Hello my friends! Several weeks ago I saw a new product that I thought was amazing and HAD to have! I’m sure you know what I mean, it was one of those moments where the heavens opened and the angels sang 🙂 Well, these brushes seem like they are the next big thing and are pretty much sold out in the US of A. But I was having no part of missing out so I went straight to the source and ordered the product from the UK. They said shipping might take up to four weeks and then last weekend I got sick and had to have emergency gall bladder surgery (no worries, I’m healing nicely) and of course completely forgot I had ordered them. So it was a happy surprise to open the front door to find not a solicitor, but a delivery person, needing a signature for my overseas package…it felt like Christmas!!
I opened the package today and had to sit down right away and play:
I have to shout out to Lydia over at Understand Blue for her video on these awesome Clarity Stencil Brushes. She explains and demonstrates everything so well and provided me all kinds of inspiration! I came across her video by accident and then realized that I actually met her in February at the Stampin’ Up! event I attended, such a fun surprise 🙂 So pop over and watch the video and then come back to me…
I have taken a class to learn how to blend with the Tim Holtz distress inks and sponges but have never really felt I had the knack for them. I kept getting brush marks! And I would get brush marks with sponge daubers as well, so I had pretty much written the technique off. Enter the Clarity Stencil Brushes…so quick and easy to use! I pulled out my Stampin’ Up! Happy Patterns Decorative Masks and stamp pads and settled in to color.
Here are close ups of the cards in my card set along with the color names:
Stampin’ Up’s Marina Mist and Wisteria Wonder
Stampin’ Up’s Pear Pizzazz and retired Baja Breeze
Stampin’ Up’s Calypso Coral and Melon Mambo
Stampin’ Up’s Daffodil Delight and Watermelon Wonder
And my personal favorite: Daffodil Delight and Baja Breeze
I used the brushes directly on the stencil, no need to ‘sneak’ up on the edge of the card stock. I see lots more stenciling in my future!
The sentiment is from the Watercolor Wishes stamp set. This awesome set is one of my favorites in the catalog and is available only in the Watercolor Wishes Card Kit. Yes, I bought the set so I could have the stamps, but that’s another post 🙂
My perfectly stamped sentiment is courtesy of the MISTI.
The stitching adds a nice detail to the edge of the panel and was created using the Stitched Mats: Rectangles by Lil ‘Inker. The sequins are just random iridescent sequins from my stash.
Hint: I set my sequins on top of the mini glue dots while they are still on the roll (I toss the packaging that they come in and just store the open roll) and then use a tool to lift the dot and the sequin off the paper backing and place on my card. I will never worry about my sequins falling off ever again!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Supplies:
They are so nice – I love them. I do have a question
I’m really having problems doing the envelope lines. Do you use matching paper ( regular) not card stock correct
Any other ideas that might help?
Thank you
Terese
Shannon…..What a lovely set of cards! I’d like to give these brushes a try, too. Off to watch that video now. 🙂
Thanks Kathy! I’d love to hear if you do get the brushes and how you like them!
Beautiful cards! I too am going to watch the video as I’ve not been pleased with my stenciling work either. Thanks for the tip!
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Thank you Jennifer!!
Order placed. Because I want to make these!! Gorgeous!
Jen, I’d love it if you posted yours when you do them, I’m looking forward to your opinion:) xx
Shannon!!! These are GORGEOUS! And I love how you coordinated your envelope liners with them – just beautiful! I’m glad you love them as much as I do – they are the bomb! Big hugs and thanks for the kind words!!
Thank Lydia for your video and your great card design! xx