VIDEO | Spellbinders + FSJ Ocean Backgrounds: Three Ways + Giveaway

Hello there, I am delighted to be joining Spellbinders + Fun Stampers Journey to celebrate the release of the new Hello Summer Collection. We are celebrating with a fun blog hop and there are more details on that below. For my cards today, I thought it would be fun to create three different ocean backgrounds using different mediums.

 

 

INK SMOOSHING

My first way to create an ocean background is with ink smooshing. I think this technique works particularly well for ocean backgrounds as you get a nice organic/splashy look.

 

I took FSJ Cool Pool Liquid Color and added this to my glass mat. I added a little water to it and then took a piece of Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink cardstock and pounced the glossy side into the ink. I repeated this step with the FSJ Limeade Splash Liquid Color. I liked how it was looking but I wanted a bit more blue in the background, so I added on some Tim Holtz Mermaid Lagoon Distress Spray. I heat set the ink and then added a layer of Tim Holtz Distress Glaze over the top.

 

 

The piece was then run through the Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine with the FSJ Bubble Bubble Stencil to emboss it. I love the added texture it brings to the background. I die cut a Spellbinders Nestabilities Circle Die from a panel of white cardstock, added foam tape to the back and then added the background piece behind. This was then added to a white A2 card base.

 

 

I stamped the shark from the FSJ Shark Attack Stamp Set on to white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and coloured it with Copic Markers. I fussy cut it out with scissors but there are coordinating dies for the images. I stamped the sentiment from the set on to Spellbinders Black Licorice Cardstock with Versamark Ink. I added detail white embossing powder and heat set. This was cut in to a strip and added to the card with foam tape. I also added the shark with a combination of foam tape and tape runner. To finish off the card, I added a few Lucy's Raindrops.

 

GLITTER PASTE + STENCILS

My second ocean background uses ink blending, glitter paste and a stencil. I thought the stencil would work well with the mermaid's tail to create the look of splashes in the sea with the movement of the tail.

 

I first took a panel of Tim Holtz Watercolor cardstock and added Distress Inks on to it using ink blending tools. I used Peacock Feathers, Mermaid Lagoon and Blueprint Sketch Distress Inks. I then placed the FSJ Splash Zone Stencil over the top and secured with low tack tape. Using a palette knife, I added a coat of Nuvo Moonstone Glimmer Paste. I removed the stencil and then set the piece aside to dry.

 

 

The piece was cut down and added to the front of an A2 white card base with tape runner. I die cut the FSJ Sparkle Mermaid Tail Die from white cardstock and added this to the card with small dabs of liquid glue. I then cut a panel of white cardstock and cut the top using the Spellbinders Curved Borders Die. I added this piece at the bottom of the card to look like a wave.

 

 

I took the sentiment from the FSJ Make Waves Stamp Set and white heat embossed this on to black cardstock. This was cut down and added to the card with foam tape. To finish off, I added a few Lucy's Iridescent Jewels.

 

ALCOHOL INKS

My final ocean background today uses alcohol inks. I thought an ethereal type alcohol ink background would work well with the mermaid.

 

 

I took a panel of Yupo paper and added Tim Holtz Patina, Pool and Aqua Alcohol Inks on to it, using the Alcohol Ink Blending Solution and an air puffer to move the colour around. The piece was set aside to dry and then cut down to an A2 sized panel of 5.5" x 4.25".

 

 

I stamped the sentiment from the FSJ Make Waves Stamp Set on top using ranger Archival Jet Black Ink and set aside to dry. I took one of the mermaid's from the FSJ Make Waves Stamp Set and stamped this on to white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I coloured her using Copic Markers (the colours that I used are listed below the supplies area) and fussy cut her out with scissors (but there are coordinating dies available).

 

 

The background panel was added to an A2 white card base with tape runner and the mermaid added on top with foam tape. To finish off, I added a few sequins from the FSJ Splash Zone Sequins collection.

 

VIDEO:

Here is the video showing how I made my cards:

 

If you are viewing this blog post via email subscription, you can watch the video HERE on YouTube.

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Shark - N7, N5, N3, N2, N1, N0. Mermaid skin - E13, E11, E00, E50. Hair - E49, E27, E25, E23, E21. Top and flower in hair - V17, V15, V12. Tail - BG49, BG45, BG13, BG11.

 

BLOG HOP:

 

 

Like I mentioned, we are celebrating the new release with a fun blog hop! For the hop, you should have arrived here from the wonderful Tina Smith.

Next on the hop is the fantastic Mindy Eggen.

If you get lost along the way, you can find links to all the participants over on the Spellbinders Blog.

 

GIVEAWAY:

 

To celebrate the release, Spellbinders are giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky blog hop reader. The winner will be selected from the comments left across all of the blogs in the hop. Giveaway closes on Monday, July 1st at 11.59pm EDT. The winners will be announced over on the Spellbinders blog the following Tuesday. Good luck!

 

Thanks so much for joining me today. I hope you have a great time on the rest of the hop and a wonderful day!

Studio Katia 3rd Birthday Blog Hop Winner

Hello there, I am back this afternoon to share the winner of my giveaway to celebrate Studio Katia's 3rd Birthday. Studio Katia have kindly donated a $25 gift certificate to the Studio Katia store for one lucky winner.

 

 

The winner is:

 

Congratulations, Sue! Please can you email me using the button on the right hand sidebar on my blog. Thanks so much to everyone who entered. Have a great day!

Toucan of Appreciation

Hello there, today I have a card to share using another two products from the Hero Arts June My Monthly Hero release. I thought the toucan would work really well with the Leaves and Vines Fancy Die.

 

I started off by stamping one of the toucan's and two of the flowers from the Hero Arts Hello Toucan Stamp Set on to white cardstock using Hero Arts Intense Black Ink. I coloured them with Copic Markers (the colours that I used are listed below the supplies area) and die cut them using the coordinating dies.

 

 

I took a panel of white cardstock and stamped the sentiment on it from the same Hello Toucan set with more black ink. I then ran this piece through my die cutting machine embossing the Hero Arts Leaves and Vines Fancy Die on to it. The panel was added flat to an A2 white card base with tape runner.

 

 

I took a piece of Hero Arts Pitch Black Cardstock as well as a piece of black and white striped paper and cut these in to strips, cutting ribbon ends at one side. These were added to the card on the right hand side and the toucan perched on top with foam tape. I then popped the flowers behind the toucan.

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Toucan - N10, N9, N8, N7, N6, N5, YR18, YR16, YR12, N3, N1, N0. Right side flower - RV66, RV55, RV52. Left side flower - R32, R21, Y13, Y11, YG17, YG23, YG01.

 

I really like how the Leaves and Vine die embossed on to the cardstock, I think it gave a really nice impression and perfect for a subtle background. Thanks so much for popping by to see me today. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend!

MFT Sketch Challenge | Thanks A Ton

Hello there, it's time for another MFT Sketch Challenge. Today we are on sketch 442 and although I do feel that I have all of the elements of the sketch, I did move them around slightly. Hopefully you can still see the sketch in my card, though.

I started off by creating my background piece. I took a panel of Yupo paper and added a layer of Alcohol Ink Blending Solution on to it. I then applied Aqua, Pool and Patina Alcohol Inks and moved the ink around with an air spritzer tool. Once the piece was dry, I cut it down first using the largest of the MFT Stitched Rectangle Stax 1 Die-namics. I then cut it the top down further using the MFT Stitched Dome Stax Die-namics and just partially cut the dome top piece.

 

 

I took the MFT Under The Sea Die-namics and cut the elements from white cardstock. I coloured them using Copic Markers (the colours that I used are below the supplies area) and then die cut the sand piece with the bottom of the A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax to match up the stitching lines. These were adhered to the background piece with tape runner and MFT On-Point Precision Glue. I took the whale from the MFT BB Friends With Fins Stamp Set and stamped this on to white cardstock with MFT Extreme Black Ink.

 

 

I coloured the whale with Copic Markers and then cut out using the MFT BB Friends With Fins Die-namics. I also took the sentiment from the set and stamped this on to MFT Black Licorice Cardstock with Versamark Ink. I applied white embossing powder and heat set. This was cut out and the edge cut with the same rectangle die to get the stitching. It was added to the background piece using thin foam squares. I then added the whale on top with foam squares. The entire background panel was then added to an acetate card base with tape runner.

 

SKETCH CHALLENGE:

Here is a look at sketch 442:

 

Create and share a card for the sketch challenge and you could win a $50 gift certificate to the MFT store. For more details on the challenge, please head over to the MFT Blog.

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Whale - B39, B99, B97, B95, B93, B91, W5, W3, W1, W0. Sand/sea bed & rocks - E49, E44, E43, E42, E41, E40. Seaweed - YG17, YG23, YG01.

 

I did add additional panels of cardstock cut to the same shape as the background piece to cover the inside back of the card, the inside piece to write on and the back. This covers up any adhesive. I have to be honest, my camera is not a fan of acetate and put that together with alcohol ink and this card was rather tricky to photograph! Sorry about that but I had a lot of fun making this card! Thanks so much for visiting me today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a great rest of the day!

Birthday Sunset

Hello there, today I have to share using the new Hero Arts Colour Layering Palm Tree. I thought it would work well with a sunset, so I took inspiration from a card that I made back in 2017 and just changed it up slightly.

 

I first took the Hero Arts Nesting Circle Infinity Dies and cut a circle from a sheet of masking paper. I took a panel of white cardstock and placed the mask over it. I then blended inks inside to create the sunset. I used Lemon Drop, Creamsicle and Fruit Punch Reactive Inks. I then removed the mask.

 

I placed the panel in my Mini MISTI and stamped the images from the Hero Arts Color Layering Palm Tree Stamp Set on top with Hero Hues Black Ink. I used one of the more detailed layers of the tree, rather than the solid outline for some added interest. I then stamped the monkey so that he was climbing the tree. The panel was then adhered to an A2 white card base with foam tape.

 

 

I took the sentiment from the Hero Arts Chameleon Stamp & Cut Set and stamped it on to Hero Hues Pitch Black Cardstock with Hero Arts Clear Embossing & Watermark Ink. I applied Hero Arts White Detail Embossing Powder and heat set. This was cut in to a strip and added to the card with thin foam squares. To finish off, I added a few Lucy's Raindrops.

 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

I think this would look good without the monkey too but I thought he was cute, so wanted to include him! Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you have a great week!

Studio Katia 3rd Anniversary Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hello there, I am delighted to be joining Studio Katia today to celebrate their 3rd Birthday. We are celebrating with not only a fantastic release but a fun blog hop too. For the hop, you should have arrived here from the fabulous Galina but if you get lost along the way, I have the full list of participants below. I have three cards to share with you today using the new release.

 

My first card uses the fantastic new Studio Katia Birthday Balloons Duo Stencils. The pack comes with two stencils that you can line up to create a plethora of balloons but you can use them separately too. I started off by taking a panel of cardstock and placed the first stencil on top securing with Post It Tape. I then blended Distress Inks in to the openings.

 

 

The colours that I used are in the supplies list but as you can see, I used a lot! I tried to concentrate most of the colour at the bottom of the balloon and then blended lighter upwards. Once the stencil was filled up, I removed it and placed the second stencil on. I then continued the blend ink in to the openings to cover the panel.

 

 

I took the large happy birthday sentiment from the Studio Katia It's Your Birthday Stamp Set and stamped this on to the panel with Versafine Nocturne Ink. The panel was then simply adhered to a white A2 card base with foam tape.

 

My next card uses the new Studio Katia Kobi Makes A Wish Stamp Set. I started off by stamping Kobi from the set on to white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I then coloured him using Copic Markers (the colours that I used are listed below the supplies section) and cut him out using the Studio Katia Kobi Makes A Wish Dies.

 

 

I took a panel of white cardstock and ran the first layer of the Studio Katia Birthday Balloons Duo Stencils through my die cutting machine to emboss it. This was added flat to an A2 white card base with tape runner. I then took one of scallop frames from the Studio Katia Scallop Frames Dies and cut this from white cardstock. I blended Peacock Feathers, Blueprint Sketch and Wilted Violet Distress Inks on to it and then misted with water and set aside to dry.

 

 

Once dry, this was adhered flat to the card base and Kobi added on top with foam tape. I took the sentiments from the stamp set and stamped them on to black cardstock with Versamark Ink. I applied white embossing powder and heat set. These were cut in to strips and added to the card with more foam tape. To finish off, I added a few Studio Katia Pastel Rainbow Confetti.

 

My last card is very simple but I really wanted to use the new Studio Katia Shaker Balloon Die. This die is fantastic as you get four for one. You can cut the negative like I have on my card, you get a thin frame and also a positive balloon piece, plus a little bow too. I took a panel of cardstock that I cut using the largest of the Studio Katia Scallop Frames Dies and cut the balloon from it. I added acetate to the back, followed foam tape around the shape.

 

 

I filled the shaker area with Studio Katia Speckled Sprinkles and then closed it with another piece of acetate. The panel was then added to a card base that I made from two panels of the same Scallop Frame Dies. I scored the back panel and just adhered it at the top so that it opens like a card.
 

 

I took the bow from the Studio Katia Shaker Balloon Die and cut this from black cardstock. This was adhered flat to the bottom of the balloon and a Studio Katia Iridescent Jewel added to the centre. I took the sentiment from the Studio Katia It's Your Birthday Stamp Set and white heat embossed this on to black cardstock. It was cut in to a strip and added on top of the balloon with foam tape.

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Kobi - N10, N7, N5, N3, N2, N1, R00. Cake - E55, E53, E51, E50. Candles - BG13, BG11, BG10, Y17, Y11, Y00.

 

BLOG HOP:

 

  

Here is the full list of participants taking part in the hop today:

 

Studio Katia

Nina Marie Tripani

Cathy Zielske

Amy Kolling

Laura Volpes

Emily Midgett

Erica A-B

Erum Tasneem

Ilina Crouse

Galina Filippenko

Michelle Short - you are here!

Anika Lerche

Kaja Vezensek

 

GIVEAWAY:

 

Studio Katia are giving away two $50 gift certificates on their blog for each day of the hop. I am also giving away a $25 gift certificate to the Studio Katia shop. All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on this post by Saturday June 22nd June at 12.00hrs BST. The winner will be announced a few days later here on my blog. Good luck!

 

Next on the hop is the amazing Anika. A big happy birthday to Studio Katia! Thanks so much for having me join in the celebrations. I hope you will check out the release if you haven't already. Thank you so much for visiting me today, I really do appreciate it. Have a great day!

It's Your Birthday, Treat Yourself!

Hello there, today I have a card to share using the Clearly Besotted Sunny Sundae set that I shared in my June 2019 Release Preview video. I didn't share it as an official teaser but I love this set, it is perfect for birthdays but can be used for lots of different occasions too.

 

I started off by stamping one of the sundaes from the Clearly Besotted Sunny Sundae Stamp Set on to white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I then coloured the image using Copic Markers (the colours that I used are listed below the supplies area), making sure to keep the ice cream that is showing through the glass lighter in colour. I also went over some of the areas with the Colourless Blender Pen which helps to lighten the colours too. I fussy cut the image out with scissors but there are coordinating dies available.

 

 

I took a panel of white cardstock and blended Distress Inks on to it, using a light hand. I used Picked Raspberry, Tumbled Glass, Cracked Pistachio and Scattered Straw. I then splattered over a little water and set aside to dry. Once dry, I stamped the sentiment from the same Sunny Sundae set on to it using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. The panel was added flat to an A2 white card base and then the sundae added on top with foam tape.

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Chocolate ice cream - E29, E25, E23. Strawberry ice cream - R85, R83, R81. Vanilla ice cream - YR31, YR30. Mint Ice cream - BG11, BG10. Wafer - E55, E53, E51. Wafer sticks - E59, E57, E55, E53, E51. Strawberry - R39, R37, R35, G28, G43. Glass - C3, C1.

 

The sundaes in this set look yummy … almost good enough to eat! ;) Thanks so much for visiting me today, I very much appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day!

MFT Sketch Challenge | Fairy Good Friend

Hello there, it's time for another Sketch Challenge over at MFT. Today we are on to Sketch 441 and I thought I would create a larger 5" x 7" card today for my fairy scene.

 

I started off by stamping two of the fairies from the MFT Fairy Good Friends Stamp Set with MFT Extreme Black Ink. I then coloured them using Copic Markers (the colours that I used are listed below the supplies area) and cut them out using the coordinating dies. I then worked on my background elements.

 

 

I took one of the MFT Stitched Mini Scallop Square Stax Die-namics and die cut this from white cardstock. I placed the MFT Mini Cloud Edges Stencil over it and blended on Distress Inks. I used Seedless Preserves, Chipped Sapphire and Mermaid Lagoon. I then splattered it using Tsuekineko Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz and set aside to dry. I took a piece of MFT Black Licorice Cardstock and cut this into a square using my guillotine.

 

 

I added the black cardstock square first to the 5" x 7" white card base at an angle, I then added the scallop cloud piece on top. The fairies were then added with foam squares. I took the sentiment from the Fairy Good Friends Set and stamped this with Versamark Ink on to more Black Licorice Cardstock. I applied white embossing powder and heat set. This was then cut in to a strip using the MFT Skinny Strips Die-namics. To finish off, I added shimmer pen to the fairies wings.

 

SKETCH CHALLENGE:

Here is a look at sketch 441:

 

 

Create and share a card for the sketch challenge and you could win a $50 gift certificate to the MFT Store. For more details on the challenge pleased head over to the MFT Blog.

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Fairies skin - E31, E13, E11, E00, E000, E50, R20. Hair on left hand side fairy - E37, E35, E33, E31. Hair on right hand side fairy - E49, E29, E27, E25, E32, E21. Dress and bow on left hand side fairy - B69, B66, B63. Dress and bow on right hand side fairy - V09, V17, V15, V12, V01. Wings - BG11, BG10.

 

Those fairies are so sweet! Thank you so much for stopping by again today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a great rest of the day and check out the challenge.

One Layer Scene

Hello there, today I am over on the Hero Arts Blog sharing a card made using the new Tiger Wisdom Stamp Set. I thought I would create a one layer scene with it. I stamped the images from the set, masking the two tigers and then created a jungle scene around them with Copic Markers.

 

 

 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

 

COPIC MARKERS: Tigers - E29, E39, YR27, YR24, E31, E50, R22, R21. Water bank - E43, E42, E41, E40. Grass and foliage - G46, YG17, YG23, YG03, YG01, G24, G82, G21, G40. Water - B41, B00, B000, B0000, G40. Sky - B0000, G40. Dragonfly - BG13, BG11, BG10.

 

For more details on how I made the card, please head over to the Hero Arts Blog Post. Thanks so much for stopping by, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day!

VIDEO | Rainbow Watercolour Reflections

Hello there, after posting THIS card using the Clearly Besotted Scene It City set, I got a lot of requests to make a video on how I achieved the look. I did not film making the whole card again, but the watercolour stamping part. It is easy to do, just a few scribbles really! Here is a refresh of the card:

 

 

As you will see in the video, I first stamped the London skyline from the Clearly Besotted Scene It City set with various colours of Distress Inks and then filled in the solid areas with the same ink, using  paintbrush and water. To get the simple reflections, I took the same ink on the paintbrush and scribbled it below, letting the colours blend together.

 

VIDEO:

 

Here is the video showing how I did it:

 

If you are viewing this post via email subscription, you can watch the video HERE on YouTube.

 

It is really is a matter of scribbles. I think you will be disappointed now that you have seen how I did it! I do think that you need to have a loose hand with it, to really get the messy/scribble look.
 

To finish off the card, I stamped the sentiment above the skyline. Took a white card base and added  a strip of patterned paper across the bottom and added the skyline panel on top with foam tape. I then added a thin strip of black cardstock to across the seam.

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the card. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 

As I mention in the video, I do think my reflections look better in my original card but I think the water colouring on the buildings looks better in the second. Sometimes when you re-do something you improve, sometimes you are thinking about it too much and you did better the first time! Thanks so much for popping by today, I really do appreciate it. Have a great day!