Showing posts with label Gennette Houghton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gennette Houghton. Show all posts

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Visions in Pink by Gennette Houghton

 


Hello and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend! The new 6116 Thinking of Home Set in the Storybook Series is such a lovely set, the possibilities for this is amazing.  

I decided to go with a mix of browns and pinks, and I absolutely love how this turned out!  I was going to get a picture of the images after I colored them before assembly, but I got sidetracked, and when I returned to it and cut the images out with the included dies and started putting it together, is when I figured out that I had not.  This set comes with 5 images, one as the back piece and then 4 layers. I decided that I actually wanted to cut out the house so that I could pop it up on foam tape, so I stamped in a guide of the house on the piece of watercolor paper so that I could put in some flowering trees beside it.  I did a wash of 772 for the sky and then used 4964 WC Branches Set in 899, adding dots of 772, 817, and Bleed Proof White for the flowers.  I stamped a second image of the house, so that after coloring I could cut it out and pop it up over the guide I stamped on the back piece.  For the roof and the trim on the door and window, I used 899, and over that in areas 879. For the walls I did a light wash of 969, and also added details to the walls and roof using 4867 Foliage Set 2, the little foliage, in 990 on the walls and 969 on the roof. Which of course I figured out after assembly that you can’t see it.  I used 969 on the chimney and shaded with 565.  For the door and window panes I used 772, the handle on the door I used 947 and shaded with 969.  For the front porch I used the same colors as the house, a light wash of 969 with 899 and 879 on the roof, shading with 565.  Using the same foliage as before, I also added some details on the front post using 990. I did mask these off with post-it tape just in case.  For the next layer with the cat in the chair, I went a little darker with the 969 on the chair and shaded with 565.  For the cat I started with 565 to shade areas since part of the cat would be white, and then added some N52 for a light gray and a touch of 772 for the inside of the ears.  The flowers were done with 817 focusing more color in the center. 126 and 177 on the leaves and 899 on the pot.  For the stone I used N49 with N57 between the stones and then added shadows and shading with 565.  Next is the bird house, for the post 969, base color on the house is 772, adding details with 817.  The roof was done with 879, the perch 969.  For the hole, 969 and 879 was used.  The last layer with the mailbox, I started with 969 on the post, N60 for the base layer on the mailbox with some N52 in areas and shaded with 565.  For the flag I used 817. The little bird, I used a black micron on the eyes, beak, and legs first. I then did a base color of 772, contouring with 817, and then added a touch of 969.  Each of the stamp sets come with their own dies to cut out the images, but you will need 6121 Storybook Template Dies to create the ornament.  The Template has all of the dies you need to cut out the components to assemble it together.  The square to cut out the back piece and layers, and an oval to cut out the openings to line up with the opening in the outer casing.  Each of the stamp images stamp out a section that lines up with the oval opening that you glue behind the paper layer that just leaves the image visible through the opening.   Once you cut out the outer casing, you glue your back piece in, personally I prefer to put the layers together before attaching them over the back piece, a little easier for me that way.  You will want to use foam tape between the layers, usually a square in each corner does the trick. I used a double layer of foam tape for added dimension between the layers. Since I popped up the cut out image of the house, I wish I had added one more layer of foam tape to the back of the porch layer.  Just make sure as you are assembling that your layers are actually going to fit, I leave the backing on the foam tape and stack it inside to make sure there is enough room, then you can adjust from there if you’d like before putting it together.  Once I have my layers together I then fold along the crease lines and then attach my layers into place and then glue the edges down.  I used 6182 Valentines Series 2 Cover paper pack for the casing and the hanger.  Once the sides were set, I then attached the hanger and added a bow and ribbon.  I hope you will enjoy this set as much as I do!

I loved the color combo so much on my first project that I decided to continue with that color theme.  This time I used the 6179 Cottage Charm with the 6158 Story Tile Template Die. I cut down my watercolor paper down to 4 ¼ by 5 ½ and then placed the die over the paper to trace out some guides with a pencil. Just don’t make the same mistake I did, I put the die with the cut side up, which meant that I had to turn my paper over and cut from the backside to get it to line up with my images.  (Still shaking my head!) So place your die, cut side down before you trace your outlines. I then decided where I wanted to stamp each image. I used Distress Ink in Pumice Stone and stamped each one off first, if you are worried about the position you can always use a stamp positioner. For the sentiment I used Versafine Clair in Nocturne, using a permanent ink allowed me to watercolor the background in without causing the sentiment to bleed.

Flower pots: I used 879, 947. 4868 Flower Set 2/flower bunch in 177, 772, 817. 4052 Flower Set 1/ daisy bunch in 772, 817.  5126 Foliage Set 4/small vine in 249. 177 for the ground and 526 for the sky.

Bird Bath: 565 and 969 mixed with a touch of 526.  Water: 565 with a touch of 526 and 817 for the reflection.  Bird: 772, 817, and a touch of 969. 5126 Foliage Set 4 for the leafy branch in 126 and a line drawn up through the image with 177.  5008 Flower Set 3 with 772 and 817 at the base of the petals and 177. 

Fence: Background 526.  5826 Large Tree Set 2/grass: 177 with a touch of 969 in 2 small spots at the base.  5476 Foliage Set 5/grass, just inking the tips in 817. Fence: 565 for shading and a couple of touches of 947 in light wash for interest. 

House: Roof, window and door trim. 899 and 879. Walls, light wash of 969.  Chimney and steps, 565 and 969 mixed, 565 for shading.  Door and window panes 772. Door knob 969. Shutters, 772 and 817 for the slats.  Ground 177 and 526 for the sky. 5372 Mini Foliage Set/bush line in 249, Bleed Proof White for the flowers.  4964 Branches in 899, dots of 772, 817, and Bleed Proof White for the flowers.

Sentiment: 772 for the background.   

Bike: 772, 817, 969, N15, 565 for shading, pencil for spokes.  5126 Foliage 4/leafy branch in 126 with 177 right up the center.  947 for the ground, and 526 for the sky.

Always remember that sets like these can be used in so many ways. You can use each stamp individually, or create your own scenes.  I for one am looking forward to playing with the possibilities.  Thank you so much for joining me today, until next time! Create….Share….Inspire!





Thursday, August 20, 2026

Boy oh Boy! Challenge #434 Week #2

 Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to week #2 or our challenge,

Boy oh Boy!

Let's see your masculine creations.
Remember, they don't have to be cards. You can create anything you like as long as you use something from Art Impressions. We'd love to see your gift card holders, gift tags, boxes and bags, bookmarks, place cards, cake picks, party decorations, designer paper, framed art and more. Anything with a masculine flair.

Last week Sharon was our Featured Artist and she made such a fun guy card!
Click her photo to see her tutorial.

Now let's see what the rest of the Design Team created.

I made a diaper bag.


Simone's little guy is hanging with his best friend.


Gennette painted a beautiful fox.


Dori created a darling slimline card.


Neema created a farm scene.

Tasha has a Halloween card for you.
Janet created a fun fold card.


Such fabulous work from everyone.
I'm sure one of these has inspired you to enter something into the challenge.
You could be the next winner of a free stamp set.

Now, onto the details of our challenge.


Please make a new project featuring any masculine themed
stamps, dies or paper from Art Impressions.
We can't wait to see your creations.

Here are the rules...

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation using either stamps, dies and or designer paper from Art Impressions. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards! (unless specified)

✻ Limit two submissions per person.
✻Top Spot Winner and Lucky Random Winner each receive a free 
stamp set from Art Impressions
 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission. You may include your entire last name, but it's not necessary.
✻We love to comment on your entries, but keep in mind if you use a private group or a platform that you need to sign up for, we probably won't be able to.
✻ The Ai Challenge is open to everyone, international submissions are welcome!
✻ Include a link back to the Ai Blog or grab our button on the top right of our sidebar!
✻ Share the Ai love if you can, by clicking and commenting on your fellow crafters.
✻ Make sure to get your link up by the deadline to enter your creations.
✻ Good luck and happy stamping! 


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Pretty in Pink by Gennette Houghton

 


Hello, and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend!  Nothing like pretty pink florals to brighten someone’s day.  I went with full on pink for both of my cards today!

For my 1st card I was in the mood for some florals.  I know that our growing season will soon be coming to an end, so I am going to enjoy the bright colors while I still can!  I stamped both 5921 Glass Containers Set and 5918 Floral Long Stem Bouquet Set in Distress Ink Pumice Stone after stamping off, onto my watercolor paper.  For the flowers I used 837, and on the centers 947, and 969.  The stems and leaves I used 177.  For the glass on the container I started with 526 and then added some 565.  I used 969 on the counter and made sure I also used that color in the bottom of the container.  Adding a bit of 565 for a shadow at the base.  I used a pencil and ruler to add the boards, I wasn’t careful about this, I went right over everything.  I then took a kneaded eraser to lighten the lines inside the jar, and an eraser to remove any lines going over my image.  I then shadowed the boards with a touch of 565.  I then went in with a bit of Bleed Proof White to give some highlights on the glass. With dies from my stash I cut out my image and matted it onto pink cardstock.  I added some Wink of Stella to the bow, and matted my card base with paper from 6205 Floral Shop Paper Pack and assembled my card. 

Keeping up with the floral theme my 2nd card was created with 6222 Frameworks Set 4 and 6220 Sing to the Lord.  I used my stamp platform for both of these, inking in Distress Ink Vintage Photo, and after stamping off once stamped them on my watercolor paper that I cut down to 4 ¼ by 5 ½ .  For the frame I used 026, putting in a base layer and then adding more on the edges to give it some dimension.  I then added 817 to the flowers, starting off light and then building up layers in the shaded areas.  For the centers I used 947 first and then added dots of 969.  For the leaves and stems, I started with a base layer of 126 and then shaded with 177.  For the background I used 526.  I then used 565 to shade both sides of the frame to make it pop, and also underneath the flowers and foliage for a bit of dimension.  I had stamped my images off to the right side and I matted this onto my card base.  I then used paper from 6205 Floral Shop Paper Pack, cutting a strip that was 2 by 5 ½, and used a border die from my stash for a decorative edge.  I glued this on top of my watercolor paper to the right finishing off my card.  Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you enjoyed my cards.  Until next time, Create….Share….Inspire!





Thursday, August 6, 2026

Floral Frenzy Challenge #433 Week #2

Hello Ai fans!
Welcome to our challenge.

FLORAL FRENZY

Let's see your floral creations.
Remember, they don't have to be cards. You can create anything you like as long as you use something from Art Impressions. We'd love to see your gift card holders, gift tags, boxes and bags, bookmarks, place cards, cake picks, designer paper, framed art and more. Anything with flowers.

Last week Janet was our Featured Artist and she took the theme to heart,
creating the most amazing floral card.


Janet also created a second card with a bee theme.

Now for the rest of the Design Team cards.

Our Monthly Challenge inspiration artist is Debbie and she created a sweet


Watercolor artist Gennette created this lovely floral Story Tile card.


Simone created two floral cards for her Watercolor Weekend post.





Our Focus on Faith artist, Sara, created this beautiful wall hanging.


I created a floral Story Tile card.


Neema created a lovely floral panel framed with a pretty border.
4603 Blooming Birdhouse (retired but HERE are lots of other options)



And, a second card from Neema. So pretty!

                


Tasha has a beautiful floral Story Tile card.
Dori has a dozing gnome and his friends, enjoying some flowers.

Sharon has some stunning daffodils for you.


Wow!! Talk about some amazing floral inspiration!
We can't wait to see what you create for the challenge.

Here are the details.

Please make a new project featuring any floral themed
stamps, dies or paper from Art Impressions.
We can't wait to see what your beautiful creations.

Here are the rules...

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation using either stamps, dies and or designer paper from Art Impressions. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards! (unless specified)

✻ Limit two submissions per person.
✻Top Spot Winner and Lucky Random Winner each receive a free 
stamp set from Art Impressions
 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission. You may include your entire last name, but it's not necessary.
✻We love to comment on your entries, but keep in mind if you use a private group or a platform that you need to sign up for, we probably won't be able to.
✻ The Ai Challenge is open to everyone, international submissions are welcome!
✻ Include a link back to the Ai Blog or grab our button on the top right of our sidebar!
✻ Share the Ai love if you can, by clicking and commenting on your fellow crafters.
✻ Make sure to get your link up by the deadline to enter your creations.
✻ Good luck and happy stamping! 


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Summer Vibes by Gennette Houghton

 

Hello, and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend!  Ah….August….the hurrah before fall.  Don’t mind me while I sit in the air conditioning until fall arrives.  LOL!  However, I do love all of the green and flowers, and I’m in no hurry for the cold I know is coming.  I am a mid-temp kind of gal.


 For my 1st card I decided to go with several sets using the 6158 Story Tile Template.  The possibilities with this die is never ending.  I started off cutting down my watercolor paper to 4 ¼ by 5 ½, I keep a cutout of the template with my die that I use to trace the outline of the boxes on my paper.  I then stamped in all of my images with Distress Ink Pumice Stone, and then stamped them off once before placing them on my project, masking off the guides where needed.  I used 6106 Spring Keepsake Set for the birdhouse, and used a pencil to create a guide for the hanging line.  A mix of 565 and 969 for the wood, mixing these creates a more weathered look to the wood.  I then added 403 to the main part of the birdhouse, decorating with Bleed Proof White with a touch of 025 for the centers of the flowers.  526 was used on the sky before adding in the leafy branch from 5126 WC Foliage Set 4 in 126 and 177.  I also used a mix of 565 and 969 to the hanging line.  5981 My Joy Set was used for the Black-eyed Susans, I started with 126 on the leaves and contoured with 177.  For the petals I started with a base layer of 055, adding contours with 025.  I use a small amount of 026 for the deeper shading.  The centers I use 947 and shade with 969, also adding a couple of dots with 969 on each center.  For the background I used 403, and then added some gold dots with Winsor & Newton Gold Ink with 5418 Bible Foliage Set 2.  For the next section I used 6195 Love Blooms Set with a stamp positioner to make sure I had it centered where I wanted it.  A pencil and ruler was used to map out the guidelines for the windows before I started coloring.  For the windows I used a mix of 526 and 565, shading with more 565 along the edges.  For the wood I did a mix of 565 and 969 for this one as well.  Darkening around the bases of everything sitting on the bench.  For the curtains I used 025, and the tie backs I used 403.  For the pillow on the right I used 676 and 947 for the button, the left pillow I used 403 and 969 for the button.  I colored the left pot with 905, adding stripes and dots, and then shadowed with 947.  The right pot I used 126 and also shaded this with 947.  I started with adding in the shadows on the cat with 565 and then colored him in with N15.  I used a black micron on his facial features and a pencil for his whiskers.  I added in the foliage with 5126 WC Foliage Set 4, vines, in the right pot with a mix of 126 and 177.  For the left pot, I used 4868 WC Flower Set 2 in 676 and 177.  I also added in some Bleed Proof White for flowers on the vine.  For the birds, I used the 6196 Fresh Flowers Set.  A black micron was used on the eyes, beaks, and feet before coloring.  I extended the line across the opening with a pencil as well, to create a ledge that I colored with a mix of 565 and 969, adding some extra 565 for the shadows.  For the birds I started with 526 and 905, but then decided to add additional color with 565 and 856 because I felt they were too light.  403 was used for the sky, and then I added the little leafy branch from 5007 WC Foliage Set 3 with 249.  Adding in some flowers with Bleed Proof White.  

The FG Flower Borders are so useful in so many ways, so I used the 6186 FG Tulip Border for my next section.  For the leaves and stems I started with a base layer of 126 and then shaded and contoured with 177.  For the tulips I used: Purple – 676 and 947, Blue – 403 and 407, Yellow – 055 and 025, and Peachy Red – 905 and 947, making sure I deepened the colors in the more shaded spots.  I hate to admit this, but this is the very first time I have used the little girl from 5717 Little Girl FB Set.  For her hair I used 947.  For the skin I used 850 as the base, contouring with 910, and shadow with 912, with just a touch of 772 on the cheeks.  I used a black micron for her eyes, and 912 to define her nose and mouth with a touch of 947 on her eyebrows.  I decided to go all fancy with her dress and used a pencil to map in the guides for the checkered pattern, and used 905 on her hat, buttons, and dress.  I don’t know what it is about this color, but I love it.  It can be a strong orange/red, or when it’s watered down can be a peachy pink.  I used some 565 for a shadow under the brim of her hat.  969 was used on the basket, and then created a mask before adding in the daisy bunch from 5074 Bible Flower Set in 403.  I also added in the vines from 5126 WC Foliage Set 4 in a mix of 126, and 177, adding in some Bleed Proof White.  I shaded the arms and basket on the apron with 565.  I decided to add boards behind her with a pencil and ruler, using a mix of 565 and 969 to add definition, plus added a shadow behind the girl with 565.  Using the 6158 Story Tile Template I cut out the frame from 6082 Bible Journaling S1 Paper Pack, mounting this over my images and assembling my card. 


 For my 2nd card I used 6184 Euro Cottage Set with Distress Ink Pumice Stone after stamping off once and then stamped onto my watercolor paper. I also created a mask for later.  I started with 947 on the roof, adding a bit of 969 for the darker areas and added shading with 565.  I used a mix of 565 and 969, with a touch of 249 on the chimney, door frame, and steps, shading these with 565.  For the walls I watered down some 969 just to give them a bit of tint, and then darker for the suggestion of bricks.  For the trim around the windows I used 947 and a bit of 969.  526 and 565 was used on the windows, and then I used some 969 for the panes.  I used 969 on the door, shading with 565, and then used 947 for the door knob.  For the lantern, I started with 526 for the glass, and finished it off with 026.  

I then used the mask I created and masked off the cottage to add in the foliage for the trees.  4051 Foliage Set 1, the large foliage, I covered the stamp with 126 and then added 177 in random areas, stamping and re-inking multiple times for both sides.  I softened this with a damp brush before adding in the branches.  I used one of the larger branches from 4964 WC Branches Set in 977, using the stamp positioner to figure out where I wanted the branches of the trees to be.  I then added in some 526 for the sky.  Removing the mask, I then used one of the smaller branches from the same set for the vines going up around the house.  From 4051, I used the small grass in 177 along both sides of the house, and then used 5126 WC Foliage Set 4 and the vines in 126 and 177.  I also softened the vines and grass with a damp brush, before adding in some Bleed Proof White.  Just a touch of 969 for the path for the door.  I cut out my image with the 3rd from largest die from the 5063 Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies.  After matting my card base with paper from 6033 Inspirational Easter Paper Pack, I matted my image with a darker green and then silver, before assembling my card.  Thank you so much for joining me today, and I hope you enjoyed my cards!  Until next time, Create….Share….Inspire!




Saturday, July 18, 2026

Flower Power by Gennette Houghton

 


Hello and Welcome to Watercolor Weekend!  Bonnie has been outdoing herself with the newest releases, because these are so beautiful!  You can go simple and create little notecards to have on hand or you can add them to full scenes.  They also come with sentiments that you can use, or mix and match.

I used 6188 FG Daisy Border for this card and added the frog from 6106 Spring Keepsake Set.  The frog is absolutely a favorite!!  I started off with stamping the daisies onto my watercolor paper with Distress Ink Pumice Stone, after stamping off once.  My original plan was to do white daisies, but I really love black eyed susans, so that is what I went with.  I started with the stems and leaves with 126 as the base, and then 177 to add shading and dimension. I really like this combo and use it often.  For the petals, 055 for the base and then adding in some 025 for the contours, with some 026 for shading.  026 can be a strong color so I use it sparingly. The centers I started with 947 and shaded those with 969.  I decided at this point to choose what die I was going to use, and I went with 5724 Nested Rectangle Die Set and used the 6th from the largest.  Using a pencil to trace a guide, I then added 403, heavily watered down for the sky, adding a few extra layers in areas and allowing it to dry in between.  I then cut my scene out with the same die I used as my guide.  I had room on the left over watercolor paper to stamp the frog with Pumice Stone, also stamping this off once.  126 was used as the base layer, and darkening the sides and shadowed areas with 177.  I then went over the center of the face, belly and the very top over the eyes with 055 to brighten these areas just a bit more.  I then took some 346 in small amounts into the darkest areas.  For the eyes I used N15 on the pupils and a light touch of 565 on the outer sections of the eyes to give them a bit more dimension.  I also went over the nose and mouth with pencil.  I picked a piece of paper from 6082 Bible Journaling S1 Paper Pack and matted my card base.  I matted my main scene with the daisies using the 5063 Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies, 3rd from the largest.  After adhering these together, I then matted this with 6048 Scalloped Rectangle Dies, 2nd from the largest.  Once these were glued together I then centered them onto my card base, and used the included die to cut out the frog and attached him in the bottom corner with foam tape.  I chose the banner die from the 5543 Journal Template Die for the sentiment and attached that up in the corner, with glue on the ends and foam tape under the raised center, completing my card.  I really love how this turned out, that little frog is just so cute!!

 

For my 2nd card I used 6186 FG Tulip Border and 5785 Gnomes Set.  Both were stamped in Distress Ink Pumice Stone and stamped off once, on watercolor paper.  I created a mask for the tulips with post-it tape before using a positioner to place the gnome.  I started with the stems and leaves using 126 as the base color and then 177 to contour and shade, darkening areas that overlap and below the flower heads.  Before working on the flowers I decided to work on the gnome first. You can just see a hint of his boot and pants so I colored the boot in 969 and the pants in 565.  I added a bit of cross hatching in the pants for a little extra texture using the same color.  For his shirt I used 026, adding extra layers to any area that would be shadowed.  For the skin tone, I start with a base layer of 850, and then I contour with 910.  912 was used for the more shadowed areas.  Instead of 565, I decided to use N52 to contour and shadow his beard and to darken under his cap and around his nose.  I used a combo of 403, and 407 on his hat.  For the petals I started with 725, adding extra layers in the darker zones, and then added a bit of 676 to deepen the darker areas.  I then added a wash of 526 for the sky.  I cut out my image with 5724 Nested Rectangle Dies, 6th from the largest and matted it with dark purple cardstock using the 5063 Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies, 3rd from the largest.  I then matted this with some silver cardstock.  5892 Easter S2 Paper Pack was used to mat the card base.  Before placing my image, I put the card base in my stamp platform and stamped in the sentiment with Versafine Clair Nocturne.  I then assemble the card together.  I am really loving these sets, I need to try one with a circle die!  Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you enjoyed my cards!  Until next time!  Create….Share….Inspire!