masculine - Right as Rain

Stuck on You: Watercolored Hedgehog Card

Hello! I usually reach for dies when making cards, but sometimes it’s fun to switch things up with a bit of watercoloring. This adorable hedgehog from Art Impressions was the perfect chance to do just that! Since the stamp set does not have a coordinating die for the images, after watercoloring the stamped image, I masked the hedgehog and cactus to add the sky and ground.

- Create an A2-size card base from off-white cardstock. With the Burlap folder, dry-emboss a Chocolate Bar cardstock panel measuring 4″ x 5 1/4″. Add panel to card base.
- Stamp the hedgehog in VersaFine ink on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set.
- Watercolor the image with watercolor markers. I used Tombow markers and Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils. You can read more about watercoloring stamped images here. Tombow markers: Brown 879, Burnt Sienna 947, Rhodamine Red 725, Dusty Rose 772, Navy Blue 528, Dark Jade 177.
- Once dry, mask image and add Distress Inks for sky and ground. Cut image with one of the Hexagon Double Stitched Dies. With the next larger die in the set, cut a larger hexagon from Blue Jay cardstock. Add stamped hexagon to mat.
- Stamp sentiment in Potting Soil ink on off-white cardstock and cut with a 1 1/4″ circle die.
- Add elements to prepared base.

Masking might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a simple technique that makes a big impact. All you need is a bit of masking paper or a sticky note to cover your stamped image while adding the sky and ground. As for the watercoloring, don’t worry about being perfect — the beauty of watercolor is in its softness and unpredictability. A little practice goes a long way, and the results are so rewarding!

Father’s Day Inspiration | Penny Black Blissful Bears

Hello! Today, I am delighted to showcase the enchanting Blissful Bears stamp set by Penny Black. While I plan to use the card for Father’s Day, the image and sentiment can be used for a variety of occasions.

I brought the peaceful image of a bear napping in a rowboat to life with watercoloring. The bear exudes a sense of calm and contentment, inviting us to pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

I stamped the Blissful Bears stamp set image and sentiment on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper with VersaFine ink and heat set it. I colored the image with Tombow markers, Zig markers, and an Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencil.

Once the watercolored image was dry, I trimmed the image and matted it with black cardstock. I added the assembly to a dry-embossed orange cardstock background (which was added to a card base).

You can see more of the Penny Black Cherished Collection in this post.

Spellbinders | All the Tools

Hello! Today I am sharing a card showcasing the brand-new All the Tools die set at Spellbinders, part of the Toolbox Essentials Collection. There are a number of tools in this set – my card features just a few of them. Change the cardstock colors of the tool handles for a completely different look. The collection works for a number of occasions including Father’s Day, “thanks,” and “congratulations.”

Stamp A Cut Above the Rest sentiment on Sea Glass cardstock; trim panel and add to A2-size card base.
Cut tools from with All the Tools dies from a variety of cardstock colors; assemble.
Add tools to card front with foam adhesive. Embellish with stars cut from Brushed Silver cardstock with dies in the Bottle Brush Trees and Liberty Sunday Drive sets.

Rubbernecker | Father’s Day

Hello! Father’s Day (June 19) is just around the corner. I am sharing a whimsical card for the occasion created with a variety of Rubbernecker supplies.

Create a frame by cutting an A2-size ivory cardstock panel with the second largest die in the Nested Rectangle set.
Stamp the Dad Phrases sentiment on to light blue cardstock; trim panel.
Cut Pine Tree Forest from green cardstock; trim and adhere to the stamped panel.
Cut dog with Set of Dogs dies and assemble.
Cut Lake Boat and assemble. Tape dog to the back of the boat.
Cut Slimline Waves from blue cardstock and add to background.
Cut Slimline Grass from green cardstock, lighter than the shade used on the trees, and add to background; leave room to slip the dog and boat assembly between the water and grass.
Cut Reeds from green and brown cardstock. Trim off the brown cardstock tops and glue to the green ones. Add to front of the grass.
Adhere frame to front of card with foam adhesive. Add dog and boat to scene and secure.

Rubbernecker | April 2022 Release Day Two

Hello! I am back sharing two more cards that feature the Rubbernecker April release. See my previous post here.

My first card showcases the Model A Truck on a masculine card.

I paired the Model A Truck with the Barn and a fun sentiment in the Dad Phrases set.

The scene background was created with the Peak Fence #4 and Slimline Grass.

My second card features one of the new cover plates – the Circle Stitch Cover die – on a CAS birthday card.

I paired the Circle Stitch Cover die with a heat-embossed sentiment in the Birthday Vase set.

After inlaying the colored panels in the white cardstock frame, I embellished the card with hearts cut with a die in the Shed Bird House set.