Three More Wildflower Stems

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is the last sentiment-less card I crafted for a girlfriend's commission.

The card base is Stampin' Up Island Indigo.  The images were cut with the Sizzix Wildflower Stems #2 die from a silver of unknown origin, Island Indigo and Recollections White.  The die cut are adhered to a piece of Ranger alcohol inked Yupo paper, layered on more Recollections White.  The Island Indigo Wildflower is highlighted with Wink of Stella Clear 999.

If you've not already figured it out, I just love alcohol inked paper!  I don't think I've every come across a piece that I didn't find appealing.  I thought it was a great background for these somewhat funky die cut stems.  I drew on the colours in the background for the wildflower stems.  I probably could have placed the stems better but once the glue in on, it's not very forgiving.  It's still a great result.

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

Gisèle

Seagulls Negative

 Hello everyone,

Today's post uses the negative die cut from yesterday's card.

The card base is Close To My Heart Grey Flannel.  The image is Kaisercraft Seagulls decorative dies, cut from an ivory of unknown origin and layered on a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper, more Grey Flannel and Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.

I don't believe I've every used the negative of a die cut but I've though about it often.  I think this particular die is perfect for the negative if you manage to cut it relatively straight - something I made a point of doing when I was pulling the elements together.  I experimented with a number of background layers, knowing I wanted to use a piece of alcohol inked paper. I was also thinking that this is a bit more of a masculine sentiment-less card which would be good for this commission.

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

Gisèle

Seagulls in Flight

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is another simple yet striking sentiment-less card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Taken With Teal.  The images are Kaisercraft Seagulls decorative die, cut from an ivory of unknown origin and layered on a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper and a mirrored teal of unknown origin.

I've had these die cut images forever but don't readily think to use them.  I was inspired by adhering them on top of this scrap of alcohol inked paper that reminds me of the sky.  I wish it had been as easy finding a piece of mirrored blue paper for the layer. Though I could have used white, I love how the birds really pop!

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

Gisèle

Eclectic Leaves

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely sentiment-less card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Terracotta Tile.  The background was stamped with Stampin' Up Crosshatch in Altenew Rocky Shore on Recollections Vanilla, layered on a copper of unknown origin and highlighted with Copper Pearl Liquid Pearls.  The images are Stampin' Up Kinda Eclectic stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Copper, Sizzix Thinlits Wildflower Stems #2 cut from a piece of watercolor paper painted with LuminArte Mustard Green, Chestnut Brown and Nutmeg, and DoCrafts X-cut Leaves cut from a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.

I don't know that I've ever used the Crosshatch background stamped and not just loved the results.  This card is no exception.  I chose more autumn colours for all the elements because it is that time of year after all.  The different leaves and inks really make this card eclectic!  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Glittered Butterflies

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is the start of a sentiment-less commissioned series that I recently completed.

The card base is Close To My Heart Lagoon.  The image is Memory Box Fairyland Butterflies die cut from Recollections White.  The wings are covered with Art Institute Mermaid Glitter, Stampendous Royal Glitter and Diamond Stickles.  The butterflies are layered on a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper, Stampin' Up Island Indigo and a white of unknown origin.

This card was a bit of an experiment and I'm reasonably happy with the results.  The girlfriend who requested these cards loves glitter, sparkle and shine so I couldn't resist playing with glitter on these butterflies.  It was a bit of a process as I had to allow for drying time.  I wish I had been just a bit more careful with the glue as there is some glitter that stuck outside the lines.  I'll figure it out better for the next time.  I'm so pleased with the results regardless of the extra glitter.

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

Gisèle

Trees in Threes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Sweet Pea 'thank you' card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Old Olive.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Sweet Pea layered on Pumpkin Pie.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Petal Palette stamped in Altenew Sunkissed and Early Espresso on Recollections White and layered on more Pumpkin Pie.  The leaf was cut with DoCrafts X-cut leaves die from a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.

This is not one of my favourite papers in the Sweet Pea collection.  I find the blue circles weird and they leave a lot of strange white space.  I layered the sentiment on a dots stamp which mimicked the dots in the blue circles.  I was hard pressed to find an embellishment, choosing to use a die cut leaf with a lot of colour.  It's a bit on the 'heavy' side but isn't completely terrible.

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

Gisèle

Sympathetic Simplicity

Hello everyone,

Today's card is a very simple sympathy card.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla.  The background image is Woodware Slashes stamped in Close To My Heart Pebble.  The image is a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper cut with a Sizzix Wildflower Stems #2 Thinlits.  The sentiment is Hero Arts stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite.  The card is highlighted with Platinum Liquid Pearls.

I wanted to use a piece of alcohol inked glossy paper cut in a silhouette for one of these sympathy cards.  I really love this style and have loved the results each time I've done it.  I picked up this background stamp last summer and love it!  I was careful about the placement of the Liquid Pearls and had to resist adding more.  I'm quite pleased with the final results.

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

Gisèle

Footprints

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a bit of a different card than my usual.

The card base is Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The sentiment is Creative Expressions Amazing Sentiments stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Whisper White and layered on Stampin' Up Island Indigo and Whisper White, and a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.  The ribbon is American Crafts.

Of course I couldn't craft just one alcohol inked paper card!  This is a favourite piece with different shades of blue and just a titch of pink/purple.  I came across this sentiment when I was looking for the sentiment for yesterday's card.  I didn't even realize it was part of this Creative Expressions stamp set.  Obviously I've not used it before!  I'm sure everyone is familiar with this poem and I thought it eminently appropriate for the types of cards I'm crafting right now.  For some reason, I liked the placement lower on the card rather than centered.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Happy Spring

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a really cheerful 'hello' card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The image is the Sizzix/Stampin' Up Butterfly Thinlits die, cut from Close To My Heart Sunny Yellow and highlighted with Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Everyday Sayings stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Whisper White and layered on Close To My Heart Citrus Leaf.  The image and sentiment are adhered to a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper which was layered on a white of unknown origin and more Citrus Leaf.  The card is highlighted with Lime Green Stickles.

Not only is the novelty of physical distancing lessening but I'm tired of grey skies and cold temperatures!  I'm want sunshine and warmth!  I made this bright and sunny hello card instead.  I took some time to play with alcohol ink on the weekend.  It was pretty limited however I've only a little bit of isopropyl alcohol left and it's now impossible to find.  I do have some blending solution but that is really expensive compared to rubbing alcohol.  I'm quite happy with these latest pieces of alcohol inked papers.  This piece turned out as cheerful as I'd hoped.

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

Gisèle

Naturally

Hello everyone,

Today's card is a very neutral 'thinking of you' card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The image is Woodware Wheat stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Beige and Olive on Whisper White.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Everyday Sayings stamped in Altenew Dark Chocolate.  The image/sentiment panel is layered on a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper, Stampin' Up Old Olive and a brown of unknown origin.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.

A girlfriend sent me a beautiful Easter card with a wonderful alcohol inked background which inspired me to break into my own stash of alcohol inks.  I love the soft green and beige in this piece.  It was perfect for a more natural card.  It also gave me an opportunity to play with some of the Tsukineko inks in my stash.  I think the results are just amazing!

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

Gisèle

Un Petit Mot

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another great French wildflower stem card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Baja Breeze.  The image is a Sizzix Thinklits Wildflower Stems #2 die, cut from a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Bonnidee Leave #1 stamped in Altenew Desert Night on Recollections White and layered on Stampin' Up Night of Navy.  The White layer was stamped with Hero Arts La Letter in Altenew Sea Glass.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

I really love this card.  The shades of blue and white are very appealing.  The background image is, of course, French words.  I borrowed a couple of French stamp sets from a girlfriend and I really love this particular sentiment with the flowing font and it's overall size.  I had to add a little glitter because it's perfect for my instructor.  This is another great result.

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

Gisèle

Birthday Stem

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a great French birthday card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Night of Navy.  The image is a Sizzix Wildflower Stems #1 die, cut from a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Bonnidee French Wording #1 stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on DCWV Foiled silver card stock. The card is highlighted with Silver Stickles.

I've decided to make a series of all occasion cards as a thank you for my French teacher.  I've been spending some time playing with alcohol inks lately and decided a few alcohol inked wildflower stem cards would be perfect.  These are quite simple cards with an easy elegance.  Of course, a little sparkle is just a necessity.  I love a blue/silver/white colour combination with the alcohol inked stem blending all these colours.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Birthday Butterflies

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a birthday card I crafted for my French teacher who recently celebrated her birthday.

The card base is Recollections White.  The image is Memory Box First Flight stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Beige, Crimson, Rust and Crimson Copper on Recollections White and layered on a brushed gold of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss.  The image panel is a piece of Ranger alcohol inked Yupo paper.  The sentiment is Bonnidée French Wording #1 stamped in Blackberry Bliss on Recollections White and layered on more brushed gold and Blackberry Bliss.  The card is highlighted with Mercury Glass Stickles.

My French teacher is a great woman.  We really have a great time together no matter how many times she has to correct my terrible grammar.  I didn't have anything particular in mind when I sat down at my desk to craft but knew her carded needed colour and a bit of sparkle.  This is a great image with which to use multiple ink colours.  The few Tsukineko inks that I have are the cat's eye style so, like ink spots, are easy to use when inking an image.  I adhered the sentiment on an angle because I felt it flowed well with the 'flight' of butterflies.

My teacher loved her card!  You'd think she'd been given a huge gift not just a simple card.

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

Gisèle

Spring Daffodil III

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the last of the daffodil card I crafted on the weekend.

The card base is Recollections White.  The background is a piece of Ranger alcohol inked Yupo paper layered on a white of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Powder Pink and Barely Banana.  The images are Altenew Build-A-Flower Daffodil stamped in Altenew Jet Black, Buttercream, Warm Sunshine, Citrus Burst, Peach Perfect, Pink Pearl and Rouge on Recollections White and cut with the coordinating die.  The sentiment is of unknown origin stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Annabelle stamps pearls.

This is a much different card than the last two.  I wanted to try pink centers on the daffodils.  I was quite pleased with the results which further inspired the background layers.  I didn't use any of the greenery with these daffodils because I couldn't find a great placement with this layout.  I do like to pop of yellow against the pink.  Again this alcohol inked piece of Yupo paper was a fail but I still liked the results.

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

Gisèle

Spring Daffodil II

Hello everyone

Today's post is the second daffodil card I crafted this past weekend.

The card base is Recollections White.  The background layer is a piece of Yupo paper coloured with a variety of Ranger alcohol inks and layered on a white of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Crushed Curry.  The images are Altenew Build-A-Flower Daffodil stamped in Altenew Jet Black, Fresh Lemon, Honey Drizzle, Warm Sunshine, Olive, Parrot, Maple Yellow and Citrus Burst on Recollections White and cut with the coordinating die.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The card is highlighted with Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

These two daffodils are so jolly!  This wasn't at all the alcohol inked background I'd intended.  I was attempting to have something more wispy and less solid.  It's a technique I came across via Jennifer McGuire's blog.  It was an epic fail on my part but I'll keep at it.  What I did manage still works wonderfully with these daffodils.

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

Gisèle

Tabby Thoughts

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the start of a series of cat cards I'm crafting for a local cat rescue organization.

The card base is Stampin' Up Very Vanilla.  The background stamp is Stampin' Up You've Got This stamped in Altenew Sunkissed on more Very Vanilla and layered on Close To My Heart Orange and a brown Bazzill.  The cat was punched from a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped in Early Espresso.

My neighbor adopted two sweet kittens from a local cat rescue organization which is always looking for ways to raise funds.  She crafted a couple of sets of cards for them to sell and they were snapped up quickly.  I thought I'd craft a couple of simple cat card sets to help in the effort.  This cat punch was part of a recent Stampin' Up order and given all the cat cards I craft, I thought it a good investment.  I've had this idea of using alcohol inked paper with the paper punch floating around my head for a while and it turned out even better than I imagine.  I'm going to get a lot of use out of this punch!

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

Gisèle

Deepest Sympathy

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the start of a sympathy card series that I'm crafting.

The card base is Stampin' Up River Rock.  The image is Woodware Going To Seed stamped in Altenew Permanent Black on a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Serendipity Stamps also stamped in Altenew Permanent Black on Recollections Vanilla.  The image/sentiment panels are layered on Recollections Black and Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The embellishments are Multicrafts Keepsakes Memories.

My neighbor works at a seniors residence and they send sympathy cards to the families of residents who've passed away.  Her stash has dwindled so I've offered to supplement until she can rebuild.  I really love this large stamp.  I've done a very similar card in the past and love how this large impression turns out on a piece of alcohol inked paper.  I think it's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Soft Sympathy

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a sympathy card for a friend whose father recently passed away.

The card base is Stampin' Up Soft Seafoam.  The image was cut from more Soft Seafoam with a Sizzix Wildflower Stems #2 Thinlits die, layered on a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper, a white of unknown origin and Close To My Heart Heavenly Blue.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Sincere Expressions stamped in Altenew Dusk on a white of unknown origin.  The embellishments are Recollections Faux Pearl Stickers.

This is a smaller sized card to go with one of the loose envelops I have in my stash.  It was the perfect size for using one of the scraps of alcohol inked papers I also have stashed away.  All the colours flow from the alcohol inked paper.  I chose this particular stem because it was perfect for adding a few small pearls.  A simple sentiment goes with this straight forward layout.

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

Gisèle

Another Single Stem

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another single stem card.

The card base is Close To My Heart Colonial White.  The background is a piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper layered on DCWV Silky Smooth card stock and a shimmery gold of unknown origin.  The image is Sizzix Thinlits Wildflower Stems #2 cut from a shimmery brown of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Gina Marie All Seasons stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso.

I had so much fun with yesterday's card I couldn't resist crafting another.  I used the #2 set of the series which I picked up at the same time.  I've had this piece of alcohol inked paper in my stash for eons and was just looking for an excuse to use it.  I love the combination of colours on the alcohol inked paper which are the perfect background for this silhouetted stem.  I thought it was ideal for a sympathy card.

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

Gisèle

For You

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very pretty card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Garden Green.  The images are Stampin' Up Embrace Life stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and coloured with a variety of Faber-Castell and Prismacolor pencil crayons.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart For Every Occasion also stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The image/sentiment panel is layered on piece of Ranger alcohol inked glossy paper and Stampin' Up Orchid Opulence.

This is a great purple and green card.  The entire colour scheme for this card is based on the alcohol inked paper.  This is a stamp set that I really like but don't use that often.  I was feeling quite brave when I broke out the pencil crayons.  These image are actually really easy to colour, not requiring much complicated shading.  The hardest part was actually fussy cutting the larger flower.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle