artsy expressions embossed cards for StencilGirl®

Hi everyone, today I am on the StencilGirl® Talk blog sharing some fun folding cards that I created with StencilGirl® stencils and embossing. I love handmade cards. There's something about knowing that someone took the time to create a piece of art to express their wishes. I recently wanted to send an artist friend of mine a note, and as I searched my stash of handmade cards, I decided it was time to update my collection. This particular friend tends to use a lot of stencils in their art, so I thought it would be fun to create some cards with my StencilGirl® ATC Mixup Alphabet stencil designs.

You can find all the details over on the StencilGirl® Talk blog, here. And the best news is that my stencils are on sale for the next 2 weeks! Just use code  AB20  for 20% off any of my stencils! Just enter the code at checkout. (code expires 04/29/25)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Ann

with 3 things

Hello everyone, I have a post on the PaperArtsy blog sharing some cards that I made for the "with 3 things" challenge. I was so excited to be able to participate in this new feature, especially to be able to stretch my imagination and creativity using the wonderful PaperArtsy products.

When my package arrived, I was looking forward to seeing which three products were chosen for me to create something with. I was certainly not disappointed! These new PaperArtsy Hot Picks stamps (HP2401) drew me in from the moment I watched the release video. This set contains wonderful small graphics, perfect for backgrounds as well as some bolder sentiments that could work in journals or on cards, even layered into a mixed media piece. Just as exciting is the package of Crunchy - Waxed Kraft Paper (WKPA5), oh the possibilities! I love the natural brown color of this paper and the waxed coating that gives way when the paper is scrunched up creating a web-like effect is simply divine. I have always wanted to experiment with just how much this crunchy waxed paper could handle and this was my chance! The final product included was a jar of PaperArtsy Infusions Just Walnut. Now this was a treat! The infusions line is so interesting and creates such beautiful finishes where each color includes some of these walnut crystals, but to have a jar of simply walnut crystals, it is pure joy. Now, I must admit, once I unpackaged these "3 things" my imagination went into overdrive. so many ideas came to mind. I may even have a little pile of experiments, as well as need to finish pieces, stacked on the corner of my table. 

If you hop over to the PaperArtsy blog, you cab find a few more details about the cards I created and my experiments with these wonderful products. 

You can find the PaperArtsy post here.

I can't wait to send out my cards! I loved being able to take part in this new feature on the PaperArtsy Blog. I hope that maybe you have been inspired to pull out a few supplies and spark your own imagination. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today,

Ann

xxx

 

new architectural stencils for StencilGirl®

Hello everyone, today I am really excited to share my newest StencilGirl® stencil designs: architectural.  There are four new designs in this release. These four stencils are based on residential architectural design, the foundation of my work in architecture. I love the linear quality of architectural plans; each line type and width represents different elements found within the design. A concept is developed into a vision, which begins with a set of plans. 

These stencils are perfect for use in so many different art genres, from art journaling to card making and everything in between. Below are images of the four stencils and a little bit of background on how they came about.

                                                      MASTER SUITE (S871)

One of my favorite aspects of the Master Suite stencil design is the unexpected angled passage that splits the traditional plan. Rectangular spaces throughout the residence sometimes need a shake-up.  Envision yourself encountering a passage that appears to go in an unintended direction, when followed, it brings you to a vaulted space with the finest finishes and the grandest views. This angled corridor brings a lot of interest to the plan as well as the experience, an will also create interest when the stencil is used. 

                                 

This stencil is a 6x6 size and can be used with all mediums: paints, inks, pastes and more. It can be used in small sections or in its entirety. I can also see this stencil being used as a framework for design within an artwork. 

BACK HALL (M330)

This stencil was derived from a floor plan of the more utilitarian areas of the residence. As one enters the back hall they can access the more personal spaces within the residence, a very different experience from the grand entrance of the foyer. These spaces are smaller and more functional. This stencil provides linear graphics with perpendicular intersections and dashed lines. Its small size can have a big impact and would work wonderfully within a linear or grid journaling format. Small sections of the stencil can also be used for mark making.

 

I envision this 4x4 stencil being used with inks and paints, perhaps even textural pastes to give the appearance of raised lines within a piece of art.  

 

                                 ORIENTATION (M331)      

Every set of architectural drawings references a building geographically. The elevations are typically labeled north elevation, south elevation and so forth. Each drawing then contains a graphic that relates the “building north” as depicted on the drawing labels to “true” north. These types of orientation graphics can be as simple as overlapping rotated axis or as complex as the architect desires it to be. The orientation stencil is based on my interpretation of this graphic. I like to include an aerial view of the structure atop geographically accurate compass points. 

                                                                                                     

This 4x4 stencil works wonderfully with paints and inks, as well as embossing and pastes. You can easily utilize portions of the design or the entire graphic. 

                                                 FOYER (S872)

Another of my favorite aspects in architectural design are portals that give glimpses into spaces beyond. Sometimes these offer only subtle hints, other times a full understanding of what lies beyond. The foyer stencil evolved from one of my residential designs. The double story entry contained a barrel-vaulted passage through to the main living space as well as a turned staircase that, when ascended, provided sweeping views of the property all along the upper level corridor. This 6 x 6 stencil contains both large and small openings. It can be used for the simple repetitive patterns that symbolize the stairs and railings or the more open geometric shapes that form the arched passage, trimmed paneling and cased openings, or as a complete architectural design.

This stencil is perfect for use with all different types of mediums. The larger openings are well suited to doodling or filling with color, images or even ephemera. 

 

Details from an architectural art journal spread:

In this architectural art journal spread, I used the Back Hall (M330) Master Suite (S871) and Orientation (M331) stencils. This art journal spread contains layers of paints and collage materials combined with the stencils. A grid-like design is reminiscent of rooms within a building, creating the perfect spaces to incorporate the stencils during the initial layers. Once the spread began to take shape, pieces of ephemera, collage fodder, gelli prints and vintage papers were included as well as ink and paint through portions of the different stencils. Some of these areas were filled with more collage while others provided opportunities for mark making.

You can find more ideas for creating with my new stencils  on the  StencilGirl® blog today;

and, you can find all my StencilGirl® stencil designs here. 

I will be sharing more ideas on this blog and my Instagram feed (@aksbarchitect) over the coming days. 

I hope that you love these new stencil designs as much as I do! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

I truly appreciate it.

~Ann

x

Direct links to stencils:

Back Hall (M330)

Foyer (S872)

Master Suite (S871)

Orientation (M331)

 

 

the gift of a holiday view

 Creating the perfect holiday cards takes time; I know many people who like to get a head start mid- summer, I am not one of those people. However, I do know that the holiday card making must begin before the month of December when all the decorating and celebrations happen, and there is never enough time to get everything done, let alone card making.
Today I am on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Blog sharing a fairly quick, holiday shaker window card with a detachable ornament.
I think that these cards will be perfect for friends you may want to give a little something extra to, without all of the expectations that come with giving a gift.

 Let's begin.
Pull out your favorite holiday papers and some solid color card bases, along with the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Christmas Baubles 1 set and a 2" circle die. The baubles come in a set of four. Carefully remove each ornament shape from the surround. I prefer to use an Exacto knife to cut the tiny areas where the shape is still attached to the surround.

Pair up each shape with a patterned paper and then find a coordinating color card base. Since I am making Christmas cards, I am using red, green and kraft colored card bases. Each base is a folded 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (A2 size) card. I cut a piece of patterned paper for each card front. These patterned pieces measure 3 3/4" x 5". I also add a layer of solid "fancy" paper between the card and the patterned piece. These pieces are cut to measure 4" x 5 1/4".

Next, I decide what color I want my ornaments to be. I use a paint pen to color both sides of the ornament. You can choose whatever colors you would like. I use silver and gold. I always love adding a touch of fancy. While the paint is drying, I return to the cards.

When complete, the ornament will be located in front of a shaker window. To create this window, use a 2" circle die. Layer all of the papers onto the flattened card front, secure the papers temporarily so they do not shift while die cutting, and place the die in the bottom half of the card. This serves two purposes, it allows for space at the top of the card to "hang" the ornament from, as well as gives an area at the top of the inside to include a sentiment, thus not obstructing the window.

Cut two 3" x 3" acetate squares for each card. (I am making 4 cards, so I cut a total of 8 squares.) These squares are easily cut from recycled plastic packaging. I love the idea of repurposing and especially with plastics. Attach the first acetate square on the card base front, covering the opening. (Try not to get any adhesive within the area that will be within the circular opening.) Next, attach the solid "fancy" layer to the card front, making sure that there is adhesive completely surrounding the circular opening. (This is to ensure that none of the fillers will have anywhere to escape from.) I use a Tombow permanent adhesive tape runner for these cards. It is easy to run the adhesive right around the circles without stopping.

The next layer is created with a 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of fun foam. Center this piece on the patterned paper, flip over, and trace the circular opening. Die cut the circle from the fun foam. Using the tape runner, apply adhesive on one side of the foam piece. Be sure to completely surround the circular opening, as well as along the top and bottom edges. Attach the foam piece to the fancy layer, making sure that it is aligned with the circular opening and straight. Rub all the edges to ensure contact.

Now it is time to add the filler. You can use a variety of items for the shaker contents. I have used some festive red and green glass seed beads as well as some decorative sequins. Each card was filled with things I believed were complementary to the patterned paper as well as the respective ornament.

Add the second acetate square to the reverse side of the patterned paper, again trying to keep the adhesive to the edges so it will not be seen from the window. Apply adhesive to the exposed side of the fun foam and pay special attention to the edges of the circular opening. Align the top patterned piece of paper over the layers and secure in place. The shaker window portion of the card is complete.

I cut a length of metallic floss and tie the two ends together, This looped end is fed through the hole in the ornament and the knotted end slips through the loop created. This creates the hanger for the ornament. I glue pieces of inked die cut greens onto the ornaments to embellish.

When the glue is dry,  add two dots of removable adhesive to the reverse side of the ornament. (If you put the adhesive along the edge and behind the ornament top section, it will not be seen from the inside of the card when open.) The extra length of the floss hanger can be secured on the inside of the card with a small piece of holiday washi tape. Lastly, stamp and emboss a holiday sentiment on the inside of each card.

I hope that you have enjoyed these festive cards that give a little bit more. I look forward to making more holiday cards to share with loved ones and friends.

Best wishes on all the season's preparations, whichever holiday you celebrate.
Thank you for stopping by today, I truly appreciate it.
~Ann
 xxx

supplies used:
circle die: 2"
Deco Color Premium Paint pens: silver and gold
Distress ink:
 black soot, crushed olive, evergreen bough, forest moss, peeled paint, pine needles
DMC embroidery floss: red metallic
Emerald Creek / Quietfire Designs modern gilding powder: burnished silver
Exacto knife
glass seed beads
Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts: Christmas Baubles 1
plastic packaging or acetate sheets
sequins
Stickles: mercury glass
Tim Holtz Ideaology paper stash: christmas, blackout kraft
Tim Holtz / Sizzix: festive greens, funky festive, holiday greens, holiday greens mini
Tombow permanent adhesive
Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous: Christmastime (CMS352)
VersaMark embossing ink



I am entering these ornament shaker window cards into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Recycle

a rose for all occasions

Hi everyone, this month on the Emerald Creek Dares Challenge, our theme is "flowers on the wall."
 I hope that you are able to join us as we are inspired by the Statler Brothers song and feature flowers in our work. Today I am sharing handmade cards featuring roses. Cards that are suitable for all occasions, including the upcoming Mother's Day.

I like to keep a few handmade cards at the ready, just incase an unexpected need comes up. These cards are typically general in design, allowing me the flexibility to add just the right sentiment. For my project this month, I have created five varying base cards incorporating Emerald Creek's gorgeous, freshly picked rose stamp, along with Emerald Creek's mirror platinum embossing powder.

I start by cutting panels (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") from Bristol paper. I like having a heavyweight base card stock because I will be using water and ink to add color to the images. I want to be make each base card a little different, while only using the one stamp. This is achieved by rotating the image and creating different patterns with the stamping, as well as using different colored inks to watercolor the embossed images.

Using VersaMark ink, I stamp the rose onto the panels in various patterns. You will notice my embossing ink pad is labeled as "clean", I do a lot of mixed media projects that incorporate embossing. It is easier for me to keep a clean pad for special work where I don't want any contamination. The pad I use for my mixed media work is covered with inks and even different bits of powder that have somehow worked their way in. Since I am using a fine, light colored embossing powder on these cards, I want to ensure a crisp clean stamp impression.

Once I have stamped and coated each card with embossing powder, I heat set all the cards. I have found it easiest to emboss multiple cards at the same time, that way my heat gun stays at optimal heat and I do not have to warm it up for each separate card. I love the look of this embossing powder when melted. I think these cards would look wonderful done in any of the fine metallic powders Emerald creek offers: mirror gold, silver dollar, kettle copper, or rose gold.

When the embossing has cooled, it is time to begin "watercoloring." I chose to use a different color for each base, to add variety. I prefer the look of having all the roses on a single card done in the same color-way. This is not necessary. The sky is the limit when it comes to embellishing the images, let your imagination take you where it may!

Once all of my roses and leaves are colored and have dried, I add a wash of watery blue surrounding them. I like the way it grounds everything; although again, not necessary. once dry, some of the card bases are left as is and slipped into my card organizer to be finalized whenever the need arises; others have been completed with die cut or stamped sentiments. I look forward to sending these beautiful cards to their recipients.

I hope that you are inspired to create something with flowers to join in our challenge this month.
 Thank you so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate it!
~Ann

I am entering this project into these challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Add Something Metallic
(I used mirror platinum embossing powder)

Emerald Creek Supplies used:
Emerald Creek Art Stamp: freshly picked rose
Emerald Creek Embossing Powder: mirror platinum

Other Supplies used:
Bristol paper
Colored Cardstock
Distress Inks:
aged mahogany, broken china, mustard seed, peeled paint, salty ocean,
spiced marmalade, spun sugar, tumbled glass, worn lipstick,
Sookwang tape
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Alterations: Stitched Ovals dies
VersaMark Embossing Ink
Wagner Heat Tool
Waterbrush

sending warm winter wishes

Hello everyone,
 I first would like to say thank you, so very much, for the wonderful comments and supportive words about my Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge project last week. I am grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness, it means the world to me.

I hope that you enjoy what I have created for this week's challenge "warm winter wishes." 

As the holidays are getting closer, it provides a perfect opportunity to send warm wishes to our family and friends near and far. This week I am sharing a few Christmas cards I created using some of my favorite Tim Holtz products.

It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on the Tim Holtz wise men thinlits dies from Sizzix. Faith plays a huge role in my life and, to me, this die is so perfectly Christmas. I knew that I wanted to share its beauty and meaning with many. The die is made without a distinct framed edge, which allows you to locate the piece anywhere within your surface area and easily accommodate whatever size card you are making. I have chosen to use the die in a horizontal card design, by elongating the front and rear edge to create the look of a sand dune; this creates an appearance that the magi are set quite a distance away from the star which they are following.

My initial idea for the cards was to create a white on white card with gold accents. In order for the white outline of the wise men to be clearly defined, I layer four die cuts onto each other. I place a metallic gold die cut between this layered piece and the base. The shadow line allows you to visualize the full design. Although the card is beautiful, it wasn't what I had hoped. I knew I would need some contrast.

The next card design in my process incorporates the same horizontal design with the die; I love the way it appears as if the magi are indeed following a star. To create the contrast, I exchanged the white base card for back. I also exchange the gold metallic piece for silver. Monochromatic cards seem to be extremely popular. This card, in my opinion, although nice, seems cold. Not exactly what I am hoping to convey-warm wishes.

I decide to try for a navy blue base and return to the gold metallic accents. This card is beautiful; however, I know it could be so much more. Perhaps I am more of a color person than I realize.

The next step in my process is to bring inks onto the design. I love working with inks as much as I enjoy manipulating paper.

 Working with distress oxides, I create background panels. Each panel uses a specific palette and is created by smooshing the ink onto my craft mat, spritzing with water, and then tapping the bristol paper into the ink. I use a heat gun to dry between the different layers, adding depth to the color. When I am satisfied with the look, I add chipped sapphire distress ink along all the edges, and throughout the oxide area. When the panel is completely dry, I add splatters of either tarnished brass or brushed pewter distress paint (depending on which color of metallic kraft is being used) to the sky to create a sprinkling of stars. Some of the panels also have a sprinkling of distress mica spray amongst the splatter stars. The die cut star of Bethlehem and the wisemen are attached to the panel.

The first cards I assembled with the inked backgrounds use the white die cut wise men. Then, I thought it would be interesting to see what the cards would look like if I use navy blue cardstock for the wisemen keeping with the inked background panel.

These are some of my favorite cards, and I am so excited to share them with friends and family this holiday season, sending warm winter wishes.

 I love the Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Christmas stamps. There are so many wonderful sentiments to choose from. The text is sized perfectly to fit along the bottom edge of my extended sand dune. The sentiments are embossed on each card with Ranger extra fine embossing powder in gold or silver (also dependent on the color of metallic kraft that is used on that particular card.)

I am often amazed at how easy it is for some people to create multiples of the exact same card; for me this seems to be a nearly impossible task. Once I get started, I am always tweaking or adjusting or trying a new take on the design I have in mind. I love that each handmade card someone receives is unique. I hope that they enjoy the cards as much as I enjoyed making them.
Wishing you a blessed holiday season.
~Ann
 xxx


Maybe you have been inspired to create something for this week's challenge. I do hope that you join the fun, we love seeing your take on the themes. There is a $50 gift voucher to SIMON Says Stamp for one lucky participant, but you can only win it if you are in it!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit my blog, please leave a comment or question, it's always a treat when you share your thoughts. I have included a list below with all of the supplies I used to create my cards. Any of the products that are available from Simon Says Stamp are listed below with links. 

Supplies used:

Distress Ink: chipped sapphire

Distress Oxide Inks: 

aged mahogany, black soot, blueprint sketch, faded jeans, hickory smoke, 

seedless preserves, stormy sky, tattered rose, wilted violet  

Distress paint: brushed pewter, tarnished brass 

Ranger distress sprayer

Ranger embossing powder: gold, silver

Ranger heat tool

Ranger ink blending tool

Scor-Pal Scor-Tape: 1 1/2" wide

Simon Says Stamp: tiny words christmas

Sizzix: Big Shot

Strathmore: Bristol

Tim Holtz Idea-ology: metallic kraft stock

Tim Holtz / Sizzix: wise men thinlits

Tonic: Nuvo deluxe adhesive 

Heavyweight black card stock

Heavyweight navy blue card stock

Heavyweight white card stock