Tranquil Meditation and a Happy Place

Good morning. Today I am sharing some of my recent show samples using Tranquility, Wisteria Lane and Artistic Affirmations stamp sets from Chocolate Baroque.

I created 3 different scene cards, one using vibrant happy colours, one in blue & white monochrome and my third was an attempt at Parchment. I hope that you like them.

The theme for this weeks Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Mon) is ‘a trio of something’ – so I thought that these would fit perfectly.

Happy Place

I love colour so I created this ‘Happy Place’ using a bright cheery colourway.

Materials:

• Tranquility, Wisteria Lane and Artistic Affirmations stamp sets
• 8 X 8 inch card blank, white stamping card, scrap copy paper
• Inkpads: Versamark, Versafine (Vintage Sepia), Distress Ink (Wild Honey, Dusty Concord)
• Pigment powders (Lindy’s Stamp Gang – Urban Amethyst, Poppin Pink, Luminous Lemon)
• Embossing powder (purple and pink mix)
• Watercolour, sparkle and glitter pens (Spectrum Noir and Sakura – yellow, green, purple, pink, orange, brown, clear sparkle) and coloured pencils
• Fine tipped marker (waterproof brown, opaque white) and alcohol marker (dark purple)
• Zig 2 way glue
• Cosmic Shimmer PVA pearls (Vintage Pink), Stickles Glitter Glue (Star Dust) and Glossy Accents

How it was done:

1. The lanterns were stamped onto copy paper and cut out to create masks. I dotted a little zig glue on the back and left to dry. This glue then gives a temporary tac to hold the masks in place while stamping.
2. The scene was stamped with Versafine, stamping the foreground images first then covering with masks while stamping the images set behind. The scene was extended by drawing with the fine tipped pen (i.e. water swirls).
3. The foliage across the top was stamped with Versamark and pigment powders were applied with a soft brush. Further foliage was stamped with Wild Honey Distress Ink. The sentiment was stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with powder.
4. The image was coloured with watercolour pens, dissolved pigments, sparkle overlay and glitter pens. Highlights were added with white pen and additional shading added with pencils.
5. The image was edged with alcohol marker and by blending with Dusty Concord Distress Ink.
6. Extra sparkle was added with glitter glue and Glossy Accents. PVA pearls were applied to the border.

Tranquility

I have been trying to have a go at Parchment craft as I love the delicate result. I thought that it would make a lovely tranquil version. No picot cutting as I am hopeless, so I cheated with a die. I tried to hide the glue but still ended up with a blob of showing through the parchment – eek! I was fairly pleased with the results but have a lot to learn and more practice needed yet.

Materials:

• Tranquility stamp set
• 6 X 6 inch scalloped card blank, parchment, gold satin board
• 6 X 6 inch decorative stencil
• Pergamano tools (embossing mat, embossing tools, mapping pen, Sticky Ink and Perga Glue)
• Inkpads: StazOn (Opaque White), Distress Ink (Tattered Rose)
• Scalloped circle dies (Pin Dot Scalloped Circle – Tattered Lace)
• PVA pearls (tangerine), extra fine glitter and sequins
• Used tumble dryer sheet

How it was done:

1. The gold card and parchment were cut out using dies. The background was created using Distress Ink through the stencil (using a blending brush).
2. The image was stamped onto the front of the parchment using white StazOn. I then embossed the outlines on the back of the parchment using a fine embossing tool, tracing the stamped image. To help aid the embossing tool to glide on the parchment I rubbed over the surface using the tumble drier sheet first.
3. Larger embossing tools were then used to add shading. Although it is generally called ‘shading’ it is actually ‘highlighting’ as embossing stretches the parchment and makes it whiter. You need to work gently and slowly, leaving the parchment to rest between layers of further whitening. I did tear her cloak (eeeeek) but managed to disguise it with a little Perga Glue which was later covered with glitter.
4. Sparkly highlights were then added to the front using a mapping pen (dip pen), sticky ink and extra fine glitter.

Meditation

I love creating monochromatic blue & white cards. Perfect for a tranquil meditation.

Materials:

• Tranquility and Wisteria Lane stamp sets
• 15cm square card blank, blue card for die cut panel, white stamping card
• Versafine Inkpad (Majestic Blue)
• Water based sparkle pens (Spectrum Noir – blue and clear)
• Alcohol marker (dark blue)
• PVA peals
• Decorative square and arched panel dies (Tonic)

How it was done:

1. The images were stamped with Versafine ink and were coloured with sparkle pens and a damp brush to create shading. Decorative stamped elements were positioned to frame the central image.
2. The panels were cut using dies and edged with blue marker to frame. 3D foam was used to mount the central image and give it more depth.
3. Finished with PVA pearls.

Ethereal Winter card created for Chocolate Baroque

 

Good morning. Here is another of my recent show samples using the lovely Winter Dawn stamp from Chocolate Baroque. This time I tried a bit of parchment craft. I am still a learner at this technique. I would of liked more time to get the embossing and highlights a little better (it’s always a rush for the posting deadline when making TV show samples). I also ran out of time to snip out the frame so simply straight trimmed around it. However, I was reasonably pleased with the results. I added some subtle sparkle too with fine glitter – difficult to see in the photo.

Materials:

• Winter Dawn stamp
• Seasonal Journey and Seasonal Elements stencils
• A5 card blank, black card, parchment
• StazOn Inkpad (Opaque White)
• Pergamano sticky ink, mapping pen and extra fine glitter (crystal)
• Ribbon and small brads (black)
• Groovi plate (Claritystamp) to create scalloped frame
• Embossing tools and foam mat

How it was done:

1. The image was stamped onto the parchment with white ink.
2. Working from the back I used an embossing tool and the Seasonal Elements stencil to emboss the twiggy branches. I also used the crescent moon shape, turning the stencil to create a full circle outline for the moon. On a separate piece of parchment I embossed the outline of the sentiment using the Seasonal Journey stencil.
3. Again working on the back, I added white highlights with embossing tools. Working slowly, gradually stretching the parchment and building up the intensity of the white embossing. It can get a little confusing when doing this as usually you are adding darker shading to images on white paper. Here you are adding the white highlights – the deepest ‘shaded’ areas are left untouched.
4. I used the Clarity Groovi system to emboss the banner outlines and create a frame around the image. This could be done manually but it is simply so easy using the Groovi plates.
5. The image and sentiment were mounted onto black card using small brads, then this was glued to the card front. I added a ribbon and bow to ‘anchor’ the design.
6. Finally …. I just had to do it …. I added some sparkle using sticky ink and extra fine glitter. Parchment doesn’t like getting wet. The Sticky Ink works really well and you can get extra fine detail using a mapping pen – so it doesn’t overpower and spoil the delicate parchment effect.

Seasonal Beauties from Chocolate Baroque featured on Hochanda

The shows on Hochanda yesterday with Lesley Wharton were FAB as always. You can watch them again online (www.hochanda.com) if you missed them (from the TV schedule: Friday 23rd June 3 and 7pm)

 

Here are some of the previous projects that I created with these stamps last year. I have included links to the original blog posts if you would like more details and tutorials.

 

I will be sharing my new show samples with you soon and my Teamies will be sharing their FAB projects over on the Chocolate Baroque Blog too if you need more inspiration xxx

 

Created with the Spring Awakening stamp (click here to go to the original blog post). This lovely decorative frame die (Art Nouveaux from Tonic) is perfect for showing off these beauties.

 

 

The Summer Fayre stamp is a true beauty (click here to go to the original blog post). I made an updated version of this one for the show incorporating some of the new stencils – will share soon.

 

 

Stepper created with the Autumn Medley stamp (click here to go to the original blog post). I created a newer version of this one incorporating the new stencils (will share later).

 

 

Another one with the Autumn Medley stamp (click here to go to the original blog post).

 

 

Christmas card created with the gorgeous Winter Dawn stamp (click here to go to the original blog post). I created a sparkly shaker card for the show and will share soon.

 

 

This one was one of my first attempts on parchment, again using the Winter Dawn stamp (click here to go to the original blog post). I also created a new design on parchment for the show. I am still a learner at this skill but really love the delicate results.

Floral Parchment card created for Chocolate Baroque Colour Challenge 35

Good morning. Today I am sharing another of my samples for the recent shows on Hochanda. I had so much fun with these stamps and this time I chose to create a Spring themed floral card.

I have just started experimenting with the world of parchment. I hope that you like my effort. My picot snipping needs a little more practice – tee hee.

This one also perfectly fits the Chocolate Baroque Colour Challenge this month too.

 

Materials:

• Spring Fairy Collection (March)
• 9 X 21cm white card blank, pearlescent purple card, parchment
• Parchment embossing template to create the frame and scalloped border (Groovi system from Claritystamp)
• Parchment scoring and embossing tools
• Parchment 2 needle pricking tool and snips
• StazOn (Opaque White)
• Alcohol markers (greens and purple)
• Organza ribbon (purple)
• Stickles glitter glue (Star Dust)
• Perga Glue

How to make it:

1. Stamp the flower on parchment with white StazOn. Turn the image over and working on the back emboss over the stamped outlines using a fine embossing tool and mat. Add highlights using larger embossing ball tools.
2. Again working on the back, add colour using alcohol ink pens.
3. Using an embossing template add a scalloped frame around the image. I used the Groovi system which is really easy to use. The Groovi plates come with etched designs which are just the right depth to easily emboss using fine tipped embossing tools. I used a scalloped square design plate, extending the design to create the rectangle.
4. Now working from the front use the twin needle piercing tool to pierce around the outside of the embossed scallop frame.

Lace Edged Parchment Card created with Tattered Lace Best of 2016 Brother ScanNCut USB

Today I am sharing some instructions, as promised, for my latest TV show samples created for Create & Craft TV and the Brother ScanNCut.

This one is created by embossing on parchment. I have then done a little hand embossing to add some whitework ‘shading’, and some colour with alcohol pens. I love this new feature of the ScanNCut.

This one is another fairly simple make using the Brother ScanNCut USB, Best of 2016 from Tattered Lace (cutting files in FCM format). A fabulous set of files that sold out very quickly. This has to be my favourite set yet. Well worth grabbing a copy when it returns.

Materials:

• Tattered Lace Brother ScanNCut USB 8 – Best of 2016
• 1.5mm embossing tool, embossing tool holder and mat
• Butterfly Garden strip embossing folder (Tattered Lace)
• Hand embossing tool approx. 3mm and parchment embossing mat
• A5 card blank, parchment and card (purple)
• Alcohol markers (light green, brown and pink)
• Pergamano sticky ink
• Extra fine glitter (white/clear) and PVA pearls (Vintage Plum)

How to make it:

1. Load the Lace Edged Rectangle 2 design. Delete all but the outer frame and resize to approx. 6.38 inches high. Load the bow from the All Tied Up set. Cut from purple card. Settings will depend on your card thickness and density (I used speed 5, pressure 1, standard blade depth 5.5).
2. Load the Lace Edged Rectangle 2 frame again, group all the elements together and resize to fit inside your cut purple mat (approx. 6.34 inches high).
3. Next load the Cherry Blossom design. Resize, flip and rotate it to fit inside the Lace Edged design. Using one of the built in machine fonts write the sentiment. Finally group everything together and mirror flip it ready for embossing. You need to do this a designs are always embossed on the back of the parchment.
4. Load the parchment and emboss the design using the 1.5mm ball tool. Again settings will vary depending on the brand of parchment that you use. I used a pressure of -4 and speed 1. If desired emboss again on a higher pressure (-2) to get whiter results (do not unload the mat until fully finished). Note: I rubbed over the parchment with a used tumble dryer sheet before embossing – it helps the tool to glide better.
5. Hand emboss on the back of the design to add ‘whitework’ shading. Add some colour with alcohol pens. It could be cut out using pricking tools and traditional Parchment techniques. I used scissors to cut around the outer embossed line.
6. Note: I find it tricky to cut the parchment on the machine after embossing as it doesn’t stick down well or lay flat on the cutting mat. Probably it would be best to cut out the parchment first, then place on the embossing mat and scan in the mat to work out where to place the embossing design. Not tried this but you would need to leave a bit of extra room around the edge so that the tool doesn’t directly hit or get caught on the embossing mat or edge of the parchment. I need to experiment a bit.
7. Cut the small plain butterfly from parchment (Essential Butterflies) and emboss the texture with the embossing folder. Colour lightly on the back.
8. Glue the parchment to the backing mat using tiny dots of glue behind the flower centres (where it will not show through). Glue to the card front and stick on the bow. I added some little vellum ‘waste’ cut flowers to hide a couple of small tears in my parchment. Glue down the butterfly body leaving the wings free for shaping.
9. Finally finish with glitter (using Pergamano sticky ink) and PVA pearls. Note: sticky ink is not as wet as PVA glue which can cause curling of the parchment.

New Tattered Lace cutting files coming for the Brother ScanNCut on Create & Craft TV

There is another Tattered Lace USB coming out tomorrow (Friday 16th Dec) for the Brother ScanNCut. It is a lovely collection of cutting files (FCM format). Here are my samples for the Create and Craft TV shows.

Due to computer issues I have not yet managed to write up instructions for you – but will do asap x

Card using Goldwork Lace and Floral Layers Rose FCM files.

Embossed parchment card using Lace Edged Rectangle, floral and butterfly FCM files.

Card using Love Birds FCM files.

Card sing Meadow Sweet FCM files.

Clock using roman numerals and Pearl Doily FCM files.

Large gift bag using Rose Garden Panel and Floral Layers Rose FCM files.

Floral Card created with Brother ScanNCut embossing on parchment

Good morning. I have just been playing with the new embossing kit for the Brother ScanNCut. I love it. I made this for one of my lovely crafting friends.

Have you seen the deal on the ScanNCut CM900 at the moment? Create & Craft Club members get a 20% discount. FAB price and includes lots of extras including luxury card bundle.

Materials:

• ScanNCut CM300 machine
• ScanNCut Embossing Starter Kit
• Design activation card for ScanNCut (included in starter kit)
• ScanNCut Canvas web App
• ScanNCut standard mat
• Parchment (Create & Craft)
• 8 X 8 inch white card blank (Lynda Chapman)
• 7.5 X 7.5 inch pink patterned paper (DCWV Floral Stack)
• Floral corner punch (EK Tools Eden set)
• Pergamano Pricking tools (scallop and 2 pin)
• Approx. 3mm ball hand embossing tool
• Alcohol ink markers (light green and pink)
• Used tumble drier sheet
• Pergaglue and acrylic glue
• Pergamano mapping pen and sticky ink
• Fine crystal glitter
• Parchment embossing and pricking mat
• Pergamano snips

How it was done:

Screen shot of the design on ScanNCut Canvas:

1. I activated the embossing designs in ScanNCut canvas (from the activation card included in the embossing starter kit). I created a new project and loaded designs to the mat: floral spray (LE-A06) and Text (LE_D03) line embossing designs, and the border from the basic shapes. I copied and pasted the floral spray and arranged the designs on the mat and downloaded to a USB stick.
2. I loaded onto the machine, grouped the designs and adjusted the size to approx. 7 inches square to fit my card blank.
3. I attached my embossing mat to a new standard tack mat. Note: take care when sticking down – avoid creating air bubbles. When I first tried the embossing my parchment ripped. When I check it was where I had large air bubbles beneath my mat. It was a little tricky to peel off again. I was worried that it was stretching as I pulled it off the mat but it soon regained it’s shape ok. When finished I left the embossing mat in place before covering and storing for future use.
4. I then embossed the design using speed set at 1 and pressure at -2 with the smallest embossing tool. I rubbed over the parchment with the tumble drier sheet before embossing (this helps the ball tool to glide more easily). Without unloading the mat I repeated using a pressure of -1. I was delighted with the results.
5. I repeated embossing the floral sprays for cutting out and decoupage.
6. I then manually embossed on the back with a ball tool to add a little shading to the leaves and flowers.
7. I coloured the leaves and flowers on the back with alcohol pens to add some subtle colour.
8. I pierced around the outside of the frame using the scallop piercing tool (from the front), and around the extra flowers with the twin piercing tool, ready to cut out.
9. I cut around the frame and extra flowers using Pergamano snips. I am a parchment novice and really struggle with getting a neat little picot snip. I know the theory but I guess practice will make perfect. Tip: With handle end overhanging the waste side (i.e. the bit you want to trim away) put the scissor points into 2 adjacent holes. Careful not to go too deep (definitely one of my problems) – you snip using the very tips of the scissors. Lower the scissors so that they are angled flat to the parchment, twist slightly and snip.
10. I outlined my card blank with green alcohol pen, punched the corners of my decorative paper and glued down. The parchment was glued down using Pergaglue – a tiny dot on the frame borders and behind the flower centres.
11. I then lightly shaped the flowers, added a little more pink alcohol pen around the snipped edges, and glued in place.
12. I using the mapping pen and sticky ink to draw over the lettering and flower centres, then added fine glitter for a bit of sparkle. I added dots of Pergaglue onto the frame borders and glittered. This dried to give little 3D glittery ‘gems’.

Magical Winter Dawn card created for Chocolate Baroque

 

 

Good morning. Here is my first project with the lovely new Winter Dawn stamp from Chocolate Baroque. It is also my first go at parchment craft. It took a bit of getting used to using an embossing tool to add white highlights rather than adding shading for the colouring, like working in negative. Her eyes turned out to be a little scary but I was fairly pleased with the results. It gave my lady a very magical ethereal look. I hope that you like her.

Anne x.

Materials:

• Winter Dawn stamp
• Pearlescent white card, blue card and parchment
• Pergamano Tinta Ink (white)
• Alcohol ink pen (mid grey)
• Fine tipped white acrylic pen
• Stickles glitter glue (Diamond)
• Embossing mat and fine tipped embossing ball tools
• Needle tool and brass stencil for piercing
• Small poinsettia and snowflake dies (Robert Addams), decorative layering dies (Tonic)

How it was made:

1. I created the card blank from an A4 sheet of pearl card folded in half. The largest die was placed on top such that it overhung the top edge to leave an opening hinge, then cut through both layers. The same die was used to cut a mat to glue onto the front and hide the flat top. The bottom was trimmed slightly so the card would stand without rocking.
2. A blue mat and white frame were then cut. I cut the parchment to fit inside the frame with a small border for gluing. I used the Tinta ink to stamp the image onto the parchment. Being new to parchment I really wasn’t sure what ink would work and I knew that this is designed for parchment. However, it is really designed to work with a dip pen. It did sort of work but the results weren’t the best and it was difficult to see the stamped image, especially from the back. I will have to research this. Maybe StazOn ink would work better?
3. I then used embossing tools to gently stroke the parchment on the reverse side to create the white ‘colouring’. Intermittently I let the parchment rest before further enhancing and whitening with the tools.
4. My poor lady ended up with very weird white eyes and eyebrows! I used the grey alcohol marker on the back to try and rescue her and add some shading. I also used alcohol blender to eliminate harsh lines drawn with the pen. I used the white pen to add the dots onto her pupils. I quite liked the shading and added some to her hair too.
5. The delicate snowflakes were a bit impossible to see from the back. So I simple used them as a guide for embossing the lines. I used a needle tool to punch through a brass stencil and add a little texture onto the background.
6. I glued the parchment to the inside edge of the white frame and mounted it onto the blue mat. Note: I don’t have the proper glue or snipping tools for parchment so it was a little tricky to work out how to attach it without the glue showing through. I used normal acrylic glue, hiding it under the edge of the frame and placed tiny dots behind the snowflakes where they would not be obvious. There are specialist parchment glues that are designed to dry clear and be hardly visible.
7. Finally I added the small die cut embellishments and added some glitter glue for sparkle.

I think I quite like this parchment stuff …. Oh dear …. Another addiction?