Freshly Made Sketches #669

I have noticed on most of the cards that I have made so far this year that there isn’t a lot of color. I’m using a lot of black and white or blue and white, so today I decided to bring some color back into our cloudy winter world here in Nebraska. This week, I decided to feature poppy flowers and a touch of mixed media magic. My very first painting I was ever gifted was a field of poppies from my dad. Somehow over the years, we ended up calling him Poppy, so these flowers are very special always! 

Here’s a peek behind the scenes of how it all came together!  

Step 1: The Sketch

It all started with this week’s sketch. I’ve always loved the delicate yet bold look of poppy flowers, so I let that inspiration from the sketch and the poppies guide me. I ended up adding a middle layer (The sketch police are going to come after me) and using my row of pearls for the “bottom circle.” I used Flourishes' Poppy Patch (retired) and stamped on watercolor paper using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. 

Step 2: Adding Color

Next came the color! I reached for watercolors to bring the poppies to life. Vibrant reds and oranges blended beautifully to capture their signature glow, while a soft wash of linen set the background. I painted the poppies with acrylic paint (smooth texture) and let some of the black outline run. The outer very subtle color was painted with Linen Distress ink. I wanted the colors to pop but still maintain a dreamy, hand-painted feel.  

Step 3: The Mixed Media Touch

To elevate the design, I incorporated mixed media elements. I added texture using a bit of torn, distressed paper and burlap. I doodled around the circle for a hand drawn border. A hint of gold leaf added a subtle shimmer, catching the light just right. Finally, I used a bit of pre-printed twill ribbon with the sentiment.

It’s amazing how a simple sketch can transform into a piece of art that brightens someone’s day. Plus, the mixed media elements gave it a unique, tactile quality.

If you’ve been thinking about creating your own cards, I encourage you to try it! Start with Narelle’s beautiful sketch, let your creativity flow, and don’t be afraid to experiment with textures and layers.  

Our challenge is open until Monday at 3pm EST. Be sure to check out the gorgeous cards that my teammates made on the FMS blog! They always inspire me!

Happy crafting! 

Everything Whale Be Okay!

My project today for Pajama Crafter Stamps is making sweet waves with this card of encouragement. Featuring two lovable whales and the perfect pun: "everything whale be okay," it's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Let these gentle giants deliver some much needed positivity!

I started by ink blending a stencil from my stash using three Distress Oxide inks: Tumbled Glass, Salvaged Patina, and Peacock Feathers. I stamped the sentiment from Whale Wishes in VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink and then stamped my whales (Oh Whale) also in Nocturne. I embossed the whales with clear embossing powder, and then added a few highlights with alcohol markers. I fussy cut the whales and popped them up with foam tape. I filled in some of the areas with a few pink and teal flat sequins. Finally, I added a couple of half clouds from my stash to finish the sky. A fun patterned paper finished the mat, with a light pink card base. 

I hope this card brings a smile to someone today! 

Freshly Made Sketches #668

A quick post today to share a card I am sending to a friend this week! I love this mug, don't you? It's from a cute little set by Unity Stamp Co. called Mug of Hugs (retired). I think it packs a punch in black and white!

For my layout I used Karren’s awesome sketch at Freshly Made Sketches. Last week I was very literal, and this week I took some liberty with the longer strips, shortening two up for interest and to keep my card a one layer CAS. 

I stamped my images with VersaFine Clair Nocturne and added some of my fun washi tapes for the strips. I need to use those more. I love the look and the fun patterns! 

Be sure to check out the incredible designs from my teammates on the FMS blog! Our challenge is open until Monday, January 13 at 3 PM EST! Come join us! 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I am so excited for 2025 to really enjoy my crafting time! And what better way to start the year off than with a new sketch from Freshly Made Sketches! This one is from the very talented Cecile and here is mine!

I had a ton of fun making this. But it sure went in a different direction than I had planned. I ordered a new ink from the VersaFine Clair line (LOVE it!) called Arctic. Well. I was thinking it would be white. Like an arctic fox! Imagine my surprise when I opened it to stamp my snowflake (Winter Snowflake - Colorado Craft Company) and it was blue. I even stared at the ink for a couple of seconds thinking "that's a weird white." HA. But I went with it anyway and love how this mixed media card turned out (which it wouldn't have been in white!). I stamped the blue, and then added some white embossing powder, black and white paint splatters and a trio of icy blue gems. Sentiment by Picket Fence Studios.

My husband and I are enjoying (right) our first bouts of Covid to start the New Year, so it can only go up from here! Our challenge is open until Monday, January 6, at 3 PM EST. We hope that you will join us! Check out my amazing teamies' cards on the FMS Blog!