Nurture Your Soul

Hello again,

I have another card today for the series I've been calling, Everything Old is New Again.   It's another Flourishes set, From the Garden, illustrated by Marcella Hawley, now owner of PowerPoppy.

Before I continue I want to briefly share several reasons for this idea.   Now that we are retired I remind myself that I must manage (and use) what I have.   I decided that creating with my older, cherished sets, would not only be good practice, but would hopefully encourage others to do the same.   Experiment, learn new techniques and designs - create that which makes your heart sing.   So there you have it (she smiles).   Now, let's create something new that has a vintage/retro look.

I love the new background designs using the smaller images of a stamp set and giving them a loose light watercolor look, or a more vivid look with more detailed watercolor, or Copics.   Whatever medium you choose is fine.  I happen to enjoy watercolor.

I'm still playing around and trying to find my happy "go to" watercolors.   I tend to reach for my Sakura Koi Watercolors Pocket Field Sketch Box set and my Grumbacher  Deluxe Opaque Watercolors.   And every now and then I like to use my good ol' Prisma Watercolor Pencils.   I would recommend a good set of brushes - you'll never regret the purchase.  I have started using Sliver Black Velvet brushes and love them.    I'm also learning more about watercolor paper.  I have come to believe that one must use the right tools with the right paper.   I think many of my/our struggles at times has to do with the paper we choose - especially as it applies to watercolor.

Hey, thanks for stopping by today, I hope you've enjoyed the card.   Have a lovely rest of your week, and we'll talk soon!

Sincerely,

Susie ~

New Card Series

Don't throw the past away
You might need it some rainy day
Dreams can come true again
When everything old is new again

                                        Lyrics by Peter Allen

Hello again!
In another week the wonderful Daily Marker 30 Day Color Challenge will begin.   I'm excited to play along this summer, hope you are too.   Any ideas what you might color during that period?

I thought this might be a good time to create a series of cards following my latest theme, "When Everything Old in New Again." I'm going to pull out my older stamp sets and create some new cards from some of my favorite companies.  It's such a shame to use these sets only once or twice.  They deserve more love than that (she smiles).   This is the third card I've created using my theme and I am really enjoying it.   Last night I pulled out another Flourish set called, From the Desk Of. Boy do I love these beautifully designed classic sets!

This morning I created a matching envelope for this card.   It's all in the presentation isn't it?  Whether you're creating a lovely table scape for a special dinner, decorating your home, or creating a little special something on a matching envelope.  It really is about kindness, and making those special connections with those we care about.   Now go make something that makes your heart sing!

Blessings for a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Susie ~

Everything Old is New Again

Hello!

I wanted to share what I think is a great idea for those older, classic stamp sets you cherish.   There are so many techniques and trends in the paper crafting community every year that keep us scrambling to try those new, cute stamp sets (guilty as charged she smiles).   What if we give those older sets some new love with the trendy look of watercolor or a new technique we've learned?

This card uses a set called Butterflies and Blooms from Flourishes, and illustrated by Marcella Hawley.   Marcella now owns PowerPoppy Stamps.  We all love her timeless illustrations.  I guess that's why they have become such classics (she smiles).  The card below was created using a tip from Kristina Werner.  I loved the idea and thought I'd test drive it.   Sometimes a blank piece of white watercolor paper can be intimidating.   Try giving your paper a little watercolor wash before you stamp.   Let it dry, and then stamp your image in a light color.  I used Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen).   This allows you to achieve that no-line watercolor look, and gives your finished piece a more natural appearance. To watercolor the image I used my Sakura Koi Watercolors Pocket Field Sketch Box.

The second card uses the same technique as the top card, but this time I used a very intense watercolor ink that comes in the form of a pencil.   Derwent Inktense Pencils.    I love the soft look of watercolor, it's dreamy appeal.   Try creating several cards using the same stamp set - different layout, technique, mediums.   Old can become new again!

Sincerely,
Susie ~