Saturday, June 11, 2016

Unexpected Results and a Giveaway

I've been playing around with my Gelli plate recently and coming up with some interesting backgrounds for my artist trading cards.

I don't have very many texture tools (yet) and have been trying to find everyday items around the house to use to create different effects. I've used bubble wrap, popsicle sticks, yarn and cardboard tubes, among other things.

The one that I got the most unexpected result from was a kitchen paper towel. Doesn't this look really wicked? I was only trying to gently dab off an excess of paint from the Gelli plate but when I pulled up the paper towel, this design was left behind.

To be honest, at first I wasn't sure that I liked the resulting print but I knew if I tossed it, I'd be sorry. It was several days later that an idea how to use it came to mind.

I recently purchased the Dina Wakley Scribbly Women acrylic stamp set (with a 40% off coupon, of course). I stamped one of the images onto each of the cards. A couple of them don't stand out as much as I would have wanted but I'm pretty much committed now.

I did an online search for quotes that I could add to each card. I collected a long list of them but needed to narrow it down to six. It's more of a challenge than you think to find good quotes that are short enough to use on such a small canvas.

I was going to print the words on white paper and outline them with black around the edges but thought that it might be more effective to use yellow paper instead. I had to 'audition' both options before finalizing my choice. I ended up choosing white paper afterall.

Here are the final ATCs. I outlined the words with a black gel pen and went around the edges of the cards with archival ink applied with a sponge blending tool. I'm reasonably pleased with the results.


And now for the giveaway. To qualify, add a comment to the bottom of this post and your name will go into the hat. One winning name will be drawn on Wednesday, June 15th. I will announce the winner on my facebook page but will also contact the lucky person privately to arrange delivery of their prize, a Forever In Time clear acrylic stamp set. The sentiments are ATC size.


Don't forget to leave a comment below for your chance to win. Good luck to you all!

Update June 15, 2016: All the names of people who commented below were entered into Random.org and a winner was selected. Congratulations to Sarah Ruth! Your stamp set will be in the mail tomorrow.

22 comments:

  1. The ATC's are amazing. I love the effect of the paper towel. I have to get a Gelli plate one of these days. Just love what can be done with it.

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    1. I'm having a lot of fun with my Gelli plate, Shelley. I have enough backgrounds to last me a year! LOL

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  2. ...a really cute idea. I would have never thought of a paper towel!

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    1. It was one of those 'happy accidents', Sarah. I love it when that happens!

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  3. I don't need the stamp set but did want to let you know how those cards are.

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    1. Thank you, Shaiha. Paper crafting is my newest passion and the beads have been set aside for a bit.

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  4. Really love the effects of the paper towel..and the quotes!! So true..Awesome job, Bonnie...even if I don't win...! Lol

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    1. Thanks, Janet. I was totally surprised by the design the paper towel left behind. I'm now searching around my house for more cool texture tools.

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  5. Hey Bonnie aren't you glad I 8ntrkduced you to the wonderful world of art? I love the acts that you made above. Well done

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    1. Some days, I'm delighted, Dar. Other days, not so much. LOL My art supply budget is stretched beyond the limit! I was at Michael's again today too.

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  6. I have always thought Gelli plates look like fun but i've never had the opportunity to play with one... Your results look amazing... Please put me in your GiveAway....Thanks so much Bonnie! You can reach me here if LadyLuck smiles on me.. :) jinxxxygirl@yahoo.com Hugs! deb

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    1. The Gelli plate provides hours of fun, Deb! Good luck in the giveaway.

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  7. The ATCs are awesome! I love the happy accidents too! Great job Bonnie!

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    1. Thanks, Melody, I'm glad it all worked out too.

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  8. The cards turned out fabulous. I'm glad you saw them through to the end. The resulting cards are more than a sum of their parts, they are art!

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    1. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, Yvonne, and see what comes out at the end.

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  9. I love the results you have gotten. I have wanted to try something new and now that I've seen what can be done I'm going to give it a try. Thank you Bonnie for showing us what can be done ��

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    1. Go for it, Malinda, you've got nothing to lose and a lot of fun to be had. :)

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  10. Thank you so very much for your awesome kindness on this great giveaway!! :) I am so excited!!

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    1. Congratulation! I can't wait to see how you use them in your artist trading cards.

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  11. Awesome Bonnie! I bought a gelli plate almost a year ago, finally pulled it out a couple weeks ago and played around with some prints. It was so much fun :)

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    1. I was a bit intimidated at first, Darcie, and did not take the plunge right away either. Now, you can't stop me! I have enough Gelli prints to wallpaper my studio. LOL

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