Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Guest Designer: Karen Burniston and Darkroom Door


This project is a collaboration and blog hop/giveaway with Karen Burniston (in Cahoots with Riley and Company) and Darkroom Door. When Karen asked me if I would like to be a guest designer, I jumped at the chance. I love her dies, plus Darkroom Door has pretty cool stamps - what a great opportunity for fun! The Darkroom Door Fine Butterflies set contains many sizes of butterflies with a doodle sketch look. I decided to color them with bright watercolors to maintain this loose feel.


BLOG HOP AND GIVEAWAY!! Both Darkroom Door and Karen Burniston will be giving away prize packs, with winners randomly chosen from ALL of the blog hop comments received by Sunday, July 29th, 2018. Lots of chances to win some goodies, so just leave a comment on this post or any other blog hop post to enter!

Darkroom Door / Rachel Greig
Karen Burniston & Tanya Kostynuk
Belinda Spencer
Summer Hills-Painter 
Teresa Abajo
Karen Aicken
Anneke De Clerck
Frances Byrne
Godelieve Tijskens
Shelly Hickox
Anna-Karin Evaldsson
Mary Prasad  <--  You are here!
Robyn Wood
Fran Sabad
Connie Mercer
Kelly Booth
Autumn Clark
Helen Cryer
Kymona Tracey

Disclaimer: Links, affiliate links, and cookies, including those for personalized ads, may be used in this post and on this site. Using this site implies your consent. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Share a Sale, and other affiliate programs; these affiliate advertising programs provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and/or other affiliated sites at no cost to you. This helps offset a small portion of my crafting addiction... uh, hobby. I am truly thankful for your kind support! I also receive free products from my design team companies, possibly monetary compensation, and sometimes free products for review. Regardless, all opinions are my own. Google and Blogger use cookies to provide and improve their services. See Notice at bottom of blog for a longer description and/or see the full Privacy Policy for even more details.


Making the Card

1. From lightweight watercolor paper (Bienfang Watercolor Paper, Lightweight 90lb/146gsm), die cut main card die from Charm Accordion. Cut in half on fold line - one will be used for the inside of the card and one for the back, opposite the one inside. Note orientation. Stack one on top of the other lining them up such that the top and bottom hinges (top/bottom of square) have the curve towards the left. Holding the pieces together lined up (as if they were glued together, but don't glue them yet), make a small pencil mark "s" on the front and back so you know which ones to stamp later. Cut another piece the same size as these but without die cutting holes. This will be used for the front of the card.

2. From the same paper, die cut 1 bee, 3 leaf branches, 4 large flowers, 5 small flowers, 3 large center circles, and 3 small center circles (Flower Pot Pop-up). Watercolor flowers, leaves, and bee as shown (Hint: Google flower images as reference). I used Jane Davenport watercolors plus a number 4 Silver Black Velvet brush. Some flowers are double layered - color 2 layers the same and layer offset from each other. To shape: use a ball stylus to rub behind petals, flower centers, leaves, and bee body/wings (lightly); use a die pick to mark lines down the centers of petals and along leaves as veins. Shape in different directions by again using ball stylus on back tips of petals/leaves and/or along length. You want some flowers to go forward and other to go back, plus a mixture for the leaves on the leaf branches. Glue flower layers together then add centers (Lineco pH neutral adhesive in a Fineline bottle and applicator).

View from back when card is open
3. Using Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink, stamp butterfly (Fine Butterflies - on packaging, left side butterfly, 2nd from top) three times on same paper leaving at least half an inch in between. Rough cut each keeping the spaces equal around them - keep extra space for wiggle room. Cut around one of them leaving at least an eighth of an inch around - you will be cutting the other following this outline. Use a small piece of removable tape or washi tape to tape this to the back of one of the other butterflies - use a window or lightbox to line them up as best as possible. Cut around so they will each look good as they turn in the circle charm. Fussy cut around the last butterfly, removing antennae. Watercolor butterflies, including back of fussy cut butterfly in case it is seen when wings are bent up. I used a couple of the same colors as I used in the flowers. Die cut 3 butterfly bodies (Circle Charm Pop-up) from black cardstock. Adhere one to each butterfly, making sure to line up and cover printed antennae, if any. Set aside the two that line up. Go around edges of fussy cut butterfly from back side using Tuxedo Black Memento marker to hide white edges. With a ball stylus, rub on the back of wings to give them shape. Gently bend wings up near body.


4. Cut green cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; fold in half to form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base. Center the piece that was die cut in step 1 marked with an "s", with the curves to the left, inside the card, right side - 1/2 inch from top and sides (there will be a bit more space at the bottom). Temporarily tape in place. Put the circle charm die with the metal "wing" (Circle Charm Pop-up) such that the wing butts up against the fold and centers on the square (see photo). Use a pencil to mark around the inside edges of the largest rounded corner square - this area of the green card back will later be die cut away to allow the inside square to move. Before removing the circle charm die, also mark on the left side of the card the position of the wing (two tick marks) so you may place the die exactly when cutting the front of the card later, then remove the die.

5. Stamping card front: temporarily adhere front card watercolor piece from step 1 to front of card in same position (i.e. 1/2 inch from top and sides). Fold card and put in middle of Stamp Platform. Use light tack masking tape or Post-it tape to cover all green around watercolor piece starting with top; do not cover watercolor paper - butt masking up against each edge. Use enough tape to hold down card. Arrange clean butterfly stamps over entire card such that they will hang off edges (you can rub your thumbnail along taped card edges to better see them). I used all but the largest butterfly. Hint: after arranging, but before stamping on watercolor paper, you may place a scrap sheet over entire card area and stamp to see the arrangement, adjusting any you don't like. Stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink. Use heat tool to set ink before removing anything - keep heat tool moving and don't get too close - you don't want to damage the platform. Keeping stamps in place, clean with Stamp Shammy or other cleaner, just be sure not to move any stamps. Remove center watercolor piece only (being careful in case any ink is still wet). Optional: after removing, lightly pencil around inside masking tape to easily replace stamped watercolor piece later. Next, remove bottom and side strips of masking tape only, being careful not to shift card (keep bottom tape to use again in a moment) - warning: ink may not dry on masking due to its surface; check hands for ink. Stamp using Shady Lane VersaFine Clair ink. Heat set. Carefully replace tape at bottom and remove top tape. Stamp in Shady Lane VersaFine Clair ink. Heat set. Clean stamps in place. Remove card. While stamps are still mounted, stamp pieces marked with "s" one at a time by adhering to platform with a little double-sided tape. Stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink. Note: I forgot and removed the stamps so had to replace them again - you could do this to rearrange if desired. Heat set each before removing. Clean stamps and remove from platform.

6. Watercolor all butterflies on watercolor paper (don't watercolor those stamped directly on front of card). I used a Silver Black Velvet Brush number 4 for the butterflies and number 8 for the background. Watercolor is usually done in layers, completely drying each before the next is applied. If you want the color to spread and blend, drop it in while damp. You might notice my Jane Davenport custom palette in the photo (bottom right). I chose colors from three of the sets to create a split primary palette (warm and cool values of each primary) along with some convenience colors.


7. Watch the following video for the Circle Charm Pop-up, but don't assemble yet. The specific instructions will follow but it's good to know what to aim for before doing it.


8. Apply adhesive around only the edges of the watercolor panel for the front of the card as Karen does in the video; adhere to front of card lining up butterflies. Open card and place it on base cutting plate of your die cutting machine with inside facing up, front of card on left (i.e. watercolor panel under left side). Line up pivot circle die's wing with marks you made in step 4 (left side of card to cut through to front) and add some removable tape to keep it in place. From Spinner Square Pop-up, use 2nd largest square (with dots and crosses) to cut just outside marks made on right side of card - line up all four corner marks evenly. Tape in place. Die cut. Clip off front watercolored circle and tabs like Karen does in video. Keeping pieces, cut off tabs at top and bottom of watercolored circle, then cut off rounded parts leaving square part of each tab - keep squares. Train green circle to flip to front of card then glue watercolor circle to the plain green cardstock that was formerly inside the card, lining up with butterflies on front. Glue squares to top and bottom of pivot area (see photo of front of card). To create charm ring inside card (see photo of inside of card), die cut 2 tabbed circles from green cardstock. Fold each in half, lining up tabs. On one circle, tie invisible thread around top and connect to bottom along fold lines. Use glue to adhere other circle on top, sandwiching the clear thread; trim any excess thread. Glue together, back to back, the two butterflies set aside in step 3, one on each side of thread, centering in circle as best as possible to allow rotation.


9. From purple cardstock, die cut circle to frame opening on left inside card (see photo two above); adhere as shown. Glue watercolored panels cut with charm accordion die to inside right and back of card, back to back, lining up all parts. Train hinges. Glue tabbed charm circle (with butterfly) as shown in video to front circle, then to back circle (just glue to back of square as shown in photo above - you will likely have to have the card partially closed). Train card to fold correctly.

10. Cut a strip of purple cardstock 1 x 4 1/4 inches. Stamp Happy Birthday (Party Time) using VersaMark ink; emboss with Wendy Vecchi Fern Green. Adhere leaves, flowers, bee, and fussy cut butterfly where shown.


Supplies
Follow my blog with Bloglovin so you won't miss any of the artsy doodle fun!


SaveSave

73 comments:

  1. This is so clever!! Lovely to be 'hopping' with you Mary! xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. A beautiful project! Love the bright colors!

    ReplyDelete
  3. so fun! love the bright colors

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful card. The little butterflies work so well with Karen's dies.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this card. I learned a new combination.

    ReplyDelete
  6. wonderful project and such lively colours

    ReplyDelete
  7. Have not tired to many inter-active card but these make me want to. Beautiful....

    ReplyDelete
  8. YOY Rocked your Card Mary Love it so much!!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. This card is super lovely! And thanks so much for sharing the detailed instructions. That helps me so much.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful..appreciate your details on the card making

    ReplyDelete
  11. So colorful and happy; just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amazing fun bright colors and that charm die just sets them off

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful and happy colored card.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is so pretty! Love the colors and the butterflies! Amazing die for the card base!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such a happy card! Love the vibrant colors!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a neat idea with the butterfly stamp and your coloring is fab! Hugs, Autumn (SewPaperPaint)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful card. Love the colours do pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  18. These fancy fold cards are more than a card...they would be perfect for table decorations as well. Love the whimsical design and happy colors!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lovely, creative card ... and great tutorial too. So glad you were a Guest Designer for the Hop!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful watercolored doodling images and I love the effect of the Circle Charm Pop up surprise inside! Thanks for the step by step instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love this card! So many steps to making it, but your tutorial is great. The dies and the stamps go perfectly together.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is so sweet and you went to SO MUCH work to make this wonderful tutorial! Much appreciated! I love the bright and cheery colors you used.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a clever way to do the coloured background butterfly. Beautiful card

    ReplyDelete
  24. Fantastic card. The colors are just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Beautiful color coordination. Makes me look for new inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love love the watercolor and your finished art - great work and the colors are sooooo beautiful TFS

    ReplyDelete
  27. Such a cheery card and great colors

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow, what a beautiful card, love the pop up, the colours and stamping ! Enny

    ReplyDelete
  29. Lovely card. I like the soft watercolor look to the butterflies. Great way to change up the Circle Charm Pop-up.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am immediately drawn to your colorful work! Fabulous!
    Sandra Smith

    ReplyDelete
  31. Your card just pops with color!
    Very beautiful!
    Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  32. So bright and cheerful - love it!

    ReplyDelete
  33. now that card would lift anyone's spirits! wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a bright, fun, cheerful creation. This card certainly made me smile. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Your card is sooo cute, love all the bright colors!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love all these bright happy colors and the fun fold outs!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Love watercolor cards and such lively colours

    ReplyDelete
  38. great technique, it works so well.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Very vibrant. It really pops!
    Carol b

    ReplyDelete
  40. Loving the bright mix of colours, movement & how you have coloured and n those images, some just outlines, some full colour, some partial coloured. Learnt tons from this thank you.x

    ReplyDelete
  41. I just love these dimensional cards!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Just amazing! The colors and the time it must have taken to watercolor... WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love your beautiful
    card! So fun and very
    colorful.
    Carla from Utah

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a brilliant card! I love how you've inlaid the front and the beautiful coloring you've done! What a lot of love and work went into this card!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Beautiful watercoloring...love your intricate stamping and coloring on the front..a very happy card!

    ReplyDelete
  46. This is stunning! I love the combo of soft and bright colors.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Wow! Very pretty. Love your card.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Beautiful card! Love all of the interactive elements - fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  49. A very beautiful card, bright and colourful, well done!!
    Corinne

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh, I love that! The way you stamped the butterflies on the borders and then colored them in on the panel is beautiful; I'm so inspired! And your colors are wonderful! So bright and fresh! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment! I read (and appreciate) every one!