Thursday, May 7, 2015

Diffusing with Compendium of Curiosities

Hello friends!  Today I have a card I made for my husband.  He is graduating (again) this Friday after returning to get his Master's Certificate in Teaching.  Hallelujah! I know it's been really hard for him to go back to school at this age.  I am very proud of him, and wanted to make a special card to remind him why he went back to get this degree in the first place. He has a passion for History and Math, and he plans to be able to teach these subjects when he gets his certificate--just one more hurtle--taking the exam to get certified!

Pardon the orange coloring--it is the lighting reflecting off the acetate.


It just so happens that Linda Ledbetter at Studio L3 is in the midst of her Compendium of Curiosities 3 Challenge #27 and this time we are using Tim Holtz' Alterations Embossing Diffusers.  You can read all about it on page 61 of Tim's book A Compendium of Curiosities Vol. 3. If for some reason you don't own this informational and inspirational book yet, you can order your signed copy from Tim here.  The rules at CC3C say we all must work out of our own copy, so be sure to get your's today!  You will be happy you did, especially if you link up your project to Linda's challenge, because there are TWO prizes on the table.  If you are clever enough to be picked as the Curiosity Crew's choice, you will will a massive pile of Tim's goodies, compliments of Tim and Mario. And if you are the random lucky winner you will win a whopping $50 shopping spree to Inspiration Emporium who are the sponsors for this challenge!  That's a good deal!  And everyone's a winner, because they get to try out one of Tim's fabulous techniques.  Be sure to pop on over to Studio L3 CC3C to see all the fantastic inspiration by the Curiosity Crew, then visit their blogs to see all the lovely makes in detail. This is time well spent!

Now, back to my card! The back ground panel is the World Map from Tim's Kraft Resist paper stash--a gift from the lovely Shari Trumbull--thank you, Shari! I swiped on Picket Fence Distress stain, then blended on Broken China and Peeled Paint Distress inks and wiped with a paper towel to reveal the resist.

I've used Tim's oval Diffusers as described on page 61, acetate waste packaging, Tim's Compass Rose Texture Fade, and  Distress paints in Salty Ocean, Peeled Paint, Antique Bronze, Iced Spruce, Picket Fence, and Brushed Pewter to make my background.  Once I Texture Faded and Diffused, I swiped on the Distress paints on the back side, let them set up a minute and wiped off the excess.  I took the Diffuser and placed it over the diffused space on the back side to use as a stencil.  I wiped on some Picket Fence DP around the inside of the "stencil" and wiped to leave some just around the edges to give the oval more definition, trying to give it a faded, time worn look.  I did make one important mistake, and recommend you follow the directions on the package as well as those in the book! Let's just say acetate is very slippery, and I had to redo several times! It also tends to warp the acetate a little bit more than if you were to just use the Texture Fade alone.  I tried to make up for that by using LOTS of foam tape to adhere it to the black card.


A final touch on my background acetate was to use my Marker spritzer with my silver paint pen to add some silver specks on the reverse.

To get the sentiment (Tim Holtz Perspective stamps) lined up, I simply used my acetate background in place of an acrylic block.  Viola!  Perfect positioning of my image on the black card stock backing!  I used Versamark and Ranger silver embossing powder for the sentiment.

Sorry for the reflection again!


I used Tim's globe Movers and Shapers and a cereal box to make the globe.I wanted to join the the fun atFrilly and Funkie's "Snap, Crackle, Crackle" challenge hosted by the lovely Pamellia, so I needed to add a little crackle, which I just happen to love anyway.  I started by laying down some Distress Picket Fence Crackle paint on the cereal box, allowed it to dry, and swiped on Vintage Photo Distress stain.  I then die cut, adding some Mowed Lawn distress paint to the continents, Salty Ocean, Mowed Lawn and Picket Fence Distress paint to the oceans, and Walnut Stain and Black Soot to the stand. I stamped the map with an unknown stamp using Archival ink.  I popped this off the background using foam tape.  At this point I realized I placed my card over the Mover's and Shapers upside down, and so my globe is not geographically correct!!!! OMG!  My husband will pick up on this in an instant! "Embrace Imperfection"!!!



Lastly, I added some Idea-ology: corner, cog, fastener thingy and Knowledge token, all given a little Distress paint treatment.


I attached the acetate panel  with black foam tape to lift it off the black panel giving some dimension and to give the effect of looking through a window to view the sentiment.


I may not have gotten a good grade on my technical skills, but I hope I get an A+ for a unique take on using the Diffuser! I've had these quite some time, and I'm so grateful to the girls over at CC3C for inspiring me to get them out and USE them! The Compass Coins are finally in at my local Michael's but too late to be used on this card! They would have made the perfect embellishment!

Thank you for taking the time to visit and for leaving your much loved comments! Hugs and Blessings!

Sara Emily

I would like to enter this in the following inspiring challenges:

60 comments:

  1. Another fab project, Sara - congrats to your husband too. Thanx for sharing with us at Fantasy Stampers.
    Hugz, Jan (DT) xx
    http://jaybescraftybitz.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the compliment and thank you on behalf of my husband!

      Delete
  2. Beautiful thank you for sharing with us at Crafty Cardmakers and More.
    Hugs Julie xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are a genius Sara, this is brilliant!! LOVE the entire acetate idea, how unique and amazing is that!! Fabulous globe with wonderful crackle texture and I am loving that little knowledge token dangling downie thingie!! FABULOUS!! Pinned this beauty for sure! hugs :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, you are so sweet! I do like how you describe the knowledge token thingy! And thank you for the pin! Wow! Big hugs and Happy Mother's Day! I hope your fur babies bring you flowers and breakfast in bed!

      Delete
    2. Oh for Pete's sake, I forgot to say thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie for our 'Snap, Crackle, Crackle' challenge! Hugs, Pamellia DT :)

      Delete
  4. This is so cool and I love the crackle on the globe! So many fantastic elements I can't help but be inspired.
    Hugs
    Georgie xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Mother's Day, Georgie, even though I now know you celebrate that on another date in your country.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, too! Hugs!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for entering this at Frilly and Funky m'dear, and thank you so much for your sweet comment too. luvs ya xx

      Delete
  5. Congratulations to your hubbie, Sara Emily!! That's quite the accomplishment and ya'll should be proud!! That's Fantastic!! :) And what a special card you've made for him to honor the occasion! This needs to be framed, so he can look at it every day and be reminded of this milestone!! OH....and Your Most Welcome Sara Emily for the TH Kraft Resist!! I'm soooo glad that you're using it!! :) That makes me happy :) :) I'm running last minute, too, with my CC3 entry (I also made a card for my hubbie), so I'll be seeing you at CC3 #27 soon :) :) Happy Friday to you--Have a Great day and a wonderful weekend!! XOXO-Shari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you on behalf of my husband, Shari! It's a done deal now! Yippeee!

      Thank you for the Kraft Resist! I knew I wanted to add this background, but also knew I'd already used mine up. then I thought, "Now wait!, Shari sent me some!" Yeah!!

      I took your advice and ended up framing this, so he can put it on his desk. Thanks for the idea!

      I'm off to CC3C to see your card! Hugs!

      Delete
  6. Oh how I love all this grungy metal! Congratulations to your hubby, and thanks for sharing with us at CC3C!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marjie,

      Thank you on behalf of my husband! And thank you for this wonderful comment! Hugs!

      Delete
  7. SO so cool! LOVE the scene, the globe, the sky, everything! Fun and artsy! He will love it! Thanks so much for joining in on the diffuser fun at CC3Challenge!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Anita! I'm so happy to read your comment this morning! Happy Mother's Day!

      Delete
  8. Beautiful card and great techniques used! Congratulations for your husband!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lys for you compliment and on behalf of my husband! Happy Mother's Day!

      Delete
  9. I am inlove with your fantastic card, Sara! I adore that grungy look and those fabulous colors! So many amazing details and your crackled globe is to die for! You have chosen a perfect sentiment for your husband's graduation! Thank you so much, my friend for the great inspiration! It's pinned!
    Have a wonderful weekend and big congrats to your husband!
    Huge hugs :)
    Branka xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Branka! You have really made my day with this wonderful compliment, and I'm so excited you liked it enough to pin it! thank you, too, on behalf of my husband!

      Happy Mother's Day--I'm not sure when you celebrate there, but have a wonderful day!
      Big hugs!

      Delete
  10. Such a cool card Sara Emily!! Love the crackle on the globe and that wonderfully embossed image on acetate. Congratulations to your husband!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Samra, for this amazing compliment and on behalf of my husband! Happy Mother's Day to you! I hope you get lot's of flowers and hugs!
      Big Hugs!

      Delete
  11. Congratulations to your DH! And I bet he will enjoy this amazing creation! I had to laugh when I was reading about the globe, that would happens to me as well. Lol! Your use of the acetate is genius and so refreshingly done. Your creations never cease to amaze me and anyone can truly tell the thought and time spent on these. Amazeballs dearie! Hugz to you muffin! ~Niki

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, Niki, this is so sweet! Thank you for making me laugh about your goofies, too! Oh, heck...it's all just FUN, right? (He didn't say anything about my goofie!) Your comment just really made my day!

      Happy Mother's Day! I hope your fur puppies bring you lots of hugs and flowers!
      Big Hugs!

      Delete
    2. Hello doll! The brick stencil I use if from The Crafters Workshop 6x6. Big Hugz to you muffin!

      Delete
  12. Wonderful card Sara, your hubby will love it I am sure! Congratulations to him on reaching his goal, well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Deb! And Happy Mother's Day to you! Hugs!

      Delete
  13. Another great card - love the acetate.

    Thanks for joining us at Fantasy Stampers.

    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great card Sarah! Love the cool look of that background!! That diffuser worked out well!! Congrats to your hubby! (and you)! heehee xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jackie! I'm so happy you like my background! And thank you for your congratulatory wishes!

      Delete
  15. What a great card for a momentous occasion! Congrats to your hubby! That took a lot of determination on his part and a ton of support on yours. So you get to share in the glory of the moment! I love that crackled globe. Honestly....you need to live closer so that you can come over and get me to use all wonderful mediums and techniques like this. I really like the embossed acetate idea...very clever! Have a great weekend, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy,
      You've brought this huge smile to my face! My goodness, we will have a lot of fun when we finally do get to craft together! Thank you for visiting my blog! Will be in touch via e-mail very soon! Hugs! SE

      Delete
  16. A great card!
    Thank you soo much for taking part in our "Embossing” challenge over at Creatalicious & good luck in the draw.
    Hope to see you again in our next challenge as well…

    Hugs,
    Melanie
    (DT Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges)
    (DT-Coordinator Creatalicious Challenges)
    (DT Come and Get It)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Melanie! I really enjoyed joining in with the challenge at Creatalicious!

      Delete
  17. I see from your sidebar that you've won this challenge previously, and I'd say you have a good chance again. Fabulous card!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Stunning! Thanks for joining at Creatalicious: Embossing
    Hugs
    Dewi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Dewi! What fun it was to be able to join in the Embossing challenge!

      Delete
  19. This is an amazing use of bright elements against black. Love that globe chipboard element! It looks so great in the forefront. I'm totally signing up to be your latest follower!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becca, thank you so much and welcome aboard! I hope you will not be disappointed! Popping over now to thank you in person for following!

      Delete
  20. Who, I just love your creation, it is fabulous and I am sure your HB was delighted with it (congrats to him on his qualification too!!) Thank you for joining in with the Create your own Background challenge at Crafty Cardmakers and More, good luck and hope to see you again soon
    Hugs, Sue xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sue! And thank you for your congratulations to my hubby!

      Delete
  21. Amazing card with so much wonderful detail! Thank you so much for playing along with us over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge this week :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sara...first of all, congratulations to your husband in getting his Masters degree. That is not an easy thing to do so huge kudos to him! Now, your card is amazing! I totally love the metallic feel that you've given to it. Your diffused embossed oval with the sentiment in it is fabulous! The colorful globe really pops and adds a nice touch. BEAUTIFULLY DONE! Thanks for sharing with us at CC3C. <3 Candy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Candy! Your visit and kind comment really made my day! I will pass along your congratulations to my husband!

      Delete
  23. Love this entry, thank you for sharing with Creatalicious, Jackie CT member.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Un gran regalo para tu marido, Sara :)
    Abrazos para ti <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marga! And now I am learning some Spanish, as I translated your comment! Hugs to you, too!

      Delete
  25. Un gran regalo para tu marido, Sara :)
    Abrazos para ti <3

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog and the embossing folder you asked about is from The Textures collection from Crafters Companion-Dry Stone Wall-congratulations to your hubby and love the fabulous card and all the texture and details and brilliant sentiment
    Carol x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol,
      Thank you for the information on the stencil, and I will certainly go check it out on line. Thank you for your sweet comment, too!

      Delete
  27. Huge congratulations to your husband! No wonder you're so proud. This is a fantastic way of showcasing the technique and I love the results. Thanks so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie. Jenny x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your congratulations and for your sweet comment about my card, Jenny!

      Delete
  28. Congratulations are in order for your husband and your card is wonderful!
    Sandy xx

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving your comments...they mean so much to me.