Collage Paper Tim Holtz Challenge

I created this tag for the #THA_Jan tissue wrap challenge in our FB group, Tim Holtz Addicts.  This is an amazing group filled with talented artists who love everything Tim.  Even though the challenge was for Tissue Wrap, we are allowed to substitute Collage Paper.  I love the new Botanical design of the collage paper so I chose that medium for my tag.  I guess I am hoarding the Tissue Wrap since I do have some.

 

I started by using Collage Medium to attach the Botanical Collage Paper to a piece of white 110lb cardstock.  I waited for this to dry and then used Distress Crayons to add color to the design.  I added a little water to smooth out the crayon.  Next, I added a thin layer of the crackle medium.  I wanted a subtle crackle look, but I should of applied the crackle medium more heavily. 

 

I used one of the Stampers Anonymous cling sets from Tuesday Morning to add writing and butterflies to the background.  I also used the Creativity sentiment to a piece of patterned paper.  I cut a wildflower from the Wildflowers 2 Thinlet set and spray inked it. 

I broke out my papercrafting sewing machine to stitch a zigzag design around the edges of the papers.  I always forget how much I like the look of a stitched edge.  I find that the tools that get put away when not in use seem to be forgotten.  I need to find a way to keep the sewing machine within arms reach.  

 

 

 

 I used Tea Dye Distress ink to give all of the elements an aged look.  My go-to favorite distressing color is Frayed Burlap, but this project needed a darker aging.

 

 

I had a lot of fun working on the alcohol ink background for the inside of the plaque.  This design took several re-tries.  I used Yupo paper for the base and added lettuce and sailboat blue inks.  I also used a lot of blending solution, both from the bottle and from a mini mister.  The mini mister is the last step and it adds tiny spots which look really cool.  When the piece was almost, but not completely dry, I placed a piece of gold foil over the ink.  The tacky areas adhere the gold foil (my favorite part).

 

I assembled all of the componets and adhered them to a navy blue tag base which I cut from 110lb cardstock from Joanns.  I topped it off with a gorgeous piece of hand-dyed seam binding ribbon from Dry Gulch.  

I had not made a tag in a while.  I love challenges that lead you in unexpected directions.   I am looking forward to the February FB challenge!

Vintage Floral Card

This card was inspired by Tim's new Sizzix release yesterday.  There are many beautiful new dies that I would love to have, but I decided to make some projects based on the examples in the video using what I already have in my stash. 

 

One great idea that I gleaned from the new release video was to create a dimensional background using diecuts.  First I diecut flower pieces and adhered them to a piece of heavy cardstock using Finnabair 3D Matte Gel.  Next, I painted the piece with unicorn's hair.  I wanted a more opaque color to cover the pink background, so I also added gold rush Finnabair paint and then I let it dry.  

The next step was to begin diecutting the wildflower stems.  I used the Sizzix wildflowers #2 thinlet set and cut the pieces from watercolor papers that had been colored with Lindy's sprays.  I also distressed some of the pieces with brushed corduroy distress ink.

 

 

Then I began layering the backgrounds together, using a piece of Tim's wallpaper that happened to be the perfect colors.  I found an enameled button and attached it with hand dyed seam binding ribbon. 

I love the shabby chic details of this piece.  

Color Challenge Card

 

Today's card features unusual colors for a floral design.  The colors at the Color Throwdown challenge are black, brown and white.  

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I started with vintage style background paper layered on black paper from the Prima Printery Collection 6x6 paper pad.  

 

Next, I added the decorative papers to a 110 lb. brown cardstock from Park Lane.  I love the professional feel you get from heavy weight cardstock.

 

Next, I cut several leaves from different dies.  I layered the black leaves over the white diecuts.

 

I used tacky glue to adhere the white silk flower onto the leaves.

 

I cut a skinny hello from a piece of black glossy cardstock and attached it to a diecut brown rectangle.  I love how the different colors turned out.

Pink and Grey Rose Card

I created this pretty in pink card for The Flower Challenge.  The colors this month are pink and grey.  I watercolored a rose from Altenew and added leaf cutouts in charcoal glitter paper and silver.  I love the sparkle from the leaves.

New Crochet Projects

 

I made this baby blanket for my granddaughter, Lilly.  I wanted it to be soft, so I used Caron Simply Soft yarn in four colors.  The wave pattern is based on Summer Mist Throw by Crafty Crystal.  I alternated the waves with stripes, based on my own interpretation.  I also added a decorative edge on the sides at the end.  I love how the colors turned out.

This boho scarf was made using lots of leftovers.  The yarn I used varied in thickness, material and type.  I did not use a pattern and it was fun to make it up as I went along, based on how much of a scrap of yarn I had.  My daughter Victoria made the pom poms for the edges.  The colors and texture turned out beautifully.

This is some stunning yarn I found at a yarn store in Eureka Springs, AR.  I do not have any plans for this yarn yet, but I hope to find a project for some of it soon.

New Earrings

I finally found some time to make a few new pairs of earrings.  I love the vintage feel of these pretty drops.  I used Czech glass, vintage settings and hand painted tiny birdcage charms.  The links and charms can be found at Dry Gulch Beads.

Watercolor Flower Card

I found this beautiful idea on the Altenew blog.  I am working on my watercoloring technique, so I wanted to try to mimic the soft colors.  I used the Altenew watercolor Espresso, Cotton Candy and Grapevine pans.  These colors are rich and beautiful.  I decided to layer my frame with gold cardstock to coordinate with the gold embossing powder.  I love the way it turned out.

 

I created this card for the Altenew A Year in Review challenge.  #AltenewBest2018.

 

Shaker Window Card

 

I created this shaker card for the My Favorite Things Sketch challenge.   I love the sequins in the windows.  I added a little sparkle for the 4 Crafty Chicks challenge.

 

 

I started by stamping an ornate background with Versafine black ink.  Then I colored the four window areas with different colors of Lindy's Magicals and a watercolor brush.  I used 110 lb cardstock, so it can take a little water.  I chose a decorative rectangle die to create the cutout for the windows.  

 Next, I decided to color the window frame.  I used more Lindy's Magicals to watercolor the frame with a soft aqua color.  I love the Magicals because they pack a lot of color in very little product plus they have lots of shimmer.

 I chose a matching tone background paper and mounted the window on a piece of aqua cardstock.  The tone on tone background helps make the window and the thanks show up better.

I embellished the windows with watercolored flowers that I diecut.  The thanks is a stacked diecut with metallic gold cardstock on the top.  I finished the design with a few gold open leaf diecuts.  I really like the way this one turned out.

Morning Glory Card

I made this morning glory card for the Altenew Year in Review challenge.  The Altenew flower stamps and cutting dies make beautifully layered morning glories.  I used the leaves from the Altenew Ranunculus build-a-flower set.  I used Altenew inks and watercolors for the flowers and the background.  I added a little shine by embossing the final ink layer in gold, rather than a darker blue ink.  I haven't decided on the sentiment yet, but I will be able to add it when I need the card.

Dragonfly card

The new challenge at Sunday Stamps is a card using this simple but elegant sketch design.

 

I started with a sparkly layered dragonfly from an unbranded die,  I chose layers of pretty green and pink papers tied with baker's twine. I added Memento Angel Pink ink to the edges.  The patterned paper is from the Classy Copper DCVW stack.