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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Thursday 13 July 2017

Gesso and Distress Oxides Done Correctly!

In my post yesterday, I showed a card I made where I didn't quite follow the instructions for Brenda's great technique at Country View Crafts.

Here's yesterday's card so that you have it here for comparison:


And here's the version I did after realizing that we hadn't read Brenda's instructions properly:



As you can see, I didn't lose all the lovely colouring layering from the Oxide inks in this version.

I used the same two shades of blue Oxides to smoosh the background and dried between layers, and then watered down some gesso on my craft sheet and smooshed the panel into it a few times, drying between each time.  The big difference between today's and yesterday's version is the smooshing of the gesso instead of painting it on like a wash.

I then stamped the wildflowers, using the MISTI and spritzing before stamping.  I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment.  This time I used blue glitter cs for the die cut. 

The gesso tones down the Oxide colours and gives a nice vintage feeling.  Here is the background panel, with just the Oxide smooshing:


And here it is with the gesso smooshing over it:


It's even more effective in true vintage tones of pinks, browns, etc. but I needed a birthday card for one of my sisters who loves blue as much as I do!





Supplies:
Stamps - Tim Holtz wildflowers, Memory Box sentiment
Ink - Distress Oxide Salty Ocean, Peacock Feathers, and Faded Jeans
Paper - mixed media cs, white cs, blue glitter cs
Size - A2
Accessories - Tim Holtz wildflower die, gesso, clear embossing powder, fun foam



10 comments:

  1. WOW! Two very different looks, Susan! I like them both actually. Very nice background and I love the stamped and die cut flowers together!

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  2. This is fabulous, Susan! What a glorious color and LOVE the choice of stamps and die cut on this! I even have that die and your card is a wonderful inspiration!

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  3. I love them both, Susan, but yes, I can see the difference! Thank you for sharing and teaching and inspiring!! Hugs, Darnell

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  4. Both cards are beautiful Susan, but I see what you mean about keeping more of the layering of colour visible with smooshing the gesso rather than painting it on top. xx

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  5. I really do have to try this technique the way you did it the second time, the more subtle smooshes are so pretty. I can't wait to see this IRL and will be pulling out my DOX again this weekend. Both cards are gorgeous but really love the soft splaters.

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  6. Thank you for sharing both your beautiful cards and especially your detailed description for both techniques and photos. Looks like you girls had another really fun and productive stamping play day. TFS my friend. Hugs..

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  7. Thank you so much for showing us the comparisons. Sorry I didn't comment on the original card, as I was waiting to see this card...However every time I checked I saw yesterdays card at the top. I should have looked at the date!!!! Hope that make sense? Thank you for sharing the technique and the step by step. Will definitely be trying this out x

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  8. Correct or not, I love both versions of your card...so fun!
    xx Karen

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  9. Aww very nice! Both cards look nice but I see what you are saying. I will have to give that a try.

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  10. I came over from Christine's blog to have a look, both cards are gorgeous Susan! It is great to see a comparison too, so thanks for sharing that! Anne x

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