You Rock, Dad! ft. Winnie & Walter

Good morning and welcome! Are you ready for some rainbow madness? I have been crafting for about 3 years now (I actually started paper crafting when I was around 8 or 9, but it's only been 3 years since I came to the states and discovered the world of photopolymer stamps, die cutting machines, Copic markers, and now, ZIG brush pens.) but I'm really not sure about how I would describe my cardmaking style. One thing I know for sure though, is that I love bright, vibrant colors. And that's what today's card is all about! 

I don't know if my dad, or any dad honestly, will appreciate such a colorful card. But when I saw this mohawk (?) little bird and the shades, I was inspired to create a card with a cool vibe. (if that even makes sense, LOL) 

I thought it would be pretty interesting to have him be the center/focal point of a rainbow spiral background. So after my thick layer of embossing paste has dried, I watercolored the embossing paste with my ZIG brush pens. Yes, you heard it right. I didn't blend colors with my distress inks (although that was my original plan) but watercolored it with ZIG. Now, I don't know if somebody else has already come up with the same idea, but this seems like a pretty innovative use of the ZIG markers to me. I'm so glad I tried it out because this method definitely gives you more control on where to apply the colors (v.s. sponging distress inks). And with traditional watercolor, you probably won't be able to get such vibrant colors. Anyways, I was just really impressed with the results.
All the colors I've used are listed below (from purple to pink. counterclockwise): 82, 80, 84, 30, 32, 33, 40, 47, 41, 53, 50, 52, 70, 23, 20, 22, 24, 222, 21, 25, 27 


I decided to cut my sentiments up and scatter them across the entire card front. "DAD" was handwritten with a black gel pen, "thank you" is from In Bloom: Julie's Roses set, "so birdy much" from the So Tweet set, and "YOU ROCK" from My Precious set. The variation between each font type and size definitely adds some more interest to the card. I think it even creates a mixed media kind of feel. 

After stamping and heat embossing each of the sentiments, I sponged them with distress inks so they match the rainbow spirals. The colors I've used are listed below, from left to right. 
" You Rock" banner: Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, Carved Pumpkin
"so birdy much" banner: Wilted Violet, Blueprint Sketch, Peacock Feathers
"DAD" banner: Picked Raspberry, Abandoned Coral


I couldn't finish a card without adding some embellishments and sequins, especially when it's a super fun and colorful one like this. :P I hope this rainbow card has brightened up your day, and thanks so much for stopping by! 

Challenges Entered: 

STAMPlorations Theme: Retro / Winnie & Walter 3rd Birthday Bash: Three Challenge (I used 3 stamp sets: So Tweet, In Bloom: Julie's Roses, My Precious) / Sequin Challenge / Bright Colors Challenge / Mood Board Challenge (Inspired by the bright, cheerful colors) / Cute Critter Challenge / Stencil Challenge / Pattern Making Challenge



SSS Wednesday: ATG