AWHT Colour Creations #46 Smoky Slate

Smoky Slate with Heron Habitat Fancy Fold

Hello. Welcome to Valley Inspirations with Andrea and the Art with Heart Colour Creations Blog Hop. We are working though the amazing Stampin' Up! colours in alphabetical order, focussing on one colour each week.

This week’s Blog Hop is focussing on a light grey called Smoky Slate. Smoky Slate is part of the Neutrals Colour Family and is a very versatile colour. This colour is lovely when used for so many things, including herons and it works with so many colours. 

Smoky Slate is produced in Stampin' Up!'s card-stock, both A4 & 12"x12"; Classic Stampin' inks (ink pads & re-inkers); Stampin' Write Markers; Stampin' Blends Combo; Neutrals Designer Series Paper as well as Happy Forest Friends and Abigail Rose DSPs; plus Slimline Envelopes, Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit and a couple of Clearance items. 

Smoky Slate card-stock, ink and Stampin’ Blends Combo have been used in this project plus a range of non-Smoky Slate bits and pieces. Here is my card:

I have often seen a heron when walking my dog along the Sturt River, so as I was planning my project to showcase Smoky Slate my mind immediately went to Stampin’ Up!s Heron Habitat bundle. I also thought of a fancy fold demonstrated recently by USA Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, Sue Campfield. She designed two folds, ie the Flying Seagull and the Flying Finch fancy folds. This card is based on the Flying Finch design but I amended the dimensions to work with A4 cardstock.

By the Bay Speciality DSP was used for the card’s background panels and they were mounted on slightly larger Smoky Slate card-stock. A little blending with Balmy Blue ink had been added to the upper edge of the SDSP. One of the dies from the coordinating Heron dies was used to cut near the base. The cut off section was added back with a some overlap using Dimensionals. The 2 Basic White side panels were embossed with the Painted Texture 3D embossing folder.

Two of the larger herons from the Heron Habitat stamp set were stamped on Basic White card-stock. Extra depth was added to the stamped images with the Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends and the Color Lifter. A little Pool Party was also added to the white areas using the Pool Party Blends Combo. The images were die cut with coordinating dies from the Heron dies. The same set of dies were used to cut a number of reeds. The reeds were coloured with retired Pretty Peacock Stampin’ Blends together with the Color Lifter. Demonstrators have had a little early insight that Pretty Peacock will be returning with the coming colour refresh so I used this colour to give a hint of what is to come. It won’t be long before we know more about the colour refresh.

A sentiment from the Heron Habitat stamps was stamped in Smoky Slate Classic Stampin’ ink and cut out with the small label die from the coordinating set. The label seemed a little large so the top and bottom sections were fussy cut off. It was then tied around the centre section with White Bakers twine that had been coloured with Light Smoky Slate and Light Pretty Peacock Blends. The herons and reeds were arranged and adhered in place with a mix of Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Dimensionals and Glue Dots. The panel needed something else.  So a circle of Vellum card-stock was punched out with the recently returned 1 3/4” punch and coloured with a little So Saffron ink and a Blending Brush. This was tucked behind the flying heron to symbolise the sun. A couple of tiny birds were also stamped in Smoky Slate ink.

The ends of the coloured Bakers Twine was unravelled a bit and a mix of Faux Sea Glass Shapes were sprinkled around as the finishing touch. These Sea Glass Shapes are amazing - I love them. 

A thin panel of Basic White card-stock was stamped (and stamped off) with the tiny birds and added to a section of the back folds that sits behind the main front panel. A “Happy Birthday” sentiment was also stamped in Smoky Slate. A C6 Basic White Envelope was stamped with the flying heron to provide some coordination with the card that it will hold.

While the card spreads out when standing, it does fold up to fit into a normal envelope, as shown below. I have just realised that I forgot to photograph the card from an angle that shows the open wings. I’ll add it tomorrow.

Thank you so much for dropping in. I so appreciate that you spent time with me.

There is more Smoky Slate creativity. To continue with the blog hop, click the  "onto the next" graphic below and be taken to the blog of the lovely Kate Morgan. I am looking forward to checking out Kate’s creations. I do love seeing everyones' projects - there is always inspiration.

I hope to see you next week when we will be featuring So Saffron, one of the Subtles Colour family as we continue the weekly 2022-2023 Colour Creations Blog Hops.  Only 4 more hops for this round of Colour Creations Blog Hops.

Stay well, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others.

Andrea 💕🐾

If you find a broken link or you would like to view the full list of participants then go to Catherine Proctor’s blog @ What Cathy Made. Cathy is our  Art With Heart Team Colour Creations Coordinator.  She is a wonderful lady. Check out her delightful creation while you are there.

If you live in Australia, don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like your own copy of Stampin' Up's 2022-2023 Annual Catalogue and or the January - April 2023 Mini Catalogue then let me know and I will be delighted to send them to you. The new annual catalogue that will be coming soon. Please don't hesitate to make contact with any other queries about this project or Stampin' Up!. 

#colourcreationsbloghop  #stampinup #stampinupaustralia #stampinupsouthpacific #stampinupdemo  #handmadecards #makeacardsendacard #stampinupdemonstrator #papercrafting #artwithheartteam  #papercrafter  #stamper  #valleyinspirations   #heronhabitat #bythebay

AWHT Colour Creations #45 Shaded Spruce

Shaded Spruce with Sentimental Park and Natural Prints

Hello. Welcome to Valley Inspirations with Andrea and the 45th 2022-23 Art with Heart Colour Creations Blog Hop. We are working though Stampin' Up! colours in alphabetical order, focussing on one colour each week.

This week’s Blog Hop is focussing on a strong green called Shaded Spruce. Shaded Spruce is part of the Regals Colour Family and is another beautiful colour. This colour is lovely when used for leaves, trees, at Christmastime plus so much more. 

Shaded Spruce is produced in Stampin' Up!'s card-stock, both A4 & 12"x12"; Classic Stampin' inks (ink pads, spots & re-inkers); Stampin' Write Markers; Stampin' Blends Combo; Regals Designer Series Paper as well as Regency Park, Flowers & More (Host), Pretty Prints DSPs; plus Textured Shimmer Paper, Christmas Gifting Kit and a couple of things on the Clearance Rack. 

Shaded Spruce card-stock, ink, Stampin' Write Marker and Pretty Prints DSP have been used in this project plus a range of non-Shaded Spruce bits and pieces. Here is my card:

I initially thought I would try to use Shaded Spruce in a different way, but I saw a climbing plant on a recent walk with delightful mauve flowers which led me to create a leafy card with flowers. Also, as can often happen, the card design morphed along the way.

The wreath from the Natural Prints dies and flowers from the Sentimental Park dies were cut from Shimmery White card-stock. The wreath was water-coloured with Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin’ ink using the large Water Painter. The die cut flowers were water-coloured with either Blackberry Bliss or Fresh Freesia Classic inks with the former colouring the larger flowers and the later colouring the tiny flowers.

A panel of Basic White card-stock was embossed with the Fern 3D embossing folder before some light blending of Fresh Freesia ink was laid under the wreath with one of Stampin’ Up!s Blending Brush. A splattering of Shaded Spruce was added to both the wreath and the background panel. Torn strips of the Pretty Prints Shaded Spruce DSP and Shaded Spruce card-stock were layered on one side of the embossed background panel.

Three extra wreaths were cut from Basic White card-stock and then layered directly over on-another and topped with the water-coloured wreath. The 2 largest die-cut flowers were adhered together and then, together with single layered flowers, were arranged on the wreath together with a Fresh Freesia Open Weave ribbon bow. (The ribbon had been cut in half lengthwise.) As I was working with the photos on this blog I noticed that the camera and lighting has shown the colour of the bow as quite different to the Fresh Freesia ink and certainly different to the way it looks in real life. Interesting.

A sentiment from the Sentimental Park stamp set was white heat embossed using White Emboss powder (from the Basics Emboss Powder set), Versamark ink and a Heat Tool on Shaded Spruce card-stock. The sentiment was fussy cut and positioned with Dimensionals near the floral arrangement. Some gorgeous Adhesive-backed Milky Dots were added to the centre of the larger flowers and around the sentiment. I love to add a little bling.

A Basic White card inner had left over water-coloured leaves and flowers added as very simple decoration. A C6 Basic White Envelope was also decorated with left over leaves and flowers. I intended to add some torn DSP, but forgot. Ah well, my memory is not what it used to be. I will probably add some later.

Thank you so much for calling by. I so appreciate you. Do continue around the Blog Hop as there is more Shaded Spruce creativity to see.

To continue with the blog hop, click the  "onto the next" graphic below and be taken to the blog of the lovely and talented Rachel Woollard. I look forward to checking out Rachel’s creations. I do love seeing everyones' projects - there is always inspiration.

I hope to see you next week when we will be featuring Smoky Slate, one of the Neutrals Colour family as we continue the weekly 2022-2023 Colour Creations Blog Hops.  There is only a handful of colours left to complete this round of Colour Creations Blog Hops. The past 11 months have sped by.

Stay well, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others.

Andrea 💕🐾

If you find a broken link or have come to this blog hop from a different entry point, you can view the full list of participants on Catherine Proctor’s blog @ What Cathy Made. Cathy is our  Art With Heart Team Colour Creations Coordinator.  She is a special lady. Check out her delightful creation while you are there.

If you live in Australia, don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like your own copy of Stampin' Up's 2022-2023 Annual Catalogue and or the new January - April 2023 Mini Catalogue then let me know and I will be delighted to send them to you.  Please don't hesitate to make contact with any other queries about this project or Stampin' Up!. 

#colourcreationsbloghop  #stampinup #stampinupaustralia #stampinupsouthpacific #stampinupdemo  #handmadecards #makeacardsendacard #stampinupdemonstrator #papercrafting #artwithheartteam  #papercrafter  #stamper  #valleyinspirations   #naturesprints #sentimentalpark #naturalprints  #prettyprints

AWHT Colour Creations #44 Sahara Sand

Sahara Sand with Apple Blossom and Nested Friends

Hello. Welcome to Valley Inspirations with Andrea and the Art with Heart Colour Creations Blog Hop. We are working though the Stampin' Up! colours in alphabetical order, focussing on one colour each week.

This week’s Blog Hop is focussing on a light fawn called Sahara Sand. Sahara Sand is part of the Neutrals Colour Family and is a lovely versatile colour. This colour is lovely when used for sand, trees/wood, etc etc and works with so many colours. 

Sahara Sand is produced in Stampin' Up!'s card-stock, both A4 & 12"x12"; Classic Stampin' inks (ink pads & re-inkers); Stampin' Write Markers; Neutrals Designer Series Paper as well as Happy Forrest Friends and He’s The Man DSPs + Like an Animal and By the Bay Speciality Designer Series Papers; plus Old Olive & Sahara Sand Twill Ribbon Combo Pack and Birthday Card Organiser Kit.

Sahara Sand card-stock and ink have been used in these projects plus Linen Twine and a range of non-Sahara Sand bits and pieces. Here are my cards:

I love the softness of Sahara Sand and combining it with Subtle colours - as I have done in these 2 cards. Linen Twine is brilliant with Sahara Sand as the natural colour of linen is a similar colour.

CARD 1:

I designed this card when part of a Design Team, responding to a Sketch Challenge. It wasn’t published at the time, so I thought I would share it on this blog as I used Sahara Sand card-stock and some ink to colour the die cut stem. Here is the sketch:

I also want to draw your attention to the beautiful Apple Blossom dies, that had been released for a time-limited special offer and are currently available on the Clearance Rack for an amazing price, ie $24.40. Don’t forget to check the Clearance Rack for some amazing deals.

Some Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ ink was lightly water-coloured in ombré stripes across a panel of Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. This panel was also embossed with the Stripes folder from the Stripes & Splatters 3D Embossing Folders set. The panel was bordered top and bottom with scalloped die cut pieces from the Apple Blossom dies and then adhered directly to a Sahara Sand card base.

The branch, blossoms and leaves were die cut from Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. These die cut pieces were delicately water-coloured with Sahara Sand, Mint Macaron and Blushing Bride Classic Stampin’ inks. Two different size circles were cut from Vellum card-stock using the Layering Circles dies. Once dry, all the pieces were arranged and positioned with a mix of Multi-purpose liquid Glue, Glue Dots or Mini Dimensionals.

Bows were tied with White Crinkled Seam Binding and Linen Twine and adhered in place with Glue Dots.  A sentiment from the coordinating Apple Harvest stamp set (from the Annual Catalogue) was white heat embossed using Versamark ink, White Emboss Powder and a Heat Tool. This was fussy cut and added with Mini Dimensionals. Beautiful Basic Pearl Jewels were added to the blossom centres.

The card inner was created with a Basic White card-stock panel, an off-cut of the striped water-coloured panel and some water-coloured blossoms and leaves. A Basic White C6 Envelope was stamped with a branch of apples (from the Apple Harvest stamp set) in Sahara Sand ink.

CARD 2:

Easter is coming and so I also have created an Easter card with the beautiful Nested Friends bundle - it’s a bit non-traditional for Easter, but I think it works.

The Thick Basic White card-stock base was cut to form a very simple fun fold, where the card front has the top front removed. (It makes me think of a stable door.) The inside back of the card had a piece of the Hello, Irresistible DSP adhered directly to the base so it will be seen when the card is closed. 

I must apologise - there are a few “oops” moments on this card, but I ran out of time to re-create the card. Using Nested Friends stamps, some branches and splatters should have been stamped off and stamped in light Sahara Sand ink, however, some were stamped off but others were accidentally stamped full strength. There is also an unwanted line from the edge of a stamp. Does that happen to you? Ie, you find you aren’t as creatively sensitive when you aren’t operating at your best. So disappointing.

The bird nest and a branch from the Nested Friends stamp set was stamped in Sahara Sand ink on an extra piece of Basic White card-stock. Using a Blender Pen, the stamped nest and branch were lightly coloured - spreading the ink from the stamped image. Extra Sahara Sand ink was added to give extra depth where required. The leaves were coloured using Soft Succulent and Mint Macaron inks and the Blender Pen. The nest and branch were die cut with coordinating dies from the Nested Friends dies. Stampin’ Blends combos, ie Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam and Mint Macaron, were scribbled on a small section of the card-stock then stamped with the splatters stamp in Sahara Sand ink. The mini egg die cut eggs from each of the coloured areas. Extra leaves were die cut from Mint Macaron card-stock, then touches of Soft Succulent ink were added to parts of the die cut leaves to give depth.

A gorgeous strip was die cut and embossed from some Basic White card-stock using one of the Desert Details dies. This was added to the top edge of the trimmed down card front. The branch and the bird nest were positioned a little to the left to allow room for the sentiment. A sentiment from a different set, ie Daffodil Daydream stamps, was white heat embossed onto Sahara Sand card-stock and fussy cut. The extra die cut leaves were positioned. A triple looped Linen Twine bow was tucked under the nest and some beautiful Adhesive-backed Milky Dots (the clear ones) were scattered.

The card inner was created with a Basic White card-stock panel, a piece of Hello Irresistible DSP (as mentioned earlier) and another die cut strip using a die from the Desert Details Die set. Part of the bird nest from the Nested Friends set was stamped in Sahara Sand ink. A Basic White C6 Envelope was similarly partially stamped with the bird nest in Sahara Sand ink.

Thank you for dropping by. I so appreciate you. I hope you found some interesting bits and pieces.

There is more Sahara Sand creativity. To continue with the blog hop, click the  "onto the next" graphic below and be taken to the blog of the lovely Di Furniss. I always look forward to checking out Di’s creations. I wonder if she has another amazing fancy fold?  I do love seeing everyones' projects - there is always inspiration.

I hope to see you next week when we will be featuring Shaded Spruce, one of the Regals Colour family, as we continue the weekly 2022-2023 Colour Creations Blog Hops.  

Stay well, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others.

Andrea 💕🐾

If you find a broken link or have come to this blog hop from a different entry point, you can view the full list of participants on Catherine Proctor’s blog @ What Cathy Made. Cathy is our  Art With Heart Team Colour Creations Coordinator.  She is an amazing lady. Check out her delightful creation while you are there.

If you live in Australia, don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like your own copy of Stampin' Up's 2022-2023 Annual Catalogue and or the January - April 2023 Mini Catalogue then let me know and I will be delighted to send them to you.  Please don't hesitate to make contact with any other queries about this project or Stampin' Up!. 

#colourcreationsbloghop  #stampinup #stampinupaustralia #stampinupsouthpacific #stampinupdemo  #handmadecards #makeacardsendacard #stampinupdemonstrator #papercrafting #artwithheartteam  #papercrafter  #stamper  #valleyinspirations   #nestedfriends #appleharvest 

AWHT Colour Creations #43 Rich Razzleberry

Rich Razzleberry with Desert Details, including Just Add Ink #642

Hello. Welcome to Valley Inspirations with Andrea and the Art with Heart Colour Creations Blog Hop. We are working though the Stampin' Up! colours in alphabetical order, focussing on one colour each week.

This week’s Blog Hop is focussing on a deep red purple called Rich Razzleberry. It is part of the Regals Colour Family and is a rich colour. This colour is lovely when used for flowers, autumn, and so much more. 

Rich Razzleberry is produced in Stampin' Up!'s card-stock, both A4 & 12"x12"; Classic Stampin' inks (ink pads & re-inkers); Stampin' Write Markers; Watercolor Pencils; Regals Designer Series Paper as well as Pretty Prints DSP; plus a couple of DSPs on the Clearance Rack.

Rich Razzleberry card-stock, ink and a Stampin' Write Marker have been used in both projects plus a range of non-Rich Razzleberry bits and pieces. Here are my cards:

While Rich Razzleberry is a beautiful colour, it is not one of my regular go to colours, so I needed to ponder a little to decide on design elements. The gorgeous Desert Details bundle recently made its way to me and I was excited to use this bundle. Also, having Googled desert flowers, I was delighted to see some desert roses with deep purple centres. Where to from there …

CARD 1:

As I was thinking of design elements for my Rich Razzelberry project I saw the current challenge for Just Add Ink - a delightful sketch, so I decided to create a card for the JAI #642 Challenge. Here is the sketch:

This is the project I created for the JAI #642 Challenge, incorporating Rich Razzelberry and some water-colour resist. To check out the other projects just click on the graphic above. Later edit: So delighted - I just noticed that I received an Honourable Mention for this project. 

One of the geometric stamps from the Desert Details stamp set was stamped down one side of a panel of Shimmery White card-stock in Versamark ink and then it was heat embossed with White Emboss Powder and a Heat Tool. A wet on wet water-colour wash was applied using Rich Razzelberry and Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin’ inks, with the darker Rich Razzelberry ink running into Fresh Freesia at the base. To maintain the off-white base tone of Shimmery White the lovely label die cut a label from Shimmery White card-stock. This was mounted on a slightly larger piece of Rich Razzelberry card-stock and splattered with a Rich Razzelberry Stampin’ Write Marker. The mounted label was then cut to size so the left edge would align with the heat embossed stripe. It was positioned with Dimensionals.

A die cut strip of Pearlescent Paper was positioned over the label and aligned along the embossed stripe. The two flowers from the Desert Details stamp set were placed in a Stamparatus and inked with Fresh Freesia ink. Before being stamped, Rich Razzelberry ink was applied with the Mini Blending Brush. It was the perfect size. More Rich Razzelberry ink was added and stamped a couple of extra times to ensure the flower centres had depth of colour. The flowers were die cut with coordinating dies from the Desert Details dies. Some spikey “leaves” were also cut from Shimmery White card-stock, with two sets of leaves water-coloured with Evening Evergreen ink. 

Flowers and leaves were all arranged, using a variety of Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue and Glue Dots. A piece of Fresh Freesia Open Weave ribbon was cut in half lengthwise and the edge stripe of the ribbon was coloured with a Rich Razzleberry Marker. This ribbon was tied in a bow and tucked under the large desert flower with a Glue Dot. A sentiment was white heat embossed onto Rich Razzelberry card-stock and fussy cut. A few Iridescent Basic Rhinestone Jewels were the final touch. 

A Basic White card-stock panel had an off-cut strip of the water-coloured front panel, together with a thin strip of Rich Razzelberry card-stock adhered near the bottom. A remaining small desert flower and some leaves were also added. A Basic White C6 Envelope was stamped with the flowers. They were coloured the same way as described above.

CARD 2:

As I was designing for this Blog, a number of ideas came to mind. Not wanting the inspiration to go to waste, this second card was created.

Rich Razzelberry goes beautifully with Gold, so a piece of the Like an Animal Speciality Designer Series Paper was coloured using Stampin’ Up!s beautiful Blending Brushes in Rich Razzleberry and Fresh Freesia inks. (I thought the snake print fitted well with the desert theme.) Once coloured it was adhered directly to a Fresh Freesia card base (to differ from the Rich Razzelberry card base of the first card). Dies from the Desert Details dies were used to create a Brushed Gold frame and the smaller die cut the inner section from Pearlescent Paper. “Leaves” were also die cut from Pearlescent Paper. 

The desert flowers were stamped as described above and die cut with coordinating dies. The Brushed Gold die cut frame was positioned using Adhesive Strips - they were perfect for this task. The Pearlescent inner had some Rich Razzelberry and Fresh Freesia inks lightly applied with Blending Brushes in two corners and splatter was added using a Rich Razzelberry Marker. The flowers and leaves were positioned with either Dimensionals or Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

Bows tied from Rich Razzleberry coloured Fresh Freesia Open Weave Ribbon and Gold Elegant Trim were tucked under the large desert flower with Glue Dots. A sentiment from the Desert Details Stamp set was white heat embossed on Rich Razzelberry card-stock. The sentiment ends were die cut using the frame die so the ends coordinated with the die cut frame.  Iridescent Pastel Gems added the final touch. The pinky tone adapted to the colour surrounding it. These gems are so beautiful.

A Basic White card-stock panel had some off-cut strips of the blended Like an Animal SDSP front panel adhered near top and bottom. A couple of remaining small desert flowers and leaves were also added with a Rich Razzleberry stamped and fussy cut sentiment. A Basic White C6 Envelope was stamped with the flowers on the envelope front and back flap. 

Thank you so much for dropping by. I hope you are enjoying the Blog Hop and finding inspiration as you ”hop” along.

There is more Rich Razzleberry creativity. To continue with the blog hop, click the  "onto the next" graphic below and be taken to the blog of the lovely Diane Furniss. I always look forward to checking out Di’s creations - I wonder if her project will be a fancy fold? I do love seeing everyones' projects - there is always inspiration.

I hope to see you next week when we will be featuring Sahara Sand, one of the Neutrals Colour family as we continue the weekly 2022-2023 Colour Creations Blog Hops.  

Stay well, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others. 

Andrea 💕🐾

If you find a broken link or have come to this blog hop from a different entry point, you can view the full list of participants on Catherine Proctor’s blog @ What Cathy Made. Cathy is our  Art With Heart Team Colour Creations Coordinator.  She is an wonderful lady. Check out her delightful creation while you are there.

If you live in Australia, don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like your own copy of Stampin' Up's 2022-2023 Annual Catalogue and or the new January - April 2023 Mini Catalogue then let me know and I will be delighted to send them to you.  Please don't hesitate to make contact with any other queries about this project or Stampin' Up!. 

#colourcreationsbloghop  #stampinup #stampinupaustralia #stampinupsouthpacific #stampinupdemo  #handmadecards #makeacardsendacard #stampinupdemonstrator #papercrafting #artwithheartteam  #papercrafter  #stamper  #valleyinspirations   #desertdetails