Altenew Educator Certification Program: Beyond Basic Backgrounds

 

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my Crafty Corner.  

I passed the Level 1 Challenge and I am working my way through the Level 2 Classes.  I am happy to proceed on as I am enjoying the program very much.

Today's cards are inspired by Altenew Academy's "Beyond Basic Backgrounds" class, offered by Lydia Evans. 

Lydia demonstrated several ways to create stunning backgrounds for our projects.  I chose two techniques that I enjoy immensely.  

Technique #1

Bleaching

We are going to execute an effect that looks like bleach with water.  Versamark Ink would also work if you use regular white cardstock.

TIPS

• Apply a generous amount of Ink with a blending tool.  I applied two layers.
• Use a spray bottle to apply water to the stamp from appx. 6" away
• Wipe ink off stamp between applications (the ink reacts with water)
• Use watercolor paper for best results

In the class, Lydia used Dye Ink as her base and her images came out crisp and clear.  I used Distress Oxide Inks as my base because I wanted to experiment a bit.  The Oxide Inks react differently with water than dye inks.  The Oxides present more of a chalky look when they react with water.  I really like the effect.

Supply List

Distress Oxide Inks: Mermaid Lagoon, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean

Altenew Hot Press Watercolor Paper, Flower Arch Outline Stamp Set, Versamark Ink, Altenew Stamp Wheel, Ink Blending Tools - Altenew, Gold Embossing Powder

Double Sided Sticky Tape, Gold Foil, Gold Thread, Clear Gems, Top Folding Card Base.

Trim the watercolor paper to size A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").  Apply a generous amount of each ink color to different areas of the paper and blend together.  Apply a second layer of ink.  The more ink applied, the better the technique works.  Distress Oxides blend beautifully on watercolor paper.

Place the inked panel on the Stamp Wheel Sticky mat.  Place the stamp in the mid - upper part of the panel.  Spray the stamp with water (from about 6" away) and stamp the panel.  Leave the wet stamp on the panel for a few minutes to allow the water to "bleach" the panel.  Repeat.  Wipe the stamp clean between applications as the ink reacts with water and transfers to the stamp. 

I like the chalky, dreamy effect of the technique using Oxides as opposed to dye ink.  The dye ink leaves a more crisp image than the Oxides.

Dry the panel overnight or use a heat tool.  The panel needs to be dry before completing the next step. The paper can be "dry" tested by sprinkling embossing powder onto the panel.  If the powder sticks, then the panel is not fully dry.

Place the panel back on the sticky mat/stamp wheel.  Using the same stamp, place it on the bottom left and hanging off the panel.  Stamp with Versamark,  apply gold embossing powder and melt with the heat tool.

TIPS

• Use the same stamp for the bleaching and embossing creates a visually pleasing card design.  (repeating elements)
• Add gold embellishments to compliment the gold floral arrangement. The sentiment is gold embossed, gold thread and a gold strip at the bottom of the card complete the look.
• The gold strip was made with double stick tape and foil. Cut 1/4" off the bottom of the panel, apply the double sided tape to the bottom of card base and add the foil.

Adhere the panel to the card base so the gold strip is showing at the bottom.

Technique #2

In this class, Lydia showed us how to use dies in a different and unexpected way.

She showed us how to use die cuts to create a stencil. Think of the technique as sort of reverse coloring as we apply the ink through the stencil, then stamp with the coordinating stamp.

Tips

• Use heavier weight paper to create the mask such as 100 or 110 lb
• Keep the design simple for maximum impact
• Try different colored cardstock for the panel and use pigment inks for a different look.

While Lydia used a white cardstock panel to demonstrate this technique, I wanted to give it a try on black cardstock to create a completely different look.

Today, I am going to show you how to use dye inks on a black cardstock background.  How do we accomplish this as dye inks do not show up on black cardstock? 

The secret is:  White Pigment Ink

Supply List:  Altenew Through the Tulips Stamp/Die/stencil Set, Stampwheel/Sticky Mat, Altenew White Cloud Pigment Ink, Altenew Fresh Dye Ink Rubellite, Razzelberry, Swamp Green and Green Opal, Black Card stock panel - 2 size A2,

Altenew Brushed Gold Cardstock, Arch Dies, Gold Embossing Powder, Versamark, anti static powder, Heat Tool, White Posca Pen or Gel Pen, black posca pen and Gems.

Set one black A2 black c/s panel aside as this will be the base panel..  Trim an A2 size panel with the Brushed Gold Cardstock. 

Using two arch dies (the set is from LDRS, layering dies set of 5) to die cut a frame.  Circle or rectangle die sets would work well also. 

Take the second black c/s panel and die cut with the smaller arch die used in previous step to create the frame.

The focal image of our card will be the Tulip Cluster with the coordinating die.  Trim heavy weight c/s to size A2.  Place the Tulip Cluster Die in the top right hand corner of the panel and cut the image.  

Tip:  Save the white die cut floral cluster as we will use that to create a bonus card.

Place the black arch panel onto the sticky mat and place the white die cut panel  overtop. I did tape the the white panel to the sticky mat in case it wanted to move around.

Tip:  Dedicate a separate ink blending tool for white pigment ink to prevent contaminating the ink pad.

Ink blend the white pigment, with a mini ink blending tool (Altenew), through the white cardstock stencil onto the black arch panel.  This step creates a base that will allow the dye ink to show.

Tip:  Dark colors work best as the white undertone mutes the dye ink color.

Tip:  Dry the white ink thoroughly before proceeding further otherwise the ink will smear. I used a heat tool.

Apply anti static powder over the entire black arch panel.  Place panel on the sticky mat - we will stamp using the stamp wheel.

Position the tulip stamp over the white ink blended area, apply versamark and stamp.  Sprinkle Gold Embossing powder over the image.  Next, stamp the sentiment with versamark (as pictured) and sprinkle with gold embossing powder.

Melt the powder with the heat tool and let the panel cool before proceeding to the next step.

Here comes the fun part.  This is where the magic happens!  

Place the arch panel back onto the sticky mat.  Apply the Rubellite and Razzelberry ink using a mini blending tool (Altenew).  The stencil leaves part of the floral white.  

Stencil the leaves with the green inks. 

Apply the parts/pieces onto the A2 black c/s panel we set aside earlier.

I used a black posca pen to eliminate the white edges.  Normally, this doesn't bother me, but it just looked weird in this card design.

Add embellishments and call it done!

Bonus Card

I used the extra piece we die cut to create the stencil to create a bonus card.  I used the same colors as the demonstration card.  It is amazing how the colors pop off the white card stock base.  

This is a great way to stretch your supplies.