Emboss card stock with Waffled Diamonds 3D embossing folder
Sponge background with blue ink (sorry I can’t remember what color I used)
swipe embossing ink over embossed piece add gold embossing powder (you can brush off any powder you don’t want)
Heat set embossing powder
Stamp and fussy cut the greenhouse
Color the greenhouse
Add to card base using Altenew’s Instant Dimension Foam Tape
Add sentiment
Die cut leaves using the Dainty Leaves die set
Add to card base
Leaf Canopy Add-On
To make this card:
Stamp the leaf branch in Fresh Leaf
Clear emboss the leaves using Altenew’s Clear Embossing Powder
Stamp the round vase from the Mod Vases stamp set over the leaves
Clear emboss the round vase (if you clear emboss the image multiple times, it will give the vase a glazed pottery look)
Stampa mask for the vase & put the mask over the vase
Stamp the tall vase slightly higher than the round vase (this will help it appear behind the round vase)
clear embossthe tall vase
Add leaves to the vases using the Warm Wishes stamp set
Gold emboss the small leaves using Altenew’s Antique Goldembossing powder
Create a base to ground the vases by coloring the bottom of the paper in a darker shade of blue
Add the sentiment
Add the card front to a black card bae
Thanks for visiting my bog! Please enter a comment if you have any questions and to be entered in the giveaway!
Giveaway Prizes
$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $25 gift certificate to 8 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 04/20/2022 for a chance to win.
Altenew will draw 10 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 04/22/2022.
Here’s my sample card. This stamp is so beautiful it makes any card look good. I used Altenew’s Artist Markers to color the image. I used these colors: Green Valley, Red Sunset, Glacier Caves, Butternut, and Pumpkin Pie.
The lovely floral image fills an A2 card. To add some shine, I added a strip of Altenew’s Glitter card stock in Starlight from the Ocean Reflection pack. The glitter is beautiful and very little of it rubs off.
Giveaway Prizes
$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $ 25 gift certificate to 8 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 04/18/2022 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 10 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 04/20/2022.
I wish everyone at Altenew a very happy anniversary! 8 years is quite an accomplishment. To celebrate , the guest designers are having a fun blog hop!
Before I share my card, this is what my hand looks like. I had surgery last week because of a staph infection in my knuckle. My Doc said it was pretty bad. I’ve been getting IV antibiotic treatments every day since March 29th. I’ll be getting at least 3 weeks of treatments. My hand surgeon is planning a 2nd surgery on this coming Monday. I’m typing this up left handed. Unfortunately, I am not very coordinated with my left hand so it’s a slow process.
Now for the fun part! Let’s celebrate!
Here’s my CAS (clean & simple) card.
For the background, I used the Curving Leaves 3D embossingfolder. After I ran the A2 sized card stockthrough my machine, I used the direct to paper technique to lightly add color onto the background.
The floral image is from the Here for You stamp set. I used Altenew’s Crisp Dye Inks to watercolor the image by smooshing ink onto a clear stamping block & adding a small amount of water. Then I used a paint brush to color the flower.
I didn’t add much shading since it’s more of a graphic image.
Giveaway Prizes
Over $2,000 in total prizes! Altenew is giving away a $80 Gift Certificate to 5 lucky winners and one Altenew Academy Online Class($8.95 value) to 15 lucky winners. There are also 26 awesome companies/crafty friends who are celebrating with us, and they are offering the following prizes:
Be sure to leave comments by 4/15/2022 for a chance to win one of 50 prizes! To make the hop more exciting, start your comment with “Hi from (city or country where you’re from)!” 50 winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on any of the blogs listed below and will be announced on the Altenew Card Blog on 4/21/2022.
You should have arrived here from Rosie’s blog http://www.rosieneustaedter.com/ and next on the blog hop is Auzz Trinklets N Krafts
I love daisies! Here’s the card I made for this release.
I used Altenew ink sprays in Caramel Toffee and Cosmic Berry to create my piece of paper. ThenI die cut the pieces needed to create the flowers. These were so easy to assemble.
I used the Bold Thanks Die Set to create my sentiment. I used the Organic Linen embossing folder for the background. I love the great texture from the 3D folder.
Above is the link for the African Daisy die set and below is the link for the monthly subscription plan for our Craft-A-Flower die set. When signed up, you are guaranteed a spot in our monthly Craft-A-Flower releases and will receive a set each month – at a specially discounted price! ($35.99 →$29.99)
$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 5 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 04/13/2022 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 04/15/2022.
Next on the blog hop is the talented Nichol Spohr. Here’s the link to her blog:
This is no joke, you’re going to love this blog hop!
Brighten a loved one’s day with stunning Belladonna Lilies. These gorgeous summer bloomers produce multiple fragrant flowers on each impressive stalk. In this stamp set, we have brought this exotic plant to paper through a delicately drawn outline image. The flowers have four coloring layers, and the stem has two coloring layers that will add depth and character to this beautiful flower. The Build-A-Flower: Belladonna Lilies special edition stamp and die set is only sold as a bundle. It includes one 6″ x 8″ clear photopolymer stamp set (20 individual stamp images) and one coordinating die set (1 die).
Here’s my clean & simple card for the hop!
I used Altenew’s Crisp Dye inks in Caribbean Sky, Sapphire, & Shadow Creek. I also used the Maple Yellow Hawaiian Shores marker to hand draw the Anthers on the flowers. I used Obsidian ink to stamp the sentiment. I love the crisp detail it gives!
I achieved the wispy look of the flowers by skipping the first 2 layers. See the close up below.
Here’s the fun part of the blog:
Giveaway Prizes
$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 5 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 04/06/2022 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 04/08/2022.
We have chosen a few Altenew products that are great for your Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards (and other year-round projects)! See donation information below.
Beautiful Lady Stamp Set
Extra Special Stamp Set
Family Matters Extras Stamp Set
Family Matters Stamp Set
Mother’s Love Stamp Set
Penned Rose Stamp Set
Precious Moments stamp set
Simply the Best Stamp Set
Thanks Around the World Stamp Set
Thanks, Dad Stamp Set
Travel Boots Stamp Set
Wild Hibiscus Stamp Set
World’s Best Dad Stamp SetYou Are Everything Stamp Set
Paint-A-Flower: Lotus Outline Stamp Set
Paint-A-Flower: African Daisy Outline Stamp Set
Say Yes Stamp Set
Tufted Chair Stamp Set
Modern Eucalyptus Stamp Set
Cuddly Bear Stamp Set
Bold Heels Stamp Set
Doodled Triangles Stamp Set
Sweet Cake Stamp Set
Inky Lily Stamp Set
Modern Alphabet Stamp Set
Altenew will donate $1 with every order of the above stamp sets from 3/6/2021 until 5/31/2021 to the Food Bank of Central New York to support seniors in need.
We have created a special Parent’s Card Drive Collection. Here’s the link:
Watercolor Brush Markers: Sunkissed and Autumn Blaze
Obsidian Pigment Ink
Crystal Clear Embossing Powder
must-have Gel Pen Set
Small Blending Brush
Here is the process:
Stamp flower with Obsidian Pigment Ink
Heat emboss using Cyrstal Clear Embossing Powder
Using Watercolor Brush Markers, drop in color from Sunkissed and Autumn Blaze
Stamp the leaves and small stem with Obsidian ink
Die cut the flower, leaves, and small stem
Using Citrus Burst Crisp Dye ink and a small blending brush, add color onto the card front concentrating the color from the lower left to the upper right
Attach the leaves, stem, and flower to the card front
Die cut 3 Fancy Thanks die pieces and glue them together
Add the Fancy Thanks to the card
Add Antique Gold sequins as desired
Using the white Gel Pen, add dots to flower stamen
Add card front to card base
Now to the fun part:
Giveaway Prizes
$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 5 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 03/30/2022 for a chance to win.
Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 04/01/2022.
You should have arrived here from Nenette’s blog. The next blog post is Susan’s. The links are below. Nenette S. Madero Susan Stagno
Here’s my new favorite: the Mega Rose stencil!
I also used the Feathered Leaves stencil.
First I added color by using a large blending brush and ink. I held the stencil in place with some low tack tape.
Next, I used my much loved set of Woodless Watercolor Pencils to add details to my card.
I removed the stencil and drew right along the edges of the stenciled design of the flower. I used Shadow Creek, Fresh Lemon, and Yellow Ochre.
Then I used my Altenew watercolor brush to draw the color out a bit from the colored edge.
Below is another look at the finished card. The sentiment is heat embossed with Obsidian pigment ink and clear embossing powder, and is from the Fairy Tale Rose set. I added Antique Gold sequins to finish the card.
Here’s a quick look at another card using this watercolor technique. I used Coral Berry crisp dye ink. I also used the Ruby Red watercolor pencil. The sentiment is from the Leaf Canopy set; then I added Satin White sequins to finish the card. I hand drew the leaves using my Shadow Creek watercolor pencil.
Now for the fun part!
Prizes:
$130 in total prizes! Altenew is giving away a $20 gift certificate to 3 lucky winners and a $15 gift certificate to 4 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 01/09/2022 for a chance to win.
There’s MORE! What’s a hop without YOU?! We have included an Inlinkz at the Altenew blog for you to enter your gorgeous Altenew “New Favorite” creations. We will pick one of our favorite handmade creations from those who joined the linky party and they will receive a $10 Altenew gift certificate!
Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 01/10/2022.
I can hardly believe that the workshop is done. It was fun and quite a challenge, too.
To complete the challenge, I needed to create 3 cards, and then teach the workshop participants how to make the cards. I also had to create a workshop survey for the participants to complete after the workshop, so that I can learn and grow.
Below are the sample cards that I created for the workshop. I used the following Altenew products: Bloom and Grow stamp set which was a collaboration set with Hero Arts (in rectrospect I probably should have chosen a different set), the Build-A-Flower: Coneflower, Craft-A-Flower: Buttercup, the Watercolor Stripes Stencil, the Script Words Die set, the Waffled Diamonds embossing folder, and the Wishing You stamp set. I also used Altenew’s Artists’s Watercolor 24 Pan Set, Crisp Dye Inks in Snapdragon, Lagoon, and Coral Berry; all images were stamped with Obsidian Pigment Ink. I also used 4 of the Watercolor Brush Markers: Turquoise, Sunkissed, Mango Smoothie, and Paper Bag.
After deciding on what techniques I wanted to teach, I needed to create samples, create a check list (aka lesson plan), and get them approved by Erum and Virgina. All of my questions were answered quickly, and they were both a big help in getting the workshop process started.
One of the biggest challenges was finding participants. I was concerned that I wouldn’t have the number needed. I had talked to some friends and they agreed to participate, but then one after another fell through the cracks and I was down to Zero!
Virginia suggested that I post a notice in the AECP Facebook group. Surprise! I didn’t even know that there was a specific group. I hadn’t been on Facebook much.
Long story, short, I had 7 participants agree to attend the workshop and then because of family emergencies I ended up with 5 in class. I was so relieved to see some friendly faces!
In order to have a successful workshop, there were new things to learn and do. I had never done a video or taught via a Zoom class, so that was a bit scary. What equipment could I use and how do I use it?
Thankfully, a few weeks prior to the workshop, I met Bridget. She had recently completed her training and was a great help to me! Thank you, Bridget!
After creating the cards and getting approval, I needed to create my checklist of what needs to be done and by what date.
I started by writing on a note pad, all of the things I thought I needed to do before, during, and after the workshop. Some of the things on my original list inclued: talking points about each card, technique information, what colors I wanted to use, the order I wanted to create the cards, a handout for the end of class, a survey, what items need to be in the kit I was supplying, and what items the participants needed to supply.
Here’s my list (it is not in any particular order). I hope this information helps future educators in learning.
The process:
decide on technique(s) to be taught
create sample cards
take pictures of sample cards
get approval on techniques and card samples
create a lesson plan
advertise to gather participants
create a detail sheet for Card 1
create a detail sheet for Card 2
create a detail sheet for Card 3
decide on the teaching platfom (I used Zoom because I was somwhat familiar with it.)
finalize the class date and time
obtain participant’s email and mailing address
create the participant kit
mail the kit at least 1 week prior to the workshop date
practice making cards
time how long it takes to create each card
decide which card or card part will be made first
create a list of “talking points” for each card
put the kits together
practice using my video equipment
set up a practice Zoom meeting
create a handout for each card with instructions, a supply list, and additional card ideas
create a list of follow-up questions
prepare and package card pieces into the kits (I heat embossed multiple images of each flower so they would be ready to use)
label kit pieces (I separated the card pieces by putting them into 1 bag per card)
I also included white card bases
charge all equipment the day before the class (and the morning of the class)
create a follow-up questionnaire (I used Survey Monkey.)
decide upon additional items that I wanted to share with the participants: Rule of Thirds acetate sheet, splatter sheet with marker, pipette, package of assorted sequins, misting bottle, blending brush, liquid glue bottle, and miscellaneous card pieces
send an email letting the participants know what will be provided in the kit and what they will need to have on hand the day of the workshop
Three to 4 days prior to the workshop, send a reminder email along with the link for the workshop (also remind them what they will need to have on hand the day of the workshop)
prior to class, send the list of questions on the questionnaire so that the participants will easily be prepared to complete the questionnaire after the workshop
send the questionnaire link to the participants
send the handout to the participants
send a questionnaire reminder and let them know when the surevey will be closed (so that you can write your blog post)
ask the participants to send you pictures of their completed cards
clean up my work area and prepare it for the workshop
List of items that the participants needed to supply:
2 containers of water (1 clean and 1 for rinsing your brush)
scissors for fussy cutting some items
adhesive
watercolor pan set (12, 24, or 36)
3 or more coordinating Crisp Dye inks for the ink smooshing technique
paper towels or cloth
stencil
What did I enjoy most about the workshop?
I love meeting and getting to know new people.
I love teaching and seeing participants results; they’re amazing!
I enjoy the planning and organization portions.
It was great working with Erum and Virginia one on one!
I enjoyed creating the handout.
It was fun having “knock knock” jokes during the workshop.
It was fun creating additional cards and pushing myself to create new layouts with the same stamp.
It was comforting to have a few people I had met through other classes participate in my workshop.
I enjoyed the learning experience!
What were some of the workshop challenges that I faced?
video equipment not working as expected
realizing too late that I had created 2 different ZOOM links (I sent one to Erum and Virginia, and a separate link to the participants.) Lesson well learned (Sorry for the confusion Erum and Virginia)!
My link error caused the class to start a little late, so I felt rushed during the workshop. I hope I didn’t rush the participants too much.
I was nervous because Erum and Virginia were participating and “grading” me. I wanted to do the best that I could. I love Altenew products!
I missed doing introductions of the participants.
I had other sample cards prepared to demonstrate ways to take a card to the next level, but we ran out of time.
I’m still learning the best way to organize my area so that all items are close at hand.
Things that I learned from presenting the workshop:
It would have been a good idea to plan different techniques instead of 3 different variations of the same technique.
I want to do another live workshop!
Having the “knock knock” jokes helped keep everyone focused and filled in empty moments. It was also fun.
Before the next workshop I need to get more comfortable with my video equipment. I purchased some new equipment to help with the video quality, and I will be able to zoom in and out on my desktop.
I received 4 completed surveys, and below are the survey questions and responses:
1) How was the tempo of the class? Survey response was “75% just right” and “25% other thought the fussy cutting slowed down the class.”
2) How was the instructor’s diction? Survey response was “100% spoke clearly.”
3) How was the length of the class? Survey response was “100% about the right length.”
4) How do you feel about the amount of information presented? Survey response was “50% too little information, and 50% about the right amount of information.”
5) What was your satisfaction with the kit provided? Survey response was “100% highly satisfied.”
6) Were instructions for each card given clearly? Survey response was “100% all instructions were clear.”
7) On which card were more instructions needed? Survey response was “75% none of the above,” and “25% on the Bloom and Grow stamp set.”
8) Did all of your questions during class get answered? Survey response was “100% yes.”
9) What part of the class needs improvement? Survey response was “25% material was too simple,” “25% material was too advanced for beginners,” and “50% other with these notes: “Since this was an Altenew class I would suggest using Altenew products whenever possible.” AND, “Everything was great. The only thing I can think of was having us introduce one another and possibly a bit more conversation throughout the class.”
10) What did the instructor do well? Survey response was “50% well prepared,” and “50% other with these notes: “the class was well prepared, fun and clearly presented. However, if this had been a group of beginners, or you weren’t aware of people’s skill level, it might have been difficult to follow. Love the survey – for Virginia & Erum, be sure to add a ‘further comments’ box so we can add additional thoughts in the future!” AND “Everything was done well. I especially like the knock knock jokes…when there was a lull, that brought us back together!”
I appreciate all of the great feedback! Thank you!!!
My husband, Todd, took this picture of me while I was teaching. Such concentration!
Below are the beautiful cards that the participants made during class.
This is the handout that was emailed to all participants after the workshop was complete. I hope this helps them to remember the fun we had during the workshop, and the techniques we practiced. I was SO impressed by everyone’s creativity!
Lastly, these are additional sample cards, and the cards that I made during the workshop.
Thank you Erum and Virginia for having so much patience with me while this old dog learned new tricks!
Have you ever been lost down the rabbit hole? I have. Looking at all the cards others have created. Looking and looking and looking. This class helps solve that time waster. I’m not saying that it’s bad to enjoy the beautiful work of others; just that sometimes you can spend more time looking than creating.
This class is all about finding ways to inspire yourself. There are tools that you can use to help you look at things differently. After all…anything can inspire a card.
There are 3 parts to a card: layout, color, and style. Nicole Watt taught this class and she said, “LCS: Let’s create simply.”
Following Nicole’s suggestion, I found and created my own inspiration book. It has a zippered pocket, file folder pocket, business card pocket, and a notebook in it.
Here are a couple of the pocket pages.
Here are the pocket pages. I store some templates to trace for circles, rectangles, and etc. in one of the pockets.
This is my card that I quickly trace for my base image. It gives me a point of reference for size. It is actually 2″ x 3.” It could be any size you want, but that size fits well in my pocket and is big enough for me to sketch a layout on.
Here’s a page from my book. If I copy a layout from someone else, I note where I got it so I can refer back to it if necessary.
There are SO many opportunities for inspiration. You may see a commercial on TV that can provide a layout or a color combination. The other day I was walking in my neighborhood and saw some new flowers. The color combination of the flowers in the flower bed really caught my eye. You can look at ads in a magazine or on the internet for great ideas, too.
Another option is to make a list of 10 (or more) things that can be grouped together.
For instance, when I was growing up, we used to go to the lake every summer around the 4th of July for vacation. So I have a Lake list: water, fish, dock, white, green, sun, hat, fireworks, birds, and sand. The things on the list can represent actual items or colors.
Here’s my Rainbow list: rainbow, umbrella, rain, duck, arch, clouds, gold, shamrock, ROYGBIV, pinwheel, and geometric shapes.
And one more; my Daisy list: daisies, white, green, sunflower, field, cow, friendship, yellow, pep talk, books, pencil, pen, and letters.
Sometimes just looking through my lists will spark an idea.
Once in awhile, something that I see every day will be my inspiration. That was the case for the card below.
This little inspirational card sits on my craft table under my light. The colors and the angle of the girl’s arms inspired my card design. I’m including the whole card so that you can be inspired, too. Her upstretched arms look like the shape of the flowers. The veins in the leaves have the same shape.
To make the card, I masked off the center of the card for my sentiment, and then I stamped the flowers. I always need birthday cards, so I used the Birthday Builder set for the sentiment. I stamped it in Obsidian and clear embossed it.
The flowers are from the Bright Blossoms set. I think they are fun and cheery.
I hand drew the black stamen in the red flowers.
I had some washi tape with dots, so I added that because it coordinated with the tips of the stamen on the yellow and blue flowers.
I hope you have been inspired by this post.
I have grown SO much from what I have learned through all of the Altenew classes. I encourage you to go to https://altenew.com and look at the many classes they offer.
I feel so blessed to be a part of the crafting and AECP community! Thanks for visiting!
This Altenew class was an exceedingly helpful class. It was such an interesting class, too. I am recommending it to everyone I know in the crafting world. Jaycee did a great job explaining the intricacies of how and why all the card pieces fit together.
The flower is from the Beauty Within stamp set.
Here are the elements that were covered in the class: color, value, line (real or implied), shape, form, texture, and space.
Realize it or not, there are certain mathematical principles that apply to card making or any other type of crafting. Here are 2 principles I want to share.
Principle 1: The 60/30/10 Rule.
This means there should be 60% of one color, 30% of another color, and 10% of a 3rd color on your project. Otherwise, your project would be out of balance and will not be as pleasing to the eye.
Many people follow this rule without even thinking about it.
Principle 2: The Rule of Thirds.
This rule applies to every card you make no matter what the size is. This rule also applies to photography. This principle explains where focal items should be placed on a card. I created a tool to help me visualize this rule.
I have an acetate version of this tool, but below is one made on vellum so that it is more visble in the photo.
The acetate or vellum sheet is a card size and is divided into thirds in both directions (horizontal and vertical).
Focal images should be placed on the card where there is an intersection. Notice that the sentiment is placed on the upper right intersection and the flower is placed on the lower left intersection.
There is an implied line from the flower to the sentiment. The sequins help draw your eye toward the sentiment, too.
Here’s another example of implied line. Can you see the implied line? Look at the stamen in the flower that is closest to the sentiment. See how the stamen leads your eye toward the sentiment?
Understanding these principles (and the other ones explained in the class) can help you design your card or scrapbook layout.
I hope you found this information interesting and helpful. Thanks for visiting!
Handmade Greeting Cards by Ann4U 
