First Time User - Color Burst Watercolor Powders and Liquid Metallics Review

My friend, Gina, sent me seven Color Burst Watercolor Powders and Liquid Metallics.   These are Ken Oliver Crafts products.   I have never used them before and couldn't wait to try them.   There are so many different ways to use them including using a paint brush!   Lots of "how to use" videos on YouTube also.

Here are the results of my two days of playing with these products. 

Painted on with a paint brush.

Metallics are a liquid which can be used as is or thinned with water.

Solid colors are a powder.   Add water to use.

Powders tapped onto the watercolor paper.

Spritzed with water, then allowed to dry.

LOVE THIS.

Used both types on this one.   

Filled in background with water, then dropped on the powder and

metallics.   Free form.

All powder colors on this one.

Tapped powder on the watercolor paper, then spritzed with water.

Amazing the designs that form.   

Review:

Pros:

Huge variety of colors.    

Deep rich pigment.

Ability to tone down with water.

Now carried in many stores and on-line.

Easy to use.

Versatile, so many ways to use it.

Cons:

Work in a contained area if creating backgrounds.   The powders can travel.

Wear an apron while using these to avoid pigment getting on your clothes.

Took a couple washing to get the color off my fingers.

NOTE:   The cons are nothing that would prevent me from buying this product or using it. 

I would recommend the product.   It is fairly priced.   The bottles will last quite a while not just for a couple of projects.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Fun Painting With Watercolors Today

Painting doesn't come second nature to me, so I am learning along the way.   Today I just wanted to do something a bit free form and fun to create.   One of the members (Kaitlyn Ahalt) of Let's Make Art - Watercolor group on Facebook shared a sketch of a VW Bug.   I traced the design onto watercolor paper, then painted it with Grumbacher Academy Watercolor tube style paints.   Then I fussy cut the car out when it was dry.    I created a multi-color background with the same paints.   Wanted to give the card a 70s look.

The car was attached with foam squares so it sits above the base.   Gives it a more dimensional look this way.  

It has been interesting working with the different types of watercolors.   I have a set of half pans (solids), a few liquid, and a few tubes.   The tubes give the greatest depth of color.   Each type gives a different look to the finished product.   The Grumbacher paints didn't seem to fade as it dried, and I had a bit more control with it when applying to my design.

Not sure how far I will pursue my painting, but it is fun to learn new things for my card making.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary

Shoppes Theme - TryFolds Stamp Set

Today is my 2nd day of showing casing the TryFolds stamp sets from Art Impressions that I purchased from Teaspoon of Fun during their sale in April.   Yesterday, if you missed it, there was a beach themed card.

 Art Impressions

TryFolds - 4339 Shoppes TF Stamp Set

 Front of card.

I adhered the card to a blue card base.

 Card completely closed.

I like how each section peeks out. 

 Card with left fold open.

Shows the inside 2 layers.

Card with both the left and right fold open.

It will stand on its own this way if you would like to display it.

Sentiment:  

"Good things are just around the corner."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Beach Themed Card - TryFolds Stamp Set

During the month of April, Teaspoon of Fun, offered a good discount on any orders placed through them for Art Impressions products.  I ordered two of the TryFolds (card with 3 layers to it) stamp sets.    I couldn't wait to share them with you.   So today is the beach themed set, and tomorrow I will share the shoppe themed set.  Each set comes with 3 image stamps and 1 sentiment stamp.   They are coordinated to go together or can be used separately.   Directions are on the back of the packaging and easy to follow.  These are cling style rubber stamps.

Art Impressions

4577 - Beach TF Set 

I adhered the card to a purple base.

This is the card closed.

All 3 layers of stamps.

Left side fold opened.

Left  side and right side folds are open.

This is the inside of the card.

When open like this, the card will stand on its own.

Sentiment for this stamp set: 

 "may your life be filled with blessings as countless as the grains of sand"

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Mary

Happy Birthday and Thinking of You Cards

Here are three cards I made this last week.   Each uses a different technique, but all were easy to create.

 The first card was made using an embossing folder and a stamp set that were included in the Tonic Cardmaking Magazine.   The magazine is now sold out.  I covered the embossed image with:
Nuvo Embellishment Mousse - Pure Platinum (color) - Nuvo.   The stained glass stamped image was colored in with Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens

 I stamped random flower pots to create this background.   This did a stripe of copper/bronze to accent each one.   The card base also had bronze silks to tie in the colors.   Hello is a die from FSJ.

The last card is layers of matching pink card stock and ribbon.    I used my Altenew Watercolor Half Pans to color the flowers and leaves.   Then covered the flower and leaves with FSJ Journey Glaze to give it shine.   Stamp set is from FSJ also.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary

Anniversary Cards

Life got a bit hectic this last week, so I am a little behind on posting here to my blog.   Even though I Haven't posted, I have been creating numerous styles of cards.    Today I will share the two anniversary cards I made. 

Tonic Cardmaking Magazine (Tulips)
Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils

FSJ Yummy Dots Embossing Folder

FSJ Rainbow Drops

FSJ Heart Strip Die Set

I used the die cut hearts (the pieces that were cut out) as accents on the inside and back of both cards.   Felt it added an extra touch to both of them.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Mary

Rose And Tulip Dies Make a Beautiful Card

Part of my birthday gift was the Tonic Cardmaking Magazine.   Scrapbook.com carried it here in the US.   It is now showing as sold out.   I was amazed at all the dies, stamps, embossing folder, and cardstock that came with the magazine.   It definitely is a great value.

Here's the first card I have made with it:

The half circle dies can be used as I did (both designs show) or can be cut twice to crate the same design on both sides.    Same with the corners ... each corner can be different or the same.   Fun to mix and match.  

Potted Plants Stamp Set Used to Create an Easter Card

Penny Black makes the most beautiful rubber stamps, and I feel blessed to have acquired a few of them.   This is the last of the Penny Black Stamp Sets that Hal gave me for my birthday last week.   I love that these stamps can be easily colored in with pencils, Zig Real Brush Pens, Copics, watercolor pans and more!   This card is a mix of the stamped image, Altenew Watercolors Half Pan Set, Zig Real Brush Pens, and some metallic watercolors I had.    I wish you could see the shine from the metallic watercolor pans.   Really shiny and bright.

Altenew Watercolor Half Pan Set

Zig Real Brush Pens

Master's Touch Metallic Watercolors Pan Set

Penny Black Stamp Set - Potted Plants

NOTE:   I separated/cut one of the butterflies from the main

stamp set.   It was too tight of a fit for an A2 card with it attached.

This way I was able to get the full design on the A2 card by

stamping it as two separate images.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Harmony Stamp Set by Penny Black Used For This Card.

I know it may not seem like Spring where you currently live, but I am sure it is just around the corner.   Here in Arizona, it definitely has arrived.  This card should bring some Springtime happiness to the person who receives it.   The stamp image is from Penny Black and is called Harmony.  The wood chip embellishments/bird cages I believe are from Bo Bunny.   I covered them with a set of Crafter's Companion Metallic Markers.

Altenew Watercolor Half Pan Set used for flowers.

Crafter's Companion Metallic Markers used for the bird cages/birds.

 Penny Black Stamp Set - Harmony

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

In Love Stamp Set Perfect For Many Occasions - Penny Black Stamp Set

Have you ever seen a stamp set and knew the minute you saw it that you had to have it?   That's how I felt when I saw this darling stamp set called "In Love" from Penny Black.  I'm really blessed that Scrapbook.com is local for me, so I can pick up orders the day after I order them typically.  I couldn't wait to make a card with this one.

Altenew Watercolor Half Pan Set - used for coloring

Penny Black Stamp Set - In Love

This set is so versatile ... anniversary, wedding, I love you, thinking of you and MORE!   If you masked off the balloons, you could use it for a friendship card too.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Mary

A Magical Birthday Card Using "Wiz" Stamp Set By Penny Black

When you are awake in the middle of the night, inspiration can strike.   That's what happened to me at 1 am last night.   I knew I wanted to work with my Altenew Watercolor Half Pan Set and the other Penny Black wizard stamp set.   Since we didn't have plans for today, I went ahead and started creating.   Three hours later I had my card finished.   It was so enjoyable to take my time, watercolor, and not have any distractions.

 Altenew Watercolor Half Pan Set

Penny Black Stamp Set - Wiz

 

Penny Black Stamp Set
Wiz

Penny Black Stamp Set

A Wizard

 

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes, phone calls, texts, messages, and facebook posts yesterday for my birthday.   It was a great day made even more special by all of you.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today,

Mary

A Wizard Stamp Set - Penny Black Stamp Set

Penny Black has some of the most amazing red rubber stamps.  As I mentioned my wonderful husband gave me my birthday present early, so I am trying some of them out now.   Can't wait to share all the items with all of you.

I love the quality of these stamps.   It is red rubber and has the design on the cling side.  In my opinion, rubber stamps are the best.   No odor, easy to clean, and the best stamped images!!!

 Penny Black Stamp Set
A Wizard

I stamped out the design on white card stock.   The image was colored in with Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils, then was fussy cut out.   The cut out image was adhered to brushed silver card stock which I also fussy cut around to mimic the same outline as the stamped image.   The card base is a navy blue.   I did use FSJ  Gold Silk for the stars on the blanket and the spots on the card base.   The stars were hand painted with a brush to keep the FSJ Silk within the lines.

Penny Black Stamp Set

A Wizard

Penny Black Stamp Set
Wiz

I'm definitely going to have to see if there are other stamp sets of wizards from Penny Black.   I see many "magical" cards in my future.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Prima Princesses Cling Stamps: Natalie

Spent a few hours last night and today working on Natalie which is a Prima Princesses Cling Stamp (rubber).   I used the Altenew Watercolor Half Pan set to color her stamped image in.   It was time consuming because of all the detail, but I couldn't wait to see Natalie finished.   Their sample was completed with shades of blue hair.   For me, it had to be shades of purple!

Prima Princesses Cling Stamps:   Natalie

This is a full background stamp.   I used a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 watercolor sheet.   You can tell that part of the image didn't stamp out.   I might of needed to shift the stamp over and up just a bit.   

What do you think?   

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Mary

Tulips Watercolor Card Created With Altenew Watercolor Half Pans

Today was the day for a new adventure.   My wonderful husband gave me a set of Altenew Watercolor Half Pans (set of 36) and some new stamp sets perfect for watercoloring.    I had to try them out immediately.  They were meant as a birthday gift, but he let me have them a few days early!

I like the rich colors of the pans.   They are easy to use, even for a beginner like me.   The only thing I was disappointed about is that the lid snaps off when you try to open it flat.   I had thought it could open flat to be used as a palette.  It does snap right back on.

So here is my first watercolor done with the half pans, brush, and water.

Penny Black Stamp Set:  Flutterby

I still have lots to learn, but it was fun working with them today.   Whether using pencils, Zig Real Brush Pens, or watercolor pans ... I'm having fun and learning along the way.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Teaspoon of Fun Special Offer When Buying Art Impressions Products

Teaspoon of Fun is offering a great deal (25% off) if you purchase Art Impressions products through them for the month of April.   Full details can be found on their blog.  CLICK HERE

Art Impressions has both rubber and clear stamps.   

I got my very first Art Impressions Stamp Set recently called Spare Me.   I thought it was unique and couldn't wait to make a card with it.

 Art Impressions Spare Me

Colored with Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens

Spare Me Stamp Set

What a fun stamp set.   So useful for so many occasions.  

This stamp set is a clear stamp set.   It doesn't say photopolymer anywhere on the labeling.  It states "clear".   There was no odor to this stamp set, and I did get a crisp image when stamping.  I definitely will be buying more of the Art Impressions products.   Hope to take advantage of the Teaspoon of Fun sale this month.   Full details:  CLICK HERE

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Three Cards I Made This Weekend

My challenge this weekend was to be creative with a product I had previously purchased and not used.   I did have a few items to choose from (smiling).   I came across these pencils the other day that I had purchased from FSJ ages ago.   I actually thought they were embellishments and was surprised to realize they were post-it notes.

Each pencil had its own stack of post-its, but after removing the top one of each color I discovered the glue/adhesive had also gotten on the ones beneath.   May have been because of the heat here, don't really know.   At least I got one cute card out of the set.    The sentiment was from a grab bag set of stickers I had purchased.   Thought it was perfect to go with the pencils.

FSJ Little House Stamp Set  AT-0298

Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils

Always fun to send a card to a friend who just moved into a new home.   This stamp was just what I needed for this card.

FSJ Cottage Bouquet SS-0606

FSJ Silk Flower (don't know the item number)

I took one of the flower stamps and randomly stamped it 3 times on the page.   Then colored in with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   The center of each flower has a bit of Journey Glaze on it to make it shine.   I accented it with the silk flower.   

Whew ... I was busy this weekend.   Fun to try different mediums and ideas for cards.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Unicorn Watercolor Picture

OK,I admit it ... I think I am obsessed with the unicorn digital image from my Kit And Clowder class.   Today I decided I had to try it with the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   I am beyond pleased with the results.  

The horn was done with a gold gel pen.   Then I took Silver Sparkle Silk and put it over the mane and the horn to add some sparkle and shine.  

This one I believe I will frame and keep along with the color pencil one I did using the Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils.

Each one has its own unique look.

Hope you find time to do some creating today. 
Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Mary

A Bouquet of Flowers Perfect for Any Occasion

I am keeping busy doing watercoloring with the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   I found a Daisies Stamp from Deep Red that worked perfect to create a card front.   This card would be perfect for any occasion:   Birthday, Mother's Day, Thinking of You, and so much more.

The images in the corners was stamped directly onto the card base.   The center grouping was stamped then fussy cut out.   I put FSJ Rainbow Drops in the center of each flower.   The center grouping is raised up using foam squares with thread positioned underneath.

Deep Red Brand Stamp Set

Daisies

(this is a red rubber stamp)

Purchased from Scrapbook.com  

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?

The last time we were at the post office, we picked up some sheets of Scooby-Doo forever postage stamps.   They are so cute with Scooby-Doo holding the watering can.   I realize too that there is a large image on the side of the sheet that I could recycle into a greeting card.  

If you want to see the full sheet of stamps, click here (USPS link).

I hand drew in some areas of grass using my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   Set the fence over the top of Scooby-Doo and the grass, then added in the die cut sentiments.

FSJ Fence Die Set DI-0485

Crafter's Companion Die-sire  Simple Sentiments

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Spring Floral Cards Using Penny Black Stamp Set: Full of Glee

Spring is just around the corner, and it was time to make some floral cards.   I used my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens and a brand new stamp set from Penny Black called Full of Glee.   I purchased the stamp from Scrapbook.com ... Click Here if you want more information on it.

The first is a photo of all the cards I made.   Do you have a favorite?   It was so much fun deciding on which colors to use for the flowers themselves, then deciding on the card base.   These card are perfect for any occasion or to be used as a note card.

Here are photos of the individual cards and also the stamp set.  

The Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens are so easy to use.   This stamp is perfect for any type of coloring that you would like to do.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary