Harebells And Notelets

 

This is my second post this month for the shows that were in July, using some really gorgeous stamps.

My first make is a notelet set, I do enjoy making the notelet sets,  I used several stamp sets for this project, I used Harebell Butterfly, Honeysuckle Butterfly, Briar Rose Butterfly and Thistle Butterfly.  I started by creating the box to put the notelets in and as you can see used the Harebell hero (main image) stamp for the front, the notelets are made using a worker (smaller) stamp from each set.  I masked the edges of the cards off, then using three colours of Distress oxides did an ombre background, I stamped the images in the centre, then matted and layered each card.  For the envelopes I took a circle mask and added some ink to each corner of the envelopes. I then stamped one of the worker stamps over the top.

I absolutely love this image from Harebell Butterfly set that I used for my second creation, I started this one by stamping my image then using Distress Oxide and a stencil brush I added some ink around the image, I coloured the image using Aqua pencils then adding water to blend.  I very lightly drew with a pencil a rectangle with a ruler to frame it.  I went around the pencil line free hand so's not to have an exact straight line with a fine liner.  Using the Oxides I did a matching backing paper to matt and layer on.

Thank you for looking, I will be coming back at the end of the month with a couple more samples.

Happy crafting

Tracy x

Delightful Flowers (by Sandra)

Hello I am sharing some more of my cards from the April show on Create and Craft.

My first card uses stamps from Gerbera and Friends.

First, I cut a piece of card 5.5x5.5". I used a cloud stencil and Distress Ink for the background. I then stamped the dandelion image in archival ink and added a sentiment from Birthday Words.  I made a 6x6" easel card base and  added a sentiment from Words to Dazzle and Sparkle as a stopper.

For my second card I used Floral Weave stamp set. I stamped in Versamark and embossed in gold. I mat and layered onto gold card and added some gold ribbon which I wrapped down the side of my card.

My last card today uses the Canary Bird Rose stamp set. This is a lovely open stamp, great for colouring. I used a stencil and Distress Ink for the background.  I then stamped onto some smooth card with Memento Ink and coloured with alcohol markers. I added a sentiment from Words to Dazzle and Sparkle and mat and layered onto gold card and then onto my 7x5 card base.

                                     

Thanks for looking

Sandra x

Two Projects, Two Ways (by Judith)

Hello everyone, I hope that you are keeping well. I have some projects to share with you today featuring stamps that we brought to you on last month's TV shows on Create and Craft. Both sets of projects feature the ideas in two different ways, showing how you can vary the project depending on what sort of look you would like to create.

My first project is a little plaque using the Canary Bird Rose stamp and some of the Black and White papers available on the website. I chose to use a blank piece of the papers to create my own patterned piece of paper and stamped the main image using black Archival ink. I added a sentiment from the stamp set, plus elements from Gerbera and Friends using grey Archival ink. I coloured the flower with pencils before adhering the paper to a painted panel using matte medium. 

Once the glue was dry, I sanded the edges, and added a bit of ink with a blending brush around the edges.

 

An alternative version was created by stamping the same flower image onto a patterned piece of the papers, and simply colouring it with pencils. I added the sentiment with black ink this time. I attached the paper to a panel as before and once the glue was dry I sanded the edges. I dry brushed some paint around the edges and added some stencilling for added interest.

I wanted to create a couple of masculine cards using the Sunny Sunflowers stamp set, and picked a selection of the leaves. They are really lovely designs and make a beautiful card by themselves, without the addition of the flowers. For my first card, I picked a selection of green inks, some VersafineClair, some Archival, and some Distress Oxide, whatever colours seemed to go together well. I stamped the images in first, second and third generation, and finally added a sentiment from the Words to Dazzle and Sparkle stamp set, using black ink. I stamped everything straight onto the card blank for a really quick card, and you could easily make a whole batch of these in an afternoon.

My variation was stamped onto a piece of kraft paper using Autumnal coloured inks, and I chose to stamp and emboss the sentiment to make it stand out a bit more.

I hope that you have enjoyed my projects as much as I enjoyed creating them. Thanks for stopping by,

Judith xx

ATC collection - by Magda

 Good morning,

sometimes it is really pleasant for me to do ATCs and Chocolate Baroque has a lot of small stamps that match perfectly for this purpose.

I used for theses 6 ATCs :

White Cardstock cut in ATC size, Distress Ink Pads,   Archival black, stencils, white and silver embossing paste, white pen, stickles,  and of course the beautiful stamps

Fantasy Castle,  May Fairy,  Wild Meadow and Words to Dazzle & Sparkle

Thank you for passing by, hugs

Magda

More Stamping Delights (by Anne)

 

Good morning. This is the last of my guest posts for Chocolate Baroque this month. I had planned a completely different set of projects but just had designer block! Horrible when that happens, especially when working to a deadline. This happens to us all at times, particularly this year with all the added stresses.

After several days of wasted effort I just stopped working on my original plan, went away from my desk and tried to clear my head. I then went back and decided to just ‘go for it’ – no plan, no nothing. I just picked up stamps and got started. Finally ideas started to flow – phew. I find that this usually works for me, although it is not always easy to do – ha ha.

I hope that you enjoy my offerings. Everyone take care and enjoy Christmas as best you can. Spring will soon be here and I am hopeful for far better times to come soon. Big hugs Anne xxx.

Blue and White Mandala

This one is a quick and easy make using the lovely mandala style stamp.

Materials Used:

• 15cm square white card blank, decorative die cut circle in blue card and scrap white stamping card
• Palm Fan Silhouette stamp (Chocolate Baroque)
• Versamark Inkpad
• Dark blue embossing powder (WOW Earthtone Blueberry)
• White pen

How it was done

1. Faux stitching was added around the die cut circle to frame it. It was glued to the card front with 3D foam for added depth.
2. The Mandala was stamped and embossed with blue powder, cut out and glued to the card front with 3D foam.

Dazzling Butterfly

Chocolate Baroque have so many wonderful butterfly stamps – love this one.

Materials used

• 15cm square scalloped card blank, decorative die cut circle (light blue), scrap of white stamping card
• Stamp sets: Gerbera and Friends, Words to Dazzle and Sparkle, Butterfly Poppy Collage (Chocolate Baroque)
• Inkpads: Versamark, Distress Inks (Tumbled Glass and Stormy Sky) and Memento Dye Ink (Grape Jelly)
• Detail white embossing powder (WOW), and clear sparkle with extra fine glitter
• Alcohol ink pens (greens, turquoise, pink)
• Pink PVA pearls and Stickles glitter glue (Diamond)

How it was done

1. A mix of the Distress Inks were used to blend the outer edges of the card blank (this mix closely matched my blue die cut circle).
2. The blue card topper was stamped with Versamark and embossed with white powder.
3. The butterfly was stamped with Memento, coloured with alcohol pens. It was then heat embossed with a layer of clear sparkly powder and cut out.
4. Everything was stuck down and the card was finally finished with glitter glue and PVA pearls.

Hydrangea Card

When pushed for time I will often use some ready printed papers in the background. They can also help with inspiration at times too.

Materials used

• 15cm square white card blank, Crafty Individuals 6 X 6 inch background paper (Book 3 Springtime), white stamping card
• Stamp sets: Hydrangea Tag, Gerbera and Friends
• Inkpads: Versafine (Majestic Blue and Onyx Black)
• Brusho powders (Leaf Green and Purple)
• Alcohol marker and fine drawing pen (black)

How it was done

1. The background paper was trimmed and edged with black marker. The base texture was stamped with black Versafine.
2. The main image was stamped with blue Versafine, the card trimmed to approx. 9 X 13cm and edged with black marker. The floral section was stamped again with black Versafine. The stem was extended by drawing with black pen and the image cut out.
3. The topper was then spritzed with water and Brusho powder dropped onto the wet card. When dry the monochrome Hydrangea was glued on top, curling the edges up slightly for dimension.

Floral Thank You Card

This one was a super quick make. Ideal if you have a last minute card to do.

Materials used

• 10.5cm square watercolour card blank
• Stamps from Chocolate Baroque: Gerbera and Friends, Spring Bird Daffodil (sentiment)
• Inkpads: Versafine (Vintage Sepia), Distress Inks (Carved Pumpkin, Mustard Seed)
• Note: I used a stamping platform for this project. Not essential but it helps to realign when over stamping.

How it was done

1. The watercolour card was spritzed with water and stamped using a mix of the Distress Inks. These bled out giving a lovely watercolour effect.
2. When dry the image was overstamped with Versafine. Versafine was also used to stamp the border and sentiment.

Dreamy Elephant Card

I love the Indian themed stamps from Chocolate Baroque – definitely amongst my faves. To save a bit of time I again used a pre-printed background paper.

Materials used

• 15cm square white card blank, Crafty Individuals 6 X 6 inch background paper (Book 8 A Weekend in Seville), and scrap white stamping card
• Stamps: Artistic Affirmations, Indian Textiles, Indian Elephant, Gerbera and Friends
• Inkpads: Versamark and Versafine (Vintage Sepia)
• Versamark embossing pen
• Embossing powders: Metallic copper and detail gold
• Watercolour pencil (greys), sparkle pens (green, pink, purple, turquoise)

How it was done

1. The sentiment and base texture was stamped and embossed with copper powder.
2. The flowers were stamped with Versafine. The background was then edged and embossed using the embossing pen and copper powder.
3. The elephant was stamped onto white card with Versamark and embossed with gold powder. The image was then coloured with pencils and pens and cut out. The elephant was lightly shaped and glued down with 3D glue gel for dimension.

Gerbera Delights (by Anne)

 Hi everyone. I am delighted to be a guest designer for you this month. For my second set of projects I have had a play with the lovely new Gerbera and Friends stamps from Annabel. Love this set. Hope that these give you a few more ideas and fun playing with some of your stash.

I have also finally finished the last of my Christmas card batch making - phew. Why do I always leave them until the last minute! Ha ha.

Lots of hugs, Anne.

GERBERA AND FRIENDS

Materials List

• Stamp sets (Chocolate Baroque): Gerbera and Friends (main images), Words to Dazzle & Sparkle (sentiments), Glorious (leaf stamp)
• Card blanks and smooth card (sky blue, white or black)
• Inkpads: Stazon (Jet Black), Versafine (Onyx Black), Distress Ink (Gathered Twigs), Versamark
• Versamark embossing pen
• Embossing powders: detail white and metallic gold
• Mica powders: yellow gold, pink and purple
• Water based inks: Turquoise, yellow, green, red and magenta (I used Spectrum Noir Aquatints)
• Acrylic paint metallic pink (Starlight)
• Acrylic mat medium (clear drying)
• Colouring pencils (pink, green, yellow)
• Alcohol in pens (pink, purple, yellow)
• PVA pearls and Glossy Accents
• Acetate and translucent shrink plastic
• Decorative circle dies (Tonic)

Make a Wish Cards

I created a couple of cards using the lovely dandelion clocks. I remember as a child how we would blow the seeds from the flower heads whilst making a wish. Happy memories.

My card blank measured approx. 13 X 17.5cm. I trimmed my stamping card to 12 X 16.5cm and rounded off the corners.

I painted on the water based inks, blending them wet in wet (working from the top down). When dry I flicked with water and lifted out colour with tissue to add texture. I also applied a circle of water and lifted it out to create the moon.

The dandelions, sentiment and foreground texture were stamped with Versafine. I lifted out some of the colour from the seed head bases).

I also used Distress Ink to stamp more texture at the base and to blend around the card edges. Black alcohol ink pen was used to edge and frame the card before mounting.

My next card was more clean and simple. The card blank was 15cm square and the blue background mat was trimmed to 14.5cm.

I used dies to cut the decorative circle (approx. 14cm diameter) and circular centre (approx. 9cm). A white paper doily would also look good if you don’t have decorative dies.

The images were stamped with Versamark and embossed with white powder. I mounted with 3D foam for added dimension. Finally finished with PVA pearls.

Bright Gerbera Cards

I adore this huge Gerbera stamp and wanted to make something really bright and cheery.

My card blank was 15cm square. I trimmed black card to 14.5cm to create the background mount, and white stamping card to 13.5cm.

The card was painted with the yellow, red and magenta inks, blending them outward from the centre. Versafine was used to stamp the images.

Oh that Gerbera!

Again I used a 15cm square card blank and trimmed a black mat to 14.5cm. The background texture was stamped with Versamark and yellow/gold mica brushed over with a soft brush. Excess mica was removed with a microfiber cloth. Versamark was then applied around the edges which were embossed with metallic gold powder.

The sentiment and leaves were stamped and embossed onto black card. An embossing pen was used to edge the sentiment plate.

The Gerbera was stamped onto acetate and shrink plastic using Stazon which were then cut out.

The back of the shrink plastic was coloured with alcohol pens before shrinking with a heat gun. Coloured pencil was used to enhance the colour on the front before covering with Glossy Accents.

The back of the acetate image was coloured with mica powders mixed with mat medium. When dry the back was then painted with the metallic acrylic.

The photo really doesn’t do justice to the shine and mica sparkle on the Gerbera. Love this one.

 

LAST OF MY CHRISTMAS MAKES

Materials List

• Hark the Christmas Rose stamp set (Chocolate Baroque)
• 15cm square card blanks
• 14cm square smooth stamping card (suitable for watercolour and/or alcohol ink colouring)
• Inkpads: Versafine for watercolouring (Majestic Blue, Vintage Sepia), Memento for alcohol ink colouring (London Fog), Distress Ink (Peeled Paint, Tattered Rose and Chipped Sapphire)
• Alcohol ink pens (I used Chameleon pens) and coloured pencils (pink, yellow and green)
• Stickles glitter glue (Crystal)

How it was done (including my boo boo)

I love these collage panel style stamps for creating quick and easy batch makes – one stamp does all the work for you. I have stamped and coloured these but they would look equally good without colouring or perhaps stamped and embossed with a pretty metallic powder. I like to use a stamping platform for batch making as it makes it easy to line up and repeat stamp in a production line.

Stamped with Majestic Blue Versafine and coloured with Distress Ink (Chipped Sapphire).

I just had to make a blue and white set. Those of you that know me will know that I love making these. However, I have been a little out of practice with my stamping and colouring this year and my first attempt was a flop – ha ha.  I have shown my blooper as I thought it may be helpful if you have struggled with colouring.

This was my first attempt – eeek! Initially I tried to colour with watercolour pen and attempted blending out with a damp brush. It wouldn’t work very well and my watercolour just sucked straight into the card. This really shows the importance of choosing the correct type of card for the techniques that you wish to use. For watercolouring you need a card that will hold the pigment without it bleeding out too much, but then release it again when water is applied to allow blending and shading. This brand of card used to work well but recent batches really have not worked as well so I suspect they have changed the ‘formulation’.

As my watercolour pens were not behaving well with my card I tried switching to Distress Ink. Applying to my mat, diluting out and picking up with a damp brush. Distress Inks are specifically formulated to stay wet longer and to blend more easily. It worked out much better on this card. The two flowers on the left were my quick trial with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink.

Another mistake I made was to go in far too heavily with the colour. I was aiming for a softer colouring more suitable for the delicate flower petals. This is achieved by using a more diluted colour and gradually building up the layers and shading.

This shows the first stage of Distress Ink colouring using very dilute ink.

Deeper colour was then added to give shading. Working more heavily on the leaves and stems helped the delicate flowers to stand out more.

The edges of the card were distressed (using the edge of my scissors) to give a soft textured border before mounting onto the card blank. Lastly sparkly glitter glue was added to the flower stamens and around the edges. Cannot have Christmas without at least a little bling.

My next set were also coloured with Distress Inks. I went quite dark on the leaves to enhance the delicate flowers.

I was pleased with the delicate vintage look.

Next I coloured with soft pastel coloured alcohol ink pens.

Again my first attempt at colouring this batch was not really what I wanted. I felt that the flowers were a bit too much, too Summery and had lost their delicacy. Despite this I mounted this one as good enough.

I was happier with this colouring for the wintery theme. Coloured pencil details (outlines, leaf & petal veins) were added in to enhance the soft colouring.

Glad to have finally finished my Christmas cards – now to get them all written up and posted.

I will be back again next week with some more stamping play x.

 

 

Colored Squares (by Magda)

Hi,
last month we had circles and today let us play with squares.

I used for the background of my Journaling Page cold and warm colors of  Distress Paint, applying them pure or mixing them. When the paint was dry, I stamped with Archival Jet Black "Katya" and covered her nose and mouth with a little mask,  using glue.

Special Wishes card :

I swiped a mat of white cardstock with a lemon wash, blended on it some stencils with blue and green Distress Ink Pad colors . I  stamped with Archival Black a flower of "Silhouette Grasses" rubber plate and the sentiment of "Words to Dazzle and Sparkle"   Mat and Sentiment are glued with Glue n' seal

Thanks for reading my post,  hugs

Magda

Sweetpea Blueprint and Heartfelt Bouquet by Penny

Goodly morning peeps, I hope that you are all still keeping fit and well, and coping with lockdown!  I think the lovely weather last month helped, let's hope it comes back soon.  Meanwhile I'm here with my first post of May, a couple of simple, pretty cards using the same stamp set - Sweetpeas Blueprint.

Sweetpea Blueprint.

As well as the beautiful stamps I have used Versamark ink, silver EP, blue Versafine Claire ink, and alcohol pens from my stash.

On a piece of dark blue card I stamped the technical images and embossed them in silver.  I used a silver pen around the edges of the card then stamped and embossed a sentiment onto the card.

I took a piece of smooth white colouring card and stamped the floral blueprint image in blue ink.  I then coloured the image with pens and cut it out.  I took a white base card and stamped a leafy image repeatedly down one edge in blue ink.  I attached the coloured image to the background panel then attached the panel to the base card.

Heartfelt Bouquet.

For this project I have used blue Versafine ink, Distress inks, and a sentiment from the Words to Dazzle and Sparkle stamp set. 

On a piece of Drawing Cartridge I stamped the spray of Sweetpeas in blue ink then masked it and stamped twice more.  I removed the masks and used DIs to watercolour the images.  I blended some ink around the edges of the panel then matted it onto dark blue card.  On another piece of white card I stamped a leafy image repeatedly in blue ink.  I created a bow with the card, using a template from my stash. 

I used the blue ink to stamp a sentiment onto the focal panel, then attached it to a white base card.

Thank you for dropping in today, I hope you've enjoyed my post.  I'll be back later in the month with more crafty samples.

Until then keep healthy, stay safe, and keep crafting!

                                      x x  Penny  x x

First Stamps -- (by Magda)

Hello,
Which are your first stamps you bought from Chocolate Baroque ?
I am fond of mine  "Serenity and " Gothic Fragments" both bought in 2011 and that I use every time with a particular sense of respect.

I propose you today a card and a page of my Journaling Book, in oder to arrive soon at the last page of it and I can start a new one.


Serenity , Gothic Fragments, Archival Jet Black,  Distress Ink Pad,  stencil

Gothic Fragments,   Words to Dazzle and Sparkle, Archival Jet Black,  Distress Ink Pad, stencil

Thank you for passing by, and see you next month again.

Magda. 

Rosy Embrace and Fancy Flora by Penny

Hello and good morning peeps, I hope you are all well and warm.  Can you believe we're in December already?!  I hope you're all a lot more ready than I am lol!  Anyway I have a couple of my samples from the CB tv shows last month to share with you today.

Rosy Embrace.

I have used stamps from the Freedom Flower, Small Graph Paper and Words to Dazzle and Sparkle sets, black Versafine ink, Distress inks, clear EP, Masking Tissue, pink glimmer spray. 

On a piece of white card I stamped the flower in black Versafine ink and embossed it with clear EP.  I masked the image with Masking Tissue and sprayed the card with a pink Glimmer Spray and let it dry.  I stamped and embossed the Small Graph image over the flower in black, then added the graph strip and some dot images using DIs.  I stamped and embossed a sentiment then blended DI around the edges of the panel before removing the mask.

I took some black card and cut it to size to create a border for the focal panel.  I stamped the graph strip and dots images around the edges of the black card using DI, attached the focal panel to it and then attached them both to a white base card.

Fancy Flora.

For my second project I have used stamps from the F is for..., Small Graph Paper, Butterfly Mind, Freedom Flower and  Classic Alphabet Lower Case sets, Distress Inks, Versamark ink, gold EP, and pearlescent paints from my stash.  On a piece of black card I stamped the F is for... image using Versamark ink and gold EP.  I then stamped the rest of the word and embossed it.  I stamped and embossed the small graph image across the card, and stamped and embossed the flowers on a spare piece of black card.  I did the same with the butterfly, then painted both images and the flowers on the letter.  I cut out the flowers and the butterfly.  I used gold pen around the edges of the focal panel and stamped the large dots image randomly in DI.  

I stamped the definition image onto a small piece of black card and embossed it in gold.  I then die cut it into a tag, stamped the smaller dots randomly using DI, used gold pen around the edges and added some ribbon.  I took an ivory base card and stamped the Freedom Flower and small dots randomly around the edges, then attached the focal panel and tag.  To complete this design I decoupaged the flowers and butterfly using 3D glue.
 

Thank you all for popping by today, I hope that you have found my post helpful and enjoyable.  I shall be back later this month with more crafty fun!

Take care all,

                            x x  Penny  xx

More Flowers (by Magda)

Hello,
I would like to encourage you to use the new "Happy Flower's Day" stamp.  I had a lot of fun using this new plate from Chocolate Baroque and I share with you 3 Cards and a Tag.

Two of the cards have a layered stenciled background, coloured with Distress Ink pad, stamped images with Archival Jet Black and coloured with Faber Castell Art Grip Aquarelle Pencils

The white card has a coat of gesso on the stamped image and the texture is the result of random strokes done with a spatula.

The craft Tag is stamped with Versafine Vintage Sepia and coloured with chalk pencils.

You can find the sentiments on the "Words to Dazzle & Sparkle" plate.

I hope you like my projects and thanks for passing by.
Magda