Create Your Own Background for CCM

Evening Everyone,
We have a new challenge starting today over at CCM and it is the last one before our summer break.
Jackie is our host and she is looking for you to 'Create Your Own Backgrounds'

Now I have to say that this challenge is right up my street. I LOVE making them. This one uses an old multilayering resist technique.

I remember demonstrating this technique at my very first show in London.
I was on a stand for Crafts Beautiful magazine in which I had had an article published that particular month.

As it was the October edition I went for something with an autumnal feel. I do remember that they weren't keen on the black card base that I had chosen for the cards. They liked white, but the panels didn't look as good on it so I was a bit of a rebel and stood my ground.

I remember being incredibly nervous when the doors opened, but thoroughly enjoying the experience. There was such a buzz and loads of friendly people all eager to learn.

For my cards today I have used an Andy Skinner stamp and some Airless Mister sprays.

For my colour combo first stamp onto a piece of glossy card using a Versamark or Perfect Medium inkpad.

Next spray the card with Amber Lights Airless Mister. I usually use dye based ink pads for this technique, so I thought that I would give it a go with some ink sprays for a change.

They certainly make it easy to coat your card in colour. Once the ink has dried stamp again using your stamp and inkpad and then spray with colour.
Try and stamp into the spaces between the designs as well as overlapping parts of the image. This layer was a combination of Flirty Pink and Cherry Pop.

Continue with this layering process using a darker colour each time. Here I used a combination of Maya Blue, Blackberry Bliss and Night Reflection.

Provided that you continue to overlap your stamped images each different layer of colour will show through.

I trimmed my panel down and used one of the fabulous paper cut dies over it.

I cut the die in black and white to create a slight shadow.

On this panel I have stamped and embossed a final layer of images over the background using Versamark/Perfect Medium and clear embossing powder.

The sentiments are from a favourite Jane Gill stamp set.

On the first card I used the left over panel and die cut the Sue Wilson Love from the center of it. I then die cut it again from white funky foam which I placed in to the negative space in the panel and added the card layer over the top. This raises it above the main panel for added dimension.

A final touch was to cover it in Glossy Accents and add a stacked card frame in white.

I hope that you will find some time to join in with our latest challenge. I look forward to see all your crafty makes.

Have a great evening.

Happy Crafting and hugs

Kimx

Masculine Challenge at CCM

Evening Everyone,
We have a brand new 'Masculine' challenge starting today at CCM.

Now I don't know about you guys, but I find cards for men the hardest to make.

Cute or floral always works well for the ladies, but not so much for the men lol.

I always think trees or leaves are a good choice for a masculine card, so here is one I made a while ago using a 'Resist with a twist' technique.

I went through my bits box and found quite a few different bits and pieces which all worked together quite well on this card.

It's amazing the little bits of treasure that you find. A couple of embossed panels, some die cut leaves and a  stamped and embossed sentiment all woven together into this card.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you will find the time to join us over the next fortnight HERE at CCM.
Stay safe.
Hugs Kimx

Wedding Challenge at CCM

Afternoon Everyone,
We have another challenge starting today over at CCM...……..Wedding.
I have a good friend who makes the most exquisite Grovvi cards. She has just spent ages making 3 wedding cards for August this year, only to have them cancelled until next year due to Covid 19.
Not a problem you might think, except that they all have the date lovingly woven into the design!!
We have been trying to come up with ways to disguise this so that she doesn't have to start all over again, including adding the new date on a banner since they will forever be reminded of a very strange year in their marital history.
With all of this in mind I decided that the card that I need to make for a family wedding will be fairly simple, with the option to add a date later. Not because of the work involved, but so that I don't get caught out lol.

After much deliberation I decided on this beautiful Rose Spray from a Crafters Companion Decoupage Pad for my card.

I bought it with the co-ordinating die and once cut out I layered it over a Sue Wilson fancy background panel, die cut from pale gold card stock.

Each sheet in the pad contains several layers for the roses and leaves to allow for decoupage.

The background to the card was created using an Altenew background stamp and platinum embossing powder.

I felt that the sentiments, also from Altenew, were the perfect compliment to the card made for an older couple getting married later in the year, Covid 19 willing that is.

I also found this card that I made a while ago which would work well as a wedding card I think.
I hope that you will find the time to join in with our challenge this time. Please check out what my Teamies have been up to, there are some real beauties there.
Stay safe and well.
Happy Crafting and hugs
Kimx

Butterfly Challenge at CCM

Evening Everyone,
What a glorious day it has been today. I have a face the colour of a boiled lobster after my walk today. I always get part way round the park and realize that I have forgotten to put sun cream on!!

We are starting a new Butterfly Challenge today over at  CCM.

My card was made a while ago during an 'Inspired by Hobby Art' class.

I love all these beautiful butterflies

and flowers.

Lots of opportunity for a bit of 3D.

And a bit of poetic license on the colours.

A die cut sentiment to stand out from all the stamping.

My youngest Grandchildren have been looking after some caterpillars. It was a kit that their Mum bought for them and it has been fascinating to watch their progress.

By happy coincidence they have started to hatch, just in time for our challenge. They are Painted Lady butterflies.
I hope that you can find the time to join us for this latest challenge HERE.
Now I really must find that sunscreen ready for tomorrows walk.
Stay safe and hugs
Kimx

Easter Challenge at CCM

Evening Everyone,
Sorry I'm a little late today, I've actually managed to get a couple of things finished off.
Amongst them, a rather large pile of Easter cards for the latest challenge over at CCM.

Now I have to say that I don't usually do Easter cards.

I've always been the mean Mamma who gives the Grandchildren books rather than chocolate,

but this is such a hugely different time that I thought I would break the habit of a lifetime and send out some Easter cards.

I have several rather cute Easter designs from LOTV, so of course this is where I headed.

The main part of the greeting on this card is from a new Altenew stamp set that I recently purchased.

I do like to add a little bit of decoupage to the images,

and some glossy accents of course.

The sentiment here is from Clarity Stamps.

I don't usually like to make the same card twice,

but on this occasion I made an exception.

And I even made a couple of sets of four.

The background papers are from 12x12 pieces from my stash.

I rather like the other sentiment on some of these cards, I feel that it is rather appropriate for the moment. I do hope that you will be able to find the time to join us for this new challenge. I know that we have plenty of time on our hands at the moment, but I'm afraid that my spring cleaning gene hasn't kicked in so far, and is unlikely to at this stage in the game.
Stay safe and hugs
Kimx

Green - Day 4 and a very Happy Birthday Barbara

Evening All
Day 4 in my series of Green cards in support of the CCM Challenge.

This is my first try at Picot cutting around a Groovi design.

I'm not too unhappy with it although I definitely need more practice.

I do love this rose design, and I added a frame around it.

Fairly simple compared to what my lovely friend Sylvie does, and a fairly appropriate post given that it is Barbara Grays birthday today, and she created the Groovi system.
Have a great weekend.
Happy crafting and hugs
Kimx