I am so happy to be a sample maker for Stamperrobin's Free for All challenge, especially as Robin very kindly told me the theme for the next few challenges before going away.
My DH and I are 6 weeks into our 4 month camping holiday. Internet is very much hit 'n miss, so I apologise in advance if I don't get to see all the cards and comment.
Now about my cards....I am positive that there are fairies at the bottom of my garden, and I know for sure there are flowers! The background for these cards was made by placing camellia petals in between two sheets of cardstock, then squishing them through my Cuttlebug.
All the grey parts of the background are actually the flowers (who knew brilliant red Camellias would be grey after being squished to within an inch of their life).
After I mopped up all the flower petal juice from my Cuttlebug and desk, I sprinkled yellow and scarlet red Brushos over the card stock and sprayed on some water.
Before stamping directly onto the backgrounds, I stamped all the images and sentiments on acetate scraps. I placed the stamped acetate on to the backgrounds and work out which way the fairies and sentiments should be placed.
MISTI is an invaluable tool when stamping on this type of background. I used Memento Luxe for the stamping, I think I stamped each image about 5 or 6 times. Memento Luxe takes ages to dry but it is a fabulous intense black ink and perfect for silhouette images and sentiments.
I finished off each card by doodling a border with a fine micron pen (the finer the pen, the easier it is to doodle). Thank you for looking, I hope you have a happy, inky weekend.
Warning: I found smashing flowers in an embossing machine to be VERY messy. From one full camellia flower I extracted about 6 tablespoons of yucky grey fluid. I do not recommend a Vagabond or any other electrical machine!
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 106691
Thu, May 11, 2017 @ 5:00 AM
What beautiful bg's for these darling fairies!! I have found that it's always a surprise when squashing flowers........and yes, messy!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMER In and out of the hspital for months. Finally had back surgery on 5 herniated disks. Avatar is great grand Owen, who at 6 months is 19 1/2 pounds, and VERY LONG!! No teeth yet.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: January 19, 2014 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 119151
Thu, May 11, 2017 @ 5:07 PM
Oh my I love the squished flower BG and the added Brushos really look brilliant on the BG. Oh who knew smashing the flowers would turn them grey. I can't want to see what the challenge entails. Probably won't get to play my job seems to be taking over these days but I will stop in to see what the fun challenge entails because it has to be amazing for these cards.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46873
Thu, May 11, 2017 @ 9:10 PM
OMGosh Susie, these are fabulous!!! I didn't realize when I did my card tonight that I used the same as one of your fairies!!! Gosh I have a short memory!
I adore your bg's mate! You did a spectacular job with those flowers and Brushos! Who knew?
Wonderful fairies and sentiments mate! I LOVE your cards!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, ECraftDesigns DT, Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT, DRS DT
Registered: May 23, 2009 Location: sunny california Posts: 9844
Thu, May 11, 2017 @ 9:35 PM
Nasty crickets are chirping in my pitch black yard, and my shoes are no where to be found, but after seeing your gorgeous backgrouhds I am still tempted to risk stepping barefooted on a bug to grab some flowers to squish. These are such pretty cards and the bgs are so eye catching. Your intense black silhouette fairies look amazing.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: June 3, 2016 Location: France Posts: 73309
Fri, May 12, 2017 @ 2:12 AM
beautiful fairies and your backgrounds turned out so pretty Susie, I hope you're enjoying your trip and I think you will find loads of inspiration during your trip glad to see some beauties from you
------------------------------ We do what we can, with what we've got Anita
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34768
Fri, May 12, 2017 @ 7:24 AM
Oh my, sis, these are GORGEOUS! I giggled at the thought of six tablespoons of "juice" for a single camellia! WOW! But the backgrounds are amazing, and I love your fairies and beautifully doodled borders...just thinking about your making these makes me smile large!! Squishy hugs, sis, and give BIL a hug! xoxo
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: July 9, 2008 Location: Stars Fell on Alabama Posts: 83760
Fri, May 12, 2017 @ 7:53 AM
Six tablespoons!!!! Gosh, that is a lot. Just the same, the cards are awesome. We don't get to see those fairies in the garden, do we? Well, maybe a glimpse from the corner of our eyes. But, for sure, we know the flowers are there.
Hope you're enjoying your time away. Sounds like loads of fun.
------------------------------ My Blog---My Gallery---My PinterestI'm a Punchkateer! (Prez) FOREVERDirty Dozen Alumni2014 CAS Spring DT--- Inspiration Challenge Co- Hostess 12/02/17-12/28/19 Watercolor Wednesday Design Team Hebrews 13:2Brenda Team member for Dirty Dozen Christmas Fan Club Challenge
Registered: August 10, 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 25290
Fri, May 12, 2017 @ 7:59 AM
Susie, your cards are spectacular! The squishing plus Brushos combination is awesome! Not surprised about the 6 tablespoons of juice and mess from squishing flowers! However, the result is gorgeous, especially with the lovely fairies! BTW, it's great to see your cards in the gallery! Hugs and have a blast on your camping holiday!
