January 15, 2019

STAINED GLASS IRIS

When I'd first received my order of the Graceful Glass 6 x 6" Designer Vellum (page 165 in the Annual Catalog), I cut apart the pieces so they could be used individually on cards. 

A set of four stained glass looking panels came on a single sheet, making each of the panels about 1 1/2" x 6". This an odd size, especially if you want to keep the card size to the traditional A2 size of 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". 

Since I wanted my card to fit inside an A2 size envelope, the 6" length was too much. I (gulp) trimmed off 1/4" at each end, making the panel 1 1/2" x 5 1/2". 

Since the "stained glass" panel was so narrow, I added it to a piece of Highland Heather cardstock that measured 1 3/4" x 5 1/2", just to give it a bit more weight.

Using adhesive on vellum is always tricky, mainly because the adhesive somehow shows through the vellum once it's in place. The trick that I used on my card is a simple, but effective, one. I simply put a few Mini Glue Dots in strategic places, i.e., where there was coloring. I was lucky, because the coloring itself hid the dots enough that they were almost invisible.


I wanted to keep the card fairly simple, with the colored panel as the focal point. To somewhat echo the graceful lines of the iris leaves, I embossed a 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Whisper White cardstock using the lovely Layered Leaves 3D Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, found on page 222 of the Annual Catalog. 

Wanting the leaves to be embossed and simply present, I decided to NOT spritz the paper first with water before embossing, which would give it a deeper, more prominent design.


A close-up of the coloring and the embossing:


To color in the image, I used Stampin' Blends on the front side -- the side of the vellum that appears to be embossed and raised. 

After the image was colored and adhered to its narrow purple mat, I popped it up against the embossed background with Stampin' Dimensionals.

If desired, it would be simple and effective to add a small sentiment anywhere along the right side of the embossed piece. I opted to leave it sentiment-free.

Speaking of the "right side of the embossed piece", my original intent was to center the colored portion against the embossing. When I held that up, it looked much too boring and stagnant. After moving it around a bit, I liked that, by putting it quite a bit off center, it seems to add a little surprising element of freshness.


After adhering the embossed piece to a Whisper White card base, 
the final card measures 3 3/4" x 5 1/2", a very pleasing size.


Have you ever colored on vellum? Did you use Stampin' Blends to do so? If not, what medium did you utilize for the coloring process?

Just a note: It is entirely possible to do the coloring on the reverse, or "wrong", side of the piece. The end result, however, would be much more subtle. So, if that's the look you're going for, by all means, flip it over and do your coloring! Both methods are RIGHT!

Stained
Smiles.

17 comments:

  1. That is beautiful. I love using vellum on my cards but like you said adhering it to the card can get tricky. Pinned.

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    1. Thanks so much! Yes, I have a love/hate relationship with vellum. It is so beautiful but makes you think when it comes to attaching it to something!

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  2. Oh my goodness...another gorgeous card! Another reason to get my girlfriends together to make some more cards. Which, of course, is another reason for wine and gossip! Your blog makes crafting parties so easy. Thanks!!

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    1. Thank you, Vickie! I am so glad that my blog inspires you and your girlfriends! Happy wine/gossip/create time!

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  3. That is just stunning. My mother loved both iris and stained glass, so this card reminds me of her.
    #graceathomelinkup

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    1. Is she still alive? Thank you for your sweet comment.

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    2. Actually, you said "loved". So, I guess not. A very sweet memory of your mom.

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  4. Beautiful card! I love paper crafting and your projects I can only aspire to. Happy Crafting, Kippi #kippiathome

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    1. Thank you! What a nice compliment! If you ever need any help, give me a shout! I'd love to assist.

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  5. This is gorgeous! Irises are my favorite flower. :) It all looks like it was meant to go together. Thanks so much for sharing at Sweet Inspiration!

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  6. The iris's remind me of my grandmother she had a whole section in her garden for them in every color. Your card is amazing! I have pinned and your post is being featured on #omhgww this week, hope you will stop by and share again!!
    Have a lovely week!
    Karren

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    1. Thank you, Karren! I too love irises. Exquisite beauty.

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  7. What a beautiful card, Linda! I love the colours and textures. The stained glass is effect is very cool!
    Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

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    1. Thank you so much, April, for your kind words! I hope you have a lovely weekend also!

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