Tips Tricks and Techniques Tuesday Simply Succulents

 Hi today's tip is why make 1 card when you can do 2?? Well with the technique I've used on today's Simply Succulents project I can do just that!!

I  have used the largest die from the coordinating Simply Succulents die set to create a vellum mask. Now a tip here is to make sure you leave a boarder around the die so that you can trim it down neatly after.

I then secured my white card mat to my work area. I used sticky note tape and covered the edges to create a narrow boarder. I then used more low tack tape to position the vellum die cut piece on top.

The next step is to apply colour. I have used blending brushes and ink pads in 2 colours, coral and navy. Working gently I brushed the colour over the vellum mask. Tip for blending always start off the edge of your project so that there are no harsh edges.

Now for the great reveal, the best bit 😉, but my tip here is to only remove 3 sides of the vellum mask thereby creating a hing with the 4th side of tape. The reason I do this is so that if I have missed a bit or want to go back in and add more colour I can do so with out miss alignment occurring.

Once your happy with your piece remove the tape securing the cardstock. Carefully place your vellum mask to one side to dry.

Now go create your card with the blended background.  I have kept it simple as I want the background to shine.

Now for the bonus card. Take the vellum mask and trim the edges to fit your project. I decided to create a window in my card front so that I could use the vellum to create a delicate looking card.

So that is how I got 2 for the price of 1 !!!!

Fun fold Friday simply succulents

 Today I'm cheating!! My card isn't a fun fold at all!! Rather it's a techniquey one 😉 Now I know that's a new word but for me it's a crafting term 🙈 

I have used the Simply Succulents stamps and the masking technique to create a scene. Masking is when you stamp the image that you want to be at the front of your finished piece. Then you create a mask by stamping the image onto a sticky note and cut it out very close the the edge. Place the cut out over the stamped image . Now stamp the images that you want to be behind the covered image and the mask will protect it. 

Once I was happy with my scene I set about colouring it in. I used alcohol markers from stampin up called Stampin' Blends. These pens come in so many colours it makes colouring a doddle.

Once I was happy with the results I decided to cut it up !! Now I know that sounds a bit drastic but I had a plan promise 😉

I didn't just cut it up with scissors I used some lovely stitched layered triangle dies. And then matched them back up together but slightly apart. I think it gives a broken china effect. 

What do you think? Was it worth the effort? I'm rather happy with it 😊

Have a good weekend and see you next week.

Have fun 

Cary xx 

Watercolour Wednesday Simply Succulents

 Wow the dies that go with the Simply Succulents stamp set are definitely one to have even just for the one die that I've used for today's card. There are actually 13 dies in the set. Some cut out the stamped images,  some are lables and some cut leaves and such but the one that is a wow for me is the intricate  die. Measuring 13.7cm x 10.2cm it is perfect for A6 cards and upwards.

I cut the die from black card and laid it over a piece of shimmery white cardstock that I had watercolour washed over. 

The effect it gives reminds me of stain glass windows. What you can't see in the pictures is the beautiful subtle shimmer the piece has sadly 😕 

A simple black card base, a white sentiment strip stamped in black and 3 rhinestones that I coloured black with an permanent marker and the card was done!. 

The watercolour background really does highlight the die cut beautifully.

Make it simple Monday Simply Succulents

 Wow the excitement is really rising... It's nearly here 😀. ..  What am I talking about? Christmas?  No!! .. The great excitement is for the new January to June Catalogue from Stampin' Up! Wahooo new fun products to inspire my creativity 😃 It was really difficult but I have finally after much deliberation decided to give you a sneek peek of just one of the fabulous stamp sets!! Called Simply Succulents it's a great mix of images and sentiments.

 It also has a coordinating set of dies which just make it even better and give you sooooo many options!!!

This stamp set is great for all styles of cards and many different techniques. For today's #simplestamping card it is perfect. As you can see it is also a wonderful set of images for colouring in.  I have used alcohol markers but it would work brilliantly with watercolour,  pencils or any type of pens.

I kept it simple and love the elegant effect I achived.