Technique Blog Hop: Black and White

Hello, friends!!!  Welcome to another fun blog hop.  I really hope you hop all the way through because the creations are just amazing!  What talented women!!!  Anywhooo....as I said, this is a blog hop, and we are trying a fun technique of using only black and white.  If you are coming from Debi's blog, then you are in the right place!

Usually, I make cards.  That seems to be my happy place.  So, I decided to step out of my box and use the opportunity to make a home decor item.  I made a fun wreath using the Close To My Heart 'For Always' paper pack and the black and grey glitter paper.

I discovered that photographing a wreath is much more difficult than a card, so I tried to take several pictures to give you a better idea of what it looks like, really.  As always, it is much prettier in real life.  :o)

This was my first time making Kumata flowers.  I made one big one and two smaller ones.  I also cut out the various rolled flowers with the Cricut Artiste cartridge varying in size from 4 inches to 2 3/4 inches.

I used the different glitter paper to create the foliage.  I used three different types of leaves in the three different shades of black and grey.  Grey is a shade of white, right?  :o)

I really wish I had a better picture of this darling rosette!  It's my favorite flower of the bunch!  I used the chevron pattern to create it, and cut it out at 1 3/4 inches.  It turned out so darling!!!

To make the banner, I used the chipboard banner shapes, and cut the paper to cover it using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  I also cut out this cute dragonfly.  I thought it would add such a cute touch.  I put the glittery layer on with 3-D foam tape, so it gives it dimension.  Love it!!!  Baker's twine hangs the banner onto the wreath with black roses at each end of the twine.

Here it is hanging on my door.  The lighting still isn't right, but like I said...wreaths are hard for me to figure out how to photograph.  :o)  I hope you have at least an idea of what it looks like!  It's sparkly and pretty.  Everything should have some sort of glitter, right?  LOL

Now, it's time to hop on over to Joy's blog to see what lovely creation she has come up with!!!

Technique Blog Hop: Alcohol Markers

Hello, and welcome to our technique blog hop!!!  This month we are showing the various uses for the new Close To My Heart alcohol ink markers.  If you are coming from Debi's blog, you are on the right track.  So, without further ado, let me show you what I have done, and what YOU can do with these fun markers!!!

I love making cards, so I came up with another one to show you.  I did use the Wishes book for a pattern idea, but I did not use the cutting instructions.  Here it is!

So, I started with the new Claire paper pack from Close To My Heart.  It's one of those that I wasn't sure I would like until I started playing with it.  Now, I LOVE it!!!  I cut the stamped paper out at 3 1/2 inches from the really smooth paper I use for Copic markers (I really couldn't say what brand that is, sorry!)  I stamped in black Memento ink.  This seems to work best for me with no smearing when I color.

I colored the image with Cranberry, Autumn Terracotta, Honey, New England Ivy, and Outdoor Denim markers.  I like to begin with the lightest color first, then add the shading with the darker color, and blend them together with the lighter color.  I colored the branch with the gold metallic marker.  After coloring the image, I distressed the papers with Saddle ink and a sponge.  I also stamped the argyle pattern with Saddle ink on the base paper.  I cut the rosette with the Artiste Cricut cartridge at 1 inch and added an old golden button from my stash.

Do you see these awesome blue pearls?!  Those used to be white!!!  I colored them with the markers!  Isn't that cool?!  You can color any white pearls or clear sparkles with these markers and get them to match whatever you are working on!  You can go over them and get them darker, just let them dry between coats for a few seconds.

I cut the flower out at 2 1/2 inches and distressed it with Saddle ink before rolling it up.  The ribbon is the Close To My Heart Color Ready ribbon.  I squashed my Outdoor Denim and Saddle ink pads onto my craft mat, then sprayed them with alcohol.  I ran the ribbon through the inks and crinkled it up and let it dry,  I love the worn look it gets by doing that!  :o)

Here is the list of supplies I used:

• Claire paper pack
• Saddle ink pad
• Outdoor Denim ink pad
• Black Memento ink pad
• Cranberry alcohol ink markers
• Autumn Terracotta alcohol ink markers
• Honey alcohol ink markers
• New England Ivy alcohol ink markers
• Fabulous You stamp set
• Pearl Opaques
• Color Ready seam binding ribbon
• Artiste Cricut cartridge (of course!!!)  :o)
• Gold button

I hope you enjoyed the card.  Now, hop on over to Joy's blog to view more fabulous art work!!!  :o)  Don't forget to leave comments.  We all love to hear from you!

Happy Crafting!

Cherri