A blog devoted to the cards I make in my tiny upstairs space. When my sister stays there, she calls it an "artist's garret". I'm not an artist, but am an enthusiastic cardmaker - hence the title "Cardmaker's Garret".
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Tuesday 17 January 2017

Two Very Different Cards

A couple of cards from challenges over at SCS.  First up the Mix-Ability Challenge - "Masterboard Triptych".


I started out with a "paper towel background" in various pinks and oranges. This is a neat technique I learned from Loll Thompson where you save the paper towels you use to mop up various inks and paints from other projects and then transfer those colours (along with the dots from the texture of the paper towel) to a new project. See Loll's post here for details.

Over top of that, I laid a TCW stencil and used various colours of 3D glitter paint through the stencil.

I did a vertical triptych with the panel and added a die cut sentiment. I used a green glitter cs for the sentiment, but in hindsight, I'm wondering if black would have been better to give more contrast.


Then for the SCS Inspiration Challenge,  Audrie chose an Etsy site called "The Altered Diaries". I chose this diary as my inspiration:


The minute I saw it, I thought of a very old iris stamp I've had for years. It couldn't be more perfect as it has lines around the image as well as a similar looking iris.  So I created this card:

First I created the background by spritzing watercolour paper with water, then going over it with Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress stains.

Using my MISTI, I inked it the stamp with yellow and green Distress markers, and stamped over the Distress stain background. I pulled some of the colour out with a brush and water, and when dry, I reinked the stamp with the markers and stamped over it again to put the outline back in.

I trimmed the stamped panel and added it to rustic cream cs, with a green sentiment stamped below. I popped the whole piece up on fun foam and added to a green card base.


I love the way challenges can encourage me to create radically different styles of cards!





Supplies for the first card:
Paper - green glitter, white, and mixed media cs
Size - A2
Accessories - TCW stencil, Tim Holtz happy birthday die, 3D glitter paints, paper towel, various inks and paints

Supplies for the second card:
Stamps - Lasting Impressions iris, Savvy Stamps sentiment
Ink - Memento Bamboo Leaves
Paper - green linen cs, watercolour paper, PTI rustic cream cs
Size - A2
Accessories - green and yellow Distress markers, Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress stains, fun foam






6 comments:

  1. Susan I love both your cards, but the 1st one is over the top gorgeous Mixed Media style. I love how your paper towel dots show up and all the fun colors. Your design is so perfect with your die cut sentiments.

    Your iris is so pretty and you did a wonderful job of using your inspiration drawn from the book.

    I agree challenges are AWESOME! They sure get us out of our comfort zone and inspire us to create amazing cards. TFS my friend. Hugs...

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  2. I echo Nancy's sentiments. Absolutely love the unique and artsy first card. So much to look at....fabulous card x

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  3. These cards are definitely different but equally beautiful! I love all the bright colors and dragonfly on the first card and the way you've separated the piece! And that iris is so delicate and beautiful! The stained background gives it a precious antique feel! It reminds me of the Edwardian Lady books.

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  4. the cards are so different and both so pretty. I must admit I'm in awe of the tryptych card, I just love all the colour and texture. Can't wait to see this one IRL

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  5. Two great cards Susan. Love the mix of techniques and products for your first card. The colours are so bright and fun! And love the vintage look to your second card ... it looks just like the diary photo! xx

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  6. Love your first card, so very artsy, colourful and HAPPY! Got to try Loll's technique, TFS xx

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