Friday, July 19, 2019

Altenew Educator "Love & Friendship" Blog Hop + Giveaway

Welcome to Altenew Educators Blog Hop!   Welcome to today's Altenew Educator Certification Program Blog Hop brought to you by Altenew and those of us who have been Certified through this fantastic program.  We are celebrating "Love and Friendship".  We were asked to use one of our favorite sets for our project.  My first two cards feature Beautiful Day, which was my first Altenew Purchase and how I became an Altenew Fan!

If you’ve been following along, you’ve just arrived from Nenette S. Madero's blog. If you find a broken link, you'll find a master list of the hop links at the Altenew Card Blog.


I had this stack of background papers sitting on my desk that I had pulled out so I would remember to use them, so I wanted to very closely match the colors in that paper to my stamping. Today's project was created using the gorgeous Beautiful Day Stamps and Coordinating Dies with a technique that I developed, called Watercolor Detail Stamping.  For those of us who might not be as good at watercolor painting, this is an easy way to get the look of watercolor without the actual time and intensity involved.  

I start by stamping the images with Versamark and then heat embossing them with Antique Gold Embossing Powder onto Cougar Super Smooth Digital White #110 Cardstock.  You can use watercolor paper, but I wanted to prevent the continual spreading that using watercolor papers allows.  Basically, I wanted to contain the spread of color so I used cardstock which restricts the flow of water somewhat.  The heat embossed edges also help to contain the color.  


For the colors, I use my MISTI to stamp in each layer of color. Starting with the most solid image in my lightest shade, Rose Quartz, I stamp that in without any water misting since it's the base layer and the other colors will go on top of that. For the leaves, I used Frayed Leaf on a couple and Sweet Leaf on the others as my base layer color. 

For the second layer, I used the little water bottle that I keep on my desk.  It's an empty bottle from a previous product, but it has a very fine mist, so it works perfectly for this.  I can also use it to put a bit of water on my pan watercolors if I want to add spatters or do occasional watercolor.  The secret is finding a bottle that has a very fine mist.  For the second layer of the blooms, I inked up with Baby Pink Ink.  Holding my water bottle about 2 feet above the inked up stamp, I spray a light mist onto the stamps, then stamp it onto the paper.  If you do it too close, it will be too wet, so start light and go with additional layers of color if you want deeper tones.  This lets the first and second ink blend seamlessly.  I stamped the second layer of color for the leaves using Forest Glades Ink.  Again, I held my water bottle about 2 feet above and gave it a very light mist, then stamped the images.  

For the next color on the blooms, I chose Pinkalicious and did it the same way.  The final layer on the blooms was inked up with Puffy Heart.  I usually let each layer sit for a couple of minutes before stamping the next layer.  Once the stamping is done, I set it aside to let it dry.  You can easily see that there are no harsh lines between the color changes.  This technique works perfectly with Altenew's layered floral stamp sets and Crisp Inks.

While I waited for those to dry, I did a bit of work on my background paper.  I spritzed it with some gold shimmer mist and then some clear sparkle shimmer mist I let that dry and then, used my Finetech Gold Watercolors to create some spatter on the background piece.  Setting that aside, I went back to my stamped images that were now dry, and gave them all a liberal spraying of shimmer mist and let that dry before die cutting the images with the coordinating dies.


I also die cut the background panel using a basic stitched rectangle die.  Because I didn't want to cover up the design, I tried my arrangement several ways to see which was going to work best and then die cut it accordingly.  I mounted that to a top folding horizontal card base and worked with my elements until I had a pleasing arrangement.  

It was very important to me to have a nice balance and blend of color between the stamped elements and the beautiful watercolor look background paper.  I didn't want to take anything away from either of them.  

My second card features some of the stems and blooms from my initial Watercolor Detail Stamping but I used Corals instead of Pinks.   I started by stamping Pattern Play - Diamond Stamp Set onto a piece of Bristol Smooth Cardstock with Versamark and heat set it using Antique Gold Embossing Powder.  


I blended a line of Fresh Lemon Ink across the panel diagonally, from bottom left to the upper right-hand side.  Next, I used Rubellite Ink across one corner, blending into the center diagonal bit of Fresh Lemon Ink.  It was my first chance to try out the new Taylored Expressions blending brushes which are so fantastic you can't believe it!  I have another brand and these are superior!  Next, I used Autumn Blaze Ink in the opposite corner, blending toward that center diagonal line once again.  As I often do on many of my backgrounds, I gave it several good spritzes of shimmer mist and set it aside to dry.  This also gives that center line an absolutely seamless blend.

Once the background panel was completely dry, I die cut it with a stitched rectangle die.  Then I added Nuvo Dream Drops to each of the center points across the design in the color Cloud Nine.  This color picks up the colors underneath and so it looks like I have little bits of iridescent pink or orange pearls at each of those points.  I absolutely love the Nuvo Dream Drops and I am hoping they come out with additional colors this year.  

Once the Nuvo Dream Drops were dry, I figured out my arrangement and then starting placing all of my elements.  I again used Little things From Lucy's Glossy Porcelain Pearls for the center of the blooms.  I love how vibrant this card turned out!  


My last card for today's Certified Altenew Educators Blog Hop was created with Gilded Ombre Washi Tape, a sentiment from Beautiful Day and the Fantasy Floral 3D Die Set.  I applied Washi Tape on a 5.5 x 8.5 panel of white cardstock, then rotated it and did it again, so that the purple met in the center.  I am a huge fan of the Altenew Washi Tapes and this is a favorite.  I have all of the gilded ones and as always, they are my favorites!  I die cut half of it for a background panel, and then die cut the leaves randomly from the piece of leftovers.  I already had the two bottom layers of the bloom in two shades of purple, so to tie everything together, I cut the top layer from some gold foiled cardstock.  One of the really neat things about this die set is that while you can stack them exactly where all of the layers line up, you don't have to.  This helps to vary the look from bloom to bloom if you want more than one. 

The Altenew Educator Certification Program really helped me to stretch and explore beyond what I thought my style was.  I can easily do elegant designs, but I continue to explore the more artistic styles and techniques learned in the classes.  Beginning now through 7/21/2019, you can get class bundles at a discounted price of 20% off.  I always find Altenew Academy Classes to be well worth the money spent and very reasonably priced at around $10.00 or less.  They are self-paced, with lifetime access, so you can review a lesson at any time.  

To celebrate AECP blog hop and encourage people to join in the AECP program, we'll discount the following bundles by 20% from 7/19/2019 to 7/21/2019. Banner attached.

https://altenew.com/products/aecp-level-2-class-bundle
https://altenew.com/products/aecp-level-1-class-bundle


Prizes/Giveaway

Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 3 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Blog by 7/26/2019 for a chance to win. Altenew will also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew blogs on 7/30/2019.

Hop Order: 

Vicki Finger (You are here)

Your next stop along the hop is the talented Nandini Karmarkar!  There are many stops along the hop to enjoy, so don't forget to check them all out and be sure to comment for a chance to win one of the giveaways!

If you'd like to see all the projects on Instagram, here's that list for you.
@altenewllc
@yesvirginialu
@altenew_planner_girl
@_michelleomurray
@maryam_crafter
@irenemcbeatle
@notableink
@terismailbox
@fd92354
@treasuresinletters
@mylittleatticstudio
@vicki.finger
@crownfocus
@sevenscrafts
@penningtoncreates
@glitternswirls

Compensated Affiliate Links used whenever possible at no additional cost to you!
Altenew Antique Gold Crisp Embossing Powder
Altenew Antique Gold Crisp Embossing Powder
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Altenew Beautiful Day Die Set
Altenew Beautiful Day Die Set
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Altenew Beautiful Day Inspiration Guide
Altenew Beautiful Day Inspiration Guide
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Altenew Beautiful Day Stamp & Die Bundle
Altenew Beautiful Day Stamp & Die Bundle
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Altenew Beautiful Day Stamp Set
Altenew Beautiful Day Stamp Set
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Altenew Cherry Blossom Mini Cube Set
Altenew Cherry Blossom Mini Cube Set
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Altenew Cherry Blossom Oval Set
Altenew Cherry Blossom Oval Set
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Altenew Gilded Ombre Washi Tape
Altenew Gilded Ombre Washi Tape
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Altenew Gold Foiled Cardstock
Altenew Gold Foiled Cardstock
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Altenew Green Fields Mini Cube Set
Altenew Green Fields Mini Cube Set
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Altenew Green Fields Oval Set
Altenew Green Fields Oval Set
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Altenew Green Fields Reinkers
Altenew Green Fields Reinkers
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Altenew Pattern Play - Diamonds
Altenew Pattern Play - Diamonds
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Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Mini Cube Set
Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Mini Cube Set
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Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Oval Set
Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Oval Set
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Altenew Rose Petal Mini Cube Set
Altenew Rose Petal Mini Cube Set
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Altenew Rose Petals Oval Set
Altenew Rose Petals Oval Set
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Altenew Rose Petals Reinker Set
Altenew Rose Petals Reinker Set
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Altenew Spring Bouquet 6 Mini Cube Set
Altenew Spring Bouquet 6 Mini Cube Set
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Altenew Spring Bouquet 6 Oval Set
Altenew Spring Bouquet 6 Oval Set
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62 comments:

  1. Wow! Such amazing, gorgeous cards! Love the beautiful blooms on the first. And the purple card is really striking.

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  2. GORGEOUS! Your use of color is beautiful.

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  3. Your cards are just gorgeous!! Love the colors!

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  4. Vicki all of your cards are so pretty, I especially love the Gilded Ombre washi card. Crafty Hugs Terri

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  5. Oh Vicki, your cards are lovely! Beautiful Day is one of my favorite sets and you've done it up so beautifully! I'm drawn to the orange, coral, and pink card with the diamond background. Love those rich colors! Hugs!

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  6. Anyone would be fortunate to receive any of these beauties.

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  7. Beautiful cards - I especially love the second one with that regal combination of purple and gold!

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  8. Loved that first card. And your instructions are great!

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  9. Hi Vicki! I love all your color choices!!!😍 All your cards are stunning! Thanks for the tip about the fine misting technique. Will have to try that someday.

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  10. SUPERB post and creations, Vicki! Love your use of Washi Tape and layering! Thank you for hopping along with us today!

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    1. You are the best, Virginia! Thank you. I always want to do Altenew proud!

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  11. Your cards feature flowers and background that make them look real. Truly inspiring! Thank you

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  12. 3 beautifully made cards!! They are gorgeous and one with purple washi tape my favorite !

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  13. These are all so beautiful. I loved each one as I came to it! I love purple so that has to be my favorite! Just sayin"! :)

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  14. Your cards are amazing -- beautiful coloring and layouts. Altenew is fortunate to have such talented designers to showcase their amazing products.

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    1. Such a sweet and lovely thing to say! Thank you!

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  15. What lovely cards and super techniques. Wonderful learning experience for me, so guess you can teach this old dog new tricks Haha! You are one talented lady.

    Tricia Podmore

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  16. These are really beautiful cards! :)

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  17. Your cards are the best yet. I especially love that you made a card with my favorite purple/gold washi. Fantabulous!

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  18. WOW!!! The gold with the rich colors is really beautiful!

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  19. Very pretty cards! Thank you for sharing!

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  20. Lovely cards, thank you for sharing

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  21. Your cards are beautiful! I love the color combinations.

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  22. You've done such a wonderful job show casing the Altenew stamps (I love Beautiful Day). I like your technique of spritzing your stamps..it really gives a beautiful watercolor look. I will have to give this a try..

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  23. Beautiful, beautiful cards!! Very nice designs. I love the gorgeous colors!! Just...Wow!!

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  24. These are beautiful! I Love the gold embossing and the way you colored the flowers! The purple is my favorite!

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  25. Vickie, You do Altenew incredibly proud. You cards are beautiful. Thanks for the gorgeous inspiration.

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  26. Beautiful Day was my first stamp set too! I love what you did with this set. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  27. I love the Beautiful Day set and your cards are amazing!

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  28. Beautiful cards! So fresh and delightful!

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  29. Hi Vicki, Your cards are beautiful. I think my favorite is the 3-D floral with the beautiful purple-violet hues.

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  30. stunning cards, Vicki - love love the purple card!!

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  31. I love the way how you dye your cards.Thanks for sharing them!

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  32. Your cards are gorgeous! Your watercolor technique is neat and I can't wait to try it. I really like the purple card using washie tape. I need to try that too. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. Beautiful cards! I love that the flower colors go with the backgrounds.

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  34. Wow, what beautiful card , I just ordered some wide washi tape, can't wait for them to get here!

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  35. Gorgeous set of cards!! Love them all! <3

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  36. Your cards are just beautiful. I will have to give your watercolor misting technique a try!

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  37. Gorgeous designs Vicky! Love them all! Altenew's wide washi tapes are fabulous to create quick cards with a fabulous design. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  38. Gorgeous cards! I especially love the purple washi card...it is beautiful!! Love your watercoloring too...so fabulous. Great inspiration here!!

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  39. Am one of your many fans and loved all of your cards! Super excited to hear all of the details about the courses!
    @jordanbev5

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  40. Beautiful cards; thanks for the detailed instructions for layering those gorgeous pink flowers!

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  41. love the purple 3rd card - thank you

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  42. Simply Stunning cards. Thank you for sharing your creativity and using Altenew products.Purple is my favorite.

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  43. Gorgeous floral cards! Your purple and gold card is just fabulous!

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  44. Beautiful! I especially love the gilded washi tape card!

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  45. So lovely, I really like the bold colors

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  46. Great cards! I especially love how vibrant your Patterned Play card is!

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  47. I love your color choices on your cards, especially those yummy purples. So pretty!

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  48. Beautiful Day is such an iconic Altenew stamp set, such lovely images!
    I love that you made them pink, they look simply delicious on your card Vicki!

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  49. Wow, gorgeous blooms and these color combos really make the flowers pop.

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  50. Vicki, all of these cards are amazing and it is hard to pick just one favorite. I love your ideas of using misted water to create a watercolor look. I like embossing with watercolor as well since the color tends to "behave" a bit more given the well the embossing powder creates. Wonderful job and I love all the color combinations.

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  51. Beautiful cards and your colours are all so gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and I have Pinned them.

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  52. Love the purple tones on your Floral Fantasy cuts!!

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  53. Wonderful backgrounds for these pretty flowers.

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  54. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!

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