Spring Bunny Card

 Today I would like to share this cute spring bunny.  She is peaking out of a spring meadow.  

How I did this card was starting with watercolor paper.  I took 3 shades of Distress inks and sponged them on the side of my panel. I didn’t bother doing any masking or anything, just sponged them on and blended.  The colors are Scattered Straw, Mowed Lawn and Broken China.  I then splattered some clean water on to get texture, and then, I splattered some water colored with the Broken China blue ink to get some colored texture.  

After this dried, I stamped my bunny over top with Versafine Black ink.  I used water based markers to fill in the image and then blended it with a wet brush.  

After adding this sentiment on a green strip and matting with the same color, I finished the card with a few different tiny orange gems.  

I really like the spring look of this card!  I hope it gives you an idea too.

The stamp I used is from the I Brake for Stamps store and it is called Large Rabbit.  It is available both separate and as a part of this great set called MS110 Full Plate. You can use my affiliate code BPMHeidi to save 15%.

You can also find more inspiration at the links below:

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop- https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog- https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pintrest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

Hero Arts MMH March 2023 Card Idea - Squeeze the Day - Ombré Background

 Hello stamping friends!  I have a card to share today that uses my March Hero Arts My Monthly Hero kit.  I used a technique for Ombré technique that is new to me.

I first stamped and heat embossed the background stamp on watercolor paper.  I then used direct-to-paper to apply Distress Ink in Spiced Marmalade right across the center of the page.  I made sure this applied darkly. 

I then took a damp baby wipe and used circular motions to spread that ink toward the edges of the paper.  This is what gives you an easy ombré look.

This was fun to do and I will be trying it with some of my other background stamps too.  I found this idea that adapts very well to heat embossed stamps from this blog.

Have a great day!

Stained Glass Look with Stamps

  Hi Everyone!

 The I Brake for Stamps shop has a wonderful selection of Stained Glass stamps.  I decided to use this one today because the diamond shape really caught my eye!

I heat embossed the stamp with white powder on watercolor paper.  I then colored in the sections with Tombow water-based markers.  I then blended the color, section by section, with a paintbrush dipped in water that I had mixed with Perfect Pearls.  It is really obvious in person, but only the close-up photo shows the lovely shimmer!  

I was in a bit of a traditional mood, so I finished off the card with old patterned papers from my stash and some gems.  

This stamp is part of MS89 Full Plate, along with 8 other images, in the I Brake for Stamps shop.  The sentiment is from Quarter Sheet Dahlia.  You can always use my affiliate code BPMHeidi to save 15% off your order!

Thanks for visiting today and have a wonderful day!

You can also find more inspiration at the links below:

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop- https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog- https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pintrest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

Watercolor Stormy Skies

Hello!  I am continuing to work on my watercoloring.  Although we have had a few absolutely gorgeous sunny days, I worked on my stormy skies.

I know the second one is prettier because the sun is coming out, but I am really proud of both skies. I love how they look like clouds.  

Stamps are from Stampendous Sunrise Sunset stamp set and Close to My Hearts Wordfetti.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Watercolor Sunrise and Sunsets

Hello! I hope you are having a good weekend. I recently had some time to work with watercolors. I made a bunch of backgrounds, and then continued to work on the free watercolor class by Stampendous.  I finished up these two cards.

Stampendous Sunrise Sunset stamp set, Versafine Black ink, Watercolor paper, Daniel Smith watercolors, Darice embossing folder.  

I’d like to enter ModSquad’s Nature scene challenge.

Thanks for visiting!

Christmas Cactus

Hello and Happy Monday! I hope you are well and you are taking care of your mental health as well. I think it is true for most crafters that crafting is a great part of caring for ourselves.  

Today I have a Christmas card to share. I don’t think I will make my monthly goal but hope to make up for it next month.

I created an Ombré watercolor wash with my Daniel Smith paints.  I didn’t get it faded quite as well as I would have liked. (These paints are really rich and I am still getting used to them.). After it dried, I stamped over top with this awesome stamp and painted it in.  

Let me just tell you that I love this stamp from Technique Junkies.  This is a TRUE Christmas cactus, not like the ones I have. Mine (and almost everyone’s) are actually considered a Thanksgiving Cactus. The leaf segments have a different shape, but they are still lovely. Mine are actually just at the end of their second bloom cycle.  I also have an Easter Cactus, but I can never get them to rebloom. They are tricky!

I would love to enter the March Rudolph Days challenge.

Thank you for visiting! I am a bit busy trying to figure out the cyber schooling.  One of my kids is used to this format and will not need help. But, the other is going to need help adjusting (as will his teachers!) However, I do hope to be round visiting all your blogs soon!

Stay well and keep on stamping!

Christmas Card Goal to Date 2020: 15
Christmas cards completed: 14

Rub-On Watercoloring - Handmade Card

Hello!  In my online stamping group, there is a challenge this week to try a technique called Rub-On Watercoloring.  This isn’t something I had tried before.  The video is here. 

If you aren’t sure if you want to watch the video, I will try to explain the process.  You stamp your image, and then use the clear index sheet from the stamp set to color your watercolor onto, then when you line it up, you can get the watercolor just in the right spot.  I used pink, peach, yellow for the flowers, and two colors of green for the leaves.

I also added some glitter glue to the centers, and I used a marker to fill in the berries.  This was really fun to try!  My stamp sets are both from Close to My Heart.  

I’d love to enter the Flower Challenge - Anything Goes and Double D Challenge - Spring.  

Thank you for visiting and keep on stamping!

Watercolor Stamped Scenes and a Worthy Card Drive

Hello! I hope you are having a nice start to your weekend!

Today I would like to promote a very worthy card drive and share some of the little paintings I have been doing as I follow along with the Stampendous Watercolor Friday Series.  

I think I told you before that I started out using some of the stamps I already have.  This farm set is very old, as is the background bandana stamp. Not a perfect painting, but I love this country look.  And watercoloring is forgiving.

Then I decided to purchase this scene builder set that is part of the watercolor class.  I have only had time to use the little sailboats so far, but there are many other little stamps that will create other kinds of scenes, and I hope to have time to play with those today.

This scene is from the class, and is very simple.  I decided to use the torn edges and an additional bird die cut to jazz it up.  I think this turned out nicely.  

I am sending these cards to Operation Safelight 2020.  This is a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity with women and men in a domestic violence shelter.  Carole asks for hand made cards, hand sewn makeup bags and money to sponsor spa bags to give to the people who need the services of the domestic violence shelter.  Such a wonderful cause!  Please check it out.  (Oh, there are prizes to be won too!)

So, these cards need appropriate sentiments (check the Operation Safelight blog post for guidelines).  The wise and wonderful sentiment is from Power Poppy, but I stamped inside all the cards I am sending with stamps from this set.  (This set is just retired, but if you are interested, check with your Close to My Heart consultant to see if they still have any around, often they will have some extras.)

Supplies:  Stampendous Scenic sampler, Bandanas Cling Background, On the Farm stamp sets, Close to My Heart Everyday Magic stamp set, Power Poppy Woodland Carpet stamp set, Versafine Black ink, Daniel Smith Essentials watercolor set, Bo Bunny Early Bird 6x6 paper pad, Carta Bella Ahoy There 6x6 paper pad

I would love to enter Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes challenge.

Thank you for spending some time with me today! I hope you have time to leave a comment so I know you were here, and please consider subscribing.

Sailboats in Watercolor

I don’t know how many people have seen this but Stampendous is having a tutorial each week at YouTube on watercoloring.  They started out with in depth videos about the tools, and then in February started the project tutorials. They have so much information in the videos and I have learned a lot!

  They do have a line of stamps out for these projects, but I decided to buy (on sale) the Daniel Smith watercolor paints, and then start working with some stamps I already have.  

This is an OLD Stampendous stamp that I thought was a similar style.   I think this scene is awesome for masculine cards, so I decided to get ahead with a Father’s Day card.  

Supplies: Stampendous Cling Sailboat Bay stamp, Hero Arts Celebrate Everyday sentiment set, Versafine black ink, Daniel Smith watercolors, Canson Watercolor paper, other items from my stash.

I did pick up one of the stamp sets from the videos now, and will be working with it in the future.  I definitely need a lot of practice! What do you think about watercoloring?

I’d love to enter Retro Rubber’s Anything Goes Challenge (have to use an old stamp, this stamp is 5-10 years old)

1920’s Fashion Valentine

Hello!  I am continuing to work on Valentines! One of the nicest things about making your own cards is that you can personalize each one.  This one is made with a teenage girl in mind — one who doesn’t care for hearts. 

Supplies: I Brake for Stamps 1920’s Fashion Ladies stamp set, Old and New stamp set, Versafine and Memento black inks, Gina Marie Loopy Rectangle dies, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers

Save 10% on your order at the I Brake for Stamps store using my code SAVE10HEIDI.

My background is the salted watercolor technique.  To get this texture, lay down a wash of watercolor paint on watercolor paper and, while it is still wet, throw some salt down on it.  After it dries, rub off the salt and it is ready to go. 

I added a few die cut butterflies as my embellishment.  I also added some glitter pen to the dress details and the little butterflies, but it didn’t show up in the photo.  I am happy with how this card turned out!

I’d love to enter Word Art Wednesday’s Anything Goes challenge.

Do you personalize your cards for each recipient?  Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for visiting today!

Christmas Tree Collage Card

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well with their holiday preparations! I have a card to share that is either good for mass-producing, or for a last minute card.  This card was quick to make because I stamped on watercolor paper and just quickly added color with my pan watercolor set.  This really is a FAST way to add color.  

This affordable quarter sheet set has two choices for an outside sentiment and a great inside-of-the-card sentiment too!  As always, save 10% on your I Brake for Stamps order with my code SAVE10HEIDI.

I would love to enter ModSquad Challenge’s Christmas/Winter challenge, Cupcake Inspirations Holiday Challenge, Word Art Wednesday’s Anything Goes challenge, and Cute Card Thursday’s Anything Goes challenge.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Heidi

Floral Silhouette Birthday Card

Hello everyone and Happy Wednesday!  It is a beautiful morning, crisp and cool, but it will warm up later on today.  I decided to use a stamp I just used recently, but in a different way.  You can see the previous card HERE.

First, I used watercolors to create a pretty background on mixed media paper.  Then, I die cut out the paper. Finally, I masked off the sides of the die cut because the stamp was just a little too wide.  I stamped the image in black.  I thought it turned out so pretty, and I love the detail of this stamp, especially the centers of the flowers. Isn’t it funny how a detail can please you so much?

I simply framed the image with a scrap of patterned paper, and also found a pretty scrap of hot pink cardstock for the sentiment tag.  My scrap box has gotten a little full, so I am hoping to attend to that this next month, as I am creating.

Supplies: I Brake for Stamps Half Sheet 138B, Versafine Onyx Black Ink, Spellbinders Fancy Edge rectangles dies, and Fancy Framed tags 2, Recollections Backyard Table 6x6 patterned paper pad, other items from my stash. (As always, save 10% on your entire order at the I Brake for Stamps Store by using my coupon code, SAVE10HEIDI )

I have a pin picked out to use for my Pinned It, Try It! series later this week, AND I have been working on some Christmas cards.  So hopefully, I will see you again soon once I have finished those up.  

Thank you for your visit!  I think I am up to date on my blog visits, but if not, leave me a comment and I will be sure to stop by and see what you have been up to!

Heidi

Get Well Soon Card

A quick share today!  

The background is stamped over an ombré watercolor.  It is more green at the bottom, in person.  The butterflies were stamped on acetate, then stickles were applied underneath. They were adhered with glossy accents.

Stamps: Sparkle n Sprinkle Spring Background, Our Daily Bread Designs Bugs, Hero Arts CL342 Sentiment set.

I’d like to enter this in SplitCoastStampers Free 4 All Challenge - Going Buggy, SimonSaysStamp’s Wednesday Challenge -Stamp It, and SimonSaysStamp’s Monday Challenge - Something Clear.

Thanks for looking!

Friendship Card - Stamping with Brusho Powders

Hello everyone.  I am sharing a card I made this week with a bit of a different stamping technique. I stamped with Brusho powders.  Any of the watercolor powders would work with this technique and it gives a neat look.

This is the process. 1: Spritz rubber stamp with water.  2: Sprinkle Brusho powders over the wet stamp.  I used yellow, green and blue powders. 3: Spritz again with water to mix colors.  4: Stamp onto watercolor paper.

This is a very loose look and will be a bit different each time.  I let my garden dry, and then stamped over top of it with the fence stamp. I added a few flower sequins to the garden, just for fun. I just adore this sentiment, don’t you?





All the stamps are from Half Sheet 138B.  You can save 10% on this stamp and your entire order at the I Brake for Stamps store using my code SAVE10HEIDI.

Thanks for visiting! Happy Stamping!

Heidi

Pinned It? Try It! - Stenciled Gesso Resist

This is the start of a new blog series for me.  Have you ever pinned something on Pinterest, and then never got around to trying that idea?  I know — that is a silly question!  If you use Pinterest, I am sure you have done that.  

I am going through my pins and am going to actually try the ideas I saw!  My first idea came from this blog post from 2016: My Creative Rumblings.  Please check out Shelly’s card.  The basic idea was to use gesso through a stencil onto regular cardstock, let it dry, and then color over with watercolor crayons and blend out.   The gesso will act as a resist.  

I’m not sure what specific supplies Shelly used, but let me show you my process. 

First, I used a palate knife to apply Faber Castell gesso through a stencil.  This is a fairly thick gesso, but it is the same gesso I use to prep paper, so it isn’t as thick as modeling paste.  I let this dry completely.

Later, I came back and colored over my stenciling with Prima Water Soluble Pastel crayons.  These are the only watercolor-type crayons I have. I like them because I can also stamp with them.  

I then spritzed each background with water, and then used a wet brush to move the color around.  I then wiped off the extra color with a damp paper towel. I used a light touch as I wondered if the stenciling would rub off if I was too heavy handed.  

These are my results when my background were still wet.  I like them both!  I bet I would get a better color blend if I had used watercolor paper.  But regular cardstock worked just fine. 

Here is my first card. I added die cut sentiment and some cute die cut stamps over vellum.  Then I cut tiny strips of glitter paper and used them for a border.  

The second card, I used a doily die cut I had in my scrap box.  I no longer own this die. I think I must have accidentally thrown it out.  I then added the bird, saying and some sequins to finish this off.  This card did warp a little. I should have let the background dry a little more completely before assembling the card. I have it under a book now to flatten it before mailing. 

Supplies: Hero Arts Swans and Cattails stamp and die set, Stampin Up A Happy Thing Stamp set, Close to My Heart Wordfetti stamp set, Memento and Archival black inks, DCWV Twinkle Glints 6x6 glitter paper pad, Creative Expressions Autumn stencil, Fabric Creations by Plaid doily stencil, Faber Castell Gesso, Prima Watersoluble Oil Pastels

I hope I have inspired you to try a new idea!  If you are interested in my Pinterest, here is a link.  

Storybook Apple Picking Card - Teacher Thank You

Apple picking season is just around the corner, and so is back to school. I originally was going to use this darling image, Miss Rachel Picking Apples, for a birthday card for my niece, but while in the process, I changed my mind.  Instead, I will use it a little thank you note for a new teacher. 

I watercolored the image, and then decided I just had to paper piece Miss Rachel’s dress.  The sentiment that I added is from Florals Sheet. 

Are you ready for fall? I don’t think I am yet, but it seems to be coming nonetheless!  Have a wonderful day!

Salted Watercolor - Fiesta Card

Hello and happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  We were able to go to a lake and kayak with family.  It was really great weather and we had a good time. 

Today, I am sharing this really fun Fiesta Themed card!  I started with the background, which is Ombré watercolor, but I treated it with salt before it dried to get this cool texture!  It is one of my favorite techniques.  

All the stamps were colored with pencils and cut out with the coordinating dies.  I actually colored these all a while back at my craft group. I find it easiest to travel with colored pencils, they take up so  little room in my bag.  

I had a piece of the watercolor paper left and did not want it to go to waste, so I used it on the inside of my card!  

Supplies: Hero Arts MMH April 2018 Kit (this one is still available), Memento and Versafine Black inks, Prismacolor pencils, Koi Pan watercolors, watercolor paper, other items from my stash.  

I’d love to enter this in Tuesday Throwdown’s Furry Friends challenge, and SimonSaystamp’s Wednesday Challenge Add a Die cut

Thanks for visiting today!

Ombré Watercolor Background

Hello everyone! I hope you had a good Monday.  Mine was filled with some cardmaking, but also a bunch of errands and cleaning.  It was really nice summer weather.  Not too hot and not too humid.  Can’t complain about that!  

I have been admiring the stamps that Technique Junkies makes, as I am a long time reader of one of their Design Team member, Beth. I finally decided to make a purchase, and used this gorgeous bird stamp first!

I first created an Ombré Watercolor background with my pan watercolors.  These can be fun to do. You start with a lot of color, and then use more and more water as you go.  After it dried, I stamped right over top.  I then used watercolor markers to fill in the colors, and I blended the colors with a water brush.

The sentiment is one from Power Poppy.  I thought it went right along with this image.  

Supplies: Technique Junkies Watercolor Birds, Power Poppy Woodland Carpet stamp set, Versafine Onyx Black ink, Koi Pan watercolor travel set, watercolor paper, Tombow Water Based markers.

Thanks for visiting today!  I feel like I am back in the swing of things.  How about you?  Have you had time for crafting lately?