Addicted To Stamps And More #302...

Hi! I am back with another inspiration card for the Addicted To Stamps And More challenge blog. 

Your entry MUST contain the use of anything that can make a mark - Stampin' Write, Copics, Promarkers, Painting, Chalks, Watercolours, Sponges, Stencils, Masks etc.

I decided to pull out my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens and use them with stencils.

I taped the Floral Abstract stencil by Mudra Craft Stamps to a piece of watercolour paper. I applied two shades of each colour through the stencil and quickly blended it with a damp brush. Once the stencilling was done, I removed it and let the panel dry completely. Here is a closer look at the panel.

Rest of the card was super simple. I simply die cut the layers and then adhered them to a turquoise card base.

Hope you liked my card and are inspired to create something beautiful. You can link your creations to our gallery at the Addicted To Stamps And More challenge blog. You can also visit the blog for some amazing inspiration from my very talented teammates. Looking forward to seeing you in our gallery.

Entering my card in the following challenges:

Just Us Girls #450:

Allsorts Challenge Week 476/477 - Flowers All Over

Love,

Nandini

Product Review for Itsy Bitsy...

Hi! I am here today to do another product review for Itsy Bitsy. You can find my previous reviews here and here. I am reviewing a total of four products today.

I had picked up the Mixed Media Paste and Embossing Texture Paste some time ago. I found both these work very well with the Sparkle Paste and Mica Powder. So I decided to review all four products.

My first two cards are like a twofer. I wanted to see the difference between using Sparkle Paste versus Mica Powder. I started with two pieces of white cardstock. I blended distress oxide inks on both. I covered the panels with a stencil and applied Black Soot and Faded Jeans distress oxide inks through it. Without removing the stencil, I added Sparkle Paste to one with a palette knife. On the other panel, I brushed a the Mica Powder with an old make-up brush. I also added a light mist of water to fix the powder.

Here is the card with Sparkle Paste.

The effect is beautiful and sparkly. Perfect for a festive card. Here is another look at the card. I tilted it so that the sparkle is seen.

Entering this card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Monday Challenge - Add A Little Sparkle:

Use Your Stuff Challenge #321 - Birthday:


The Mica Powder gives a more subtle effect.

There is a beautiful, satiny sheen which is gorgeous in real life.

Inkspirational Challenge #165:

For my next card, I decided to mix the Mica Powder with Mixed Media paste which is a great product to have in your stash since it combines the functions of both gesso and modelling paste.

I diluted the Mixed Media paste with a little water and then mixed some Mica Powder with it. I placed a stencil over a panel of kraft cardstock and applied the paste with a palette knife. Once the paste was dry, I added a little distress oxide ink with a sponge dauber.

Here is a closer look at the stencilling.

You can see the lovely sheen that the Mica Powder brings to the mix.

To complete the card, I die-cut a heart from some pink paper. I added some sheen to the die-cut with the Mica Powder. I simply took a glue stick and rubbed it all over the paper. I brushed the Mica Powder with a makeup brush and let it dry.

The sentiment was stamped with Versamark on a strip of black paper and heat embossed with metallic pink embossing powder.

Entering this card in the following challenges:

Allsorts Challenge Week 476/477 - Flowers All Over:

Paru's Card Making Challenges - July:

For my third card, I decided to test the products on some dark cardstock.

I coloured the mix of Mixed Media Paste and Mica Powder with black photo ink and applied it to a piece of black cardstock through a stencil. The result was a gorgeous metallic grey texture. Here is a closer look.

I trimmed the panel and adhered it to a grey card base. I die-cut the hibiscus flower and coloured it with my Zigs. The sentiment was die-cut from a piece of cardstock that I coloured with two shades of green dye inks. I just rubbed a little Sparkle Paste on the die-cut to give it some extra pop. Here is a closer look.

To finish, I mounted a piece of black cardstock on foam tape. The flower is also popped with foam tape. I applied a little Sparkle Paste to the stamen for added interest.

Entering this card in the following challenges:

CAS Mix Up July Challenge:
I coloured my hibiscus die cut with Zig Clean Color Markers and the sentiment with photo inks. I stamped part of the sentiment with Versamark and heat embossed with silver EP. For the mixed media component, I did stencilling with texture paste.

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Use a die and/or punch:

Fusion Challenge - Outdoor Room:
I used only the sketch which I flipped.

Watercooler Wednesday WWC179 - Masculine Anything Goes:

The final card is probably my favourite. I decided to mix the Mica Powder with the Embossing Texture Paste. I wasn't sure it would work. But it did. And I love the result!

The Embossing Texture Paste pops up when you apply heat. The amount of popping depends on the thickness of application and dryness of the layer. Since I wanted less popping and used an intricate stencil, I allowed it to dry completely. The result after applying heat is a soft nap, almost like a rug. The Mica Powder gives it a lovely shine. Here is a closer look.

To complete the card, I trimmed the panel and mounted it to a turquoise card base. I die-cut a heart from the same paper and popped it up on foam tape. I die-cut the sentiment thrice and adhered the layers together. I also applied some Sparkle Paste to it for added shine. Finally, I die-cut some small stars and adhered them to the heart.

Entering this card in the following challenges:

Sunday Stamps SSC183 - Tranquil Cottage Colors:
I used turquoise, kraft and cream

The Sisterhood of Crafters - What's YOUR Favorite Color?:
I love turquoise colour. Especially when combined with kraft. 


I have really loved using these products. Initially, I wasn't sure how much use I would get out of them since my style is very CAS and I mostly make cards. But they are wonderful products to keep on hand. The Sparkle Paste is great for adding some shimmer and shine to your projects. I have used it before for making a card set.

As you can see, Sparkle Paste is very easy to colour and use with stencils.

The Embossing Texture Paste adds great texture without adding weight. It is also very easy to colour with inks. It spreads very well. So a little goes a long way.

My biggest surprise was the Mica Powder. It can be used to add some shimmer to your projects very easily. I used the clear glue stick with great results. It also mixes well with water and can be used with a spray bottle. And of course, it gives great results when mixed with Mixed Media Paste and Embossing Texture Paste.

Sparkle Paste and Embossing Texture Paste are both available in beautiful colours too. I picked up neutral colours since I wanted to test them with photo inks. But you can buy the ready coloured pastes as well.

Here is a photo of all the cards with the products I used.

I hope you found my review useful and will give them a try. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Love,

Nandini