Echinacea and Columbine Projects

Susan Tierney-Cockburn1 Comment

Whether we’re remembering Summer or looking forward to honoring Autumn, these paper bouquets will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

The Echinacea background was actually a photo I took looking up through a beautiful Oak tree that was turning colors. I put the photo in my App, Waterlogue and changed it to a softer, abstract of color to set my flowers on. Whereas, the Columbine’s background is done in Shimmer Powders to give a “Monet” look to the garden. Choosing backgrounds, for me, is just as important as the flowers I put with them. You can see how I did both of these projects on my Facebook page, Susan’s Garden Club video!

PRODUCTS USED:

Hearty Soft White Clay by KatySue Designs or Amazon, 18 gauge Cloth Wire, and Brusho Powder Watercolor/Burnt Sienna

Unique Backgrounds: Helleborus, Dahlias, and Beauty Berry Bush

Susan Tierney-Cockburn4 Comments

Creating 3-dimensional flowers is easy–creating beautiful bouquets is what I want paper gardeners to think about. Today, on Susan’s Garden Club LIVE, I wanted to show how spending a little time on backgrounds can lead to an eye-catching bouquet!

In the first one, I used my Holly & Berry die and die cut the leaves on Fun Foam, along with the branch from the Brunnera to hold berries. I stamped the leaves with two different colors of Nuvo Hybrid Ink/Dried Oregano and Versa Fine Clair/Shady Lane. Then, used an eraser from a #2 pencil to create the berries with Nuvo Hybrid Ink/Rich Rosewood. A few details done with Nuvo Alcohol Pens/Vine Leaf and Hunter Green for stems and veins. The Helleborus was done with Copic Markers YG21 and R89 for the speckling of that variety. Simple three flowers, but you have an unique bouquet for a special card to a friend or loved one.

The second card, I used the Nuvo Hybrid/Dried Oregano to softly add color in the upper left hand corner with a soft brush. I added some speckling by using Nuvo Water Color Pen/Indigo Dawn. Three varying in color purple PomPom Dahlias were done with some Beauty Berry foliage. Again, simple!

For all directions, go to my Facebook page, Susan’s Garden Club and click on the video.

PRODUCTS USED:

Pretty Little Note Box

Susan Tierney-Cockburn17 Comments

I’m so excited to show you some of the new flowers that I have designed for my first release with Tonic Studios and what better way…this sweet box from Graphic 45 that I have covered with a colorful array of blooms!

Here’s the products I used from Graphic 45 (which can be ordered through Beau Q Creations [407-474-2328] and email: beauqcreations@gmail.com)

Book Box #4500844

Ornate Metal Key Holes #4500546 and Ornate Metal Corners #4501810

Paper ~ BLOOMS #4501870

The box is so easy to cover, but I do recommend you use YES! Glue to adhere the paper to the box.

Here are the measurements:

Outside Box:

4 7/8″ x 7″ (2) for front and back covers

2 3/8 x 7″ (1) for spine

2 1/8″ x 6 1/2″ (2) for sides

2 1/8″ x 4 1/2″ (2) for sides

Inside Box:

4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″ (1)

2 1/4″ x 6 3/4″ (1)

2 1/8″ x 6 1/2″ (2)

2 1/8″ x 4 1/2″ (2)

2 1/8″ x 6 1/4″ (2)

2 1/8″ x 4 3/8″ (2)

A2 Note Cards fit perfectly in the box, but their coordinating envelopes are too big. I added a coordinating ribbon on the open inside flap and then covered it with two squares cut to cover the ribbon.

Squares: 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ and 3 3/4″ x 3 3/4″

I added the Ornate Metal Corners and Key Hole.

I think a handmade gift is the best you can give and I hope you love decorating the top of the box with a beautiful bouquet!

Autumn Splendor & Halloween Fun

Susan Tierney-Cockburn14 Comments

Hello Paper Gardeners. Today on The Garden Spot LIVE, I created two cards to pay tribute to the season fast coming upon us–Autumn, and a little whimsy with one of Tim Holtz’ product, “Halloween Paper Dolls.”

Below, I’ve listed the products I’ve used if you’re interested in creating the most unique cards. Thank you for being part of The Garden Club!

PRODUCTS

HEY Pumpkin!

Susan Tierney-Cockburn21 Comments

As those of us on the southern coast of the United States prepare for Hurricane Dorian:-( …I decided to look ahead to Autumn. I love the colors, aromas, and comfort foods this season brings. Pumpkins of course signal its arrival so I used my French Pumpkin to fill with an array of some of my favorite flowers. What I want to show you was how easy it is to color the pumpkin using Tonic’s Embellishment Mousse in a variety of colors; techniques for blending that can be used on any of your pieces.

  1. I started with Tonic’s “Craft Perfect” Card Blanks/Bright White in 6″ x 6″. Then, I had a second layer using the Mirror Card/Smooth Mint in 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″. Finally, a 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ square of Watercolor paper (I love the texture it brought to the card.

2. Using the sponge daubers, it made it so easy to add the Orange Blush Mousse first, leaving some areas untouched so I could blend in other colors.

3. I decided to add some Shimmer Powder/Solar Flare onto my non-stick mat so I could blend it with the Orange Blush and give the pumpkin some highlights. As you can see, I blended Forest Green Mousse along the bottom edge as well.

4. Final touch, was to “age” the pumpkin a bit, using my finger and blending some Cosmic Brown Mousse onto the surface. The stem was created by using two of the Nuvo Crystal Drops/Olive Branch with Copper Penny and smearing them with a toothpick to give a textured look to the stem.

5. I created a background for my card on the watercolor paper using Glacier Paste/Green Envy and applied it over a stencil using a spatula.

6. The leaves of the Pumpkin were colored with Copic YR95 and YR97. I chose Black-eyed Susan’s, Dahlia, and some Goldenrod for my flower bouquet and Woodland Leaves brightly colored with Crystal Glaze on them. Finally, Suzanne Cannon’s “Autumn” was die cut in the same Mirror Card/Smooth Mint to announce the season!

PRODUCTS BY TONIC: If you would like any of the products I’ve used, just click on the image and it will take you to the Tonic site to purchase.

A Patriotic Bouquet

Susan Tierney-Cockburn11 Comments

July 4th means a lot to me; I’m a Navy brat with relatives from my great grandfathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and nephews who have all served in the armed forces.  However, as an American, the pride I feel on this day is for our immigrant forefathers who fought to establish a new country and a government of the people, for the people, and by the people with our Constitution.

Today, I decided, since I won’t be doing a LIVE video on FaceBook on the 4th, I would step out this project to inspire you.  I started with my “Bucket,” which I have galvanized, done in brass and in a wood look, but today, I did a painted tin look…in of course, a Royal Blue. The Bucket is filled with Baby’s Breath, Eucalyptus, Red Berry Spray, and one of my favorite summer flowers–Zinnias. Enjoy!

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

I started with adding Nuvo Crystal Drops/Red Berry on the Berry Spray so it could dry.  I do both sides so it can take awhile before it’s ready–especially with humidity.

I also colored the Eucalyptus branches (I cut two) with Copic Markers–YG91 and YG93.  I added Nuvo Crystal Drops/Oyster Grey in the berry areas.

Step Two

I die cut the Baby’s Breath branch and the tiny flower plate (6 times).  Place the flowers on a harder surface (i.e., carving block or eraser) and make a small dot in the center in a bright green.

Next, use a rounded toothpick to cup the shapes.  Use small tweezers to pick up the flowers, lightly dip the underside in glue and fill the branches.  Set aside.

Step Three

I did a technique on the bucket that I learned from Sally Lynn MacDonald of GelPress. Apply some alcohol ink onto a GelPress pad; I used a Copic Refill/Royal Blue B28.  Next, on a smaller, separate GelPress pad, I rolled some metallic white acrylic paint, then, rolled it over the dried alcohol ink.

Step Four

Press the Bucket, right-side-down onto the pad and use a separate roller to press into the plate.  The first press, the blue isn’t as strong, but repeat in several areas on the pad until you get the color you desire.

Step Five

Peel off the backing of the Clear Double Sided Paper and add a foam tab in the lower 1/3 of the Bucket.  I painted the handled with Pentart’s Platinum and die cut a separate wood piece for the handled.  I placed the Bucket on a 6″ x 6″ Soft Finish White card with a 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ layer of ModaScrap’s Wood Effect cardstock.

Step Six

Fill the Bucket with Baby’s Breath; notice I cut one of the branches of this piece to add fullness to the spray.  Then shape the Eucalyptus Branches and add to the bouquet.  The Berry Spray is cut into three pieces for ease of placement.

Step Six

The Zinnias are next.  I die two pieces each of the flower shapes in Soft Finish White Cardstock (85 lb.230g).  I colored them with Copic Marker R29.  To finish the flower, you need to die cut two “stamen” pieces, 2 to 3 leaves, and one “plate” of Flowerettes for the center of the flower.  Place the flower shapes on the Molding Pad and use the small end of the Loop Tool to shape each petal.  Next use the tweezers to pinch each petal.  Finally, place the flower back on the Molding pad and cup, using the Medium Ball Stylus.

Step Seven

Build the Zinnia right onto your project, starting with the larger flower pieces, off-setting the petals as you glue them one on top of the other.

Step Eight

The stamen is die cut twice in Soft Finish White cardstock.  Color one with Copic Y19 and the other partially in Y19 and four filaments with R59 as shown. Use the small scissors to cut the R59 filaments in half.

Next, apply glue to the straight edge of the 2-tone stamen and roll it up, making sure you start with the R59 so it ends up in the center.  Apply glue to the straight edge of the solid yellow stamen and roll it around the first stamen. Add some glue to the tips of the red filaments and dip into the Rusty Red Pollen.  Fan out the Yellow filaments and glue this piece in the center of the flower.

Step Nine

Place the Yellow Flowerettes on a carving block or eraser and cup each one with a rounded toothpick. Using small tweezers, lightly dip the undersides into the glue and place them onto the yellow filaments.

Step Ten

Finally, die cut 2 to 3 leaves for each flower.  I shaded the edges with Distress Ink/Forest Moss.  Place the leaf, right-side-down onto the Leaf Pad and draw a stem line down the center.  Turn over and press up on the line so you can shade it with PanPastel/Bright Yellow Green.  Return the piece to the Leaf Pad and vein the leaf. Pinch the stem area and turn leaf right-side-down onto the Molding Pad and shape the edge. Dip the stem end into glue and place under the flowers.  Finish with a Dotted Scallop Tag stamped with July 4 (I added the “th” with a colored pen!)

Have a happy and safe 4th of July and let’s remember what this holiday means!

 

Elizabeth Craft Designs Products

Garden Notes:

Galvanized Bucket #1525

Zinnia #1143

Eucalyptus #1523

Baby’s Breath #1522

Berry Spray #1481

Els van de Burgt Studio:

Dotted Scalloped Circles #1172

Suzanne Cannon’s Quietfire: 

Month Stamps CS098

ModaScrap

Wood Effect Cardstock #MSC036

 

Soft Finish White Cardstock 85 lb./230g  – #PSF101

Soft Finish White Cardstock 100 lb./270g – #PSF102

PanPastels Set 1 #30115  and Set 2 #30116

Tool Kit #808

Mini Molding Pad #809

Leaf Pad #811

Pollen/Red

Other Supplies:

Copic Markers

Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops

Ranger’s Distress Ink