Category: Mixed Media

Bursting Buds by AALL & Create

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HEY FRIENDS! Another quick post today – I’m off in a little while to take lunch to my parents and lots to still do before I go. But before I run out the door, I wanted to share with you a mixed media project that I recently created for AALL & Create.

Some links in the post are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for helping me provide you with more new content!

Today’s project features:

I recently saw this color combination and I was anxious to try it out on a mixed media tag. Pairing it with the Lotza Dots stencil (my favorite!), created the perfect backdrop for a slightly grungy, slightly eclectic tag. Once I had the background, the rest just fell into place!

I started by positioning the Lotza Dotz stencil over a manila tag and ink blended with Distress Oxides in Rusty Hinge, Mermaid Lagoon, and Salty Ocean. I tore strips of Washi Tape #11 Inspire and added them to the background. I randomly stamped portions of the *#307 Overlapping Texture, *#302 Going Postal, and *#566 Winged Fragments stamps using Versafine Clair in Morning Mist. I stamped one of the butterflies from the *#566 Winged Fragments in Versafine Clair in Nocturne. I cut the #13 Bursting Buds twice from white cardstock and glued the two layers together. Then I adhere the die cut to the tag. Voila! Done!

Thanks for joining me today! See you again soon!

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.]

Look Cute by Janet Klein for AALL and Create

Published on by Rowhouse GreetingsLeave a comment

HEY FRIENDS! As many of you know, I was recently asked to be a guest designer for AALL and Create, a fun and quirky mixed media company based in England. You might recognize the images of one of their designers, Janet Klein, who has her own line of digital stamps at Vera Lane Studio on Etsy. I love her images so today’s project uses her Look Cute stamp as the focal point.

This card has a little bit of everything – stenciling, stamping, heat embossing, Copic marker coloring, texture paste, and die cutting. I was feeling uninspired so while scrolling through my YouTube feed I came across a video of @autourmwa on Hochanda. I was fascinated. He made mixed media look so effortless. So I surrounded myself with my stash and got to work! Once the first layer was in place, the rest came together, resulting in the eclectic, quirky look that I wanted.

As always, I’ve linked the supplies below with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Today’s project features:

Rowhouse Greetings | Look Cute by Janet Klein for AALL and Create

Step by Step Process

I didn’t take process photos so I’ll describe the steps below:

Rowhouse Greetings | Look Cute by Janet Klein for AALL and Create

Hope you enjoyed today’s project. See you again soon!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

Supplies

COPICS: E000, E01, E11, E21 (skin); YR23, YR24, YR27, E25 (hair); BV20, BV23, G12, G14, B0000, B00, B01 (eyes and flower); BV20, BV23, B00, B01, B02, B05 (dress); R20, R22, R24 (red combination); RV52, RV55, RV63, RV66 (pink combination); Y32, Y35, Y38 (yellow combination)

[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.]

Crocus by AALL & Create

Published on by Rowhouse GreetingsLeave a comment

HEY FRIENDS! I’m back today with some news. I was invited to be a guest designer for the next three months over at AALL & Create. They sent me a fabulous box of products including stamps, stencils, dies, and washi tape that I’ll use for design team projects in the coming months. I see lots of mixed media projects in my future!

AALL & Create Design Team package
AALL & Create Design Team package
AALL & Create Design Team package
AALL & Create Design Team package
AALL & Create Design Team package
AALL & Create Design Team package

So today I’m getting my feet wet with a relatively simple project featuring the Crocus clear stamp. However, I’m coloring the viola image from the set because it’s one of my favorite flowers. Plus, I see an opportunity to finally put to use one of my fluorescent Copic markers to create that divine shade of purple.

As always, I’ve linked the supplies below with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

Today’s Project

Rowhouse Greetings | Crocus by AALL & Create

Today’s project features:

I looked at several images of violas for inspiration and settled on one which of course I can’t find now to show you! But I loved that each set of petals was different, ranging from a deep vibrant purple at the top to a bright but delicate yellow at the bottom.

Purple is a tough color to create with Copics and there are few good color combinations that result in a deep rich color. When I’m stuck on a color combination, there are two Copic artists that I automatically go to for help – Faye Wynn Jones and Elaine Hughes (Marker Geek). The final combination was one featured by Elaine in a Stamping Bella video.

I stamped the Viola image on a Copic friendly paper using Amalgam Ink in Obsidian by Gina K. Designs [SSS | SBP | GKD]. Generally, I use Hammermill 100 lb. Smooth Paper, which has become hard to find now that it’s the preferred paper for foiling. So if you find a supply, grab it!

I colored the image with Copic markers (see list below) and take a look at the combination for the top petals! I finally got to use the fluorescent purple Copic marker that has been languishing in my set since I bought it. In general, I don’t like the fluorescent markers, but when used in conjunction with other markers, FV2 and FB2 can be used to create rich, vibrant purples and blues. In my opinion, they are the only two worth having.

Rowhouse Greetings | Crocus by AALL & Create

After the coloring was complete, I stenciled lightly around the edges of the card using the Lotza Dots 6×6 stencil by AALL & Create with Distress Oxide Inks in Antique Linen [SSS | SBC | SBP] and Vintage Photo [SSS | SBC | SBP].

Next, I added the Viola word stamp from the set using Versafine Ink in Onyx Black [SSS | SBC | SBP]. I lined up the stamp using my Misti and the Misti Clear Alignment Panels from Taylored Expressions. I love these alignment panels because they make it super easy to stamp sentiments straight on the first try!

Rowhouse Greetings | Crocus by AALL & Create

So that’s it for me today! Talk to you soon!

Rowhouse Greetings | Nancy Sheads

Supplies

COPICS: BV29, V09, V17, FV2 (top petals); B60, B63, B66, B69 (middle petals); Y32, Y35, Y38, YR04 (bottom petals); YG03, YG17, YG67 (leaves)

[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.]

Slimline Holiday Cards featuring Scrapbook.com

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings1 Comment
Scrapbook.com

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS! So I’m back today with something a little different for me. Yes – I’m still making holiday cards – afterall, it is Christmas in July — but I tried my hand at slimline holiday cards.

I was asked by Scrapbook.com to make a few cards featuring their exclusive papers, stamps, and other supplies. Their Christmas in July Sale is going on now with thousands of items up to 50% off! So it’s a great time to start planning your holiday cards and stock up on supplies.

I have three cards for you today featuring products that I received from Scrapbook.com (items marked with an asterick) as well as products that I purchased personally. As always, I’ve linked the supplies below with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

CARD 1

Size: 8.5″ x 3.5″

Rowhouse Greetings | Scrapbook.com

Featuring:

For Card 1, I cut a piece of Neenah 110# cardstock to 8.5″ x 7″ scored at 3.5″ as the card base. I adhered a piece of red cardstock from the *Smooth Cardstock Paper Pad – Slimline – Christmas to the card base using *1/4″ Double Sided Tape.

I cut a piece of white cardstock to 8.25″ x 3.25″ and set it aside until it was time to assemble the layers. On the far right side, I stamped two of the images from the Wordfetti – Holly Jolly stamp set in Cardinal Red Hybrid Ink using my Misti. Leaving the stamps in place, I stamped the images again using Versamark ink, covered the images with clear embossing powder, and heat set the images.

For the sentiment, I used the “Merry Christmas” sentiment from the Merry Sentiments stamp set. I just wanted the word “merry” so I cut the stamp so that I would just have the one word (gasp!). I lined it up using my Misti and inked it with Cardinal Red Hybrid Ink. Again, I stamped the image using Versamark ink, covered the image with clear embossing powder, and heat set it.

For the stenciled layer, I selected a sheet of gray cardstock from the *Smooth Cardstock Paper Pad – Slimline – Christmas and adhered it to my craft may using repositionable tape. I placed the *Vintage Floral Stencil on top, centering the portion that I wanted over the paper, and secured it in place with Mint Low Tack Tape. I applied Ranger Embossing Paste through the stencil with a palette knife and then smoothed the surface using a craft scraper.

After the embossing paste was dry, I trimmed the stenciled panel to 3″ x 6.75″ and assembled the layers as shown using *1/4″ Double Sided Tape. For the sentiment, I used the Merry Christmas Sentiments Die Set to cut the word “Christmas” from a piece of red foil cardstock and adhered it to the front of the card.

CARD 2

Size: 8.5″ x 3.5″

Rowhouse Greetings | Scrapbook.com

Featuring:

For Card 2, I cut a piece of Neenah 110# cardstock to 8.5″ x 7″ scored at 3.5″ as the card base. I adhered a piece of gray cardstock from the *Smooth Cardstock Paper Pad – Slimline – Christmas to the card base using *1/4″ Double Sided Tape. I cut a piece of white cardstock to 8.25″ x 3.25″ and set it aside until it was time to assemble the layers.

I selected a piece of pale gray cardstock from the paper pad and trimmed it to 3″ x 8″ and secured it to my craft mat with repositionable tape. I centered the Vintage Floral Stencil and secured it to my craft mat with Mint Low Tack Tape. Then I used a blending brush to stencil the pattern with *Pine Premium Hybrid Ink.

I selected a piece of red cardstock from the paper pad and die cut the sentiment using the Merry Christmas Sentiments Die Set. I lightly ink blended *Pine Premium Hybrid Ink along the bottom of the words and then covered it with *Cardinal Red Hybrid Ink. I applied Versamark ink to the die cuts, covered them with clear embossing powder, and heat set the sentiment. I assembled the layers as shown, glued the sentiment in place and added gold metallic sequins from 28 Lilac Lane.

CARD 3

Size: 3.5″ x 8.5″

Featuring:

Card 3 was actually the first card that I made. Since it was my first time creating a slimline card, I had to get used to the proportions and layout. Again, I cut a piece of Neenah 110# cardstock to 8.5″ x 7″ scored at 3.5″ as the card base and adhered a piece of dark green cardstock from the *Smooth Cardstock Paper Pad – Slimline – Christmas to the card base using *1/4″ Double Sided Tape.

I cut a piece of white cardstock to 8.25″ x 3.25″ and set it aside until it was time to assemble the layers. I selected a piece of green cardstock from the paper pad and trimmed it to 3″ x 8″ and secured it to my craft mat with repositionable tape. I centered the Vintage Floral Stencil and secured it to my craft mat with Mint Low Tack Tape. Then I used a blending brush to lightly stencil the pattern with *Pine Premium Hybrid Ink.

I die cut the main sentiment from white cardstock using the Mirthful die set by Penny Black. I used a blending brush to ink blend *Cardinal Red Hybrid Ink along the bottom of each letter. Since the letters are separate, I was able to arranged them vertically on the front of the card. Along the bottom, I selected one of the sentiments from the *Merry Sentiments Stamp Set and used my Misti to stamp the text with Versamark Ink. I applied white embossing powder and heat set the sentiment.

Afterwards, I assembled the layers as shown.

TIPS

  • When stenciling, I find it helpful to apply repositionable tape to the back of my cardstock and then stick it down to my craft mat. Then I hold the stencil in place using Mint Low Tack Tape. When using texture paste, I apply it using a palette knife and then smooth the surface using a craft scraper. When stenciling with ink, you can use either blender brushes or an ink blending tool.
  • Since red and green are complementary colors, you can use green under red (and red under green) to deepen the color. That’s how I created two shades of red and two shades of green using only one ink pad in each color.
  • I apply clear embossing powder on die cuts to get a dimensional glossy finish. I find this much easier than using Glossy Accents or a similar products. And there’s no lengthy drying time which is an added benefit!

That all from me today! Hope you enjoyed today’s projects! A special thanks to Scrapbook.com for supplying some of the featured products!

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.]

Queen Bee Shadow Box featuring ArtFoamies

Published on by Rowhouse Greetings1 Comment

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS! I’m back today with something different. As some of you know, I manage the blog for Kae Pea’s Creative Community featuring ArtFoamies. For those of you not familiar with ArtFoamies, they are foam stamps perfectly suited for art journaling, tags, and other mixed media projects. Today, I’m the guest artist over on the blog and I have a mixed media project featuring the Queen Bee Foam stamp as well as several others in supporting roles.

I’m usually a card maker and my main medium is Copic markers so this was really out of my comfort zone. But I was inspired by the clay work projects by Jenn White and Wendy Taylor-Aspinall so I decided to give this shadow box project a try.

Today’s project features:

Rowhouse Greetings | Queen Bee by ArtFoamies

Step by Step

Clay Medallion

  • Tape a piece of Glad Press ‘N Seal (sticky side down) on your work mat to prevent the plastic from moving while working with the Creative Paperclay.
  • Rolled out a small amount of Creative Paperclay so that it is larger the Queen Bee stamp and about 1/4″ thick.
  • Cut the Paperclay in a circular shape slightly larger than the stamp. I used a plastic drink cup to cut a circle out of the Paperclay.
  • Carefully lifted the circle from the plastic and lightly rolled any frayed edges to the back of the circle. Lightly rub the surface with a tiny amount of water to smooth out any imperfections.
  • Press the Queen Bee stamp into the Paperclay with even pressure. Lift the stamp and clean immediately to remove any residue from the clay.
  • Make a small hole at the top of the clay medallion using a plastic drinking straw.
  • Allow clay to thoroughly dry. This may take a few days. You can also bake the clay in an oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes or until dry. See Craft Tips for Creative with Paperclay Products for additional information.
  • Apply two light coats of white gesso to front and back of the clay medallion. Allow gesso to dry thoroughly between coats.
  • Select acrylic paints in desired colors. I used Liquitex Basics in Brilliant Yellow Green, Light Green Permanent, Primary Yellow, Primary Blue, Primary Red, and Titanium White. You can mix color to get desired shades. I added white to create paler colors.
  • Apply first coat of paint as a light wash (I mixed each color with a small amount of water).
  • Apply second coat, deepening colors as desired.
  • Apply two lights coats of Gloss Gel Medium. Allow medium to dry between coats.
  • Create a brown wash (water + paint) and lightly coat the medallion. Lightly wipe off the paint, allowing the color to remain in the indentations and crevices of the medallion.
  • Complete any additional painting and apply another light coat of Gloss Gel Medium to seal.
  • Set aside and allow medallion to dry thoroughly.

Background

  • Apply two light coats of white gesso to a 6″x6″ canvas panel. Allow gesso to dry thoroughly between coats.
  • Randomly brush a couple of acrylic paint colors onto the panel. I used the same colors as the medallion, applying patches of Brilliant Yellow Green, Primary Yellow, and Primary Blue (mixed with Titanium White). Allow paint to dry.
  • Apply a light coat of Gloss Gel Medium to seal the first layer of color.
  • Apply acrylic paint to Stamp Buddy to use as an stamping pad. Use the Stamp Buddy to apply paint to the ArtFoamies of your choice and stamp randomly on the canvas panel. I used Microcosms, Lavender, Dino Skin, by ArtFoamies.
  • Apply a light coat of Gloss Gel Medium to seal the second layer of color.
  • Stamp Honeycomb Texture Background with Archival Ink in black.
  • Set aside to dry.

FINISHING

Rowhouse Greetings | Queen Bee by ArtFoamies
  • Thread a small piece of rawhide through hole in clay medallion and tie.
  • Glue medallion to canvas panel.
  • Frame in shadow box if desired.

That’s it for me today! See you again soon!

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.]