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Sunday, August 12, 2018

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!
 photo Sig-Diana - original resized_zps4ta32dll.png




August 2018 Kre8tors Blog Hop Roll Call
Diana Tillery --> You are here!

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

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.

 photo Sig-Diana - original resized_zps4ta32dll.png