Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers and Other Things

I got my first 6 Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers from Simon Says Stamp in the mail today, and I was very excited to play with them! I stamped an image on Tim Holtz watercolor paper and started to colour, but I wasn't so happy with the blending, so I got some Strathmore watercolour paper and that was even worse! Then I got out some Canson.. and BINGO beautiful blending! I had watched some videos on the Zig markers and the ladies that were showing them there had the same results with the Tim Holtz (which I still love for most distress ink techniques). So now I know... When I use Zig, I need to use Canson! I also know that I need to buy more colours because I don't have enough....haha.

I also tried a technique that Kristina Werner showed on her blog/Youtube channel this week. Watercoloring with inktense pencils and the Clear Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Marker. That was a lot of fun too! 

It is not easy to photograph the shimmer, but you can kind of see it here. I love this elephant from Avery Elle!

Then, because I am on Summer Break and finished reading a book.... I did one more technique that Julie Ebersole shared with us in class a few weeks ago and shared on Ellen Hutson's Youtube channel recently. It's brayering Hero Arts Ombre Inks for a cool background. The only thing I keep forgetting is that white paper and I do not get along so well... I smudge a LOT!

 I used Versamark ink to bleach out the stars in the background, which is a very cool look...

See? Smudges... :(

That's all for today!

Smooshing, a great word and a great technique!

I got together with some friends last night for some stamping and card crafting fun. I saw a card on pinterest that I wanted to try, which is where I get most of my ideas and inspiration (see my cards and crafts pinterest board for more). I used the stamp set, "I Think You're Great" by Stampin' Up and white heat embossed that sentiment on some Tim Holtz watercolour paper. I then used Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo to "smoosh" the colour onto the paper using some plastic packaging. If you haven't tried smooshing, here is a video by Laura Bassen that will show you how. I love this technique. Also, I love Laura Bassen! I added the panel to some patterned paper and glued it to a white card base. When I got home, I added some Pretty Pink Posh Sequins because I love them, and the card is finished.

I also added some Diamond Stickles to the centre of the sequins. 

 And because I can't just do one card, here is another that I did using the same supplies. I added washi tape around the edge of the card base instead of patterned paper because I need to use the supplies I have instead of hoarding them! I love how the colours blend differently on each card, even when using the same inks.

Coffee or Tea Time?

Got a fun new die from Memory Box, so of course I had to play with it! I also got the "Love You a Latte"  stamp set from Lawn Fawn, so I had to use that as well. I used Versamark on the background to stamp the coffee cup, coffee bean and heart images from that set and then used the bean image again with grey ink on the grey circle. I die cut out the cup and shaded it using Copic markers. I added a foil heart and a sentiment from the set as well. Now all I need to add is a gift card and this card becomes a great thank you gift!

Supplies:
Paper: Neenah Desert Storm 110lb
            Simon Says Stamp Fog Card stock
            Stamping Up: Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper, Baked Brown Sugar, Whisper  
            White
             Bazzill Hot Pink Foil Board
Stamps: Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte
Dies: Memory Box Large Coffee To Go die
          Simon Says Stamp Mini Hearts Set Die

Challenge Entered: SSS Monday Challenge