Wednesday 26 February 2014

Rudolph Day Cards - February

Hi Everyone,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the week so far. Me, I'm on the mend ... the cough is still a bit of a problem, mostly at night, but otherwise I'm feeling much more human again. And well enough to get down to a bit of crafting at last :)

Which brings me to the pair of cards I have to share with you this evening - made for February's Rudolph Day Challenge over at Sarn's, Stamping For Pleasure, but, coincidentally, fitting in with Hazel's challenge over at Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge 165 - to use a sentiment - and Pixies Crafty Workshop Week 113. That's the one hosted by Di that encourages us to use up our snippets and admittedly I've just used the teensiest snippets for the ribbon tags, but every little bit helps keep the snippet mountain manageable :) I'm so grateful to these wonderful ladies - if it wasn't for their efforts my Christmas card box would be empty and the snippet box would be overflowing.
Being ill means that you have plenty time, too much time, to become something of a couch potato and telly addict. In my case that means watching a fair bit of craft television which is where I saw Sue Wilson, Creative Expression, make a strikingly coloured card that had me thinking that I could do something similar.
So, the topper for my both my cards was made with the following steps.

Step 1: sponge the card with three contrasting colours of inks - Ranger's Iced Spruce, Evergreen Bough and Festive Berries - the brighter the better.

Step 2: spritz water over the inked card and dab with a paper towel to remove some of the ink ... creates a splotchy effect.

Step 3: Once the ink has dried dab randomly with Twinkling H2Os - Sea Spray, Just Peachy, Celedon - and leave to dry.

Step 4: The Penny Black Winter Bough was stamped with VersaMark, aiming for even coverage, and then heat embossing with white powder - Docrafts Papermania Seafoam White.

Step 5: Sprinkle the edges with powder from the Stampendous Frantage range - teal/gold mix - and heat emboss. That's all the inking and embossing done.

To finish the card I first stamped and embossed the greeting, a Stampendous Holiday Messages stamp, in white, die-cut a ribbon tag - I've had this set of Spellbinders dies for about 6 months and this is the first time I've used one - and threaded it with some beautiful teal organza ribbon. Attach the topper to the front of a plain white card base. The double bow was created separately and then attached with glue gel.
The inside and back are stamped with the Winter Bough stamp in Evergreen Bough distress ink.

I hope I've described the method well enough - I've tried to keep it simple - but if not, contact me and I'll do my best to clarify.

I'm off to bed now ... it's long past my bedtime.

Take care and stay safe.

15 comments:

scrappymo! said...

This is a beauty of a technique. What a wonderful duet! I think the frantage on the edges really sets them off. So much lovely texture with the embossed leaves and the frantage...yummy!

MaryH said...

So glad to hear you're on the mend. Those night time coughs can be so disturbing to your sleep too! Loving this beautifully colored card - and that holly stamp is just wonderful. Thanks for the link to SWilson, I'd love to see the technique video. Not great with H20's, so never thought to combine with the DI's. A lovely effect on your multi-challenge card. TFS & Hugs

Jackie said...

Good morning Elizabeth, glad to hear that you are feeling much better now. I love all of your latest cards and these two in paricular. I have used this method in the past but without spritzing, must have another go :o)
Jackie xx

Di said...

Wow Elizabeth - beautiful! Love how you made the background, thanks for explaining so clearly. And the fabulous bows set the cards off perfectly!

Pleased to hear you're a lot better. Roll on Spring!

Hugs, Di xx

Hazel said...

Thanks for entering your lovely cards for CHNC challenge 165 - you could also enter these into my CHNC challenge extra for February - I'd love to see them there too. x

Hazel said...

Thanks for adding for my CHNC challenge extra for February x

Sarn said...

Will you PLEASE stop using that LOVELY PB Winter Bough stamp . . . it doesn't seem to be available at the moment and I love it! LOL!

Your inky cards are gorgeous with the sweet tag and pretty ribbon treatment.

Thanks for joining in with Rudolph Day. Hope you continue to make a good recovery.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Jean said...

Beautifully festive looking cards.Your background is great and you have used one of my favourite holly stamps.The gorgeous green bow is a perfect finishing touch.
Jean x

Laura said...

Fab backgrounds, lovely cards :)

Sandra H said...

Oh l do hope your cough clears pretty soon Elizabeth and your right it is night time that it seems to be worse.........your cards are gorgeous the ribbon and papers are stunning take plenty of rest and being a couch potato has its advantages ....lol take care xx

Twinks Stamping said...

WOW Stunning cards. Love the colours Jan x

Twinks Stamping said...

WOW Stunning cards. Love the colours Jan x

Twinks Stamping said...

By the way, thank you for explaining the techniques that you have used to create the gorgeous background. You have inspired me to have a go. Thanks! Jan x

Kathleen said...

Oh wow, what fantastic cards, the colours are stunning and I just love them to bits.

Kath x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

This is a very neat technique that gives your cards such an interesting look. I really like the powder that's embossed along the edges of the card. That really adds something to them.