Well Said Color Challenge

#ItsAllAboutTheColors!  l

Today I'm participating in the Color Combo Blog Hop.  Each month we're challenged to make something from a new trio of colors. This is a really fun way to stretch yourself because you're totally open on the imagery to use. You get to play in what ever way the colors speak to you. What would you do with the January color challenge?

The blue (Coastal Cabana) and purple (Gorgeous Grape) compliment each other nicely and the Cajun Craze is a strong neutral to complete the triad.  When I saw this color combo the first thing I thought of was "BALLOONS!" 

This month I have 3 cards to show you; all using a balloon shape. The cards are all the same but they showcase 2 different ways to add shine to the same image.  The first card is plain cardstock for comparison.

Shine details coming - first a bonus tip about the balloon strings.  I wanted the strings of the balloons to compliment the texture of the ribbon.  So instead of looking for some sort of twine, I took apart the ribbon to get a few threads for the balloon strings. The technique works especially well with Stampin'UP!'s Flax Ribbon.

The card is cute enough by itself, but real balloons do have a shine to them.
So in an attempt to be more realistic I tried 2 different techniques to add some shine.

On this second card I embossed the whole balloon piece with clear embossing powder.

The effect definitely adds shine to the balloons . . .  heat embossing is super fun  to watch.
and you can add layers for thicker texture and shine.

 

For this last card I covered the whole balloon piece in clear glue using the Fine Tip Glue Pen. Wow, great color and shine. It also adds some texture interest because the balloon is thicker with that layer of glue on it.

 

Both embossing and the use of the clear glue are really fun, easy techniques that I'd encourage you to try. If you've tried either of these techniques I'd love to hear your experience with it in the comments below.

For more details about the product I used there is a list of products at the end of this post.

When you have time, you may enjoy browsing my blog for more ideas.  Thanks for stopping by.  Click this button to visit the next blog in today's Color Combo Blog Hop.

Here are the links to all the blogs in the hop.

1. ElisabethPirolt (AT)
2. Pia Gerhardt - (DE) 
3. TanjaKlingler-Selinger (AT)
4. SandraHerzog 
5. Sue McDonald (UK) 
6. Rene Guenther (DE) 
7. Renée Eckhardt (AT) 
8. Carmen Groinig (AT)
9.  Silke Trapani (DE) -
10. Tracy Marie Lewis - (US)
11. Janey Backer (US)
12. Tricia Butts (U.S.) 
13. Laura Mackie UK
14. Rebecca-JoUnwin- Australia 
15. DorotheeFelicitas Buhn 
16. Cheryl Taylor - UK
17. Sharon Dalton - Australia 
18. JoBlackman
19. Astrid Hofmann (AT) 
20. Kimberley Morris (US) 
21. Tatiana Grübler (DE) 
22. Anastasia Radloff (US) 
23. Angélique Nederpel (NL
24. Katie Johnson (US) - you are here

 I hope I've inspired you to add a little shine to your next project. I'm happy to answer questions about this or any other project. My email is in the header at the top of the page.

If you haven't browsed the Stampin'UP! store I encourage you to spend a little time there. This is a great company with wonderful product. I do receive commission on sales and I appreciate your business - thank-you. My commission is paid by the company, you pay nothing extra when purchasing product through me.

Balloon Bouquet Punch [140609] -$18.00	Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Flax Ribbon [148764] - $7.00	Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146987] - $8.50	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119684] - $8.50	Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131297] - $8.50
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] [ $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] - $9.75	Versamark Pad [102283] - $9.00	Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder [109130] - $5.00	Heat Tool [129053] - $30.00
Fine-Tip Glue Pen [138309] - $7.00	Sunshine Wishes Thinlits Dies [141489] - $27.00	Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] - $5.00

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