Loose Background Using a Brayer and Painting with Ink Pad

Hello! Welcome back to my blog. Today's post features my 8th AECP assignment featuring two inking techniques, using a brayer, and direct to paper inking.

For inks, I am using Tim Holtz Distress Oxide in Cracked Pistachio and Walnut Stain. Starting with the green color, I pressed the ink pad on a craft sheet. I sprayed a bit of water on the ink, then picked it up with the brayer. I rolled the inked brayer on a watercolor paper cut at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". I repeated this process using the brown ink. I did not have a pattern when I was applying the inks. I just let the brayer create the pattern. I heat set this to speed dry it.

The next step is embossing. To make sure that the background panel is ready for this step, I did a trial of pouring embossing powder to the panel. If no powder sticks to the panel, then it is ready for embossing.

I am using the Altenew Hennah Elements stamp set on this card. I stamped the images more on the left of the panel. I stamped the images with Versafine Onyx Black ink. Since the watercolor paper is a very textured paper, I used the Misti Stamping Tool so I can re-stamp the image, if needed. I poured black embossing powder over the wet stamped images, then heat set it. I stamped one image at a time, pouring the powder after each stamping. I heat set this after stamping a cluster of images.

I filled the area using the smaller stamps included in the set, stamping these images with the same black ink and black embossing powder. Just be careful not to expose the embossed images to the heat so as not to flatten the embossing. 

I lifted the color from the flowers by applying water to the flowers. The wells created by the embossing traps the water inside the image. I picked this water with a paper towel. I repeated this process until I am happy with how light the color of the image is. At one point, I applied a pearlized water to add shimmer to the flowers.

I flicked opaque white paint to the panel and allowed this to dry.

I die cut this panel using a double stitched rectangular die from Simon Says Stamp. This die creates a frame and a panel with stitching detail on the edges of both die cuts. I die cut another cardstock using the same die. I applied glue to the frame die cut and adhered this to the back of the watercolored frame die cut to create a bit of dimension. 

For the sentiment, I die cut the word hugs on the panel using a die from the Altenew Hello and Hugs die set. I am planning to in-lay this back to the panel.

I lifted the ink from this word die cut but somehow, the sentiment is hardly noticeable when in-laid. Not giving up right away, I die cut this word three times on a brown cardstock. I adhered this brown colored die cuts to the back of the watercolored word die cut to create dimension. I still can't see my sentiment. For my third try, I added the green ink directly to the die cut. What's so nice about the oxide inks is that it kept the brown details on the die cut. I was afraid that I was going to lose that detail. 

But I am still not happy with the look. So as my last attempt to save this project, I used the hugs shadow die included in the set to die cut a brown vellum. I adhered the stacked sentiment on this, then adhered it over the opening created for my supposedly inlay sentiment. Much better, what do you think?

I adhered the frame to a side folding A2 note card, using the corner of the Misti Stamping Tool as a guide to make sure the frame is straight. I also temporarily inlaid the main panel inside the frame to help in positioning. I adhered the main panel after. I embellished the panel with several brown sequins.

Whew! I thought I won't be able to pull this one through. The rewards of perseverance. This card has a chalky feel because of the Oxide inks. I bet, it will have a different look if Distress inks are used. Want to give it a try? Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day!

Maria Giselle B.

I am sharing this creation at

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge

Time Out Challenges

Color Hues The Color Challenge

Create a Frame Using a Large Stamp

Hello! Welcome back to my blog. I got my inspiration for today's card from Newton's Nook's latest challenge blog which I linked below. I can't keep myself from joining the challenge. This is one of my favorite challenge blogs.

I cut my card base at 9" x 4 1/2". I scored this at 4 1/2" on the long side to create a top folding square card.  I stamped the sentiment on all the sides of the card front using a sentiment stamp from Newton's Nook Birthday Roundabout stamp set. I used a light gray ink to stamp this sentiment but I want the color to be lighter, so I used the second generation ink. I had to repeat this second generation stamping twice or thrice, depending on the impression I got. Thanks to the Misti Stamping Tool, it made the re-stamping very easy. Since I stamped the sentiment on the edge and since I am using the Misti, I simply rotated the card to stamp the sentiment on all sides.

I stamped the large round stamp on the center of the card front using a darker gray ink. This stamp is also from the NN Birthday Roundabout stamp set. Thanks again to the Misti, I was able to re-stamp this large stamp since I missed a couple of spots on my first try. I blended the lighter gray ink on the center of the stamped image. I set this aside so I can work on the other elements of my card.

I stamped the same large round stamp on Strathmore Bristol paper using Versafine Onyx Black ink. I heat set this to speed dry it. You can use any circle die to die cut the stamped impression but I wanted to add details so I fussy cut the outer edge of the large round stamped impression leaving a white border around it. 

Now, it's time to create this into a frame. I traced a circle on the center using a smaller circle die. I also made sure that the circle I am using is large enough for the cat image to fit in. I used my craft knife to create an opening on the center, then used my sharp pointy scissors to fussy cut and create the frame window. I blended Tim Holtz Distress Tattered Rose Oxide ink on the frame. 

For the focal image, I stamped the cat on Strathmore Bristol paper using Versafine Onxy Black ink. The image is from Newton's Nook Loves Cake stamp set. I heat set this to speed dry it. I colored the image using Tim Holtz Distress Crayons, following the colors of the cupcake in the inspiration photo. I fussy cut the image, cutting it near the outline, then running a black marker around the fussy cut image.

I added dimension to the frame using a scrap piece of a circle frame die cut that fits on the back which does not show through the front. I adhered this using liquid glue, then adhered it to the front of the card, lining the images so it will match its layout. I applied liquid glue to the back of the stamped cat and tucked it to the inside bottom frame.

I added details to the frame and background using pink and glittered pens in my stash.

To fill the space in between the sentiments, I stamped several confettis using the Tim Holtz Distress Bundled Sage Oxide ink. As last step, I rounded the corners.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day!

Maria Giselle B.

I am sharing this creation at

Newton's Nook Challenge Blog

Hero Arts Challenge Blog

Embossing with Dies and Create a Background Using a Sentiment Stamp

Hello! Welcome back to my blog. This is my 7th AECP card creation. The homework is to use a die creatively. There are several ways to use a die and for today's card, I am using a coordinating sentiment die to create an embossed impression on the stamped sentiment. I am using Altenew Halftone Happy stamp set and die. I am also using the Misti Stamping Tool to create this card.

On a white piece of cardstock cut at 5 1/2" x 4 1/4", I stamped the happy outline on the center using a dark brown dye ink. I lined the halftone happy stamp to this outlined impression. The halftone happy stamp gives you an ombre look impression once stamped. To step up this look, I inked the sentiment stamp using three different shades of ink. This is where the Misti Stamping Tool comes very handy. I partially inked the sentiment then stamped it. I wiped off the residual ink. I inked the stamp with the next color shade, then re-stamped the sentiment. I continued this process one more time. If I want the inks to blend, I apply ink to that area and re-stamp the sentiment again. I just made sure that the ink gradation is not lost in the stamping process.

I created a mask for this focal sentiment. This is one of the few occasions that I wish the coordinating die creates a border around the stamped image when die cut. But since the coordinating die is an exact match of the stamped impression, I created my own mask that will have that border effect. I stamped the outline sentiment on masking paper. I fussy cut this leaving a small border around it. I adhered this to the stamped panel, trying my best to line up the sentiment on the cardstock panel and the masking paper. I could have used my light box to help with the alignment, but I didn't think about that while I was creating the card.

I stamped the celebrate stamp repeatedly on the background using varied dye inks. The stamp is from the Altenew Label Love stamp set. The colors I used was inspired by the latest Altenew Challenge which I linked below. I used the Misti Stamping Tool to create the background. It is a tedious process but it is just like playing an instrument, the repetitive process is like a stamping rhythm, position stamp  ->ink->stamp->re-stamp, if needed->clean stamp with shammy->move paper->repeat the process until the whole background is filled.

I always felt awed once I remove the masking paper that's why masking is one of my favorite techniques. 

To add the embossing, I lined the sentiment die to the matching stamped sentiment. I used a silicone mat and followed my die cutting machine's sandwiching guidelines for embossing. I tried to capture in photos the embossing but the look it created in real life is amazing, especially when you run your fingers on the embossed impression.

I added sentiment strips to complete the greeting. I blended ink to a white cardstock with the same mahogany ink I used on the sentiment and the background. I heat set this to dry before stamping with Versamark ink. I poured white embossing powder to this, and heat set it. 

I trimmed a sliver off the edges and matted this panel with a dark red cardstock. 

I really enjoyed creating this card. I hope you give these techniques a try. Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day!

Maria Giselle B.

I am sharing this creation at

Altenew Challenge Blog

Flipping Sentiment Greeting Card with Surprise Message (New to My Stash #24)

Hello! Welcome back to my blog and to another post in my series, New to My Stash. I have not made a post in this series in a while. I am so glad to be able to feature a newly purchased craft item, which is the focus of this series. 

For today's post, I am featuring Pretty Pink Posh products specifically the Hugs stamp set and coordinating die set. I created this card to also join in the latest Ellen Hutson blog's challenge as linked below. I like the colors in this challenge.

This is not a true waterfall card since not all the letters flipped to the back of the slider. What matters is the hidden sentiment gets to be seen once it is pulled out. The hidden sentiment is from the PPP Thoughtful Greetings stamp set. 

The background panel was created by inlaying the frame die cuts created by the PPP Scallop Frames die set on a Concord & 9th Stardust cardstock cut at 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". I blended the same ink on the scalloped frames and brushed in some pearl powder for some accent. 

This was adhered to a top folding A2 notecard. 

Thank you for visiting my blog! Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day.

Maria Giselle B.

I am sharing this creation at

August Color Trends Challenge

Simon Says Stamp IG Challenge

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Emboss It

Monochromatic Holiday Card

 

Hello! Welcome to another challenge @ Incy Wincy Designs. The themes for this month are Food and Drink +/or Monochrome. Our challenge sponsor is Limited Runs. The image I used on this card is linked below. 

I printed the image on watercolor cardstock. I colored the image with Tim Holtz Distress inks. 

I created a stitched framed for the image by first, partially die cutting two frames from the Altenew String Art Rectangle die set to create a pierced square panel. To make this into a frame, I cut off the center using a craft knife to create a window. 

Using DMC floss, I sewn a zigzag pattern on the frame using two brown flosses for some contrast. 

I embossed a sentiment on the the watercolored panel with a Ranger Copper embossing powder. I blended some Tim Holtz Distress ink in Tea Dye on the sides of the cup to dull the bright white of the watercolor paper.

I adhered the frame to this and cut off any excess.

For the background panel, I cut a typing paper at 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". I adhered two kraft patterned papers from Pebbles to this. 

I adhered the stitched focal point to the patterned paper panel.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you join us in this month's challenge. Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day.

Maria Giselle B.

Image Sponsor

I am sharing this creation at

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Anything Goes

Floral Scene String Art Card

Hello! Welcome back to my blog! I am so glad to be back as well. I've been sick but I am very thankful that I am slowly recovering. Best of all, I am able to create a card again.

This is my 6th AECP creation. The assignment is on creating a scene. When I think about scene cards, I think more of critters and places. I don't have products with such in my Altenew stash but after watching the class videos, I realized that I don't have to limit myself to critters and places to create a scene card. That I can also use flowers and food to create a scene card. 

I am using the Altenew Wild Hibiscus stamp set and the Altenew String Art Rectangles die set for this project. I laid the flowers and the dies that I am planning to use to build my scene on a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" scrap piece of cardstock. In this process, I will be able to visualize how my scene looks and also plan the order of stamping my flowers, since one of the flowers will be overlapping another flower. I created a mask for the floral image that will be on the front. 

Also, in laying out the stamps and the dies I am also assured that I won't be die cutting into the flower except for the middle flower. 

I stamped the flowers on the left and the right on watercolor paper using Versafine Onyx Black ink. I used the second generation ink to stamp the flower on the left on masking paper. I fussy cut this flower right on the stamped line. I heat set the inked images to speed dry it.

I adhered the floral mask on top of the stamped flower making sure I aligned the mask to the flower really well. I stamped the middle flower using the same ink. I dried this using a heat tool.

I colored the images using Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and a water brush. I zapped the images with the heat tool in between coloring of the flowers. 

I positioned the String Art Rectangles dies next, temporarily securing it with a non-tacky tape to prevent it from shifting when I run this through my die cut machine. I used a T-ruler to make sure the dies are straight and aligned with each other. 

I threaded a DMC Variegated embroidery floss through the holes created by the String Art Rectangle dies.

To add some foliage, I die cut a green cardstock using the Altenew Leaf Clusters die set. I did a bit of die cut surgery so the leaves will not cover a large part of the flowers. The green cardstock was too bold in color that I was afraid it was taking the attention away from the flowers. To mute it down, I die cut vellum using the same leaf clusters die. I used the Xyron Sticker maker to apply adhesive to the right side of the leaf clusters. I adhered this to the back of the vellum leaf cluster die cut. I snipped off the excess leaves following the modified green leaf cluster die cut.

I tucked the leaf clusters underneath the embroidery floss. I applied small amounts of liquid glue behind the leaves.

For the sentiment, I prepped the area with an anti-static powder tool. I stamped the sentiment from Altenew Adore You stamp set with Versafine Onyx Black ink. I re-stamped this about two more times to get a good impression since I used a textured watercolor paper. I poured clear embossing powder to the sentiment, then heat set it. I stamped a supplemental sentiment on the bottom which is also from the same stamp set.

To center the panel, I trimmed off a 4th of an inch from the top. I trimmed a light gray cardstock into a strip. I adhered the gray cardstock strips to the top and bottom of top folding note card measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". I adhered the watercolored panel after, centering it between the cardstock strips. I used liquid glue on the areas where I stitched, and a roller adhesive on the areas without stitching. Since the paper got warped from frequent heat setting, I applied something heavy on top of it while the liquid glue is drying to regain its flat shape.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you create your own floral scene using whatever supplies you have. Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day!

Maria Giselle B.

I am sharing this creation at:

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Anything Goes

Music Inspired Birthday Card

Hello! Welcome back to my blog. I have several reasons in coming up with this card. 

1. It is my 3rd son's 16th birthday next week. He is a musically gifted person, thus, the music theme of the card.
2. This is my 5th AECP creation. I am inspired to create a card using embossing powder.
3. I would like to participate in Altenew's latest blog challenge. Although the theme is Folk-inspired, which my card's music theme might not be aligned with, I really like the colors included with the theme. You can see the inspiration photo at the end of this post.

I started with die cutting the heart clef on heavy weight cardstock. This die is from the Altenew Treble Love die set. I die cut three pieces of the heart clef. I embossed different colored embossing powders on each heart clef following the colors of the Altenew challenge. I did that by applying Versamark ink on a portion of the heart clef, starting at the topmost part of the heart clef. I poured Wow! Fluorescent Blue embossing powder to the sticky ink. I heat set this until the powder is melted.

I repeated this process on the middle part of the heart clef, making sure I applied ink to a part of the already embossed area. I poured Wow! Fluorescent Yellow embossing powder to this area. To finish it off, I applied Versamark ink on the bottom portion, then poured Wow! Fluorescent Green embossing powder to it. I made sure that the embossing powders blended as it is heated.

I applied embossing fluid to some parts of the heart clef with the Wow! Mixed Media Embossing Brush. I poured Wow! Midas Touch embossing powder to the fluid and heat set it, making sure that this glittered embossing powder melts into the fluorescent embossing powder. 

I die cut three more heart clefs on heavy weight white cardstock. I adhered this to the back of the embossed heart clef for some dimension.

For the card panel, I am creating an A6 card which measures 6 1/4" x 4 1/2'. I trimmed a light gray cardstock to this size. I created a background by repeatedly stamping the music staff included in the Altenew Happy Birthday To You stamp set. I used the Misti Stamping Tool for this repeated stamping technique. I wanted a muted impression of the music staff. To achieve this, I did second generation stamping in which I stamped the image on a scrap paper first before stamping the image to the cardstock. I had to repeat this process to make the impression slightly darker than the second generation stamping. 

Inspired by the window on the photo, I die cut rectangle frames on blue cardstock. The dies I used are from the Waffle Flower A2 Layers dies. Using the same colored cardstock, I die cut the staff from the Altenew Treble Love die set and adhered this to the back of the frame. Once the glue has dried, I cut off the excess. 

To create contrast for the staff windows, I created a sentiment background on a dark gray cardstock. I repeatedly stamped the sentiment on this using Hero Arts White Unicorn ink and Hero Arts Soft Granite ink. I adhered the staff window on this panel. I trimmed off the excess after the glue has dried.

I adhered the heart clef to the staff on this framed panels and set this aside to dry. 

I heat embossed the sentiment on the bottom portion of the panel using Versafine Onyx Black ink and a glittered black embossing powder. 

I adhered the staff panels to the card base. To add more sparkle, I heat embossed a smaller heart die cut with the Wow! Midas Touch embossing powder. Although the clef die cuts a heart, I wanted to embellish the heart clef with a smaller heart. I apologize because I don't know which die I used for this heart. I just found these hearts in my stash of small heart die cuts which just happened to be the perfect size of heart I am looking for to complete my card lay-out. 

I trimmed a sliver off the bottom edge and matted this panel with a light blue cardstock.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day!

Maria Giselle B.

I am sharing this creation at

Inspiration Challenge #20

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Make Your Own Background

Hero Arts Blog Challenge