Hey Crafty Friends! 

Today, I am feeling a bit unsettled.  Bittersweet to be done will all my course work for my Journey to Certification with Altenew.  I have loved learning and doing the classes. I will miss the structure.  But, I am so excited to be done so I can focus on where I will go from here.  What style of design do I want to focus on the most and to be known for?  I am a bit uneasy showing this one- because I am not gonna lie, its WAS WAY out of my comfort zone.  I LOVED making the backgrounds but struggled with designing cards.  I threw 4 away that will never be seen.  I want to revisit this technique more- but need the right products to pull it off.  For me, I need large word stamps and dies!  As you know, I am a focal point, clean and simple white space designer so this looks cra cra to me.  Smiles.

But..... I must admit I freakin' LOVE it. It needs to be framed. It's not just a card, its a piece of amazing artwork if I do say so myself. 

So, lets dive into the how, did you make that Miss Christine?

Stamps: Altenew Dearest Friend
Ink: Altenew Jet Black and Embossing
Cardstock/Paper:  Nupo | Neenah Solar White | Arches Hot Press Watercolor  | Grey and Black (I used my stash)
Other: Altenew Artist Markers and Refills | Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks | Clear Embossing Powder | Nuvo Sequins |Sparkle Silk ( I used mine from Fun Stampers Journey) 

Steps: 

• Apply a variety of Alcohol Inks on Nuvo paper. I used Altenew Coral Berry, Frosty Pink, Forest Glades and Frayed Leaf.  I also used Ranger Cranberry, Eggplant, Lettuce and Gold Mixative.
• Stamp flower images from ​Dearest Friend with Altenew Jet Black on a panel of Arches Watercolor paper, any cardstock will work- I wanted the off white look. I re-stamped with Embossing ink and applied Embossing powder. Heat set. I love the raised look it creates and how professional it looks.
• Color with your favorite medium- I used Altenew Artist Markers Coral Berry, Frosty Pink, Grapevine, Frayed Leaf, and Evergreen.
• Hand-cut around the flower bunches to apply to your Re-inker background panel.
• Stamp a sentiment on a scrap piece of cardstock, with Altenew Jet Black Ink. Apply to s strip of background.  Since the Yupo paper is 5 x 7, you will have pieces and parts to use. See photo above for leftover pieces I have for other projects. 
• Assemble as shown, I added a black and grey mat to frame it all and to make the entire card pop. My card base is Neenah Solar White 110 lb. (its all I use for bases). 
• Finish with a few sequins for that final touch of texture and some sprinkle of sparkle for shine. 
• Lastly, sit back and admire your ART.  I did. :-) 

Well folks, this is my last project for my coursework.  But it does not end here!  I will also be completing the final coursework with a mock workshop with my friends to hold the title of FULLY certified with Altenew.  I don't know where this will lead me, I hope it opens up many opportunities to teach and design.  I have found my forever home with Altenew.  I love the company inside and out.  Erum, Virginia and Nicole, THANK you for being my support of cheerleaders, thank you for the encouragement along the way and believing in me.  I've learn a lot and I have grown a better artist.  A HUGE thank you to all the instructors as well.  

Until next time! 

♥ Christine 

Hey friends! 

EEEEEEk, I love this card so much!  Water-coloring has become an obsession with me.  I still need a lot of practice.  I decided to pull out Pattern Play Circles again- it's my only Altenew background stamp, smiles.  I have several on my wish list!  I also pulled out one of my favorite stamps, Beautiful Quotes. My hope is to always bring joy and encouragement to others through my card-making- this stamp does just that. 

I absolutely loved the class, Stunningly Simple Watercolor Techniques. It's always fun to watch others color.  My BIGGEST take away, ah, ha moment-- WET the back of your card panel before placing it on a craft mat- this reduces the warping you can get when using lots of water. By adding water to the back, both sides dry simultaneously so there is less warping. 

Don't forget, from one of my other courses, HOT PRESS watercolor paper is the KEY to success.  The tooth is not as rough as cold press and you get a better result in my opinion.  Lets dive into the how, did you make that Miss Christine?

Stamps: Altenew Beautiful Quotes & Pattern Play Circles
Ink: Altenew Permanent Black , Embossing,  Lagoon and Volcano Lake
Cardstock/Paper:  Arches Watercolor Hot Press | Neenah Solar White 110 (card base) |  Scrap of Ivory 
Other: Rose Gold Embossing Powder | Watercolor Brushes |  Nuvo Ivory Seashell Crystal Drops | Sparkle & Copper Silks ( mine are from Fun Stampers Journey)

Steps: How did you make that Miss Christine?

• Brush or spray water on the back of a watercolor paper panel. 
• Brush watercolor mixture of water and Lagoon Ink on the panel. Create a ombre' background- start with the darkest color on top and end with a very little tint of color. If you add too much color add more water- if its too light- add more ink.  Let the panel completely dry before moving on. 
• Stamp back ground Pattern Play next with embossing ink on the dried panel, add Rose Gold embossing powder, then heat set.  
• Mix water and Lagoon ink on a craft mat and color some of the circles.  I like to apply clean water to each circle and dab colored ink -- let the water do the work... it will follow the water and because we embossed the colors stay confined as long as you don't put a HUGE puddle of watercolor inside the circle.  If you get too much - use a dry cloth to soak up some of the water. 
• Flick Sparkle and Copper silk randomly. 
• Stamp sentiment on Ivory cardstock with Volcano Lake.  Add foam tap to the back and attach to the card panel. 
• Assemble to card base and finish with some faux Nuvo Crystal Drop pearls. 
• My card is 4 x 5 1/4, this allowed me to add the sentiment strip that is 4 /1/4 long and it still will fit in a standard A2 envelope. 

I hope you love this card as much as I do--- its unique and so pleasing to the eye.  Thanks for stopping by, I have one more course to do and then it's exam time. 

♥ Christine 

Hey friends! 

I was so excited to finally ink up my NEW stamp set from Altenew, called Sweet Violet. I can't wait to make several color combos with it.  I also did a purple version.  I am giving this card and the other one to my Mom and Grandmas for Mother's day. 

I loved this course for my Altenew Journey to Certification, I love how Emily did multiple colors for her sentiments.  I typically just did black or grey sentiments.... this opens up a whole new look for me. So FUN!

Stamps: Altenew Build a Flower Sweet Violet
Ink: Altenew Jet Black, Lapis Lazuli Mini Cube Set, Snapdragon & Embossing
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White 80 lb (panel)- Neenah Solar White 110 lb (card base)
Other: Clear Embossing Powder | Nuvo Crystal Glaze

Steps: 

• Stamp outline of flower randomly with Jet Black ink. 
• Stamp layering flower images using Lapis Lazuli Mini Cube Set & Snapdragon for the centers.
• Die-cut flowers using the coordinating dies if you have them, if not hand cut them leave a small white border.
• Stamp sentiment- I used Eastern Sky for hope.... and as you....; I used Snapdragon for sweet. I used my stamp platform so I could do the next step. 
• Re-stamp sentiment with Embossing Ink, add Embossing Powder and heat set.  
• Assemble as shown, I used foam squares for two flowers. Finish with some Nuvo Glaze in the center of the flowers. 

Well, there you have it!  Three courses down, 2 more to go before my exam for Level 3. I am so close to the end.... it gives me chills.  

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, celebrating your MOM.  Not everyone is a mom, but everyone has a earthly mom or heavenly mom.  I also know some have broken or long distant relationships with their mom, so if this is YOU--- celebrate YOU because YOU are on this earth for a reason.... YOU ARE LOVED. 

​blessings, 

♥ Christine

Hey friends, I have a beauty for YOU. 

I absolutely LOVE to make one layer cards... now some may not call this a one layer, as some define it as a piece of cardstock folded in half and no other layers... I am different and feel this qualifies.  The idea behind it, is NO layers of patterned paper, other cardstock -- it taking a piece of cardstock, typically white or ivory and creating a flat card. I just attached my ONE layer to a card base to make it into an actual card. I give you permission to be your own kind of wonderful and interpret the form of art in your own way.  I also give you permission to color outside the lines.  Smiles.  

Stamps: Altenew Forever and Always & Wild Hibiscus
Ink: Altenew Permanent Black, Altenew Embossing Ink, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Scattered Straw
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White
Other: Arteza Watercolor Pencils,  Aqua Blender Brush, Blending Tool, Score Board & Shimmer Spray 

Steps: 

• Stamp flower image using Permanent Black Ink.
• Mask off a strip for the sentiment. I used post-it tape.
• Color flowers/leaves with Watercolor Pencils TIP: add a shadow around the image. I used a warm grey.
• Add a border on the edges of the post-it tape border - I water-colored with a dark brown pencil and some water. Remove the post-it tape. 
• Stamp sentiment with Black Ink using a stamp platform.  Clean the stamp well, Re-ink with Embossing Ink, Emboss with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set. 
• Score 1/4" strip on the entire panel, skipping the sentiment area and the flower areas.
• Using a blending tool and some distress ink, add color to the edges, 
• Assemble your card and finish with some flicks of Shimmer Spray and some Watercolor Ink, (I used the same brown I made the frame with). 

I absolutely LOVED One-Layered Wonders by Kelly Latevola, she is a natural at teaching,  Definitely one of my favorite instructors.  She inspires you, but most of all she encourages you to be YOU.  It's how I teach as well. I give all my students the license to be creative and do what gives them JOY. 

Thank you for checking me out again-- feel free to leave me a comment, so I know you stopped by. 

♥ Christine 

Hey Friends!  

Today, is about using Artist Markers from Altenew.  I took a  basic coloring class by Mindy Baxter.  Its a great class for beginners and includes three card ideas.  I decided to keep my sample clean and simple. 

Oftentimes,  most card-makers are intimidated to invest in alcohol markers, they can be expensive and a huge investment.  The beauty of alcohol markers, most like Altenew's are refillable, if needed. I love that.  Like I shared, I kept today's card very simple.  I used ONE marker to achieve this pretty card.  ONE MARKER!  The tip in doing this, is you need to allow the image to dry completely between layers to get that look of using two or three markers.  I always teach this technique FIRST in my coloring classes.  I feel it's important to practice slowly allowing you to get a feel for the tip and light blending.  I was going to color the leaves, but I decided I LOVE the grey and white, so instead I added mini dots with the tip of my marker.  I am very happy with how this turned out, I can make it on the fly if I need to. Smiles. 

As, you may have noticed, I passed Level 2 for my Journey to Certification with Altenew.  This is my first class for Level 3-- whoo hoo!  Enjoy! 

Stamps: Altenew  Bamboo Rose 
Ink: Altenew Jet Black | Catherine Pooler Twilight
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White  | Fun Stampers Journey Tin Pail & River Stone
Other: Altenew Artist Marker Coral Berry | Clear Sequins 

Steps: 

• I stamped the Rose and Leaves randomly on a piece of Neenah Solar white Cardstock using Catherine Pooler Twilight ink. 
• I colored the Roses with Artist Marker Coral Berry (using the tip of the Marker, I added dots to give it a fun whimsical look). 
• I stamped the sentiment using Altenew Jet Black Ink.
• Lastly, I assembled my card and finished it with some pretty clear sequins. 

I love how easy and fast it was to make this card. My favorite thing is I can mail it and not have to include another stamp.  It's the little things in life! 

Thank you for stopping by, I hope I inspired you to try coloring with ONE marker, I promise you will love it. 

♥ Christine 

Hey Friends!  

I am so excited to share this ensemble with all of you.  This card set is very near and dear to my heart.... it's all for my amazing husband,  He is very Patriotic and loves Merica! 

The challenge, I was given, was to make FOUR Masculine cards, Birthday, Love/Thinking of You, Anniversary and  Encouragement.  I must use THREE techniques I have learned so far ( I may have used more, smiles). So sit back and enjoy the ride!

Stamps: Altenew Land of the Free | Altenew Pattern Play Circle | Altenew Dotted Blooms (happy Birthday Sentiment) | Altenew Label Love (LOVE U sentiment) | Altenew Forever and Always ( I will find you in any lifetime! sentiment) 
Ink: Altenew Jet Black | Embossing Ink | Altenew Lapis Lazuli Ink Cube Set | Catherine Pooler Midnight, Sand Castle, Tiara & Twilight
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White | Altenew Jet Black | Fun Stampers Journey Huckleberry Fusion and Silver Mirror Cardstock
Other: Clear & Silver Embossing Powder | Nuvo Silver Sequins | Clear Rhinestones  | Nuvo Crystal Glaze | Blending Brush | Fun Stampers Journey Sparkle Silk

Techniques:

• Clean and Simple: use of white space
• Heat Embossing: make that sentiment pop with some embossing
• Let it Shine: add a strip of shimmer using Mirror Cardstock 

Steps: 

• Stamp Set: Land of the Free. Stamp Eagles as shown on Neenah Solar White , I used Catherine Pooler Inks (Midnight and Twilight).
• Stamp Set: Dotted Blooms. Stamp Sentiment on a scrap of Neenah Solar White, I used Altenew Azurite and Clear Embossed. 
• Assemble as shown. I added a 1/4 strip of blue cardstock and a 1/2 inch strip of silver mirror cardstock. Finished size 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.

Techniques:

• Easy Ink Blending: add ink direct to paper with a blending tool, this allows you to create custom colors of cardstock 
• Let it Shine: add some sequins for some shimmer and shine

Steps:

• Apply ink direct to a piece of solar white cardstock (4 x 4) using a blender brush. I started with the darkest shade Azurite, then Ultramarine, ending with Eastern Sky.  I left some white space on the bottom.
• Cut strips of 1/2" and 1/4'"every other. you will discard the 1/4" strips. 
• Adhere to a clean piece of 4 x 4 cardstock, adhering 5 strips the 1/2" pieces. 
• TIP: you could cut (5) 1/2" x 4" strips and apply ink to each strip one by one, I found it easier to cut after inking, less messy on the fingers.
• Stamp the Eagle (Stamp Set: Land of the Free) with Jet Black ink on a scrap of Solar White Cardstock. I embossed the Eagle with Clear embossing, another form of Let it Shine. 
• Diecut or punch a 2 1/4 circle around the Eagle. 
• Assemble the card as shown, finish with a sentiment (Stamp Set: Label Love) and some sequins. Finished size 4 1/4 x 4 1/4.

Technique:

• Irresistible Inking Techniques: Ink blending direct to paper and water bleaching
• Let it Shine: Clear Rhinestones and Sparkle Silk

Steps: 

• Apply Ink to Solar White Cardstock, again start with the darkest color and work your way down, I used all four shades this time from the Lapis Lazuli cube set.
• Using three of the circle stamps from Pattern Play, I created a 'cloud'. I masked off with a scrap piece of paper so I could make them half circles.  Stamp with water.  You may need to repeat a few times. TIP: Be sure to dry between each time you stamp. 
• Using a dry brush and some ink I added some lines to highlight the clouds to create a shadow. 
• Next,  I spritzed some water on the entire panel and flicked some Sparkle Silk. 
• Using a stamp platform and Stamp Set: Land of the Free, I stamped the Eagle with Jet Black, the stars with Azurite and sentiment with Eastern Sky. 
• Adhere the panel to a card base. Finish with some clear Rhinestones. Finished card 4 1/4 x 5 1/2.

To finish off, I am also showing a technique I have done and learned years ago- it's  called broken glass or stained glass- it is REALLY hard to capture the beauty of this card as an amateur photographer... it's SO stunning and SO awesome in person. 

Technique: 

• Broken Glass/Stained Glass 
• Easy Ink Blending: apply ink direct to paper with a blending brush
• Let it Shine: emboss with Silver Embossing Powder 

Steps: 

• Stamp a collage of images. I used the Eagles from Stamp Set: Land of the Free and circles from Pattern Play Circles.  The inks I used are from Catherine Pooler, Midnight and Tiara.
• Color the beaks with a yellow marker or pencil. 
• Apply a blue shade of ink to the edges of the all four sides using a blending tool or brush. 
• this is where the fun begins-- apply Embossing Ink to the entire collage piece- add Clear Embossing Powder and heat set- REPEAT this 3- 4 more time until you have a thick layer. 
• Place your panel in your freezer for 30 minutes or so. 
• Remove and 'snap'...bend- break the panel until you have lots of cracks. Work quickly, if you find it won't break - return to freezer and repeat breaking. 
• The next step is to take a blending tool and some ink - I used Catherine Pooler Sand Castle, any distress ink works, apply to the entire panel until the cracks are filled in. 
• Assemble as shown with cardstock mats, finish with a silver embossed sentiment. 

In June, it will be my 19th Wedding Anniversary, I can't wait to give this to my hubs! He will love it! 

Before I go, I have ONE more surprise, a 3D decor' piece that is also part of my exam. I needed to alter/up-cycle something. I decided to take a blah wall hanging from Target to make it my own, my youngest graduates next year so I need to start making fun things to have at her party.  This will definitely be on display!  

• Stamp Set: Altenew Dearest Friend | Altenew Inked Rose
• Cardstock: Neenah Solar White
• Inks: Catherine Pooler Sand Castle
• Other: Arteza Colored Pencils | Nuvo Crystal Drops, Simply White | Ribbon, Twine and a button. 

Steps: 

• I chalked the words YOU ARE using a stencil and some chalk ink. 
• I stamped and embossed the word Beautiful from Stamp Set: Inked Rose with white embossing. 
• I stamped the flowers and leave/sprigs on Neenah Solar White using Catherine Pooler Sand Castle Ink, 
• I colored the images with my Arteza colored pencils. 
• I added photos of my daughter and the colored images with liquid glue and foam squares. 
• I finished it with ribbon, twine, a button and some Nuvo drops. 

​

Thank you Erum and Virginia for pushing me out of my comfort box to make some masculine cards. I hope you loved them as much as I do. 

This completes ALL my requirements for my Journey to Certification, level two.
​
Blessings, 

♥ Christine 

HELLLLLLLO Friends! 

I am so excited to share this beauty- the photos don't do it justice, AT ALL.  It's so gloomy  in Minnesota so no natural lighting.  I really tried to capture the essence and feel of this card.  My daughter- walked by and said WOAH! I love that I get to end Level 2, with a bang!

Technique: Clean and Simple, no- lining coloring with watercolors! Bam!  

Stamps: Altenew Vintage Flowers | Altenew Beautiful Quotes
Ink: Ink on 3, Fadeout | Catherine Pooler Midnight and Rockin' Red | Prima Odyssey Watercolor Pan
Cardstock/Paper:  Arches Watercolor Hot Press Paper -140 pound (I buy it on Amazon)
Other: Clear Rhinestones

Steps: ​

• Stamp branch with Fadeout Ink. Stamp outline bloom image randomly on the branch. TIP: Want to have the best results? Arches, Watercolor Hot Press Paper is a MUST HAVE! 
• Watercolor flowers and branch.  I used #73 Tokyo and #78 Cusco. The trick to achieving a variety of shades is to dry between layer-- start light-- using a lot of water. Adding less water to your palette for each shade.  Another trick is to use a very small, fine brush. Invest in some quality brushes that will last you years and years. Using Rockin' Red Ink, I stamped the centers of the blooms with coordinating center image.  
• Stamp the small flowers using Rockin' Red Ink. 
• Stamp sentiment with Midnight Ink. 
• Mount on a card base ( I used Neenah Solar White 110 pound)  and splatter some leftover watercolor ink to give it some interest- I did both the Tokyo and Cusco mixtures. 

Well, there you have it, this completes my course work for Level 2- Altenew Educator Certification Program- next up is my exam to pass level 2.  I wonder what Erum has up her sleeve for me to do. Ha. 

Thank you to all the intructors, I loved each and every class! 

Until next time! 

♥ Christine 

Hey Friends!  

I am so excited to share I finished another course for my Altenew Journey to Certification, one more to complete my classes for Level 2. 

Today, is all about backgrounds.  Lydia made some amazing cards- I am loving all the fun techniques she showed and can't wait to show you more of them.  Today, I decided to create my own patterned paper.  I will be honest, I don't buy a lot of patterned papers, mostly because I like making white space cards that are clean and simple.  Lydia did introduce me to a new product out there that I ordered - I can't wait to get it to show you all.  It's pretty awesome! 

Stamps: Altenew Inked Rose
Ink: Altenew Permanent Black, Prismacolor Markers Canary Yellow, Light Aqua and Light Olive Green 
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Yellow and Blue (my scrap stash)
Other: Enamel Candy Drops (my stash), Altenew Silver Metallic Spray, White Signo Pen

Steps: 

• Stamp leaves randomly on Neenah Solar White with Altenew Permanent Black Ink
• Color leaves with your choice of color mediums, I used Prismacolor Alcohol Markers
• Splatter Silver Metallic Spray, I removed the nozzle and flicked
• Add some white does on the leaves using a White Signo Pen
• Assemble and finish with come Candy Drops

Thank you for visiting my blog, I hope I inspired you to make your own background patterned paper. 

​♥ Christine 

Hi everyone! 

Today's project is all about moods of colors.  I absolutely loved this course by Stephanie . I never thought about how color combos can represent mood, our mood or the mood intended for the receiver of our handmade cards.  I found this chart online describing the mood each color represents. Today, my colors are Purple, Black and White. For years my favorite color was purple but as I aged my new favorite color is teals and aqua. Makes sense, ambitious in my younger years, at peace is my older years.  So do you create color combos that represent your mood or the mood you are intending to give to your loved ones? I do both. 

Stamps: Altenew Painted Flowers  | Altenew Inked Rose (Hello Sentiment)
Ink: Altenew Jet Black, Altenew Green Valley Mini Cube Set | Enchanted Garden Mini Cube Set 
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White | Altenew Jet Black and Mirror Gold
Other:  Nuvo Ebony Black Crystal Drops | Altenew Antique Silver Metallic Spray​

• Stamp layering flowers on Neenah Solar White Cardstock using purples and greens .
• Handcut flowers leaving a small white edge.
• Stamp flowers on panel with Jet Black Ink. 
• Diecut or punch a 2 1/4 inch Mirror Gold Circle. 
• Assemble as shown, I popped some of the flowers. Spray Silver Ink, Add Nuvo Drops & stamp Hello Sentiment.

Well this was a fun class, this completes my coursework for Altenew In the Mood for Color for my Altenew Journey to Certification. Smiles. 

Thanks for visiting, I look forward to my next class soon. 

♥ Christine 

Hey friends! 

Let's play with color!  Poly, 2 or more!  I was inspired to do a pop of color and what better stamp to do with than Pattern Play Circles from Altenew.  This card is FUN and FABULOUS! So quick and easy to make too.  This completes my course work called, Polychromatic cards. 

Stamps: Altenew Pattern Play - Circle
Ink: Altenew Jet Black | Catherine Pooler Aquatini, Garden Party, It's A Girl and Mint to Be
Cardstock/Paper:  Neenah Solar White |  Altenew Black 
Other: Black Ribbon | Candy Dots (from my stash)

• Step One:  Stamp background image using Altenew Jet Black ink and sentiment on a scrap piece of white cardstock
• Step Two: Stamp circles with a variety of colored inks
• Step Three: Adhere a pretty Black Satin Ribbon
• Step Four: adhere panels and finish with Candy Dots

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope this inspires you to make a colorful creation too. 

​♥ Christine