Global Design Project #298

I wanted to do a little more 'freestyle' stamping for this latest challenge.  I've used Hyderanga Haven stamps for this card as well as a combo of coloured inks that I feel mix well together.  

It's a simple card really, with some tone on tone stamping using the tiny stamps from the set.

Inks used: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz and Bermuda Bay.

Thanks for popping by, I'm working on editing a video for the process of making this card and will pop a notice up later when its done.  It may give you a good laugh and give you some insight into my brain when I'm crafting; its a little hectic!

Happy creating,

Rachael xx

Sunday Stamps challenge by Amy

 My latest order arrived today and I knew exactly what card I was going to create with the biggest wishes stamp set, the Sunday Stamps Challenge!

Such a great sketch for a challenge, thank you Amy. 

I've stuck with the newest In-Colours for this card, using Pale Papaya and Soft Succulent.  The floral die is from the Artistically Inked Suite.  

I am really impressed with this new floral die, how pretty does it make a card look?  It instantly transformed a fairly boring card into something delicate.  

I've used my old faithful watermarking background with Versa Mark inks, using the same block lettered 'Thanks'.  Its a subtle effect but adds that touch of interest too. 

Grab the Biggest Wishes set now from Stampin Up.  I would love to help anyone who is new to the Stampin Up world and is looking to purchase.  

Happy Stamping everyone,

Rachael xx

Youtube tutorial

 

A new (and quick) tutorial over on YouTube.  Click the picture below to go check it out.  

I've used the Simply Elegant Suite to create this card.  It would make an ideal 'mass production' card or even a simple workshop card.  

Happy Stamping

Rachael xx

Farmhouse Chic - TGIF challenge

 

Another TGIF challenge completed!  I went with floral and old fashioned colour combo for the interpretation on this theme.  The colours are from the NEUTRAL family and include Sahara Sand and Merry Merlot. 

I used the shadow stamping technique with the floral stamp from Simply Elegance. 

Happy stamping,

Rachael

Sunday FB challenge - sketch

Another week- another challenge.  LOVED doing a sketch challenge although I admit, I got carried away and turned it on its side then it became a background!

I've used Birthday Chick stamp set - so cute.  

Colour combo of: Pale Papaya, Calypso Coral and Soft Succulent.

 

Happy crafting everyone,

Rachael xxx

June Ink & Inspiration hop

Welcome to the Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop. 

You are currently visiting Rachael Merrick from Australia. I hope you enjoy my version of the theme.

The brights collection of inks really screamed out 'colour explosion' to me and so I've chosen to use them for my card.  I stamped most of the Forever Fern stamps using a different colour for each image.  The layering effect created a great 'background' for the sentiment.  

And of course I can't forget the glitter!  I used a scrap of old glittered paper to die cut the fern image and place behind the sentiment.  

I hope the projects you've seen here on my blog today have inspired you & brightened your day. I've included images of some of the Stampin Up products in the current catalogue used on my card.

You are currently visiting Rachael Merrick. Please see the list below & hop through all of the people on the list to see all our projects. You don't want to miss any!"

Forever After - Pride inspired card

I participated in a tutorial bundle this month.  The inspiration was PRIDE.  I loved creating this card, the colours pop against the black background.  The sentiment in this stamp set was perfect.

The colours I've used are :Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green, Pacific Point and Gorgeous Grape.

If you would like a bundle of fabulous card tutorials from talented Stampin Up Demonstrators, reach out to me.  

And I did come out of my comfort zone a little and create a tutorial that is on YouTube HERE.

Happy Stamping,

Rachael xxx

Let's Get Hopping Round 43

Welcome to The Let's Get Hopping Blog Hop Round 43 where our theme is to create using a technique that is new to us.  

I have to admit, the current trend of watercolours and alcohol inks has really got me thinking about creating backgrounds.  The blend of colours and varied depths of colour make for a really unique design.  So for our hop, I decided to give block watercolour a try.

I started with my larger acrylic block and inked it up with some similar coloured inks, direct from the ink pad.  I didn't want to use drops of ink from a reinker bottle otherwise I thought I would end up with a big mess.

Next I spritzed the whole block with water, wiggling the block around a little until the colours bled and mixed a little.  Then I laid it direct onto cardstock and let it sit for a minute to start soaking up before lifting it up.  I dried it using the heat tool, again moving it around so that the drops and pools of still wet ink would move around on the paper.  I loved the result but did sit the block back on top another time to add a little more dimension.  

For the card, I created an easel card with designer series paper from the Floral Arte Suite as they used similar colours as well as stamps from the Simply Elegant stamp set.  

Thanks for popping by.  Click the link to go to the next blog post by the wonderfully talented Shelly Wadge... 

Sunday FB challenge

 

This weeks challenge got me digging into my DSP stash - I'm always up for using some of the sheets up if I can.  

I used last catalogues 'Fine Art Gallery' Designer Series Paper.  I also used Old Olive and Poppy Parade cardstock. 

The ribbon is coloured with Stampin Blend pens to match up the paper.  

You can join in the challenge and post over on Facebook HERE.

Color INKspiration challenge #101

 

I finally got around to creating for this wonderful challenge.  A huge congratulations to the team for it being their 100th challenge too from last week, I missed the deadline for that challenge due to life being too busy (thanks report card season!).  

Here is my entry using these beautiful softer colours.

I loved this combination so much.  And I knew exactly what I was going to do with it as soon as I saw the image.  I'd love for you to leave a comment and let me know what you think of this challenge and my entry. There is still a little bit of time to join in ;) 

Happy stamping,

Rachael xx

A 15 minute card

 I challenged myself to create a fast card the other morning.  You see, I don't get loads of time to create.  I try to make sure it fits in with work and family.  

So the other morning, less than half an hour is all I had.  I pulled out the trusty stamp set "Queen Annes Lace" to use because it always gives a great result for little effort.  Talk about simple stamping!  

I used Versamark ink to do the background.  The designer series paper is the new In Colour collection of 6x6 papers, I chose pale papaya.  A quick ink of the background using my blending brush and then stamped over the top to create the image.    

 

I'm happy with the results for such a little investment of time.  

Happy creating everyone,

Rachael xx

Making the most of white ribbon...

 Hello again!  I had a few people ask how I managed to get the ribbon to match my card yesterday.

Let me share my tip : 

Use your Stampin blends to colour the white ribbon.  It means you will always have the correct shade to match your project!

I hold my brush pen tip against the ribbon and my finger.  BUT you can also use plastic or an acrylic block to sit under the ribbon as you colour.  If the shade is too light after it dries, give it another colouring.  EASY!

I would love for you to give this idea a go and send me a link. 

Happy creating,

Rachael

Sundays FB Challenge

 

This weeks challenge was a colour combination.  Rich Razzleberry always gets me in challenges because it only own a Stampin pen - no paper, cardstock or ink.  BUT I can always make it work.  

I love this image so much and even more so when stamped in a row.  

Its not too late to join us over on Tracy Bish's Facebook challenge.... always great to get the creative juices flowing.

Happy stamping,

Rachael xx

My latest box arrived!

 I ordered a few things from the retiring list, including the Woodland Wonders stamp set. I have loved this from the start but never got around to 'collecting' it until now, knowing I wouldn't be able to get it again.  

It makes for such a cute card and also a great to customise.

  I've kept this simple but did add plenty of background inking with a cut out to create clouds. The main tree and animals are coloured using a variety of Stampin Blends.  

Keen on creating your own slimline fun card for all occasions?  Upcoming coffee cake and cards afternoons are the perfect way to try stamping without having to purchase products.  Let me know if you would like to join us.

  

Happy creating,

Rachael xx