Mother Goose Journal By Tricia O'Bin

 

Welcome Back Watercolor Tribe!

I have a special watercolor journal for you today, using so many stamps, 

but don't be intimidated!

I am challenging you to think outside the box.  

I created another journal like this that I will be showing off another time, 

but in the meantime, I am really happy with the way this one turned out!  

Won't you come along and step back in time,
to when you listened to a nursery rhyme or two?

Introducing, my watercolor Mother Goose nursery rhymes journal.

I created the journal using the following supplies:

1 piece heavy cardstock for cover

2 pieces of heavy cardstock for 6 pages

Scrap watercolor or cardstock for clasps

19 pattern paper masks were die cut 

(front, middle, back, 2 ea pages 1-3 and 8-10, middle 4)

9 finished paintings cut to 3.5 x 2.25

For the cover I used a discontinued (sorry) set that has two geese on the stamp.

First, I inked up only one and stamped her down.  I pulled a small amount out of the lines to keep her white.  You could also use some of the birds to morph into a goose.  I painted some orange on her beak and feet.  I added some 569 and 969 underneath her to ground her.

I hand painted in the hat and bow.  

For the words, I used the small alphabet stamps.

Mary had a Little Lamb 

(or sheep in this case LOL)

For Mary's schoolyard "lamb", I started out by stamping the Sheep from the Good Shephard set using 969 and 569.  I stamped it off several time to make sure if was really light (white as snow). I pulled a bit of color into the sheep's shadows and under her feet. To protect her while I worked on Mary, I created a mask.  

For Mary, I inked up one of the Angels without the wings.  I also made sure her hair was really light because I wanted to extend it down. I made sure to stamp her close to the sheep's face. I pulled some color out of the lines and penciled in her hat.  I added some purple and pink to the hat and her arms for sleeves.  For her dress, I pulled some additional color in making sure to paint strokes that are parallel to the artist drawn lines. Her hair is built up using layer of browns to create depth.  Add some dark color underneath her to ground her.

Next, I stamped the small structure from the Garden Shed set inked with 969.  I liked the open window so I could hand paint in the chalkboard, floor and desk.  After pulling the color out, I added red to the walls and green to the roof.  I added 569 and 969 sporadically around for the appearance of snow and a mountain the distance.  I added some light blue into the sky to finish it off.

Three Blind Mice

I started by using the 3 mice from the Mini Mice and Squirrel set inked up with 969.  I took my time and built up the dark shadows on these little guys.  Once I was done I grounded them using some 969 and 569 underneath them.

For the Farmers Wife, I used the running girl from the Silhouettes set inked with 569 and 969. By adding her closer to the top, she appears further away in perspective. 

Next, I stamped the barn from the Barn set. I pulled the color out of the lines and added some color to it from my palette.  I added a small amount of water using my 0 paintbrush to her.  Lastly, Using 569 from my palette, I painted in the snow and sky.  

To see the entire journal, please visit my blog.  

I hope I have inspired you today!

I can't wait to see what interesting things you morph your stamps into.  

A theme is a fun way to explore you creativity.  I hope you will tag me so I can check them out!

Until next time, have a crafty day!

SUPPLIES:

Hot Air Balloon Watercolor Mini Journal by Tricia

 Say that 10 times fast...lol.  Welcome back to Watercolor Weekend!  I have a special video for you today that showcases the new Mini Journal as well as the new Hot Air Balloons stamp set. 

This weekend I am sharing a video (part 2 of the series) on how I made this watercolor Mini Journal using the New Art Impressions Hot Air Balloons set.  I filmed the creation of this journal so I could show you another way to use your stamps and dies.

Sometimes I find that I get stuck (and by stuck I mean overwhelmed with choices so that I don't begin).  I found this was the case with these journal dies.  So many choices of backgrounds, dies, stamps and colors.

I decided to keep it simple and cut the entire mini journal from Canson Cold Pressed paper.  This way I didn't have to make any choices other than what and how I was going to paint. 

The first video showing how I created the Journal is here if you want to follow along. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you are inspired to create a watercolor journal of your own!  Make sure to tag me so I can see all the pretty pictures!  

Thank you so much for stopping by to spend some time with me today.  I hope you have a crafty day and I will see you next time.

SUPPLIES:

Tricia's Top 5 of 2023

 

Hi Art Impressions Fans!

As this year comes to a close, we all like to reflect on our top 5 cards of the year. My year started with my first card and word of the year “Possibilities”.  Although I wasn’t sure how this would play out, it turned out to be just that!  I feel like that was a pretty good one, now to work on 2024’s word.   

 

As I do that, I want to thank you all for your love, encouragement and overall awesomeness.  I am fortunate and grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.  I wish you all Happy Holidays!  

 

Here are my Top 5 for 2023, in no particular order. 

Here's wishing you all the most beautiful holiday and blessings for the new year!

Watercolor Weekend - Karen & Tricia Edition

 Hello everyone!

  With the Ai blog taking a break later this month, we are doubling up your Watercolor Weekend inspiration this week, with posts from both Karen & Tricia.   

Karen will start us off with a twister card:

I adore making these!  I've wanted to try this idea for a while...  I started by picking my patterned papers from the new 5812 - Christmas S2 Paper Pack, and used that as my colour palette to paint the front and back images of the snowman from 5815 Mini Christmas Twister Set:

I stamped him using Tombow #N55 (using a grey for a less muddy outline) on some Bristol Smooth cardstock, then painted him in with #312/249/847/N55, and I used my 933 marker directly for his nose.  The dies that are included in the set cut him out so easily!  And they add on the little notch at the top and bottom that fit into the opening for the twister.  I used the 5724 Nested Rectangle Dies to cut out all my background papers, and mounted them onto my card base.

With the smaller (lemon-shaped!) die, I cut the opening for the twister, through all layers of paper (I did trim away a few to make it less bulky).  I cut a frame for the opening out of the same red cardstock for both the inside and outside of my card - I always like to make the inside of the card neat and tidy looking, and glued them in place.  I love the 5072 Block Letters Die Set, and cut the J and Y in red, and a second set in the striped paper from the pack - layering them both for a bit of a shadow effect.  After gluing the back-to-back snowman pieces together, I bent him slightly to fit him into the frame.  I added a sentiment from 5566 Christmas Sentiment Set with some 3D foam adhesive.

I really do love the snow... from the window of my Craft Room, LOL!  And I'm actually intimidated to paint it - but this year, Bonnie has done some fabulous snowy tutorials, and it's really made a difference for me.  My second project uses the new 5822 Rustic Christmas Set:

I positioned both the cabin and birdhouse from the set on the same block so that I could ensure that I got the perspective right, and that they were both straight - then stamped them on some smooth watercolour paper after colouring them in Tombows #969/565.  I then coloured the larger wreath from 5830 WC Mini Wreath Set in #249, and stamped it on the birdhouse.  After masking off the cabin, I added three trees using 5826 WC Large Tree Set 2 coloured in #249.

I painted a mix of #249/565 on the birdhouse, adding darker areas under the eaves, and then painted the cabin in a mix of #947/969, making the beams darker, and then used my brown Twintone marker to draw in the wood siding.  I didn't want a bright red, so I mixed a little 969 in with my 856 for both the chimney and door, and used N55 for the cement porch.  I hand drew the mountains and walkway, painting both in shades of #565.  I always pick one side of the mountains to be darker, and concentrate my shadows there.  I added in a few shadows on all my snowy areas using #565, and painted it as a wash in the sky.  I used Dr. PH Martin's Bleed Proof White to add snowy touches and to create snowflakes and icicles on the roofs.  I hand drew in the red bow on the wreath with my red Twintone marker, and used a sentiment from 5566 Christmas Sentiments.

I die cut my scene with a 5063 Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Die, matted on some rusty red cardstock to complement the cabin, and then adhered it to my 5853 Christmas Magic paper with some 3D foam adhesive.

Tricia has an exciting venture that she is organizing to bring Christmas Cheer to senior homes.  Here's all the information on how you can get involved (and maybe win a prize!): 

Join in the fun and win some amazing prizes while sending kindness and joy to someone in need. We have an incredible gift of making cards, sharing our love, and putting positivity into the universe. 

I would love to give you a chance to win daily prizes as well as be eligible to win the grand prize! Head over to my blog for all the details.

You don't want to miss out!  Get your cards in the mail today. Thank you so much for all of your love and support in this endeavor.  You are all amazing artists and most of all humans.  You make the difference every day when you lift others up and make them not only feel loved and accepted but truly seen.  I am grateful for each and every one of you and I hope you all have a most blessed holiday season.  

Peace and Love, Tricia xoxo

For the Shaker card:

For the Snowy Cabin card:

Clean and Simple Challenge #365

Hey everyone!!

Welcome back.

We hope you all had a nice, relaxing Thanksgiving with friends and family.

We hope you're rested and ready to play along with our final challenge of 2023.

Since you may be busy this time of year, we're keeping it simple.

Clean and Simple.

No, fussy, time consuming cards here.

Whip up something quick so that you have time for everything else going on right now.

Before we show you Sharon's card we have a special announcement. Tricia from our Watercolor Design Team has taken on a very important endeavor. Please be sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post after viewing Sharon's card.

Sharon is our Featured Designer and you're going to be so inspired by her simple yet sweet card.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Hello AI Fans!

So are you crazy busy this time of year and just discovered you needed just one more Christmas Card?  Well, clean and simple to the rescue.  Some people might think that clean and simple means a single layer or lots and lots of white space on your card.  I don't think there are any hard and fast rules to qualify a card to fall under clean and simple.  I think as long as you can make the card without having to spend hours on it or making a big fuss, it qualifies as clean and simple.  I couldn't believe how quickly I put this card together! All I did was grab some scraps from some other projects along with a frame and sentiment. It took me no time at all to throw this card together. So although it uses three different paper with layers, to me it is SO clean and simple!! To be honest, when I have a feature for a challenge, it's usually a full day of crafting and assembling.  This card took me about 30 minutes total, from start to end. So here's how I went about making it. 

First I decided which scraps I wanted to use and got my sentiment along with a frame for the sentiment. I think that took me longer than putting together the card. 

I cut the scraps down to 1.25" x 4.5" for the red mat and did the pattern paper at .25" smaller. The other piece I cut at 1.25" x 3.75" and cut the pattern paper at .25" smaller. I cut out the frame and stamped the sentiment.

I sat the frame over the top of my sentiment and just lightly traced around it, then trimmed just inside the pencil marks so the sentiment would fit inside the frame perfectly, then glued the frame onto the sentiment. 

I lined everything up to make sure I was going to like the way it looked, then proceeded to pick out my ribbon and make a bow. 

Once again, I lined it up to make sure I was going to like it, then glued it all together.  I added some 3M tape to the back of the sentiment so it would stand up from the rest of the card. 

That was it, about 30 minutes total. And I was super happy with the result. 

So that's it for me today. I hope you call take the time to join in with the challenge for the chance to win a stamp set of your choice! Thanks for stopping by for a visit and until next time - hope you have time to get crafty! 

Thank you so much Sharon.

We hope this gives you plenty of time to prepare for the holidays.

We love your card and all of your helpful tips!

Now onto our special announcement. 

Tricia wants to help out senior citizens who may be alone this time a year and even moving forward into the new year.  She is asking for your help.

You can find more information on her blog.

Tobinartstudio.com

We're so proud to have her on our DT and hope you will help Tricia and this group of people that are often forgotten about.  Your simple gift of a card could truly brighten someone's day.  HUGE BONUS!! There will be multiple Art Impressions giveaways!  Be sure to visit her blog for all of the details.  Now, go make a card for our challenge. And maybe, just maybe, send it to Tricia and win something.  Even if you don't win a prize, it's a win if you are giving and make someone else happy today.

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards!

✻ Limit two submissions per person. You will receive extra votes if you use Art Impressions stamps!

 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission.

✻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

Christmas Wreath cards by Tricia O'Bin

Hi Watercolor Fans and thanks for joining me on this Watercolor Weekend! 

Today I have some Christmas Wreaths to share with you along with a video!  Who doesn't love a wreath, right?  There are so many tutorials on creating wreaths, I thought I would throw another one into the mix.  I have a few examples here, three of which are done the standard way with flowers and foliage.  I chose the new Christmas Evergreens bundle stamps for these fun wreaths.

I am sharing a video on how I made the ornament wreath (it's a little long, sorry.  It is in real time so you can speed it up - muted with some music is always good).  I did put some chapter markers in, but that is a bit new to me so hoping it shows up when the video releases.  

Wreaths are quick and easy so they are perfect for mass producing say, Christmas Cards?  Just sayin'.  Anyway, I hope you are inspired to create some wreaths today.  Thank you for stopping by and have a crafty day!

SUPPLIES:

Christmas Evergreen Bundle

Christmas Sentiment Set

Church and Ornament Set

Snow Globe & Rustic Bird House by Tricia

Hi Watercolor Fans - Welcome to Art Impressions Watercolor Weekend...and our NEW format!  I am just loving it and am so excited to be showcasing two cards that I made from the most recent new Watercolor Releases. Bonnie has outdone herself AGAIN.  Here are my cards (make sure you scroll to the end) for this Sunday.

Up First - The Snow Globe

I knew I wanted this snow globe to be sitting in the window of someone's house.  Using the new snow globe stamp set, I traced around the outside of the circle die with my paintbrush loaded with light blue paint. I added water to keep it really light and to blend the lines. Be careful to remain really close to the sides of the glass, we can build the color up after we stamp our images.

For the base, I inked it up using 969 and stamped it beneath the globe.  I added additional color from my palette. You want to follow the artist drawn lines when you paint in the base (if you are doing wood).  By keeping dark shadows on the sides and underneath the globe, it gives a three dimensional illusion.

Next, I planned out my runner and window using a pencil.  I added some color to the wood around the window and the window runner.  I added some 569 and 969 from my palette with a lot of water to add grays and blues to the window.  TIP: To differentiate the window from the globe glass, use downward strokes on the window and rounded strokes for the globe.  Also varying the color of the blues to each, I used 569 & 969 (gray) and 493 light blue to the window and water, while using 565 and 569 to the globe with hints of 493 for reflection.

I stamped a couple of the trees from the set using 249 into the background while it was dry and some while it was wet for that blurred effect.  I inked up the snowman from the set with 569 and then used 969 where I wanted a mix of color (hat, arms, face, buttons, scarf).  I stamped him into the left third of the globe.  Next, I masked him off and using some 569 and 606 stamped in the house and trees (stamped off several times).  I used a little water to blur it.  Using my palette, I added some additional color to his shadows, scarf, arms and hat.  I also added some snow beneath him.

As soon as that was done and completely dry, I added a really light wash of color, inside the glass, extending the wall, window and some of the runner reflection into the globe. I also added some darker color to spots making sure everything was blended.  I added a bit of wink of stella for some shine.

Once I signed and dated it, I cut this out with my rectangle dies and the new banner die from the Decorative Journal Pages 1.  I added some 249 and wink of stella to give it some color :)  I added these to a patterned background.

.

Next - Rustic Bird House

This one is quick and easy but has a huge impact.  It would be easy to mass produce this one for Christmas Cards.

I started off by inking up the bird house with 569.  I generally start with 569 when painting snow so that it doesn't get dirtied up (unless that is the look I am going for).  I added some 969 to the house and to the posts. Using clean water, I pulled the color from the roof and beneath the house (snowy areas).  

TIP: to make a snow mound, turn your paper upside down, run the brush and water along the line to create a highlight.  When it dries this will give the illusion of a tall mound of snow - Bonnie has lots of winter videos - check out the Art Impressions Winter Watercolors Playlist.

I added some additional color to the house and snow.  Remember to leave lots of white space and build your color slowly. To mimic snow mounds (which I am desperately praying for this year) I added some 606 as a shadow under the house.  By inking up only the very top of the trees with 249, it gives the appearance they are buried it snow.  Same with the small tree inked with 969.  

For the cardinal, I inked it with 969, in hindsight I would stamp it off once or twice for a lighter image.  Build up your red so you don't lose your highlights and shadows.  I added some really light blue to either side of the image (don't go above the top of the birds head or below the house).

I placed this in my MISTI and stamped Joy from the Christmas Sentiments stamp set.  I cut it out and glued it behind the Snowflake Frame Die (cut out of white paper 3 times for strength).  This was added to a mat cut from the new Christmas PP using the Decorative Journal Page 1 die set, matted on another piece of patterned paper from that pack.

And that is it, two Christmas Cards done!  I hope you share what you are making with us on Instagram or Facebook. Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little of your very valuable time with me.  I really appreciate it and you. I love all of your work and feel inspired and thankful everyday to be a part of such a beautiful community of creative souls!  Have a wonderful Sunday!

SUPPLIES:

Snow Globe

Bird House

Fall into Fall #360 Week #2

 Hello and welcome to week two of our Fall into Fall challenge!

Last week we challenged you to Fall into Fall.  We're so excited to see so many beautiful entries.  There's still almost a full week to get something made and enter for your chance to win a free stamp set!

Our Featured Designer was Mercy.

She created a beautiful card using the new 5783 – Fall Leaf Frame Die Set and a verse from 5507 – Harvest Together Set.

Sharon used:

5595 Harvest Pumpkin Set

5594 Harvest Scarecrow Set

5783 Leaf Frame Die

5543 Journal Template Die Set

Lynn used:

FB Sitting Boy (5777)

FB Sitting Dog (5780)

5769 – Halloween FB Fence Set

WC Sitting Places (5055)

Halloween Slimline Set (5460)

Peek-a-boo Set (5506)
She has a video tutorial HERE.

Visit our Watercolor Weekend post to hear all about Diane and Tricia's card.

Nina used:

5776 – FB Sitting Girl

FB Sitting Boy (5777)

5783 – Fall Leaf Frame Die Set

4967 – WC Fence Dies

5492 – Front Porch Harvest Set (for the pumpkins)

Tasha used:

5543 Journal Template Die Set

5600 – Harvest Sentiments Set

5776 – FB Sitting Girl

5595 Harvest Pumpkin Set

Janet used:

5778-FB Frog Costume

5770-FB Farm Fence Die Set

5594 Harvest Scarecrow Set

 5595-Harvest Journal Die Set

 5726-Nested Circle Dies

I used:

5783 – Fall Leaf Frame Die Set
5790 – Fairy Houses
5794 – Whimsical Flowers
5788 – Whimsical Mushrooms
5063 – Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Dies
Bleed Proof White

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards!

✻ Limit two submissions per person. You will receive extra votes if you use Art Impressions stamps!

 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission.

✻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