Simon Says Stamp | Embossing + Watercolor

Hello!  I was so inspired by all the beautiful cards and techniques from the Simon Says Stamp new release, Making Spirits Bright, that I just had to make another card today. 

I used several different stamp sets from previous releases to create a thank-you card for our grandson's teacher.  I have coupled the sets, One With Nature, Thank You Teacher (from the Encouraging Words release) and Lots of Dots to create a fall look to my card.  Perfect for this time of year, and with a fitting sentiment for the teacher.

This is one layer stamping with a lot of punch - embossing + watercoloring.  I stamped the leaves, sentiment and dots onto some Bristol Smooth card stock with a watermark ink, and embossed with Ranger gold embossing powder.  Some of the dots are open while some are solid.

Next, I used some colors from my Daniel Smith Fine Arts Watercolor palette for the leaves and background.   I used a wet on wet technique first, then let it dry, and came back in with wet on dry (glazing).  Once everything was dry I trimmed the piece down a little and mounted it on gold mirror card stock with 3M adhesive tape to provide dimension.  The card base is a top folding A2 in Dark Navy.

Now comes the fun part -- splatter time!  Now I know it's trendy, but honestly, for me, it's like patting your head and rubbing your belly.  I feel like Elaine from Seinfeld on the dance floor - how's that for a word picture (she laughs!)  All I can say is that I did my best (laughing).

Now here comes the serious part... I love that sentiment.  And it got me thinking.  Why wait for Thanksgiving to be that somebody.  Lets remind ourselves to season our speech and actions with the fruit of the spirit everyday.

Let's be that somebody!

Sincerely,

Susie ~

So Very Grateful

Hello Friends!

It is day 3 of The 30 Day Coloring Challenge.   Wonderful techniques, tips, and of course, beautiful cards!   

I was so inspired with the lovely artwork on day 2 from Kristina Werner, Kathy Racoosin, and Dawn Woleslagle.  There is a saying that dates back to the early 19th century that states, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."  When I'm trying to learn a new technique I find it very helpful to CASE the work first.  I often color an illustration using the same colors the artist used on my first try. Once I feel familiar with the technique I will proceed from there.   That is the case today.   Dawn Woleslagle from Wplus9 provided instruction start to finish on a Cath Kidston Design Background piece using Copic markers and free hand sketching in a painterly style look.   I love the vintage cheerfulness don't you?

I practice, and I practiced.   I colored, I painted, I glued.  I trimmed, I tore it all up, and started all over again.  Okay, you get the picture.   This afternoon I finally got close enough that I thought a card might be in order. 

The little cabbage rose bouquet is a free hand sketch using Copics.  The painterly style looks like the 'building stamp sets' that are so trendy.  I kept with the same Copic colors that Dawn used.  R22, R24, and E07 for the rose and buds.   G24 and G28 for the leaves.   My card base was created with Papertrey Ink's Make It Market Kit, Don't Forget to Write.  The kit includes some beautiful dies.  

I adore small cards like this.  Wouldn't this be lovely as a set of 4 cards in different colors to give as a hostess gift?  A sweet offering from heart and hand.  

God's Blessings

Sincerely,

Susie ~