Saturday, 26 February 2022

Happy Birthday Uniko

Today I have finally got round to writing my post the the 10th Birthday Uniko Challenge and there is only 1 day to go. I have struggled to keep myself focussed this month, I have been very distracted and have ended up flitting about between various things and ending up getting nothing done, except several online orders for things that I don't really need! But, over the last few days the sun has shone, there are signs of Spring everywhere and I am getting myself in order again. I am very glad to have done it in time to enter Uniko's special birthday challenge, I have also managed to enter some of the quests, but sadly, not all of them. Their party has been pretty special I hope you have been able to take part.

Anyway, onto my card. I made one a while ago and went to write my post and link it up only to discover that I had used dies from another company and the challenge asks for just Uniko products. That'll teach me to check the rules before I start. I have included that card at the end of this post as I am quite proud of it.

I was back to the drawing board searching for an idea for my second attempt when I saw Mac's amazing entry, I thought I would have a go at CASEing it as I have the same Chrysanthemum stencil that she used. My finished card is OK, but it is not a patch on Macs. I just can't seem to do that lovely mixed media look. My cards seem to end up with a clean look however hard I try!

Here is my card:

I started with an A6 panel and blended distress oxide (broken china) on half the panel. I then placed my stencil and blended more distress oxide inks through the stencil with a brush. I had wanted to give some more definition to the petals like Mac did, and had the idea to heat emboss the edges. In the end I chickened out of doing anything dark or bold and I went round the edges with an embossing pen and then clear heat embossed it. Not sure quite what I achieved, but it does give the image a little bit of shine and extra interest. You can just see it in the close up photo.


The edges where heat embossed and the sentiment stamped and heat embossed with the same  powder. I finished by mounting it on a white card base.


As you can see it ended up being quite a simple card. I shall continue to aspire to making cards like Mac does, but I know I shall never achieve it, as her cards are truly something special, but thanks so much for the inspiration, I shall always be grateful for that. Thank you Mac.

Here is the original card I made:


This is a shaker card and uses 3 different Uniko stamp sets. I started with a green panel and stamped the leaves with Catherine Pooler eucalyptus ink. I made the shaker element with 2 rounded corner stitched rectangle dies. The humming bird and flower are heat embossed and fussy cut and I used Gelly Roll sparkle pens to colour the Humming bird, so he does sparkle beautifully.




So that's my two cards, I do have another that I will share on instagram as part of  Quest 6 so I will see you there.

Finally I must wish Bev and her team of ambassadors a very happy 10th birthday. It is such a great brand with wonderful products. Here's to the next 10 years. Congratulations.


Supplies Card 1:
Cardstock: Mixed Media
Ink: Distress Oxide, broken china, dried marigold, spiced marmalade, festive berries
Stamps: Uniko, happy days
Stencil: Uniko pure florals chrysanthemum
Embossing powder: Wow chocolate caramel pearl

Supplies Card 2:
Cardstock: Hunky Dory adorable scorable coated card; Stamping card
Ink: Catherine Pooler eucalyptus, suede shoes, sauna
Stamps: Uniko large background tropical paradise; Uniko paradise humming bird; Uniko simply said

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

14 comments:

Mac Mable said...

Now that's made my day Hilary....Thank you x. Super thrilled my friend x.

You might have CASed my card, which I am really grateful for but you sure have made it your own. The blended colours look fabulous and I love how you've heat embossed the edges....so very creative x.

I feel truly blessed that anyone would want to CASe my card and in celebration I am off to pour a glass of wine to celebrate.....lol x.

Your original shaker card looks amazing and so vibrant Hilary and I love it! x.

Cat Craig said...

Hilary, your shaker is so bold and fabulous in color and design. Love it. Mac is truely and artist and your case of her card is fabulous as well.

MortiCraft said...

Your first card is beautiful and I like the clean look as you put it! I think you’d be ok to link up your second card too as the dies are just generic shape dies and we use those for our Brand Ambassador cards too. Plus it’s very lovely! Thanks for joining in with Uniko’s 10th birthday celebrations. X

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

It's a lovely sweet card, love the flower and the heat embossed edges! Beautiful colours combo!
The shaker card is so special!! Fabulous design and the hummingbird looks amazing with the embossing! Love so much the stamped background!

Leslie Miller said...

Your card is as lovely as Mac's in it's own way. I love all different styles when they're done so well as yours and Mac's. Your shaker card is gorgeous, too! The leafy background, the colors, the hummingbird... my, oh my!

Marianne said...

Two wonderful cards, Hilary. Love the look of the embossed edges for a variation in colour as well as some festive gloss. And your second card is so vibrant and happy. BTW, thanks for the reminder. I had intended to play along, so I'm hoping to catch some crafty time tomorrow.
As for Mac, we both know that Mac has a special gift for CAS mixed-media cards with a wow factor.
Marianne x

Christine Alexander said...

Awesome take on Mac's card, this one has your own amazing style. love the colour combo and that stencil is stunning ♥

I Card Everyone said...

That Chrysanthemum is a stunner - and I sure wish I'd had a chance to play a little more for the birthday celebration.
You have taken Mac's card as inspiration for color and design beautifully, Hilary. I like your more CAS look of it! Nobody does Mac's fabulous mixed media style quite like she does - but that's good, too!
=]

crafty-stamper said...

Love your beautiful chrysanthemum stencil and gold embossed edges,your shaker card is fabulous and love the embossed humming bird
Carol x

Linby said...

I love your stencil work, it looks beautiful. The bold bright colours on the shaker card are so eye catching, another wonderful make.

Bonnie said...

Your flower is gorgeous, Hilary! I love how you've made it your own! the hummingbird is so pretty! Love these jewel colors! I've been having trouble concentrating too. Hopefully I can settle down as well as you have.

Darnell said...

I'm glad you are feeling a bit more settled, Hilary. I am beginning to wonder if the changes in the seasons affect us more than we know. I love both your designs and, of course, the shaker hummingbird card is my fave! It's brilliant! But I also love your clean mum design and think it is every bit as beautiful as Mac's, so please don't sell yourself short! Hugs, Darnell

Greta said...

I love how you used Mac's card to inspire yours, Hilary! Both are beautiful! The shaker came out great!

Witchcrafted Life said...

Radiantly beautiful greetings!

I had to smile ear-to-ear when you spoke of how your style always seems to gravitate back to CAS. I am much the same way, only in my case, it is usually zillions of layers/dimensional elements and a pervading shabby chic aesthetic.

If one is fortunate to have a favourite style or one they are naturally drawn towards, I saw lean right into it and embrace what speaks to your heart and creativity alike.

Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life