Hi Lovelies!
Welcome to Simon Says Stamp's Peace on Earth Release Blog Hop! I am one of THOSE people who go crazy for Christmas. It brings together family, faith and food in a myriad of cherished traditions and opportunities to create new festive memories.
However, my color palette today is anything but traditional. I used watercolor, diecuts and metallic cardstock to create patterns, texture and shine in a pair of unusual Christmas Cards.
One with touches of gold...
And one with silver accents...
I tried out several items from the Peace on Earth release for these cards:
Key Supplies
If you decide to give these a try, I've got a full supply list for today's projects at the bottom of this post. When you shop for the items you want, remember to use the LUCKYU code when you check out so that you can get a FREE Lucky Pawsitively Everything Tool with any purchase of $25 or more!!! This promotion will expire 10/10 at 11:59 pm EDT.
Ok, let's get up to some Holiday mischief!
PREPARING THE BACKGROUNDS
These cards are all about the diecuts, but they start with watercolor. Don't worry, no actual painting skills are required! Just pick your color palette and draw lines of color on one piece of paper and make a random watercolor wash of the same colors on another sheet of paper.
I created the patterns on 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" squares of watercolor paper that I cut down after for the cards. This left me enough paper and to choose a card size that suited my project with extra to make diecuts and accents.
Note: I made these watercolor backgrounds weeks before I got this release; so the wash background is not sized for a Slimline Card Die. If you want it to match the slimline size of the Slim Plate die, then you will need to make the background larger. I ended up creating a custom card size for my Rejoice card. LOL!
My go-to watercolors are the Mijello Mission Gold Set.
See color chart below:
I chose my colors by matching my Distress Ink swatches to an inspiration photo, and then mixed my paint to match.
Peachy Pink - Permanent Rose and Burnt Umber
Navy - Indigo, Prussian Blue and Ultramarine
Green - Van Dyke Green
Turquoise - Viridian
Deep Blue (in watercolor wash background only) - Ultramarine Blue
Light Blue (in watercolor wash background only) - Prussian Blue with a hint of Indigo
Tip: When doing the wash background, mist the watercolor cardstock generously with water; add paint with a wet brush, letting the colors bleed into one another but not mixing them on the paper with your brush. If the colors are not blending together sufficiently, mist again with water once you have laid down all the paint and let dry naturally.
Now let's get to the details of each card!
JOY CARD - Striped Watercolor Background with Solid Color and Metallic Diecuts
Card Base: 3 3/4" x 7 3/4"
Navy Layer: 4" x 7 3/4"
Striped Watercolor Layer: 3 13/16" x 7 3/4"
Featuring:
Additional supplies linked in the Supplies Gallery at the end of this post
With the backgrounds done, this card is an open book... cut the background layers, prepare the diecuts and sentiment strips and assemble as shown.
The Leafy diecut has such beautiful details that are showcased on the metallic cardstock:
I couldn't resist adding a little more bling with some silver jewels!
REJOICE CARD - Die-cut Watercolor Wash Background with Solid Color and Metallic Die-cuts
Card Base: 3 3/4" x 6 3/4"
Diecut Watercolor Layer: 3 1/2" x 6 1/2"
Featuring:
Additional supplies linked in the Supplies Gallery at the end of this post
Yes! As I mentioned, I made up my own card size because I made my watercolor background weeks before I decided on the design for the card. LOL If you are more comfortable with a slimline card size, then stick with that, it will be pretty either way.
The Filigree Slim Cut Plate was used to die-cut a 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" piece of the wash background as well as a piece of white cardstock of approximately the same size. The white cardstock is layered and slightly offset under the wash layer to create a "shadow".
The Fine Petal Leaf Branches are die-cut out of the Gold Matte Cardstock and shaped over the barrel of a pen.
I guess I could have tried to ink-blend these colors, but there is something magical about these watercolor paired with this intricate die.
Let me know in the comments which card was your favorite.
As usual, I've got the bit of homework for you, but it's definitely the fun kind:
Be sure to check out the AMAZING Gallery that is packed with inspiration from this release!!!
Check out the full supply list below for your shopping convenience
Use the LUCKYU code when you check out so that you can get a FREE* Lucky Pawsitively Everything Tool with any purchase of $25 or more!!
See you soon Lovelies! Go and check out what Bibi Cameron has in store for you!
HOP ORDER:
SUPPLIES:
I listed the products that I have used below. Please note that these are compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support. Simon Says Stamps Peace on Earth Release products were provided as part of my Design Team package. Click on the icons below each product picture to shop with SimonSaysStamp.com.