Flower Notes

Hello Everyone! 

Today I am working on a wood block with PanPastels. 

 

This canvas with an attached notepad can be a colorful accessory on a desk or displayed by a phone for messages.


Here is a little bit about how the project was put together.....

 

The wood block was primed with gesso and covered with book text.  Diarylide Yellow, Orange and Turquoise PanPastels were added to the surface with Sofft Art Sponges.  A fixative was sprayed over the pastels and then a gloss varnish was brushed across the block.  

 

Modeling paste was spread across a basket weave stencil along the left side.  When the modeling paste was dry, a watered down solution of olive green acrylic paint was brushed across the design.  After a second drying period, Permanent Green PanPastel highlights and swatches of white acrylic paint were added.    

Flowers punched from heavy white cardstock were colored using a Sofft Knife & Covers in Skyblue, Turquoise, Orange and Violet Extra Dark PanPastels.  Once again a fixative was sprayed over the PanPastels.  The flowers were accented with doodling and sealed with gloss varnish.  Additional highlights were added with a Skyblue Stamper’s Big Brush Pen.

Jumbo silver brads painted with Ultramarine StazOn made fun dimensional flower centers.  

To increase the depth of color, the flowers were traced with a Phthalo Blue PITT Artist Pen with surrounding blends of Scarlet Red and May Green added with Stamper's Big Brush Pens.

The thickness of a wood block offers great designing opportunities to wrap art around the edges.  

I made my own note pad so I could customize the size to fit the project.  TIP/HINT:  Note pads attached with poster putty allows the pads to be easily replenished.  If the note pad is not replaced, the putty can be removed and the canvas can be used as decorative piece of wall art or as a display base for a photograph.

You can enjoy more creative inspiration using PanPastels on their website "here" and their Mixed Media Studio on Facebook "here".

Wishing you a colorful day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

PanPastels(Colorfin): Diarylide Yellow (250.5), Orange (280.5), Violet Extra Dark (470.1), Phthalo Blue (560.8), Turquoise (580.5), Permanent Green (640.5), Sofft Art Sponges

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Ultramarine StazOn

Faber-Castell: PITT Artist Pen (Phthalo Blue 110), Stamper’s Big Brush Pen (Scarlet Red 118, May Green 170, Skyblue 146)

Making Memories: Jumbo Brads (Silver)

Paper Shapers: Retro Flower (PSPWP06)

Sakura: Black Micron Pen

The Crafters Workshop: Mini Basket Weave Stencil

Other: Modeling Paste, Mod Podge, Fixative, Gesso, Gloss Varnish, Mat Gel, Acrylic Paint (White, Olive Green, Permanent Red)

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

A Fun Twist for Card Blanks

Here is a fast card that adds a fun twist to a basic card blank.

White 12 x 12 cardstock makes designing these cards a snap and you can cut three blanks from one sheet of paper!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut a 3 ½ x 11 ¾ piece of white cardstock and score on the horizontal edge, vertical lines at 5 and 10 inches.
2. On the small remaining flap, measure and lightly mark the center on the edge of the cardstock.  Trim from the top and bottom fold lines to the pencil mark to create a point.
3. Apply Morocco Memento ink to the pointed flap with a jumbo sponge dauber.  Stamp the sentiment in Onyx Black VersaFine.
4. Stamp Trailing Beauty across the front with Morocco ink.
5. Center and cut a 1 inch vertical slit in the front flap that is positioned 1 3/8 inches from the right edge.

• Optional:  Ink the inside of the pointed flap with the same color ink and add another sentiment.

Enjoy,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Trailing Beauty 40-207, A Bunch 30-174 (sentiment)

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine, Morocco Memento Ink, Jumbo Sponge Dauber

Other: 12 x 12 white cardstock

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Altered Book Journal - A New Page

I recently finished another page for my Altered Book Journal.  This new chapter is a "fairy tale".

For this project, I wanted this one very thick page to appear that it was a book within a book. 

Twenty-five pages were glued together and then a rectangle was cut through all the pages with a craft knife to create a dimensional box.  Mona Lisa was altered to create a full window.  The bottom of the window was accented with a border from Embellishments and the top with a hand-crafted, semi-circular piece of altered chipboard.   The completed frame was attached with dimensional foam to give the window box additional depth.

The glue applied to each page was kept away from the edges so when the book is closed the pages keep the appearance of being individual single sheets.  

Gilded page corners were trimmed from white cardstock and colored with Metallic Rub-Ons and Golden Glitz ink.

In keeping with the theme of royal fairy tale renaissance, deep purple and green ribbons were affixed over a stamped border from Lace Delight.  Tiny pearl stickers were used as jewels.

The main body of the page was created with layers of Gesso, acrylic paints, and chalks and stamped with Brick Wall, Dots in Space and Love Chapter.

The facing page will be finished to coordinate and contain personal journal notes.

If you would like to see all the posts relating to this project, please click "here".  

Thank you for stopping by to take a peek! 

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Mona Lisa 4302K, Embellishments 30-161, Brick Wall 40-137, LoveChapter 30-163, Dots in Space 40-144, Lace Delight 30-115

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Teal Zeal Memento, Elderberry Memento, Gray Flannel Memento, Delicata Golden Glitz

Mark Richards: Pearl Stickers

Offray: Purple and Green Ribbon

Other: Gesso, Mod Podge, Acrylic Paints, Chalk, Metallic Rub-Ons  

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

An Explosion of Fireworks and VersaMagic

Sharing a card today that I designed for a product challenge for Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko (2012 AIR Design Team) using VersaMagic and Fireworks.

Instructions

1. Create a 3 x 5 ½ inch white card with a top fold.  Stamp “happy birthday” three times across the bottom with Onyx Black VersaFine.  Re-ink the stamp after each impression.  Add small dots between the sentiments with a Tuxedo Black marker.  Set aside.
2. Using a Jumbo Sponge Dauber, rub Magnolia Bud VersaMagic ink over a 2 x 5 ½ inch piece of white cardstock.  Spray the piece with Danube Blue and Potter’s Clay Fireworks.
3. Lightly ink the edges using a Jumbo Sponge Dauber and Aegean Blue VersaMagic.  Mat with a 2 ¼ x 5 ½ inch piece of red cardstock and attach to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.
4. On a separate piece of white cardstock, create three circles of color with the Jumbo Sponge Daubers and Aegean Blue and Turquoise Gem VersaMagic inks.  Pat the colored areas with an anti-static embossing pouch.
5. Stamp the flower three times over the spots of color with VersaMark Watermark ink. Re-ink the stamp after each impression.  Sprinkle with white embossing powder, tap off excess powder and heat set.  Trim the flowers.
6. Punch three ½” circles from the leftover shaded pieces of cardstock. 
7. Add highlights to the flowers and circles with Brushstixs randomly alternating between Turquoise Gem, Aegean Blue and Purple Hydrangea VersaMagic inks.  Add decorative dots to the flower petals with a Teal Zeal Memento marker.
8. Attach the circles to the centers of the flowers with dimensional foam.
9. Unscrew the cap from the GooseBumps bottle and, using the wand as an applicator, apply a thin coat to the flower centers.  Let dry.    
10. Adhere the flowers to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.

TIP/HINT:  Add a small pocket to the inside to create a space to tuck a gift of money or a certificate for the recipient.

Design Variation:  Without any alterations, this card can be turned and presented with the fold on the left.  This is helpful if design elements added to the inside are vertical.  

Enjoy,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Trims (30-068), Wishes (30-103)

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock:  Storm 01-001, Rose Garden 14-003

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko:  Turquoise Gem (VG-015), Magnolia Bud VersaMagic (VG-032), Purple Hydrangea (VG-055), Aegean Blue VersaMagic (VG-078), Onyx Black VersaFine (VF-082), VersaMark Watermark Ink (VM-001), Memento Markers: Teal Zeal (PM-602), Tuxedo Black (PM-900), Danube Blue Fireworks (FW-600), Potter’s Clay Fireworks (FW-801), GooseBumps Clear Texture Spray (Original) (TS-000-001), Brushstix (BX-100-002), Jumbo Sponge Daubers (ST-PKG-002), White Embossing Powder (EB-000-004)

Other:  ½” Circle Punch, Double-sided Adhesive, Dimensional Foam, Anti-static Embossing Pouch, Scissors, Heat Tool

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Color Blocking with PanPastels

I have read a lot about PanPastels, but nothing prepared me for the exquisite blending properties until I actually had a chance to work with the chalks.

 

I set up a card design that required a block to be masked off and began adding Orange and Diarylide Yellow PanPastels with Sofft Art Sponges.  The instantaneous color was fabulous and it was extremely easy to seamlessly blend the two.

Another wonderful feature was the ability to remove the chalk. After detaching the masks, I had one or two spots that I was able to define and sharpen with a slight brush of an eraser.  A quick spray of fixative and the piece was ready for the sentiment (Friendship) to be stamped in black.  After matting the artwork with Rose Garden cardstock and embellishing it with a bit of ribbon, it was attached with dimensional foam to a card blank stamped with dots (Dots in Space) in Wheat VersaMagic.

I am looking forward to all the possibilities of working with PanPastels in my mixed media projects as well!

If you are looking for more creative inspiration using PanPastels, please check out their website "here" or their Mixed Media Studio on Facebook "here".

Have a great day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Friendship 30-160, Dots in Space 40-144

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Rose Garden 14-003

American Crafts: Ribbon

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Wheat VersaMagic

PanPastels(Colorfin): Orange, Diarylide Yellow, Sofft Art Sponges

Other: Yellow Brad, Dimensional Foam Tape

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Turning Wallpaper Into Leather

Having fun with textured wallpaper! 

 

This creative experience revealed that wallpaper could take on the appearance and feel of LEATHER!

This note pad holder measures 4 x 4 1/2.

The repetitive pattern of the wallpaper allowed two consecutive designs to be trimmed as one segment to create the holder.  Recycled cardboard is used between the wallpaper and antiqued tissue paper to create stability. 

To begin, a diluted wash of yellow ochre acrylic paint was applied to the white wallpaper.  Then layers of different colored metallic rub-ons were added.  To pronounce the raised design in certain spots, Virdi acrylic paint was dabbed on.  The final application was a coat of Shimmer Creative Medium.

The shank was removed from an antique button to create the center embellishment.

The exposed cardboard on the inside was coated with clear Gesso and then Tim Holtz's printed tissue paper was attached with Gel Medium.  Vintage Creative Medium was used to instantly antique the paper.  A Cobalt Green PITT Artist Pen was perfect for adding/blending teal highlights around the edges.

A custom note pad was made from copy paper.  After cutting the paper to size, each piece was stamped with a border from Lace Delight in Niagara Mist VersaMagic.  Clamping the papers together and adding glue to the top edge secured the pad. 

Tombow's Fastener Tabs were used on the back of the pad and base of the holder so the note pad could be replaced as needed. 

Thank you for visiting!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Lace Delight 30-115

Acrylic Paint: Virdi, Yellow Ochre
Craf-T Products: Metallic Rub-Ons

Faber-Castell: Cobalt Green (156) PITT Artist Pen Big Brush

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Niagara Mist VersaMagic, Shimmer Creative Medium, Vintage Creative Medium

Liquitex: Clear Gesso, Mat Gel

Tim Holtz: Tissue Paper

Tombow: Fastener Tabs (Hook & Loop Tabs)

Other: Antique Button, Recycled Cereal Box, Textured Wallpaper  

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Fairy Wishes

Framing is a quick technique which adds great dimension to any card design and is oh-so-easy (and fun) to do.

Penny Black’s Fairy Sweet (illustrated by Mo Manning) was stamped in Onyx Black VersaFine on watercolor paper and heat embossed with clear powder.  The image was watercolored with Tombow Dual Brush Pens.  Tip/Hint: For extra glowing enchantment, the wings and dress also had a layer of USArtQuest Interference Gold Pigmented Mica Watercolor paint added to them.  

The white cardstock frame was die cut using Spellbinders Classic Squares.  The frame and die were run through the die cutting machine a second time with a rubber mat to create the embossed ridge.  Before layering, a Delicata Golden Glitz ink pad was run along the outside edges of the frame. 

An additional flower was stamped, trimmed and adhered to overlap the frame for a colorful embellishment.

These darling images can be used for so many occasions.  Tuck a few aside and, when needed, personalize the inside of the card.  For this design, the sentiment from Friendship was stamped in Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic on a banner edged in Delicata Golden Glitz ink.

Have a magical day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Fairy Sweet 30-151, Friendship 30-160

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock:  Storm 01-001

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape
Canson: Watercolor Paper

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic, Delicata Golden Glitz, Clear Embossing Powder

Tombow: Dual Brush Pens

Spellbinders: Classic Squares

USArtQuest: Jewelz Duo & Interference Watercolor Palette (Interference Gold)

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

"Tagged" with Happy Wishes (Tutorial)

Welcome to a colorful collision of Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko inks and Penny Black stamps.

A festive birthday tag!

Instructions

Stamp two flowers on white cardstock with Onyx Black VersaFine

and heat emboss with clear powder.

Trim the flowers and apply Dandelion Memento ink

to the centers with a sponge dauber.

Next, apply Morocco Memento ink with a sponge dauber.

To finish, apply Lilac Posies Memento ink to the outside edges.

Spray the flowers with Sparkle Psst Sheer Shimmer Spritz.

For dimension, add soft bends to the flower petals.

  

Tap Mustard StazOn on a clear button and Cherry Pink StazOn on a crystal gem.
Tip/Hint:  Embellishments that are clear or neutral can be easily color coordinated to any project. 

Assemble the tag by placing a piece of dimensional foam in the center of the first flower 
and tie the twine loop around the foam.  Top with the second flower.

For the banner, stamp the sentiment on white cardstock with 

Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss in clear powder. 

Edge the banner with Peanut Brittle Memento ink.  

Attach to the back of the button using GooseBumps Clear Texture Spray as an adhesive.  

Attach the button/banner accent to the center of the flower with dimensional foam. 

Add the colored gem to the button.

Design Variations:  Eliminate the twine loop and use as a bow for a gift.

                             String multiple flowers together for a festive garland.

                             Use as a card embellishment.

Thank you for stopping by!  

Have a wonderful day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Petal Party (30-113), Wishes (30-103)

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine (VF-082), Dandelion Memento (MD-100), Morocco Memento (ME-201), Lilac Posies Memento (MD-501), Peanut Brittle Memento (ME-802), Mustard StazOn (SZ-091), Cherry Pink StazOn (SZ-081), Sparkle Psst Sheer Shimmer Spritz (IA-SML-004), GooseBumps Clear Texture Spray (TS-000-001), Sponge Daubers (ST-DAB-003) , Clear Embossing Powder (EB-000-005)

Other:  Clear Button, Crystal Sticker Gem – Mark Richards, Twine, Heat Tool, Scissors, Dimensional Foam

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Spring Is In The Air - Day 4 of 4

Hopping down the bunny trail for the last day of the spring celebration.  

Lots of fun layers and paper piecing.

Penny Black's new release "Garden Critters" has many 

spring delights and smiles for the whole year.

Make-It-Quick Instructions 

1. Die cut a Label Twenty-two from white cardstock and trim the top and bottom to remove the half circles.  Die cut an oval from the center and set aside to use later.
2. Using sponge daubers apply Aquatic Splash VersaMagic to the outer portion of the die cut and Mango Madness VersaMagic around the center die cut oval as shown.  Stamp the decorative branches in Teal Zeal Memento and the sentiment in Onyx Black VersaFine.  Attach with dimensional foam to a narrow card base with a top fold created from Fuchsia Fantasies cardstock.
3. Apply Morocco Memento ink to the edges of the oval die cut set aside in Step 1 and attached to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.
4. Stamp the bunny on white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim. (Create additional paper pieced layers for the bunny as desired.)
5. Attach the bunny to the card with dimensional foam.

Thank you for joining me these past four days to celebrate the upcoming arrival of spring! 

If you would like to see the previous three spring posts, please scroll down or click "here", "here" and "here".

Smiles,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Garden Critters 30-152, Tweet Tweet 30-156, Every Happiness 40-198

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Fuchsia Fantasies 13-001

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Aquatic Splash VersaMagic, Teal Zeal Memento, Morocco Memento, Mango Madness, Sponge Daubers

Spellbinders: Classic Ovals, Labels Twenty-Two


For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Spring Is In The Air - Day 3 of 4

For the 3^rd day of my spring celebration, a happy bird takes flight in an interactive card.  

(For Days 1 and 2, please scroll down or click "here" and "here")

 

This small element is a removable magnet!

 

Here's a look at all the wonderful images in this new 

Penny Black spring set called Nature's Wishes!

Make-It-Quick Instructions 

1. Create a 3 ¾” square top-fold card from white cardstock and wrap a green ribbon around the front flap and secure the ends on the front.  Set aside.
2. On a 3 ¼” square of white cardstock, stamp the image and sentiment in Onyx Black VersaFine and then color.  (Tip/Hint:  Glue a small piece of metal behind the bird on the reverse side of the cardstock.  This will hold the magnet in place.)  Round the top right and bottom left corners.  Attach to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.
3. Stamp the image a second time on white cardstock.  Use a circle punch to trim the image and then punch a second circle from cardboard.  Color the image and adhere it to the cardboard.
4. Attach a magnet to the back and apply a coat of gloss varnish to the front.  Let dry.  Place the magnet on the card overlapping the corresponding image.

You can also see additional interactive inspiration today on the Penny Black Blog.

I'll be "hoppin" by tomorrow with another spring card for Day 4.

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Nature’s Wishes 30-109

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

American Crafts: Ribbon

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Clear Embossing Powder

Other: Liquitex Gloss Varnish, Corner Rounder, Circle Punch, Magnet, Cardboard 

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Spring Is In The Air - Day 2 of 4

Welcome to Day 2 of "Spring is in the Air".  (For Day 1, please scroll down or click "here".)

Today’s featured Penny Black spring transparent set is Chick to Chick.

You can’t help “awwwing” over these cuties.

A soft spring background was made from Indian Wheel accented with 3-D paint dots. 

Look at all the cute “peeps” in this set.....

Make-It-Quick Instructions

1. Stamp the sentiment in Onyx Black VersaFine 3/8” from the bottom edge of a white Les Petite card blank.  Dry emboss a horizontal line on either side of the sentiment.  Set aside.
2. Stamp Indian Wheel in Sea Breeze VersaMagic on a 2 3/8 x 4 3/8 piece of white cardstock and round off the bottom two corners.  Accent with dimensional paint and let dry.  Tie a sheer ribbon around the piece and then attach to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.
3. Stamp the chicks on a 1 ¼ x 3 piece of white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and mat the image with Fuchsia Fantasies cardstock.  Attach to the front of the card with dimensional foam.

See you tomorrow with another new spring transparent set for Day 3 and a card featuring an interactive element.

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Chick to Chick 30-150, Indian Wheel 40-202

Penny Black Les Petites 90-001

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Fuchsia Fantasies 13-002

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Duncan: 3D Paint - Iridescent White Mist

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Sea Breeze VersaMagic, Clear Embossing Powder

Offray: Sheer Ribbon

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com

Spring Is In The Air - Day 1 of 4

Penny Black has just released four new transparent sets for spring!  They are sooo cute!  

Over the next four days, I am excited to share a new stamp set each day with a card created from the set along with instructions.

For Day 1, Lulu skips in with a happy entrance.     

 

  

A view from the corner shows the texture from the Swiss Dots embossing folder and the sparkle from the Crystal Stickles. 

 

Here is a look at the whole set (Lulu Spring) and all the fun images.  Lulu is definitely a “funny bunny”!

Make-It-Quick Instructions 

1. Dry emboss the front of a white Les Petites card blank with Swiss Dots.  Highlight the raised dots with a Copic marker (B000).  Set aside.
2. Stamp Lulu and friends on a 2 ¾ x 3 ½ piece of white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color images.
3. Mat the stamped piece with a 2 7/8 x 3 5/8 piece of Summer Sun cardstock and then attach to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.
4. Accent with a small bow and stickles.

See you tomorrow with more spring thoughts!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Lulu Spring 30-166, Chick to Chick 30-150 (sentiment)

Penny Black Les Petites 90-001

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Summer Sun 17-003

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

American Crafts: Ribbon

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Clear Embossing Powder
Provo Craft: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Ranger: Crystal Stickles

For questions and/or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at:  elizabeth.a.allan@gmail.com