Great Impressions DT - Just Because

There's another Thursday post at the Great Impressions Stamps Blog...another attempt at CAS (clean and simple)...let me know what you think!

And a great way to use up those scraps...

Don't forget to check out the April Monthly Challenge, too! The theme is "Lots of Flowers"...

Inky hugs,
Angi

Great Impressions DT - Elegant Teacups Collage

The kids are back in school and schedules are beginning to settle down. One of Great Impressions Stamp of the Month stamps really resonated with me recently: Patience (D445)

In the daily craziness that seems to be my life lately, I could really use more patience! Thank Goodness I have time for some creative stress relief! I stopped by my LSS (Simple Pleasures) not too long ago and picked up a bottle of Stampendous Fran-tage Embossing enamels in Shabby White. This is lovely stuff...

Chunky White & Gold embossing powder + Gold Tinsel = Texture - even after you melt it!

To get the seemingly random placement on the green card stock is easy...now that I've played around with it! I love playing with products and techniques and the embossing enamel was fun!

Simply drip or dot Versamark Watermark reinker on a non porous surface (preferable without raised edges) such as a craft mat or piece of acetate and smoosh (yes, that is the technical term...) the card stock on top. Sprinkle on the powder and heat from underneath to melt. Heating from underneath allows the bottom layer to melt and kind of set the rest of the enamel and the glitter. If you want more texture, as soon as the enamel starts to melt, turn off the heat; if you want the surface to be smooth, heat until it's all melted.

The pieces vary in size and when you heat it from the bottom you have some control over the feel of the final product. Before heating, the embossing enamel has a grainy feel, kind of 'salt & pepper' texture.

After heating, there is textured and smooth areas. Notice how the gold pieces resemble flecks, having 'edges'? You can even see the uneven areas in the picture. (sorry for the glare)

Do you see the Lace Background (K97) behind the cups?

To add even more shimmer and shine to this card, I used gold embossing powder and clear glitter on the teacups, pearl mist on the tag and gold splatter on the card base.

Hmmm...next time I think I will use a kraft card base for a little more contrast...

April's Great Impressions' Monthly Challenge is open and the theme is "Lots of Flowers." Consider making something for this challenge! Check out that post for the details and to enter your project. Remember - a Great Impressions stamp is *not* required, but if you do use one you'll get 2 entries!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Elegant Teacups (F389), **Patience (D445), Lace Background (K97)

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks Broken China, Worn Lipstick, Shabby Shutters; Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black; Versamark Watermark; Copics

Paper: Manilla Tag, Stampin' Up! card stocks, Bo Bunny Double Dots Coral

Other: Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch; Sizzix On The Edge Plaque & Postage; Spellbinders Labels Two; clear glitter; Stampendous Fran-Tage Aged Embossing Enamel Powders Shabby White; gold paint; gold embossing powder; linen twine; Perfect Pearls Mist Pearl; Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Tiny Tabs & Tags

**Stamp of the Month Stamps

Great Impressions DT - Easter Chicks Tag

(For those of you wanting that chicken lentil soup recipe from last week, please accept my apologies! I've been under the weather and getting lots of rest. Hoping to be up to snuff in a couple of days!)

Spring Break is almost over...I have enjoyed having a houseful of kids, but I'm ready for everyone to get back to the regular routines! This stamp reminds me of my home...busy chicks everywhere!

Stop by the Great Impressions Stamps blog to see more inspiration...and maybe to pick up a tip on what to do with that leftover egg dye this year!

Happy Thursday!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Great Impressions DT - Chicken Soup - Not Quite Like Mom's

Another Thursday, another Great Impressions' project! Here's a peek...

Visit the Great Impressions' blog to see what's cooking'!

Stop by Friday afternoon  THIS POST for the recipe...it's good!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Live Class - Great Impressions Beyond the Board Cards and Box

Just a quick post today. I'm teaching on Thursday (tomorrow) at Simple Pleasures. Yay! I miss being around all that crafty goodness...if you're interested there are a few spots left and if you can't make class, you can order a kit!

Call the store to register! Please bring your basic class kit (detail scissors, wet and dry adhesives and don't forget foam tape/pop dots, etc.!)

Thursday, March 22 @ 10:30am

Simple Pleasures 719.528.1338

Plus an Anything But A Card project...

By the way...this is a monthly class that features stamps from the current Great Impressions Stamps Stamp of the Month set. New stamps, new card designs, including one project that isn't a card Every. Month. Available as a kit, too!

Have a great day!

Inky hugs,

Angi