The Weekend Guest | Dana Fleckenstein

I’m beyond thrilled to introduce Dana Fleckenstein to you as this week’s Weekend Guest. I’ve known Dana over the internet for a few years now, I’m not sure on how I met her anymore (it might have been through cardmaking challenges or the Hero Arts Flickr group, I don’t know). But what I do know is that she started blogging around the time I did, and ever since then I have loved stopping by her blog on a regular basis to check out her beautiful creations. Dana is an amazing cardmaker, who has a unique way of using stamps and embellishments, and has a very inspirational style to me. I’m honored to welcome her to my blog today.

Dana here, waving ‘hi’ from Germany! I’m a thirty-something who, between office work and college, loves to squeeze in some crafty time. I have quite a thing for creating homemade cards and mini albums from pretty paper. My other passion is photography, which probably is why Instagram is my number one social media site. With paper crafting and photo taking as my favorite leisure activity, it was no wonder that, sooner or later, I fell in love with the scrapbooking community. That was in fall 2008 exactly. Since that time, I’ve met some wonderful people online and in real life through this hobby and I’m happy to be part of this amazing industry as a card designer for Studio Calico.

SCRAPBOOKING IN GERMANY | When I started out, I felt scrapbooking was a tiny niche and interesting styles and up-to-date product came only from the US. When I look around now, things have changed quite a bit. I have a handful of designated local shops around me and smaller shops in town started to carry some paper collections, washi tape, and handmade albums. Also, there are some interesting designers, manufacturers, and publishers here as well as regular blogger and crop events several times a year.

WHERE I FIND INSPIRATION | I’m probably no different than most of you – Pinterest is just such a great source to find and keep inspiration. Other than that, just experimenting with supplies, browsing magazines or a shopping trip to home decor stores always scores me a fun idea.

WHERE I CREATE | Basically, I have a table to scrap on and an Ikea Bestå unit to house most of my supplies. In summer, I love to bring everything outside on the balcony. The warmth and golden light in the evening help me to switch from work to leisure in no time flat.

SCRAPBOOKING ON VACATION | I haven’t done scrapbooking on the road as of yet. It may be because I like to have all of my supplies and tools available when I create. However, I find it helpful to carry a notebook around and jot down adventures and feelings when they are still fresh and not distorted in retrospection. Journaling is much easier afterwards that way and you can concentrate on the creative part.

Blog: pixelsandglue.blogspot.com

For my guest post, I created a watercolor card that I think even the guys in your life can enjoy. The idea is to keep the design clean yet detailed, with colors that fall on the cooler side of the spectrum. The major steps are all documented for you to follow along. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. First, cut a piece of watercolor paper to the size of 3,75 x 5,00 inches and tape it down on a piece of scratch paper with washi. The washi tape serves as a mask here so make sure the frame you create is even.

2. Gather your favorite watercolor supplies and paint even layers of yellow, lime green, and turquoise (or other colors of your choice) from top to bottom. Make sure to blend them well for a nice gradient/ombré look and let the paper dry.

3. Remove the washi tape and reveal the masked-off frame. If necessary, you can use a white watercolor pencil to correct bleeds.

4. Stamp your sentiment in a color that falls within your ombré spectrum.

5. Create your focal point. For “masculine” cards natural shapes like leaves are great, and you can never go wrong with stars, I’d say. Cut a few of the same shapes in different sizes with a die-cutting machine or punch. I had used a book page and vellum for my die-cuts. Layer and machine-stitch the die-cuts onto a label. You can secure the loose ends with washi tape on the back.

6. Embellish your card with a wood veneer star, sewing thread, and Mister Huey’s spray mist sprinkles. If desired, you can also go ahead and dry emboss the watercolor background for more texture.

7. Adhere the focal point on the watercolored paper with dimensional foam. Stick the watercolor paper down on a standard (US) A2 card (4,25 x 5,5 inches).

Voilà, finished card! Want even more masculine? Thin cork sheets can do the trick; Simply replace one of your paper die-cuts with die-cut cork. For a more girly look, just switch out the colors to, e.g., pinks and yellows. The veneer can easily be changed to a little gemstone or sequin then.

Thank you for reading and letting me share this tutorial with you. Have a great weekend!

Thank you very much, Dana, for you inspiring step-by-step, and of course for being here today!!

Els.

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