Thursday, April 30, 2015

WCC22 - A Combination Challenge

Wow, time's been flying and I almost missed this week's Watercooler Challenge, by Heidi Weaver.  Heidi one of the very talented and long time members of the Watercooler Artists has come up with a fun challenge that involves combining a watercolour background with a silhouette.  


Here's My Card:






Nothing in Heidi's instructions indicated the watercolour background had to be the "whole" base of the card for this challenge, so I decided to use only a portion of it in my design. The card base I chose to make is called a Pop Out Swing Card.  The watercolour background and silhouette are  showcased on both the swing panel and sentiment panels at the front of the card.  

When opened the Pop Up Swing Card has three panels.  I combined stamps from the Basic Butterfly and Serene Silhouettes stamp sets for the tree silhouette and the inside sentiments  and stamped them in Blackberry Bliss ink.  I embossed the tree silhouette on the watercolour background using Clear Embossing Powder over Blackberry Bliss and Versa Mark inks.
   
 
How Did I Make It:
I really had fun trying out a variety of techniques for making a watercolour background, before settling for one I made using the Mosaic Embossing Folder and re-inkers.  My original piece of water colour paper measured 5 1/4 x 4 but as you can see from the above pictures, I cut it down to 2 3/4 x 2 34".


To create the watercolour background I simply sprinkled some ink from the re-inkers in strips across the raised side of my Mosaic Embossing Folder and then used a water spritzer to move the ink around.  When I was satisfied with the amount of ink and the intensity, I laid my piece of 5 1/4" x 4" watercolour paper over the folder.  I used a scrap of white card  stock over top of the watercolour paper and pressed down on this piece evenly to transfer the colour to the watercolour paper.  I carefully raised the watercolour panel and then set it aside of paper towel to dry.  

Once it was thoroughly dry (the next day), I inked up my tree silhouette with Versa Mark and then Blackberry Bliss ink and stamped it in the center of the watercolour panel.  I spread Clear Embossing Powder over the still wet ink and embossed the image.  Wow did it pop and give added texture to the card.  

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Serene Silhouettes, Basic Butterflies and Really Good Greetings
Ink:  Lost Lagoon, Blackberry Bliss, and Versa Mark for the silhouette, sentiments and sponging around the watercolour panel.
Re-inkers:  Pool Party, So Saffron and Calypso Coral
Card Stock:  Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper

  • Card base:  Blackberry Bliss cut to 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" and scored at 4 1/4"
  • Inside Layer:  Whisper White 5 x 6" scored at 2" and 4"
  • Front Layers:  Hello Honey 3 1/4" x 3 1/4", Lost Lagoon 3 x 3", and Watercolour Paper 2 3/4 x 2 3/4" for
  • Sentiment strip 1" x 3 1/2"watercolour paper  
For instructions on how to assemble a Pop Out Swing card click here to see Dawn Griffins video tutorial.
Accessories:  Trimmer, Big Shot, Mosaic Embossing Folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Squares Frame Lit Dies, Basic Rhinestones.




I hope you enjoyed this all occasion card that celebrates an accomplishment.  For me I was pleased that I accomplished the double challenge and came up with something that I really liked.  It was also fun combining the challenge with a fancy fold card that I've been wanting to make.


I hope you'll check out the rest of the samples on the Watercooler Watercolour Combo Challenge, they're truly awesome and leave these talented gals some comments while you're there.  

I also hope you'll try out both of these techniques.  I'd really like to know what you enjoyed about doing them and a link to your projects.  Oh, and there's still a bit of time to play along with this challenge, if you're up for it today.  We'd love to have you join in the fun!
Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Don't Forget theClearance Rack

If you're looking to put in an order this week, make sure you check out the Clearance Rack which was updated on April 22nd. There are some awesome treasures worth taking a look at if you're looking to save money and stock up on ribbons, accessories and stamps.  Just saying............

Happy Stamping! 
Penny Tokens

Hostess Code Club -

Just a note to let you know I'm starting a new monthly feature that will go live on May 1st.  Press the Penny Tokens Hostess Code Club tab at the top of my blog to get all the details.  

 

Retiring Products List Now Available


Today is one of those mixed blessings days.  On one hand the Retiring List of 2014-2015 annual catalogue (up to 50% off) and the MDS Studio's list (30% off) have been published.  For you this means it's a great time to stock up on some of your favourite products and stamps. For me, it's a sad day because it means I have to say goodbye to so many of my favourites.  

On the other hand (drum roll here) the smile comes back on my face because the announcement of the Retiring list also heralds the "coming soon" notice of the new Annual Catalogue for 2015-2016.  Oh boy that eally makes me smile in anticipation! 

Retiring List Links: 
Retiring List Stamps and Accessories PDF

My Digital Studio (PDF)


So my advice to you is to check out these lists and take advantage of the up to 50 percent off retail on the stamps and accessories and 30% off retail on the MDS Studio products today.  These deals are only available until June 2, or while supplies last, so now's a great time to get them before they're gone!*


Fine Print: 
Orders can be placed as a demonstrator, customer, workshop, or online order.
Order deadlines:
By phone: Tuesday, June 2, 2015; 6:50 PM (MT)
By On-Line OEX: Tuesday, June 2, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT)


*Note: Due to high demand for retiring stamps, Stampin' Up! will keep producing retiring stamps only until May 26, but accessories such as DSP, buttons, punches etc. are only available while supplies last.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Count Down To Retired List Reminder

It’s  getting closer and closer to the end of  Stampin' Ups!  calendar year,  and  that means they’re getting ready to retire stamps and accessories from the 2014-2015 annual catalogue.

In fact, I've just heard that the retired lists go live on April 21st this year.  Holy Batman  only three days away!!!

Don't worry, though!  You’ll  have the opportunity to order retiring products at discounted prices (up to 50 % off retail) before they're gone. So start checking back on your Wish List to see if there's anything you just have to have, and then you'll be all set when the lists are released this coming Tuesday.  


If you're faves are on the list and you want them, then I caution you to act fast and place an order through me (if you’re local) or on-line if you live elsewhere in BC or Canada, because supplies go fast!   

My Hostess Code for this month is C9WDQBM6, make sure you include this code on your order and you'll be entered for the hostess bonus draw


Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Rainbows, a Pot of Gold, Leprechauns green beer and shenanigans are all part of celebrating St. Patty's Day on March 17th. I have a sma...