Finding My Marbles and Rescued Nail Polish

I really wanted to enter the Just Us Girls 'trend challenge' which requires use of multiple mixed media so...a new (new to me) technique I saw on Gina K Stamp TV.

The marble technique. I had never heard of it so I watched the tutorial and gave it a try! It was fun and easy! I will try it again with other colors! She uses re-inkers in the tutorial. I substituted acrylic paint (two dots) and Distress Stain.

I frequently send the cards I am going to post to my sisters to preview. They are my blog proof-readers so they get a 'heads-up' on the cards. They are always complimentary yet brief: "Cool!" "Cute." "Fun!" "So sweet." And from one sister in particular - her affirmation is simply: "I want this one."

So imagine my surprise when I got an actual critique! Her input: "Put a red nose on one of them - it needs some color." Well!!! To be fair - I was only marginally happy with the card - but was an instant fan of the marble technique.

I gave it some thought. Tried a few different sizes of red bling. But I wasn't liking the look. So I scrapped the blue dot of the "i" in the sentiment and the blue center of the sequin "snowflake" replacing them with red. I just didn't have anything small enough for a 'nose'. So using red nail polish and a toothpick I gave one of the fellows a wee beacon of color.

Detail of the white and bronze 'marbling'. 

This is the "needs color" preview card.

This has arrows pointing to the 'blast' of color. A dot of OPI Red Nail Lacquer on a nose and for the "i" in the word 'wishes'; a red faux gem in the center of the sequin faux 'snowflake'.

Here is the "colorful" and final version.

I have to admit the spots of color do make for a positive change! Thank you sissy Gail!

No Denying Rudolph

~Base card PaperTrey Ink card stock

~Layer of black 'marbled' using Liquitex Medium Viscosity Acrylic Iridescent Bronze and Tim Holtz Picket Fence Distress Ink

~Strip of My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas Holiday Glitter Book (whole punch for wreath center)

~Taylored Expressions Seasonal Wreath die and Cuttlebug

~Taylored Expressions Snowflake Wreath stamped with Versamark, embossed with Ranger Enchanted Gold embossing powder

~Satin ribbon

~Snowflake charm

~Sequin snowflakes - blue and white with red faux gem

~Sentiment from Taylored Expressions Snowflake Wreath set stamped with Palette Beaux Arts Blue with "i" dotted with OPI Red Nail Lacquer (I almost tossed this unused red nail polish..then thought...might work for a card!)

~Top left 'nose' dotted with same red nail polish

Challenges | Inspirations

Just Us Girls - trend week - mixed media (acrylic paint, nail polish - dotted using a toothpick, stain, charm,)

Little Red Wagon - flaky

Creative Knockouts - tis the season

Pile it On - Christmas

Sentimental Sundays - anything plus sentiment

Tuesday Throw Down - Christmas

Thank you for clicking by!

Here's to using a toothpick to 'paint', learning new techniques, and finding my marbles!

Nancy in Iowa