Hello! I'm back with more inspiration featuring our December 2014 Release! If you are just joining us, don't forget to check out yesterday's post to see all of the new products we will be releasing on December 5, 2014.
Today I am sharing a bit of the new Sparkle & Shine products. There is a stamp set with companion die, as well as a set of word dies that compliment the stamp set beautifully. And let me apologize in advance for the gross over-use of watercolor techniques! LOL
First up, I've paired the Sparkle & Shine stamp set and the Sparkle & Shine Trio Die together for a fun and graphic card.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdPnyqXTZaRvyBGy0NUiCYCYSmw2fgZsZ3H8g0ecihgtNtompgkhrKurthQ9ZSmn1-2RrE7bbooRNXChfUWH6874f4VE4nrTcgAY6cTxB0lrGYbOeclP5wxa1Qcvwn6_dcZdnppcBuRfT/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine2a.png)
I started by heat embossing the gems in a random pattern onto watercolor paper in white. I then used the same technique as I did on yesterday's card and watercolored each of the gems with Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Inks. I could watercolor gems all day long! In fact, I think I did. LOL
I knew I was going to be adding the "shine" word die to my sentiment, so I added a partial sentiment from the Sparkle & Shine stamp set. I covered the word "shine" on the stamp with tape and then inked it up as usual. I removed the tape and then stamped it onto the watercolor paper.
For the top panel, I stamped the Wide Stripes Background cling stamp from Simon Says Stamp onto Dove Grey cardstock in VersaMark ink, sprinkled on some Ranger Sticky embossing powder and heat embossed it. This turned the powder into a sticky adhesive, allowing me to add a little clear glitter. Once that was all done, I die cut the bottom edge into a curve using the Landscape Borders Die.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOInNC9HJExLb3qYclFx7dW-un54iOo9duBQRGRFKnLpAPczu_B-TH1UvE-13Etr7TxOqGMmXmrUsYBh-IlToqnVz6mmawgQhq10Vz8qH4aGBVFlOTtsJ4xskPuRl3UuPq0yHxLneMuu2/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine2b.png)
I adhered the panel to the watercolor background using foam tape towards the bottom and directly with a tape runner to the top. Finally, I die cut the word "shine" from Black cardstock three times and glued all of them together, one on top of the other using Multi Medium Matte adhesive. I love how this design transitions from monochromatic to bright and colorful!
This set is great for creating quick and easy cards with style and an artistic flair as well. In this next card, I've paired it again with watercolor and the previously released Strictly Sentiments 1 stamp set.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTTwTFb8be9Ez_Dd418UQ76NpBaUNXE4m6dxcffnQI4ROZk9Z9CT9UY9Ogq12c9blVGyk97PRcfOuCoPnw_71VNf8qJTDhyphenhyphenSZRUxYdiYmeiFOQsm6r-gjtUPXwOjNylCPYfEup6-bUz7Z/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine3b.png)
Super simple. I stamped the sentiment onto a watercolor cardstock panel and added a little background wash of color just above it. Then I used the same technique as above, watercolored a gem, and this time used the Sparkle & Shine Companion Die to die cut it out. I popped it up on foam tape and then adhered the panel to my card base using foam tape.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHnpn7sLMO5kL04fZUnFLw5tYrOy6vDS-H4NUkH0uZwwV7TzzasBpxT9N1Gomf4nZISgLYhjqOzUKhjysE1LP7J9eT4XOc4qeCi0Ar_YsVrjYm2bbjo2uOGjiNGOZwzfy2NHf2sauDhrJ/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine3c.png)
A little Wink Of Stella clear glitter pen for a touch of sparkle on the diamond and...Done. I think I'll be making a set of these in several colors.
Now, you don't have to go through the trouble of making the gems look real either. They look just as cool with a loose style as well.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHekyz93SmDqssoprvFw5jHCoqWTZru9wF3T0esIAOVGH9AYekXXBK8fr2ygBdHnxFDC8c9ce_1VDOZTPOkITQgJuHQzaqo9tsiHudb20jY6V-ua0mD6e_TdA64cRlgHOVOPFXOA-zAHY/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine6a.png)
Here, I stamped the gems in black onto White cardstock and used a paint brush and Tim Holtz Distress Inks to very loosely lay down a bit of color over each gem. You can see that I didn't take any care to stay inside of the lines. I like the abstract look this gives the design.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1THC1pvkSsdkA_yWuShraKxyDUhyXwnYSUqdObPkmDKmzeIt1Nlc_zYhgcHMhU8JvfaiDcjwj9QAhbf1wmN6FA7VX-yJhzagqZNTAZFgYDIHdiJLpBPftNuY0Bgy1K6ZNmOu9RazFO3K/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine6b.png)
This is another one that I can't wait to try in several different colors.
I've got one more pair of cards to share with you today. This set is full of fun sentiments featuring some wonderful fonts that make great focal points as well.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF_N1IpGU8xs3CUcbnN00HVfLvyu1kpV0w_OTsYuA24xu_jYNlDBxrOw8xeGOQCFO4KpHkwg6afOthqRMUP8t3yz_-h129xOy6cGPNQEN3BrsamCi8FyynlsMVAAf47nLD6II_ul7-V3m/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine5a.png)
I started both of these cards the same way by heat embossing the sentiment onto watercolor paper in white.
I then covered the center of the paper with clean water and spread it out around the edges. I didn't cover the entire panel though, I wanted to reserve the white edge and end up with a "puddle" of color. I then used a large round brush to pick up some Tim Holtz Distress Ink and added it to the water by just touching the brush to the wet areas of the paper.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX3i2iw4HiFrVR65tSB81WPyNqpuVVh2N-rXkbFL6tD66yZ1hWR41xuBobVNFeNNAg5lnbn7zeJCaLdYHNQkCmkALt1XfIQMfJZKx-BCVzA5dLAn8A6zGhv3w5v3c_f51hNQzjhbDL7HA/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine5b.png)
On the above card, I continued to add color at different stages as the water started to dry. You can see the different layers of watercolor show up in the finished product. I also added a watercolored and die cut gem along with some sequins and Hero Hues Clear Gems.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n6usk5MYo9brrQceDZZd9IjE019AVXy1ZkwVWOf5jYO4vU49uj2XNrDNGCiUAAVwwepRK1o9DNthoXQ-ksb-_KcZabH771r8w2xURvjeXaYCZiRtxceA8ZRndSUtFojy9mtbxuATXlk1/s280/wplus9_sparkleAndShine5c.png)
And in this card, I added all of my color while the paper was it's wettest, and allowed the colors to "bloom" into each other. The end result is a much smoother and softer transition of color. I finished this one off by heat embossing a gem onto vellum and die cutting it, this softens the color underneath and makes the larger gem just a bit more prominent. And for the littler gems, I heat embossed them directly onto the watercolored panel.
I still have several projects to share with you featuring this set, but I'll stop here for today and share the rest a little later this week. But the Design Team has plenty to share with you today as well.
Design Team Inspiration
Giveaway Alert
As always, we've got a giveaway! Would you like to win the Sparkle & Shine Stamp Set, the Sparkle & Shine Companion Die and the Sparkle & Shine Companion Die before you can buy them? Just leave a comment below by 10:00 a.m. EST on 12/03/14 to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winner will be posted on our Releaser Winners page by noon.
As always, thanks for stopping by and Good Luck! Don't forget to come by again tomorrow for more release inspiration and giveaways!
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Diamonds are a girl's best friend! Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteLove these products and projects! The watercoloring is a perfect technique with the gem shapes!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about this set! The combination of fonts is a real winner. Your watercolor techniques are spot-on for this set. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThese lil gems are perfection!!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are GORGEOUS!! Absolutely love these little watercolored jewels!!!
ReplyDeleteI completely adore what you have made with this set. Can't wait to play with it myself!!!
ReplyDeleteThis gem set is amazing! I love the idea of using it with watercolours!
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS!!! Love the abstract look and watercolour...love it all!!
ReplyDeleteI love this set and the dies soooo MUCH! It is definitely a must-have! All of your creations are absolutely lovely. I can't wait to get this in my hands and start making beautiful things with it myself! Awesome work, Dawn!
ReplyDeleteThese gem stamps and watercolouring together are awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove these cards. The pink and grey card at the end is my very favorite. I love the sentiments that go with these gems. Great release.
ReplyDeleteFun cards and stamps, Dawn!
ReplyDeleteThey're awesome!!! I am so in love with the Gem Set. The stamp set, die, and word die, all are products I would have so much fun creative time with. Love your cards, and I never tire of seeing the watercoloring, so it's great to see that on your cards. Thanks for sharing a sneak peek with us.
ReplyDeleteOmg!!! Gorgeous cards!!!! Thanks for a chance!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! Those are all very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love them all!! AND the watercoloring too -- you youtube vids have got me wanting new watercolors for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBest stamp set ever. The Holy grail of Stamps for me. Love love love!
ReplyDeleteEveryone's cards are so beautiful. Love this set.
ReplyDeleteI must say this is one of my fave stamps..I simply adore the font on this set. The cursive script is too gorgeous! So elegant and combined with diamonds with a touch if watercoloring make it even more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFabulous, love the font and the fantastic cards showcasing this set:-)
ReplyDeleteWow! These are beautiful!!! I love all things that sparkle!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving these releases, so fun, gorgeous watercoloring!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, I love all of the watercoloring! This set and dies are so much fun! :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous.. Once again you've out done yourself!
ReplyDeleteOooo SHiny! :D
ReplyDeleteFun stamps make for fun cards! TFS
These are all SO gorgeous, Dawn!!! LOVE them!!
ReplyDeleteYour watercolored gems are absolutely gorgeous. A must have!
ReplyDeleteAng
Love the watercolors with the diamonds!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love these cards! The set is gorgeous, and I love your watercoloring with the images. So pretty!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and stamp set! I love your water coloring!
ReplyDeleteYes please, this set is my absolute favourite I have seen for ages! I love your cards, the white embossing with the watercolouring is just fabulous :) I have some new Inktense pencils I am itching to use with the gems now.
ReplyDeleteWow these cards really sparkle and shine love the stampset and die and the versatile use. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, Dawn! Love how well this set works for CAS designs and great for watercoloring too!
ReplyDeleteWow your cards are gorgeous!! Those watercolored gems are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous new goodies, Dawn ... and simply lovely watercolouring ... such inspiration! Anita :)
ReplyDeleteWow! More gorgeous cards! Love each one! ♥
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! The watercolor card is over the top GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteWow.. This is such a brilliant stamp.. I can see myself using this over and over and over..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteWow all of these cards are gorgeous! Those first two are simply stunning! I really NEED this set!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous new set...love all the watercoloring on your cards!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I would really Love this stamp set!
ReplyDeleteI love the sentiments in this set and the matching die cut words.
ReplyDeleteLove, love love these sets!!! Just gorgeous! So many wows from me!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love watercoloring - it has such an interesting, deep, multi-layred look, and it just so beautiful, while always being different! So never too much watercolor! Thank you for sharing this amazing cards with us! I am so inspired!
Love all the cards....and this sparkly stamp set.TFS
ReplyDeleteLove the stamp set and dies--I really like the look of the gems on your cards!
ReplyDeleteChris L.
I'm such a fan of your stamps and your watercoloring, Dawn! Thanks for the lovely inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOh my...this set could quickly become a 'girl's best friend'! The possibilities are endless! Your cards...swoon-inducing!
ReplyDelete~c
Love the samples and new set!
ReplyDeleteLOve these, too!! Just keep on coloring, Dawn I love it!!
ReplyDelete=] Michele
I just love what you've done with these stamps! I can only imagine the fun I could have creating with them! Beautiful contrasts between the watercolor and cardstock, too.
ReplyDeleteThis set is gorgeous! I want this release!!!!! Love all the cards
ReplyDeleteThose gems are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing this technique.
ReplyDeleteLove this beautiful set, just what we girls need............bling bling <3
ReplyDeleteWow, these cards are gorgeous!!! This is going to be a must have stamp and die set!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Love all of your cards. Those gems are beautiful....who wouldn't love wearing them on their hands? Thanks for the chance to win these goodies.
ReplyDeleteSherry in MI
love the cards
ReplyDeleteLove the shine and sparkle
Oh my--I really love your sparkly, glittery, plus water colored card. Super--
ReplyDeleteThis group of stamps and dies sure do look great! I love that first card, the sparkly stripes are perfect with the gems! Love that die cut "shine". It's my birthday on the 6th of December, so I plan to sparkle and shine myself!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! Who doesn't love some bling?! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletesuper gorgeous cards..i didn't fall in love with the stamp set when I saw it..but sure am now after seeing your cards and ideas!
ReplyDeleteI really like this new set!
ReplyDeletegreat ideas!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your watercoloring. What an exquisite card!!
ReplyDeleteI love the sparkle and shine sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI love all the "sparkle and shine" stuff. Love love.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are truly beautiful! I love this release...the sentiments are great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards, love the sparkle :)
ReplyDeleteLove your cards! Great new release.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards I luv the glitter stripes and your watercolor is always phenomenal
ReplyDeleteOh my! I love these cards and this stamp set. It is a must buy!
ReplyDeletethis is beautiful with watercolor
ReplyDeleteWhat creative cards! Thanks for the inspiration. :D
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteBeauties, all of them!
Gorgeous cards! I love these stamps!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are stunning! I really need these new products!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous, Dawn! I LOVE the idea of the jewels with the Sparkle and Shine sentiments!! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love all your watercolor techniques on your beautiful cards! On the last card, I love how you heat embossed the big gem on vellum to be a little more prominent than the others heat embossed directly onto the watercolor cardstock, genius!
ReplyDeleteOh, Dawn! All of your cards are just lovely today! The last card, with the pink watercolored background just melts my heart! ♡
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet set, Dawn! Thanks for your hard work. And, you really showcase these products well with your talented watercoloring! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI think I could colour gems all day long too if I had this set!!!
ReplyDeleteI so LOVE this set!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best gem set EVER. I absolutely love it! Can't wait to see everything you do with the new releases. Hope there are gem painting videos in our future. (wink, wink)
ReplyDeleteLove the cards. The pink watercolour with white embossed. Have to have these stamps, love the gemson the first card too
ReplyDeleteTotally obsessed with the first card!
ReplyDeleteGoodness! This set is just spectacular, and each card is just better than the next!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great stamp set for the winter blues! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI love the gems in this set!
ReplyDeleteThis set is the best I have seen of gems and diamonds! Your cards are beautiful and stunning!
ReplyDeleteThis is so well done. I don't think you overused the watercolor at all. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI like the sentiments as much as the gems. A versatile set with lots of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty cards! I love all the different fonts and the sentiments are great:)
ReplyDeleteAll of the cards are STUNNING! Your creative talent blows me away♥
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! Love this new stamp set!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove this new stamp set and all your projects.
ReplyDeleteThey all look amazing and super simple to do. Love it :)
ReplyDeleteCute, sparkly cards! Looks like a fun set!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing ! Went to order not realizing that they are not yet available can't wait thanks for sharing these wonderful cards and they are on my list to get right away thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with this stamp set!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! I love the pink one most. The sentiments in this stamp set are so good!!
ReplyDeleteLove this fabulous stamp set. The embossed and watercoloured images are just stunning.
ReplyDeleteWow, great stamps. I really love the sparkle and shine trend at the moment.
ReplyDeleteDELIGHTFUL stamps and GORGEOUS cards!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can never have too much SPARKLE & SHINE => sending you a big THANK YOU for the chance to win these CRAFTY DELIGHTS :)
Love, love, love!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous. Love all the bling! Great cards.
ReplyDeleteThis stamp set is on my wish list. Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty. I love how it looks with the white embossing!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it ALL!! =)
ReplyDeleteLooks like an awesome release! Is there such a thing as "too much water colouring?" LOL Personally, I think you did a beautiful job! They are all lovely.
ReplyDeleteThese gems are gorgeous. My 11-year old would fight me over who got to use these first!
ReplyDeleteI love this set son much! So modern ans son girly!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards - thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThis set is GORGEOUS!! I love how you colored the heat embossed images!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! I am in love with the watercolored one! Just awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, all of these cards are amazing! I love the design of the first one, beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKatie B.
Sparkle and Shine is such a pretty set! Your cards are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteSparkle and Shine has so many possibilities! Love those pretty gems.
ReplyDeleteI love the pink water colouring. So pretty. I like the one with less blending best but both are gorgeous.
ReplyDelete