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.

BOTANICAL 6988

Here’s my latest mini slimline card! I’m actively creating, a student in the Altenew Educational Certification Program, and was inspired by Altenew’s 2022 Year In Review Challenge. I decided to combine April’s flowers and colors with a botanical specimen slide theme. It’s not your normal mini slimline card. It doesn’t open but flips over! For fun, I used Altenew’s Wavy Blooms SKU to number this mock up slide.

My focus? Clean and simple with a vintage look. I’m thrilled to be entering my Boutique Cards homework into Altenew’s 2022 Year In Review Challenge!

Creating the background was incredibly fun. I used a combination of Distress Inks and Spray Stains by Tim Holtz. I used Tea Dye, Old Paper, Walnut Stain, Ground Espresso, Antique Linen and Vintage Photo colors. I also used Distress Background Text and Numbers by Stampers Anonymous.

Turn white paper into old looking paper.

I cut the 8.5″x11″ background down to 8″x6″, folded it in half to create a mini slimline 4″x6″ card, and round the corners with a punch. A square frame die created two openings and a larger square frame die was used to cut 2 pieces of acetate. Altenew’s Obsidian Pigment Ink was perfect to stamp the Wavy Blooms flower on cardstock.

It’s amazing how much you see when you simplify everything. I kept the color palette minimal and complimentary so the flower would take center stage and be the star of the show. The Wavy Bloom is sporting Altenew’s Alcohol Ink Pens in Puffy Heart, Midnight Violet and Purple Wine. I flipped the die cut flower over, drew in flowery veins and edges with a Micron Pen, then brushed on those beautiful purples. Later I add a yellowed sentiment framed in copper for contrast.

Note: You can substitute acetate with vellum but the results will be different than what’s pictured. Double sided tape was perfect to keep the plastic in place. A drop of clear glue for the flower and more double sided tape sealed the card tight.

Little details are important to pull your card together for that finished look. I used Altenew’s “Keep Growing” sentiment from the Paint A Flower Iris Stamp Set. I used VersaMark on a triple stacked frame to cover it with Altenew’s Copper Embossing Powder. I’ve got to tell you, Altenew’s embossing powders are so incredibly fine they’ll give you amazing results every time. Nuvo Crystal Copper Drops in the corners gives the illusion of metal brads. Black lines on the back allow for a personal note. It was so fun creating this. I’m ready to create more! Watch for botanical “mock slides” in the future because I can’t get enough of these beautiful Altenew flowers!

GOLD & GOUACHE

I loved drawing each and every flower, leaf, and vine for this scroll. After completing the knottwork “R”, I inked the entire piece using Micron Graphic Pens, going over all the pencil work I just spent hours drawing. I used Turner Acrylic Gouache for the botanicals and letter, adding the gilded, golden background last. To give dimensional pop, I re-inked it all one more time. I added the digital text, honoring my father, in Photoshop.

Unfortunately, cameras don’t easily pick up glint as anything but dusty particles because the metal reflects the light so this scroll looks much different in person.

Illustrated, Painted & Illuminated by Linda Fields

AECP ACCEPTED!

I submitted everything required and waited. Tonight I’m excited to announce, I got my acceptance letter! I’m so very honored to be starting my classes, learning from some of the most creative educators of the Altenew Educator Certification Program!

CRAFT YOUR SCRAPS

Sweet Pea Handmade Cards by Linda Fields

Don’t trash your scraps – turn them into something beautiful! I created this set of cards using Watercolor Paper, Altenew Sweet Pea Stamp & Die set, Spellbinders Nesting Square & Rectangular Die sets, Waffle Flower Painting Mats, Watercolor Pens by Altenew, Micron Illustration Pen, Archival Inks for stamping, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tim Holtz tools like the Cutter, Glass Mat, and Splatter Brush, then added Water Droplet Adornments last.

It was fun creating a new color by putting down the Autumn watercolor before painting a second, purple layer over the top. The two translucent color blended beautifully to create an amazing new color. I splattered left over, dried up watercolor paint for some of the backgrounds. I used cut up, black cardstock scraps, saved from cards I messed up. Speaking of which, when you mess up, and everyone does, find a new way to complete your card with whatever you have on hand. My last card is an example of just that. I ruined the front panel so I put down charcoal ink on its black mat instead and created the flower shadow background you see.

Challenge yourself! Create as many cards as you can with your leftovers. Turn your mistakes over and use the clean side! Even the smallest pieces can become a sentiment or part of a new design. Get creative and see what you end up with!

FALL IN LOVE

Handmade Slimline Card by Linda Fields

I’m created this card for the November 2022 Inspiration Challenge by Altenew.

MY MATERIALS

I like to gather all the materials I need first so my creative process won’t be interrupted. I used Yupo Paper but any non-porous substrate works when working with these wonderful inks. I used the Dark Chocolate, Buttercream, and Iceberg Alcohol Ink colors by Altenew. I also used Tim Holtz Alcohol Blending Solution, 91% Rubbing Alcohol, a special cut Cutip, a fine detail paintbrush, an Air Blower, Hair Dryer, a black Sakura Pigma Micron graphic pen, and an alcohol filled mister.

MY VISION

I wanted an organic, Autumn themed backdrop. I imagined a blue sky, misty lake, a vibrant brown cliff decorated with leaves from a sleepy tree and sunshine yellow highlights dance between the shadows. Want to try alcohol inks? My advice is to let go. Let the inks tell you what they want to be no matter what your vision is.

MY TIPS

Rubbing Alcohol is easy to find but at what percentage? The lower the percentage, most commonly found around 70%, the higher the water content to alcohol ratio. The higher the percentage, 91%+ is usually recommended, the higher the alcohol. More water means your piece will take longer to dry. Even your environment or the weather where you create can affect your inks. Is it too dry? Maybe too wet? Machines can be used to increase or decrease the humidity in your work space.

GET MOVING

Alcohol dilutes and lightens the inks. The sticky, blending solution has bonding resins so it’s perfect when you want to gradually blend one color into another. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Move your substrate and you’ll get different effects. Tilt it, bend it, rotate, blow or puff the inks. A few drops goes far. The darker, deeper colors have beautiful tones to discover when you thin the pigments. Remember, you can always add but you can’t always take away if you use too much. Don’t despair – you can literally start over with an alcohol swipe!

What happens when you mist your artwork with alcohol?

An amazing chemical reaction!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Use a detail brush dipped in alcohol to erase or change parts you don’t like. I used a Micron pen to draw the tree and leaves. Don’t get discouraged – this medium takes patience and practice but it’s so worth it. Fall In Love with alcohol inks.

Final Slimline Card with Black Mat on White Cardstock
DECEMBER UPDATE
I’m honored to be one out of four winners for the November Challenge