Thursday, April 20, 2017

Adding Sparkle to Distress Oxides - Clean and Simple Christmas Card

Hello cardmaking friends!  I am going to be very interested in your reaction to my card today because I have received VERY mixed reactions from those who I have shown it to thus far!  Is it too artsy?  Would most people like it? I don't know, so please let me know your reaction.


I created a background with Distress Oxide inks.  I have found that sometimes, the backgrounds still need something once I am done with the ink smooshing. If you are having the same feeling about your backgrounds, I think that you should try adding sparkle.  I think the easiest way I found so far is to mix a little pool of Perfect Pearls in water, and then flick that onto your background with a paintbrush.  They really just come alive with this addition.


For this card, I added both Perfect Gold and Antique Gold.  I took photos from a couple angles because I think that helps see the depth of color and sparkle.


This card was so clean and simple, I just die cut a piece of background and stamped the sentiment.  The card base was scored a few times to balance the card front.


Supplies: Distress Oxide Cracked Pistachio, Broken China, Vintage Photo, Ranger Perfect Pearls, Spellbinders Circle dies, Our Daily Bread Designs Earth Verses stamp set, Versafine Black ink

I would love to share this project with the following challenge:
SimonSaysStamp Monday Challenge - Splash it On

Thank you for spending a few minutes of your time with me today, and a special thanks if you took time to leave a comment.  Have a great day!

14 comments:

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

I for one, LOVE it Heidi! I think it's clean and simple and interesting with the addition of the embossed lines. And the die-cut background looks just like the Earth! Have a great day! Luv n’ Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Mac Mable said...

I still haven't bought the oxides yet....The addition of the gold is such a great idea and works so well. Love the two different colours of gold too. As far as too artsy...for me it can never be, as this makes it unique and so very special for the recipient x Absolutely love this card....really special and CAS at it's best x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

This is awesome! The gold really does bring it to life. The perfect Earth Day card!

Carol L said...

I absolutely LOVE this one Heidi! The specks of gold look amazing and I love this simple, yet effective design!

Sharon Fontenot said...

Love this. Thanks for the flicking extra sparkle idea. I don't have any of these oxides yet. I going to be coming into some Amazon credit money. I'm thinking about getting a set of these.

Beth Norman said...

Gosh, this is so unique and awesome. I love the background and how it turned out. Your sentiment is just perfect!

wannabcre8tive said...

Your cards are great. I like that you tied Earth Day in with your Christmas cards. You do a great job with the Oxides and the gold flecks definitely gives it pizzazz.

Conniecrafter said...

that is such a cool idea it totally looks so cool, great job!

Marina said...

Actually I love this - what a wonderful way to get the earth effect. I love how you've combine an artsy technique with a cas design.

Barbara said...

Distress oxides are absolutely fabulous and you've used them in a wonderful way! I love your card! Thanks for joining us this week on Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog! barbara

Cat Craig said...

For me this is one super fabulous card. my #1 pick of your cards for the time I have been following your blog. SO clean and simple (I am drawn to that card type).

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Wow, thanks so much! I think I like CAS very much using smaller portions of background techniques like this.

Andrea D. La Vigne said...

I think it's terrific! The gold adds such a nice touch. I never thought of adding gold like that; I usually use my Gansai Tambi Starry Colors paints. I might have to try with the Perfect Pearls. Great job on the card, and congrats for being featured as Our Daily Bread Designs' Customer Card of the Day! :) ~ Andrea

Anonymous said...

Stunning!!! Wish I could say I made something like that!!
Kara