Wednesday, May 16, 2012

CELEBRATING SUMMER

Hi there,

Well here we are half-way through May,
and Summer is definitely on it's way!  (Oh cool - that rhymes!).

Welcome to the latest Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop, where this time we are celebrating everything about summer! If you've hopped here by way of our very creative Marie, then you are on the right track,   If not then you should stop back at the SNS home page to become eligible for five great prizes. To be eligible for these fabulous prizes, all you have to do is a leave a little comment on each one of the blogs on the hop.

 I had fun with this month's theme, as it was wide open to the many summery images of Sparkle N Sprinkle.  At the same time - we had an in-house challenge to use embossing powders in ways a little more differently than just embossing an image and then coloring in.  I, of course jumped in straight away and got my feet wet!!

I did a few different techniques on my first card.  One of my favorites: the Cracked-Ice technique, was used on the star fish.  I embossed the Beach Squares (all stamps from Set 431 - Summer Swirl) by arranging them all on an acrylic block and applying Versamark then spooning the three EPs (one at a time): Electric Blue, Tuscan Star and Blue Fizz. The background piece was done in the same manner, just apply Versamark ink to the edges, this way you get a totally color-coordinated base for your card. The tag was stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with the Tuscan Star EP again and then I covered the tag with Versamark and heat embossed with Super Thick Clear embossing powder.  Full details for the card are right here:



For my second card, I used the Embossing Painting technique, which is to cover the entire card with Versamark and either working up or down, spoon on the different colors of embossing powders to emulate a scene. Here, I started at the bottom and used Hit the Beach for the beach, White Detail for the sea foam, Jamaican Dream for the Sea, Silver for the horizon and Poolside for the sky. I added a little White Detail to the sky and sea and then heat embossed from the underside to create the clouds and sea foam. Oh, and then use a Versamarker to add a little Sparkle embossing powder to the sea and sand to add the sun's bling!  You then emboss your images on top of your background and color with Copics where needed.  Full instructions for the card can be found here:



So on to my third card. Yes, I was on an embossing roll!  This time I used "my" embossing painting technique.  This is where you paint on Embossable Acetate using different colored embossing powders on the back-side of your image.  You can stamp the image in Staz-On or in Versamark and then heat emboss with Black embossing powder. That's what I did with this last card.  Then use a Versamarker or Penboss to apply the ink inside the lines of the image. Do one color at a time.  For full instructions for this card, click here:


The items on sale this month are: Water, Food and Beverages and our Featured Artist is Rosiland Solomon. So if you've had your eye on something in those categories - now is the time to get it!

I hope you've enjoyed what I had to show you today. Remember to leave a comment before you hop on over to see what our talented Julie has in store for you.  

As always, thanks for stopping by .....

Shona
  

33 comments:

  1. Love your technique with the sea shells... the lounge chair is calling to me - my place in the sun. Love the bold yellow of the sailboat. Awesome selection of cards!

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  2. Three perfect summer cards.Love the different techniques and the looks they give.

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  3. I love all your cards! The EP gives such wonderful texture. Great techniques and great job!

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  4. I agree - such a great group of summery cards. I don't even know which one I like the best! They're each unique and pretty in their own ways. Love 'em all Shona!

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  5. All three are gorgeous but that last one...oh my!

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  6. I love your cards, great technique! I will for sure be lifting this one!

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  7. All 3 cards are awesome! Do I have to pick a favorite?

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  8. Your cards are GORGEOUS!!!! Love the soft look you have given each card! You are so talented!

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  9. Wow, 3 incredible cards. I can't wait to try the spooning to the embossing powder to make the beach scene.

    Emily

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  10. What super wonderful cards you have created and love the beach scene especially with it's layout and the way you colored it with EP. Fantastic work indeed!

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  11. You really got me going with the emboss paint technique. Love this card

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  12. Oh my gosh those are all beautiful!
    ~Angie

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  13. That sailboat card is awesome! Even a flamingo wouldn't make it better!

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  14. Wow how Beautiful. Love Love the colors and the Technique. Love the look thanks for sharing

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  15. A wonderful group of summer beach cards. Wish is was sitting in the beach chair right now. Thank you for sharing.

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  16. What clever ways to incorporate all the embossing powders in your first card. The second is such a natural looking picture, and to think it is ALL embossed. Looks like I am viewing the sailboat thru a porthole. Very nice!

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  17. What a clever way to incorporate all those embossing powders in your first card. The second is such a natural looking picture-and to think it is ALL embossed. Looks like I am viewing the sailboat thru a porthole. Very nice!

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  18. Great techniques and great ideas! Beautiful cards!

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  19. just love the embossing/painting technique. Thanks!

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  20. I love the embossing on the whole card. Can't wait to try it.

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  21. Pretty cards, love the technique..
    thanks

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  22. You were on an embossing roll!! It is so fun to play with and you used some amazing techniques to create three stunning cards.

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  23. Finally! I get to see the in house embossed cards! They are beautiful! I like them all, but I think the middle one is my favorite. Who would have thought you could create a scene with just embossing powders?

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  24. the collection of embossing techniques is just amazing! thanks for all the ideas.

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  25. Wow...these cards are all beautiful. I love the way you used the embossing powders and techniques on them!

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  26. Not sure I can pick a favorite! Amazing how different the embossing looks on the cards and the scene you created is just stunning!

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  27. I love these cards, they are perfect for summer.

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  28. I love your uses of the embossing powders on your cards. My favorite is the third card; I loved the look of the finished card.

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  29. All three cards are beautiful and beachy. I love all the different embossing techniques you used, especially the embossing painting on the second card!

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  30. MY My My! You certainly have been busy, Miss Shona! What beautiful cards you have created! Like the subtle shading in the stained glass card, and the pretty EP and G uses in the other cards. Very pretty! Congratulations on all your publishing endeavors, too! ((hugs))

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  31. You remind me that I don't use embossing nearly enough - marvelous effects and techniques!

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  32. I must say you've out done yourself with your use of embossing powders on the beach one! Love they way you painted the background using them and the stamping on them...great job!! I looked for you on our way to the Keys too:)

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Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me share in part of your day. I would love to hear what you think about my latest creation!