Thursday, January 31, 2013

Each Layer is a New Beginning

I always believe that winter leads to a fresh start with spring, but there is a freshness in winter that is quiet and beautiful all on its own. I think this card that I created captures that feeling rather well. Featuring the new "Leafless Tree" stencil design from Dreamweaver, this card sort of grew organically. Lol. It began as a simply machine-embossed tree and bird on a panel of off-white cardstock. Hmmm. Then it needed something else. I started by using my Copic markers in a couple shades of gray to just add some shading. Hmmm. Still not enough, so I added more background color, some textural accents with a white gel pen, a contrast with the red bird. This is the point where I realized that I should have used more appropriate cardstock for coloring with Copics, as the blending was not as smooth as I would have liked. Hmmm. I covered the entire panel with Versamark ink, and embossed all in Stampendous Crystal Embossing Powder. Ooooh...nice and sparkly. Me likey! Now, how do I add a sentiment? Stamping on glitter never looks as crisp and clean as I'd like. But, I could stamp with StazOn on an acetate panel. So, I used the Stampendous Perfectly Clear Friendship Assortment for the perfect message. Of course, to adhere it over the top can be tricky as most adhesives will show through, and will not adhere to the glitter either. I chose to use a couple small pieces of super-sticky double-sided tape. Before applying, I scratched off the glitter where the adhesive would go, and applied the tape, and then the acetate panel.

The lesson learned? Never give up on your project! It may not come together like the vision in your mind, but something just as beautiful can appear, with just a bit of extra creativity!

We'd love to see YOUR creations for our monthly challenges. Please link them to the Dream It Up! blog, or email your creations to lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com, for a chance to win a fabulous prize of Dreamweaver product. Meanwhile, make the rounds to see what our clever girls have been up to this week:

7 comments:

Liz Martin said...

It's important to remember that it's OK if your project doesn't turn out exactly like what you had in mind. It's part of the creative process and you've expressed it perfectly in your comments and card. Great job!

Joy H said...

This is stunning beyond words Pam! I can't see the acetate at all. Your shading is incredible. I've just had the same experience with another project I've been working on, and kept plugging away, and it also worked out! Yay!

Louise said...

This is so beautiful, and even more so in person! It perfectly reflects the quiet peace of a snowy winter day!

Candy Spiegel said...

I love this effect ... gorgeous!

Caroline D. said...

This is super gorgeous!! With the glitter and the coloring you did under it, the card has a vintage look to of Christmases Past. I love it when we start with a specific crafty thought but then it morphs into a so much better result. I wondered how you got your sentiment so crisp with glitter... thought at first you stamped on the paper before glittering, but the acetate did the trick!... thanks for sharing the tip!

rose s. said...

your card is absolutely stunning!! i luv how the glitter gives a soft and muted look to the background. great tip re stamping the sentiment on acetate :) i always learn so much from you, thanks.

Jamie Martin said...

So pretty, love the sparkle!