Today marks the beginning of Week 2 for #The100WeekProject. I managed to create a new card every day last week with a new technique, a new stamp set, a new design, or a long-neglected stamp set. The email today from the organizers of this creative project asked if we needed to make any adjustments to our project. I’m not sure a card-a-day is a realistic goal, so there may be days when I work on a technique, and it may (or may not) result in a card. One technique I tried this week appeared to be a fail, but I ended up being able to use it for a card after all. Failed techniques will count, too. Actually I ended up with eleven new cards for the week, some of which I posted here, here, and here. Today I thought I’d share two more cards I made for current challenges.
One of the techniques high on my list to try was color blending. I’ve tried it several times with the sponge blenders by Rangers, but have never been really happy with the results. This week I used the two new Distress Oxide inks that came with the April Simon Says stamp kit: “Squeezed Lemonade” and Mermaid Lagoon.” Instead of the sponge blenders, I pulled out my Clarity Stencil Brushes, and I was much happier with the results. These colors are the two main colors in the current Time Out Challenge:
Here’s the card. I photographed it with the brushes so you could see them. They are unlike any of the older stencil brushes I own. I also used the stamp set from the kit, “Beautiful Day.”
After blending the two colors, I added stamped images in black as well as a sentiment in the bright yellow space. I colored in a few places on the butterflies with Copic markers and added a few colored sequins.
Another “top of the list technique” was to try the Gina K Wreath Builder set. This is a unique set that comes with two stencils to help you build a wreath that can be used with a wide variety of stamps. As always, it took me a couple of tries before I came up with a design I liked. This card fits the bill for the Inspired by the Little Things Challenge this week.
All the stamps are from the Wreath Builder stamp set. The sentiment circle was cut with a “Stitched Circles” die from Simon Says, and then it was all adhered to a mat of Bright Buttercup and a square card made from Green Parakeet (both PTI.)
The finishing touch was the addition of a tiny white pearl in the center of each main flower.
One way I’ve managed to keep up with the project along with my other commitments is to decide on a technique or stamp set the night before. Then, at least, I’m not on a search the next day.
Both are beautiful cards but I will admit that I really like the second one, the wreath of flowers with the little pearl centres is just the little bit of extra …
I too think they are both fantastic (as always). Striking in different ways, but the second one is really very pretty … and I imagine it wasn’t easy to get that wreath so perfectly circular.
Brava on your first week of the 100 days!!
Your blended card is so pretty. I came by from Inspired by. That wreath builder is a great tool to have in the tool box – but you still have to pick out stamps and lay them out, ink them up and stamp them which you have done beautifully.
Beautiful cards!
Karen, both cards are just beautiful!
Such a pretty wreath, Karen … those bright blooms are just so happy looking! Your butterflies put me in mind of stained glass, they’re deliciously dreamy and delicate … love that shaft of sunlight … seems to light them all up! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Time Out! Anita 🙂
I’m intrigued by the Project, Karen, and so impressed by all that is being accomplished! What a great way especially to tackle techniques-to-try lists, which in my case must have thousands of things by now, lol! Both your cards are sensational! I love the blending you got with your brushes! And your wreath is so, so pretty! It looks like someone spent hours with needle and thread to make it!! Thank you for playing at Inspired By All the Little Things! Hugs, Darnell
GREAt soft inking with those brushes..I LOVE mine:)) and I think the color choices in the wreath are so cheerful! Thanks for playing with us at Inspired By All the Little Things:)
Both cards turned out so very pretty! I was just saying that I have a soft spot for wreaths, especially those with flowers.
I think that you are definitely on a roll and I’m delighted that we get to see the wondrous results of your challenges. I love the color blending technique…easy enough to get my attention ’cause yellow and teal are two favorites…especially yeallow!
Cheers~
Beautiful take on the inspiration! Love how you used the Wreath Builder! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Inspired By All The Little Things!
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