'What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday 16 March 2019

I made a quick card for the CAS Stencil Challenge, which this month is 'Ghosting' or 'colour lifting' as I know it. I remember the first time I saw this when Dyan Reavely demonstrated it on a video, long before she became a Ranger signature artist, and how much I really loved  it. It's something I do so often, I don't even think of it as a technique. It's very useful for lightening dark inky backgrounds 😉 and for adding dimension to a stamped background. There are some great video links on the Challenge Blog - thank you for that, ladies.  

I have to admit that I've never even considered using it on a CAS card because I see it as a background thing, so this really was a challenge for me...until I suddenly had an idea. 

The base is watercolour paper, smooshed with Distress Inks and it was quite dark. So I used a flourish stencil on it to lift the colour, then die cut it with a Stampendous butterfly die. I love the lovely, large butterfly stamps that go with these dies and was chuffed when I spotted the dies. I just edged the die cut with a Copic marker - slipping a little as you can see, lol - and attached it just down the centre, to make it a little more dimensional. I did scan it but obviously, that didn't show the raised wings, so I've opted for a photo this time.




The new Allsorts Challenge is to use your favourite stamp, image or die, and I just happen to have made a little card from a scrap, using my all time favourite  'go to' butterfly stamp. I think it's an Innovative Stamp Creations image, but it may well be an Artistic Outpost stamp... sorry, I no longer keep it with the stamps that came with it. I have way too many favourite stamps to choose one single one, apart from my favourite PB fuchsia stamp, which I tend to overuse, so I decided not to this time.

The background is acrylics applied with baby wipes, some through some sequin waste, stamped with various images from my background and word boxes.


I must be longing for some soothing paler colours because I made another card in similar colours, this time using Oxides. I left the background as it was because I didn't want to detract from the beautiful stamps and words. The dresses actually look as if they're coloured, but they're not. It's amazing how some things trick the eye. 


There are also a few Green challenges around - I don't know if we're all longing for Spring or if it's for St Patrick's Day... maybe a little of both, so here's a green card, made with Paperartsy Flowers.
 The words in the background are a Teesha Moore (Zettiology) stamp I picked up in a grab bag when in LA for CHA (now Creativation)  a long time  ago....Teesha was so lovely and  sweet enough to  sketch a quick image, sign it  and give it to me as a memento.


This one is a Stampington image I unmounted in the last couple of  weeks.



I'm pleased to be able to link this to the following:-

Sweet Stamping Challenge - Green/St Patrick's Day

Artistic Stampers - Colour it Green

Addicted to Stamps and More - Make Your Mark
(I've coloured the hair, the flesh and the letters)



Thank you so much for calling in...

I'll be back soon

Cath
xxx

20 very kind comments from lovely people:

brenda said...

A super line of of artwork again Cath and I'm not even going to try and pick a fav, but of course Butterflies always appeal so of course the second one draws me with the inkiness but the sheer elegance of your first is also a beautiful. Many thanks for joining us at Allsorts this week and sharing a favourite stamp - I know how difficult it is.

B x

froebelsternchen said...

Oh my gosh - so many wonderful cards again - each one a pleasure to look at! Gorgeous art dear Cath! Happy Sunday!
oxo Susi

Kathleen said...

A lovely selection of cards and some great images and backgrounds. Thank you for joining our 'Favourites' challenge this week at Allsorts.

Kath x

Meggymay said...

Beautiful cards Cath. The colours of the butterfly in the first one looks lovely.
Yvonne xx

Wendy said...

Beautiful cards, love your gorgeous green one..... Thanks For joining us at Sweet Stampin:)
Wendy x

My name is Erika. said...

Great cards Cath. I know I've said it before but I am loving all the green. I think green and blue are my favorite colors, but right now, waiting for snow to melt, I am craving green the same way people crave chocolate. Hope your weekend is going well. Hugs-Erika

Chris said...

Fabulous cards, all such lovely designs! So pleased you chose to play along with our @green' challenge at Sweet Stampin', the card you shared is a perfect entry!
Chris
x

Caty said...

So Gorgeous cards Cath !! Love all, your designs are unique and fabulous, love specially the simply of the first one, wonderful !
Wish you a very nice day,
Big hugs, Caty
(I thought I left a comment before... but not sure now :) --)

Neet said...

Beautiful cards, each one of them and the butterfly in the first one is simply gorgeous. I do love the two girls, so simple in design but beautiful.
Thanks for sharing so much wonderful work
hugs, Neet xx

Linda said...

Lovely ghosting effect on the pretty butterfly. Thank you for playing along with the CAS Stencil challenge xx

crafty-stamper said...

Fabulous selection I love them all but the first green one just that little bit more lol
Carol x

Monika Reeck said...

woow so many adorable creations here
I visit for your card that joining our challenge at ATSM
Love that two ladies and lovely BG on your card
sweet card
Many thanks for joining ATSM this time
Hugs
Monika (DT)

Mrs.B said...

Fabulous cards Cath, love the butterfly in the first one a great take on the CAS challenge.
Avril xx

Julia Aston said...

So much inspiration on this post Cathy! I love your beautiful ghosted butterfly in the purple just alight on your card base with that lovely sentiment! Thanks for joining us in the CAS Stencil Challenge! xx

Ellibelle said...

These are all such amazing creations, beautifully done and so creative!
Thank you so much for joining in at Allsorts challenge showing off a favorite stamp, die or digi and also for joining in at my Crafty Wednesday challenge this month where it's all about spring or add something green. Hope you play along again soon!
Ellie

The Artistic Stamper Creative team said...

wow what a selection of cards, love the green one whihc matches the Artistic Stamper March Challenge, thanks for entering.

pearshapedcrafting said...

Just looking at your cards make me smile! I love them all and for different reasons! Hugs, Chrisx

Loll said...

Beautiful array of cards Cath! LOVE your first card with the ghosted butterfly. So creative and really beautiful. I love how you've darkened the edges with a copic marker. Such great details. Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Stencil.

Your other cards are mixed media masterpieces. I'm always so inspired by those that can create the most artsy mixed media cards. A mix of so many elements that all work together. I'm learning ... slowly! :)

Mervi said...

Gorgeous cards Cath!
Thank you for sharing your creativity over at Allsorts;-))m

Gwendolyn said...

Wow, what an array of gorgeous cards! I really love the watercoloured backgrounds. Thanks for sharing your beautiful card over at Addicted to Stamps and More and I look forward to seeing your wonderful creations again soon. Hugs, Gwendolyn