My friend Amy Schrock, of Amy's Wares, invited me to have a play with a few gorgeous stencils gifted to me from A Colorful Life Designs - thank you, Mary Kay! I don't have, or often use 'stand-alone' stencils as the star of my cards. There are so many mixed media artists I am in awe of! Amy is one of them!
During the month of April, I will be popping in with cards using these incredible ACLD stencils - my way! I hope you enjoy them!
First up - Flower Overlay stencil! From my time spent with the fantastic gals at the CAS Mix Up challenge, I remembered a technique in which we used a micro pen to outline the open spaces of a stencil - it worked a charm on these oh so groovy flowers!
So simple: after using primary colors of distress inks through the stencil on a 6x9" piece of watercolor card stock, splashing them with water, I kept the stencil in place I used micro pens to outline the flowers and added a few dots of interest. Then I found a stamp set to add the floral centers...
Then it was just a matter of finding a fun way of finishing off the cards!
These Mama Elephant word dies, a little tag, and a bit of quilting thread
did the trick.
Wow, kinda bright for me, right?? Even though I love them - and the fact that I got two cards from each stenciled panel - I thought of another way to add ink... sponged water-coloring!! This time on regular old Neenah Solor White 110# cardstock!
- It's as simple as smooshing inks,
- having a little dish of water on hand - not too much water!
- grab a few blending sponges,
- and dab away until your heart's content!
After allowing it to dry, I used the outline trick again... here's how they turned out...
I know - the sentiment is pretty special, right? SO true!
From The Stamp Market Kindness Matters
Oh yeah - those are more my colors! A pen and damp brush and a bit of grey ink were used to
add a bit more interest to the centers of the flowers.
Oldie but goodie Paper Smooches word die!
Thank you ACLD for your generosity - and Amy for the invitation to play! You can find this 6x9" Flower Overlay stencil HERE at A Colorful Life Designs!
=] Michele
Tons of inspiration Michele and I love how you've showed off the fabulous stencil your way......Fun play day too.
ReplyDeleteI love the vibrant colours of the first two and that tiny tag. The loose effect of the technique looks amazing on the last two. As a technique girl I learnt lots, thank you Michele x.
Smoosh is one of my favorite words…….you are a wonderful smoosher! Stenciling done your way is fabulous….beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creations, Michele!!! I especially LOVE the first one with the bright, happy background colors!!! And all of your black pen details are absolutely fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't A Colourful Life Designs have such unique stencils? Your cards are wonderful and very cool!
ReplyDeleteBoth sets of cards are GORGEOUS! I confess to liking the suble colors the best!
ReplyDeleteLove these!! Especially the vibrant colors that scream "happy"!! We all need more of that these days. Really nice technique adding the outlining...
ReplyDeleteI'll say this stencil/mask worked a treat. Your vibrant colors are so up my alley and the funky flowers are perfect with the big sentiments. I know you love those muted colors because you've used them perfectly on your cards. All the interest you've added to the dotted centers and veins of flowers add so much to the end result. I'll bet ACLD is absolutely delighted that they asked you to Guest Design. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Two very different looks with this stencil, Michele! Love, love, love those bright primary colors with the outlines that make them take on even more life! I'm still impressed with this watercolor technique and hope to get a chance to try it soon! The pastel colors make this so feminine and springlike!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you are guesting at A Colorful Life Designs. I love their stencils. My TO card for Thursday is made with their products. Those flowers are so wonderful and I love what you did with them. The bright colors are fabulous and the outlining was the perfect technique to make them stand out. I love the watercolor smooshing too. You are really on fire these days aren't you?! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOohmy, it certainly looks like you had some fun here Michele and the results are out of this world! Makes me want to get my stencils out right now!
ReplyDeletegreat cards! love the advice on the micro pen. will definitely check out a colorful life! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, what fabulous techniques and cards. I do love the brights the most cause I am that gal that loves bold color. I too love the tag tied on. So cute!!!
ReplyDeleteThese look fantastic and I love the floral centres that you added, I'm afraid I never think of these things unless someone mentioned it and it's then like ooooooo yeah!!! Light on moment. These cards all look fabulous ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteI love the 'Michele' spin you put on those stencils! Those first two are bright colors for you, but you wear them well! Marvelous job, my friend and congrats on this fun gig!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful stenciled cards using the same flower stencil set, but different techniques and colors. Always fun to experiment and have time to play with your craft supplies. TFS all your beautiful cards and congratulations for being a Guest Designer at Colorful Life Designs. Love and Hugs...Nancy
ReplyDeleteBright and bold, soft and delicate -- both are fab, Michele!
ReplyDeleteYour creativity blows me away time and again. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. These are fantastic. Crafty hugs!
ReplyDeleteVery fun techniques, Michele. I am particularly "drawn" to the outlining technique...very striking!
ReplyDeleteSOOOOO pretty Michele!! I love both versions, but I especially love the brighter ones...probably since it's so dull and dreary outside!! Great idea to use the multi-liner black pen on these stencils too...really makes everything stand out!! Wonderful cards my friend!! Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteI've seen a few of the ACLD stencils around but haven't taken the plunge. What you've done with that wonderful flower stencil is fabulous, both in bright and pale colors, Michele. And outlining the flowers really makes them stand out.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see you doing something a little bit different for you. I love the different looks you have created with these 2 cards, they are both brilliant xx
ReplyDeleteThese cards are fabulous! Those flowers just look happy and you can't help but smile when you look at them.
ReplyDelete