Just because cards

 I have been wanting to use some of my Art Impression Stamps lately and decided that today was the day. I used a new set, It’s one of the watercolor throwbacks that Bonnie brings out. They’re older Stamps from years ago that she Rita’s and they bring them back for four days. It’s one of those get it now while you can or you won’t ever be able to. I almost didn’t get this one, but boy oh boy I sure am glad that I did. It is such a good stamp and so very versatile!! I followed along on Bonnie’s release tutorial and made four fairly similar cards and then I decided hey I want to do my own thing so I did. Here’s what I came up with.  I stamped the bench deleting a few things and then I made a mask and covered it up. I wanted to use a few of my tree stamps so I added them behind the bench. Gives the bench a secluded type of look. Like it’s tucked away just waiting for you to come along, sit down and relax after a long summer day. 😁

Here’s the four that I made following Bonnie’s tutorial. They’re not all exactly the same but then no two watercolors ever are. I made them each just a bit different in the watercoloring and mounting, makes them each look unique.  Do you have a favorite?

Brithday boy

 Attended a birthday party for a great nephew who was turning 5- guess that’s a handful 😁.  His Daddy is very much a John Deere man so therefore so is his son.  

What could I do but use green and yellow for the card- he loved it.

Secret Garden #6

 Dawn Woleslagle-

I believe this was my favorite class, I loved all the added steps Dawn showed us on how to do with the layering stencils We stenciled the background panel adding depth by flicking extra color on the second layer.  The layering flowers were colored with one color each,  done the same way by adding many layers of color in selected areas. She gave so many tips on how to do that, loved it!

Secret Garden #5

 Laura Bassen

This is the second Floral in the stamp set,   stamped in black then we stenciled, a pretty clean and simple one but no less lovely!

Secret Garden #4

 Carissa Wiley

Ink Blending on floral Die cuts and card leaf embossed front panel, layering, lots of dimension on this one also.

Secret Garden #3

 Kelly Taylor

We used the one of the stamp floral designs here. White embossed on watercolor paper.  The whole panel was watercolored with the background kept lighter to make the flowers pop.  We then cut it in half and had 2 panels for 2 cards! That’s always a fun surprise. 

Secret Garden #2

 Jennifer McGuire-

If you have ever watched any of her videos, you’ll know she loves the layering floral dies.  This card uses the dies sponged with ink then we layered a floral stencil over to add a darker tone and design on them. I would never have thought about doing that! The gold leaf is a Die cut that can be added to the embossing folder to give it detail. We also sent the card front panel through the embossing folder to add depth to the card with a with leafy design. Lots of dimension.

Secret Garden Retreat #1

 I did something I never thought I would do!!!  I joined a virtual retreat for the day. 

Secret Garden Virtual Retreat 2024.     

Received a box of supplies- stamps, stencils, embossing folders, Dies to cut out images, Blending tools, ink pads, white card stock,  gold metallic card stock, glitter card stock , and an apron.  Oh my so many goodies!!

  Yesterday May 4th they had 6 different instructors walking us through how to use the supplies.  It amazes me how all were so different and showed so many different techniques and tips on how to improve the end results. I’m going to post the cards on the next 6 days. 

Jaycee Gaspar instructor

This was a gate fold card,  embossed the front panel then cut the middle of the arch out.  The inside is a top folding card that were stenciled, I used some of my left over leaves for the inside.

Layers of Beauty 😊

 Okay I like this bundle!!😁  it is new and will be available to purchase in May 1st— oh that’s today😀.  If you’d be interested in knowing how you can get it just contact me. Either leave a message below or email me at vmilyard@yaloo.com 

 I’ve been using it in different ways here’s a card using the stencils only, no stamping or die cutting. I saw a similar one in Pinterest and knew my sister in law would like the pink flowers so I sorta case’d it.  ( mine isn’t exactly the same)

This one I stamped on the new basic beige card stock with basic beige ink pad also new.  The colors are like the previous post but I cut this one out and added an embossed floral background. Switched the layering so the card base is one of the new 2024-2026 in colors peach pie.