This is a very late card for Sabrina’s terrific Technique Challenge – to make an awning card. I hope my hanging branches qualify; I used the awning technique for the top branch. I did alter the dimensions a little, the depth of the branch prior to doing the ‘Z’ fold is 1.25”
I started with a smooth white piece of cardstock approximately 5.5” x 8”, three quarters of an inch from the height and width are cut off after all the colouring and stamping is done.
Starting with a bigger piece of cardstock means all the edges are blended nicely and you also have some wriggle room with stamping. You can also cut off any dodgy bits.
Before doing the background, I stamped the Lavinia tree trunk (flipped it upside down to extend the height) with Distress Inks, then blended it a bit with an aqua pen. I also stamped the tree trunk across the top, so when the ‘awning’ is lifted up there is more of the tree.
The background was done with the Smack & Squirt technique (smack distress ink pad onto al foil, squirt on water and using a foam blending tool, scrub the inky water onto the cardstock, add a bit more colour without adding water). More water is better than not enough, you can always add more ink and build up the colour.
Next I used masking paper for the moon, then proceeded to add the purple sky (Seedless Preserves), followed by the orange ( Wild Honey and a little bit of Spiced Marmalade) then finished with the grass (Mowed Grass and Forest Moss).
Before removing the mask I swiped my Walnut Stain foam blending tool over all the colours – I only use the residue ink that is on the foam. This step tones down all the colours and gives a whimsical feel.
Remove mask. To put a hint of colour on the moon and to disguise the dodgy masking, I gently used a baby wipe to drag some purple and orange from the background across the moon.
Once the background was nice and dry I used MISTI and every black ink I own – Distress ink, Versafine, Archival (Ranger AND Brilliance) and Memento Luxe to get a good silhouette stamping of Heidi and the sentiment.
Before I attached the branch awning, I randomly stamped on some dots (Hero Arts dotty tree) and silver Stickles.
The falling leafy branches are cut from a tree die and typing paper, dunked in various green distress inks and water. I attached the branches to the underside of the ‘branch awning’.
I have had heaps of fun making this, it makes up for all the pieces of DP and die-cut windows I have on my desk trying to make a proper awning card LOL.
Thank you for looking.
Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 GMT Views: 5267
Favorited:17
Registered: May 23, 2009 Location: sunny california Posts: 9825
Tue, Dec 06, 2016 @ 9:29 PM
I am speechless....well, that is just a way of saying how much I Love this card, because I am never actually speechless. You take awning cards to a new height. Your colors are gorgeous and Lavinia stamps needs to hire you to design for them
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131334
Tue, Dec 06, 2016 @ 9:30 PM
Ooh, getting to see this makes it worth being awake an hour too early, LOL. What a brilliant and creative use of the awning...and after all, they do talk about a forest canopy, don't they. I'm sorry it only came about after you had wasted time trying other options! The whole scene is just magical, but I think what I maybe like the most are all the little dots. And now I am going to have to go back and look at Poppy in other cards and see if she always has flowers in her hair!
Registered: June 10, 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 7275
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 2:13 AM
You have out done your self with this magical scene. I just love how you have used every ink you have to get a nice black image. You and I are going to have to get together and manufacture a nice "black" ink - that you only need to stamp once - he he he. It can be so frustrating at times. Love the shading you have "dragged" across the moon. This is just brilliant - have to keep going back and having another look and each time see something different.
Registered: June 29, 2010 Location: Recently moved to the seaside, with views over to the Isle of Wight Posts: 13680
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 2:24 AM
Wow! Susie, this is a masterpiece and no mistake. The colours are wonderful, and the stamping is perfection itself. I want to creep up slowly and sit under the tree and enjoy the tranquillity. Bravo!
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 81814
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 2:36 AM
What a magical card, Susie. Love your description of the adventure you had making it and it is a wonderful creation. Makes me feel the day is going to be amazing and I need that since the last two days have been not so amazing. Big hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: February 5, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 92341
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 4:01 AM
A truly magical card with your moonlight fairy. I believe you have found a niche with these creative, beautiful, and mystical cards, Susie. Awing..schwaning..who cares.....innovative...taking the challenge to another level.
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 8:38 AM
Oh, sis, you have outdone yourself yet again (if that's even possible), but I LOVE how you've made an awning card with this gorgeous Lavinia fairy! WOW is right! I so love reading all the details of your process and would love to be there with you and Nancy just to sit and watch the process. You surely would mesmerize us both (and she is a tough act to follow too). Beautifully done...no, stunningly done, sweet sis! Love you dearly! Hugs! xoxo
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: December 14, 2007 Location: Vancouver canada Posts: 8914
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 8:40 AM
wow amazing card, love the tree and thanks for the hint in extending the trunk. Also love the depth of colour so whimsical for the great Lavinia stamps
Registered: March 29, 2011 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 32470
Wed, Dec 07, 2016 @ 9:10 AM
Your scene is magifantabulous, my friend! Your tree canopy is so creative and I love the subtle streaks across that big moon. Your colors give this such a magical feeling. I have a tip for you. After you've stamped your silhouette a couple of times, use an inked sponge dauber to intensify the black and fill in the little spaces. I have several sizes of sponges so I can get to the skinny areas. Less frustrating than stamping it over and over and over...
------------------------------ Carla ~ Proud Fan Club Member and Dirty Dozen Alumni.