Category: COMPANIES

Easy Watercoloring with Tombow Markers

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings4 Comments

HEY FRIENDS! As you know, my creativity has been in a bit of a slump lately. I have lots to work with so BUYING isn’t my issue, but USING certainly is! But on Saturday, I did a demo at The Paper Herald — a gem of a stationery store here in Baltimore owned by my friend Ashleigh — and that has sparked my creativity again. I pulled out my Tombow Dual Brush Markers and a waterbrush as well as assorted stamp sets from Colorado Craft Company.

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Rowhouse Greetings | Pleas Forgive Me by Colorado Craft Company

TOMBOW: 723, 947, 969, 992 (hamster); 060, 177, 192 (lettuce); N65 (shadow)

Rowhouse Greetings | Pleas Forgive Me by Colorado Craft Company | Color Map

For my first card, I used the Peas Forgive Me stamp set. You can see a somewhat awkward video of me coloring the image while I was at The Paper Herald. I even managed to stamp my hand with the Versafine ink pad! Be kind – it was my FIRST Solo Instagram live video. If you’re unable to see it below, try THIS LINK.

Once I was back in my studio, I was inspired to color another Colorado Craft Company image. This time I used the Anita Jeram Happy Day stamp set.

Rowhouse Greetings | Anita Jeram Happy Day by Colorado Craft Company

TOMBOW: 723, 947, 969, 992 (rabbits); 192 (grass); 526 (sky)

Rowhouse Greetings | Anita Jeram Happy Day by Colorado Craft Company

Coloring Notes

As you’ll see, I kept the layouts simple — both cards are just single layers made from Canson XL Watercolor Paper that I cut to 4.25″ x 11″ to create a top folding card. I stamped the images with Versafine Ink in Onyx Black. I love this ink because it’s perfect for detailed images and sentiments AND it’s waterproof. I applied some of the color directly with Tombow markers and then blended it out with a waterbrush. It all, it took 15-20 minutes per card to complete. And by keeping the layout so simple, I was able to complete the cards without a lot of fuss agonizing over the design.

That’s all for today!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]

Deckchair Dreaming | LOTV

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings4 Comments

HEY FRIENDS! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Lately, my creative flow has hit a roadblock so I decided to shift my focus. I’ve been occupied in my studio, spending time organizing my stash and pulling out stamps and dies that I no longer need. This way, I can make room for new products and hopefully inspire fresh ideas. I’m putting together some inexpensive destash boxes that I’ll be offering here on my blog (more on that in an upcoming post) but for now, I’m just working through all of the well loved and gently used supplies in my studio.

I’ve been adding things to my inventory system and making sure everything is well labeled so I know what I’ve got. I even did a bit of an overhaul of my blog and created a new logo using a hand-drawn image of my own rowhouse created by The Custom Art Boutique over on Etsy. Sometimes you have to take a step back so that you can move forward and that’s where I am right now.

One interesting aspect of this organizing process is stumbling upon stamps that I once purchased with excitement, intending to color them. However, I got distracted along the way and completely forgot about them. Like every other crafter, I then acquired new stamps that sparked a renewed interest, causing the earlier purchases to be neglected. Thankfully, I have only experienced a few moments of regret concerning my buying choices, and instead, I find myself wondering why I haven’t utilized certain stamps yet as I browse through my collection.

Today’s post showcases a digital image that perfectly captures the current mood. I have been fortunate to enjoy some warm and sunny days in Baltimore and I’ve been able to sit out and recharge my Vitamin D. This image by Lili of the Valley just seemed like the perfect image for today’s mood.

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Today’s Project – Deckchair Dreaming

Rowhouse Greetings | Deckchair Dreaming | Lili of the Valley LOTV

Featured Products for Deckchair Dreaming

Coloring Notes

This is a digital stamp so I printed the image on Bristol Smooth using my Canon printer. I use Microsoft Word to set up my image for printing and I have two videos showing how I do it, depending on which version of Word you are using.

Now, my Canon is an inkjet printer, but it seems to work with Copics. Not all inkjet printers do and for the most part, they don’t. I also have a Brother laser printer that I could have used, but it’s currently buried as I rearrange my studio. A laser printer is always a better choice when it comes to Copics.

The sentiment is from the I Love You More stamp set by MFT Stamps. That set is currently retired, but MFT often releases older stamps from the vault. So just keep an eye on their website. Also, I did use Versafine Clair to stamp the sentiment which is NOT Copic compatible, so I carefully added color to the sun and clouds, making sure that I did not touch the black ink lines.

That’s all for today!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

Supplies

COPICS: BV20, R21, R22, Y21, YR21, YR23, YR24, E25 (bear); R22, R24, E21, E23, C1, C3 (chair); B00, B41, B45 (bird); W0 (background) B00, C1, C3, C5 (newspaper) BV20, C1 (shadow)

Rowhouse Greetings | Deckchair Dreaming by Lili of the Valley

[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]

More Whimsy World | 3C

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings4 Comments
Whimsy World Bunny Life Release

HEY FRIENDS! Today I have another project from the latest Whimsy World release by Colorado Craft Company using the Bunny Life stamp set and coordinating dies. Colorado Craft Company is offering FREE SHIPPING on US orders and $10.00 FLAT RATE SHIPPING on March 9th & 10th. As always all orders over $75.00 receive FREE SHIPPING on US orders. So get your order in now and take advantage of the shipping discount.

Please note that there are a limited number of bundles so keep that in mind as well if you want the release packages.

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Today’s Project – Bunny Life

Rowhouse Greetings | Whimsy World Bunny Life | Colorado Craft Company

Featured Supplies

Coloring Notes

I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by coloring the shed and it’s probably not my best effort. However, I think the concept is pretty good even if my execution could use some work. I wanted the wood to have some texture so I stamped the image onto Strathmore Bristol Smooth (300 Series). Why? Well, I needed a paper that could handle both Copics and colored pencils. While X-Press It or Hammermill could handle the Copics, neither paper is suitable for colored pencils. So I switched to Bristol since it’s smooth enough for Copics, but has enough tooth for colored pencil. I put down a base coat of W1 on the shed, adding W3 in the areas that I wanted to be a bit darker. I added BV20 to create shadows. Then I used Prismacolor pencils PC1052 (30% Warm Grey), PC1072 (50% French Grey), and PC1076 (90% French Grey) to draw in the lines to add texture. I got carried away with making my lines very straight and very consistent. But from a distance, you get the effect (I hope!).

That’s all for today!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

Supplies

COPICS: R20, W1, W3, W5 (large bunny); Y21, YR23, YR27 (small bunny); R20, W0, W1, W3, W5 (bunny in basket); BV20, BV23, W1, W3, W5 (shed); B37, B39 (basket); Y21, YR23, YR27 (mailbox & door handle); B000, B41 (window glass); YG03 (grass foreground); YG17, YG67 (tree combo1); BG90, BG93 (tree combo 2); YG61, YG63 (tree combo3); Y21, YR23, YR27, YG03 (basket)

Rowhouse Greetings | Whimsy World Bunny Life | Colorado Craft Company | Color Map

[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]

Whimsy World Bunny Life Release

Whimsy World Bunny Life | 3C

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings30 Comments

HEY FRIENDS! I’m back today with another card featuring the Whimsy World Bunny Love release from Colorado Craft Company. No pre-sale this time, but the stamps, coordinating dies and bundles are in limited supply so if you want them, act fast. Once they sell out, you’ll have to wait until they’re back in stock. Please note that there are a limited number of bundles so keep that in mind as well if you want the release packages.

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Be sure you check out the giveaways and blog hop below!

Whimsy World Bunny Love

Rowhouse Greetings | Whimsy World Bunny Life | Colorado Craft Company

Featured Supplies

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Cardbase: Cut a piece of Neenah cardstock to 4.25″ x 11″ and score at 5.5″ to create a top folding card base.
  2. Base Layer: Ink the Spring Background stamp using Versafine Clair ink in Nocturne and stamp a piece of Hammermill cardstock cut to 4.25″ x 5.5″. Trim the stamped image using the 4″ x 5.25″ die from the Hero Arts Nesting Rectangle Infinity die set.
  3. Background Layer: Cut a piece of Hammermill cardstock using the 3″ x 4.25″ die from the from the Hero Arts Nesting Rectangle Infinity die set. Set aside until assembly.
  4. Image Layer: Cut a piece of Hammermill cardstock using the 2.75″ x 4″ die from the Hero Arts Nesting Rectangle Infinity die set.
    • Stamp the sentiment from the Bunny Life stamp set using Versafine Clair ink in Nocturne approximately an inch from the bottom of the panel.
    • Stamp the grass image from the Bunny Life stamp set four times so that it will extend slightly beyond the central colored, die cut image. Color the grass with YG03. Color a grassy shadow below using YG03 and YG17. See photo for details.
    • Ink blend lightly across the top of the panel using Distress Ink in Tumbled Glass. You can deepen the grassy shadowed area if desired using Distress Ink in Twisted Citron.
    • Set aside to allow the inks to dry thoroughly.
  5. Image: Stamp the image from the Bunny Life stamp set on a piece of Hammermill cardstock using Hero Arts Intense Black Ink. Color the image with Copic markers (see list) and trim the image using the coordinating die. Adhere foam squares to the back of the die cut.
  6. Finishing: Assemble layers as shown. I use Beacon’s Advanced Craft Glue to glue the layers.
Rowhouse Greetings | Whimsy World Bunny Life | Colorado Craft Company

Giveaways [NOW CLOSED]

Colorado Craft Company (3C) is doing two giveaways! You can enter to win as many times as you wish. Entries will end on March 10th at Midnight (ET). Winners will be announced on March 12th on the 3C Blog. 
Giveaway 1: 3C will be giving away one clear stamp set per designer to a lucky winner drawn from all the comments left on our social media hangouts. Leave a comment, follow and like! Winners are chosen randomly.
Giveaway 2: 3C will also give away be giving away the entire release to one randomly chosen winner that has placed an order using your favorite designer’s affiliate links (HERE’S MINE!). When you visit their blogs you can then hit their links to the 3C shop to be entered.

Blog Hop

Ready for some inspiration? See what our designers have for you!

Adrienne Kennedy
Amy Tsuruta
Amy Young
Emily Midgett
Erin Thompson
Jennifer Kotas
Kassi Hulet
Koren Wiskman
Michelle Lupton
Nancy Sheads <– That’s me!

INSTAGRAM
Daniel West
Jennifer Gross
Joe-Sysavath
Noga Shefer

That’s all for today!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

Supplies

COPICS: R20, W0, W1, W3, W5 (bunny combo 1); YR31, E11, E13, E15 (bunny combo 2); R20, C1, C3, C5 (bunny combo 3); E30, E34, E44, E47 (barrel); YG05, YG11, YG17 (pillow)

Rowhouse Greetings | Whimsy World Bunny Life | Colorado Craft Company | Color Map

[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]

Picked Fresh Anemones | Spellbinders

Picked Fresh Anemones | Spellbinders

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings4 Comments

HEY FRIENDS! I’m back today with something a little different. I’m featuring one of the flower images from the Picked Fresh Anemones die set from Spellbinders. No Copic coloring, but a bit of mixed media using dies, inks, stamps, stencil and even my new Betterpress System which was a Christmas gift from my parents. It’s also a little more complex so I’ve provided step-by-step instructions below.

I’m entering this project into the Spellbinders Cardmaking Super Star Contest so check it out if you’re interested!

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Today’s Project – Picked Fresh Anemones

Picked Fresh Anemones | Spellbinders

Step by Step Instructions – Picked Fresh Anemones

  1. Cardbase: Cut a piece of Snowdrift cardstock to 4.25″ x 11″ and score at 5.5″ to create a top folding card base.
  2. Base Layer / Sentiment: Cut a Betterpress Cotton Panels to 4″ x 5.25″ and attach to the Betterpress Letterpress platen (clear top plate with registration marks). Position the sentiment plate from the A Friend Like You Bouquet Press Plate on the Betterpress chase and ink with Betterpress Black Ink. Run the Betterpress through a compatible die machine (I used my Platinum 6). Remove the cardstock and set aside.
  3. Support Layers: Cut the cardstock layers from the Everlasting Squares die set as follows:
    • Cut a piece of Snowdrift cardstock using Square 4 (3.5 “x 3.5”).
    • Cut a piece of Pink Sand cardstock using Square 7 (2.75″ x 2.75″). Cut the square in half along the diagonal.
  4. Mixed Media Layer: Cut a piece of Snowdrift cardstock using Square 6 (3″ x 3″) in the Everlasting Squares die set.
    • Using a circle die and a black Micron Pen, trace the inside of the die multiple times, moving a little to the left or right, up or down as you make the circle. I used the Classic Circles die from Spellbinders which is now retired, but you can use any circle die in your stash.
    • Using the Hummingbird Textures Stencil, randomly ink blend the patterns using the following Distress Inks: Salvaged Patina, Twisted Citron, and Kitsch Flamingo.
    • Using Distress Ink in Salty Ocean, press the ink pad into your craft mat so that it leaves some ink behind and spray with a small amount of water. Pick up the ink with a brush and splatter across the background. Blot any excess ink and allow to dry thoroughly (you can use a heat gun on a low setting to speed up the process).
    • Randomly stamp images from the Sign Here stamp set using Archival Ink in Jet Black. Allow ink to dry thoroughly.
  5. Die Layer: Using the Picked Fresh Anemones die set, die cut the pieces for the anemone and stem for the selected flower from cardstock as follows:
    • Cut the front petals from Pink Sand.
    • Cut one set of the back petals from Pink Sand and a second set from Snowdrift.
    • Cut one set of the stem/leaves from Peridot and a second set from Snowdrift.
    • Cut the flower center from Onyx, Peridot, and Snowdrift.
  6. Flowers: Lightly blend a layer of Distress Inks on the die cut pieces as follows:
    • Add Twisted Citron and Mowed Lawn to the Peridot cardstock for the stem/leaves.
    • Add Kitsch Flamingo and Picked Raspberry to the Pink Sand cardstock for the front and back petals.
    • Assemble flower as shown using Connect Glue. I added the layer of Snowdrift cardstock to the back of the assembled flower for added dimension. Glue the Snowdrift cardstock to the back of the stem/leaves before assembling the flower. Glue the Snowdrift cardstock to the behind the back petals after assembling the flower.
    • Add a light layer of Distress Micro Glaze to enhance and seal the ink colors.
    • Embellish with a white gel pen if desired.
  7. Finishing: Assemble layers as shown. I use Beacon’s Advanced Craft Glue for the larger layers.

Hope you enjoyed today’s project!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

Supplies

[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]