It’s TGIF time! This week, TGIF Challenges has a color challenge including Basic Black, Merry Merlot, and Very Vanilla.
I have to admit that this color combination stumped me a bit. It really only includes one “color” (Merry Merlot), as the other two are neutrals. In addition, both Basic Black and Merry Merlot are very dark … not a combination I would typically choose. With that in mind, I decided to use both watercoloring and a background embossing technique that would allow me to use varying shades of Merry Merlot, including lighter ones.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. The BEST thing about challenges is that they make me think outside my comfort zone and do things I normally wouldn’t have thought of trying on my own.
I had fun with some new products from the Holiday Catalog with this card! I used the new Snow Front stamp set to create the main focus. After cutting a circle die from Watercolor Paper, I painted it with a quick wash on the top half to create a sunset. After that dried, I stamped the deer and trees with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. This ink is water-soluble, so I could use my Aqua Painter to blend the ink and make it look like a mini watercolor painting.
Next, I stamped the path with Merry Merlot after stamping off twice on scratch paper. I only wanted a hint of a reflection from the sky in the snow. Afterwards, I used an Aqua Painter to blend the ink.
To add a little sparkle and “ground” the feet of the deer, I drew a thin line with Shimmer Crystal Effects and then added some Ice Stampin’ Glitter. You are going to LOVE these two new products … so many great possibilities for holiday and winter cards!!!
To create the background, I mixed some Merry Merlot Ink Refill with Shimmery White Embossing Paste and applied it over one of the new Basic Pattern Decorative Masks! (These masks are GORGEOUS!!!)
Tip: To get variegated color in the embossing paste, don’t mix the Ink Refill too thoroughly. Leave some very dark and very white sections in the mix. Then, when applying the paste over the mask, remember that the color on top is the one that will show. After applying the paste, be sure to immediately clean your mask and palette knife with soap and water as the paste dries VERY QUICKLY.
Tip: To store your open embossing paste, I recommend not only closing the lid very tightly, but also storing the whole jar inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent the paste from drying out too quickly.
To decorate my card further, I added a few Very Vanilla snowflake die cut using the Frosted Frames Dies. I also covered them with Shimmery Crystal Effects and Ice Stampin’ Glitter, because … this whole card is sparkly, so why not?
Finally, I took some Gold 3/8″ Metallic Edge Ribbon (which is Very Vanilla), trimmed off the gold edge on one side, frayed the ribbon, and used the thin strands to tie a delicate bow.
I hope you’re able to join TGIF Challenges for our color challenge this week! I would love to see what you create. Add your project at the bottom of the post at that website for a chance to be this week’s winner!
Have a wonderful and creative day!
Use the Host Code RZEYRF24 for all purchases at my online store during September to qualify to receive free exclusive tutorials and a special thank you card from me. They are loaded with techniques and inspiration!!!
Supplies used on my card:
