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Pansy Praise| Mixed Media Thursday

Hello Unity Friends, It is Natasha here and I am excited to be back on the blog today!  Today I am sharing a card using the beautiful Pansy Praise stamp set as my focal image.  I wanted to create a card with a rustic feel, with multiple layers!  I used Pansy Praise as a focal image, paired this with the beautiful Tuscan Tile background stamp and some pattern paper!  So let’s get started!

I started with a piece of Bristol Smooth card stock. I distress the panel lightly using Antique Linen Distress Oxide Ink.  Once the panel was completely dry,  I stamped the Pansy Praise onto the card stock using VersaFine Ink.  I then heat set the image using clear embossing powder.  I then colored my image using my Zig markers.  I work one layer at a time, making sure each layer is dry before adding on.  Once my image was colored, I tore the panel using my hands for a distressed feel.  I then did the same with a piece of pattern paper.  I then adhered the 2 small panels together with liquid glue and darkened the edges using Distress Ink.

Next I created the next panel using the beautiful Tuscan Tile background stamp!  I inked up the background using Core Inks from Hero Arts.  I used: Orchid, Amethyst, and Raspberry Jam.  I applied the ink directly to my background then used a blending brush to soften the lines between each color.  I repeated this 2x to ensure I had the color I was looking for.  Next I trimmed the panel using a Postage Stamp die.  I then distressed the edges using Distress Ink, as well as embossing glaze.

Next I chose a coordinating piece of pattern paper and adhered this to a top folding card base.  I then distress the edges using 2 shades of brown ink (Caramel and Espresso).  Next I added splatters to all 3 layers using white acrylic paint, as well as some dye inks.  I allowed each layer to dry, then adhered the layers together using both liquid glue and foam tape for added dimension.  I added a piece of lace to the top left corner as well.

I completed my card with a Happy Birthday sentiment from the Happy Birthday Gnome Stamp set. I added a few small pearls as well!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I had a lot of fun creating today’s card!

Natasha

Unity Stamp Company Supplies Used:

 

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Zig clean color real brush watercolor with stamping

Hi friends, Gaylynn here.  For today on the blog, I am sharing tips on using Zig clean color real brush watercolor with stamping.

These watercolor marker brushes have a narrow brush tip which are perfect for small areas of color when you need more detail.  But they work for other projects as well.

 

Sentiment:
Time to celebrate.  Congratulations.

In summary, this is one way to use Zig clean color real brush watercolor with stamping.  To begin, stamp onto watercolor cardstock in black hybrid ink or ink for use with watercolor.  I used a stamp positioning tool for a good impression.  Next, trim or die-cut the stamped panel and a frame layer.  Also, prepare an A2 sized card base in white.  Then, color in the sections, one color at a time and in small sections.  Finish small areas before moving onto the next flower, etc.  Next, use a water brush or a wet paint brush to move the color before it dries.  Also, heat set before moving to a new section or layer, especially if working on small details and different colors.  Finally, once dry, layer it all onto the card base with added gems, to finish.

 

Here is a closer look.

 

See how this card was made.

Don’t forget, you can find my other Unity Stamp Co. features and supply links below:

Technique Time and
Watercolor Wednesday.

Thank you for visiting and have a lovely day.
Gaylynn


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Dreamin’ Daze Watercolor ~ February Sketch Challenge

Hello there crafty friend!
Crystal here from Tawny Owl Paperie and today I’m sharing my last card for the Unity February Sketch Challenge that I’m hosting in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group. I have had the gorgeous black eyed susans from the Dreamin’ Daze stamps on my desk just screaming to get inky. So happy to finally play with these flowers. I did a bit of watercoloring which I’m trying to do more often.

 

Beautiful Day to Dream Card

As I often do with a sketch, I started by picking my papers. I can’t believe that I’ve gone this long without cutting into the gorgeous Fields of Summer {paper pack}. Have you seen these gorgeous papers? They are stunning!! Beautiful papers filled with sunflowers and lovely colors… I knew I had to use them but I chose papers that didn’t have sunflowers since I was playing with a different kind of flower.

 

As I mentioned above, I’ve been trying to play a bit more with my ZIGs and do some watercoloring. Trying to at least do some watercoloring each month. So far so good! I used just a handful to color up these flowers: yellow, bright yellow, blue gray, blue, light gray, and black.

 

I used a slimline die to die cut the flowers. So perfect for this sketch! The main floral panel is popped up on the card with foam tape {which actually caused some havoc… you can see it in the video below}. I wrapped the main floral panel with a bit of {Ivory} May Arts Burlap string and tied a pretty bow. The card was finished with a few enamel dots.

Video Link

You can check out my process video here… Dreamin’ Daze Watercolor | February Sketch Challenge | Unity Stamp Co.

 

Here’s another look at the sketch! Please know that the sketch is meant to inspire and not require. Feel free to alter it to work for your creation and most importantly have some inky fun! I can’t wait to see what you create! Be sure to share your cards in the Unity Show & Tell group and also add them to the sketch challenge album in the group to be entered for a prize!! But don’t wait too long to play because this challenge ends on Tuesday, February 28th.

 

Inky Hugs,
Crystal

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Birthday watercolor tag shaped card ~ tutorial

Hello, it’s Gaylynn.  Today, I am sharing a belated birthday watercolor tag shaped card.  After a bit of watercoloring, I made a shaped card base to match.

This watercolor tag shaped card is perfect for those times when belated wishes are in order.

Sentiment:
I didn’t forget your birthday, I’m just extending the celebration.

I made a quick video tutorial HERE showing the process for this project.

Helpful tips:

Here are helpful tips for making this watercolor tag shaped card.  To begin, die-cut, stamp and watercolor the top large tag panel layer from watercolor card stock.
Then, prepare the shaped card base, from a 4 1/4″ x 11″ sheet of heavy card stock.
To make the tag shaped card base, align the bottom of the largest tag die towards the bottom of the cardstock sheet.  Place the top cutting plate just shy of the narrow top end of the tag die.  This keeps the top from cutting away.  Then, position the die once more lining up and facing the narrow uncut tag end.  Again, keep the top of the die free from the top cutting plate.  Everything should be cut except the center of the two tag cuts.  Score the top of the tag and fold evenly to make a tag shaped card.  Finally, layer the top panel and embellish it, to finish.

 

Here is another look.

 

Supplies:

Unity Stamp Co.
Extended Celebration {May 2022 Sentiment Kit}
Make A Tag {die set}

Also, Zig clean color real brush watercolor in 002, 050, 001, 045, 004, 036, 031; watercolor card stock, paint brushes, die-cutting machine, foam tape, twine, heat tool, waterproof ink.

Remember, if you want to view my other projects on the Unity blog, see my features linked below.

Technique Time
Watercolor Wednesday.

Please, tune in next Wednesday with a new project for Technique Time.
Thanks for visiting.

Gaylynn

Love this look? Browse all of Unity’s birthday stamps for more inspiration.

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Using leftover watercolor pieces in card making ~ 2 cards

Hello, Gaylynn here.  Adding leftover watercolor pieces to card projects makes beautiful accents in card making.  Today on the Unity blog, I am sharing two happy wishes wreath cards using leftovers.

The background leftover watercolor pieces were made during a previous card project.  That project link is noted at the end of this post.

Sentiments:
Happiest wishes.
Happy birthday.

I made a quick video tutorial HERE showing the process for this project.

For this one, I used the diluted red watercolor with appears pink after drying, in this example.

And, blue watercolor was used for this example.

Helpful tips:

These are helpful tips for using leftover watercolor pieces in card making.  To begin, gather trim pieces from a different watercolor project.  Next, stamp the focal point onto cardstock.  Then, add color to the stamping to coordinate with the watercolor leftovers.  In this example, I added watercolor from Zig markers using the wet on dry watercolor technique for the flowers and the leaves.  Now, place the leftover watercolor layers onto the card base for the background.  Finally, center the floral layer over the background pieces, to finish.

Finally, this is another look at the duo.

Supplies:

Unity Stamp Co.
Woodland Wreath

Also, foam and flat double-sided tape, Brusho Crystal Color powders in turquoise and brilliant red; My Favorite Things stitched scallop basic edges 2 die-namics, My Creative Time pretty circle layers dies, score tape, Zig Clean Color Real Brush pens 025, 021, 026, 042, 036, 037, 031, 033. 

Remember, if you want to view my other projects on the Unity blog, see my features linked below.

Technique Time
Watercolor Wednesday.

Please, tune in next Wednesday with a new project for Technique Time.
Thanks for visiting.

To view the previous post and tutorial for the Brusho background watercolor process, click HERE.

Gaylynn

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Fresh Lemonade – Summer Fun

Hi Crafty friends!  It is Natasha and I am super excited to be back with you today for our Thursday challenge!  I am loving your Summer cards and seeing your beautiful inspiration on how you celebrate summer!  Thank you for sharing your gorgeous and creative work!  Be sure to share your summer themed cards with us over on over on the Unity {show & tell} facebook group!

One of my favorite summer things is flowers and when I saw the new set Fresh Lemonade, I fell in love!  There is something about florals and lemons paired together… just so beautiful!  So let’s get started! 

I started by stamping several of the elements from the Fresh Lemonade stamp set onto Canson XL Bristol Smooth paper.  I stamped the images using Versa Fine Clair ink in Nocturne and heat set them using clear embossing powder.  I did prep the card stock prior to stamping with my embossing buddy.  Once everything was ready to go, it was time to color!  I used my zig markers for today’s card!  I did 2 layers of color on each image and allowed them to dry each time before adding more color.  Once everything was colored I trimmed the images with my scan and cut.  You can also purchase the digital cut file for this set too!  See the link below!

Next I started to work on my card background using the amazing Pink Lemonade Paper Pack!  I fell in love with this paper right away!  I have seen such gorgeous inspiration using paper from this collection!  I chose several papers from this set to create the background!  I die cut them and then adhered them to my A2 panel.

To complete the card I adhered the elements to my pattern paper card panel with both foam tape and liquid glue.  I added some white dots to several of the stamped images for added interest.  I adhered a few gems and my card is complete!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I truly appreciate it!

Let’s keep summer going a little longer, be sure to share your gorgeous summer cards with us over on the Unity {show & tell} facebook group!

Crafty Hugs,

Natasha

Unity Supplies Used:

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Zig blender brush watercolor + stenciling ~ tutorial

Hi, Gaylynn here. For Technique Time at Unity, I share a way to use the Zig blender brush with watercolor along with a touch of stenciling accents for this tea or coffee themed card.

Using the Zig blender brush with watercolor accents is simple and convenient in card making.  It is especially helpful with the use of Zig clean color real brush marker pens.

 

Sentiment:  I think you’re amazing.
Helpful tips:

Here are helpful tips for watercolor using the Zig blender brush.  First, stamp onto watercolor paper using waterproof ink.  I like to stamp on the smooth side of the paper for stamped projects.  Next, add outline touches of watercolor from Zig clean color real brush pens.  Then, using a wet Zig blender brush, blend out and move the watercolor from the stamp outline.  I used bold colors, but the same technique can be used with lighter shades.  Also, work in smaller sections before the watercolor dries.  Next, allow dry time or heat set.  For added accents, add a background panel with light stenciling.  Then, fussy cut or place the watercolor panel onto your card base, to finish.

Here is another look:

Here is my video tutorial for this project.  It will detail the full process.

Supplies:  Unity Stamp Co. Tea Cup Floret.
Also, original Misti, flat and foam double-sided tape, cardstock, MCT etched edge frame dies, MFT snowfall stencil, distress oxide ink in walnut stain and wilted violet; Gina K Designs amalgam ink in chocolate truffle, Zig blender brush, Zig clean color real brush pens for watercolor 062, 067, 084, 082, 042, 033; Altenew palette mat, adhesive gems.

Remember, if you want to view my other projects on the Unity blog, see my features linked below.

Technique Time
Watercolor Wednesday.

Please, tune in next Wednesday with a new project for Technique Time.
Thanks for visiting.

Gaylynn

Want more like this? Shop all of Unity’s card making stencils.