Hi everyone.  Today's technique has been around for a while.  I love the effect of having the images raised so it looks like they are floating above the background.  So pretty!! Please check out the details for the Floating Frames technique and link to video on the blog ... Group of Seven Cardmakers I started by stamping two mixed media card fronts with multiples of the larger image from Alternew's Nature's Magic stamp set.  I watercoloured the images with Distress Inks (see card info below for colours).  I used the matching die to cut them out and then placed th ..read more

Hi everyone.  Before I get to today's card, I will be signing off for a few of weeks as we move to our new home.  I'll be back before you know it! :) Today's card is a CAS design using a lovely stamp set from SU (Inspiring Iris).  I've had this stamp in my NBUS (never-before-used-schtuff) box for a LONG time! :) I started by masking a rectangle using Background Basics stencil (Penny Black) and a sponge brush with Salvaged Patina Distress Ink to create an ombre background.  Then I stamped the outline image of the irises.  There is a matching stamp for the ..read more

Hi everyone.  Today's technique is a combination of techniques (sponging, dry embossing, highlighting).  You have probably done this before, but it's a good reminder to use this technique again.  There are two videos ... one has a twist on the original technique. Please check out the details for this month's technique and link to videos on the blog ... Group of Seven Cardmakers - Dry Embossed Highlights over Ink Blending This is how I made the card.  I started by sponging the a card front of regular Neenah white card stock.  I used three colours of Distress ..read more

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a card using a new image (Resting - Penny Black).  I love this image, but it was challenging to watercolour with all those little berries.  I definitely will use markers next time. :) I stamped in black ink onto mixed media paper and heat embossed with clear.  Then watercoloured the image using Distress Inks (listed below in the supplies).  I added a wash of diluted Faded Jeans at the end.  In hindsight, I should have watercoloured the background first or sponged.  It would have been easier. :)   To finish, I splat ..read more

Hi everyone.  Today's card is for my mother who turns 96 soon.  She LOVES flowers and was an avid gardener when she was younger.  I have filled her card with lovely flowers that I know will make her happy. :) I used a new-to-be Embossing Folder (Sun-Kissed Blooms by Altenew), along with the matching Stencils to sponge the design.  It turned out really well and was easy to do.  To finish I added a few dots of metallic silver for the stamens and a simple sentiment banner (Simply Sentiments - Lawn Fawn). Close-up ... Sending this card to the Seize the Birthday #297 ..read more

Hi everyone.  More cards for December's Group of Seven - Ombré - Design Element.  Today I'm sharing two Winter / Christmas cards that use stenciling with the Ombré technique.  Group of Seven Cardmakers I used DOX inks for sponging the Ombré background ... they go on so smoothly and create more of an opaque look.  I used three shades of purple inks (Shaded Lilac, Wilted Violet, Villaneous Potion) over top of the stencil I made from a Tree Frame die (Gina Marie Designs), cut from Yupo paper.  Yupo makes great stencils ... it doe ..read more

Hi everyone.  I'm starting out 2025 with some Christmas cards using new-to-me gifts from Christmas!  Today I'm playing with a new die (Glorious Poinettia - Memory Box).  I cut the flower from mixed media paper and then sponged colour over top (Real Red and Baked Brown Sugar inks - SU!). The background uses the Splash Watercolouring technique to create an artsy backdrop for this pretty poinsettia.  The sentiment (Christmas Messages - Hero Arts) is stamped in more of the Baked Brown Sugar ink. I made this card specifically for the Color Hues Challenge #101 - Red & Kraf ..read more

Hi everyone.  I had fun playing with Brushos yesterday.  It's been a while.  I forgot how messy they can be. :)  Next time I will definitely wear protective gloves. :) But, you can't deny, that the colours are so amazing.  I used just Black Brushos over top of the Aspen Tree Stencil (The Crafter's Workshop) on mixed media paper.  I spritzed with lots of water, quickly removed the stencil and let the water sit for a few seconds before carefully blotting with a paper towel.  I LOVE the gorgeous mix of colours you get.  Very simple card to make too!!  ..read more

Hi everyone.  I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and are starting off 2025 happy and healthy!! Last year was a tough year for me.  I had more medical issues to deal with and ended up having surgery near the end of July.  It's taken most of the remainder of 2024 for me to recovery, but I am now feeling much better.  On a positive note ... we found our forever home and get the keys a few days ago! YAY!  We sold in May last year and weren't able to find what we wanted so leased a rental house for a year.  Thankfully, we now can take our time moving into o ..read more

Hi everyone.  This month we are working with the Ombré Technique (shades of colour) to create a light to dark background or main focal point.  There are a variety of ways to create theOmbré look in card making ... sponging, die-cutting, watercolouring, stamping, or stenciling.  I have done Ombré before on cards, but when experimenting this month, I realized that I need to do this technique more often!! :) Please check out the details for the Design Element - Ombré and link to videos on the blog ... Group of Seven Cardmakers Here's what I learn ..read more