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.

CTMH Workshop-On-The-Go Kits for Spring

Close To My Heart has some great new Workshop-on-the-Go (WOTG) kits that can be used to create scrapbook pages and cards - and each one contains an exclusive stamp set that is only available with purchase of the kit. There are four new WOTG kits included with each Idea Book.  These kits are available ONLY during the 4-month cycle of the Spring Idea Book which is January, February, March, and April. 

Each kit contains a complete paper packet, an exclusive stamp set, a Workshop Guide, and a coordinating embellishment. Each item in the WOTG - except the exclusive stamp set and the Workshop Guide - can be purchased separately. However, if you purchase the basic kit for $29.95, you will be saving between 10% and 15% off the retail value. The Workshop Guide is a full-color 6-page brochure which has complete cutting and assembly instructions for 2 scrapbook pages and 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs). Also included are pictures of 2 additional scrapbook pages and 3 additional cards. More information about the additional projects is available in the Workshops On The Go section of MyCTMH website.

One of the kits is named You Rock.  It includes bright, up-beat colors and the Just Be You stamp set has some really fun images.

The Veranda kit has absolutely beautiful papers.  And the Follow Your Heart stamp set can be used for 'springtime' cards, or to add decorate elements to just about any project.

The Veranda WOTG Workshop Guide includes instructions for creating this 2-page layout.

This kit is named Topstitch and the versatile Love Is In The Air stamp set has some adorable 'stitched' images of flowers and pinwheels.

The Caboodle kit comes with the unique This Way stamp set which includes some arrows and circles which you can use to decorate many cards and scrapbook pages.

You can think of the WOTG kits as a "project in a bag" since the papers, stamp sets, embellishments, and instructions are all included - the only extras you need are adhesive, inks, and blocks to use the stamps. Chances are you already have these extras at home just waiting for a new project to work on!  Contact me to order your WOTG project - or order through the MyCTMH website.