a YouTube video.


The background paper is a piece of Gina K White splattered with ink which was then blown around with a straw.  The sentiment was cut with Memory Box Happy Birthday Friendship Script die from a shimmery navy of unknown origin.  The embellishments are EK Success Bright Dots.

I was utterly intrigued by this technique when I watched the video and couldn't resist giving it a try.  It requires a pretty heavy base paper because it gets quite wet.  I also think the selection of inks must be carefully considered because the results could be iffy if the colours don't work when blended.  Blue and yellow seemed a safe bet to me.  I quite like the effect of the blown ink and I think the result is pretty interesting.  I'd like to experiment with different colours and base paper because I suspect you could get some really beautiful results.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, October 8, 2017

A Taste Of Asia

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card uses a wonderful piece of origami paper.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Worldwin Chrome Gold Foil paper and Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim.  The sentiment is Serendipity stamped in Outdoor Denim on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Worldwin gold.  The embellishments are ZVA Creative adhesive pearls.

This is a really beautiful card.  The blues, cream and gold are such a wonderful combination.  I love how the swirling embellishments mimic the swirls and dots in the printed paper.  Using gold for layering adds a bit of elegance and sophistication that I find particularly appealing.  I was also really pleased to be able to include a card that has such a great Asian feel in this commission.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Superbly Swirled

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post uses a piece of paper that I crafted last fall.


The background paper was crafted using shaving cream and a variety of Stampin' Up re-inkers.  The paper is layered on Stampin' Up Night of Navy and Whisper White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Perfectly penned stamped in Night of Navy on Whisper White and layered on more Night of Navy.  The embellishments are Crafts Gem Chic.

This shaving cream technique is so amazing but so messy!  I absolutely love every piece that I crafted.  I kept the layout very straightforward so as not to cover up any more of the marbled paper than necessary.  I love the sentiment as the font works beautifully and it's a great scale for this card.  It took me a while to find the right shade of blue embellishments and I love that they are square.  This is a great card that could be used for either a man or a woman.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, October 6, 2017

Magnificent Medallion

Hello everyone,

Another card today using a stamped image found in my stash of leftovers.


The image is Stampin' Up Medallion stamped in Stampin' Up Smoky Slate on Whisper White, highlighted with Silver Stickles, and layered on a brushed silver of unknown origin.  The background image is Stampin' Up Timeless Textures also stamped in Smoky Slate.  The sentiment is Gina K Block Greetings stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.

This is one image I absolutely remember stamping because it's crooked.  I didn't want to through it away though because the impression is actually very good.  I was playing with the slate ink pad which I'd just received.  I do love the colour and especially like this ink colour.  It's perfect for crafting a striking neutral yet sophisticated card.  This card is particularly elegant and I really hope there is a resident for which this will be the perfect card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Beautiful In Blue

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses another image panel that I found when I was going through my stash of leftover bits.


The image is Stampin' Up Embrace Life stamped on Crumbcake in VersaMark and heat embossed in white.  The images are coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up chalks and highlighted with Sakura yellow Gelly Roll pen.  The focal panel is layered on a navy of unknown origin.  The sentiment, Stampin' Up Warmest Regards, is stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim.

I'm pretty sure this image panel is a few years old as I suspect I crafted it when I was experimenting with white embossing on kraft and black backgrounds.  Why I didn't use it back the, I've no idea.  It's a perfectly suitable image and while the colouring isn't perfect, it's not terrible either.  I couldn't decide which way was up so decided having the leaves as a border on the bottom would be a nice anchor for the sentiment.  I'm quite happy with the result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

A Goose Wish

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post uses an image that I found in my stash.


The printed paper is Kaisercraft Coat Rack.  The image is Stampin' Up Wetlands stamped in a variety of Stampin' Up inks on Very Vanilla and layered on a Bazzill rust.  The sentiment is a Stampin' Up image of unknown origin stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Recollections cork dots.

I can't believe I forgot about this image.  It is just perfect for this masculine and nature inspired card.  This background paper couldn't work any better with the image. The squares and layers make me so happy, right in my creative comfort zone. It's a really great result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Birthday Elegance

Hello everyone,

An truly elegant birthday card post today.


The image is Stampin' Up (no idea which set) stamped in Elegant Eggplant on Very Vanilla, highlighted with Wink of Stella Clear 999, and layered on more Elegant Eggplant.  The sentiment is Denami Design Upright Happy Birthday also stamped in Elegant Eggplant.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Strips.

I found this image in my stash of leftover bits.  I had stamped it years and years ago so have no idea in which set in belongs.  I just love this silhouette and deep purple, it's very striking.  Given it is quite a large image, it works best with a simple layout as anything complicated would detract from the overall impact.  It was the perfect image to pair with this equally bold vertical sentiment.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, October 2, 2017

Watercolour Tulip III

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the last of the watercolour birthday cards I've been working on for the past few weeks.



The background image is Hero Arts French Writing With Butterfly stamped in Altenew Frayed Leaf.  The focal image is Magenta Tulip which was coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up watercolour crayons and spritzed with water then stamped on Recollections Vanilla and layered on Stampin' Up Rose Red.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Avant Garden stamped in Early Espresso on more Recollections Vanilla.

A helpful tip to all, make certain your stamps are clean before using them!  I used three card bases before I finally managed to get a 'clean' impression.  For whatever reason, it doesn't appear that this background image was properly cleaned before it was put away and though I cleaned it once I realized the problem, it took a number of cleanings before the previous ink colour was finally gone.  What frustration!  All that said, this is a lovely card.  I love the pink in this tulip.  I also love the punched sentiment adhered on an angle.  A great result!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Watercolour Tulip II

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card is the second of three watercolour tulips.


The image is Magenta Tulip which was coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up watercolour crayons and spritzed with water then stamped on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla.  The image is layered on Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper and a green Bazzill.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.

I just loved yesterday's card so I decided to play with the crayon colours.  This tulip is much more burgundy than either red or pink so I chose this darker piece of alcohol inked paper on which to layer.  I love these Hero Arts sentiments.  The font is really lovely and it was the perfect size for being stamped on the vertical.  I love the final result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle