For this one I created quite a large scene using all of the images from that set as well as several others.
I thought about the little elf from last week. He was asleep under a mushroom. That's all fine and dandy on a nice day but they really need somewhere to live.
I decided the little doorway from 4849 – Celebrate Spring MTF would be perfect! I stamped it and then drew a tree around it.
Of course they needed a pathway to their door so I used
I wanted some sort of verse on here that made sense with the little elves so I started hunting through my stamps. I came across this one "Love Grows Here" from the 5102 – Succulents Set.
Wouldn't you love to run across this in your forest?
Do you ever layer your stamps? If not, it's easier than you think.
I wanted the elf to be asleep in front of the big mushroom and for the smaller mushroom to be peeking out from behind the large one.
First I stamped the elf on my paper and then on scrap paper. I cut the elf out of the scrap paper and placed it over where I stamped him. Then when I stamped the mushroom it looks like it's behind him.
After that I masked off the large mushroom and stamped the small one.
Now it looks like the small one is behind that one.
If you like this card then peek in here next week. I created an even larger scene using all the elves and mushrooms from this set (6 stamps in all) as well as some stamps from other sets.
Today begins a three week obsession! I'm suddenly feeling the need to craft with mushrooms!! I think I know why. My mom has been ill and I've had my Spring and Summer consumed with helping out with her care. I didn't plant any flowers, create any pots or even buy any hanging baskets. I have MANY perennial flowers but I think my yard is lacking in color this year. I think this was my escape. Over the next three Sundays you're going to see 3 different cards made with the 5125 – WC Elves Set.
This time I combined the elves set with
5000 – Gotta Garden Set. I used the Gnome, the gloves and the garden utensils from that set.
Hello, Ai Watercolor Fans! Did you know that July is World Watercolor Month? How cool is that! We hope today's projects inspire you to break out your stamps and play to celebrate the occasion all month long. Without further ado, here is your weekend inspiration!
I made a "Beach Babe" with Art Impression's stamps for the Watercolor Weekend. Summer in Las Vegas always finds me wishing I was on a beach where I can cool off in the ocean. I stamped the palm tree trunks in 969 from the 5120 - WC Palm Tree Set first, then I used a pencil to sketch in the lines for the ocean and the sand. I watercolored in the sand with 992 and the ocean with 526. The water was too light so I added some 565 which darkened it nicely. I stamped the palm fronds in 177 and pulled the color out of the lines. I watercolored the sky using No. 36 manganese blue and stamped the birds in 565 from the 5069 - My Fortress Set. I stamped the beach babe in 992 from the 5118 - WC Beach Girls Set and the puppy in 992 from the 5016 - WC Mini Critter Set. I used 77 pastel peach to color in the girl's skin and 603 to color in the girl's hat and suit. I used 969 and No. 1 black to color in the puppy then darkened his eyes and nose with the fine tip of a Copic multi liner pen. I stamped the flowers in No. 6 violet from the Flower Set 4052 and touched them with a wet brush to bring out the color. I used 565 to create the shadows. I used letters from the 5072 - Block Letters Die Set to cut out the word "beach" and then used adhesive foam to give them dimension. Lastly, as always, I added my name and date to the corner.
This little shed from the 5121 WC Garden Shed Set looks like a beach hut to me, so I stamped it using my Tombow marker #969 Chocolate. With #676 Royal Purple and #703 Pink Rose, I stamped the tiny dot cluster from 5009 - WC Mini Flower Set in and around the hut, to suggest tropical flowers, and added the tiny foliage stamp with #158 Dark Olive for greenery. From the 5120 - WC Palm Tree Set, I used the two trunk images with #969 to add the trees behind the hut, then with #126 Light Olive and #158, I added in the different palm fronds. Using my #4 paintbrush, I pulled out the brown of the trees and the shed, and only lightly touched all of the flowers and foliage to liven the colours. I painted the hut with #991 Light Ochre, and a bit of #969 to suggest painted wood, and added #515 Light Blue to the door and painted it to suggest the ocean in the background. I used #N65 Cool Grey 5 and the stepping stone image from the 5018 - WC Cobblestone Set in front of the hut, and then painted a wash with #126 to indicate the grass. I added #565 Deep Blue to my palette, then painted in the mountains, a soft sky, and added it around all of the images to indicate shadows. I stamped the sentiment from 5136 - WC Sentiment Set 2 using Versafine Onyx Black ink, then mounted my image onto the base using pop dots. I layered some paper flowers and a wooden button to the bottom corner of my card, along with a few loops of May Arts twine. The paper flowers and the flowers on the image were all touched with a Wink of Stella pen, so they're quite shimmery in person! And you can't really tell in the photo, but that background paper has tone-on-tone sunglasses all over it.
To begin, I inked the elf with the 969, stamped it off and then stamped the him to the right of the middle of the paper. Using a mask to protect him, I inked up the mushroom with the 969 and, using my positioner, stamped it underneath the elf.
I pulled the color out of the lines of the elf and the mushroom. I added some additional 969 from my palette to add some shadows onto the mushroom. I added some 954 to my palette and added it to the arms and face of the elf. I added some 969 to his pants and 535 to his shirt, adding shading around the bottom of his shirt.
I decided that it would be fun to try to use the long grasses from the 4875-Garden Wagon Mini set to create some fireworks. I am always looking for ways to stretch my stamps and this was perfect. I inked one of the grasses up with 847-Crimson and stamped it in a sort of circle a few times without re-inking, being careful not to ink the small flowers on the ends of the stamp. I did the same with the 535-Cobalt.
To create the fireworks look, I pulled the color out as far as I could in a wispy motion. I tried to pull the color out as far as I could in all directions. I added some additional red and blue to the mushroom as a type of reflection. Next, I added some N25 to my palette and slowly built up the color in the background. To add some sparkle to my fireworks, I added some Wink of Stella.
I cut the piece down using my Stitched rectangle die. I used some Gina K Designs metallic silver paper for the base and Blue Denim cardstock for the frame. To see how to create the gate fold, Jennifer McGuire does it perfectly...check out her blog here.
We LOVE to hear what you think about our bimonthly projects! Share a comment below, and we hope you can whip up a little watercolor time this weekend! Also, did you see that Bonnie (@bonniekrebs.biblejournaling) is hosting a Watercolor Challenge on Instagram that we hope you'll join! Simply use #aiwatercolorchallenge on your Instagram post so Bonnie and Ai Fans can see your work!
Ready for a bit of whimsy this Watercolor Wednesday? We are continuing through our 2019 new release and this week, Bonnie features our adorable WC Elves Set! She sets this adorable pixie atop a vibrant mushroom for this fairytale scene. We always love how Bonnie perfectly places her images with our Ai Stamp Positioner, to get the elf sitting in the right place on the mushroom with some masking.
We have a plethora of new videos coming to our YouTube channel, so make sure to hit that "subscribe" button and click the bell to be notified of new uploads! We always love to hear from you too, so tell us what you love about this video in the comments!
Hello, Ai Watercolor Fans! Happy Saturday! It is the first week of March, which calls for Watercolor Weekend! This week we have a special guest designer, Karen Day, joining us today! Let's take a look at what the team has in store for us today!
I am in love with this brand new 5124 - WC Bicycle set! I made this birthday card for the Art Impressions Watercolor Weekend using the largest bike stamp (there are four bikes in the set!) First I used the 45 Sepia, then the 86 African violet to ink up the bike and then I stamped it. I pulled the color out of the lines then used the 105 lt. teal on the palette to color the baskets and chain cover. I used N25 on the palette to watercolor the bike seat, handlebar grip, pedal and tires. Next I watercolored the bike body in the 94 scarlet. I used a ruler to and a pencil to draw the present in the back basket. I watercolored it in 34 pale green and painted the ribbon in the 94 scarlet. I used my white Signo pigment pen to outline the ribbon like it's high lighted. I used the 15 olive green on the mini leaf stamp from the 5009 - WC Mini Flower Set to fill the front bucket with leafs, added water and then I used the 3 hearts in the same stamp set with the 94 scarlet to stamp the flowers in the basket. I dabbed the flowers with water. Next, I took the grass from the brand new 5126 - WC Foliage Set 4 and the 72 pine green and stamped in the grass along the ground. I took some of the same green on the palette and colored in the ground all under the bike. I used 105 lt. teal and lots of water to color in the sky. I punched out three pink glitter paper hearts and glued them above the bike like they were balloons and used a ruler and my Copic Multiliner 0.03 pen to draw the strings and then outlined the present. I used a pencil and a ruler to draw in the spokes on the wheels. I signed it with my Copic pen and then cut it out using one of the 5061 - Double Stitched Square dies. I cut out the blue banner using the 5134 - Double Stitched Banner die set and a scalloped rectangle die for the next layer and stamped that sentiment from the brand new 5136 - WC Sentiment Set 2 and then cut it out using the smallest 5063 - Rectangle Double Stitched die.
I challenged myself to use a limited colour palette this week, using just tones of blue & brown - and I love the end result! I started by cutting a 5065 Oval Double Stitched die from Canson XL Watercolor Paper. Using 45 Sepia, I stamped and masked the bunny from 5016 Mini Critter Set, and then stamped the smaller toadstool from 5125 WC Elves Set behind him, leaving the top of it uncoloured so that I had a spot where my elf could sit. I inked him up in 992, which I also used to draw in a few blades of grass. I stuck with 969 (brown) and 86 African Violet to paint in the elf's oufit, with shades of 969 on the toadstool. I used 850 as a skin tone, and for the bunny's ears, using the 86 for my sky & shadows. For my second card, I cut a 5063 Rectangle Double Stitched die shape from Canson XL Watercolor Paper. I stamped both toadstools in 969, masking the small one, and stamping the larger one behind. I hand drew in the door (but the ones in 5065 WC Fairy Doors Set would work perfectly!) and stamped the stones from 5018 WC Cobblestone Set in 969. The elf is stamped in 992, and 850 is used as a skin tone. I used shades of 969 and 86 African Violet scribbled on my WC Palette to colour in the scene, often layering the colour to achieve darker shades, and used the 86 for my shadows.
Here is how I created my Elves card. This one is a little different as I needed to stamp the elves before the mushrooms. So to begin I created a bunch of masks and moved them around until I was happy
Step 1: The Elves
First, I stamped each of the Elves inked in 969-Chocolate. Once they were stamped I used my masks to protect them.
Step 2: The Mushrooms
I stamped the yellow Mushroom first, as I wanted it to be in the front, with Chocolate. I masked it off, using my positioner, stamped the orange mushroom. I removed part of the detail on the stem and tried to position it to the right to give it a different look. Then I stamped the purple mushroom and masked it off.
Using the smaller mushroom, I stamped the red and then the pink mushrooms.
Step 3: Adding water
Pull the color out of the lines from the Elves and Mushrooms. I added color to them from my palette. I tried to shade them based on where the Elves would have cast shadows as well as if something is in front of the object. In order for the Mushrooms to look round, I made sure to keep the darkest areas on the sides leaving a highlight in the middle. Once the were all dry, I added white dots to the tops of the Mushrooms. I added some additional color where the shadows would be darkest.
Step 4: The Grass and Flowers
I inked up the left and right grasses from the new WC Foliage 4 set using 249-Hunter Green and stamped them around the bases of the Mushrooms. I pulled color up and out of the lines. I then inked the flower bunch from the Flower Set 2 with 685-Deep Magenta and Hunter Green. I also stamped some of the small grass sporadically.
I added some 452-Process Blue to the palette and created a sky. Sign and date your piece!
Step 5: The Card
Using the rectangle stitched die, I die cut the watercolor piece. I glued it to a card stock base made from Red Hot card stock from Gina K Designs. To make sure that the sentiment, from the new Sentiments 2 stamp set, was straight, I used my MISTI. I added some Gina K Amalgam ink and stamped it down in the left hand corner. I added the entire piece to a white base card.
Give these ladies a round of applause by writing comments below! Don't forget to visit Dot, Karen, and Tricia on social media by clicking the pink links by their name! They are sure to give you ongoing inspiration with our newest watercolor release!
Hooray! Welcome to our first Watercolor Releases of 2019! These fabulous sets are sure to be favorites in your collection! Our WC Decorative Jars Set includes four gorgeous containers, such as pitchers and even a teapot! The set also includes three decorative designs for accents. Create a playful scene with our WC Bicycle Set, including four bikes with baskets, ready to be filled with flowers. Enjoy our whimsical WC Elves Set, featuring mushrooms and little characters for scenes with a touch of magic. Add the new WC Foliage Set 4 to your collection, because Bonnie is sure to use the small bunches of wild grass, tiny left- and right-facing vines, and other leaves in her upcoming videos! Last but not least, our WC Sentiments Set 2 features several sweet verses to pair with your projects.
We have a plethora of inspiration from you today, from our Watercolor Guest Design team members, as well as our own Bonnie Krebs! Let's take a look at what these lovely ladies have in store for us today!
There are some amazing brand new stamp sets available now from Art Impressions! I used the new 5125 - WC Elves Set to create this card for the latest challenge, "Floral Cards." I stamped the mushroom using both the brown and blue. I pulled the color out of the lines. I took Sepia from the palette
to paint in the circles on the mushroom top. I used the red 885 on the palette to color in the mushroom top. I stamped the door from the 5056 WC Fairy Doors Set (which fits perfectly) using the sepia and added lines with the fine tip of the sepia pen. I colored the door pine green, using the palette. I used the sepia fine tip to darken in the door shadows and door knob leaving that white high light in the center. I used the stamp positioner to stamp the elf on top of the mushroom house using 40 brownish grey. Then I colored him using the pine green on his pants and hat and half sleeves and I used 77 pastel peach to color in his face and hands. I colored his hair and shoes in with the sepia. I stamped a single flower in his hand from the 4868 WC Flower Set 2 using blue 565 and pine green and then stamped in the group of those same flowers above the mushroom and added water. I used pine green and stamped the leaves from the 5009 - WC Mini Flower set then used the flowers from 4052 - Flower Set 1 and stamped the flowers in using the red 885. I added water to them. I used the grass from the 4051 - WC Foliage Set 1 and stamped it in using the olive green. I used the tall stalks from the brand new 5126 - WC Foliage Set 4 and the 72 pine green and stamped them in the background. I put some olive green on the palette and dabbed it in around those leaves. I used blue 526 on the palette to color in my sky. I took actual watercolor paint - silver and white to make my sky look more cloudy. I cut out my image using the 5065 - Oval Double Stitched Dies and cut out the red background piece from the next larger oval die. I used two of the 5063 - Rectangle Double Stitched dies for the next background pieces. I glued those little green jewel flowers in the corners. Lastly, I used a Copic Multi Liner 0.03 pen to add the black centers to the flowers, draw in the elf's eyelash, draw the string on his shirt, and sign and date it.
Begin by stamping the bicycle from the WC Bicycle Set in 565 Deep Blue, stamp it off onto a scrap piece of paper then add 969 Chocolate and stamp onto your watercolor paper. The combination of both colors will result in a gray tone. Watercolor the Art Impressions way with water and a paint brush. Next stamp in the foliage from the WC Foliage Set 4 in the basket and around the tires using 158 Dark Olive on some leaves and 177 Dark Jade on others. Mask off the bottom of the basket with masking paper or a post it note, then stamp the flowers from WC Flower Set 2 in 725 Rhodamine Red. Scribble a little 528 Navy Blue on your palette and brush onto the bike. Darken up the basket, seat, etc. with a bit of 969 Chocolate. Also add in tire spokes with the small tip of 969 Chocolate. Brush in the sky using 526 True Blue. Add dot detail around the flowers with 725 Rhodamine Red. Finally, stamp the sentiment from Sentiment Set 2 in your favorite black ink. I cut out the design and mounted it to the card with foam tape for added dimension.
First, I inked up the container from the New Decorative Jar Set using 969-Chocolate and 569-Jet Blue. Pull the color out of the lines from the edges working your way in. In order to create the texture, add additional color in an up and down brush stroke, this creates the look of smooth metal. Make sure to leave your highlight in the middle of the container as well as along the top of the spout.
Step 2: Foliage
I inked up the leaves in the New Foliage 4 set with 177-Dark Jade. I stamped the leaves (5 times at least) along the top of the container. Make sure you leave enough space for the flowers. I added water to the foliage.
Step 3: Flowers
I inked the flower blooms from the Bible Flower set using 905-Red and stamped three blooms. I then inked up the small flower bunch from the Mini Flowers set with 606-Violet. I added 4 additional flower bunches. I added water to the blooms starting from the lightest area. I inked the stems from the Bible Flower set using 847-Crimson and 177-Dark Jade. I added water to the blooms. To fill in the middle of the bouquet, I added some additional foliage from the New Foliage 4 set.
Step 4: Cobblestones
I used a piece of post-it tape to mask the bottom half of the container. I inked up the cobblestones from the Cobblestones set with Chocolate and Jet Blue. I stamped it off and then stamped it under the container. When pulling the color out of the lines, make sure to pull it from below the stones to make them pop. I added some 476-cyan to sides of the container to show sky.
Step 5: The Card
Make sure you sign your work. I placed the watercolor piece in my MISTI stamping tool and inked up the “Blessed & Grateful” with Gina K Designs amalgam ink and stamped it along the bottom of the container.
Next, I cut the watercolor piece out with the new Hexagon double stitched die. I also cut a mat from peach cardstock using one size larger Hexagon die. I popped up the watercolor piece using foam tape. I adhered this to a piece of white cardstock cut to 3.75 x 5 that I ran through my big shot using a hexagon embossing folder.
I adhered this onto a Edible Eggplant card stock mat. I adhered this to a side folded card base.
Just LOVE these cards! They are the perfect inspiration for our new Floral Cards challenge! It may still be wintery in many parts of the country (even at Ai headquarters in Oregon!), but that doesn't stop us from dreaming about spring! Join us by making a flower-inspired creation for our challenge for a chance to win Ai stamps!
Here are the Challenge Rules:
✻ Please make a new card or creation. You can make any crafty 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!
✻ 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 by clicking and commenting your fellow crafters.
✻ Make sure to get your link up by Wednesday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m. PST to enter your creations.
Before we go, let's take a look at the winners of last week's House or Cottage Challenge! Top spot goes to... Helen F! Congrats, Helen! We adore how you used two of our Windows to the World stamps (Cottage Window and Greatest Gift Window) and transformed them into polaroid snapshots! Email annelise@artimpressions.com with your address to claim your prize pack! Honorable mentions go to... Janet K!
Congrats, you two! Janet, we love your Cottage Circlet card with the gate that actually hinges open! Super clever! And Heidi, your watercolor cottage card with whimsical large florals is so pretty with those bright colors! Email annelise@artimpressions.com with your address, and select a stamp set of your choice for a prize! Thanks to everyone who joined the challenge, we had awesome entries! Be sure to join us again for our Floral Cards challenge! Happy Stamping!
