Month: December 2022

SENDING PRAYERS

Handmade Card by Linda Fields

This was an absolute first for me, making a shaker card, and I must say, it was so much fun to do! A pretty yellow butterfly finds it way through a bed of pink roses to send prayers to that someone special.

I used the following Tim Holtz products to create the backdrop: Distress Oxide Inks in Kitsch Flamingo and Peeled Paint with the Rose Bud Stencil. I highly recommend using a small blender brush for the best results.

I cut the pattern down to 3″x8″ and ran it through my Spellbinder Platinum machine using my Honey Bee Swirling Leaves Piercing Plate. If you look close you’ll see the leafy hole pattern it put into the stenciled card front.

I used Altenew’s Silver Lake Crisp Dye Ink around the edges of the card front and matching envelope. I used Altenew’s Dream Big set to stamp and die cut the pretty butterfly. I used Jet Black and Lemon Yellow ink for his wings. I stamped and clear embossed “Sending Prayers” from Altenew’s Dotted Blooms Stamp set. I used parchment paper to create the sentiment band. I used acetate cut a piece 1/2 inch larger than my card front. You’ll need a good bone folder to emboss the lines for all four sides and then fold three of the edges over and securely tape them behind the backdrop. I poured clear sequins from Nuvo into the plastic pouch then sealed the last edge.

After mounting the shaker to a grey mat, I used foam tape to attach everything to a slimline card base made from Nina 120# Classic White cardstock. The envelope was made using Nina’s 80# paper. I repeated the stenciling on the paper, adding the butterfly last, before cutting the paper to create the final 4×9 slimline envelope. Making shaker cards is fun and opens the door for infinite creative possibilities!

HI WILDFLOWER!

Card Created by Linda Fields

It’s always great finding creative, different ways to use your tools. Today’s assignment required me to turn a die into a stencil. I was inspired to create a happy, country charm styled card to ring in the New Year.

AECP Homework – Celebration Stencil Techniques Course

I used the following Altenew crafting products: Edge Wildflower Die, Tiny Bubbles and Beach Stripes Stencils, Crimson, Pink Pearl, Maple Yellow, Forest Glades, and Jet Black Dye Inks, and two Blending Brushes. I also used Ribbon, Simon Says Talk Bubble “HI” Stamp, and Water Droplet embellishments.

I used the Wildflower Edge Die to cut one white cardstock flower set and another set from the grey paper. I used the thicker white as a stencil, blending in vibrant Crimson Petals. I used the Bubbles Stencil to ink happy pink and yellow dots before adding faded stripes in two directions to create a cheery plaid backdrop. It was simple finishing the card by adding the die cut grey flowers offset over the white flowers underneath. I stamped “HI”, tied a pretty bow with the gingham ribbon and added water droplets for that finishing touch. This hug is officially ready for mailing!

WAX SEAL LILLIES

Card Created by Linda Fields

Hello and Merry Christmas! Today I was inspired by a very beautiful card I found on Pinterest. I set out to try and recreate the techniques but I ended up making something completely different. Despite trials, errors, and my dog literally eating my homework, I finally finished this slimline card for my All About Layering #4 Course in the Altenew Education Certification Program I am participating in.

AECP Homework – All About Layering #4

This card couldn’t be any easier to make using Nina 120# Classic Crest White Cardstock for the 3.5″x8.5″ card base and 3″x8″ card front. You only need an embossing folder like the Feathered Lillies I used from Altenew, dye ink and ink blender, then whatever embellishments you may or may not want to add. I used Tim Holtz Black Paper Twine and melted silver wax beads to seal in a beautiful “Thank You” sentiment. Finish it with a black frame mat and foam tape for added height.

My goal was to use a mirroring technique I learned in my course. Altenew embossing folders are 6×6 so if you like to use larger sizes or measurements that don’t fit the square then you must get inventive with your paper placement before running it through your machine. Thicker paper gives amazing results photos just can’t show.

Turn your paper 90 degrees to get the mirror effect. You’ll see exciting new shapes emerge in the negative space from this technique. I chose to ink my flowers lightly with a blending sponge and black dye ink after I embossed but you could just as easily create a Letterpress illusion by inking the negative space of your embossing folder first (before you emboss). Experiment! Find that formula you love. Have a blast creating and you’ll always create a WOW piece you’ll love!

THE LOVELY GARDEN

Card Created by Linda Fields

This is my latest card, created for the Easy Die Cutting Techniques Course in Altenew’s Education Certification Program. This time I was inspired by the Inlay Die Cutting technique. I love the results so I decided to make LOVE stand out by popping it up and off for dimensional effect.

AECP Homework – Easy Die Cutting Techniques Course

My apologies in advance. Unlike all my other homework blog posts, I did not take the time to photograph my steps as I went, however, the steps to create the inlay effect are not difficult and the results always look amazing.

I created this slimline card using Altenew products: Golden Garden Stamp set, Mega Love Die, Obsidian Pigment Ink, Cloudy Sky Crisp Dye Ink, Firebrick and Moss Alcohol Ink Pens. I love Nina 120# Classic Crest White Cardstock. I don’t get the same, professional, crisp results with the 80#. I encourage you to try both to see which works best for you. I used a black mat to frame it all.

After cutting down my card base to a folded 3.5″x8.5″, I cut my 3″x8″ card front and 3.25″x8.25″ black mat. I created a pretty little flower pattern by repeating the same stamps in different directions. I created leaves using the brush nib, placed on its side and gently pressed to create the leaf shape. I added some flower details using a Micron pen. I used the die to cut “Love” from the front and extras from scrap paper. Glue them all together to create a thick piece. I inked the letters so it wouldn’t blend in with the background. I brought all the pieces together using double stick tape, adding the word last, set within the cut opening. I think I could have made the card even better if I had used black behind the word and foam tape for even more lift to exaggerate the dimensional effect but I still love how it came out and I encourage you to try this inlay technique for magical results you’ll love!

LIFE HAPPENS

Card Created by Linda Fields

This is my latest card, created For The Guys course in Altenew’s Education Certification Program, inspired by my husband’s love for coffee and its soothing ability to make his day a little nicer… no matter what happens.

AECP Homework – For the Guys Course

You can make this card with just a few Altenew materials: Coffee With a Splash Stamp Set, Jet Black Ink Spray, Jet Black Crisp Dye Ink, Obsidian Stamping Ink Pad, Silver Lake Crisp Dye Ink, and the Beach Towel Stripes Stencil. I used Nina’s Classic Crest 120# white paper and grey paper, clear embossing powder, purple tape, double stick foam tape, and regular tape.

This note card base measures 4.25″ x 5.5″ with a quarter inch smaller cut card front and coordinating grey mat. I inked the white cardstock edges with jet black, used obsidian to stamp the sentiment and coffee stamp. Clear embossing powder over any color ink is a wonderful way to get beautiful embossing effects with just one powder. I highly recommend this be your first powder before any others. I splattered jet black spray after I stenciled fading grey stripes for the backdrop. I brought it all together using tape and propped up the card front using foam.

Making cards for guys might seem like a daunting task but nothing could be farther from the truth. Choose one or two bold or earthy colors, use a graphic, clean and simple look, with a funny or thought provoking sentiment – your card will be loved. And don’t be afraid to get creative! See the coffee beans in the photographs? They not only spiced up my pictures but their oils scented the paper making this the last, perfect step to stir up my sweet creation. What will whip up for your special guy?

WARMEST WISHES

Card Created by Linda Fields

I made this card for the Let It Shine course in Altenew’s Education Certification Program. Inspired by the Wintery cold, my goal was to capture the warm spirit of the season with snow and ice.

AECP Homework – Let It Shine Course

Only a few materials were needed to make this card: Altenew’s Silver Embossing Powder, Warmest Wishes Die (not pictured), and Small Moments Stamp set. I also used Nina Classic Crest 120# white paper, white foam sheet (not pictured), WOW Powdered Snow Embossing Glitter, VersaMark Sticky Ink and pearl embellishments.

I didn’t take pictures while making this card because I was in the craft zone but I can tell you the simple steps: 1) I made a glittery card front propped up on foam to create dimensional interest. 2) I used VersaMark for all the shine done – from WOW Glitter Embossing Powder to create the sparkling texture to Altenew’s Silver Embossing Powder for edges, snowflake and sentiment. 3) I used double sided tape to bring pieces together and added pearl embellishments with clear glue last. This is an easy, quick project I encourage you to try – especially with your family and kids.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

ROSE RECEIVED

Card Created by Linda Fields

I made this card for the Easy Ink Blending Techniques course in Altenew’s Education Certification Program. My goal was to create a vintage, botanical, scientific field notes look. I used wood texture and contrasting inks to bring it all together.

AECP Homework – Easy Ink Blending Techniques Course

First, I used Altenew’s Dock Planks embossing folder to transform my backdrop mat. I applied Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks in Ground Espresso, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, and Tattered Rose using a rounded foam applicator. I started with the darkest color, lightly grazing the paper at an angle, moving in circles along the edges. I worked my way to the center, blending to the lightest colors. I blotted water droplets and splattered thinned Altenew’s Jet Black and Charcoal Suit to age the paper.

I used Altenew’s Garden Rose Layering Die set to cut the rose petals and leaves from 120# classic white cardstock. I used Altenew’s Silver Lake, Evergreen, Forest Glades, Pistachio and Frayed Leaf Crisp Dye Inks to shade and color everything.

I used a mechanical pencil to illustrate a rose stem with leaves. You can always trace around the die cut leaf, flip it over, and draw it again so they’re at different angles. I call the next steps the “Transfer Method”: Use tracing paper to copy your original drawing. Use pencil. Repeat the process after turning the paper over. The key is to lay down graphite on both sides. Place the tracing paper on your final piece to be inked and traced one more time to transfer the drawing permanently. I finished this method by inking over the pencil with a .005 Fine Point Black Micron pen.

I used the Tim Holtz Field Notes Stamp set but only applied the second generations so to enhance the distressed, age look even more. Altenew’s Crimson Ink was the perfect color for this theme. Nuvo Crystal Drops were added for the copper nailhead illusion. I finished everything by pulling the pieces together using cut foam sheets measuring 3×8 and foam tape under the rose for dimensional effect. In the end, I really love how this science themed, botanical rose card turned out.

SLIMLINE THANK YOU

Card Created by Linda Fields

I recently finished my latest card in Altenew’s Education Certification Program for the Irresistible Inking Techniques Course. I was going for a tranquil, watery look.

AECP Homework – Irresistible Inking Techniques Course

I used the following materials (not all materials pictured): Black cardstock, Nina 120# Crest White cardstock cut down to a folded 3.5″ x 8.5″ base (slimline card), Micron Drawing Pen .005 for fine plant details, VersaMark embossing ink, watercolor detail brush, water and the following Altenew materials (not all materials pictured): Tall Foliage Stencil set, Goldfish Pond Stamp set, Silver Embossing Powder, Evergreen, Forest Glades, and Frayed Leaf Crisp Dye Inks for color, Blue & Sunshine Yellow Watercolor Pens, Pearlescent Shimmer Spray, Jet Black Ink Spray and Obsidian stamping ink.

It was a joy creating this slimline, one of my favorite card sizes. After cutting the paper, including a black mat cut one quarter inch larger, I used the stencil to lightly ink in varying shades of green with a detail brush. After removing the stencil, I smooshed the same inks on glass, added water, and went back over the reed and leaves to create a soft, watercolor effect. I used a black micron pen to draw in fine detailed lines. I stamped in the fish, colored him with Altenew’s Watercolor Pens, then covered his body with Pearlescent Shimmer Ink. Next, I dipped my brush into the black ink spray so I could flick black specks on the card. Last but not least, I stamped “Thank You” using VersaMark’s sticky ink and Silver Embossing powder for that finishing touch.

WHITE ROSE & LINEN

Card Created by Linda Fields

This is my homework submission I created for the All About Layering 3 course in Altenew’s Education Certification Program. I’m also submitting this into the Altenew Year In Review 2022 Inspiration Challenge. My second entry is inspired by the flower and colors of March. My goal was to create a sophisticated, tone-on-tone card with pops of grey, copper, and greens. The beautiful linen texture brings it all together.

AECP Homework – All About Layering 3 Course
Altenew Year In Review Inspiration Challenge 2022 – March Inspired Entry #2

I used the following materials: Nina 120# & 80# Crest White cardstock cut down to a folded 5″ x 7″ base, Vellum, a Micron Drawing Pen for fine details, VersaMark embossing ink, watercolor detail brush, water and white paper twine by Tim Holtz and the following Altenew materials: Organic Linen 3D Embossing Folder, Enchanted Iris Set (Thanks stamp), Copper Embossing Powder, Garden Rose Layering Die, and Altenew’s Silver Lake, Evergreen, Forest Glades, Pistachio and Frayed Leaf Crisp Dye Inks for color.

First, I used the embossing folder and turned paper into linen like magic! I used my Tim Holtz Deckle Blade Cutter to create a ragged edge. Next, I used the Garden Rose die set by Altenew to cut everything from white paper. I used inks, a small brush applicator, a round sponge applicator, a watercolor detail brush, and Altenew inks to shade, define, and color all the pieces. If you’ve never used this or other similar flower building set before, the individual pieces are embossed with tiny numbers and have keyhole cutouts to use as guides. It’s a great approach and I appreciated the well thought out design. I cut down some vellum and embossed “Thanks” in copper to match the rose’s copper center. I used regular double-sided as well as foam tapes to bring it all together – tucking the leaves under the raised flower, paying special attention to the off-center, triangular layout I wanted.

In the end, I fell in love with the clean, textured look with that soft, complimentary pop of color. It was a joy making this card and I can’t wait to apply more of what I’ve learned for my next homework assignment.

PICKET FENCE BLOSSOMS

Card Created by Linda Fields

AECP Homework – All About Layering 1 Course

This is my latest creation while taking Altenew’s Eduction Certification Program. I was inspired by the idea of Spring 2023, looking over a white picket fence surrounding a garden full of wild flowers.

I used Nina 120# Crest White cardstock cut down to a folded 4.25″ x 5.5″ base card. I used the Hexagon & Diamond Die Set by Tonic Studios, a .01 Micron Drawing Pen, Altenew’s Mini Blossoms Stamp Set, Altenew Obsidian Stamping Ink, with Blueberry, Lemon Ice, Evergreen, Forest Glades, and Frayed Leaf Crisp Dye Inks for color.

I cut two diagonal stitch frames and glued them together then die cut the center section. I used Blueberry ink to create a nice contrast for the die cut “LOVE”. While my cuts were drying, pressed under something heavy, I started creating the main portion of the card. I learned a lot during the first Layer course, like how to find specific stamp characteristics to use as guides for lining up the flower layers. I used the Mini Blossoms stamp set to create the pretty backdrop. I pulled all the pieces together to create the card.