Kre8tors Blog Hop - Water

It's blog hop time again! This time with the Kre8tors group! You probably just arrived from Rebecca-Jo Unwin. Did you just love what she did with this month's theme?

As you guessed it, this month's theme is water. AHHHH! I love this month's theme! I LOVE ANYTHING that has to do with water!! And I knew immediately I wanted to use the Magical Mermaid stamp set, as I've had it for a quite a while but haven't had a chance to use it.

I'd like to say I came up with this card on my own, but I actually used the annual catalog for inspiration. Look at page 152 and you'll see something familiar! Although I did put my own spin on it, I kept it close to what the talented concept artists at Stampin' Up! originally designed.

First step... color and fussy-cut the mermaid. I do love fussy-cutting! 

Next, use a stylus (I grabbed the one from my score board) and rub it on the back of the mermaid, which is on the piercing mat. This gives the mermaid a bit of dimension (see below).

Next, sponge the background using the sponge brayer and a few different inks, blending them together. Neatness and perfection do not count... think whimsical.

And now for a little texture...

And finally, the finished project!

I hope you enjoyed today's project! Now hop on over to Jo Blackman! If you get lost along the way or want to go back and see a specific project/blog again, you can always use the list below to find your way.

Have a hoppy day!

August 2018 Kre8tors Blog Hop Roll Call

Melissa Tennison

Lisa Kmiec

Su Mohr

Anastasia Radloff

Tracy Marie Lewis

Sue McDonald

Linda Handford

Jan Musselman

Cheryl Taylor

Alexandra Rauf

Kirsteen Gill

Laura Kate Mackie

Tricia Butts

Rebecca-Jo Unwin

Diana Tillery --> You are here!

Jo Blackman

Maria Calia

Jackie Lawless

Let's Get Hopping - Favorite Technique

You have just hopped over from the sweet and talented Nina McMillan. I always love her projects!!

In case you're starting here, the theme for this month's hop is My Favorite Technique. I have to say... my favorite technique has always been - and will always be heat embossing - it's the reason I fell in love with cardmaking. But... it's hard to show just how amazing it is to have a raised image on a piece of paper when looking at a picture on a computer (or phone), so I decided to go with my second favorite: watercoloring. Why is watercoloring my favorite? Because it is SO relaxing! You know me... I love quick and easy cards, but when I actually have time to sit down and do something "not so quick," I turn to watercoloring. In fact, I decided to take the time to make two cards using two different watercoloring techniques - just watercoloring and (new-to-me) no-line watercoloring.

What's the difference? Just look!

The above card is watercolored. I stamped the outline with Soft Suede and used ink and an aqua painter on shimmery white cardstock - which is nice and heavy and can withstand water saturation. The Designer Series Paper is from Garden Impressions. I think it adds such a nice touch behind the watercolored truck. Who knew such a beautiful paper could be used on a handsome card? (wink)

This card uses the same tools, colors, and technique... except you may notice the colors look a bit more muddled or muted. This is because the line disappears when it's watercolored - hence the name no-line watercoloring. To achieve this effect, just stamp off your outline image twice before stamping on your shimmery white cardstock.

Pretty cool, right? I love that they are SO different! And of course, I had to change each slightly and chose different ribbons for each card. I also decided to not have a greeting... it's not often I design a masculine card, so I wanted to be able to add a sentiment for a specific occasion - when it happens.

Which version do you like best? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Thanks for stopping by! Now hop on over to my creative friend Tracy Bish and see what she's created with her favorite technique.

Country Livin' Clear-Mount Stamp Set [141925] $15.00	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119684] $8.50	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.50	Garden Impressions 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146289] $11.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [147115] $7.50	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [147085] $7.50	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $7.50	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $7.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [147087] $7.50
Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad [147118] $7.50	Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad [149165] $7.50	Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [147116] $7.50	Copper Metallic Thread [141696] $3.50	1/4" Copper Trim [144179] $6.00
Stampin' Trimmer [126889] $30.00	SNAIL Permanent Adhesive [104332] $7.00	Paper Snips Scissors [103579] $10.00