The Creative Flow Blog Hop – No Red Romance With Large Letters Framelits Dies

Image ~ 11 February 201721 February 2018 ~ Anna Krol ~ 8 Comments

Anna’ Stampin’ Cave – The Creative Flow Blog Hop – No Red Romance With Large Letters Framelits Dies

Thank you for joining us on our Creative Flow Blog Hop. Each month we are set a challenge to creatively stretch our imaginations. The products we have used are all available in the current Annual and/or seasonal Stampin’ Up!® catalogues. To hop along, please use the buttons at the bottom of the post to keep hopping.

Today’s challenge was to create no-red Valentines Day card, and for some time I wasn’t sure what colour scheme to use. But Global Design Project came to the rescue with their #073 Colour Challenge. I really love this unusual, bright and oh-so-not-valentine’s colour mash-up, so I decided to combine these two together 🙂

I know it supposed to be no-red, but Watermelon Wonder is rather orangy red right lol And here’s what I came up with: a perfect card to give to my hubby on that special day.

No-Red Romance card dimensions:

Whisper White cardstock: 11-6/8″ x 4-1/8″ scored in half at 5-7/8″ (29.7 x 10.5 cm scored in half at 14.8 cm)
Whisper White panel: 5-7/8″x 3″
Emerald Envy cardstock: 2 strips 5-7/8 long and briefly 2/8″wide
a piece of Whisper White for die-cutting

The first step was to die-cut word ‘LOVE’ using Large Letters Framelits Dies. I’ve used regular Whisper White cardstock for this. I’ve sponged the letters with my inks as follows: Watermelon Wonder first, Daffodil Delight next, and Emerald Envy as the last one creating ‘rainbow’ effect. I’ve paid special attention there’s smooth transition from one colour to another.

When I was done and happy with blending, I took a small paintbrush and flicked some water droplets all over the letters. I love how the water reactivates the ink. Such a simple step but add so much interest and texture to the (otherwise) flat surface.

Next, I took Whisper White panel and using the same small brush and my ink pads as a palette, I speckled some inks over the whole panel. I tried to keep my speckles somehow under control colour-wise, so the speckles match the letters that go over them.

Remember: The smaller is the brush, the smaller are the speckles.

When speckles dried, I adhered two strips of Emerald Envy cardstock underneath, one on top and one on the bottom of the panel.

Now to assemble the card. I adhered the panel to the card base using Fast Fuse adhesive. And I have to say I’m happy to say it seems I finally made friends with this adhesive haha.

I wanted to pop-out my letters so I’ve used Foam Adhesive Strips to adhere them to the panel. You could use any regular foam adhesive, but these strips are perfect for adhering die-cuts that are quite narrow in shape. They are long but you can easily cut them to the length you want/need.

I was really happy how nicely this card was coming together, but I was desperate to add some embellishments to it. Yes I know, a card for a hubby and embellishments?! I must have lost my mind, haha. But why not?

So I scattered black sequins from Metallics Sequin Assortment pack all over my card and tried to figure out the placing and how many I will use. Once I was happy I adhered them with Fine-Tip Glue Pen. For the final touch, I coloured some rhinestones with black Sharpie and added them to the card too.

That’s it from me for today. I really hope you enjoyed my step by step directions.

For those of you who asked about stretching your stitched dies using partial die-cutting – I will have a short how-to post for you soon. So watch this space.

Now be sure to hop along our tiny blog hop to see more inspiring projects. Your next stop is lovely and talented Helen.

Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day,

Large Letters Framelits Dies

[141712]

£89.00

Whisper White A4 Card Stock

[106549]

£8.25

Emerald Envy A4 Cardstock

[141420]

£7.25

Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin’ Pad

[138323]

£6.00

Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126944]

£6.00

Emerald Envy Classic Stampin’ Pad

[141396]

£6.00

Stamping Sponges

[141337]

£3.25

Metallics Sequin Assortment

[138390]

£4.50

Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments

[119246]

£4.50

Fast Fuse Adhesive

[129026]

£9.00

Foam Adhesive Strips

[141825]

£7.25

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

[138309]

£6.25

Stampin’ Trimmer

[129722]

£27.00

Big Shot

[143263]

£99.00

Faux Watercolour For GDP#072 Case The Designer Challenge

Image ~ 1 February 201721 February 2018 ~ Anna Krol ~ 23 Comments

Anna’ Stampin’ Cave – Faux Watercolour For GDP#072 Case The Designer Challenge

Hello and welcome everyone! Today I’m back with my entry for Global Design Project. This week’s challenge is ‘CASE the Designer’ – we are casing extremely talented Krista Frattin.

If you’re not sure what ‘CASE’ stands for, at least in crafty world, here are few decipherings: Copy And Selectively Edit or Copy And Share Everything. Generally speaking, it means that you take inspiration from someone else’s project, like colours, layout, stamp set used, etc, and add your own twist to it.

I really loved this simple layout and toned palette with a little pop of colour, so this is what I ‘borrowed’ from Krista’s card. But I’ve decided to use a new stamp set from Stampin’ Up! Spring Summer Catalogue called Special Reason.

Faux Watercolour Special Reason card dimensions:

Very Vanilla cardstock: 11-6/8″ x 4-1/8″ scored in half at 5-7/8″ (29.7 x 10.5 cm scored in half at 14.8 cm)
Sahara Sand cardstock: 4″x 5-6/8″(10,2 x 14,5 cm)
Water Colour Paper: 2″ x 3″ (briefly as it will be die-cut later)
Flirty Flaming Ruched Ribbon: length 6″ approx
Very Vanilla Lace Trim: length 6″ approx

I began with dry embossing Sahara Sand panel with a Festive embossing folder. I love this design as it’s really versatile. For my card, I’ve used de-bossed side. I added Flirty Flamingo Ruched ribbon to the panel, briefly in the middle, and secure it at the back with snail adhesive. Next, I added Very Vanilla Lace Trim on top of it, slightly overlapping both ribbons so Flirty Flamingo was peeking from underneath the lace. I adhered my panel to the card base with liquid adhesive and red-lined tape where the ribbons were for extra security.

To create my focal point I’ve used few great techniques: watercolour, faux watercolour, rock’n’roll, masking and partial die-cutting.

I started with stamping my flower onto watercolour paper. I loaded my stamp with Blushing Bride Ink and then ‘rocking’ my stamp I added Flirty Flamingo only on the edges of the stamp – that’s rock’n’roll technique, super easy hey? Once I stamped the image, I took an aqua painter and started blending both colours on each petal creating a faux watercolour effect. I also added Flirty Flamingo ink to the centre of the flower. I build up the colour (but I let it dry completely between layers) by adding more Flirty Flamingo to the top of each petal and blending it down with an aqua painter.

Next, I created a mask. I stamped the same flower onto a post-it note and fussy cut it. I stuck it to my watercolour flower (first, make sure it’s dry) and using Stamp-a-ma-jig I stamped two leaves in Sahara Sand, one below, and one on the side of my flower. Using same faux watercolour technique I blended the ink on my leaves, being careful not to lose subtle veins detail. I also created a leaf mask and added another leaf at the bottom of the flower.

Not taking off the masks, and with help of Stamp-a-ma-jig again, I stamped another flower. This time I only used Blushing Bride ink for a softer shade. But still added a hint of Flirty Flamingo ink to the edges of petals while blending them with water.

Before die-cutting my piece, I decided to add a little bit of shading beneath my composition. Nothing fancy, just a subtle watercolour wash with Sahara Sand ink and aqua painter. I love how it added an extra dimension to my piece.

To die-cut my watercolour panel I’ve used a second smallest square (1-5/8″) from Stitched Shapes Thinlits Dies. But this is a rectangle, you say. Yes, I know, but I extended my die using partial die cutting technique (if you want to know how to do it, please leave me a comment below). The final piece measure 1-5/8″ x 2-5/8″ (4.2 x 6.7 cm).

I assembled my watercolour panel using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I really like how this card turned out. No need for extra embellishments, it’s beautiful as it is. I hope you like it too, and that I inspired you to try some of the techniques I showed, especially mess-free, faux watercolour.

I really want to encourage you to check the Global Design Project challenge blog. They have a new challenge every week with various themes and extremely talented Design Team – they will simply blow your mind with their creativity! Just click on their logo below to visit the website

As always, if you wish to purchase any of the products I have used, simply click the images below to go directly to my online shop.

Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day,

Special Reason Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[142899]

£25.00

Special Reason Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[142902]

£18.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

£27.00

Festive Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[141471]

£7.75

Very Vanilla A4 Card Stock

[106550]

£8.25

Sahara Sand A4 Card Stock

[121695]

£7.25

Watercolor Paper

[122959]

£4.50

Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin’ Pad

[141397]

£6.00

Blushing Bride Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131172]

£6.00

Sahara Sand Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126976]

£6.00

Aqua Painters

[103954]

£15.50

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

[101049]

£11.00

Very Vanilla 1/2″ (1.3 Cm) Lace Trim

[141672]

£6.50

Flirty Flamingo 3/8″ (1 Cm) Ruched Ribbon

[141426]

£7.25

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

£3.75

SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

[104332]

£6.25

Stampin’ Dimensionals

[104430]

£3.75

Stampin’ Trimmer

[129722]

£27.00

Big Shot

[143263]

£99.00

Simply Sketched Saturday Challenge Blog Hop #7 – A World Of Thanks

27 February 201621 February 2018 ~ Anna Krol ~ 10 Comments

Thank you for joining us for another Simply Sketched Saturday Challenge! We’re so excited to be sharing this hop with you. The products used are all available in the current Annual, or seasonal, Stampin’ Up!® Catalogues*. Simply use the buttons at the bottom of the post to keep hopping!

Today’s sketch was designed by Hannah, and I have to admit that for me it was the hardest of all sketches I’ve worked with. Even though it’s the simplest one, that for sure.

And here’s my take on the sketch:

To create my card I’ve used Whisper White for the card base, Pear Pizzaz for the first layer and again Whisper White for stamping. The stamp I’ve used is called A World of Thanks and I love the grungy feel to it.

I’ve used 3 different ink colours for my stamping: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Pool Party. I simply dabbed ink pads over the image, pressed the card on top and rubbed it well to make sure all ink was transferred. Next, I distressed the edges with scissors and attached my stamped image to Pear Pizzazz and next to card base.

Now I would love to hear from you. Do you like my take on the sketch?

Now, be sure to hop along and see more inspiring projects. Your next stop is Karen’s blog – go and see what she has made for you.

Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day!

Simply Sketched Saturday Challenge Blog Hop #6 – You Are My Person

13 February 201621 February 2018 ~ Anna Krol ~ 18 Comments

Today’s sketch was designed by very talented Debbie who sadly couldn’t take a part in Hop today. But we’re all hoping she’ll be back with us soon. I also wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to Sam from Sam’s Crafty Things as she’s celebrating today! Happy Birthday, Sam, have a good one!

But now let’s get back to the sketch.

My card for today is pretty simple and created using few favourites from Annual Catalogue. As Valentine’s Day is just one day apart I wanted to create something in this theme. I’ve made this card purely with my husband in mind. He is my partner and best friend. He is my person. He is a true blessing in my life.

The base of my card is standard A6 in Very Vanilla. For the background, I chose Colour Me Irresistible Specialty DSP. I love this paper! Each pack contains 6 white sheets and 6 other colours sheets (one of each colour). And each sheet has a subtle embossing in various designs. For my card, I decided to use a white sheet with the geometrical design.

To add colour to my background I’ve used a brayer. I bought it recently (finally) and it was the perfect occasion to open it and have fun adding colour. It’s so easy! The ink I’ve used is Bermuda Bay. When I was happy with my background I decided to add some twist to it. First I sprinkled few water droplets on top to lift some of the colour. Next, I stamped few splotches from Gorgeous Grunge. For this. I’ve used Pacific Point. I trimmed my piece so once adhered to the base I would have nice, clean border. I also added a tiny strip of Pacific Point cardstock.

Next, I created the banner. I took a piece of Very Vanilla that measures 2 x 5-6/8″. To create this elegant edge I’ve used 3rd biggest of Lots Of Labels framelits dies. I die-cut a heart from Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies. And die-cut it twice: once from my banner and the second one from Red Glimmer Paper. I glued these two hearts together and traced the edge with Real Red Stampin’ Marker. Before I put my card together I stamped the sentiment. Word “you” comes from Rose Wonder stamp set. It’s actually “Thank You” sentiment, but it was very easy to ink just that one word. To create the rest of my sentiment I’ve used Alphabet Rotary Stamp. Oh, wish Stampin’ Up! had “You are my person” sentiment in their offering. It’s such a beautiful thing to say. Not only to your partner but also to a friend. I stamped inside of my card as well.

Now was the time to put the card together. I adhered the background and a strip of Pacific Point cardstock using Tombow glue to make sure it will hold the paper really well. I added the banner with snail adhesive and I popped my glittery heart with dimensionals.

And what do you think? Do you like my card? Please let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

Now, be sure to hop along and see more inspiring projects. Your next stop is lovely Karen – go and see what she has made using our cute sketch. It’s her first blog hop with us, so please show her some love.

Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day!

Bloomin’ Love Valentine’s Day Gift Set

11 February 201621 February 2018 ~ Anna Krol ~ Leave a comment

Today I’ve got for you beautiful Valentine’s Day card I’ve made to match cute Valentine’s Day gift box I posted two weeks ago. Again I’ve used Bloomin’ Love stamp set and Real Red Stampin’ Pad. This time I also used matching Bloomin’ Heart Thinlit Dies.

The card is a standard A6 top folded card. Because I didn’t want the stamping underneath the heart, I die-cut my heart first and used it as a stencil to lightly mark where the heart will be. I also masked around 1-1/2″ of the bottom of the card base using post-it notes. I wanted to keep it clean for the sentiment.

I stamped the base carefully around the marked line first, and then just filled in the rest of the space. Next, I stamped the sentiment. I cut a tiny strip of Real Red cardstock and adhered it just above the sentiment to hide where the stamping ends.

I also stamped the inside of the card using this cute floral stamp.

When I put my card together I decided to add some pop to it.

I stamped 3 small and 2 large flower outlines on the piece of Whisper White and die-cut them. I sponged their edges and attached them to the heart with glue dots. Just a little touch of Clear Wink of Stella glitter pen and few mini pearls and the card was ready.

I love how this card turned out and how it matches the box. Perfect little gift for Valentine’s Day.

Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day,

Anna' Stampin' Cave

creative life by anna krol – stampin' up! uk independent demonstrator

February Special Hostess Gift

The Creative Flow Blog Hop – No Red Romance With Large Letters Framelits Dies

Remember: The smaller is the brush, the smaller are the speckles.

Faux Watercolour For GDP#072 Case The Designer Challenge

Simply Sketched Saturday Challenge Blog Hop #7 – A World Of Thanks

Simply Sketched Saturday Challenge Blog Hop #6 – You Are My Person

Bloomin’ Love Valentine’s Day Gift Set