Monday, July 24, 2017

Put a (Background) Spotlight on It!



Oh, boy is it HOT!!  We've had several days at or almost 100 degrees and I'm a cold weather girl.  Always have been.  This time of year has me yearning for fall weather. 

I can't wait for Louisa and her mommy and daddy to get here.  They're coming to stay for a couple of days.  What are you up to?

I've been up to bear cards again.  This time a cute birthday bear and that same bear couple from my last post, but I got to color them this time.  I figured out how to take out the color of the image with a bit of trial and error and a tip or two from a couple of videos.



The birthday bear is highlighted with what I'm calling a background spotlight.  It's super easy to do and adds a fun element to your card.


The masking paper makes the creation of a spotlight really easy.  I'm sure you could use a lightweight paper, but the masking paper has the added convenience of an adhesive that's easy to remove.  

Masking paper is also really thin making it so easy to glide over with the applicators.

The key here is to use a light touch with the distress inks, so that you can build up color.  If you start with a heavy hand you might get way too much color for your liking.  I'm sure you don't have to ask how I know that.  Let's just say blotchiness is not pretty!


I mentioned that the masking paper is lightweight, but it's also strong enough to use a couple of times.  I stuck the same piece to the inside of my card.


And then stamped my sentiment and another birthday bear in that background spotlight.


Don't throw away the trash (oh, excuse me:  the negative space).  It works great to leave the circle space open, but cover the area around it, so the stamping just shows in the spotlight.


I just love this beary sweet couple.  They were fun to color too!   I split them apart and created a fold-over card using twine to hold it closed.


The polka dots on the front and the squares inside were created using stencils, inks and stencil brushes.  So soft and pretty.

I've got the bear couple for you, if you would like to color them too.

Download Bear Couple Coloring Page HERE.

That's it for me.  I've got to go open a box full of toys and board books that just came for Louisa.  Who is also beary sweet, by the way!

Have a lovely week!



14 comments:

  1. Hurrah for baby time! You'll forget the triple digits when they get there! It's too hot here, too, but at least we don't get the high humidity. You've outdone yourself with these darling projects, Lori! I absolutely love the fold over card--perfectly colored & so sweet--love the soft stenciling! Never thought to do a spotlight--wonderful design! Hugs, Greta

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    1. Hurrah--MFT showcased your card! Congrats, Lori!

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  2. Oh Lori, these are absolutely adorable! I may have to CASE that second card with the bear couple on a fold over card -- so, so cute! Love the spotlighting idea as well -- thanks for sharing the free printable with us! I've already downloaded it! (smile!)

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  3. Darling bear cards, Lori!! Love the colors and the spotlight behind the one bear, so cute! Awesome fold over card, too! I just love the sweet bears! I'm sure you can't wait for Louisa and her parents to come soon, how fun...enjoy!!

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  4. Oh my is that bear just the cutest with his cake! I love how you did the spotlight and also used it on the inside too, terrific coloring.. Enjoy your time with Louisa :)

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  5. You make the cutest sweetest cards! I always look forward to your posts and videos. Hope you have a lovely time when your family gets there. Babiest are the sweetest and I hear grand babies are best of all.

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  6. oh my goodness!! both cards are beyond adorable!!! have a lovely time with little Louisa!!

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  7. Your spotlight technique really adds fun to your card. The bears are adorable...ALL of them. Enjoy you visit! Hugs!

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  8. Oh Lori your card is so pretty, just adorable! Fabulous technique...thank you for sharing the step by step!

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  9. Absolutely adorable! I love your spotlight idea! And those cute bears are melting my heart!

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  10. Both cards are super sweet! I LOVE the step By step... always nice to share techniques! :) Beautiful work as always! :)

    Theresa
    Theresa’s Crafty Creations

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  11. Oh my soooo sweet! Love those bears... definitely going to save that one.. love the spotlight and thanks for the tips... need to try this! Have a fun visit!!

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