Monday, April 16, 2018

Three Cards

My three cards today were inspired by the cards on this PIN for which there is no link or attribution. Which makes me sad because they are lovely, and I'd love to give credit where credit is due!

I played around with the acrylic block stamping technique by painting the block with various Arteza real brush markers, spritzing with water, and then applying the block to watercolor paper. This is my favorite watercolor background technique because it's so EASY and almost always turns out at least okay, if not great.

This time, though, I added extra color with the brush markers (along with more water for blending) to get more intense color and am pleased with the results.




This layout works because it accents the rule of thirds. Imagine two vertical and two horizontal lines dividing the card into a tic-tac-toe grid. The rectangle is more or less centered on the sweet spot where the left vertical line and top horizontal line intersect. Then, the sentiment is in the sweet spot where the right vertical line and bottom horizontal line intersect.

This arrangement looks balanced and harmonious.




Note also that the lines of the branch stamp add movement and curves which are picked up in the curvy script of the sentiment.



And the bling. As always, it needs no reason or excuse.

Mercy, grace, peace, and love,
Susan

Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts branch, sentiment unknown (but probably Papertrey)
ink: Memento Luxe espresso truffle (which reminds me I had wayyyy too much espresso today so I heard colors and saw sounds...so weird!)
paper: Papertrey white, Hero Arts handmade watercolor paper
accessories: Arteza real brush markers, acrylic blocks, spritzer, rhinestones

14 comments:

  1. The branch has almost the exact same silhouette as that 'S'—love that! This layout has me itching to get my botanical stamps out and give it a whirl.

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  2. These are beautiful cards - the colors just pop! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Oh, wow wow WOW! I have some other projects on my "DO" list, but this is so beautiful and inspiring...I 'gotta' try this first! :D I love the idea of painting it with PAINT and then spritzing. TFS♥

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  4. These are gorgeous! I never thought of using a block as a smooshing palette -- thank you for the inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. I always have trouble figuring out where to put the rhinestones or sequins. What's the secret?

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  5. LOVE that technique - keep thinking that I've got to try it - maybe I'll do that tonight....

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  6. These are so lovely; theyre simple and elegant.

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  7. I am still reading your blog! But, I started a new job and no longer have a morning break with time to comment. I'm reading this on lunch and I just had to tell you how much I LOVE this card. I am a huge watercolor fan and I can't wait to try this....

    I have to try to make the blog rounds more often....so behind!

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!