International Art and Soul Challenge 107

 The challenge this fortnight was chosen and is being hosted by my team mate Jennie, and it's a card or gift for a man.

I recently donated some cards to a local hospital for patients and families to use, and it occurred to me that there were very few male-themed cards (if any). I do make cards for men - I've got a husband, two sons, my daughter's partner, two brothers-in-law, but I don't tend to make male cards 'just because'. Because, of course, those 'just because' cards are done because I want to make something pretty! Anyway, during the post Christmas sales, I obtained a couple of topper decks from Hunkydory, and one of them, with all vintage style transport images, was intended to give me some inspiration.

I started by creating an A4 background using Distress Oxide inks and smooshing them on to stamping paper.

I added some stamping on top - mainly to give some texture, and used it to cover both the display and base sections of an easel card. The image is simply matted, and I used a die (from Joanna Sheen, I think) to create the stopper. Nothing too complicated, but I think it works.

Also in the Hunkydory sale, I got some stamps, and decided to play with one.

I did like the idea of these stamps - circular landscape type silhouettes, with corners to match, and while I think the card is usable, I'm a little disappointed without really knowing why. Again the background uses distress oxide ink, smooshed on to stamping card, with the images stamped in Versafine Clair ink.

I do hope you can join us this time.

International Art and Soul Challenge 106

 The challenge for this fortnight is Winged Creatures chose and hosted by my team mate Christine. I normally immediately go for butterflies for this sort of challenge, but not this time. Two cards, and not a butterfly in sight!

I have been inspired recently by some Lavinia Stamps videos, and this has resulted in both the cards in this post. This first one, started with a second gelli plate impression with distress oxide ink and a stencil. (The first impression will be used elsewhere!) The result was very understated, but I liked it, and added some more detail. First, I used a circular mask and Victorian Velvet distress ink. Then I added the foliage and added the raven using stamps from Lavinia stamps. I coloured the blossoms with pencil. I wanted a bit more texture in the background, so I used a couple of stamps from Creative Stamping magazine - some text and another small one with a 'cracked' appearance. And that, apart from some silver mirror card to matt, is that.

The second card used very similar techniques:

This card used similar techniques, although the gelli print was first generation, and a lot bolder as a result. I added some trees, and the fairy on a toadstool image. The fairy was from my first ever set of Lavinia stamps - I think they were a subscription gift for a magazine some years ago. The toadstool isn't opaque - so I added some colour using coloured pencils. And again, some mirror card to finish, and a fairly simple card.

I do hope you can join us this time.