Trying a New Technique

So I'm hiding out from the heat in my craft room...trying out some new (to me) techniques and creating away! I love the relaxed schedule of summertime! 


I'm improving on my blending distress inks, and decided to try the 'double sponging' technique that I learned from this tutorial to see how I would do. 


I used a text background stamp, which fits right in to the challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays: to use text in your Clean and Simple design. 


Here is the completed card:

And a closer view of the focal point:

As you can see in the tutorial linked above, the sequence to make this is sponge the background, stamp the overall background, clear stamp and heat emboss the focal image, then use a darker ink to sponge over the focal image. It looks so intricate for how little time it takes!

I did some fun masking for this card, the yellow and green background edges were created by tearing the painter's tape and using it as a mask, then when I couldn't find the right color brown ribbon to use across the middle, I used the strait edge of the painter's tape to create a mask and sponged on the brown. In real life it looks like suede...so cool!

Supplies:

• Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Inks (wild honey, peeled paint, vintage photo)
• Stamps: Stampabilities (faded text background), Studio112 (Dandelion wish)
• Other: cardstock and buttons from stash

Thanks for looking!

Meredith

Guy to Guy Cards

I've made an effort to pick up some papers more suitable for 'guy' use lately, and the sketch challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches seemed like a good place to start using them. 


I like the simplicity of this sketch, although if you take a look through the work that others are posting, there are some truly lovely interpretations! I think my favorite so far is this one, I love, love, love her color combo!

I made two, with a couple more to come today...these are destined for OWH...I'm making an effort to design cards that the heroes will feel comfortable sending to other guys. 

Supplies:

• Patterned paper: Recollections
• Cardstock: Bazzil (brown), unknown (cream)
• Ink: TPC Studios
• Stamp: Hero Arts
• Other: canvas fabric

Thanks for looking!


Meredith