Wishing You Happiness

Hi there!  Another card with the new Dandelion Wishes stamp set from Creative Expressions.  The side panel is done with one of my favourite techniques called "caught in crystal."  I showed it a few weeks ago on a Christmas snowflake card in cool tones and here it is in warm hues.  If you haven't tried this, it is great fun and every time you do it, they turn out so different and interesting.  Start with a piece of clear acetate and squirt Crystal Lacquer (or Glossy Accents) all over it.  Then drop alcohol inks all over it (use two to three colours), then tap some loose mica over that.  Next take a piece of white tissue paper that is slightly larger than your piece.  Scrunch it into a ball and then gently open it back up but leave the wrinkles in it.  Lay it on top of your piece and tamp it down with a piece of kitchen roll until it is stuck.  Set it aside to dry overnight.  Trim to whatever size you desire and stamp on the acetate side using an Archival ink pad.  If your acetate is heat embossable, then you can use heat, but otherwise, set it aside to dry.   Do a whole piece of acetate then just use what you need and save the rest for later.   I stamped the wildflowers on a section of mine and let them dry naturally.  You can see the close up below.  On taupe card, I stamped my sentiment and the bird on the branch from the set and cut them out with Labels 18.  I inked them while in the die with Antique Linen for contrast.  I cut a larger Labels 18 out of black card as a mat for it.  I embossed my background using the Walrus and Carpenter embossing folder for texture.  I cut a length of black silky crush ribbon down the centre and tied a messy bow with it too.  I added a small square Dazzler that I used some gold alcohol ink on to tone it to match the card and added some black stick pins.  Using Cosmic Shimmer black PVA glue, I added dots all the way around the edge of the card as a final accent. 

I was thinking that I might just do a sneak peek for Tuesday nights show tomorrow.  It's a bit earlier than I am supposed to, but if enough of you let me know you want to see it, then I will just have to, won't I? (wink, wink)  All for now, Sue x