Slimline Holiday Card ~ Watercolor distress ink refills

Hello.  Today, I am sharing a slimline holiday card using watercolor distress ink refills.  

Sentiment:  Hello Winter.

This is a messy project but really fun to do.  Use the water-soluble inks that you have on hand or reinkers.

Ghost Slimline Card ~ My Creative Time Make It Manly

 Hello.  Today, the My Creative Time team is sharing manly projects.  My cute tall or mini slimline card works for the guys as well using a Halloween theme. 

Sentiment:  Open if you dare.

We can't forget the guys in our life.  They get cards too!

Using ink sprays 2 ways ~ Mixed media card techniques

     Hello.  Today, on the Unity blog, I am sharing a way of using ink sprays 2 ways for mixed media projects.  These cards use the same ink yet have very different looks.

Using ink sprays 2 ways is so easy to do.  Creating a clean and simple card or a layered mixed media card are just two of many options for ink sprays.

I made a quick video tutorial showing the process for this project.

{{Please subscribe to my video channel and like this video.  Many thanks.}}

YouTube:  Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq

Ink smooshing watercolor card with outline flowers ~ tutorial

 Hello.  For Technique Time at Unity, I show ink smooshing watercolor for this love card background.  I also use outline flowers as an accent.

Sentiment:  Hugs & Love

Adding ink smooshing watercolor in pink and red to the background stamping creates an easy artsy look, especially for this love card.  The flower overlay is an added bonus.

Helpful tips:

Here are helpful tips for creating this card using ink smooshing and fussy cutting.  To begin, stamp and trim a background panel using watercolor paper.  Also, stamp and fussy cut outline flowers and the sentiment.  Next, add pink and red watercolor to a piece of acetate or a plastic craft mat.  Then, place the acetate over the watercolor paper background and smoosh the color onto the panel.  Repeat this process until you get the look you want.  Once dry, adhere the background panel to the card base using extra tacky tape.  Finally, add the flowers and accents, to finish.

I made a quick video tutorial showing the process for this project.

{{Please subscribe to my video channel and like this video.  Many thanks.}}

YouTube:  Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq

Here is another look.

Entered into this challenge using "new" stamps.

Simon Says:  Something New

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. Criss Cross Hearts {background} and Hello Fresh Start.

Also, foam and flat double-sided tape, cardstock, Altenew watercolor half pans, paint brushes, tan cording, heat tool, My Creative Time belly band dies and rectangle frame die layers; adhesive gems, Ranger watercolor paper, plastic craft mat and jet black archival ink; acetate.

Be sure to visit the Unity blog for the entire article and tutorial.

Also, you can find my other features at Unity's
Technique Time and
Watercolor Wednesday.

Thank you for visiting.

Gaylynn

Mixed media scrapbook layout pages ~ handmade elements

 Hi there.  For Technique Time at Unity, I share four coordinating scrapbook layout pages using handmade elements as accents.  These pages incorporate a variety of techniques and mediums which work together beautifully.

Helpful tips:

Here are helpful tips for scrapbook layout pages.  Please note, refer to the video for the detailed steps and the tutorial.  To begin, have a theme or coordinating colors in mind and have those supplies for the project on hand.  Next, make your own handmade accents and elements by stamping, embossing and adding watercolor to those accent pieces.  Then, once dry, trim or fussy cut (cut out) the handmade elements.  Next, create a stenciled corner background onto each of the cardstock scrapbook layout pages.  Finally, add accent frame stamping and then adhere the handmade elements, to finish.

I made a quick video tutorial showing the process for this project.

{{Please subscribe to my video channel and like this video.  Many thanks.}}

YouTube:  Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq

Here are two more pages:

Included in these challenges:

Simon Says: Anything Goes

Simon Says:  Beautiful Botanicals

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. Blow Your Mind, Hug, I Am Who I Am, Say It With Love, Hey Friend, Time To Be Happy Again and Summer Celebration; 

Also, original Misti, flat and foam double-sided clear tape, Ranger products gold embossing powder, jet black archival ink, distress oxide ink pads in fossilized amber, worn lipstick, wilted violet, walnut stain, mini mister, plastic craft mat, and watercolor paper; Versamark ink, heat tool, blending brush, TCW Rebekah Meier Designs 6x6" mini rosetta stencil, Ken Oliver Crafts color burst powders in grape jelly and razzle berry; painter's tape, Fiskars paper trimmer.

Be sure to visit the Unity blog for the entire article and tutorial.
Also, you can find my other features at Unity's
Technique Time and
Watercolor Wednesday.

Thank you for stopping by.

Gaylynn

Watercolor tri-fold slim card ~ diagonal cut tutorial

Hi there.  Today, I am sharing my tri-fold slim card made using watercolor and diagonal cut detail.

Sentiment:

This is us, our life, our story, our love
Through the ups and downs, I'd pick you again and again.
Happy Anniversary

This tri-fold slim card is interactive, with art on the front and on the inside.  It was easy and fun to make.

Here are the measurements that I used for this trifold slim card base & envelope.  Please reference the video for the process and details for this project.

This tri-fold slim card size folded is approximately 3 5/8" x 8 1/2".
First, use an envelope #10 size or a 4 1/8" x 9" size.
Also, use one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock for the base.

Next, score on one end of the long side at 3 5/8".
Then, rotate the paper to score the other side of the long end at 3 5/8".
You should have two vertical score lines on a horizontal sheet of cardstock.

Next, using a paper trimmer, align the cutting from about 2" from the bottom left of the horizontal cardstock piece upwards to the top of the second fold line.  Then, cut a diagonal section from the cardstock, from those points.
Next, fold back the small cut section at the first fold line and fold inward at the second fold line.
Finally, decorate the front and the inside with stamping, watercolor and embellishments.

This card base and envelope example was made using an envelope that I happen to have on hand.

Please note, dies are not necessary.  A paper trimmer can be used to trim the desired card base and the layers.

Here is another look.

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. You Are My Always; Ranger archival jet black ink, cardstock, flat and foam double-sided clear tape, Pink Fresh Studio slim ornate banner dies; Altenew watercolor half pans and palette mat; watercolor brush, envelope, Fiskars paper trimmer, MSC scoring board, bone folder, Canson watercolor paper. 

Thanks for visiting.

Gaylynn

Embossing folder with ink techniques ~ 4 ways

Hello.  I am sharing four embossing folders with ink techniques.  This creates card backgrounds with texture and an artsy look.

For different looks, try different inks and different ink placements.

Here are helpful tips for using an embossing folder with ink.  To begin, precut all of your card panels.  Also, choose embossing folders and inks for use on the inky background layer.  Next, ink the inside of the embossing folder.  Note, each background technique describes the inking process below.  Then, place the panel onto the inked side of the embossing folder and run it through your die-cutting or embossing machine.  Next, gently remove the inky panel from the embossing folder and allow it to dry.  Finally, layer your card front panels, accent with a stamped vellum or cardstock layer, to finish.

Sentiment:  Happy Birthday

For the card 1 background panel, I added ink to the inside flat side of the embossing folder.

Sentiment:  DAD.  The man, the myth, the legend.

For the card 2 background panel, I used an ink smooshing technique.  Onto a plastic craft mat, I added distress oxide in two colors with a light water mist.  Then, I placed the inside flat side of the embossing folder over the inky craft mat to apply the ink.  Extra ink was smooshed onto the same panel afterward.

Sentiment:  Be calm.  Trust it will be okay.

For the card 3 background panel, I added the ink to the inside raised side of the embossing folder.  The swirl details are shown in color on this background.

Sentiment:
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
~ Psalm 143:8

For this card 4 background panel, I added ink to the inside flat side of the embossing folder and then applied the ink pad direct to the panel for a distressed look.  This one is made rustic intentionally.

On all of today's samples, I used vellum-stamped panels without added color.  I wanted the backgrounds to show through the vellum.

Here is another look.

Supplies:
(The embossing folders that I used in this project are no longer available.  I have linked similar items below, or use what you currently have.)

Thanks for visiting.

Gaylynn

Friendship sewing machine tag card layers.

Hello.  Today, the My Creative Time team is sharing project ideas using tags.  Here is my sewing themed friendship tag card.

Sentiment:  To my creative friend.

Tags are a great accent in card making.  For this friendship card, I wanted the tag to include cute layers.

The tag was made from layers of paper die-cuts.  Any cardstock or patterned paper works for this.  I stamped the sentiment and then popped up the stamped sewing machine.  Also, scalloped layers were added to the bottom of the tag.  The background was a leftover pre-made panel using ink smooshing and then dry embossed.  Everything was layered to finish.

Supplies:  My Creative Time You're So Special, Tag Frame Dies, Tag Frame Die Layers and Fun Stitched Edges; mini Misti, Ranger watering can archival ink and multi medium matte glue; premade background, cardstock, hole punch, hemp cording, foam tape.

Please visit Emma's My Creative Time blog for more inspiration.

Enjoy your day.

Gaylynn

French merci + bonjour watercolor cards ~ Prima Art Philosophy

Today, I am sharing two different one layer watercolor cards with stamping.  One is floral framed and the other has a more vivid background.  Both cards incorporate Prima Art Philosophy watercolor tube samples and also clear stamps from The Greeting Farm.

First up is my merci card.

Sentiment:  Merci

For the merci card, I used the ink smooshing technique.  I used pink and yellow colors of the watercolor with water added.  Then, I placed the watercolor paper over the ink mixture and then lifted the panel.  The result was a beautiful blend of the two colors.  Once dried, I stamped the sentiment with some of the floral accents.  Finally, I added this panel to the card base, to finish.

Here is another look.

Here is another french themed watercolor card.  This one is a side fold card.

Sentiment:  Bonjour

This bonjour card was first stamped onto watercolor paper.  All of the florals were stamped first.  Then with a narrow brush, I picked up color from my watercolor palette to fill in the flowers and leaves.  The background was given a watercolor wash in diluted blue for a light look.  Once the panel was dry, I stamped the bonjour sentiment, to finish.

Another look:

These projects do not include a video tutorial.

However, for my projects with video tutorials, please see my YouTube channel at
Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq
Also, to view my videos here on the blog, click
video.

I want to give a shout out to Carissa from Inky Fairy Designs for the fabulous watercolor class demonstration and for sponsoring Prima Art Philosophy watercolor artist grade tube style palette samples.  Also, thanks to The Greeting Farm for sponsoring the lovely french themed Bouquet clear stamp set. 

Have a beautiful day.

Gaylynn

Watercolor 3-D butterflies ~ MCT Just Cards

Hi there.  Today, the My Creative Time team is sharing just card projects.  Here is my Spring inspired butterfly card made with watercolor, stamps and dies.

Sentiment:  Hi

This is a great card to send for most any occasion.  It has a cheerful look to it with 3-D butterflies and soft watercolors.

To begin, trim or die-cut a piece of thick cardstock or watercolor paper to fit onto the card base.  Then, onto a piece of acetate or an acrylic blog, add watercolor and water.  Allow that to move to your preferred look.  Next, gently place the watercolor side of the acetate over the cardstock panel.  Repeat as needed.  Then, heat set.  Next, once dry, die-cut butterflies from the watercolor panel.  Then, adhere the panel to the card base.  Then stamp and die-cut a sentiment.  Finally, adhere the butterflies with the wings lifted up, adhere the sentiment and add gems to finish.

Supplies:  My Creative Time Pretty Butterflies & Dragonfly Dies, Fun Notes and More Stitched Rectangular Dies; Ranger archival ink in jet black, mini misti, Prima watercolor, watercolor brush, acetate, adhesive pearls and mint card base.

Please visit Emma's My Creative Time blog for more inspiration.

Enjoy your day.

Gaylynn

Tis the season holiday tag card with watercolor.

Today, the My Creative Time team is sharing tag projects.  Here is a watercolor tag card for the holidays, made quick and easy.

Sentiment:  Tis the season.

To begin, I added watercolor to a small piece of watercolor paper, using ink smooshing.  I placed watercolor marker lines then misted water onto a palette mat.  Then, the paper was placed over the watercolor to pick up the color.  Once heat-set, I die-cut the Christmas tree tag and added cording.  The background pieces were die-cut and trimmed to fit the card.  Finally, everything was layered and assembled.

Supplies:  My Creative Time Just A Little Something, More Stitched Edges and More Stitched Rectangular dies; Zig clean color real brush 048, 033 and 042; hemp cord, silver cardstock, BasicGrey Nordic Holiday paper; Ranger jet black archival ink, watercolor paper and mini mister; foam tape.

Please visit Emma's My Creative Time blog for more inspiration.

Thanks for visiting.

Gaylynn

Set of 3 holiday watercolor cards with ink smooshing.

Here is a set of three coordinating holiday greeting cards made using vintage watercolor ink smooshing.

For these cards, I first stamped onto watercolor paper, arranging the stamps to make three scene panels.  For a vintage look, I added neutral tones of watercolor using an ink smooshing technique.  The patterned strips background was stamped on kraft paper using white ink and left to dry.  I prepared layers for three cards and pretrimmed all of the panels.  Once dry, I layered and assembled the cards.

I made a quick video tutorial showing the process for this project.

{{Please subscribe to my video channel and like this video.  Many thanks.}}

YouTube:  Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq

Here are more of the cards.

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. Holly Jolly Critters, Joy and Things, Background Builders Seasonal Set One and Set Two, Christmas Linen {paper pack 1 and pack 2}; Gina K Designs jet black amalgam ink, Canson watercolor paper, Mini Misti, Ranger mini mister, twine, ColorBox ink, MFT die-namics, Zig clean color real brush markers 064, 072 and 067, Altenew small palette mat, heat tool and foam tape.

Have a fabulous day.

Gaylynn

Sew... I heard it's your birthday ~ MCT Made in Minutes

Today, on the MCT blog, we are sharing made in minutes projects.
This watercolor sewing pun-themed card was made quicker than it may seem.

Sentiment:  Sew... I heard it's your birthday.

MCT products used:

You're Sew Special
Circle Border Die

On one piece of watercolor paper, I added watercolor using the ink smooshing technique.  Then, I trimmed two panels from the dried watercolor panel.  I then added a stamped and die-cut sewing machine with the sentiment between the two watercolor strips.  For added embellishment, I added a die-cut circle border and sequins.

You could make multiple card backgrounds by watercoloring one larger watercolor sheet and then trimming to fit.  For embellishments, use up your extra stamped or die-cut pieces laying around.

Here is another look.

Other supplies:  Altenew watercolor half pans, sequins, Gina K Designs ink, Copic markers BG49, BG53, V01; Ranger watercolor paper.

Be sure to visit Miss Emma's My Creative Time blog for more inspiration.

Thanks for visiting.

Gaylynn

Unity Stamp Co. Blog Hop ~ Graciellie Design

Hi, it's Gaylynn here with a project for the Unity & Graciellie Design blog hop.

Sentiment:  You are capable of amazing things.

This encouragement sentiment is perfect for graduation, good luck or just because.

The sentiment is part of the new Graciellie Design stamp kit at Unity called Amazing Things.

These new kits include her amazing art along with fabulous sentiments like this one.

I also used the anchor for the September 2017 Layers of Life kit Love Anchors.

This 9/2017 kit is the current LOL for September, but beginning in October, it will show up in the Past Layers of Life under the Love Anchors title in the Unity store.

I needed a masculine graduation card, so I mixed these two kits.
I used an ink smooshing technique for the anchor card using watercolor paper and distress ink pads in two colors, peacock feathers and pumice stone.

There is no video for this anchor card, but the technique used is part of another project of mine with a quick tip video showing the way I use ink smooshing.
YouTube:  Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq

Here is a closer look at the anchor card:

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. Amazing Things by Graciellie Design and Love Anchors Layers of Life 9/2017; Lil' Inker Designs dies, Canson cold press watercolor paper, Ranger distress ink pads and jet black archival ink.

Time to hop.

We have TWO amazing Unity filled prize packages to give away. Leave a comment on EACH blog in the hop (including the Unity blog) for your chance to win.

— PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY NIGHT —

Mixed media style masculine birthday card.

For the CardMaker and Spellbinders blog hop, scroll down or click here.

Because, I am forever in need of birthday cards, here is a mixed media style masculine card with a birthday twist.

Sentiment:  Happy B-day.

This was stamped with a holiday kit, but it can totally work for birthdays.  I used the stars, added a birthday die-cut sentiment and mixed media watercolor to get this masculine look.

Here is a quick video tutorial for ink smooshing on this masculine card.

YouTube:  Gaylynn NeatThingsBtq

And here is a closer look:

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. Happy Holidays by Jolande and Marleen, Ranger archival and distress ink pads, My Creative Time and Lil' Inker Designs dies.

Link Ups:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge ~ It's written in the stars DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT WINNER!

Little Red Wagon Challenge #411 ~ Distress It

Have a great day.