PAPER CRAFTING

Altenew 11th Anniversary Blog Hop Day 1 + Giveaway (over $3,600 in Total Prizes)

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Altenew 11th Anniversary Blog Hop Day 1 + Giveaway (over $3,600 in Total Prizes)

Hello, crafty friends! It is truly an honor to be a part of this blog hop celebrating the 11th Anniversary of Altenew! Since its inception in 2014, Altenew has captivated crafters with an exquisite array of layering floral stamp sets that have transformed the card-making world. Over the past eleven years, it has been inspiring to witness the brand’s remarkable journey– from the introduction of the innovative Stamp Wheel and vibrant watercolor and gouache paints to the creation of the One and Go series and the user-friendly key-hole system that streamlines the card making process for crafters like myself. I want to express my sincere wishes to the Altenew team for your continued growth and success. You are a constant source of inspiration for many in the crafting community, and your contributions are truly valued.

Thank you, Oleksandr Azarov, for sending them over to my blog! For complete details for this anniversary hop, please drop by the Altenew blog, here.

To celebrate this special occasion, I crafted nine cards, including stamps, dies, and embossing folders designed by my talented daughter, Isabela. I couldn’t be prouder!

BE HAPPY

MATERIALS:

This large, beautiful stamp image is a joy to watercolor! I made sure to stick to analogous colors, mixing blues with greens for the leaves, and purples with blues for the flowers. The front panel was die-cut halfway using the coordinating die, and I adhered green cardstock to the inside of the card to add contrast.

BLESSED

MATERIALS:


I printed the Kaleidoscope background onto plain washi paper, then stamped the image from the Garden Whispers stamp set using Obsidian Ink. The floral image from the Garden Whispers Stamp set was then embossed with Crystal Clear embossing powder. Next, the washi paper was carefully torn and adhered to the white card front for a textured effect. To enhance the design, paints were mixed to match the background colors closely, and select areas of the flowers, leaves, and stems were painted. Finally, I die-cut the word “Blessed” from white and black cardstock and positioned the sentiment on the card front.

THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU

MATERIALS:


This spotlight card is one way to create a quick card with minimal coloring. A stamping tool was used to imprint the image onto purple cardstock with Versamark ink; then, the image was embossed with Pure White embossing powder. Next, an oval tag was die-cut and placed at the center of the card front. To protect the card front, I covered it with bond paper before stamping the image onto the tag. Blending brushes were used with the coordinating stencil to blend the colors seamlessly. Depth and dimension were added by incorporating shadows with coloring pencils. The stamens were embossed with rose gold embossing powder. The colored tag was positioned to match the image on the card front and was mounted with foam tape. Green cardstock was added at the back of the card front for color and interest.

MY DEAR FRIEND THANK YOU

MATERIALS:


Jennifer McGuire’s pop-up cards inspired me to make one. The image was stamped twice with a light dye ink to create a soft base. Using the coordinating stencils, colors were gently applied to the image with blending brushes for a gradient effect. For the flower stamens, I used an embossing pen to draw them in, then embossed them with rose gold embossing powder. For added visual tension, subtle pencil markings were drawn at the corners and tips of the flowers. After fussy cutting the images, the Nesting Frames dies created a window on the card’s front panel. A smaller tag was die-cut for the sentiment. The sentiment was stamped and embossed using white embossing powder. Finally, I assembled the card using foam squares and glue for added dimension and stability.

THANKFUL FOR YOU

MATERIALS:


I only used 3D embossing folders for this card–no stamps or die cuts. Inspired by a card made by my uber-talented friend Enna (@ritzyhag on IG), I sprayed distress stains onto mixed media paper and let it dry completely. Next, the card panel was embossed using the Loving You 3D embossing folder, adding a beautiful texture. The background was colored using a Navy acrylic paint marker. The embossed images were outlined with a white acrylic marker to enhance the visibility. The edges of the panel were embossed with gold embossing powder. For the sentiment, I used the Raised Sentiments Embossing folder and carefully applied clear embossing liquid over the letters with an embossing pen before adding gold embossing powder to create a shiny finish. Finally, I repurposed the leftover embossed and colored paper as a matting for the sentiment, tying the entire design together.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING MOM

MATERIALS:


Mother’s Day is coming up, so I decided to make a Mother’s Day card ahead of time. The small floral image was repeatedly stamped using Versamark ink on a light blue cardstock and was then embossed with white embossing powder. The spaces were filled with petals and leaves for a cohesive look. The background was then colored with a navy acrylic marker, providing a striking contrast. The word “MOM” was die-cut and layered with four additional cuts to add dimension. Finally, the sentiment was stamped on white cardstock using Obsidian ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT

MATERIALS:


This creation is referred to as my “5-Minute Card.” I appreciate the simplicity of this CAS design– simple yet elegant. One of my favorite tools is the BetterPress System; it’s incredibly user-friendly, yet the results are stunningly detailed. For this card, the Inked Poppies Press Plate was inked with Eastern Sky dye ink. I ran it through my die-cutting machine, producing a beautiful floral impression on 100% cotton paper. To enhance the card front, I used the Linked Spots and Dots Stencil and dye ink to add subtle imagery. The pressed floral image was mounted with foam tape to create some dimension. The sentiment was stamped in the same dye ink on white cardstock. A light blue brad was added for more dimension. I opted for a monochromatic color scheme to maintain the card’s simplicity.

EMBRACE THE JOURNEY AHEAD

MATERIALS:

I want to be completely transparent about my creative process for this card. I began by watercoloring the leaves and was happy with it. Then, I mistakenly chose a flower color that was too similar to the leaves, which caused the flowers to blend in rather than stand out. However, I loved how the colors of the leaves turned out, so I decided to keep it and stamp the image again, emboss it, and fussy cut just the flowers. This allowed me to place them over the painted leaves using foam squares, effectively covering my initial mistake. To add depth, five die cuts were cut using The Garden Trellis Cover die and layered on top of each other. The corners were finished by inking and embossing them with gold embossing powder for some shine. The sentiment was stamped using Obsidian Ink and then embossed with Clear embossing powder. I used the same watercolor paint to color the sentiment’s background to match the leaves.

HUGS

MATERIALS


My last card required more time, especially while watercoloring the floral image. The image was stamped and embossed on watercolor paper (for the flowers) and vellum paper (for the leaves). The flowers were watercolored, and then the leaves were colored from the back of the vellum with alcohol markers for a subtle effect. This was then adhered to white cardstock using the double-sided tape sheet. The image was die-cut. The flowers were meticulously fussy cut and layered on top of the embossed and colored leaves using foam tape for added dimension. I chose an easel fold for this card, with the “hugs” sentiment serving as a stopper to keep the card front upright.

GIVEAWAYS

Over $3,600 in total prizes! Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 11 lucky winners. There are also 35 awesome companies/crafty friends who are celebrating with us, and they are offering the following prizes:

Altenew: 11 x $50 Gift Certificate

Altenew Academy: 17 x Online Card Class ($39.99 value each)

Artistry by Altenew: 5x $20 Gift Certificate

Glassboard Studio: 3 x $50 Gift Certificate

Creative Scrapbooker Magazine: 3 x Creative Scrapbooker Magazine 1-Year Subscription ($44.9 value each)

Stamp-n-Storage: 1 Ink Pad Carousel for Altenew Fresh Dye Inks ($129.75 value)

Online Card Classes: 5 x Online Card Class ($25+ value each)

Gina K. Designs: $100 Gift Certificate

Lawn Fawn: $100 Gift Certificate

Honey Bee Stamps: $100 Gift Certificate

Pink and Main: $100 Gift Certificate

Brutus Monroe: $100 Gift Certificate

Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine: $100 Gift Certificate

My Favorite Things: $100 Gift Certificate

Jennifer McGuire Ink: 1 Share Handemade Kindness Goodies Bag

Amy Tangerine: 1 Sticker Assortment Pack ($75 value)

Ranger Industries: $75 Gift Certificate

Michelle’s Cards & Stamps: AUD $100 Gift Certificate

LDRS Creative: 2x $30 Gift Certificate

MarkerPop: 2x $25 Gift Certificate

Trinity Stamps: $50 Gift Certificate

A Cherry On Top: $50 Gift Certificate

Simon Says Stamp: $50 Gift Certificate

Alex Syberia Designs: $50 Gift Certificate

Newton’s Nook Designs: $50 Gift Certificate

Pretty Pink Posh: $50 Gift Certificate

My Craft Room: $50 Gift Certificate

Krafters Cart: $50 Gift Certificate

Concord & 9th: $50 Gift Certificate

Scrapbook.com: $50 Gift Certificate

Pinkfresh Studio: $50 Gift Certificate

Bumbleberry Papercrafts: £25 Gift Certificate

Picket Fence Studios: $25 Gift Certificate

Ink Blot Shop: $25 Discount Code

Creative Chick Co.: $25 Gift Certificate

Auzz Trinklets N Krafts: AUD $25 Gift Certificate

Be sure to leave comments by April 29, 2025 for a chance to win one of 76 prizes! To make the hop more exciting, start your comment with “Hi from (city or country where you’re from)!” 76 winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on any of the blogs listed below and will be announced on the Altenew Blog on May 4, 2025. 

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL OFFERS

04/14/2025 – 04/17/2025: Get a FREE brand-new Lace 3D Embossing Folder (worth $11.99) on orders over $89 from 04/14/2025 at 12:01 AM EDT until 04/17/2025 at 11:59 PM EDT. The free gift will be automatically added to eligible orders—while supplies last. Shop here: https://altenew.com/collections/all-altenew-products 

04/14/2025 – 04/18/2025: Get FREE U.S. Shipping on orders over $29 (no code needed) or $10 off International Shipping with code ALTENEW@11 at checkout from 04/14/2025 at 12:01 AM EDT until 04/18/2025 at 11:59 PM EDT. Shop here: https://altenew.com/collections/all-altenew-products

To follow along, click this link for the blog hop list or click this link to go to Debbie Frank’s blog.


Thank you for taking the time to explore the cards I created for this hop! I would love to hear which one you liked the most, so please share your favorite in the comment section below. If you want to see more of my projects, I invite you to follow, like, and subscribe to my Instagram, YouTube channel, Facebook, and blog for more inspiration. Your support means a lot!

Again, congratulations to the whole Altenew team!!!! Wishing you continued success always!

Warm regards to all and thanks for dropping by,

AECP Family IG Hop: Crate a Card Inspired by a Favorite AECP Class

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AECP Family IG Hop: Crate a Card Inspired by a Favorite AECP Class

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Altenew Educators’ Certificate Program IG hop! I decided to create a blog post for this as well so that I can share the process with all of you. We were asked to choose a favorite class that we draw inspiration from. I chose the Creative Coloring with Erum — Advanced Techniques workshop because I have been a huge fan of Erum’s coloring skills and I knew that it will be packed with tons of tips and techniques. I was not disappointed. Erum is immensely talented and is always so generous in sharing her creative process. Thank you so much, Erum!!! You can check out her blog here and her youtube channel here.

Here are the cards I made which were all inspired by her creations. Do let me know which one is your favorite on the comment section, ok?

The first card is based on her watercolor drip class.

AND HERE YOU ARE LIVING DESPITE IT ALL

STEPS:

  1. Stamp the floral image from the Wallpaper Art stamp set on watercolor paper using Versamark ink and emboss with Pure White Embossing powder. Do the same with the leaves.
  2. Watercolor the petals using Altenew watercolor brush markers- Persian blue, Midnight Violet, Ultramarine and Purple Wine using the wet on wet technique. For the leaves, color with Lagoon and Emerald.
  3. Add details using Faber Castell polychromos colored pencils.
  4. On a scrap of watercolor paper, do a wash of Lagoon and Emerald. After the inks have dried, die cut the leaves from Branches and Berries dies and the Just Leaves dies.
  5. For the background, wet half of the surface with water and add a light wash using the leftover inks on the palate.
  6. Add more concentrated ink drips by tilting the paper and allow the pool of water to drip down.
  7. When the panel has dried, add spatters of water. After 10 seconds, pat dry with a tissue to remove the ink.
  8. Add spatters of lagoon.
  9. Assemble the card using adhesive and foam squares.

This next card was inspired by the use of watercolor and stencils.

THANK YOU

STEPS:

  1. Using the Mega Bloom stencil, add color using a blending brush and the Dew Drops crisp dye ink on watercolor paper.
  2. Using the wet on wet technique, mix the Lagoon and Mountain Mist watercolor brush markers and the Persian Blue to add shadows to the petals.
  3. Once the flower is dry, add splatters of purple and black.
  4. Emboss the sentiment on black cardstock using Versamark ink and Pure White Embossing powder.
  5. Cut the panel into 4 pieces and mount the 1st and 3rd panel with foam squares to add dimension to the card.

There were some bleeds at the edges of the petals. I think it’s because I did not heat set the dye ink before I painted the watercolor. 🙁 But I think the roughness of the edges added more character to the flower so I just went ahead and colored the rest of the petals. Cutting the painted card front into panels and adhering some panels using foam tape added more interest to the card.

The third card was inspired by Erum’s splatter watercolor class. Such a fun technique!!!

SO PROUD OF YOU

STEPS:

  1. Stamp the image from the Statement Flowers stamp set with Versamark in and embossing with Rose Gold embossing powder.
  2. Wet the surface of the petals with water and then add splatters of watercolor from Midnight Violet and Persian Blue brush markers.
  3. Allow the petals to dry and add more spatters.
  4. Spray the flowers with water and lift the colors for added texture.
  5. Color the leaves using the same technique with Emerald, Limeade and highlight with a little bit of Sea Breeze.
  6. Cut out a mask then trim out the leaves. Cover the flowers to protect them from the green spatters.
  7. Add green and blue splatters to the leaves.
  8. With the Jet Black ink, customize black and white stripes patterned paper.
  9. Add black and white splatters to the Real Grey card base.
  10. Emboss the sentiment using Obsidian Pigment ink and Crystal Clear embossing powder.
  11. Assemble the card using glue and foam squares.

I really enjoyed making this card. Just make sure to turn your panel when creating spatters for a variety of direction. Adding water droplets to lift some color added more texture to the petals. I loved this technique because it didn’t take a lot of time to create yet it seems to be complicated to make. I also didn’t have black and white striped paper so I just created my own using a black marker. The freehand lines made the card more organic looking.

This fourth card was inspired by Erum’s Playing with Texture class.

THINKING OF YOU

STEPS:

  1. Create a background using distress sprays, distress oxides and distress inks. Make sure to dry between sprays.
  2. Add water splatters and after 10 seconds, lift the colors using a paper napkin.
  3. With the Mega Blooms Stencil, create transparent flowers using the transparent texture paste. Allow it to dry.
  4. Stamp the sentiment from the Ornamental Bliss stamp set with Rose Gold crisp embossing powder. Add gold washi strips to emphasize the sentiment.
  5. Assemble the card.

This was a quick card to make. It only took longer because of the drying time of the transparent texture paste. I love the subtle texture the clear texture paste gives yet it allows the background design to show through.

I hope you liked the 4 cards I made based on Erum’s Creative coloring class. I highly recommend it. She also included tons of other project ideas that you can get inspiration from.

Do stop and say hello on Instagram where I post my latest creations and giveaway announcements. You can also subscribe to this blog if you want to receive email notifications of my posts.

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to drop by! Don’t forget to leave a comment to get a chance to win a prize! I truly appreciate your kind comments and always look forward to hearing from you. 😊 Please stay safe and happy crafting!