Monday, February 20, 2023

MORE Second Helpings!

We all know the saying 'when the mood strikes' right?  I had one such moment yesterday and found another set to use those gorgeous shades of cyan and lime that Tracey treated us to over at Color Hues #58 .

Before I show you my card, I just wanted to sing the praises of a tiny little hero in my studio - this simple little tool really makes a difference in stamping!  Especially when layer-stamping... here's what I mean:

Can you see the difference?  The bottom bloom was stamped with Altenew inks - it's good but look how much clearer the top one is after I treated the stamp to a little conditioning with one of their stamp conditioning erasers!  You know when conditioning is needed when the ink beads up on your stamp - we've all seen it!

You can tell that little bugger has been a workhorse around here! ha!


I know I used the Hydrangeas on my first card - I thought this Basic Blooms set looks very much like Hydrangea blossoms, too!  The set has really good sentiments, too - simple things that most anyone would use!

The inks I used on my mini slimline card today.

Hope your Monday is going well - I have a few loads of fun yet to enjoy! wink.
=] Michele

21 comments:

Tracey McNeely said...

I love that you created again for the challenge. Thank you so much for the introduction to the tool I think I need to get. Do you need to condition the same stamp more than once??? Gorgeous card and thank you again for sharing this with us at the Color Hues! xo

Karen said...

Another fabulous card for the gallery! I'm also a fan of that conditioning eraser; if only I'd use it sooner rather than later! Thanks for sharing your talents with us at Color Hues!

lostinpaper said...

Totally love my stamp conditioner too! Thanks for the reminder x

Bonnie said...

Another beautiful use of these colors, Michele! The difference using the conditioner is amazing!

LeAnne said...

Wowza! These are stunning (as usual). I have not seen that "tool" for clear stamps but I think it may be worth looking into. The images are beautiful!

Lisa Elton said...

They do look like Hydrangeas and they look pretty inked up in those colors! I have a white eraser I use and it's so so. I think I might need this little buddy in my stash!

TK said...

Wonderful blooms and such a great color to create in -- your little workhorse worked wonders on that stamp! Very pretty card, even the label peeking through ;0)

Jeanne said...

Beautiful card, Michele. Love the colors and the design. Of course! That conditioner is something new to me. I don't think I've ever heard of one. Do you need to condition a stamp more than once? It seems to make a definite difference. Wow!

Marcia Hill said...

A conditioning eraser is definitely a must have for stamps, and it sure made a difference in your photo!! Your card is GORGEOUS Michele and the colors are so addicting that I can see why you wanted second helpings!! Another CAS perfection card my friend!! Hugs. :0)

Leslie Miller said...

They do look like hydrangea florets, magnified. Even the leaves are like hydrangeas. Such a pretty blue combo and wonderfully clean card design. My friend gave me one of those little Altenew scrubbers. Very handy. It's good of you to mention it!

Cat Craig said...

Gorgeous. Will have to look into that conditioning piece. That is one of my fav sets...I use it for all my ink swatches.

HilaryJane said...

I am loving the landscape look and those little flowers look amazing. Thanks for the conditioning tip too xx

Bobby said...

The card design is fantastic, Michele. Those blooms would look good in any color but the challenge colors really shine. Good to know about the stamp conditioner. I've always had a problem with their inks and if this solves it, it's a miracle worker. It's on my wish list.

Kim S said...

I've had that tool on my wishlist forever but it never quite makes it into my shopping cart. Probably because I just wasn't sure if it was worth it. Clearly it is. LOVE your gorgeous blue blooms!

Birgit said...

Another beauty using this color palette and I am in awe! I love the horizontal use of the mini slimline card. The colors are just stunning! I can see why you needed a second helping. A stamp conditioning tool.... who knew? Not me! I need to climb out from under my rock more often.

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

I had no idea that there was such a thing as a stamp conditioning tool! I always forget that step, but your before and after photo really shows the difference. I love the way you've used these colors. Your treatment of the sentiment on this one is fabulous.

Nancy said...

This turned out so pretty, Michele! Thanks for showing and telling us about the stamp conditioner. I put it on my list. Love your vellum sentiment too! Always a pleasure having you in the gallery at Color Hues, times two!

JulieP said...

I've never done a side by side comparison like you've shown but I totally agree. This little eraser is a must have. Stunning card but I expect nothing less from you. Thanks for playing with us at Color Hues.

Brenda said...

It's amazing what "conditioning" your new stamps will do, no one likes when the ink pools up on the stamp. I guess it is the oils and such from manufacturing, but it really does make a difference. Love this gorgeous card Michele, the colors are beautiful! Hugs, Brenda

Papercraft Boutique said...

Another pretty hydrangea blossom card, Michele! Love how you used the label die and the cyan strip under the vellum sentiment strip!
Thanks for sharing the info on the stamp conditioner. I can see the difference in the picture. I'll get one next time I place an order with Altenew.
Hideko xx

Linda said...

Michelle, this is so pretty. Lovely CAS card. Thanks for joining Color Hues challenge, Linda, GD.