Blue Paradise Geode and Resin Canvas with Art Resin

Hello everyone!  Today. I am coming to you with something a little different.  As many of you know who have been following my blog for some time I love to create jewelry using resin, specifically ICE Resin and I have been doing that for many years now.  A few months back I started exploring different forms of art including abstract resin, acrylic, alcohol ink, and geode art.  I have shown a couple of little sneak peek pictures here on my blog.  I used to do a lot of detailed painting but now due to having fibromyalgia and RA my hand is just not that steady anymore so I'm not able to do the very detailed painting anymore. I missed painting!  But I am so thrilled to have found some new styles of painting and art that I can do and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!  I am having so much fun creating and I wanted to start sharing it with you.  I have made several pieces and canvases are starting to take over every little bit of free space lol.  I am going to be having a booth at Chapel Con which is a local event in July.  I will be having my abstract art and jewelry for sale at this event.  Last week I worked on one of my geode and resin art pieces and I love how it turned out!  So are you ready to see some art?

Here is my Blue Paradise Geode and Resin art piece.  For this piece I started out with a 12" x 16" premium gallery canvas.  The resin I have been using for my abstract art is Art Resin.  It is a wonderful resin to work with.  You can mix all kinds of products in the resin to color/tint it from alcohol inks to paints, and glitter, pigment powders and pastes and it cures crystal clear.  Everyone has their own way of creating art and I know some people like to do all of the layers of the resin for the geode art at one time (or one pour) start to finish.  But for myself I prefer to create the geode in layers.  So some of the pieces I create take a few days to several days to finish depending on how many layers I add.  Having multiple layers creates more depth in the pieces.

Here is a close up of one of the corners on the canvas.  I used a variety of products on this canvas including Art Resin, Pinata Inks, Alcohol Inks, ICE Resin Tints, crushed glass, crushed crystals, colored pebbles, Nuvo glitter, Perfect Pearls, and mica flakes.

Since I have worked with ICE Resin for so many years I feel like I had an advantage when it came to creating abstract art with resin.  I already know a lot of different techniques that can be done with resin and how the resin will react with different products added in.  It's kind of like when I create the jewelry but on a much larger scale.

I love how the center part of this geode turned out!  Plus I can add a light behind this area on the back of the canvas and it makes the geode look like it's glowing.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how the metallic gold is floating on top!!  

The white, blue, aqua, and gold all blend so beautifully in the layers.  If you click on the image to enlarge it you can see bits of sparkle from the bottom layers too.

If you would like to see more pictures of the process and layers of the resin follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  I love using Instagram to share pictures of the process.  It's so quick and easy and then from there I can share it to Facebook too.  My plan is as I share more of my art I will be posting more to Instagram with pictures (and sharing on FB) and then doing a blog post once the pieces are finished.  You can click HERE to follow me on Instagram and click HERE to follow me on Facebook.  

I hope you enjoyed today's project share!  As always, you can click on all of the images to enlarge them and see all of the details.  I will be sharing more of my abstract art pieces soon.  Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful and creative day!

Much love, hugs, and blessings,

Heidi

U Rock Card -Tonic Studios Dies and ARC Crafts Wood Sheets -Tutorial

Hello blogging friends!  Today, I have a fun masculine card to share with you.  The card is filled with techniques and I also have a picture tutorial to share with you.

 

 Here is the card I designed using some of the Tonic Studios die templates and Birch BARC Wood Sheets with Adhesive Backing from ARC Crafts.  The wood sheets are so fun to work with and they die cut beautifully.

   To start I used some of the Birch BARC Wood Sheets with Adhesive Backing from ARC Crafts and I die cut the guitar shape using the 1175E Rococo Electric Guitar Die.  Next I removed all of the little bits and pieces from the die cut guitar.  One of the techniques I used for the guitar is inlaid die cutting so be sure to save all of the little bits and pieces.  I used all three of the markers in the Creative Pen Collection - 317N Natural Browns to color the guitar.  I started with the lightest color being 461 and then added the medium color 463.  I added some of the darkest brown color 465 along the edges and then I went back with the medium and lightest markers to blend the colors.  I love how the Creative Pens look on the Birch BARC Wood Sheets.  The colors of the markers really make the wood grain pop. 

  Next, I cut a  few small pieces of black cardstock and removed the protective backing on the guitar die cut so the adhesive would be exposed and then I added the black cardstock to the backside of the guitar.  Then I peeled the backing off of all the little tiny bits and pieces and placed them back into the die cut.  Doing this is called inlaid die cutting.  It takes a little time to do but I think the results are worth the extra time.  I used a VersaMark Watermark Pen to go over all the inlaid pieces and then I added Embossing Powder 598N Glitter Embossing Powder - Noir and used a heat tool to melt the powders. 

 Here is a close up of the finished guitar.

  One more close up.  Here you can really see the wood grain.  I just love how the guitar turned out!

   Be sure to save your left over pieces of the Birch BARC Wood Sheets and then you can use them to test out colors of markers or different products you might want to add. 

  I used the 608E Duo Cap Initials Pretoria A-N Die Set and 609E Duo Cap Initials O-Z Die Set to die cut the letters from the Birch BARC Wood Sheets.  The Initial dies are great becasue you get a two for one with the dies.  The letter is one piece and then there is the decorative outline.  You can use the die cuts together or seperate.  Gotta love dies that give you more bang for the buck!  I used the Creative Pen Collection - 317N Natural Browns 461, 463, 465, 312N Sunshine Yellows 405, 311N Fragrant Oranges 391, 393,  310N Rich Reds 379, 381 and 313N Woodland Greens 417 to color the letters.  I used the markers as shown in the picture going from lightest to darkest.  You might notice the 417 marker from the 313N Woodland Greens collection.  Green is a complimentary color to red so it works for the shading and blending at the bottom of each letter.

  

  Here is the close up of the letters.  You can also see the wood grain on the letters. 

  I wanted to add some shine to the letters but I didn't want them to be dimensional so I used a brush to apply the Crystal Drops - 677N US-Morning Dew.  Then after the first coat was dry I added a little more just on the very bottom edge of each letter and then I applied Pure Sheen Glitter -706N Charcoal .  In the picture you can see the letters with a little bit of Sheen Glitter on the bottom edge.

  Here is a close up of the letters on the card.  I added some 650N Gloss-Ebony Black Crystal Drops to finish off the card.

  

  To create the background for the card I die cut some silver shimmer paper using the largest die in the 480E Square Layering Die Set.  Then I used three of the dies from the 525E Pinhole Square Layering Die Set to create the pinhole design on the paper.  I love the cool background design created from the pinhole pattern!  Next I added some Embellishment Mousse 811N Black Ash to the paper.  I just used my finger to apply the mousse and then I used a baby wipe to wipe off some of the excess.  Then I used a paint brush and applied the Crystal Drops - 677N US-Morning Dew along the edges and then added Pure Sheen Glitter – 709N Charcoal to give the background piece some interest and added texture. 

  To assemble the card I added the background piece to a black  5.5 x 5.5 top folding card base.  Then I used Craft Tacky Glue to adhere the sentiment.  I added some foam squares to the back of the guitar for some added dimension to the card.  I also wanted to mention for all of my paper cutting and die cutting I used both the Tim Holtz Paper Trimmer and Tangerine Die Cutting System. 

 I hope you enjoyed today's card and the tutorial!  Thanks so much for stopping by today! Please be sure to check out the ARC Crafts blog to see what they have created with the Tonic Studios products.  Below there is also a list of ways you can get connected with ARC Crafts and follow them on social media—they have some fantastic products! Don't forget to check out the Tonic Blog too for more inspiration from the Design Team.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARC.Crafts.

Twitter: @arccrafts

Instagram: arccrafts

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/arccrafts/

Website: www.arccrafts.com

Supplies

Tonic Studios 
Dies:  1175E Rococo Electric Guitar Die, 480E Square Layering Die Set, 525E Pinhole Square Layering Die Set, 608E Duo Cap Initials Pretoria A-N Die Set, 609E Duo Cap Initials O-Z Die Set NUVO:  Creative Pen Collection - 317N Natural Browns 461, 463, 465, 312N Sunshine Yellows 405, 311N Fragrant Oranges 391, 393, 310N Rich Reds 379, 381, 313N Woodland Greens 417,  Embossing Powder 598N Glitter Embossing Powder - Noir, Crystal Drops - 677N US-Morning Dew (dries clear), 650N Gloss-Ebony Black, Pure Sheen Glitter – 709N Charcoal, Embellishment Mousse 811N Black Ash 
Tools/Adhesive:  Tim Holtz Paper Trimmer,  Tangerine Die Cutting System, Craft Tacky Glue 
 Other Supplies Used:  ARC Crafts - Birch BARC Wood Sheets with Adhesive Backing, VersaMark Watermark Pen, Foam Squares, Cardstock - Black, Silver Shimmer, Paint Brush, Heat Tool  

Tonic Studios - Have a Beautiful Day Card

Hello everyone!  Earlier this week we celebrated my mom's birthday and this is the card I made for her.  This was also my first card using the New NUVO Creative Pen Collection.  The Creative Pens are a blendable alcohol based pen from Tonic Studios.

Here is a look at the card I designed.  For the dies I used 1120E Filigree Flourish Die Set, 1227E Have a Beautiful Day Circle Frame, 530E Layering Butterflies Set 1 - Papillion Pair, 524E Pinhole Circles Layering Die Set, and 483E Scalloped Circles Layering Die Set.

To create the circle die cuts I used pink cardstock with the 1227E Have a Beautiful Day Circle Frame to die cut the larger scalloped circle.  For the smaller circle I used both the 483E Scalloped Circles Layering Die Set and 524E Pinhole Circles Layering Die Set.  When using these dies you will need to die cut the scalloped circle first and then use the pinhole circle die to add the details.  The Have a Beautiful Day sentiment is also from the 1227E Have a Beautiful Day Circle Frame.  I used white cardstock to die cut the sentiment and then colored it with the NUVO Creative Pen Collection - Supreme Metallics 506 (gold).

For the butterfly I die cut white cardstock using the 530E Layering Butterflies Set 1 - Papillion Pair die set and then I used the NUVO Creative Pen Collection - Rosey Pinks 453, 451, 449 pens to color the butterfly.  I die cut a couple of flourished using white cardstock and the 1120E Filigree Flourish Die Set.  Then I colored the die cuts with the NUVO Creative Pen Collection - Rosey Pinks 453, 451, 449, and Woodland Greens 417, 413.  I wanted to add some sparkly to the butterfly and flourishes so I used the 203N NUVO Glue Pen Medium and added some Pure Sheen Glitter - 705N US Diamond.

For some finishing touches I added Crystal Drops - 675N US Ivory Shell around the scalloped circle die cut, flower centers, and the body of the butterfly.  I also added some tiny white acrylic flowers and for the centers I added Crystal Drops - 682N US Bottle Green.  I fussy cut one of the flowers from the flourish die cut and then added that above the sentiment.  I also added a few sequins from Cartwright Sequins & Beads.

I added some foam tape in between the layers to add a little more dimension to the card.  For all of the die cutting I used the 147E Tangerine Machine and Bag Set and I used the 160E Tim Holtz - 8" Comfort Guillotine/Trimmer for all the paper cutting.

Thanks so much for joining me today!

I hope you enjoyed the card I shared and I hope you have a creative day!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Supplies:
Tonic Studios USA
Dies:  1120E Filigree Flourish Die Set, 1227E Have a Beautiful Day Circle Frame, 530E Layering Butterflies Set 1 - Papillion Pair, 524E Pinhole Circles Layering Die Set, 483E Scalloped Circles Layering Die Set
NUVO:  Creative Pen Collection - Rosey Pinks 453, 451, 449, Woodland Greens 417, 413, Supreme Metallics 506 (gold), Pure Sheen Glitter - 705N US Diamond, Crystal Drops - 675N US Ivory Shell, 682N US Bottle Green
Adhesive:  419E Craft Tacky 120ml, 203N NUVO Glue Pen Medium
Tools:  147E Tangerine Machine and Bag Set, 160E Tim Holtz - 8" Comfort Guillotine/Trimmer, 819 - 107E Tim Holtz Titanium Shear
Other Supplies
Paper:  Cardstock - White, Pink
Accessories:  White Pearl Acrylic Flowers, Cartwright's Sequin & Beads - 6mm Light Chartreuse Satin, 6mm Light Pink Satin, 4mm Gold

Pretty In Pink Sparkling Kensington Hand Bad with Tutorial - Tonic Studios

Hello everyone!  Today, I have a sparkling and pretty Kensington Hand Bag  from Tonic Studios to share with you.  These little hand bags are so fun to make and with all the different dies that come in the set you will have a variety of styles you can create.  The hand bags are a perfect size to add a gift card, jewelry or some sweet treats.

Here is a look at the hand bag I designed.  Now I have to tell you I am a total girly girl and I love all the glitz and sparkle with the glitter and pearls being added to the hand bag.  I have a tutorial to share with you how I added all of the glitter to the decorative front panels of the hand bag.  If you would like to see a video on how to assemble the hand bag you can click HERE for a link.  Jodie Johnson, from the UK Tonic Studios has a fantastic video showing how to assemble the hand bag.

The great thing about the Kensington Hand Bag is that you can really create it to your own liking and style.  To start I die cut the base of the hang bag with Recollections - Spring Decorate It paper.  You will need to cut two (2) of each piece base piece and if you are wanting your handbag to look the same on both sides with will need to cut two (2) of each piece.  To create the front panels I covered a sheet of pink carsdstock with Stick It! adhesives sheets and then I die cut two (2) of each of the front panels--both the large and small.

Peel away the release paper from the adhesive sheet but save at least one of the pieces of release paper.  For the lacy decorative panel I used a white pearl paper.  Line up both of the die cuts and then use the piece of release paper to press the two papers together.  Doing this allows you to adhere both pieces without having the touch the sticky adhesive.

With your fingers rub over top of the release paper to adhere the two panels together.

Next pour some of the 705 US Pure Sheen Glitter Diamond on top of the panel.

Using your fingers rub or burnish the glitter over the areas with adhesive.  Then tap off the excess glitter.

Die cut three (3) of each size of the flowers from the 757E Entwining Trellis - Bellus Buttercup Die Set from the white pearl paper.  Lightly mist the paper with water and use the styluses from the 380 - 266E Floral Crafters Tool Set to shape each flower and set aside to dry.

Once the flower is assembled I used an old makeup brush to apply the ink to the tips of the flower.  Then I added pearl stamens to the center and edged the flower with 758N Glitter Drops - White Blizzard.

I applied 669N Crystal Drops Gloss - Apple Green and 758N Glitter Drops - White Blizzard to the leaves.

Here is a close up of the flower and you can see all of the sparkle from the glitter.  I also added mini pearls hearts to the top of the hand band and for the handles I added Melissa Frances White Pearls.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!  I hope you enjoyed the project and tutorial.   

All supplies will be listed below.  :)

Happy crafting!

Tonic Studios Supplies
Dies:  763E Kensington Hand Bag Gift Box Die Set, 757E Entwining Trellis - Bellus Buttercup Die Set
NUVO:  705 US Pure Sheen Glitter Diamond, 758N Glitter Drops - White Blizzard, 669N Crystal Drops Gloss - Apple Green
Adhesive:  419E Crafty Tacky Glue 120ml
Tools:  Tangerine Die Cutting Machine, 550E US Decoupage Scissors, 160E US Tim Holtz Trimmer, 380 - 266E Floral Crafters Tool Set

Other Supplies Used
Paper:  Cardstock - White Pearl, Pink; Recollections - Spring Decorate It
Ink:  Distress Ink Picked Raspberry
Accessories:  Ken Oliver - Stick It! Adhesive Sheets, Melissa Frances White Pearls, Mini Pearl Hearts, Wild Orchid Craft -White Leaves, Pearl Stamens, Foam Squares, Scor-Tape, Fine Mist Spray Bottle w/ Water, Makeup Brush, Hot Glue

JustRite Papercraft - Meadow Circles Hello Watercolor Card

Hello blogging friends!  Today, I have another watercolor card to share with you.  I am loving doing the watercolor cards so I hope you re getting some inspiration from them as well.  :)

For this card I started with a piece of Strathmore Mixed Media paper.  Then I used some of the stamps from the CR-05032 Meadow Circles Clear Stamps along with VersaMark ink and Tonic Studios - NUVO Glod Embossing Powder and a heat tool to heat set the images.  Then I used several colors of the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens - Light Blue, Cobalt Blue, Pale Green, May Green, Light Green, Persian Green, Turquoise Green pens,  I started by going from the lightest blue, then in to the green and then finished with the blue greens.  Once the watercolor was dry I used a paint brush with clean water to add water droplets.  I let the water droplets sit for a few seconds and then blotted with a paper towel.  I used the heat to to dry the paper and repeated the water droplets a few times until I was happy with the look of the background.

After the watercolor piece was all dry then I used the NUVO Medium Glue Pen to add adhesive on the flower and leaves inside the circle images.  For the flower I used NUVO Sheer Glitter Turquoise and for the leaves I used NUVO Sheer Glitter Olive Green.  Once the glue had a few minutes to set and dry I removed the excess glitter.  For some embellishments I added some Cartwright Sequins - 8 mm, 10 mm, Bahama Blue SC Iris, 3 mm Gold Flowers, 4 mm Gold.  I used Ranger - Multi Medium Matte to adhere the sequins.

To finish off the card I used VersaMark ink to stamp the hello sentiment from the CR-05032 Meadow Circles Clear Stamps and then I used the same gold embossing powder and heat set the sentiment.  Then I cut a flag tail on one end of the paper and adhered it to the from of the watercolor piece.  I used white craft foam and scor-tape to adhere the watercolor base to a white cardstock mat and then to the aqua card base.

I just love the look of watercolor with the water droplets!

Thanks so much for stopping by today for another card share and I will have another project coming real soon!

Have a fantastic day!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Supplies

Stamps:  JustRite Papercraft CR-05032 Meadow Circles Clear Stamps
Paper:  Strathmore Mixed Media, CS - White, Aqua
Ink/Markers:  VersaMark Ink, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens - Light Blue, Cobalt Blue, Pale Green, May Green, Light Green, Persian Green, Turquoise Green
Accessories:  Tonic Studios - NUVO Glod Embossing Powder, NUVO Sheer Glitter Turquoise, NUVO Sheer Glitter Olive Green, NUVO Medium Glue Pen, Cartwright Sequins - 8 mm, 10 mm, Bahama Blue SC Iris, 3 mm Gold Flowers, 4 mm Gold, Ranger - Multi Medium Matte, White Craft Foam, Scor-Tape, Heat Tool, Paint Brush, Paper Towel

Warm Wishes CAS Christmas Card and Tis The Season Christmas Card - Tonic Studios

Hello everyone!  Now that Halloween has passed and Thanksgiving will be here in just a couple of weeks I am in full swing for making Christmas cards, ornaments and presents.  I have a sale coming up November 28th (more information to come) so I have been busy designing a lot of jewelry too.  I am so excited to be a Guest Blogger for Tonic Studios today!  I have a couple of Christmas cards to share with you.  One of the cards is pretty CAS (Clean And Simple) and the other card has a lot of sparkle and detail.

Lets start with the CAS card first.  To create this card I started with a piece of white cardstock cut to 3-1/2 x 5.  Then lay the die template across the top (5 in side), tape in place and die cut.   I used 598E Header Fold Die Set Christmas Wishes from Tonic Studios.  After die cutting trim down sides to fit card and adhere to a light blue mat.  I stamped the Winter Wishes sentiment from Simon Says Stamps Hand Lettered Winter Wishes stamp set with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with Ranger Super Fine Detailed Gold Embossing Powder and a Heat Tool.  Next I added a layering mat with pink cardstock.  I used 422E Funky Tape Runner and 419E Craft Tacky Glue 120ml to adhere all the layers.

Save the drop out pieces to add stars and snowflakes to the top (sky part) of the card.  I used 419E Craft Tacky Glue 120ml to adhere all the tiny pieces.  Then I added Nuvo Crystal Drops - 660N Wedgewood Blue to the stars and snowflakes and 666N Gloss Carnation Pink on the tree to look like little lights or ornaments.

To finish off the card I added some May Arts Sheer Gold Sparkle ribbon and adhered everything to a light blue A2 card.

My second card is a lot more detailed, full of sparkle and I am using black for a non-traditional color.  I have to tell you I absolutely love the frame die cut on this card!  I used 641E Christmas Wreath Die Set 'Tis The Season from Tonic Studios.  Now I know this die set is in the Christmas collection but you could really use the frame die template year round.  I love all the flourishes.  To start I die cut the white frame using the 641E Christmas Wreath Die Set 'Tis The Season.  I added 3D Foam squares to the back of the frame to pop it up and add a little dimension.  I added the frame die cut to a black 5.5 x 5.5 card.  Then I applied 422E Funky Tape Runner to the white drop out piece and added it to the center of the frame.  

Next I die cut the Tis The Season sentiment using Gold Mirror cardstock.  Here is a **TIP** Gold foil or gold mirror paper will show any little imperfections like the cut lines in the mats used for die cutting. To avoid this lay down a scrap piece of paper on your mat and then add gold foil or mirror paper and die on top--results--no imperfections.  I used 419E Craft Tacky Glue 120ml to adhere the sentiment.  I really like the detailed tip on the glue bottle--it has such a tiny hole and it is fantastic for gluing the detailed die cuts.

To create the poinsettias I used 80E Rococo Poinsettia Strip Die from Tonic Studios.  I die cut the poinsettias three times--once with green cardstock and twice with red cardstock.  On both red die cuts fussy cut out the flowers.  On the green die cut use the Nuvo 203 Glue Pen Medium to quickly go over the leaf and vine areas and then I added Nuvo Pure Sheen Glitter 701N Green.  Then I used the Nuvo 203 Glue Pen Medium on the red poinsettias and then add Nuvo Pure Sheen Glitter 700N Ruby Red.  Tap off excess glitter and use 419E Craft Tacky Glue 120ml to adhere the red poinsettia pieces on top of the green poinsettia die cut piece.  Use 3D foam squares on the flowers to add some dimension to the card.  To finish off the poinsettias I added Nuvo Crystal Drops 653N Bright Gold to the flower centers.

I also added some Nuvo Crystal Drops 653N Bright Gold to a couple of the corners on the card.

I hope you enjoyed both of the cards I shared today.  I am loving the Christmas die collection from Tonic Studios!  

Did you know that Tonic Studios US now has a blog and website?  If you haven't already been over there you can click HERE to check it out.  While you are there take a look around.  They have a beautiful collection of dies, a variety of tool and some fabulous new Nuvo Pure Sheen Glitter and Nuvo Crystal Drops.  

Tonic Studios also announced last week they are having a 

TONIC US AMBASSADOR DESIGNER CALL!  

You can click HERE for all of the information.

Would you love to win some fabulous crafty goodies from Tonic Studios USA? During this season of gratitude and Thanksgiving Tonic Studios will be having some amazing giveaways.  

You can click HERE to visit the Tonic Studios USA Facebook Page and find out the details on how you could win!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a beautiful day!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Warm Wishes Card
Tonic Dies:  Tonic Studios - 598E Header Fold Die Set Christmas Wishes
Tonic Accessories:  Nuvo Crystal Drops - 660N Wedgewood Blue, 666N Gloss Carnation Pink, 422E Funky Tape Runner, 419E Craft Tacky Glue 120ml
Paper:  Cardstock - White, Lt. Blue, Pink
Stamps:  Simon Says Stamps Hand Lettered Winter Wishes
Ink:  Versa Mark
Ribbon:  May Arts Sheer Gold Sparkle
Accessories:  Ranger Super Fine Detailed Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Tis The Season Card
Tonic Dies:  Tonic Studios - 641E Christmas Wreath Die Set 'Tis The Season , 80E Rococo Poinsettia Strip Die
Tonic Accessories:  Nuvo Pure Sheen Glitter - 700N Ruby Red, 701N Green, Nuvo Crystal Drops - 653N Bright Gold, Nuvo 203 Glue Pen Medium, 422E Funky Tape Runner, 419E Craft Tacky Glue 120ml
Paper:   Cardstock - Gold Mirror, Black, White, Green, Red,
Accessories:  3D Foam Squares