Showing posts with label Blog Hop. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Altenew 8”x11” Majestic Bouquet Stamp Set Release Blog Hop + Giveaway ($200 in Total Prizes)

Hello friends! Today we’re celebrating Altenew's Majestic Bouquet Layering Stamp release and I have three cards to share. This is a beautiful layering stamp set with 41 stamps (all made in the USA!) and lots of gorgeous detail.

If you arrived from Terri Koszler lovely blog, you’re right on track and you made it to the final post. If you want to start from the beginning, please visit the Altenew Card Blog. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for details about the hop and give away.

I love the vibrant blues in my first card! I used the darkest three colors in the Glacier Caves Mini Ink Cubes set and ink blended the accent panel with the darkest two colors. All of my sentiments are from the Birthday Greeting Stamp Set and the enamel dots are Glacier Caves Enamel Dots, which coordinate beautifully with the ink cubes. I kept this card simple because I wanted to empasize the bold colors and lovely floral stamp.

Altenew Glacier Caves Mini Ink Cubes + Enamel Dots

For the pink card, I combined the Majestic Bouquet Layering Stamp with the beautiful Majestic Blooms 3D Embossing Folder. I chose three pinks (Blush, Cotton Candy and Coral Berry) from Altenew's 48 Crisp Die Ink Collection for my stamping and then used Coral Berry to ink blend the circle background. I think this is such a lovely feminine card.

Altenew Pink Die Inks: Blush, Cotton Candy and Coral Berry

For my final card, I used the three lightest colors in the Seashore Mini Ink Cube Set. I then die cut my panel using the largest die from the Rounded Rectangles Set. The background panel was ink blended with Lagoon ink. To add a bit more texture, I used the Modern Squares 3D Embossing Folder for my background panel.

Products Available:

Altenew Majestic Bouquet Layering Stamp Set

Majestic Bouquet Die Set

Altenew Majestic Bouquet Stamp and Die Bundle

Are You Ready For Some Prizes?

$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 5 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 5/16/2021 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 5/19/2021.

Join Us As We Hop!

Altenew Card Blog
Jaycee Gaspar
LauraJane
Erum Tasneem
Michelle Short
Tenia Nelson
Jenny Colacicco
Norine Borys
Anna Mahtani
Agnieszka Małyszek
Victoria Calvin
Linda Westfall
Emily Midgett
Sandhya Iyer
Laurie Willison
Preeti Chandran
Seeka
Mindy Eggen
Verity Biddlecombe
Carol Hintermeier
Erin Thompson
Helen Kalb
Joylita Dsouza
Keren Baker
Teresa Litchfield
Bridget Casey
Kelly Griglione
Nandini Karmarkar
Terri Koszler
Karen Brown Yay, made it to the end!

I am honored that you stopped by my blog...thank you! If you have another moment, I would love to hear which card you like best.

Karen

Monday, March 29, 2021

Altenew Educators "Favorite Old/New Altenew Stamp" Blog Hop and Linky Party + Giveaway

Hello friends! I am so pleased to be participating in my first Altenew Educator Blog Hop! I went through the certification program last year and loved every minute! For this post, I wanted to focus on two favorite stamp sets that I purchased while I was a student in the program, Doodle Blooms and Inked Lotus.

Altenew Doodle Bloom Die Cut Mixed Media Card

Using Stencils on Acrylic Gel Press Mixed Media Cards

I spent a day making 5 x 7" acrylic gel press backgrounds in a variety of colors and using lots of Altenew stencils and stamps. I love color and texture and wanted this "daisy" card to be bold and vibrant so I started with this gorgeous red panel. With a brayer, I mixed pink, orange and brilliant red and applied to a plate that had some leftover yellow and green already on the press. After the panel dried, I added a layer using the Flowing Drops Stencil and then an additional layer of gold with the Narrow Brick Stencil. You can see the lovely gold shimmer in the second photo.

Altenew Doodle Blooms and Narrow Brick Stencil

Die Cutting Floral Images from Acrylic Gel Press Monoprints

Using the Doodle Blooms Bundle, I stamped and die-cut a bunch of blooms from some of the other hand-crafted acrylic panels. I think this is such a happy and cheerful stamp set. I laid the die-cut flowers on the red panel and selected the blooms I liked best on the background and adhered with foam tape. The stems are from the Craft-A-Flower Cosmos Kit. The flower centers are enamel dots from the Glacier Caves and New Day collections. I finished off by adding a sentiment with a strip of my favorite Painted Grid Washi Tape.

The background from this next card is the top portion of the panel I used on the daisy card above. I die cut it with the largest Rounded Rectangle and then backed with foam for dimension. The Inked Lotus was heat embossed and die cut from a coordinating monoprint panel for a tone-on-tone look and was adhered with foam tape. The sentiment was die-cut from black cardstock using the Essential Sentiments Set.

Acrylic Paint Gel Press Mixed Media Card.

I made a second similar card, but this time the Inked Lotus was die cut from a red/orange acrylic panel where I brayered a lot of turqouise ink over the Narrow Brick Stencil. This is my favorite stencil to use on monoprints. The background panel was brayered with Yellow, Olive and Turquoise. After the paint dried, layers were added with the Leaves and Berries Stencil (blue), Mega Bloom Stencil and finally the Narrow Brick Stencil was lightly inked in gold over the background panel. I love the dimension you get by adding layer upon layer with stencils and stamps.

Blue and Violet Monet like Mixed Media card.

For my last card, I changed things up and used softer colors: Sky Blue, Blue Violent, Light Purple and Brilliant Purple over a press that had some leftover Olive and Turquoise. I then brayered over the Mega Bloom Stencil with a light coat of gold. You can see the shimmer better in the second photo. I again used the Doodle Blooms Stamp and Die Bundle to stamp and cut my elements from a variety of gel press prints. I finished with Glacier Caves Enamel Dots for the centers.

Blue and Violet Gel Press Card Background

Here is a photo of two of the backgrounds prior to card assembly. You can really see how lovely the stenciled accents look on the panels.

As I mentioned, I loved using these two stamps for my AECP class work. Here are two homework assignments I submitted using the sets:

Doodle Blooms Card

Inked Lotus Card

Prizes:

Altenew is giving away a $20 gift certificate to 5 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog (https://wp.me/p6Dps1-deu) by 4/4/2021 for a chance to win.

We’ll also draw a winner to receive a $15 Altenew gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 4/6/2021.

We Want to See Your Creations Too!

What’s a hop without YOU?! We have included an Inlinkz at the Altenew blog for you to enter your gorgeous Altenew “Old/New Favorite Altenew Stamp” creations. We will pick 2 of our favorite handmade creations from those who joined the linky party and they will each receive a $15 Altenew gift certificate!

If you arrived from NatashaDavies you are right on track!

Altenew Card Blog

Bridget Casey

Colleen Balija

Teresa Litchfield

Katrina Howe

Rosie Neustaedter

Terri Marie Koszler

Tenia Nelson

Pam Boedeker

Nandini Karmarkar

Amy Hill

Irina Fonina

Natasha Davies

Karen Brown You Are Here!

Nenette S. Madero

Sandra Woodson

There is plenty more loveliness, so keep hopping! Be sure to head to Helen's fun post next!

I would love to hear which card you liked best. Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Friday, February 26, 2021

Altenew Certified Educators Instagram Blog Hop

Layered Floral Die-Cutting with Altenew’s Cosmos Kit

I am so excited to be participating in my first Altenew Educator Hop! I LOVE this month's Cosmos Craft-A-Flower Kit and wanted to create another bright springy card. Here is a LINK to my first card.

Mixed Media Background

I made a background using the recently released Narrow Brick Stencil. I mixed Texture Embossing Paste and Shimmer Spray which I then tinted with diluted purple Watercolor from the 36 pan set. I repeated this and added diluted pink watercolor to a second pile of embossing paste. I then ran this over the stencil in random locations. The two colors of brick are the same colors I used on the flowers.

Water Coloring Panels for Die-Cutting

On two panels of watercolor paper, I brushed on bold watercolors from the 36 pan set. I dried the panels and added a second layer so I had really saturated color. Here is a photo of the three panels I used to make this card.

Before I begin die-cutting I like to take a permanent pen and mark the layering dies with a #1 and #2 for each flower. It just takes just a minute but then it is so much easier to keep up with the little pieces. After I die cut, I also write the corresponding number on the back of the die-cut in pencil in case they get mixed up on my workspace.

Pink die-cut flowers with mixed media background

These flowers are so easy to assemble and make such a gorgeous showy flower. I used liquid glue and foam tape to assemble my card. To finish, I added Tea Party Enamel Dots.

We would love for you to hop with us! My Instagram Handle is: @karens_mini

There are beautiful cards and prizes too....check it out!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Karen

Monday, February 22, 2021

Altenew Paint-A-Flower: Clematis & Artist Alcohol Markers Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Altenew Clematis Paint-A-Flower

Hello and welcome to the blog hop for the February release of the Altenew Paint-A-Flower series and Artists Marker Sets F & G. This month's Clematis stamp is GORGEOUS and so fun to create with. Altenew releases a new Paint-A-Flower each month and you can subscribe HERE so you don't miss a single set.

I spent an enjoyable and relaxing Sunday afternoon painting this beauty. When my kit arrived, I saw soft blues as I started planning my card. For the flowers, I used pale blue with soft lavendar shadows and pink highlights. I kept with the muted look by adding pale green leaves and the fencing was painted with watery yellow and tan. I added a hint of grey to the background and called it done. I used watercolor markers for a fresh bright watercolor look.

This is an interesting floral stamp as you can use it both vertically and horizontally. I added my favorite Painted Grid Washi Tape along two sides and the included sentiment "Life Is Beautiful". I finished the card off with a couple of pearl grey New Day Enamel Dots. A fresh and lovely spring card.

Altenew F and G Artist Alcohol Markers

Pink, Yellow, Green, Aqua and Violet Altenew markers

Water Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set G

Altenew is also releasing two new sets of Artists Markers and I thought it would be fun to try them out by coloring the same image with both sets. Weekend Doodles is one of my all time favorites sets so I decided to use it for both cards. Water Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set G is full of lovely aquas, lavenders and browns. I wanted the flowers to be the star of this card so I used the Cross Stitch Canvas Cover Die to create a clean and simple background that adds a bit of texture and interest but keeps the focus on the floral elements.

Such lovely colors in this marker set!

Sunshine Valley Garden Artist Alcohol Markers Set F

Sunshine Valley Garden Artist Markers SET "F" is full of beautiful pinks, yellows and greens. For this card I wanted a coordinating background, so using my 36 pan watercolors, I painted pink (which I toned down with some green) on a watercolor panel and let dry. I then embossed the panel with the Modern Squares 3D folder , which gives beautiful dimension to your backdrop. This folder is one of my new “go to” backgrounds. I added some pink, purple and black spatters because I thought the panel looked too sweet.

Altenew Weekend Doodles + Altenew Sunshine Valley Garden Set F markers + Modern Squares 3D embossing folder

The Tea Party Enamel Dots coordinate beautifully with this set of markers.

Altenew pink, yellow and green Artist Markers.

This graphic shows the colors that come in each set.

BLOG HOP LINK

Giveaway Prizes

Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 03/02/2021.

BLOG HOP PARTICIPANTS:

Your next stop is: Svitlana Shayevich

Thanks for hopping by!

Karen

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Altenew Ultimate Watercolor Lovers Blog Hop + Giveaway

Altenew Watercolor Coloring Book and Watercolor Brushes

Hello and welcome! I've had a delightful weekend playing with Altenew's new Watercolor Coloring Book and Watercolor Brushes (Bundle). The coloring book is such a great idea! There are 12 designs...24 printed pages on good quality watercolor paper. Each design has a black outline and a "no-line" outline. I am going to the beach soon and this coloring book will be making the trip as it will be so packable. Grab the book, brushes and watercolors and I am set for hours of creating. I also think this would make a great gift.

I used Altenew's 36 Pan Watercolor Set for all of my painting. For the Lilly, I wanted to work on mixing watercolors. I started with the salmon pinks but did a lot of custom paint mixing with my pinks and greens.

With both paintings, I went slow and added layer upon layer of color. For me, this is the secret to watercolor painting. Add color and blend with a damp brush with clean water, let dry and repeat. The quality of the paper in the coloring book allowed me to add lots of layers without any worry about the paper breaking down.

I liked the Lilly so much that I framed it and set it on the ledge around my bath tub.

This no-line Poppy was loads of fun to paint! I didn't mix the paints but used the color right out of the pans. Lovely and feminine. I did add a few accents to the flower's center with a black pen and white gel pen.

Altenew Round and Detail Watercolor Brushes

Altenew also just released Round and Detail watercolor brushes which pair so well with the Watercolor Coloring Book! You can also order the Brush bundle at a discount.

Altenew how to watercolor detail brushes

If you want to up your watercoloring, consider taking Emily Midgett's Watercolor 101 Class. I took it last fall and it improved my watercoloring skills more than any other class I've taken.

*****************

Special Offer

To celebrate the release of the watercoloring book, Altenew is running a free gift promotion for a limited time. Receive a FREE brand new Poppy Arrangement Stamp Set (worth $23.99) with every order of the new Florals Coloring Book and Watercolor Bundle from 2/11/2021 at 12:01 AM EST until 2/14/2021 at 11:59 PM EST. Free gift will be added to cart automatically.

Giveaway Prizes

$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 10 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 02/16/2021 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 12 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 02/19/2021.

LINK TO BLOG HOP

Hello! You likely came from the beautiful post by Nathalie DeSousa and after me, you are on to Tenia whose cards are always an inspiring treat.

Karen Brown You are here!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Cosmos Layering Die Set Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Altenew Cosmos Craft-A-Flower Layering Die

Hello and welcome to Altenew's Craft A Flower Blog Hop and Release! I am so excited to be participating this month as we craft beautiful Cosmos die-cut flowers (Cosmos/Gradient Cardstock Bundle). I was very inspired by this release and I think you will be too! You can subscribe HERE so you don't miss a single set.

Let's get started! I used one of my favorite color combinations on this card. I began by watercoloring several panels of watercolor cardstock in pink, coral, orange and green. I put several colors on each panel so there would be a lot of variation in color which I think adds a lot of interest. I like that watercolor paper is a bit thicker and has more texture and makes a rich substantial diecut.

Next, I diecut the components of my card. These Cosmos dies cut very well and layered easily. Before I begin die-cutting I like to take a permanent pen and mark the layering dies with a #1 and #2 for each flower. It just takes just a minute but then it is so much easier to keep up with the little pieces. After I die cut, I also write the corresponding number on the back of the die-cut in pencil in case they get mixed up on my workspace. Be sure to save all the left over cardstock for next month's Craft-A-Flower.

Altenew Cosmos Layering Die cut floral images.

I cut the Hello sentiment from black mirror cardstock which makes it really pop.

I knew I wanted a white background with some interest so I mixed embossing paste with Irredescent Shimmer Spray and then used a pallette knife to spread in random areas around my cardstock. I then sprinkled Crystal Clear Embossing Powder on the damp embossing powder and heat set. This adds a lot of shimmer and shine to the background.

I used liquid glue to adhere the flowers but concentrated the glue in the middle with no glue at the outer edges so that I could slightly curl up the flower petals for some added dimension. I also did the same with the grassy leaves.

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner and a $15 gift certificate to 10 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 02/12/2021 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 11 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 02/15/2021.

BLOG HOP LINK

You likely came from talented Teresa Litchfield's blog and I am your final stop!