We have a new color challenge this week at the Global Design Project project blog. I used a new coloring technique (created by yours truly) to color the flowers...so be sure to read on because it will really surprise you!
I am not much of a "pastel" person when it comes to card-making, but this challenge inspired me to give it an honest attempt...and I am glad I did. I really wanted to get one more card made with the Tea Together Stamp Set (#148779) before it retires at the end of this month. I typically don't feature retired stamp sets on my blog, so once it is gone, I rarely use it again. This stamp/die set is really pretty and I am a little sad to see it go. But wait until you see some of the new stamps coming in June! Amazing!
This card front is made with Shimmery White cardstock. I stamped the greeting from Peaceful Moments (#151595) with VersaMark ink and then used silver embossing powder to heat emboss it. I pressure embossed a piece Silver Foil (#132178) using the Tin Tile 3D embossing folder (#151801) and then used Whisper White Craft Ink (#101780) to give it the look of an antique painted tin tile.
Now for the flowers and leaves...I am gonna blow your mind! In the past, I have shared my technique of using 91% rubbing alcohol and ink refills to color images using an AquaPainter. Well, I didn't have all the colors I needed for this challenge available in Stampin' Blends or Watercolor Pencils, so I was prepared to fall back on my tried and true technique I call faux alcohol coloring. I am sure it will work just fine like that, but I am a "what if" kinda gal. I just happened to have a new bottle of clear gel-style hand sanitizer sitting on my desk, so I decided to give it a try.
First, I stamped my flowers with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Shimmery White Cardstock. (Note: I tried regular Whisper White CS but I didn't like the results.) Be sure to let them dry before coloring. Next, I put a drop of ink refill on a non-porous surface (acrylic stamping block) and then added a dime-sized drop of hand sanitizer to it. I still used an Aqua Painter filled with alcohol to paint, but instead of using the alcohol, I mixed the ink and hand sanitizer together and began to paint. Oh my...it really gave me more control than with the alcohol-only method.
The gel allows you to paint the color exactly where you want it and then as it evaporates, it settles into the paper right where you intended. I am not ready to abandon my Stampin' Blends, but this is a really good alternative when you are in a pinch. I allowed the flowers/leaves to dry for a minute or two and then added a second and third layer of the alcohol gel. Each time I added in a little more ink to the mix to make each layer more intense. When it was all said and done I wanted to add some additional shading to the flower petals, so I used a Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker to add some light-handed shading. Also, I needed to intensify the Soft Seafoam ink, so I went over the lighter parts of the leaves with a Soft Seafoam Stampin' Write Marker as well. I can't promise that this will work with every type of hand sanitizer, but it is certainly worth giving it a try!
Finally, I used the coordinating Tea Time Dies (#149697) to cut the flowers, and then I assembled the card. For a few of the flowers, I cut off one set of leaves and then added them back into the layout where needed. Then I added some Basic Rhinestones and some white twine to complete the look.
Be sure to check out what the other talented designers/players have created for this great color challenge at the Global Design Project Challenge Blog. Also, if you try this new technique, send me a link to the finished project...I would love to see!
I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR
If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, then you can order your supplies in my online store here.
Have a blessed day!
