AECP Academy Level 2 Final Challenge

Hi friends! I'm excited to announce that I've passed Level 2 of the Altenew Educator Certification Program! I'm now submitting my final challenge, and I can't wait to share my journey and projects with you all. Thank you for your support!

For the final challenge, I was asked to create four masculine cards with specific themes and incorporate three components I had learned from Level 1 or 2 and an upcycled project.

• Encouragement
• Birthday
• Thinking of You
• Anniversary

These components not only enhanced my design but also allowed me to demonstrate the skills I've developed throughout the program.

I have selected the following components: 

• Magical Marker Techniques - I used alcohol markers to create a fun border as well as ink blending techniques to create the bokeh dot pattern
• Celebration Stencil Techniques - Stamping with Stencils is my absolute favorite for creating a unique fun background 
• Easy Ink Blending Techniques - blending inks for an ombre effect
• For the Guys - using a geometric pattern stencil with embossing paste

 

Encouragement

I started with a white cardstock A2 panel. I created the first part of the sentiment using Fine Alphabet Dies. I used my ruler and pencil to draw a line to perfectly align the dies in the center of the panel. The dies were picked up with masking tape and positioned along the drawn line. I carefully erased the penciled line after the ink was dry. I ran it through my die-cutting machine and placed it aside.

I created a bokeh dot pattern using red and gray inks and adhered it to the back of the die-cut panel using liquid glue. I then used alcohol markers and a ruler to create straight lines on the top and bottom of the panel for a fun design.

I chose the sub-sentiment 'I Appreciate You' from the Sincere Sentiments Stamp Set to convey gratitude and recognition to uplift the recipients spirit and remind them of their value. 

I completed the card by adding color with alcohol markers in red and gray inks to my Kraft sheet, spritzing with alcohol, and applying with my splatter brush.

PRO TIP: Rotate your cardstock during splattering to create an even pattern.

This course was simple yet effective. I never would have thought to use alcohol markers for creating designs on my projects! 

Happy Birthday 

One of my favorite techniques that I learned from the Altenew Educator Program is Stamping with a Stencil.  This is a great and fun way to add unique patterns and texture to your projects.

I began with an A2-sized panel of watercolor cardstock. I pulled out the Square Weave Stencil and dabbed red, black, and gray inks to it. I spritzed it with water generously, then turned it over and placed it on top of the panel. Next, I used a paper towel to transfer the ink.

PRO TIP: For best results, use watercolor paper. 

The image was stamped and colored with alcohol markers. I cut it out with a stitched circle die and then cut another circle from vellum. I then adhered them together with liquid glue. I adhered it to the edge of the panel with liquid glue and then flipped it over and cut it with scissors.

The sentiment is from the Sincere Sentiments Stamp Set and has been heat embossed with white embossing powder on black cardstock. I cut it out with a tag die.

Thinking of You

I used ink blending to achieve a soft ombre, which fades from dark at the top to a softer hue below. The smooth change in color brought out the delicate vellum moths, which gave my card a serene backdrop, which allowed them to stand out. 

I began with a Canson XL watercolor panel. I used Crimson Red and blended the ink, starting at the edge of the panel and fading towards the bottom. I added some water splatter to add some texture. I then die-cut a stitched circle from black cardstock, placed the blended panel behind it, and adhered it with liquid glue.

I then heat embossed the Midnight Moths onto vellum with silver embossing powder. I fussy cut them out, but there are coordinating dies available. I decided to add a frame, therefore, I positioned two stitched circle dies on silver cardstock and ran them through my machine. I then adhered them with liquid glue. The moths were adhered with foam tape to give them dimension.

PRO TIP: To achieve an even background, it's recommended to use an easier ink blending paper such as Canson XL watercolor paper.

The sentiment is from Sincere Sentiments Stamp Set and was heat embossed with black embossing powder on gray cardstock and adhered with liquid glue. Although this is a masculine card, I felt that it needed some sparkle, so I added a few sequins.

Happy Anniversary

I have decided to make use of the Square Weave Stencil once again for my geometric pattern, as well as to show you how you can achieve a different look with it. See my birthday card for a comparison. 

I began with a panel of white cardstock and secured the stencil with masking tape to secure it in place. I applied Velvet and Cloudy Night inks to my watercolor palette, then added the embossing paste and mixed it thoroughly. I utilized my palette knife to apply it to the stencil, covering the entire panel.

PRO TIP: When using embossing paste, please clean your stencil immediately with warm water, as it will become difficult once it has dried.

Next, I stamped an image from the Remember This Stamp Set and colored it with the layering stamps. I then trimmed the panel to 4 × 5 1/4 and adhered it to a black mat slightly larger. This was then adhered to an A2 white card base. 

The sentiment is from the Ambridge Rose Stamp Set and was heat embossed with silver embossing powder onto a piece of black cardstock measuring 4 × 2. I used liquid glue to adhere it to the panel.

Upcycled Project

I had a bit of a challenge with my upcycled project. We usually donate or dispose of unused items. However, I had a wood bin in the guest room that, I thought, could benefit from a makeover. Let us get started.

I dug into my stash of Altenew floral images and grabbed the Ambridge Rose Stamp Set. I'm really drawn to the single rose in this set.  

I started by stamping the rose image using Versafine Onyx Black ink. I then used the mask that I had created, placed it on top of the rose, and stamped the smaller leaves three times. I used the coordinating stencils to add color to the images with Fresh Dye Inks. I chose Sweet Dreams for the rose and Green Fields for the leaves.

For the sentiment, I used Altenew Build-A-Flower Camelia Japonica Layering Stamp & Die Set. I used the Halftone Stencil to add some color around the stamped images using Red Sunset, Blush.  

Thank you so much for visiting and for taking the time to follow my journey with Altenew. Your support means the world to me!