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This is intended to be mainly about my crafting stories, as a personal record of what I do. However, I interpret crafting quite widely, not just paper crafting but other things too. I have a butterfly mind and like to change from one thing to another depending on what I feel like on a given day - knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, cards, baking and several others, including my favourite right now, parchment, both traditional skills and Groovi, very relaxing and calming to do.

I have decided to put some structure into my blog so that each day will have something of a theme.
Monday- for Mindfulness; Tuesday - Tidy Up Day; Wednesday - What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday; Thursday - Technique and Tips; Friday - Finish Off Day; Saturday - Start Something New; Sunday - Anything Goes
These themes are not hard and fast and will be changed if I feel the need.

Monday, 9 June 2014

Playing with new stencils

 I have had a good weekend, playing with new techniques, and practicing ones that I am more familiar with.  All three are using Clarity stencils and brushes.  This first card is a new one which was shown on Create and Craft at the beginning of this month.  It is a combi set, with the stencil and then remountable leaves/petals with the filigraphy design on each.  

Initially, I stencilled the design using just two colours of Adirondacks - Butterscotch and Pesto, adding the ink with the Clarity brushes.  By gradually adding colour through the stencil, you can achieve some lovely shading, and real depth of colour. Then I used the remountable filigraphy stamps to add the texture look, stamping in Pesto.

This was never intended to be a square card, but I was too idle to go upstairs to get another piece of base card.  It looked stupid in the centre of a large card, so I put it to the side and then decided to stencil  the flower or part of it to the side.   As you can see, I use only parts of the main stencil, just picking the bits that I wanted and that fitted into the space available.   To finish off, I used the Butterscotch that still remained on the brush to soften down the stark white of the card.


This second card, using the Chinese Lanterns stencil, was a straightforward brushing through the stencil with Butterscotch and Red Pepper, blending them lightly in the middle.  I have not quite finished this one as I intend to add one of the remountable sentiment line stamps, choosing whichever is appropriate to whoever I am sending it to.  I will take the sentiment round all four sides of the design to frame it properly.

Card number 3 is the result of using too much paint on the Gelli plate, which meant that I got a really strong ghost print.  This print has been in my folder for over a month while I decided how to use it.  The base colour was  a strong olive green, and I suddenly decided to go over the top with  a Distress ink, Spiced Marmalade, which I thought was probably the nearest to the true colour of Chinese Lanterns.  I was a bit nervous because I actually liked the print as it was, so it was a bit of a leap of faith, but I think I also like the effect of adding the orange.

Later this week, I will show you the results from Maria's Workshop last Friday.  I had a whale of a time, once I had woken up.

At some point, on Wednesday, I will announce the winners of my Blog Candy.  I am very close to getting to the magic 100 followers, which may mean an extra prize for someone, chosen at random.

9 comments:

Naomi said...

Hi Maggie, all 3 are great but I love the 1st, so beautiful. Glad you are having fun.

Di said...

Oh Magie, these really are absolutely gorgeous! Gosh, you rock those stencils - amazing results!

I have the Clarity brushes and aren't they great - now I need to dig into my knicker pocket and get some more adventurous stencils.

Is it me, did our navy school bloomers really have a little pocket on? :)

Hugs, Di xx

Unknown said...

They are really lovely x

Jo Rice said...

Hi Maggie, I love all three designs, they are so different but all brilliant. As you know I love the Chinese Lantern stencil and I love how you have used it....hope you are having a good day....big crafty hug....Jo. X

Linda Simpson said...

WOW these are stunning! I love the first card it is amazing.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Theresa said...

a productive weekend for you i see. lovely cards. love what you achieved with gelli print. that spiced marmalade made it so vibrant xx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Oooo-er Yum yum those stencils stamps and colouring really appreciated just superb. .. Love the second stencil but think that that first one really takes the cake. .. wonderful indeedy!!! You really excell with clarity
You know I subscribed to her videos three times now but never get them.. or blog posts sad and frustrating. Every blessing dear friend.
Love Shaz in Oz.x

Barbara said...

Excellent Maggie. You are getting good at this aren't you! Xx

Lisapmac said...

Fabulous, now following your blog x