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Five Avocado Cards?! Holy Guacamole…

By KariV on August 7, 2020 in Paper Crafting

Hello! Today I’m back with tips on how to use one SMALL stamp from your set and turn them into five cards! I’m using the cutest little stamp from the July Hedgehog Hollow Kit today: I just couldn’t stop with this July Kit until I made all my little avocado cards!

I have a video with all the ways and some tips for making them quickly, watch it below or on YouTube:

I hope you will take a moment to watch the video to see my five ideas! For now, I will leave you with pictures of all these cutie cards and a quick description:

Stamp a whole bunch of the small image to create a “patterned paper” then watercolor it! For the first one, I used Zig Clean Color Real brush markers, then splattered on some paint to get a fun texture (and to mask the fact that my background didn’t come out as smooth as I wanted! Lol.) These are tricks of the trade, my friends!
Add a Stencil to the background…for the second card (which is the one on the left) I used Altenew watercolors and got some BEAUTIFUL colors. Then I took the circle stencil from a previous HH Kit and added the circles to the background.

3. Try no-line copic coloring and add a PUNNY sentiment with die cuts. Here I stamped the avocados in a light ink and colored with Copics. I show you how I colored up with Copics in the video. I ink blended that background with Distress Oxides and added a chevron cover die. Then I die cut the letters to make a fun sentiment.

4. Use die cut paper strips to make a fun background for your images. Here I paired that avocado with the taco from the same set. If you have leftover strips of paper, use them to make confetti for the front of your card. It’s a fiesta! So fun.

5. Use a grid to highlight lots of your small stamps. Here’s a “tray” of avocados with a sentiment that I stamped from a new FAVORITE alpha stamp set! I used different transparent ink colors to get a fun vibe. By using transparent inks, you can overlap your letters and still read it. Such a happy look! Try this at home!

I’m often asked what supplies I use to make my cards and projects, so I’ve put together a list using affiliate links when possible. If you make a purchase with these links I may receive a small commission. These help me to keep up with blog costs and continue bringing you fun projects. Thank you so much for your support!

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Happy Birthday to Three Room Studio!

By KariV on August 4, 2020 in Paper Crafting

Hello! If you haven’t already, head on over to celebrate the FIFTH birthday of Three Room Studio on Instagram. Here’s a link to my instagram so you can go directly there to enter to WIN one of FIVE prizes!

Here’s my cards I created to celebrate:

I colored up this flower inspired by my favorite LIPSTICK HIBISCUS!

I colored this frog with some interesting markings…

Happy Birthday, Three Room Studio! Head on over to their website to see all the beautiful stamps Sandy has designed.

Thanks for stopping by!

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New Watercolors…now what?

By KariV on July 31, 2020 in Paper Crafting

Hello! Today I’m talking about the most important two things to do when you get a new watercolor set (or any new medium)! I was inspired by Jen Rzasa at Altenew for this post, as a part of my Altenew Educator’s Certification Program.

I recently purchased the 36-pan watercolor set from Altenew and I was SO EXCITED to use them! So the first thing I did was swatch them out to get to know the colors a little better.

Did you know that Altenew has a beautiful swatch page already created for you? You can watercolor your own, or print one already done. (check it out here).

Since my printer will not print on heavy watercolor paper, I printed out the blank version on regular copy paper…(I did size it down a bit so I could make it fit into my watercolor case). Then, I took it to a copy center and copied it onto watercolor paper. Then I could swatch my colors!

After I swatched out the colors, using a gradient technique, I painted my very first card! I chose the Iris Paint-a-Flower from Altenew as my first victim, er, I mean…first masterpiece!!

I created a short video to show you the gradient technique, and secrets for watercoloring! Watch it below or in HD on YouTube:

I stamped the image and heat embossed it in gold on Altenew watercolor paper. I love this watercolor paper…it’s already A2 card sized and it’s nice and white!

Before I began watercoloring, I taped down my watercolor panel with purple tape. This helps to keep the panel from warping. I taped it to a cutting board so I could move it around as needed.

I used Jen’s technique of using clean, clear water first on one small part. Then I dropped in some color. I started with the green stems and leaves, then added a yellow center to the flowers. Then I worked on the purple irises.

Did you know there’s a watercolor color called “Deep Iris” in this set?! How perfect! That’s the color I chose for this image (surprise). Lol.

For the sentiment, I chose to gold heat emboss on black cardstock. It’s a little difficult to read in the photos, it says: “No one can limit your greatness.”

I cut down the card panel to 3.75″ x 5″. Then I finished it all off with some iridescent sequins and attached it to the card base with foam tape.

I hope you enjoyed this and got inspired to try a little simple watercoloring! Thanks for stopping by.

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No Line Watercoloring

By KariV on July 30, 2020 in Paper Crafting

Hello! Today I was brave. I tried something I’ve always wanted to try: I attempted no-line watercoloring! I was inspired by the Altenew Class “Exploring Watercoloring Mediums” and specifically the class by Ashlea.

She gave a lot of great advice and encouragement. I first stamped the anemone outline stamp with a light ink. Then I got out my 36 pan watercolor set from Altenew and a round brush and gave it a try!

I chose to create a pink and a yellow flower. It took me a while before I felt like I was getting the result that I wanted. This flower has a center with smaller stalk-like stamens and the tops are lozenge-shaped anthers; these I hand painted in using small lines and then dots on each of the ends.

I also did the same technique on the leaves: stamping with a light ink, watercoloring them, then adding in hand-painted veins.

One of the things I also loved about Ashlea’s card was that she stamped a light grey spray of leaves behind her flowers. So I also stamped some grey leaves in the background for my card.

The sentiment is white heat embossed on a grey cardstock (to bring in the color of the background leaves); then popped onto some white cardstock to make it pop off the front of the flowers.

Thanks for stopping by today!

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Mermaids at Sunset

By KariV on July 26, 2020 in Paper Crafting

Hello! Today I have a mermaid card to share because I have been thinking about the BEACH! My favorite place to watch for mermaids is on the beach at sunset (that’s the best time, right?)

I made a video to show you the easy techniques for making that ocean and the sunset backdrop…and how to make real looking sand! And see how her tail just shimmers in that evening sun?! That’s a new favorite product of mine! Watch the video below or in HD on YouTube: