Holiday Hints with Penny Black: Day 5

It was an honor to design on the Penny Black Blog all this week!  

Before I go, one last project for the special "Holiday Hints" feature.  

A sneak peek for Day 5....

Click HERE for the full reveal.

Previous full reveal "Holiday Hints" posts can be viewed by clicking on the corresponding day below:

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

Thank you for all your visits!

Elizabeth

Holiday Hints with Penny Black: Day 4

So excited to be designing all this week on the Penny Black Blog with a special "Holiday Hints" feature.

Here's a sneak peek at Day 4....

Click HERE for the full reveal.

"All throughout the year",

Elizabeth

Holiday Hints with Penny Black: Day 3

So excited to be designing all this week on the Penny Black Blog with a special "Holiday Hints" feature.

Here's a sneak peek for Day 3....

Click HERE for the full reveal.

"Sweet" wishes,

Elizabeth

Holiday Hints with Penny Black: Day 2

So excited to be designing all this week on the Penny Black Blog with a special "Holiday Hints" feature.

Here's a sneak peek for Day 2 .....

Click HERE for the full reveal.

Wishing you a "luminescent" day...

Elizabeth

Holiday Hints with Penny Black: Day 1

So excited to be designing all this week on the Penny Black Blog with a special "Holiday Hints" feature.

Here's a sneak peek for today's project....

Click HERE for the full reveal.

Wishing you a day of "sheer" happiness,

Elizabeth

Studio Sessions: PITT Pastel Pencils, 4 of 4

It has been an exciting week launching Studio Sessions with Jill. We are already working on the next series and can't wait to share the inky fun.  Before we close the week, one more card using PITT Pastel Pencils. 

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Pastel Pencils
Additional Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Inspiration on their BLOG and FACEBOOK PAGE

Today I am taking advantage of the rich opacity of PITT Pastel Pencils and using them on colored cardstock.

Poppies (Penny Black) were inked with a Stamper's Big Brush pen in black and stamped on grey cardstock.  PITT Pastel Pencils from the blue/green, red/yellow and neutrals collections were used to color and highlight the flowers.  The neutral PITT Pastel Pencils added subtle shading accents underneath the blooms and along the stems.

Tip/Hint:  If desired, a light fixative can be sprayed on the artwork to prevent smudging. 

The flowers were masked to protect them while Letter Background (Penny Black) inked with a Stamper's Big Brush Pen in cold grey was stamped across the background.  Before removing the masks, gesso from Faber-Castell's Textural Accents Sampler was "flicked" onto the design. 

The artwork was adhered to a panel stamped with the sentiment (Penny Black) in black pigment ink.  The entire piece was then placed on the front of a card blank with dimensional foam tape.

And here is Jill's Friday finale.  

To see the previous three Studio Sessions you can scroll down after this post or click on the links provided below:

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

Have a fabulous weekend!

I will be back on Monday to kick off another special week-long event....
  
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Blooming Garden 30-155, Edge to Edge 30-164, Letter Background 1999L

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-002 (Gray)

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft:

  Mix & Match PITT Pastel Pastel Pencils (blue/green, red/yellow, neutrals)

  Stamper’s Big Brush Pens (Black 199, Deep Scarlet Red 219, Magenta 133, Cold Grey 232)
  Textural Accents Sampler: Gesso

Other: Black Pigment Ink Pad, Clear Embossing Powder, Blending Stump

Studio Sessions: PITT Pastel Pencils, 2 of 4

Welcome to Day 2 of Studio Sessions featuring PITT Pastel Pencils.

The vibrant chalk pastels are available in three mix & match collections:  red/yellow, blue/green and neutrals.

 Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Pastel Pencils
Additional Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Inspiration on their BLOG and FACEBOOK PAGE

PITT Pastel Pencils offer many possibilities for blending and highlighting.  By using short bending strokes, colors within small intricate areas can be intensified and delicate shadows can be achieved.  This worked extremely well for the small berries.

Holly Concert (Penny Black) inked with a black Stamper's Big Brush Pen was stamped on white cardstock.  PITT Pastel Pencils (blue/green, red/yellow and neutral collections) were added to the image.  

Highlighting with the gray PITT Pastel Pencil softened the design and added a subtle glow.  Blending was done with my fingertip.  

Tip/Hint:  PITT Pastel Pencil markings can easily be erased which provide additional options for manipulating the color and intensity.

The Mix & Match qualities of Faber-Castell's products are fabulous for coordinating colors between different mediums.  As seen here, the red mat created by applying Stamper's Big Brush Pens in deep scarlet red and magenta to white cardstock coordinates fabulously with the pastel pencil medium.  This is also a savvy way to save on colored cardstock when just a small portion is exposed within the design.  In addition, the same Stamper's Big Brush Pens were used to alter the ribbon.

A few vertical dry embossed lines at the bottom of the card base lends a bit more "visual" weight to the design and anchors the matted artwork.

The pencils sharpen magnificently too.

Join me as I pop into Jill's section of the studio to see how she worked her magic today.

See you tomorrow with Part 3.

Thank you for visiting,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Holly Concert 4337K, Thinking of You 30-023

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft:

  PITT Pastel Pastel Pencils (blue/green, red/yellow, neutrals)

  Stamper’s Big Brush Pens (Black 199, Deep Scarlet Red 219, Magenta 133)

Other: Black Pigment Ink Pad (for sentiment), Blending Stump

Studio Sessions: PITT Pastel Pencils, 1 of 4

Welcome to the first collaborative post of Studio Sessions.  I am ecstatic to be sharing a virtual studio with my friend and colorful artist, Jill Foster, in a new series of artful adventures.    

During our Studio Sessions we will feature a product, technique or idea that will we both be using which will be highlighted during the collaboration.    

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Pastel Pencils
Additional Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Inspiration on their BLOG and FACEBOOK PAGE

For my first studio session project with PITT Pastel Pencils, I colored this feathery friend.

To begin, Winter Perch (Penny Black) was inked with Faber-Castell's Stamper's Big Brush Pen in black and stamped on white cardstock.  Tip/Hint:  Un-embossed images are typically easier to color and blend.

PITT Pastel Pencils (blue/green, red/yellow and neutral collections) were added in layers to create definition and depth.

The fussy cut image was layered with dimensional foam on a small piece of mat board cut from Faber-Castell's Mini Mixed Media Journal.  Letter Background (Penny Black) stamped in watermark ink and heat embossed with clear powder created a resist for the application of butterscotch Gelato which was blended with a moist towel.  Edged highlights were added with a Stamper's Big Brush Pen in nougat.

I implemented several blending methods when working with the PITT Pastel Pencils.  In addition to using my fingertip and a soft cotton towel, I found a blending stump to be extremely helpful in working in small, intricate areas.  Also, PITT Pastel Pencil color applied with soft "flicking" motions worked well for controlling definition.  

There's more!  Now you can visit Jill to see how she used her PITT Pastel Pencils.

We will be back tomorrow with more inspiration from Studio Sessions.

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Winter Perch 4367H, Letter Background 1999L

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft:

  PITT Pastel Pencils (blue/green, red/yellow, neutrals)

  Mini Mixed Media Journal

  Gelatos (Butterscotch)

  Stamper’s Big Brush Pens (Black 199, Nougat 178)

Other: Clear Embossing Stamp Pad, Clear Embossing Powder, Blending Stump

Halloween Tin-spiration

A mini tin makeover.

This tiny tin (1.5 x 2.25) was first primed with gesso.  Next, a layer of modeling paste was dabbled on to create a textured surface as well as disguise the embossed printing.  Layers of acrylic paint were added with a sprinkling of micro fine crystal glitter.  The fussy cut owls (Penny Black) were attached with Liquid Nails.  Tip/Hint:  Liquid Nails is a great adhesive alternative.  It provides a strong bond as well as adding dimension.  

The inside was decorated with a sentiment stamped on a piece of white cardstock distressed with Dandelion, Cantaloupe and Morocco Memento inks.  

Tip/Hint:  Platinum or Silver StazOn is wonderful for covering the manufacturer's printing on the bottom of silver tins.  Alternate layers with GlazOn provides smooth coverage.

Lastly, add goodies!

Happy Halloween...
E-bat

Supplies:
Penny Black: Halloween Critters 30-185
Copic Markers
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Dandelion Memento, Cantaloupe Memento, Morocco Memento, Platinum Metallic StazOn, GlazOn, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder
Master's Touch:  Acrylic Paints
Other: Micro Fine Crystal Glitter, Liquid Nails, Gesso, Modeling Paste

Nevermore

While working on this card featuring Penny Black's Halloween Visit, "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe came to mind.

To set the mood, here is a short excerpt from the poem for you to enjoy...

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more.'

The entire poem (first published in 1845) is available to read "here".

Tip/Hint:  For alternative design ideas, use die cuts in different orientations.  In this sample, an inverted flower pot was used for the card base.

Thank you for visiting, 
Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black:  Halloween Visit 40-243
3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape
Copic Markers
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Pretty Petunia VersaMagic, Jumbo Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder
Spellbinders: Flower Pots (Used upside down)

Ahoy!

Aye, mateys.... sailing by with a card designed with Penny Black's "Pirates" transparent set.

After the image was colored and trimmed it was mounted to a circular card base which had been distressed with Memento inks.

A treasure trove of images!

Tip/Hint:  To prevent circular cards from rolling, trim a small piece from the bottom of the back flap.

Have a grrreat day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black Stamps: Pirates 30-186

3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Cantaloupe Memento, Tangelo Memento, Love Letter Memento, Clear Embossing Power, Sponge Daubers

Spellbinders: Circle Nestabilities

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

Just My Type

"Swinging" by today with Mimi and Miles.

 

Two 2-7/8 x 3-5/8 scalloped rectangles die cut from Rose Garden cardstock were used to create the card base.

  

For the sky background, a small rectangle was masked off and Summer Sky and Bahama Blue Memento inks were applied with a jumbo sponge dauber.  After removing the masks, the sentiment from “My Type” was stamped below with Onyx Black and Satin Red VersaFine inks.

Fussy cut images of the stamped design were used for dimensional layering.  

Tip/Hint:  Heavy-weight black thread is a great alternative to use as the rope.

Have a great day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Swinging 4297K, My Type 40-189

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Rose Garden 14-001

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch, EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Satin Red VersaFine, Summer Sky Memento, Bahama Blue Memento, Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Classic Scalloped Rectangles

Other: Heavy-weight Black Thread 

Critter Love

Penny Black's cute critters are all in a buzz getting ready for Valentine's Day.

This card was inspired by the Valentines I used to exchange as a child with the "to" and "from" areas to put my friends' names.  The red polka dot base of the card is from Penny Black's Madison Paper Pad.  The scene was created with a combination of these stamps: Sweet Ride, Guess Hoo, Love is in the Air.

"Lots of Love" is another cutie that is perfect for delivering a wagon of love all throughout the year.  Tip/Hint: Images like these also make great "thanks a bunch" themed cards.

Thank you for visiting,
Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black Stamps: Sweet Ride 4299J, Lots of Love 4298J, Guess Hoo 40-188, Love is in the Air 30-144, Loads of Love 30-146
Penny Black Les Petites
Penny Black Madison Designer Paper Pad
Penny Black Mix and Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Blue Lagoon 09-003

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch and EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Persimmon VersaMagic, Love Letter Memento, Dandelion Memento, Cantaloupe Memento, Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder  

Offray: Green Grosgrain Ribbon 
Spellbinders: Labels Eighteen (S4-310)

With Love...

Stamping in green and gold can add a light, springy touch to flower images.

 

Penny Black’s Daisy Heart "springs" to life by stamping the main impression in Spanish Moss VersaFine.  This is used as a building base to add separate dimensional flowers that have been stamped in gold.  Tip/Hint:  Stamp in VersaMark Watermark ink and heat emboss with gold powder as an alternative to using a gold ink pad.

 

The centers of the flowers were adorned with small pearl beads. 

Thank you for dropping by for a visit,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Daisy Heart 4291K, Air Mail 30-072

Penny Black Les Petites 90-001

Penny Black Mix and Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Fern Green 05-002  

American Crafts: Ribbon

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch & EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Spanish Moss VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, Gold Embossing Powder

Provo Craft: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Other: White Seed Beads, Corner Rounder 

You're So Sweet

It’s Friday!  Time to splurge and indulge with a confectionery treat.  Guaranteed not to have any calories!

 

Enjoy the recipe for this card:

• Trim a Penny Black Les Petites card to measure 3-¼” square and set aside.
• Cut a 2 3/4-inch square from white cardstock and punch a 1-3/8” circle from the center. 
• Draw a border around the perimeter and color.  Add Cantaloupe and Dandelion Memento inks with a sponge dauber inside the square.  Stamp the sentiment with Onyx Black VersaFine.  Tip/Hint:  The sentiment was converted from a two-line greeting to a linear greeting by trimming the acrylic piece in two parts so they could be re-positioned.
• Cut a circle from white cardstock larger than the window opening and ink with Danube Blue Memento.  Position and adhere to the front of the prepared card.
• Attach the prepared window frame with dimensional foam to the front of the card.
• On a separate piece of white cardstock, stamp the mouse with Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color, trim and attach to the card with dimensional foam.  Optional:  Additional icing can be stamped and attached for an extra layer.

Have a sweet day!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Loads of Love 30-146, Sweet as Honey 30-145  

Penny Black Les Petites Card (trimmed) 90-001

Penny Black Mix and Match Cardstock:  Storm 01-001 (white)

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Dandelion Memento, Cantaloupe Memento, Danube Blue Memento, Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Standard Circles 1 3/8

Two Stamps.....Two Ways

Rubber stamping has always been a common theme for me when creating.  From card making to mixed media, they offer endless design possibilities.

Today I am using two of Penny Black’s new Valentine stamps to illustrate how they were used for a simple greeting card and in a mixed media home décor piece.

 

Love Blossoms and the sentiment from Butterfly Symphony are the focal elements in this CAS card.

 

An elevated panel of trimmed hearts adorned with red micro-fine glitter adds a sparkling twinkle.

 

The same two stamps were used in this mixed media piece along with many other Penny Black favorites (listed below).

 

In this design, Love Blossoms are a part of the background collage created on a 3/4" x 5-1/2" x 7-1/2" wood block.

 

It was fun adding this corner element which added a diagonal overlay to the rectangular format. 

 

Tip/Hint:  To give the heart added dimension and fullness, Love Flourish was attached with Modeling Paste.

Be sure to take a peek at all the posts this week on the Penny Black Blog where they are featuring creative ways to use the same stamps.

Have a fabulous day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Love Blossoms 4293F, Love Flourish 40-186, Butterfly Symphony 30-148, Free Flight 30-117, Salutations 30-014, Christmas Cheer 30-140, Sentiments 30-025, Clearly in Love 30-009, Social Butterfly 30-009, Pointille3860J, Scroll Strip 3863H

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Rose Garden 14-001, Fern Green 05-003

Dimensional Foam: EK Success

Copic Marker: G000

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Spanish Moss VersaFine, Delicata Golden Glitz Ink, Clear Embossing Powder, StazOn Inks

Sharpie: Red

Martha Stewart Glitter

USArtQuest: Duo Embellishing Adhesive

Other: Acrylic Paints, Mod Podge, Gesso, Modeling Paste