Learn, Laugh, Live

Once again, I had me a ton of fun at this year’s NJ State Fair . . . 

I turned in nine submissions and managed to score nine blue ribbons!  As always, I enjoyed the preparation and the excitement of wondering how I was going to do.  Even after years of submitting, the excitement is always there.  May it never subside! 

Now, let’s get to the first of the submissions:

Blue Ribbon #1:  BIRTHDAY category    

I loved the background on this one but it did overpower the vase and branches.  So I inserted some vellum in between to soften the busyness . . .

The background technique is one that Jennifer McGuire recently published and it’s lots of fun to do:

1. Using a fan brush, distribute two or three dried die powders sparingly on one side of an embossing folder – for this one, I used the front side in order to make the design convex.

2. Mist to hydrate the powders and let dry (or you can run it through while still damp).

3. Run through your embossing machine.  Then, make sure the layer is completely dry.

4. Ink up a brayer with white ink and roll it over the design.  Heat emboss if you like.

5. Re-insert back into the embossing folder and run through again to restore the dimension.

Cardstock:   Bazzill Purple Pizzazz, Rain Forest, Nicole Premiere

#140 watercolor         

Stamps:        KaiserCraft Marble, Starving Artistamps Positive Words

Inks:               Atelier Shark Tooth White, Vivid Purple, Ancient Page

Pine

Colorants:    Lindy’s Stamp Gang Magical Pondorosa Pines Olive,

Cosmic Shimmer Pixie Powder Purple Violet

Emb Pwdr:   Hero White, Ranger UTEE White, Vippies Transcendence

Dies:              Memory Box Stitched Rectangle Trimmings, Grove

Branch, Impression Obsession Vase Set, Bare Branch           

Emb Fldr:      Sizzix Leaves