Hello, Eucalyptus

June 21, 2021June 23, 2021 by CrackedEgglet ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I recently got a stamp set from Simon Says Stamp “Be Kind” it features 3 leaf outlines & some sentiments. I love outline stamps because it saves me the drawing process and I can get right to the coloring process – plus if I mess it up…I can start again easily! Though I do love drawing I don’t always have the time. (I’ve included a picture of the stamp set at the end of this post for anyone who is interested!)

I stamped it using Frayed Burlap Distressed ink. I then painted it using the Lukas Watercolor pan set + extras (like the Lukas gold which I love!)

I cut the painted stamp out with the Brother Scan & Cut, and I also cut a second one in dark green only slightly larger (.08) to adhere behind the original.

I fiddled. A lot. I chose an A2 kraft brown card base. I kept changing the background and adding more ink, finally deciding to emboss with gold in random areas for a “distressed” look. I almost tossed it and started over, but I hate wasting paper!

I embossed a “hello” sentiment from Altenew on white & added a few dew drops.

The end result looks a bit like gold wooden planks. It wasn’t my intention but that’s what I think it looks like!

The inside has a white insert, left blank.

2 rounded corners for interest & style (the second one is out of frame, bottom left!)

I think the painting part was easier than the assembly!

Love the stamp set, will definitely be using it again! It can be colored so many different ways. See below for the exact set!

That’s it for now! I have a few other cards to post soon!

Life is Better With Friends & Karin Markers!

June 8, 2021June 8, 2021 by CrackedEgglet ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Today I had some work to do for my 3D shop (at Renderosity link in the menu) but afterwards I spent the afternoon FINALLY cleaning out my closet – wow – what a job that was. Honestly I just wanted to be at my art desk…but…I also wanted a clean bedroom closet! And it’s done! YAY!

I did have time to get a little crafty – que the Beastie Boys “She’s Crafty” – and I was able to finish painting this lovely succulent stamp from Altenew with the Karin Markers – which are amazing to work with! So JUICY! I just love them! Now onto the supplies…

Inked Flora Stamp Set – Altenew
Karin Markers
Distressed Oxide Ink
White Card Stock (vertical fold)
Rose Gold Polka Dot Card Stock
Leafy Background Stamp
Recycled Pink Ribbon
Black Ink
Micron Pen
White Gel Pen
Sentiment by Altenew
Foam Tape

The stamps by Altenew are of the top highest quality. I have to say, I have a lot of “off brand” and cheaper stamps – they can be fussy to work with. But the stamps by Altenew are amazing.

I colored the succulent with the Karin Markers using mostly just 1 color with a touch of aqua as well. I added detail back in with a micron pen & also added some white highlights. I cut the stamp out using the Brother Scan & Cut.

I then fiddled with the background and got a bit frustrated with the ribbon – ribbon frays 🙈 oh no! What to do? Tuck it under! So I ended up cutting a new card base & mounting the entire project onto the new base with foam tape. I absolutely hate to toss a project and waste materials, so I always always try to salvage it when at all possible.

I set the succulent off center for more interest, and used the pink ribbon to hide the seam. I had to keep the background a bit simple so I only just barely stamped the leaves, giving it a muted grungy look, which is offset by the pretty foil rose gold polka dots paper on the left.

Lastly I mounted the sentiment & 3 matching sparkly sequins in different hues.

I got a little bit frustrated with that pink ribbon but I made it work in the end.

Don’t you agree that life is better with friends? I love this little sentiment and tend to gravitate towards it when searching through my supplies!

I have to work tomorrow for my shop but I’ll try to find some “Crafty Time!” Take care and god bless!

Painting Watercolor Crystals

June 2, 2021 by CrackedEgglet ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hello! I really want to share one of my favorite things to draw/paint – crystals! These are two works I created last year, but I was lucky enough to remember to take progress photos! So I thought this would make a great blog post to share my process.

Sketch
Pick my colors/mix
I chose liquid watercolors for this
Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Look at pictures and/or your own crystals

The cleaned up sketch on Fabriano cold press with some color blocked in.

Next I continue adding more color…

I keep adding more color, each crystal a slightly different shade of blue/purple. Keep in mind crystals that are close to each other will pick up the colors from the one(s) next to it. Don’t forget the darker areas where the crystals would be touching.

I continue to add color until it’s finished, at the end I use a very small brush to make horizontal hash marks across the crystals to show their natural pattern.

The finished painting & my palette/brush/paints, I used the Dandelion Liquids by Let’s Make Art.

This was another crystal painting I did in the same way as the above, however for this one I used the “Radiant” Dr. Ph. Martin’s liquid watercolor paints and they are VERY bright!

Overall I love liquid watercolors, but the Radiant come out much brighter and colorful, I prefer the slightly more subdued versions, though the Radiants are gorgeous! They really worked well for the butterfly!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoy crystals too!