Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Season's Tweetings

More from the Christmas Card Workshop today!  I'm determined to use all my new or not-yet-used Christmas stamps this year, preferably at least two with each set.  Today it's Power Poppy's Tweet Tidings.  I loved this Chickadee in Barberry as a digital set, but even more now that the Chickadee has a little friend to sing with.  I think those music notes take the cuteness to a whole new level.




The coloring is a combination of Copics and watercolor.  Stamped in Memento ink on Arches 140 lb hot pressed watercolor paper, the stamped images are colored with Copic markers.  I like the softer look you get using Copics on watercolor paper, plus I was able to add a gentle glow around them with the watercolor.  You can do that with Copics, too, but for me it's easier, quicker, more subtle and more nicely blended with watercolor.  Watch out for the Memento ink, though.  It will bleed if it gets too wet.

As you can see, the Chickadees are out singing in a snow flurry.  My white paint splatters nearly obscured the bird on the upper branch, and my banner covers up most of the other bird, but I still like it.  At any rate, it's a stamp and I can make more.




So I did.  No paint splatters on the next card, but I added snow using a white pearl pen and microfine glitter.  I also managed to use some of my new Christmas ribbon, which I thought was just the ticket with this stamp set, even though I had to think hard to figure how to work it in.  My brain doesn't seem to think in terms of ribbon these days.




Additionally, Card #2 utilizes an embossing folder on Core'dinations paper, sanded to bring out the pattern.  More details are in the recipe below my signature.

Lots of stamping going on at my house, but I had to stop long enough to restock the groceries, sigh...  We have to eat, and Thanksgiving emptied out the refrigerator.  Enjoy your day!


Stamps:  Power Poppy Tweet Tidings  Paper:  Arches 140 lb hot pressed watercolor, Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss, Core'dinations for the embossing folder, Bazzill Walnut, American Crafts Kringle and Co designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU So Saffron and Crumb Cake for watercolor halo, Copic markers for coloring stamped images  Accessories:  Ribbon, sequins, Viva Decor Ice White Pearlen-Pen, Elizabeth Craft Warm Diamonds Microfine Glitter, white acrylic paint, Cuttlebug Heritage Collection embossing folder  Dies:  Spellbinders Ribbon Banners, Poppystamps Main Street Stitched Tags, Taylored Expressions Basic Buckles

24 comments:

Glenda said...

Lovely little chickadees! I have some that visit my feeders each day! I love seeing them!

Pauline said...

Well Miss Leslie, I am lost for words, if you can imagine! Once again you have out done yourself. Both cards are gorgeous, the first one beautifully executed, your background wash is second to none, love the yellow blended in with that bit of red/brown colour, splatter is perfect and so is that gorgeous ribbon! Second card, wow, what can I say, again the sanded down corners to make it pop, your berry branch paper in behind and of course your beautiful coloured chickadee, topped off with that perfect ribbon once again - you're right it is the just the ticket for this stamp set.
(thanks for the tip of using copics on watercolour paper, I will have to give that a try). Have a wonderful day Leslie!

Diane said...

Both cards are gorgeous with the perfect details for each....the ribbon is a fun addition isn't? I love bird images and we have lots of these little fellows visit us each winter (when the Blue Jays) aren't running them off!! My 'little guy' is full of mischief but he sure makes me happy...wasn't sure if I would love him like Nellie, but I do, he is a little heartbreaker!!

Cindy Beach said...

These cards are gorgeous!
I'm loving the way you incorporated your pretty Christmas ribbon. Have to say I like the first card best, the paint spatters against that pretty background really give a feel of movement almost as if the wind is blowing. The pretty bright papers and distressed background are great in the second card. Inspired me to get my Co'ordinations paper back in circulation.
You've been on a great roll with your stamping, Leslie!

Lynette said...

Two more gems from you, Leslie! Love your coloring and great layouts.

ChristineCreations said...

Your chickadees are adorable Leslie! I love the effect of the snow flurry! And that sweet little one all on his own is pretty adorable too. The little berries on the ribbon are perfect wiht the paper too.

Kathy Krug said...

What a wonderful goal. Let us know how close you get. Love both of these beautiful cards. Love the texture of the ribbon and the pretty berry paper. colored to perfection as always.

Darlene said...

WOWZA girl ... both cards are fabulous but I really love the 1st one! Those little singing birds are too 'tweet'! And, your splatters are perfect with your amazing background ... AWESOME creation ... you are so talented with color! Can I take lessons from you?? Well done my friend and what a great goal ... it would take me another lifetime to use all the 'schtuff' I have in my cave! Want to come play?? lol Happy Day to you!!

Yogi said...

I LOVE all the aspects of your cards. That ribbon is fabulous. The birds sneaking out from under the elements is fine by me. WONDERFUL!!. Have a great day

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

Oh, what special cards - I love all your bird cards. You do such a wonderful job with them. I expect to hear the songs they are singing, they look so real! I like how you used the ribbon, especially the last one in the buckle.

Donna Ellis said...

oh oh OHHHHHH! I love your two cards and your incredible skill at combining watercolors and copics. AMAAAAAAA-ZING! The stamps are beyond sweet, er, I mean "tweet", and beyond gorgeous, too. It always bring everything to life in the most extraordinary of ways, Leslie. The touches of blue in the snow, the red-edged burlap at the bottom for added warmth, the little musical notes so unexpectedly placed, the highlights in each of the berries - they all contribute to the wonder of this magical scene. Sigh - exquisite - truly! I will be answering your emails later - about Go Daddy - just over-extended my wee self for the next few weeks LOL sheesh - love de

Melanie Ann MacKenzie said...

I simply adore that stamp set! Your cards are marvelous. Cheers.

Sherri said...

Double "WOW!" These are both gorgeous! I am always amazed at what you can do with watercolor! And combining it with comics must take even more talent! These images are perfect for holiday cards! I love the way you made your ribbon go in the buckle! Beautiful designs on both!

Conniecrafter said...

They are both gorgeous, I do love these little Chickadee's!! Love your coloring and the great snowy look you gave the first, even if you added more than you wanted. Great idea with the added ribbon on the second with the buckle die, looks terrific there and also with the first as a border!

nancy littrell said...

I Love both your sweet chickadee card designs my friend. No way can I choose a favorite. I loved reading your detailed description and supply list. Truly stunning cards, Leslie. TFS Happy Holidays. Hugs...

Pam Sparks said...

Lovely cards Leslie! So many beautiful details and textures to complement this beautiful image!

Pretty Paper Junkie said...

I say it again. You have such a talent for design. I just love these cards!
I actually made a card using this stamp, but I gave it away before I photographed it.

Greta said...

Beautiful images & I absolutely love that ribbon!

Susie said...

I noticed the ribbon right from the beginning - it's perfect! Loved the layout on the second card, and if you felt you had to think hard on how to use the ribbon it sure didn't show. I still have so many patterned papers from years back that I need to use. I did follow your lead while we were living in Virginia and begin cutting my 12x12 papers into 6x6 panels so I could store a little easier. I can also catalog them by season too. Boy, I've learned a lot from you Leslie (smiling). Beautiful cards my friend.

Stacy Morgan said...

Both of these are beautiful! Oh my that splattered paint is the perfect snow touch, you will have to tell me what paint you used generic? How did you splatter it? Wonderful sketches and beautiful coloring. These birdies look just darling! Love what you did with this set Leslie.

Ros Crawford said...

Oh my they are gorgeous! beautifully crafted Leslie! Thank you so much for your card... What a beautiful surprise!

Joan B said...

wow these are stunners

Katie Sims said...

Leslie, you and Marcella's images are a match made in heaven. I am always smitten with how you color up everything and these sweet birds are no exception! Love the wintry look and feel of these Leslie. I have said it before and I will say it again....how I would love to just sit and watch you create your masterpieces, my friend! Sending hugs your way.....and squeezed those goldens for me too!

CherylQuilts said...

Sweetness and more! I am so in love with Marcy's chickadees, and these are both so pretty and darling at the same time. Love how you've watercolored and used Copic markers. Did not know that Copics on watercolor paper are softer. And the sweet bitty chickadee is darling on the tag layers. What sweet and perfect ribbon! Hugs!