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10/13/2013

Leaves

Good afternoon, and welcome on a lovely Sunday afternoon. The road trip yesterday was loads of fun. Long day though. We drove to Betty's Scrapbook Room in Greensboro, NC, and by wonderful chance, Betty had decided to run a sale that day. Oh Ho! Spent a delightful few hours there, left with many bags of goodies. Yes, DH was able to enjoy his turkey BBQ sandwich. Betty was kind enough to provide us the address of The Enchanted Cottage, in Lewisville, NC, about 30 minutes away from her store. Since we had never visited there, and it was still early afternoon, off we go. Our caravanning friends had decided they didn't want BBQ, so they stopped at a Wendy's along the way, and we met up with them later at the Enchanted Cottage. More shopping was done. Oh my goodness, I can't do that again soon!!!

Here's a card I had been working on, got finished last evening. Hope you will like it.


- Image was Impression Obsession CC067, Maple Leaves. Stamped on a previously created background with Versamark, used a Copper EP then heat embossed.

- background had been created using diluted Dylusions sprays in green, with a silk maple leaf as a mask. Decided to take some Distress Inks in Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon & Wild Honey to sponge around  because I wanted the copper leaves to show really well. Didn't know how the copper would look against the yellow greens of the Dylusions sprays. You can still see just a glow from the green sprays in a few places. The orange colors look very rich against the copper leaves IRL.

- The embellishment leaves were created from salvaging Dr. Pepper soda cans. Using a sharp utility knife (like in your DH's workshop!) make a cut just under the rim of the can (sort of at the 'hip' of the can), then around the bottom to release the center part of the can. Then you can slice this metal so that it is an open piece. No, it won't lay flat! Be careful as the edges are sharp. So far, nobody at our house has cut himself doing this. LOL! Then I used a leaf die on the Big Shot to cut out the maple leaf in a couple of sizes, and this other leaf (not sure what it is). Used alcohol inks in rusts, yellows, some greens, butterscotch colors to color on the silvery side of the metal. I just experimented with the different inks in an attempt to recreate the look of fall leaves. Once there was a base coat, I even put some drops of ink directly on the leaf instead of just using the applicator, then added more colors to smudge. I really like the look of this technique. Another evening I took some Viva Décor Inca Gold to smudge around for more sparkle.

I had bought a set of these tiny pots at a stamp show a few years back. Forgot I had them, then when I rediscovered them, a lot of the ink has dried to a powder. Most disappointing. I talked to Betty   about this yesterday, and she explained that the company's formula has changed since then. I had tried rehydrating with some water, but it's not doing any good. Now the product comes in a much larger container, but is not as prone to dry out. However, I'd never use such a large amount of this stuff, so I'll see if I can go in with a friend & divide up the container into a smaller container. The small size that was in the kit would be a more useful size- in my opinion - BUT not if they are all dried out before you use them. I'm not dissing this product, just letting you know my experience with it. It does give a beautiful effect if it works like it should. I do like the Viva Décor products, just not happy with this particular purchase.

-Turquoise frame cut with a S/binder from a small pack of Coordinations paper.

-Elizabeth Craft sentiment die cut from a trim piece of the main background.

So that's it from me this afternoon. Hope you are enjoying whatever it is, that you are doing today. It's quiet here, and I'm doing bed linen laundry that should have been done yesterday. Thanks for the visit and many Hugs.

13 comments:

  1. Beautiful colours Mary, sounds like you have had a good shopping trip x Susan x

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  2. A really beautiful card Mary, those leaves are just divine! Hugs, Anne x

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  3. This is really pretty. I like the way you framed the card. That was very inspired! Sounds like you had a great day yesterday. Shopping and food - what's not to like!

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  4. Oh, you've having a load of fun these days. Glad you found a new store to visit while you were there, too.
    Your card looks awesome and I love what you did to those leaves. I guess someone besides me loves Dr. Pepper. Ha

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  5. What a lovely card! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am now following your blog too.

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  6. Your card is so pretty with those gorgeous autumn leaves and turquoise color!! I'm so glad you had a nice trip, and I wish I could have tagged along for the shopping! The turkey BBQ doesn't sound too bad either :)

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  7. Hi Mary. Your card is amazing. I love the colors of the background using your sprays ... and the copper embossing is beautiful. The two leaves that you've die-cut and painted are gorgeous. And all the oranges and copper are so striking against the turquoise frame. Fabulous job and a very special card. Loll xx

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  8. Gorgeous leaves, love them. Sounds like you had a wonderful road trip ! Cheers, Shirleyx

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  9. glad you had a fun trip :)
    beautiful card!!!

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  10. Beautiful card Mary-and WOW! what gorgeous leaves-fabulous effect and recycled too!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Nessa xx

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  11. This is fabulous! Love the sheen and inky lovliness you have achieved.

    I know what you mean about the Inka Gold. One of my brand new ones was dry when opened...what a drag! Mine was the trial size too.

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  12. Mary, sounds like a fun time was had on the road trip by all. Love this card, the leaves are so beautiful!

    Hugs,
    Chris B
    http://thecardphilelady.blogspot.com

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  13. What beautiful leaves! I love the idea of copper embossing and have some copper embossing powder, a NBUS from way back when. I'll have to get it out! I've been to the Enchanted Cottage and LOVE that place. My friend and I spent 3 hrs just walking around and going around again, and again. Every time we saw something new! If we get to go again, I'll have to remember Betty's. The only thing better than one stamp store would be more than one! LOL, that credit card can take a beating!

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