Àltenew first challenge
Terri Belkin, group 56, first challenge
The challenge was to make four to six greeting cards for "Him" and four to six cards for "Her" and a gift box for each. I also needed to use a recycled item.
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When I first saw the challenge, I started thinking about the guy portion, first. My husband was an avid fisherman and since COVID he can no longer fish, but that gives me some ideas. So the theme for the guys was oceans and lakes. I selected blues, beige and yellow. Next it was time to think about the “Her” cards. These cards were going to feature flowers in different arrangements. My color palette for these cards would be pink, yellow and orange. Color choices were the first step.
For "Her" cards I used inspiration from Layering 3 and 4 class to help me with the flowers. I learned how to line up the layering stamps and choosing colors and arranging items in odd numbers. I also used information from the Easy Ink Blending class and, using copic markers, to help blend the flowers and butterflies. Putting some items over the edge of the card gave an interesting look, and inking the edges of the card to cut down on some of the white space. I also got inspiration from the Easy Die Cutting class by using dies to help me cluster flowers. I also used the stencils in a different way by stacking them on top of each other after ink blending the pieces.
I began with Hammermill paper 100# paper for my card bases. Using 80# paper for card fronts. I use this paper because it works for copic markers and is sturdy enough to handle what I expected to put on it. My cards are top folding or side folding.
I started working on the boats and ships for the “Him” cards, and flowers for the "Her" cards. For the "Him" cards I used, Ocean Reflection glitter paper, Glacier Caves ink cubes and Copics b05, b24, b00, y08, y17 , e43.
For "Her" cards I used Pocket of Sunshine ink cubes and ink pads Autumn Bliss, Orange Dream, Peachy Keen, Cosmic Berry, Puffy Heart, and Rose Quarts. Copics that were used: y00, y04,y06, y07, yr08, yr14, yr61, rv04, rv13, rv14 rv17 g03, g17 and g67.
For the Altenew stencils, stamps and dies I used on the "Him" cards were: cutting dies for Sweet Birdie, cutting dies for the Wooden Rowboat, Boat Adventures stamps and dies, Brilliant Waves stencil, Flowing Drops stencil, and Seas The Day stamps set.
For the "Her" cards, I used: Garden Trellis cover die, Cup of Coffee die, Proud of You stamp and dies, stencil grid, stencil Morning Flowers, Elegant Alocasia, Fresh Bouquet, Charming Bouquet, Garden Trellis cover die,Beautiful Butterflies press plate, and Build a Flower Primrose. I used the press plate for the first time. It was a great learning experience. I can see more uses in the future. The impression from the plate is pressed into the paper and feels really elegant.
By working one card at a time, I could make sure that each card was completely finished and looked its best. Getting feedback from members of the household was very introspective. If it wasn't clear or the message I was trying to portray was not clear, I was able to make adjustments.
Now that the cards were complete I worked on the packaging. The container for the “Him” cards was from a class I took many years ago. I decorated the card box with washi tape, glitter paper and cardstock from Altenew. The other container came about as I went to my mailbox to get some Altenew products that I had ordered. I noticed that the envelope was so colorful and beautiful that I was going to recycle the envelope!
