Summer Fun in the Tropics!

 The Dream Team is in week two of the "Summer Fun" challenge for the month of July. Last week, my post was all about fun at the beach. This week I'm going tropical! I used the beautiful new Nouveau Wisteria stencil, done with a modified Faux Cloisonné technique.

Starting with the base of the card, I used this yummy coral cardstock from Bazzill. I applied Versamark ink over the Large Cathedral Window stencil, and ran it through with the card in my Big Shot machine. This transferred the ink in only the negative portion of the design on the card. I covered this inked area with Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel, and heated to melt. I added a layer of regular clear embossing enamel over the top and heated again.

The focal panel was ink stenciled with the Splendor Circus Pad and the smaller stencil brushes. (Tip: I highly recommend having one brush in every size for every color you will use.) To apply color in the smaller areas without runover, using the Picasso stencil is the perfect tool. Lots of spaces, holes, and shapes to use as a mask as you are stenciling.

While this ink was wet, I applied the UTEE over the surface and heated it, then repeated with the regular clear powder as before. At this point, I felt like something was still needed. So I tore a rectangle of cardstock, laid it over the stenciled panel, and sprayed with Teal Memories Mists. Then, I removed the panel, tore the edges some more, replaced it, and misted again. And then repeated one more time. The result was a soft frame that highlights the exquisite detail of the Wisteria design.

I embellished with beautiful soft aqua twill and web trim from May Arts. This prevents the image from appearing to hang in the middle of nowhere.

Now we want YOU to play along with us using the Summer Fun theme. Obviously, this theme has a loose interpretation, which gives you NO excuse not to play with us. Please link your creation to the Dream It Up! blog on the mr. linky, or email pics of your creation(s) to lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com for an opportunity to win the complete version of this sneak peek stencil design to be released next week at CHA Summer in Rosemont, IL:

Hmmm. I think you can guess that this design is NOT for Summer Fun. However, our upcoming challenge for August will be "Christmas in August". Get the hint?

For more inspiration, visit the rest of our creative team:

Dream It Up! blog
Pam Hornschu   

Laura Drahozal  

Louise Healy
Wendy Jordan  

Terrece Siddoway 

Kristi Van Doren 

Georgia Sommers 

Lee Kellogg 
Jessie Hurley

Liz Martin

 Cyndi Bundy 

Cherylynn Moser