AECP Level 2 Final Assessment
Four Masculine Cards + One Upcycled Element
Good day, fellow crafters. I'm thrilled to present my final projects from the Level 2 Altenew Educator Certification Program. This evaluation was crafted to assess participants on the techniques covered in the program's initial two levels, along with their personal creativity. The ultimate assignment, detailed below, encompassed several key aspects. Firstly, I was tasked with designing four cards with a masculine theme, Second, I needed to incorporate an upcycled element and lastly I had to provide this blog posting to detail the creation process.
A positive aspect of this challenge was the freedom to choose from the various cardmaking styles introduced throughout the program. With that in mind, I opted to fashion my designs by incorporating methods learned from classes such as Creating Stencils from Dies (C1), Creative Water Coloring (C2), Layering (C3), and Creating for Mood and Sparkle (C4). The images in the gallery below were the end result of my efforts for this assessment. Allow me to outline the process behind their creation.
C1 - Stencil from Die
The first card that I am going to present was created based on the Level 1 class Celebration Stencil Techniques. The specific technique that I used from this class was using a die to create my own stencil. To achieve this, you select a die with your desired pattern and cut it into a sturdy and flexible material like cardstock or acetate using a die-cutting machine. This process creates a stencil with the negative space of your chosen design. By placing the stencil over your project surface and applying ink or other mediums through the cut-out areas, you can achieve precise and consistent patterns on your crafts. This method adds a professional touch to your handmade greeting cards and allows for a variety of customizable designs.
To create this card I began by choosing the Stacked Diamonds Cover Die from Altenew, featured left, because I really like the way the image looked. It sort of reminded me of scales on a reptile or fish so I was drawn to the notion that the negative space left behind after cutting the design would introduce an element of depth to the final design that would be very appealing to the recipient. Ultimately, my intention is to craft something that not only captures the initial attention but also holds it, allowing the recipient to truly appreciate the effort invested in its creation. After all, a design that gains admiration with each viewing enhances the connection between the creator and the recipient, turning the card into a cherished piece of artistry.
*PRO-TIP* Caution when handling your stencil is still recommended. As you can see in the images I did manage to unfortunately damage my stencil but it wasn’t the fault of the paper but of handling. I was able to still salvage it due to my intendesign.
Once I had chosen the die I had to make it into the stencil that I would use for this card. To that end, I took some heavy cardstock and the die and ran it through my die-cutting machine. I choose and utilized, and of course recommend, a heavy cardstock for this step if you have it available, something better than 100lb paper seems to work best as it doesn’t bend easily or have tear-outs in more intricate areas.
After that step, I took a piece of white 65lb cardstock and taped down the newly created stencil to it. For this card, I wanted a lot of texture so I colored a small dollop of Altenew’s Embossing Paste with some liquid re-inker in the colors of Bamboo and Sea Breeze then began the process of creating my background as outlined in the images below.
While allowing for the embossing paste to dry, I typically allow up to 24 hours, I began work on the focal image of the card. In my pursuit of a design with a masculine appeal, I deliberately chose this ice cream cone illustration from the Altenew Summer Swirls stamp set. I stamped the image onto a scrap of white cardstock in black ink, making sure that it was a crisp transfer. To add color I used inks from Altnew and my favorite method of “smooshing” ink onto my glass mat, spritzing with just a little bit of water, and then water coloring the image utilizing my water brush pen. This allowed me to delicately and precisely watercolor the image, bringing forth hues and shading that added dimension and a sense of realism. Once the water coloring was complete I allowed it to dry naturally and then fussy cut around the image. This set does come with a corresponding set of dies but I did not want a white border around the image.
The final assembly steps for this card, as seen in the images below, were to trim the thoroughly dried background panel to its final dimension as well as the Kraft colored mat and adhere them together, utilize my scoring board to create the white card base, adhere the panel to the card base and finally create the sentiment with extra fine white embossing powder, Kraft cardstock, and my heating tool to set.
C2 - Creative Watercoloring
The second card that I am presenting to you is based on the Creative Watercolor Media class. The specific technique that I focused on, and encourage you to try, is the use of inks and water to create a watercolor-like medium that you can use to color your cards. If you've been following along, you'll recognize the foundation of this technique from my prior card, where I used it to infuse life into the ice cream cone design. The difference for this card is that I created the medium out of liquid re-inkers.
Using re-inker liquid as a watercolor medium is a fantastic way to add vibrant and customized colors to your artwork. Re-inkers are concentrated liquid pigments that are usually used to refresh ink pads. However, when mixed with water, they transform into a versatile watercolor paint. This technique allows you to create a spectrum of colors by adjusting the ratio of re-inker to water, giving you full control over the intensity of your hues. The liquid consistency makes it easy to blend and layer colors, resulting in smooth gradients and dynamic shading.
To make this card, I started with the dumbbell stamp from the Altenew Best Dad stamp set, which you can see on the left. I've been holding onto this stamp since last Father’s Day and was excited to finally use it in a project. Once I had the stamp ready, I followed the steps shown in the images below to add the colors Silver Stone, Winter Lake, Coral Berry, and Silver Lake from Altenew to my cards.
*Pro-Tip* Once the embossing powder is melted and set, it serves as a resist, a characteristic passed down from its composition of resin and plastics.
A best practice is to allow the color you're currently working with to dry completely before moving on to another color. This practice ensures that the different colors don't mix or bleed into each other, preserving the clarity and integrity of each shade. By giving each color ample time to dry, you're able to achieve cleaner and more defined transitions between colors in your artwork.
The subsequent step in crafting this card involved creating the perfect sentiment. You might have a keen eye and noticed that there was already a sentiment on the card at
the beginning of the process. However, I felt that it didn't convey the right message or possess enough visual charm. To address this, I decided to switch up my design strategy—a creative prerogative that's completely open to you when you're the artist. I reached for some of my favorite sets from Altenew to rework the sentiment. The first set in play was the Apothecary Labels stamp and die set, which I used to both stamp and cut the background for the sentiment. The other set that came into play is a longtime favorite of mine, called Bamboo Rose. This set is where I sourced the sentiment which was stamped in white ink.
The final stage was to assemble the card. I trimmed the background panel and a complementary gray mat to their final dimensions and then employing a rectangular die with rounded corners, I refined their edges for a more polished look. This same die was also employed on a pre-cut and folded white A2 card base. The final touch involved the careful arrangement of all components, adhering them together to achieve the finished card.
C3 - Layering
The third card I am presenting is based on techniques taught in the layering courses taught in the first two levels. Using stamp layering techniques in card making allows you to add a sense of depth and dimension to your creations. This method involves using a series of stamps, each designed to build upon the others, to create intricate and multi-colored images. These stamp sets are carefully crafted to help you achieve stunning results, often featuring various layers that correspond to the various components of an image such as shadows, highlights, and the finer details of the image you're creating.
Normally when I create layered cards I tend to lean towards the more complicated and time-consuming floral versions as my preference, but as this is to be a masculine card and to promote my understanding of the techniques I decided to look through my Altenew collection and come up with an appealing solution that was somewhat different.
My choice for the last theme might have been influenced by a bit of hunger, as I decided to go with another treat-related idea. To kick things off, I picked out the Altenew Mixed Sprinkles Stencil, which you can see on the left, along with some white cardstock. Then, I followed the steps I outlined in the images below to craft my background panel. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out for this card and can easily imagine using this stencil to fashion a falling confetti background for a festive New Year’s card.
The next phase in the creation of this card was to create the focal point. For this purpose, I opted to employ the Altenew Layered Cupcake stamp set, which you can see showcased below. This set perfectly demonstrates the mechanics of stamp layering within a pre-designed and manufactured collection. As shown in the stamp set image, a total of seven stamps are required to form the complete image. The key to success here lies in adhering to the directions provided on the stamp set as they will guide you on which stamp corresponds to each part of the image. It's worth emphasizing the importance of using tools like the Misti Stamping Tool or similar aids like you see me using for this step. These tools simplify the alignment process between each layer of stamps, ensuring precision that significantly contributes to the final result. So, while working on this step, remember that attention to detail and following guidance can make all the difference in achieving a satisfying outcome.
The final step was to assemble the card. I trimmed the background panel and a nicely coordinating blue mat to their final dimensions and then adhered them together. For this task, I typically opt for double-sided tape as you get due to its secure hold and lack of moisture-related concerns that can arise with wet glue. I then took this composite and adhered it to a pre-cut and folded A2 white card base. Lastly, I personally have the bundled set for stamp that includes the corresponding die, so I utilized it to cut out the cupcake and then adhered it to the background panel completing this card with a three-dimensional visual appeal.
C4 - Creating for Mood and Sparkle
The final of my cards for this assessment is based on techniques learned in the “In The Mood For Color” module. Color holds a powerful influence over our emotions, perceptions, and reactions. Each color evokes a unique psychological response, creating a direct link between visual stimuli and our emotional state. Warm hues like red and orange can stimulate energy and passion, while cooler tones like blue and green promote calmness and tranquility. Vibrant colors instill enthusiasm and creativity, while softer shades induce a sense of comfort and relaxation. Understanding the impact of color on mood enables us to harness its potential in various contexts, from interior design to art and marketing, effectively shaping the emotional experience of the viewer.
The design concept driving this card was to create something that exudes both intense passion and vibrant energy, yet still manages a sense of calmness – a sort of paradox that surprisingly harmonizes. The combination of oranges, yellows, and reds makes the design attention-grabbing and dynamic. At the same time, the leisurely gliding fish in the cool blue water act as a contrasting element that introduces a soothing and tranquil atmosphere. It's this balanced synergy, that I feel results in a card that draws the viewer into a dance of emotions, ranging back and forth between passion and serenity.
*PRO-TIP* Vellum has a shiny waxy side and a matte non-waxy side. If you don’t want ink to smear use the dull side of the paper.
To create this card I first began with the Altenew Goldfish Pond stamp set. But this time, I wanted to add a twist, so I used a sheet of vellum. You can find the steps to create this card in the images below. Just a quick tip – When working with vellum, make sure to have the shiny side facing up but add color on the back. And if you're using heat for embossing, take it slow to avoid any warping.
The last step for the blue background was to add some Sheer Shimmer craft spray in “Sparkle” from Imagine. This was to give it an effect of shimmering water that unfortunately does not translate well in the photo but gives the card a sense that the water is right at your fingertips in person. After everything in the above steps had thoroughly dried, I assembled my background panel as I needed to ensure I had enough room for the sentiment that I had planned so it didn’t cover up the main image. The first step to do that was to trim the blue background down to its final dimensions. Then I carefully covered it with the vellum, which was just a bit larger and folded over the edges. This served two functions, the first being it gives a clean gallery edge and the second is that you can glue the vellum onto the back of the panel so it does not show through the front of your card. Lastly, I trimmed a complimentary yellow mat to its final dimensions, adhered the background panel to the mat, and adhered that composite to a pre-cut and folded A2 white card base.
The last stage was to create the sentiment. The first thing I wanted to do was bring a bit more of the blue out in the card, but now the vellum was shiny side up, so I cut a section of the leftover blue background I made earlier using Distress Oxide sprays in the colors of Uncharted Mariner, Salty Ocean, and Prize Ribbon and added it to the bottom third of the card. Then using the Halftone Everything stamp set and black ink stamped part of the final sentiment. The rest I created using a die from the set, blue glitter cardstock, black cardstock and then assembled as you can see below. To complete the card I then adhered the “Everything” to the card.
Upcycled Element
Dear fellow crafters, With this, we embark on the culmination of my journey through this assessment. As a friendly reminder, the final part of this assignment entailed the creation of an upcycled element, a task that has spurred my creative exploration. For my chosen project, I set my sights on a humble green felt pennant, a quite ordinary and boring piece but having much potential. My design scheme was to make this a motivational piece for myself and with the chosen sentiment I feel it is just that.
To create the design for this project I followed the steps outlined below. One thing I will mention is that you need good ink for stamping on felt. I would have liked to have liked to have my design be just a bit darker but it still turned out quite satisfactorily.
The evolution of the once unremarkable green felt pennant into a one-of-a-kind symbol of creativity and motivation has been a fulfilling endeavor. Through thoughtful crafting and the infusion of personalized elements, this ordinary piece of fabric has been granted a new lease on life. It now stands as a testament to the power of imagination, transformation, and the boundless potential inherent in each creative pursuit.
Final Thoughts and Thank-Yous
With the invaluable guidance of the Altenew Educator Certification Program, I've ventured into the world of crafting, discovering the interplay of colors, textures, and sentiments that breathe life into each card and am reminded of the essence of artistry – the accumulation of knowledge combined with imagination that yields creations brimming with both beauty and meaning. With each brushstroke and every inked impression, I'm empowered to weave stories and create emotions, connecting not only with the art itself but also with the hearts of those who receive it.
A heartfelt appreciation is extended to the Altenew instructors who have poured their time, dedication, and expertise into the modules they've shared. Your guidance has been invaluable in honing my skills, and your passion for the craft is very much appreciated. With sincere gratitude, I express my thanks for your commitment to nurturing both novices and seasoned creators, paving the way for our journeys of discovery and self-expression. Thank you for being the guiding light on this creative path.
