Saturday, August 22, 2015

Mix-Ability: nature prints

This week's Mix-Ability challenge is a fun technique - we're pressing leaves and flowers in our die cutting machines! I really liked this print - it came out so clean.


This is a leaf from one of my money trees, which despite my negligence has been one of the few plants that has survived in our house. Now if only it would really grow money! I pressed the leaf between two pieces of watercolor paper, so I have a matching print in reverse (for whatever it's worth, this is the print from the underside of the leaf, and it's brighter than the top side...).


I used Distress ink and an Akashiya marker to watercolor in some shadows around the leaf print for a little added dimension.... I added some splatters and some collage-y stamping too.


The sentiment is from a set from Verve Stamps - they just celebrated 8 years in business - it sure doesn't seem that long!

Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!

13 comments:

  1. How on earth did you manage to get such an excellent print from your leaf? It's stunning. Granted, your extra work with the shadows gives a 3D look, but at first glance I thought it was a distressed art photo - it looks so 'real'. Brilliant!

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    1. It helped that the leaves are really flat to begin with. Here's MariLynn's post for the challenge: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/mix-ability-challenge-f390/mix134-smash-t602308.html

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    2. Ok. Thank you kindly for that Dina. I've watched the short video and it looks do-able! Watercolour paper and a simple leaf at the ready - just hope my Grand Calibur will do the business.

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    3. Well I had a go. It took a few attempts to get my 'plate sandwich' right. My best efforts weren't a patch on yours though! Nice ones from an acer leaf and a fern which I'm saving until I can think how best to use them. Many thanks again. I now have another technique up my sleeve.

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  2. You are totally amazing in my books!! I think this turned out fab and so wonderful looking. I had done pressing before but it was fun to go back and do it again for the challenge!
    hugs and have a great wknd.

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  3. I actually have a flower press so, this was funny to me to see everyone running it through their diecutting machines. but, this is absolutely stunning Dina :)

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  4. Wow, oh Wow!!! I love how you added the shading. That makes it PERFECT!! Such an amazing print.

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  5. You never cease to amaze and impress me, Dina. The soft earth colours are lovely and the shading makes it look like it is lifting off the page. I need to try this.

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  6. OK that's a new one. I have a friend who likes to die cut odd things around the house and workshop like sand paper, linoleum and soda cans but House Plants! This looks fabulous Dina!

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  7. Wow, very 'impressive' Dina and I love all the additions you made. Wonderful card with a really personal touch.
    Mary Mac

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  8. This is simply gorgeous, Dina!

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  9. Oh So WELL DONE Dina!!!! I did this technique a few years ago with pansies....not easy! Only got two good prints and I squished a LOT of flower petals - LOL!
    Paper Hugs,
    Jan

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  10. gorgeous.. I've been doing prints like this before, but I think giving it some shadows is brilliant!

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