Tips for Making Vibrant Colorful Cards

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 Karen Brown2 Comments

Today I wanted to share some Tips and Tricks for making bold, vibrant colorful cards. The Featured Stamps are from Altenew’s March 2023 Mini Stamp Collection.

TIP #1: Use Watercolor Markers which have tons of pigment.

Below, you can see the watercolor panel that I used for my die cut word sentiments. I added Rubelite and Autumn Blaze from Altenew’s Spring Garden Brush Markers and then used a #18 brush and water to blend the colors. I did not increase the saturation on this card, the color on the screen is the true color in person. So bright and happy!

Making backgrounds with Watercolor Markers.

Products Used:

Altenew’s Mini Coneflower Stamp and Die
Altenew’s Mini Coneflower Stamp
Altenew’s Spring Garden Brush Markers
Altenew’s Simply Hello Die
Altenew’s Simply Friend Die
Altenew Instant Dimension Foam Tape
Altenew #18 Brush
Watercolor Paper (for die cut sentiments and the pink/orange accent strip) which I taped to a hardboard to minimize warping.
Bristol Cardstock (for the Coneflower)

Altenew's Mini Coneflower Stamp and Die + Altenew's Spring Garden Brush Markers

TIP #2: Use Strips of Cardstock in Rainbow Colors

I like to keep strips of colorful cardstock on hand for quick cards. The strips on this card are each 1/4″ wide and they are a snap to make with your paper trimmer.

Using strips of colored cardstock to make colorful rainbow backgrounds.

Products Used on This Card:

Altenew’s Mini Dogwood Stamp and Die
1/4″ Strips Trimmed From Colorful Cardstock
Altenew Sweet Sentiments Dies
Altenew Instant Dimension Foam Tape
Tonic Studios Paper Trimmer

Altenew's Mini Dogwood Stamp and Die on a handmade card.

TIP #3: Create a Rainbow Gradient Accent Strip

On Bristol Cardstock, I blended watercolors from Altenew’s Spring Garden Brush Marker Set in Rainbow Order. I used water and a #18 Brush to blend the colors. I created a 5.5″ x 4.25 inch panel and trimmed off a 1.75″ strip for this card, reserving the remaining panel for a future project.

Altenew's Spring Garden Brush Marker Set + handmade card

Products Used:

Altenew’s Spring Garden Brush Marker Set
Altenew’s Mini Dahlia Stamp and Die Set
Altenew’s Simply Hello Die
Altenew #18 Brush
Altenew Instant Dimension Foam Tape
Bristol Cardstock
Black Cardstock scrap for accent strip
Brushed Gold Cardstock for sentiment (die cut twice for dimension)

Altenew's Mini Dahlia Stamp and Die Set + handmade card

Thanks for stopping by! What do you think…..do you have a favorite?

Karen

How to Create Easy Rainbow Die Cut Cards + Video

January 16, 2023February 3, 2023 Karen BrownLeave a comment

Today, I am sharing how to make easy rainbow die cut cards. And, I’ve got something new….a video! Yes, I created my first video and I’d love for you to watch it.

How To Make Rainbow Sentiment Cards

These cards are are quick to make and very eye-catching. I love bright happy colors and with watercolor brush markers you can make a high impact card in a short amount of time.

Continue reading →

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Altenew: A Year In Review: Crafters’ Edition Blog Hop + Giveaway

December 21, 2022December 29, 2022 Karen Brown39 Comments

Hello friends! I am so excited to be participating again in Altenew’s A Year In Review! I really enjoyed looking back through my projects and selecting some favorite creations.

Rainbow paper weaving with Altenew's Garden Trellis Cover Die.

This first card was my most popular Altenew card on Instagram and I detailed how I created my rainbow paper weaving. You can see my original post HERE. I used Altenew’s Garden Trellis Cover Die as the base for my weaving.

Layered Stamping on a cute little bird: Bird of the Woods by Altenew.

This year, I was a bit obssessed with the Bird of the Woods Layering Stamp set and coordinating dies and I made a bunch of cards using this bundle! This POST was by far my most popular blog post of 2022.

Altenew's Precious Doodles Layered Stamping Floral Dies

I fell in love with the Precious Doodles Bundle…when “doodles” is in the title, I know it is going to be a favorite of mine! This is a darling stamp layering set and you can find my original post HERE.

Altenew Coloring Book watercolor page framed artwork.

I received so much positive feedback on this watercolor piece! I LOVE Altenew’s watercolor products and I used them on my framed project. I started with the Poppy from Altenew’s Coloring Book and I painted it with the 36 Pan Set and Artists Brushes. You can see my original post HERE.

I love mixed media, and this card was my 2nd most popular post on Instagram. You can see my original post HERE. I got really messy and used tons of fun products to create this masculine birthday card.

Clean and Simple + Gel Press Printing Rainbow Grid Card

If there is such a thing as CAS Mixed Media, then this is it. I love the clean white contrast with the rainbow colored gel press die cut squares and the giant black Altenew Mega Hello sentiment. You can see my original post HERE.

Altenew Craft Your Life Always Sunshine Kit card

I love all of the Craft Your Life releases but this Always Sunshine Kit was especially popular with my blog readers. You can read my original post HERE: I love coloring with stencils and that is the technique I used on this card.

I always love Altenew’s Craft-A-Flower kits and this Open Peony was my favorite Craft-A-Flower in 2022. You can read my original blog post HERE.

Altenew Timeless Tulips with coordinating ink blend background.

Who doessn’t love a floral bouquet? Altenew’s Timeless Tulips premiered in August and I think it is a gorgeous set with two big beautiful floral stamps. You can read my original post HERE.

Altenew Summer Wishes stamp, die and coloring stencil card.

I will finish with Altenew’s Summer Wishes Bundle which is oh, so fun! I created a cozy little beach scene comprised of an adirondack chair, umbrella, radio and flip flops. This is such a happy card and I know I will pull out this bundle year after year. You can find my original post HERE.

Prizes:

Over $500 in total prizes! Altenew is giving away a $100 gift card to 1 lucky winner, 3 $50 gift cards, and 27 $10 gift cards. Winners will be chosen from both blog hop #1 and blog hop #2. Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog HERE by 12/27/2022 for a chance to win.

Wait, there’s MORE!

We would also LOVE to see YOUR favorite handmade cards, layouts, home decor, etc. featuring Altenew products! Feel free to share them on social media or on your blog using the hashtag #AltenewBest2022. You may also add a link by clicking the blue button below.

FOUR lucky crafters will each win a $15 gift certificate to our store! Winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 12/29/2022. We are looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations!

Blog Hop Order:

Karen Brown You Are Here!

Claire Apostoloff Claire is Next!

I am so pleased that you took a moment to stop by! If you have time, I’d love to hear which project you liked best.

Wishing all my crafty friends a healthy and happy 2023!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting

Spellbinders | October 2022 Club Kits

October 1, 2022October 22, 2022 Karen Brown2 Comments

Spellbinders October 2022 Large Die of the Month: watercolored die cut Christms Ornament card

Large Die of the Month – October 2022

Hello! Today is Release Day for the October 2022 Spellbinders Club Kits and I have several cards to share with you. I’ll start with the beautiful Large of Die of the Month, which is a seasonal stitched Christmas ornament. In my mind, I saw a softly watercolored bauble so I die cut the ornament from watercolor paper. Then, using the wet on wet technique, I loosely painted the die cut with three shades of aqua. I also painted a pink and green panel for the poinsettia and greenery. I used the greenery from Stitched Ornament (S4-1231), which was released earlier this year. After allowing the paint to dry, I darkened the edges with a second coat of water color.

I used three strands of blue gray embroidery floss. I created the background (3 5/8″ x 8 5/8″) with this month’s Embossing Folder of the Month. I wanted a showy card, so I used a big slimline card base (8″ x 9″, scored at 4″). I found this card so relaxing to make!

watercoloring die cuts: Spellbinders stitched Christmas ornament.

Small Die of the Month – October 2022

I created a cheerful Get Well card with the Small Die of the Month (Outlined Christmas Sentiments) kit. I love the ten mix and match sentiments (and shadows): Merry, Greetings, Warm, Christmas, Holiday, Wishes, Cheer, Enclosed, Joyous, Hugs.

Spellbinders October 2022 Small Die of the Month (Outlined Christmas Sentiments) Club Kit card.

I started by embossing my background (September 2022 Embossing Folder of the Month: Scattered Fall) on Waterfall Cardstock, and then used the shadow dies to cut an opening for the words Warm Hugs Enclosed. The sentiment was then die cut from Copper Metallic Cardstock. I’ve found it works well if you attach a sheet of double sided adhesive paper to the cardstock prior to die cutting. After you die cut, just pull away the backing paper and apply! I also die cut the poinsettias (included in this month’s kit) from Teal Topaz and white cardstock. The last step was to assemble the A2 Top Folding card with craft foam behind the background and foam tape squares behind the poinsettias.

Warm Hugs Enclosed Get Well card: Spellbinders October 2022 Die of the Month Club Kit.

Embossing Folder of the Month: October 2022

My last card was quick and easy! Using this month’s Embossing Folder (Scattered Christmas). I created my background with blue cardstock. I wanted the lovely embossing to be the star on this card.

Spellbinders October 2022 Embossing Folder of the Month Club Kit card.

I added a bold seasonal sentiment with three enamel dots and added the components to a top folding A2 card base.

Quick and Easy 3D Embossed Card using Spellbinders October 2022 Embossing Folder of the Month.

I am so glad you stopped by today!

Karen

cardmaking

Altenew Celebrating Watercolors Blog Hop + Giveaway ($300 in Total Prizes!

July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 Karen Brown62 Comments

Framed watercolor Poppy from Altenew's Watercolor Coloring Book

Altenew’s 36 Pan Watercolor Set

Hello friends! Did you know it is World Watercolor Month? To celebrate, Altenew is hosting a grand Blog Hop with LOTS of prizes and inspiration.

I LOVE Altenew’s watercolor products and I used them on my framed project. I started with the Poppy from Altenew’s Coloring Book and I painted it with the 36 Pan Set and Artists Brushes.

Watercolor Poppy for World Watercolor Month using the Altenew 36 Pan Set

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 on vacation soon and this coloring book will be making the trip as it is 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 went slow while I painted 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.

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.

Pink watercolor Altenew Poppy. — Altenew’s Coloring Book

Giveaway Prizes

$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this special blog hop, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $25 gift certificate to 8 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 08/05/2022 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 10 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 08/09/2022.

Blog Hop Order

As always, I am so very happy that you stopped by!

Karen

Uncategorized

Altenew Ultimate Watercolor Lovers Blog Hop + Giveaway

February 11, 2021 Karen Brown58 Comments

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.

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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.