Something Splendid is Irresistible

Participating in Creative University Online this weekend really got me into 'creative mode' and I finally finished a card using a paint "resist" technique that Nona Davenport shared at the CTMH Convention this summer.  

The large flower image from the Something Splendid (August SOTM) was embossed using clear powder onto a piece of patterned paper from the You Rock kit, and then white paint was brushed over the top.  The embossed image 'resisted' the paint so that the patterned paper is visible through the flower petals.  One of my favorite stamp sets available in the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book is Unity, and includes the small frame and cute sentiment used on the card. 


I wanted to add just a bit of shimmer to the edges of the Goldrush cardstock, so I used some of the Glitz Glimmer Gel and applied it with a small paintbrush to the very edges of the cardstock.  In real life, there is a nice little sparkle to the edge, but it is difficult to see in the scanned image.   Another interesting detail is the flower patterned paper on the right side of the card.  You may recognize it from the Sweet Home kit, but the paper is actually a tan color.  Since I wanted a Goldrush color to the pattern, I simply used the ink pad to apply some Goldrush ink directly to the patterned paper.

Improve Your Technique card workshop

Using different stamping techniques adds nice variety to your creations, and most are surprisingly easy to do once you have been shown how to do it.   At this month's Improve Your Technique card making workshop, you will learn four techniques and go home with some fun projects.   Classes will be offered on Friday evening, August 27 at 7:00 and also Saturday afternoon, August 28 at 1:00.  

Technique #1 - Paper Piecing:  Using the Be Yourself stamp set and fun You Rock papers, this card is simple to create by stamping the skirt in a bright color, cutting it out, and adhering it to the top of the image stamped in black. The layers of the skirt have been enhanced using the new Glitz Glitter Gel.  It is very easy to apply, and adds a nice shimmer to a project.

Technique #2 - Painting With Bleach:  The August stamp-of-the-month, Something Splendid, is the perfect image to use with this technique.  The basics are that you apply ink to cardstock, emboss an image, and then use regular household bleach to remove the ink inside the embossed image.  It is a surprisingly easy technique and is very fun to watch as the Barn Red ink first changes to a bright, vivid green before the bleach dries.  Thanks to fellow CTMH consultant Tresa Black for sharing her "fabulously artsy" technique and to Michelle Loncar for helping to design the card during a creative 13-hour marathon stamping day.  Paper from the Passages My Reflections kit is used for the subdued color scheme.  

 

Technique #3 - Window Card:  The papers for this card are from the Zippidee kit and the stamps are the Love This stamp set that is included with the Triple Play mini-album special, and is only available August 15 through September 30.  The flower is actually on the inside of the card and a window is cut through the front of the card so the flower is seen 'through the window' when the card is closed.  

Technique #4 - Gift Card Holder & Masking:  This clever gift card holder also uses Zippidee papers and the Love This stamp set.  A Masking technique is used to create the illusion that the large flower is in front of the smaller flowers.  

The "Improve Your Technique" workshop will be offered on Friday evening, August 27 (starting at 7 pm), and also on  Saturday, August 28 at 1:00 pm.  Allow two or three hours to complete your projects.  Since these technique cards are a bit more involved than normal, you will create 2 cards using each of the 4 different techniques - a total of 8 cards and matching envelopes for a workshop fee of $10.  Please be sure to bring your favorite adhesive.  All other supplies are provided with the workshop fee.

As an added bonus, place a $50+ order from the Close To My Heart  Spring or Summer Idea Book - and your workshop fee is waived.  Depending on total orders received, there will be a drawing for Hostess Rewards - so you could earn $25 or more in FREE product from CTMH.

Please let me know if you would like to attend one of the "Improve Your Technique" card workshops.  Feel free to leave me a comment on this blog, send an email to sheilabennett@comcast.net, or call 913-485-4355.

Something Splendid (August SOTM Blog Hop)

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop which features the Something Splendid stamp set from Close To My Heart.  The stamp set includes a wonderfully detailed, large flower with 2-step stamping.  There are also nice leaf and twig stamps along with a small flower and some sentiments.  
 

When creating this card, I was not at home and did not have any Hydrangea or Sunny Yellow cardstock with me.  So, I simply used the ink pad to 'smear' the colored ink onto white cardstock to create the colored cardstock that I needed.  Even though the gingham squares on the ribbon do not 'match' the flower, I really like the way the gingham coordinates with the bright colors and the 'feel' of the flower.  It is difficult to see in the scan, there are three Sparkles on the lower portion of the ribbon. 

The Hydrangea ink used on this card is retiring this year.  Just announced at the annual Convention, CTMH will be introducing eight fabulous new colors in the Summer palette on September 1.  To make room for these additions, eight current Summer colors will be retiring.  These retiring colors - Clover Meadow, Hydrangea, Orange, Star Spangled Blue, Bubblegum, Citrus Leaf, Ocean, Watermelon - are currently available, but only while supplies last.  So, now is the time to stock up on ink pads, re-inkers, markers, and cardstock in these retiring colors.

If you have come here from Antoinette's 'God Bless Your ART!' blog, you are on the right path! With over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs, you should be able to find lots of great creative ideas to use for your own projects.  Blog Hopping is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! 

Now "Hop" on over to Jamia's 'Paper Madness Inc' blog to see her work!  Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!  Remember, the Something Splendid stamp set is only available until the end of August.  Let me know if you would like to find out how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free.

If you get lost on the Blog Hop or find links that aren't working, there is a complete list of all participating blogs on Helen's 'Hooked on Stamping' blog.