Tag Archives: Rooted in Nature

Rooted in Nature with the Acrylic Block Technique

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I’m at it again with the Acrylic Block Technique, and I’m very pleased with this version. This is a single layer card with very limited embellishment, but the background technique catches your eye:

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted in Nature Acrylic Block Technique
  • Stamps: Rooted in Nature, Beautiful Friendship, Forever Fern
  • Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pool Party
  • Accessories: Rhinestone jewel, Water brush, Acrylic Block H, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Spritzer

The technique is simple. Scribble on an acrylic block with Stampin’ Write markers. If you place the block on a piece of white paper, you can see your color distribution and coverage. Mist the inky block with as little or as much water as you’d like – the amount you choose will impact the look you get – and press the block firmly into a Whisper White card stock panel. Lift and admire!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted in Nature Acrylic Block Technique

You need very sharp eyes to see the sparkle, but I painted the little splooshes stamp from Forever Fern with Wink of Stella and stamped it directly onto the card. It’s quite lovely in person, but challenging to photograph.

I also used our Water Painter and a bit of Pool Party ink to make very soft shadows underneath the trees.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted in Nature Acrylic Block Technique

This could just as easily have been a Christmas card, or a birthday card, or any other type of card. I originally intended to post it without the sentiment, as I often leave that step for the moment I need a card. Having a variety of cards without sentiments allows me more flexibility when I need something at the very last minute. But this one looked forlorn, and I’m very glad I added the linear element of this wish.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted in Nature Acrylic Block Technique

Don’t you agree? It’s more versatile to keep it this way but it’s much better with the sentiment (and my sentiment hides that little black bit that doesn’t belong!)

These is my favorite set of tonal colors: Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, and Pool Party. Add them to your stash and see how happy they can make you! Shop HERE.

30 Day Challenge: Boys are back in town

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There’s a new card challenge on Instagram, hosted by the very talented @MartinMayhem. He’s a Stampin’ Up! Artisan and has come up with 30 days of card prompts to keep us inspired.

I’m not very good at challenges because I have consistency issues. Today’s card is a case in point: this is the prompt from Day 3, which was, oh, I don’t know, a few days ago. But hey, there’s a pandemic on, I’ll make my own schedule. RIGHT?

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted In Nature

I wanted to soften that Whisper White card stock just a little. I experimented with a couple of techniques and came up with the idea of the Stamping Sponge. You can layer the color and it keeps the image crisp, unlike watercoloring that blurs the edge.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted In Nature

I added a few leaves on the inside too. That leaf is from Timeless Tropical rather than the Rooted in Nature leaf, as I preferred the serrated edge for this card. If you look closely, you’ll see a little line detail on the Garden Green strip between the two sets of leaf panels.

Martin Stone is a Stampin’ Up! Artisan and you can find him – and his challenge – on Instagram @martinmayhem. You might be inspired to try one of his challenges too! He’s quite generous about timing, so pick a day, any day, and make a card!

If you need supplies, the Stampin’ Up! warehouse is still shipping! Shop HERE.

The Woodland is Rooted in Nature

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It’s been a delightful summer in my craft room, and I’m ready to get the show back on the road and share some of it with you. Would you like to see what I’ve been doing?

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Woodland is Rooted in Nature

I seldom use Very Vanilla card bases, and when I look at this one I wonder why! I especially like the way it works with the braided linen, which is just an abundance of linen thread – and you know I love linen thread!!

I have a few great tips for you when you’re working with vellum:

  • The Fine Tip Glue Pen is VELLUM MAGIC. Use it to adhere vellum to any project and it doesn’t show through!!!
  • When I run it through my die cut machine I layer a piece of waxed paper between the paper and the die (and yes, I have a Big Shot, which Stampin’ Up! no longer sells – but something BIGGER is coming!) It helps to release the vellum from the die, especially the Stitched Shapes, which have a tendency to hang onto the die cut.
  • I use my trusty Bone Folder when I’m removing a vellum die cut from the die, since it’s thin and helps to avoid creases in the vellum.
Maui Stamper Stampin Up Woodland is Rooted in Nature

I used sponge daubers to ink the foliage in Granny Apple Green and Shaded Spruce. Once they were inky, I colored the trunk with the Soft Suede Stampin’ Write marker. If you try to color the trunk first, it’s easy to accidentally cover the ink with the daubers. Coloring it second allows you to push off any GAG or SS ink (yup. That’s what I call it. GAG. Love that color.)

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Bonus Days July 2019

Today is the FINAL BONUS DAY!! Skedaddle on over to my Online Store to earn your savings – a $5 voucher for every $50 in merchandise you choose! You’ll be glad you did.