July winners / August tutorial ...

I will be announcing our July winners shortly but first I would like to introduce you to our Tips, Tricks and Techniques for August brought to you by team member, Maria Shakhova.

Mixed-Media Style Artist Trading Card: Step by Step.

Today I will share a step by step tutorial on creating a multi-layer background with a very interesting effect. The demonstrated technique can be used even for small objects, like ATCs.

1. Let's start with creating a background by placing rubber stamps with some text onto cardstock. 

2. Now let's add a transparent medium gel using "bricks" stencil.  Then add some white embossing powder and apply a heat gun to melt the powder, but be careful to not scorch the gel. Mixing the gel and the powder produces an interesting effect - the powder covers the stamps, while the gel remains transparent.

3. Add blue splatters/drops with spray. 

4. Glue the paper pieces and the masking tape. Apply gesso through the mask.

5. Apply distress ink.

6.  Cut out the cards and add embellishments. Your ATCs are ready!

Hope you are inspired to make use of the technique in your creations. Looking forward to seeing your work and don't forget to enjoy the process!

Maria   xx

now onto our July winners .....  thank you to everyone who took the time to join in with us last month.

Our main winner for is Kylie gW with this delightful page.



Kylie is a digital scrapper so in lieu of a physical prize I am happy to offer a voucher to the digital store of her choice.

Our random draw winner is #3 Dale with this creative card.

Prize donated by Karen McLaughlin

Congratulations ladies.

Could the winners please contact me on jjjustjane@bigpond.com with their postal details. You have until the announcement of the winners for next month to do so. Don't forget to grab our winners badge from the sidebar. 

Our Creative Team highlight from last month is Tracey with this amazing layout.  She will receive a little surprise something from me.

Please don't forget to enter this month's ARTastic challenge. All the details are in the left sidebar. Remember you have until the end of the month to submit your entry.