Altenew Educator “Love & Friendship” Blog Hop +Giveaway

Hi everyone! I’m so honored to be joining the 2nd Altenew Educators’ blog hop and this time it’s all about love and friendship. If you are following the hop, then you should have arrived here from the talented Patty Melo. The Altenew Card Blog is hosting this hop so make sure to drop by there as well.

I finished the Altenew Educator’s Certificate Program (AECP) in November of 2018 and it has been one of the most inspiring and fulfilling programs I’ve ever joined. There were quite a number of wonderful classes to choose from. Even if I knew some basic techniques, the talented instructors have shown me other ways to improve and enhance my skills. Their tips and tricks are invaluable. Virginia Lu and Nicole Picadura‘s support and encouragement throughout the course have made the experience very inspiring and memorable. AECP has made me realize that I find so much joy in teaching others! It has also been a wonderful source of new friendships– the Altenew family, the Educator’s group, the students I teach locally, and my online friends from all over the world. Through this program, I’ve been inspired countless times by the creativity of the participants and the generosity of the instructors in sharing their knowledge. I truly believe that crafters are the most generous people on earth!!! 🙂

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Eleanor Roosevelt

I love the theme for this blog hop. I treasure the new friends that I’ve made thru AECP and look forward to meeting more people through this wonderful crafting community. My lifelong friends are kind, sincere and most importantly, genuine people. I’ve learned so many life lessons through their experiences and always find comfort and support in their presence.

For this blog hop, I was so inspired to create backgrounds using distress oxide inks and Altenew watercolor brush markers. I suggest you make several backgrounds using the same coloring mediums. Just change the color combination. It’s best to choose analogous colors or colors next to each other on the color wheel. But if you want high contrast, then choose complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel). Just take note that if these colors mix, you will end up with “mud” which I also love. Below are some of the cards I made for friends and loved ones.

EVERYTHING WILL BE OK  CARD

MATERIALS:

I wanted this card to look like an abstract painting. Arches watercolor paper was cut to 5.5” x 4”. Distress oxide Candied Apple, Ripe Persimmon and Fossilized Amber inks were pressed onto a craft mat and water was spritzed for the colors to react. The paper was then dabbed onto the colors then dried. I went back to add cool colors but making sure that the first layer of colors was dry before adding the next.

The flower image from the Dotted Blooms stamp set was stamped using Versamark Ink then heat embossed using Rose Gold embossing powder. Notice that I used the other second layers of the stamps separately thus creating more flowers that I can paint and use on my card.  The sentiment was stamped on watercolor paper then distress oxide pistachio was added heavily at the bottom of the strip then blended upwards to create an ombre effect. One of the main flower images was mounted using foam tape to add dimension. The sides of the card panel was distressed using the Tonic paper distresser.

WISHING YOU ALL THE JOY YOUR HEART CAN HOLD HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD

MATERIALS:

I stamped the image from the Geometric Landscape using Versa Mark onto a 5″ x 5.5″ watercolor paper and heat embossed using Altenew pure white crisp embossing powder. Using the wet on wet technique, I colored in the shapes using  Lagoon, Turquoise, Sweet Leaf, Persian Blue and Mountain Mist watercolor brush markers. The edges were distressed using Tim Holtz paper distresser.  Velum sheet was torn to create a frame and the sentiment from  Sincere greetings sentiment was stamped using Versamark and embossed using Rose gold embossing powder.  I chose vellum as a frame/mat for the sentiment so that the background can still be seen.

I painted a light wash using the same colors I used for the background and sprinkled salt to create these wonderful “blooms” and used the 3D dies to create the flowers and vines of the leaves. The leaves remained white so that the flowers will stand out more.  The die cuts were arranged in one corner and adhered using glue and foam squares. The whole panel was adhered to a top folding Neenah Solar white CS with foam tape for added dimension.

YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK CARD

MATERIALS:

I wanted to make a card that has a lot of white space this time. Neenah Solar White CS was cut down to 4.25” x 11” and scored at 5.5” to create a top-folding card. The Beveled Square stencil was placed on top of the card front and Altenew embossing paste was spread using a spatula.  While allowing it to dry,  wet on wet technique was used to add some color washes of blues and purples on watercolor paper. Salt was sprinkled while the paper was wet to create some effects.

The Rose Flurries 3D leaves and the Garden Picks 3D flowers and leaves were used to die cut the watercolor papers. A strip was also colored and the sentiment from the Delicate Flower Bed stamp set was embossed using Versamark Ink and Altenew Pure White Crisp embossing powder. The flowers and leaves were assembled and adhered with glue and foam squares.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT CARD

MATERIALS:

I just love the Teal Shadow Washi Tape because you already have watercolored flowers and leaves instantly!!! <3 This card was pretty simple to create.  Fabriano watercolor paper was cut down to 5.5” x 4.25”. With a blending tool, the background was colored using Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade and Abandoned Coral.  Water was sprayed to create droplets. The Watercolor Stripes cover die was used to cut out the stripes from Neenah Solar White CS.  I stuck the beautiful Teal shadow washi tape on white CS as well then fussy cut the images.  (this washi tape comes with a coordinating die set) These images were then arranged on the left side of a side folding card and adhered using Glossy accents.

Different thickness of foam tape was also used to create dimension. The sentiment from the Handpicked Bouquet was stamped using Versamark Ink then embossed using Altenew pure white crisp embossing powder. Tuck in the sentiment strip under the leaves for added interest.

SENDING LOVE AND HUGS CARD

MATERIALS:

Feeling Dotty stencil was placed on the watercolor paper and Versamark Ink was added to certain areas then embossed with clear embossing powder. Next,  Peacock Feathers and Cracked Pistachio Distress Oxide inks were added to the watercolor paper using a distress tool.  Versamark Ink was again added to certain areas of the watercolor paper using the Feathered Leaves and Beveled Square Stencils then heat embossed using clear embossing powder.  Just make sure that the first layer of inks is completely dry. It helps to use an antistatic tool before applying the Versamark ink over the stencils. Water droplets were also added to create more contrast. Lastly, Wilted Violet was added on top revealing the stencil patterns using the emboss resist technique. 

The intricate Altenew Flora Frame Die was die cut 4 times then adhered on top of each other.  This was then pasted on vellum sheet to make it more sturdy. The vellum was cut out to follow the shape of the heart using scissors. The sentiment from the Adore You stamp set was stamped on black cardstock using Versamark Ink then heat embossed using  Pure White Embossing Powder.  The edges of the card front were distressed using the Tonic paper distresser then mounted on a top folding A2 card with foam sheet.

I APPRECIATE YOU AND I’M HERE FOR YOU CARDS

MATERIALS:

I’ve been seeing layouts and card designs with watercolor drippings and have been inspired by Erum Tasnim and May Sukyong Park’s beautiful cards so I thought of trying out the technique.

I started out by choosing 3 colors that will blend well together.  I don’t mind seeing touches of “mud”. This happens when 2 complimentary colors mix.  In fact, for the cool colored card, I purposely mixed blue and orange to get a brownish color to add to the mix.  The 3 Distress Ink Pads were directly swiped onto the watercolor paper.  The colors were sprayed with water and allowed to drip. The paper was held perpendicularly to the table and a watercolor brush was used to help move the pigments downwards. When this was dry, flower and leaf images from the Adore You stamp set were stamped on watercolor paper and embossed using Pure White Embossing powder. The coordinating die cuts were used to cut out the stamped images. The flowers and leaves were arranged temporarily so that I could color them according to the color drippings. Salt was added while the images were wet for added texture.

The images were then adhered using glue or foam squares. The sentiment was stamped using Versamark Ink and embossed using Pure White Embossing powder.  Clear Round Drop embellishments were added to the cool colored card while staples and thread were added to the sentiment for the warm colored card to finish them off. These were then adhered to A2 top and side folding cardstocks.

WISHING THE BEST FOR YOU CARD

MATERIALS:

This is another quick and easy card to create.  I first created a background. This stamp set is so dainty and soft so I wanted to create a card that represents this stamp set. The images were stamped to cover the entire cardstock. For the shadow stamp, Limestone dye ink was used to keep it soft. The Mountain Mist and Volcano Lake were layered using the leaves and stem stamp sets then the Iceberg and Eastern Sky dye inks were used for the flowers.

The letters Y, O and U from the Caps Bold Alpha was used to die cut the word on the lower right side of the card. Additional letters were die cut on plain CS and layered to add dimension. The sentiment from the You Are stamp set was stamped on black cardstock using Versamark ink then heat embossed using Pure White Crisp embossing powder.  The strip was adhered on to the YOU using foam squares. Paper distresser was used on all sides of the panel and this was then glued onto a top folding A2 card base. 

DISCOUNTS AND PRIZES

To celebrate this blog hop and to encourage more people to join, Altenew is giving away 20% discount on the following bundles from 7/19 – 7/21: LEVEL 1 CLASS BUNDLE and LEVEL 2 CLASS BUNDLE. This is your chance to take advantage of this great deal!!

Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 3 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Blog by 7/26/2019 for a chance to win.
We’ll also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew blogs on 7/30/2019.

In case you are lost, here is the HOP ORDER:

If you liked these cards, I would appreciate it if you can subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram @mylittleatticstudio. <3 Do leave a comment below and get a chance to win some giveaway prizes!

Next stop is the talented Vicki Finger! Thanks again for dropping by! ❀

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125 Comments
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Nandini Karmarkar
Nandini Karmarkar
4 years ago

These cards are just stunning, Nenette! Love the beautiful backgrounds and the bold colours. They are all absolutely gorgeous.

Catherine L
Catherine L
4 years ago

Wow such bold colors! Thank you for sharing!

hsmom24kids
hsmom24kids
4 years ago

Oh my. Gorgeous cards! I love the first one with the background in Oxides and watercolor. Those color choices are stunning together. And your drippy cards are so so cool.. I love ALL of the cards on this post!

Nina Houghton
Nina Houghton
4 years ago

THESE CARDS ARE AMAZING! Each one is so different and has its own personality. The photography is superb and much appreciated. I have pored over the photos so that I can really understand the techniques and colors used. Thank you so much. You have a new blog follower!

Linda K
Linda K
4 years ago

Wow! Your cards are so beautiful! You did such an amazing job on all of these! I love the colors and all the beautiful techniques! Thank you for the awesome inspiration!

Terri Koszler
Terri Koszler
4 years ago

Wow, all of your projects are amazing. I especially love the you are stronger then you think cards, so simply elegant.

Andrea
Andrea
4 years ago

Thank you so much for the inspiration!

Bonnie Eng
Bonnie Eng
4 years ago

So many lovely cards – I love the flowing, colours, how bold and unusual some of the combinations are – very visually striking!

DebSelby
DebSelby
4 years ago

It is hard to pick a favorite in this great line up of cards, but two made me want to start making a card immediately. Stronger than you think and I appreciate your support really stand out to me.

Denise Bilquin
Denise Bilquin
4 years ago

Your use of color in your cards is fantastic! I love each one and the two cards with the dripping flower color as the background are my favorite only because it is a technique I have not seen used so well. Wow! Thank you for sharing your talents!

dmgarafalo
dmgarafalo
4 years ago

Your cards are awesome, Thank you for sharing – great to see the different techniques

Lissa
Lissa
4 years ago

Your background and colors are just gorgeous. The way you used the various stencils and stamps are just multi faceted.

Brenda Kuder
Brenda Kuder
4 years ago

Your cards are stunning! I love the colors of the 3D flowers!

Virginia L.
Virginia L.
4 years ago

You are one amazing card-maker, friend and cheerleader, Nanette! I admire your talent, passion and skills! Your photography skills and artistry truly come through in this post. Thank you for being part of today’s Altenew Educator Blog Hop!

SD Pooja
SD Pooja
4 years ago

OMG !! You have created so many cards and that to with different techniques !! Wonderful job and the last ones with watercolor drips ate my favorite.

barbara lassiter
barbara lassiter
4 years ago

Wow! Actually there should be a wow for each card. These are totally amazing and beautiful. From your technique skills and obvious artistic ability to your beautiful photography, these are amazing. Love them all! 🙂

Cyndi Morris
Cyndi Morris
4 years ago

You cards are gorgeous. The colors are stunning and the layouts are beautiful. The sentiment on the first one is wonderful — everyone (including myself) needs to be reminded of that from time-to-time. You’ve done a superb job of showcasing Altenew’s gorgeous stamps.

Teri S.
Teri S.
4 years ago

Oh Nenette, I want to make cards like you do. Each one of your cards are EXCEPTIONAL!

Tricia Podmore
Tricia Podmore
4 years ago

DANG, I don’t know what to say except WOW and WOW!! SOOOOOO STINKIN GORGEOUS!!!!

Marisela Delgado
Marisela Delgado
4 years ago

You always make such beautiful cards.

Kelsey Thomas
Kelsey Thomas
4 years ago

Your cards are all so lovely!

sandy m
sandy m
4 years ago

Your dripping cards are my favorites. Each of your cards are so special. The last card with the Dainty bouquet flowers is so beautiful.

Angela Hollins
Angela Hollins
4 years ago

Beautiful cards and so many techniques! Thank you for sharing!!!

ARIANA GIRARDI
ARIANA GIRARDI
4 years ago

Beautiful cards love the water color technique and colors are gorgeous

Zlatka Kabaivanova
Zlatka Kabaivanova
4 years ago

You have created so many beautiful cards! The background in the first one is just gorgeous.,

itstrulyanoriginal
itstrulyanoriginal
4 years ago

Such works of art. Simply beautiful cards. I can see you’ve applied so many techniques from the Altenew Educators program.

Lisa Byers
Lisa Byers
4 years ago

You have really wowed me with some beautiful cards!! Your backgrounds are spectacular!! I love your designs, you are very creative!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

trainwithmeghan
trainwithmeghan
4 years ago

OMG! Such incredible backgrounds, ink blending and the way you watercolored the dies! Just amazing designs and creativity!

Barb Oliver
Barb Oliver
4 years ago

Nenette, Your cards are so beautiful. Thank you for the amazing inspiration!

Susanbcards
Susanbcards
4 years ago

Wow, you really worked hard on these cards! I love all the backgrounds, so different!

Kathy Eddy
Kathy Eddy
4 years ago

WOW! I love your style. The use of distress oxides here is incredible and all the texture and interest added is gorgeous!

momsnoozy3
momsnoozy3
4 years ago

Your cards remind me of beautiful artwork I would see at a museum! Just gorgeous! So rich and lovely

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  momsnoozy3

Your comment just made my day💗 I’m humbled and grateful!!! Thanks so much momsnoozy3! 💕

Patty
Patty
4 years ago

Hi Nenette, you did such a nice job on your cards. I think my favorites were the geometric print and the floral-drip card with the yellow and blue color scheme. 🙂

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Patty

Glad you liked them, Patty! Thanks for dropping by!

Betty
Betty
4 years ago

your use of color is fantastic, Nennete – my favorite tho is the last card with the lovely soft colors!

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Betty

Yay for the muted-tones card! Thanks for your kind comments, Betty!

Anna Lontayné Bodnàr
Anna Lontayné Bodnàr
4 years ago

Absolutely amazing background and coloring! Thanks for sharing so much beauties

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago

Glad you liked them, Anna!

jeanneragan
jeanneragan
4 years ago

Your cards are AMAZING! Every one was SO different and you put so many little details into each one! There was no way to pick a favorite as they were all fantastic. You are an artist!

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  jeanneragan

What a compliment, Jeanne! Thanks for dropping by!💕

Cynthia Koop
Cynthia Koop
4 years ago

Your cards just blew my mind!!! They are so beautiful and want to go to my studio and make cards! Thank you for such wonderful inspiration. I hope you make some videos because your work is fantastic and fun!!

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Cynthia Koop

Hi Cynthia! Thank you for your kind words! Planning to include videos in the future. 😊Thanks for dropping by.

Kathy Dippner
Kathy Dippner
4 years ago

Beautiful cards! I love the ones where the color of the flowers matches the background.

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Kathy Dippner

Thank you, Kathy!💕

Jeannie H
Jeannie H
4 years ago

Gorgeous cards. Love the birthday one.TFS.

Susan
Susan
4 years ago
Reply to  Jeannie H

Love that you showed so many different cards. They are all beautiful

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Susan

So happy you liked them, Susan!

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Jeannie H

Yay! Thanks so much, Jeannie!

Susan P
Susan P
4 years ago

Beautiful cards. So glad you made so many to share

Kirsty
Kirsty
4 years ago

I’m loving these wonderful creations!

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirsty

Thank you so much, Kristy!

Jennifer Sears
Jennifer Sears
4 years ago

Wow! Stunning and elegant cards!

Nenette
Nenette
4 years ago
Reply to  Jennifer Sears

Glad you liked them, Jennifer!💕

Jenrescuemama
Jenrescuemama
4 years ago

I’m such a fan of distress oxide inks and can’t wait to try some of the techniques you used here.

LAURA CASSELMAN
LAURA CASSELMAN
4 years ago

So glad I found you! I want to copy everything here!

Karthikha Uday
Karthikha Uday
4 years ago

Oh wow! So many gorgeous cards!! Tough to choose a fav! Each one is unique and fantastic! <3

Anushree Vaish
Anushree Vaish
4 years ago

Loving your bold colors …thanks for sharing!!

Janis Ford
Janis Ford
4 years ago

Oh my gosh! All of these cards are amazing!! The color combinations are fantastic!

aimeesstampingadventures
aimeesstampingadventures
4 years ago

Wow!! Everything you made is phenomenal. My favorite is the first one. I love the colors used…soo pretty.

Loraine
Loraine
4 years ago

I LOVE your bold color choices and especially like the watercolor drip technique.

Lauryne Cunningham
Lauryne Cunningham
4 years ago

Wow! All of your cards are gorgeous! I love the bold colors you used, especially on the first one! They are all so unique, unlike cards I’ve ever seen before- stunning! So inspiring!

Kari Allen VanNoy
Kari Allen VanNoy
4 years ago

Amazing cards….I am just in AWE!!! Such beautiful colors and I really want to create the background like on your first card! LOVE these!