Hi guys!! I FINALLY made some time to make a few cards for Darnell’s NBUS challenge that is going on as we speak. If you haven’t checked it out yet, please do. It’s a SUPER fun challenge that anyone can play along but the clock is ticking as we’re in the final week!! Click here to be redirected to Darnell’s blog and learn all about the NBUS Challenge.
Ok, so on to the card. This card I made because I desperately need a few Birthday cards for Birthday’s that have already passed. Oops!! I’m sooo bad!! My goal is to get these cards made and mailed BEFORE the Birthday, but that has yet to happen. I’m working on it though!
So I used the Lattice Grid stamp by Simon Says Stamp for my background. I used Happy Everything by Whimsy Stamps for the “Happy” and Strictly Sentiments 5 by WPlus9 for the “to you”. I was happy to use my Dymo Embossing Label Maker to print out the “Birthday”. All of those that I just listed are all NBUS.
All I did was heat emboss the background stamp on Tim Holtz watercolor paper with clear embossing powder, then I just used distress inks to ink blend me a nice background. I used Mustard Seed, Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves and Mermaid Lagoon. Once I had that done, I cut out a circle with my Nested Circles die by SSS and using my Mini Misti, I stamped out the sentiment. I added a few sequins and voila!! Card complete!!
I love ink blending, but I also wanted to compare it side by side to a watercolored background done the exact same way. So I did the exact same things as I did above, but instead of ink blending, I watercolored my background. I’ve used both techniques many times before, but I don’t think I’ve ever done an exact side by side of the two different techniques to see which one I like better. This week, I like the ink blending better. I very well may have done this before, but as my hubs says, I have the memory of a goldfish…. 😜
In the end, I think I like the ink blended card better because it’s more vibrant and it seems… neater. The colors blend better, therefore it looks neater, I guess. I’m not really sure, but I definitely like that one better.
Since my main focus was getting these made in time for the NBUS Challenge (ahem, I mean getting them out in the mail right away) I haven’t yet edited a process video, but as soon as time allows, I will get this card video uploaded to my YouTube channel. When I do, you will be able to click here to be redirected to my video. UPDATE: No process video coming. All videos were stolen when my external hard drive, among many other items were stolen from my vehicle last weekend.. ☹️ (see “Robbed” post next)
Thanks so much ladies and…. probably only ladies, for visiting my blog. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Oh, and don’t forget to check out my friend, Darnell’s blog. Not only are her posts hilariously entertaining, but she’s uber talented and she created this awesome NBUS challenge, which she runs a couple times a year.
Until next time, my friends ~ I’ll leave you with a few more pix.
Misty
Happy Ink Designs 
This design is fantastic, Misty! It really stands out in the gallery because of the great lines and vibrant colors! I have a feeling this one will be repinned a lot! Thanks for doing the side-by-side comparison. I normally prefer watercolor, but I agree with you that because the card design is so linear, the more controlled ink blending works better. I see that Petra answered your question about how to bring logo graphics into your post. Just right click “copy image” and then return to your composition post and paste it where you want it. If you change your mind about where you want it, just right click (sometimes your mouse has to be just right) until you get the cut/copy/paste drop down menu, click “cut” and then move it to where you want it and click “paste.” Thank you very much for playing in my NBUS Challenge #10! I hope my email was helpful to you! Hugs, Darnell
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Gorgeous card saw it on Darnells NBUS, like your photography too!
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Thank you, Donna!!!
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Popped over from Darnell’s NBUS challenge as your card caught my eye. Your comparison photos really show the difference and beauty of both techniques. There are time when I love the Distress ink blended look and times when I go for the watercolored look. Your cards are so fun and festive and sure to bring lots of birthday cheer!
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Hi Christy! Not sure if you’ll see this, but thank you for your sweet comment. I couldn’t agree with you more. There are times when I really love watercolors and others when it has to be distress ink. Both techniques are so fun to play with. It took me quite a while to get the hang of ink blending, but I think I’m finally getting it.
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Wonderful card, love colouring the big backgrounds in rainbow colours.
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I have good intentions too, but my cards don’t seem to make it to the mailbox either! Love the bright colors you used! 🤗
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Hahaha, glad I’m not alone on that one…. 😊😊
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So stinky gorgeous, Misty!!!! Love the variations of colors and your use of distressed inks is superb! I also really like the sleek design for the sentiment! just became your new e-mail subscribers!! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Anything Goes” Challenge! Beautiful colors and design. Well done!
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Hi Virginia!!!! Thank you for your sweet comment and for subscribing. You’re the BEST!!! I’m testing this reply thing out. I haven’t been replying to comments because I was told that most people won’t see them so will you shoot me a message on FB if you get notified of my reply please? I would be forever grateful, friend. 😊😊
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Love your cheerful and colourful cards, Misty!!!! Both are simply beautiful and, as you do, I think I like the smoothness of the ink blended one just a little bit more than the watercoloured one!!!!! Two cards that will brighten any one’s day!!!! Hope they’re in the mail by now!!!! LOL!!!!! I’m also working on mailing out cards on time!!!! LOL!!!!!
You ask about copying the little SSS badge here – just right click on the badge as it is on the SSS blog and then ‘copy image’ and just paste on your blog. Not sure though which badge it is you want to copy, so I’m not sure if this is your answer!!!!! Hope it helps!!!!!!
Have a great day!!!!
Hugz
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Misty, you picked a wonderfully vibrant color pallet for these cards. I love that design.
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A fun and so cheery card design. It certainly says Celebration to me.
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Love these birthday cards Misty! So are so bright and festive, just what is needed for a birthday celebration! And yay for you in using your NBUS and joining in the NBUS challenge!!! Hugs, Brenda
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