The last month has been challenging. I had cataract surgeries on both eyes, so crafting was off the table for a bit. This past Saturday, I participated in the Altenew Craft Your Life Virtual Retreat – Bouquet Bonanza 2022, focused on using one of their new stamp sets, Timeless Tulips, and pigment inks. The kit included layering stencils (very helpful in coloring the stamped images), a Timeless Tulips embossing folder, Instant Dimension Foam Tape, Ultra Sticky Double-Sided Tape, Mini Blending Brushes, the Must-Have Gel Pen set, and Moroccan Mosaic Creative Cutouts. Dies were also included, thankfully, as you all know how much I hate fussy cutting! If you like the cards you see pictured here, the retreat is available for purchase on the Altenew website.
First up is a shaker card. I stamped the image with Jet Black ink, then stenciled using the Timeless Tulips layering stencil. I used gold sequins from my stash for the shaker elements.
The second card technique took full advantage of the vibrance of pigment inks. Blending these colors is so easy. Once again, the layering stencils proved very helpful.
The next few cards were done with the Timeless Tulips 3-D embossing folder and pigment ink, utilizing the ink smooshing technique. These were a blast to make, although a bit messy.
Next, we used a decoupage technique, offsetting layers. My color blending is a bit off on this card, but I still love the result.
The fifth instructor focused on a scrapbook page, which I chose not to do. I made the bonus card, combining stenciling, ink blending, and ink splattering. I love the result.
Last, but not least, is a shadow box card. The instructor called it a tunnel card. It’s 6×6, made using most of the techniques learned throughout the retreat. The end result is stunning.
