A-Z Techniques - Alphabet O

On ArtVentures we are doing Alphabet O techniques for the upcoming swap and my ATC represents Opalite Infusion, Oleander and Opals embossing powders.


I remembered a technique called Opalite Infusion and decided that would be my background technique. I can't remember where I originally came across this technique (thought I saved the site in my favourites), but I did have the instructions written down.

I started by stamping an image in permanent ink on white cardstock. When completely dry I applied two colours of Opalite ink, using well inked pads.. When that layer was dry I sponged on dye inks in the same colour family.

I then cut out some Cuttlebug corner dies and coloured them first with clear embossing ink and purple opals embossing powder. Because the ink pad was not inked well the whole die cut was not covered. So I decided to use that to my advantage, and tapped a Versamark pad over the bare areas and embossed those portions with a pink Opals embossing powder.  I did four of these for each ATC (Artist Trading Card).

I applied the corners to each ATC, then I printed some pictures of an Oleander using photo paper.

I attached the picture with double-sided foam tape.

Altered Cigar Box

One of the swaps for this month on AFTCM is an altered cigar box with the theme "Fragments from the Past". Fortunately I had a couple in my stash and a number of things to use for the theme.

I started by covering the outside with some vintage themed scrapbook paper that I got at my local dollar store.  I had just made a trip to my little local rubber stamps store and purchased some brads and trim. I thought the brads looked  bit like a little door knob and attached it to the bottom front of the box.

On the outside of the lid I attached the trim, a little penny charm and a stamped image from a friend.
I used one of the Tim Holtz frames and  placed an image of a woman (from artcreationsfridayblogspot (which seems to be gone) and covered it with some acetate, then glued it to the box.

In the oval area on the inside of the lid I added an ornament that I coloured, then covered the bottom with some velvet cardstock.

I haven't decided yet what I want to place inside the box, maybe some art supplies, cards or tags.

A-Z Techniques Alphabet N

This month the Alphabet technique is the letter N. I chose to do the Northern Lights Technique.

I  used black cardstock as the base. I diluted Gold, Raspberry Sparkle and True Blue perfect pearls with a bit of water then brushed it on in lines across the cardstock. I spritzed it with water and let the colours run together.

I chose an image of a Nutcracker bird and printed it on glossy photo paper, cut it out, and attached it with double-sided foam tape. To complete the ATC's I used a die cut N and some punchie flowers. I inked them with Versamark and "Heat and Stick " embossing powder which becomes sticky after heating, then applied Navy Glitter Ritz over the top.