Sunday 27 July 2014

Decorative star mask bokeh (video)

I've been messing around with masks today. At £2.75 for the two, the Hearts & Stars decorative masks are a bargain.


I accidentally stumbled on an effect similar to bokeh, in photography. Bokeh is "...the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a lens". Of course it is.

If you know your way around a camera you can create the effect yourself. Since I take most of my photos on my iPhone, I just use an app, Bokehful, to add the effect in later. I've used it round the edges of the photo above.

You create the effect by applying ink lightly through the mask, then going back in in certain areas with a heavy application. I used Real Red, Crisp Cantaloupe and Bermuda Bay. 



It's quick, & makes a really pretty background for a card.

Stand by for an instructional video:


Items featured:

Saturday 19 July 2014

A quick flip


A thank you flip card for one of my son's teachers featuring the Elegant Butterfly punch overstamped with the Dictionary background stamp in Coastal Cabana. The flip die featured isn't the Stampin' Up! one, but it's very similar. I've posted a link to the Stampin' Up! one below or you can make your own with any symmetrical die using the technique shown in my Banners Framelits flip card tutorial.






Wednesday 16 July 2014

Don't be scared: mount those minis!


Stampin' Up! periodically release mini wood based stamps like the Simply Serif mini alphabet set, above. I know some people don't get round to mounting them & that seems a shame because they are such a useful little set. 

If you are holding off mounting them because you are a bit unsure how, I have some tips on how to get the best results. It's easy once you get going. 


Friday 11 July 2014

New masks, ribbons & journals (video)

Another quick look at some new Stampin' Up! stash - the masks & sequins are my favourites! You can click to buy any of the items on the link below.



New Project Life (video)

A quick look at some more new stash from Stampin' Up! - this time the Project Life Happiness Is card collection and accessory pack. You can order them by clicking the link below the video.
 


New stamps (video)

Loads of lovely new stuff in the new 2014-15 catalogue. Have a look at my stamp haul video. You can click to buy any of the products featured in the link below.