Karate hybrid!

I got it into my head that a karate theme would be ideal for a friend's son celebrating his 7th birthday since he's just done his grading for his purple belt. Do I have any karate-themed stamps or other supplies? Well now you mention it, no I don't :o/

Time for a hybrid approach, methinks...

I turned to a good old Google search and happened on the ideal image at craftsUprint. OK, the bargain price of 64p was a little less bargainous when you factor in that I had to get other stuff to make the minimum checkout amount but it got me out of a hole and hopefully I've chosen other images that will come in handy for the peskier members of the family!

As usual, I went my own way - the image is on a decoupage sheet and although I did a bit of minimal layering on the karate dude (main image, layer that's jacket and head, separate belt) I ignored the main backdrop and cut my own circle from red card, inked the edge for depth and added a big, hand cut number to tailor the card for the recipient.

The image is pre-coloured (although I did add a bit extra shading with Copics, particularly on the belt) so it's just the cutting out that's time-consuming here.

It's always harder to impress a seven-year-old than his parents I reckon - the card was declared "cool" so I think making it hard on myself paid off!

Supplies:
6x6" card base
Karate Dude printable decoupage sheet from craftsUprint (there's a Karate Girl, too - hooray!)
Sentiment from Essential Messages by Hero Arts
Red and black card
Tim Holtz Distress ink by Ranger (Fired Brick)
Memento Luxe ink by Tsukineko (Tuxedo Black)
Pinflair glue gel
Fineline marker
Copic markers

Thanks for stopping by -  if you're in the UK I hope you enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend!

Easy watercolouring!

I needed to make a birthday card for my mum and having recently been on holiday (leading to the inevitable creative slump arising from being separated from your crafting supplies!) I needed something that wasn't too challenging!

I've had this stamp set for ages and not got round to using it. I thought a bit of watercolour painting with it might be just the thing.

I kept it simple with just a single panel of watercolur paper, stitched to the card base for a touch of textural interest once it was painted.

The jug, flowers, leaves and grounding are all Distress ink and I used a couple of watercolour pencils for the blue background wash. This is a really easy way to do a watercolour - just stamp with Distress ink and spread the colour with a damp brush.

I added some clear Wink of Stella to the tops of the blooms and a few extra highlights with a white paint pen.

Stamps:
Sweet Havana by Mama Elephant
Sentiment from Big Day Today by Waltzingmouse Stamps (no longer in business but watch the Gina K site in case it's a set that comes back via that route at some point!)

Paper: Ranger Watercolor

Ink:
Tim Holtz Distress ink by Ranger (Antqiue Linen, Vintage Photo, Pumice Stone, Seedless Perserves, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint)
Brilliance by Tsukineko (Pearlescent Chocolate)

Other:
Derwent watercolour pencils
Clear Wink of Stella pen
Posca white paint pen
Sewing machine and thread 

Thanks for stopping by!