AECP Level 3 - Demystifying Mixed Media

Hi friends. I'm thrilled to share that I've just completed another AECP course - Demystifying Mixed Media with Tania Ahmed.

This course was incredibly informative and gave me exactly what I needed, as I have always wanted to explore mixed media. Tania's tips and techniques were so helpful. I have two cards to show today that highlight some of the techniques I picked up from this course.

I have two cards that I would like to share with you today. For the first card, I combined techniques from Lesson 4, Backgrounds, and Lesson 6, Embossing using the Timeless Sentiments Die Complete Bundle and Sweet Flowers Complete Bundle.

CARD #1

I began by cutting out all the sentiments. I then used a panel of white cardstock and a paintbrush to apply gel medium to the panel. I then added the sentiment, followed by another layer of gel medium to secure it. I repeated this process until the entire panel was completely covered. I used a heat tool to speed up the drying process. (Below is a photo of how I set the panel before applying the gel medium).

I applied a layer of gesso using a damp brush. I have again heated it to speed up the drying process.

Tania uses shimmer spray in Lesson 6, but since I don't have that product, I returned to Lesson 4, where she uses the Watercolor 36 Pan Set. Instead, I pulled out my Metallic Watercolor 14 Pan Set to add a beautiful shine to my panel. I used a new brush to apply the gold metallic and then heat set it.

Next, I took embossing ink and lightly tapped it onto the panel. I then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. Again, Tania used her shimmer spray, but I opted for my metallic watercolor set. I applied some red metallic to the panel and heat set it. (Below you will find a photo of my completed panel).

This simply goes to show that you can still achieve beautiful results, regardless of which medium you choose to work with. It is important to experiment and discover what works best for your project.

For the image, I stamped the outline floral in black ink and used the layering images to color them with the two lightest shades of Blue Mountains Fresh Dye Ink. I repeated this step with the stem, but used the two lightest shades from the Frosted Foliage Fresh Dye Ink set. I then popped the image up on foam tape for dimension.

The sentiment from the Sincere Sentiments Stamp Set was heat embossed on black cardstock using gold embossing powder. I also used foam tape to match the image's dimensions.

I've never created anything like this card before, and I am thrilled with the results! Now, on to my next card, as I am excited to share more with you.

CARD #2

My second card features the Dainty Sprig Stamp and Die Set, showcasing techniques I learned in Lesson 3 of the course, Colored Embossing Paste. It was so fun to experiment with this technique and I love how it adds texture and dimension.

I began by dabbing yellow and orange inks onto my watercolor palette. I then generously spritzed water over the inks to soften and blend the colors. Next, I took a panel of white cardstock and gently pressed it into the water-down ink mixture, letting the colors transfer and blend across the surface. I then dried the panel with my heat tool and repeated the process a few times to build up the color. 

PRO TIP: Drying your panel between each layer helps the colors set and create depth.

I placed the Wavy Grid Stencil on top of my panel and applied embossing paste to my craft sheet. I added a little pink ink to the paste (but probably should have added a little more), mixed it, and applied it through the stencil using a palette knife. After removing the stencil, I sprinkled some gold embossing powder over the paste and heat embossed it. This technique added wonderful texture and a beautiful shine.

Next I worked on the focal image. I stamped it with permanent black ink and colored it using water-based markers then die-cut it with the matching die.

The sentiment is from the Versatile Greetings set. I first colored a piece of white cardstock with a pink marker, then die-cut it out using the matching die. I ran it through the machine again on white cardstock and used liquid adhesive to adhere them together.

I'm really happy with the results and look forward to sharing more projects with you as I continue to explore and refine my creativity! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. Wishing you a delightful day!