Tag: mixed media

  • Mixed Media with Dies and Pattern Paper | Natasha Vacca

    Mixed Media with Dies and Pattern Paper | Natasha Vacca

    Hello Crafty friends, it is Natasha here and I am excited to be back today! Today I am sharing a gorgeous new die in the Birch Press Collection – Wiegela Leaf Contour Layers! I paired this with a few other favorites for a fun mixed media style card! So let’s get started!

    I started with the Wiegela Leaf Contour Layers die set. I die cut 2 leaves using the new Greenery Solid Core Cardstock pack! I love these new pads! Once the leaf was die cut, I added Distress Oxide Inks to each layer of the leaf for added texture and color! I used: Pine Needles, Chipped Sapphire, Twisted Citron, & Ground Espresso. Once the inking was completed I added water droplets and picked up the color with a paper towel. Next I added Foundry Wax to sections of the leaf in the color Statue. I also darkened the edges of the leaves with a dye ink in brown. I then adhered these together with liquid glue and set them aside to dry.

    Next I die cut the butterflies using a leftover background I recently made using inks. I die cut 3 butterflies using Simple Butterfly Contour Layers. I added Foundry wax to the antennae as well for added texture. I also inked up the edges of the butterfly and adhered the layers together with liquid glue. I set these aside to work on my background.

    For the background I chose a few pieces of pattern paper from the Anemone Grove paper pad. I trimmed one panel to a bit smaller than an A2 card base. I then used my deckle trimmer on the edges for a worn look. I then tore a couple other pieces and adhered them to the left side of the panel. Next I applied White gesso to the panel in sections using a small paint brush and then a brayer. I apply the gesso in several directions for added texture. Next I added a few pieces of text washi tape on the panel. I then added ink blending to sections using Distress Oxide in Seedless Preserves.

    Next I added splatter to my pattern paper background. I used a combination of black, white, and gold splatters. Once the panel was dry I adhered the pattern paper background to my A2 top folding card base. I then adhered the leaves and butterflies to my card front. I chose a birthday sentiment from the new Greeting Tabs from Memory Box – I love these so much!!!!! I love the black with foil lettering, there are several to choose from!

    Thanks so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


    Supplies


    57515 Wiegela Leaf Contour Layers
    57490 Simple Butterfly Contour Layers

    Supplies


    sp1011 Leafy 6×6 pack
    pp1026 Anemone Grove 6×6 pack
    st007 Happy Birthday Foil Greetings Black Tabs
  • Early Blossom | By Natasha Vacca

    Early Blossom | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Crafty Friends! I hope you had a great weekend! I am excited to be up on the blog today sharing a new release from Birch Press Designs with you – the beautiful Early Blossom Contour Layers die set! I love florals and these dies make it so easy to create with! So let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting the florals using Hammermill white card stock. I then ink blended each of the layers using a combination of dye inks. Once all the inking was complete, I adhered each of the layers together using liquid glue.

    Next I started to work on the background tag for my floral die cuts. I started with a pre-made tag then added papers and collage paper to the tag. I used the Anemone Grove Paper pad, as well as collage paper from my stash. I ripped pieces of paper for a distress look, then adhered them with collage medium. I allowed this to dry, then inked up the background using Distress Oxide Inks. I used: Antique Linen, Pumice Stone, Peacocks Feathers, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, and Mustard Seed. I layered these on, as well as splattered with water droplets for added texture.

    Next I added Translucent Crackle Paint to sections of the tag, allowed this to dry, then applied Distress Crayons over the top of the crackle paint. I also added some paper glaze to sections for added texture. I then added splatters to the tag using black and gold. I then adhered all the layers together using liquid glue and foam tape. The wood grain paper paper in the center of the tag is from Memory Box and it is in the color cream. I applied ink and sponging to the paper for added texture.

    I chose a pre-made sentiment from my stash and adhered this to my tag as well. I darkened the edges of the tag using Distress Ink in Ground Espresso using a blending tool, as well as additional texture using a sea sponge. The tag was completed with twine for the top, as well as lace and a button.

    I had a lot of fun putting this together! I encourage you to use your pattern paper in new ways to add texture to your card bases and backgrounds too! Thanks so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57520 Early Blossom Contour Layers

    Supplies


    pp1026 Anemone Grove 6×6 pack
    SH44002 Cream Woodgrain Paper Pack
  • Sending Love | By Natasha Vacca

    Sending Love | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, I am excited to be back up on the blog today sharing a fun and easy card using the Banner Heart Layering die set! So let’s get started!

    For today’s card I started with the Banner Heart Layering die set. I die cut layer A and C using white card stock. I then die cut layer B using the Festive Glitter paper pad. For the glitter layer I chose a dark blue shade from the paper pad. I then ink blended layer A and C using Distress Oxides. I used a combination of Distress Oxides: Saltwater Taffy, Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves, Shaded Lilac, and Villainous Potion. Once the layers were ink blended I set these aside to dry.

    Next on layer B, I wanted to add a bit more texture to the glitter paper pad. I used a combination of paper glaze, as well as embossing powder! I love the texture this provides. Once the other heart layers were completely dry, I added Gilded Foundry wax to sections of the heart. I then adhered all the heart layers together using liquid glue.

    Next I chose a gelli print from my background stash and dry embossed the background using the Ringadings embossing folder from Memory Box. I then applied white pigment ink to sections of the folder and ran it through one more time. I like this effect and the random texture this provides the dry embossed background. I allowed the ink to dry, then trimmed the panel using my paper trimmer for my card base.

    I completed my card by stamping a sentiment from the Contempo Greetings stamp and die set. I stamped the sentiment in purple, trimmed using the coordinating die, then applied foundry wax and ink on the edges as well. I then adhered the card panel, heart, and sentiment to my card base.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set
    CL8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp set

    Supplies


    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad
    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder
  • ATC Duo | By Sandhya Iyer

    ATC Duo | By Sandhya Iyer

    Hello, BP friends! Sandhya here. Today, I am sharing an ATC duo I created featuring the Peeking Flower and Leaves Contour Layers die set from Birch Press Designs. I also used the Anemone Grove 6×6 pattern paper pack from Memory Box. In case you don’t already know, ATC is an acronym for artist trading cards, which are typically small cards measuring 2.5″X 3.5″. It is a tiny canvas to express any form of art (stamping, painting, mixed media, etc) to share with fellow artists and collectors. However, it is totally up to an artist to make them in different shapes and sizes of their choosing.

    So when I first my hands on the adorable little peeking flowers, I was inspired to make it the focal point of an ATC. I derived color inspiration from the Anemone Grove pattern paper pack. I started by creating a few shimmery inky backgrounds on watercolor paper using Distress Mica Stains. Then, I die-cut the flowers and leaves and assembled them.

    Next, I trimmed down some white cardstock to create 2 ATC bases a smidge smaller than the standard 2.5″ X 3.5″. I ink blended over these with Villanous Potion Distress Ink and splattered with a few water drops. Next, I picked out a few pattern papers from the pack and ripped them into strips with jagged edges. I layered the strips on the ATC base and adhered them down. Then, I trimmed down to size and inked around the edges.

    I matted the base with black cardstock and trimmed down a couple of pre-printed words to add to the ATC. Then, I adhered the die-cut flower and words to the base using foam tape. I also added some gold thread on one ATC and a piece of snow gauze on the other for added interest.

    Finally, I added few black enamel dots to one of the ATCs for added interest. This brings us to the end of today’s post. Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you have fun crafting today!

    Supplies:

    57494 Peeking Flower and Leaves Contour Layers
    PP1026 Anemone Grove 6×6 pack

  • Eloquent Butterfly Layered tag | By Natasha Vacca

    Eloquent Butterfly Layered tag | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello crafty friends, It is Natasha and I am excited to be up on the blog with you today! Today’s project combines the beautiful Eloquent Butterfly layered set, paired with beautiful papers from Memory Box! So let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting each layer (A and C) from the Eloquent Butterfly onto white cardstock. Once it was die cut, I added Distress Oxide Ink (Brushed Corduroy and Walnut Stain) to layer A and C. For layer B I die cut the butterfly using the Memory Box Glitzy Glitter pad using a piece of blue glitter paper. Then on layer B I added a couple colors of embossing powder. I do one color at a time, adding layers and not fully covering the butterfly with one color of powder. I also added a bit of embossing powder to layer A to add more interest and texture. I then adhered the butterfly together using liquid glue and set it aside.

    Next I started to work on my tag background using a pre-made tag from my stash. I then chose a few pieces of beautiful pattern paper from the Memory Box Magnolia Grove paper pad. I love these papers, they are so beautiful! I adhered the layers onto my tag, then dry embossed one of the papers using the Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder. Once this was dry embossed I tore the pattern paper to give a distressed look. I then added the same distress oxide inks to the paper. I added a bit more texture by applying an iridescent embossing powder to sections of the dry embossed paper. I then adhred the layer onto my tag,

    Next I added splatters to the tag panel using a brown spray from my stash. I allowed the panel to dry, then distressed the edges using my distress ink pad. I chose a sentiment from my stash and adhered this with foam tape, then adhered the butterfly to the tag using liquid glue.

    I completed the project with a twine at the top of the tag and a few gems from the Christmas Fairy Drops collection!

    Thank you so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set

    Supplies


    pp1022 Magnolia Grove 6×6 pack
    gp1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad
    DDP101 Christmas Fairy Dewdrops
  • Warm Autumn Wishes with Adornment Pumpkin Die | by Colleen Balija

    Warm Autumn Wishes with Adornment Pumpkin Die | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends!

    With fall upon us in full swing, I wanted to make a festive autumn card using Adornment Pumpkin die set! I’ll also be using Warm Wishes layering die, Hillside Branch & Contour Layers, Adornment Oak Leaf die, Splendor Bevel Plate (Layer A only), Memory Box Cream Woodgrain paper, Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror paper, and Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder! All of the product links will be listed at the end of my post!

    I’ve been seeing pumpkin cards where the pumpkins have been stamped with a design, so I decided to do that with the Adornment Pumpkin! I die cut the layers on watercolor paper and sprayed them with Hero Arts Orange and Bright Yellow shimmer sprays. These sprays add a really cool shimmer that I wanted to get with my pumpkin! Next, I grabbed Splendor Bevel Plate Layer A and used it as a stencil, applying color through the die onto the top layer of the pumpkin using a darker orange ink. I applied green spray over the leaf and brown over the stem. Then I adhered the layers together and splattered gold and dark brown inks over the top. Then I set my festively decorated pumpkin aside for later! Below is a close up of the details on my pumpkin, I love it!!!!!

    Next step was to work on the foliage that I wanted to place around the pumpkin. I die cut Hillside Branch & Contour Layers and Adornment Leaf die on watercolor paper and then sprayed those the same way I sprayed my pumpkin. Then I adhered the layers together.

    Now for the background! I grabbed a colored card panel that I had in my stash (I occasionally create several background panels to be used when needed – it’s really handy!). Then I embossed the panel with Ringadings embossing folder. This folder is AWESOME! Next, I used a sanding tool to remove a layer of ink from the raised areas of the embossed image. You can see how the circles are almost white! This is an easy technique that adds another element of detail and is amazing for mixed media! I adhered the panel to a white 5.5×4.25 card base. Also, I die cut the layers of Warm Wishes using Memory Box Cream Woodgrain paper and a bronze shade from the Vintage Pastel Mirror paper. I adhered the pumpkin and tucked the foliage in behind it, and then finished with the sentiment.

    TIP: To place the letters of your sentiment in the exact position, I place the outer portion (negative) of the die over the base layer (which was the Woodgrain Cream color) but don’t adhere it! Then I add glue to the letters and tuck them inside the positive part of the die. I gently pull the negative portion off using a pick to ensure the letters stay in place and don’t lift with the outer die! Easy peasy!

    I love how the background is quite dark compared to the colorful pumpkin and foliage. That really helps the focal point to pop! Thanks for stopping by today!

    Supplies

     

    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder

     

    SH44002 Cream Woodgrain Paper Pack

     

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad
     

     

    57539 Warm Wishes Vintage Sentiment

     

    57481 Adornment Pumpkin

     

    57524 Hillside Branch and Bramble Contour Layers

     

    57484 Adornment Oak Leaf

     

    56111 Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

     

  • Fall Adornment Oak Leaves | by Colleen Balija

    Fall Adornment Oak Leaves | by Colleen Balija

    Hey friends,

    It’s getting to that time of year when the leaves turn on the trees and we begin to crave hot cocoa and Pumpkin Spice Lattes! Yummm! Fall time of year can be messy and yet it can also take your breath away with the sights and smells! So today’s card is a tribute to all that is fall! I will be using the NEW Adornment Oak Leaf die, Membory Box Ringading embossing folder, and Memory Box Gracious Gloral stamp set.

    I started with the Adornment Oak Leaves by die cutting two of the base layers onto a card panel that I had sprayed in various autumn colors. Next, I die cut the 2nd layer using silver cardstock. I splattered white ink over the leaves to finish and set them aside to dry.

    Next, I worked on the black backdrop that would sit behind the leaves and the background. I trimmed a piece of black cardstock and then heat embossed 2 sentiments from Memory Box Gracious Floral stamp in white embossing powder. Then I added some white splatters and set it aside to dry. This technique of randomly stamping a sentiment is a great mixed media tool that is easy to do and very effective! It takes a piece of plain black cardstock and adds subtle detail and interest!

    The background panel was created using Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder, which I embossed over a card panel that was sprayed in shades of grey and tan Mica. The Mica adds texture and shine, another great mixed media tool! If you don’t have sprays, not to worry! Just use your inks and you’ll achieve a similar look.

    After I embossed the image, I went over the raised parts of it with a sander and removed some of the color. You can see in the photo below the distressed look this technique provides! And it’s so simple to do!!! By the way, you can find sanders at just about any craft store! It’s a great tool to keep in your stash!

    The last step was to put everything together. I adhered the embossed panel over a 5.5×4.25 white card base, and then adhered the black panel over it, slightly off center to the left. Then I added the 2 Adornment Leaves and a sentiment from Memory Box Gracious Floral!

    This card may look complicated, but it was so easy to create, and you can do it with your own stash! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

    Supplies

     

    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder

     

    cl5280 Gracious Floral Clear Stamp Set

     

    57484 Adornment Oak Leaf

     

  • Using Color Mood Boards for Inspiration Part 2 | by Colleen Balija

    Using Color Mood Boards for Inspiration Part 2 | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! I’m back for Part 2 of How to Use Color Mood Boards for Inspiration! If you haven’t watched my previous post, be sure to visit that one as well for more inspiration! I love to use mood boards for color, texture, and design layout for my cards. Everything is done for you, so all that’s left is for you to choose what inspires you and make your card! Here is the mood board that inspired today’s card:

    This mood board seemed old fashioned and rustic to me. I loved the hunter green from the apron, the yellow, brown, and blue from the words (lower right corner), the striking black words right above it, and the distressed shades beige from the manikin. The textures that I loved were from the manikin, the straw hat, and the large heart below the cherry apron. I wanted my card to be rustic and include a heart, flowers, and a mixed media touch with lots and lots of texture!

    Step one was to create a textured background based on my observations of the mood board. You can see in the photo below all of the subtle, effective detail to my background. Let’s talk about how I achieved this look!

    First, I duplicated the various shades of beige on the manikin using 3 shades of brown distress inks and then ink schmooshing onto watercolor cardstock. I placed the inks onto a glass media matt, sprayed with water, and then dipped the watercolor paper onto the ink. I kept repeating this process until I got the desired result. It helps to start with the lightest color of ink and heat each layer before adding the next layer. This creates a distressed look similar to the wood and manikin in the mood board.

    Next, I applied a dark teal shade of ink onto Flora Die Plate Layer B and then placed my inked-up card panel over the die plate and embossed it with my die cut machine (embossing techniques vary by machine – see the instructions for your machine on how to emboss with dies). The emboss technique creates an impression of the die onto your card panel without cutting all the way through it. When I removed the die plate, I was left with an embossed image of flowers edged with the teal ink! Then I went back over the raised image with a bright yellow ink to give the flower petals a pop of color! I adhered the card panel to a white 5.5×4.25 card base and added blue Fairy Jewels over each flower for added interest.

    Next step was to work on the flowers and add even more texture! In the photo below, you can see the color and texture with the Banner Hearts die, Mini Splendor Bevel Plates, and Phlox Blooms & Leaves dies.

    I die cut all of the above mentioned elements onto white cardstock. Then, I sprayed each of them using my Lindy’s sprays. Lindy’s sprays have subtle color variances and a bit of shine to them, so I knew they would be perfect for this mixed media project! After everything dried, I adhered the layers together. I placed the Mini Splendor Bevel Plates die over the card base about 2/3 of the way down. Then I placed the Banner Hearts die over it and to the right. I placed the 2 Phlox flowers and leaves over the lower part of the heart and finished with a “HB” (Happy Birthday) sentiment from Mod Alphabet stamp and die set. I chose that set because it reminded me of the bold yellow and blue words on the apron! Then I added “It’s Your Day” from Kind Hearts stamp to complete the sentiment.

    I love to find unique elements from color mood boards to use on my cards, and I generally get lots of comments about it! I think that’s because the mood boards really inspire me to get playful! See if you can find some unique color mood boards that inspire you to jazz up your cards! You can even use mine! Be sure to let your creative juices flow on the layout and design of your card! Thanks for stopping by today!

    Supplies

    JWL005 Christmas Fairy Jewels

    CL8159 Rainbow Days Lingo Notes clear stamp set

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    8139 Mod Alphabet clear stamp and die set

    56110 Mini Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set