The Zen Garden release is finally here! I’m absolutely head over heels in love with this release, and I bet you will be too. The eight ink colors Catherine Pooler created to go along with the Paradise Found collection complete each other. This week you’ll see exactly what I mean!
Mixed Media Zen Feather Tutorial
I love to play with the watercolor smoosh technique, also known as Wrinkle Free. For my first project today, I wanted to create a Mixed Media piece. I was immediately drawn to the quirky circles in the Zen Feather set. I just HAD to create these flowers….lol. Normally I create separate watercolor swatches of each color with this technique, this time I put them all on one big 5×7 piece. The beauty of that is I was able to use it for two projects!
Just look at these colors – isn’t the Zen Garden Collection gorgeous! To create this project, I used the new Stained Glass Coverplate as a stencil. I cut one out of heavy weight cardstock and sealed it with Gel Medium. That way I could use it over and over. To get this look you’ll want to smoosh your Versamark pad through the stencil and onto your project. Emboss in Clear and fill in the gaps left by your stencil with Black Jack – that’s the Joseph’s Coat technique.
Next I removed my embossing powder – WHAT? Yup, you read that right. I put my technique piece into a phone book and ironed the embossing powder right off it. It melted into the pages of my phone book leaving me with not only a super flat piece (thanks to all that ironing)…but a single sheet leaving your friends to ask…how did she do that?!!
Next, Add a little stenciling with a Black Licorice Gelato – don’t worry about being perfect – just add some fun texture. Edge your project with the same Gelato and rub your finger over it to smudge it a bit. Stamp a few fine spats from the Eat Sleep Create stamp set in versamark and emboss in Metallic Gold. Randomly edge your piece with the versamark pad and do the same.
Your piece is beginning to take shape. Add some black on black embossed flowers – die cut them with the matching Zen Feather dies, cut the awesome hand lettered Create die and emboss all the pieces. Add some Eat Sleep ones too – just do those on Charcoal paper instead of black.
Add some flower stems in some black and grey Pitt Pens, smudge with your finger and adhere everything to your piece. Smoosh versamark through the Split Chevron stencil to the top and bottom of your card base and emboss in black. Add your card front and you’re all set!
It’s a beauty, right?
Masculine Feathered Thanks
Here’s one for complete contrast!
I love the look of Stone Blue and Icing on the Cake. It’s great for masculine cards and I thought, why not just keep it simple and straightforward. This is a card I can use in many ways.
No rocket science here – Just fun little triangle filler stamps – love those! And what do you think of that word die? Gorgeous, right? Did you know there was a matching YOU too?!!
Zen Garden Doodled Bouquet
And I thought it would be fun for you to see just how well the Zen Feather stamp set works with the most amazing background stamp ever….seriously – Doodle Garden!! Here’s a bed of Seafoam sponged over a white embossed Doodle Garden. It’s like a field of flowers!
Doesn’t the Zen Garden ink collection pair really well with neutrals? That’s because it’s filled with soft, muted tones. I love how these colors work with Black Jack. Cut out some of the Zen Feather Dies, stamp and create a fun little bouquet! Add some Spruce sponged stems, tie with a little sentiment block – I used Just from Zen Feather and paired it up with the Create Die. My create is cut out of Fun Foam and has some Wanderlust Embossing Powder melted on it (carefully – that stuff burns quick!!).
Add some sequins and you’re all set. Super easy, fun and a little different.
So there you have it – all 8 inks, many projects and now for the really good stuff. If you’re ready to grab those inks – just click any photo in the supply list below. It’ll take you directly to the shop.
Don’t forget to hop! Leave comments all along the way – Catherine is giving away two Zen Garden collections! If you won and ordered, she’ll issue you a gift card to use in the shop! Here’s the list of players today. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more projects for that hop!
- Catherine Pooler
- Kristie Goulet
- Ardyth Percy-Robb
- Ilina Crouse
- Justine Hovey
- Kelly Martin
- Jen Carter
- Susan Powell
- Ingrid Blackburn <— You are Here!!
- Dana Joy <— Head here Next!!
Want to see more? Here’s a post I did yesterday with a video! Let me know what you’re favorite new Zen Garden Ink Color is in the comments below! I’m dying to know. 🙂
Till next time, keep those fingers inky (mine definitely are after that Mixed Media piece…lol)
About Ingrid Blackburn
Such a beautiful card
Great Cards love them thanks
I love the mix media coverplate and all the colors. I love the feathers, just lovely, can never have too many thank you cards. And that doodle garden stamp is amazing. I’ve got to get that. Just lovely cards.
Love the feather card!
I’m in awe!! You took the products in such a different direction and they are awesome. Just Beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. Now, I have to go catch some of your videos.
Great cards and techniques. I love the stone blue the pink and green can’t remember the names.
Wow! That first card has so many amazing things going on! I really like the ease of the feather card, because it looks fantastic too! And your bouquet card is darling. If I tried the craft foam I know I’d melt it, lol. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
wow!! so much inspiration!
Ingrid, all of your cards are amazing! Love the texture look on the first card. I love the simply blue and black on the masculine style card. And the third card makes me feel Spring is here.
Thank you for the inspirations today!
Beautiful cards Ingrid! I love the background on the first one the most. Rainbow has my heart! So pretty!
Wonderful cards, Ingrid. Love all the new colours, but I think the teal one (Skylight?) is my favourite. It’s been a while since I’ve used the iron off technique. May have to do it again soon. I did enjoy my smooshing session with some of the Spa colours. You can view the first of the resulting cards at my blog.
Marianne x
Oh my ! The background on your first card is just awesome !
[margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]
Awesome cards thanks for sharing!
Fantastic cards, Ingrid! I especially love how you incorporate mixed media into your card designs. Also, I have never tried to emboss on Fun Foam! I am going to try it!
Beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing.
That Doodle Garden Background Stamp looks like so much fun. Can’t wait to create with that. All your techniques are fabulous as always!! Loving the fonts on the dies too. This release has too much good stuff to play with.
Your first card is a wonderful technique piece. But I think I’ tending to like the simpler cards – – because I’m more likely to CASE. Blue Feathers with THANKS is very nice!
Bravo. Agree the colors are gorgeous
You did a wonderful job showing different ways to use these products. Your cards are stunning.
Your cards are gorgeous. I love mixed media, so that card was my favorite. Thanks for sharing…
Would I be too far off asking if you are going to use the phone book on your next card? Not with you, Ingrid! These cards are totally amazing. I can only imagine what may be up your sleeve using these supplies. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ann – I used the phone book to sandwich my card and iron off my embossing powder. Does that make sense. I will definitely have to video it for you. I’ve done it in classes online, don’t think I’ve done it publicly – will definitely do so…lol! 🙂
Such a beautiful showcase of the inks and stamps! I especially love the doodle flowers card!! So cute!
That mixed media one is my fave. Gel medium is a great tip, I’ve been chucking away my “stencil”, and then embossing in clear and then filling in with black. That is pure genius. Jenny x
Thanks Jenny! I have a video on my youtube channel on it – I think it’s a minute. 😉 Thanks for stopping by chickie! 🙂
I think Seafoam is my favorite new color.
Loved all your cards but the first was over the top awesome! The idea of using just a few colors and keeping it simple for the masculine card is a great idea.
WOW!!!! Just gorgeous!!
Stunning cards – love the new ink colors.
Love the new collection, great designs!
Oh my !!!!!!!!! These are great cards. I love it ! Thanks
Wowsers! I am in awe of these beauties! Those backgrounds are amazing! I am blown away with how cool they are! I definitely need these new inks and the cover plate! I want to come to your house and play so you can teach me!!
Wonderful cards. My inks have shipped so hopefully I get to play this weekend.
That background is beautiful.
The colours are really amazing in this new release. Pretty cards.
Loved the cards can’t wait to see more things from you.
Loved your tutorial and look forward to seeing more.
Gorgeous backgrounds and the feather card so pretty with that soft blue!!!❤
Awesome projects, I absolutely love the first mixed media card!
Oh, your cards are gorgeous! Love this release!
Love these! Especially the doodle background. Great use of colors.
Very creative projects, yes the new ink colors are amazing
That smooshed background is gorgeous! I could have stopped at just the smooshing and framed it, its that pretty!!!
each card is just beautiful. i agree with you about the zen set of inks. i have the first set and can hardly wait to order the second. thanks for such super inspiration.
Great designs, especially the masculine card! Sometimes it’s so difficult to come up with card ideas for men. Your first card is amazing too! I would love to see a tutorial on how it came together!
Love, Love his feather. Your background with the cover plate used as a stencil is awesome..
oh my, that mixed media is to die for! Thanks for sharing all this goodness!
The feather card is my favorite.
You are totally lighting up my life with that card that looks like flower lollipops. I just want to pick them off the screen and eat them, lol!
Ingrid,
You have really outdone yourself with this release. Your cards are absolutely lovely. I am sure that any of your recipients get excited as soon as they see the envelope from you as they know they are going to open up something wonderful.
Amy
Beautiful!!! Why have I not tried ink smooshing??
Wow! Love these new colors!!! Gorgeous cards!!!
Again, Ingrid, you’ve done it again. Gorgeous cards! Thanks for the explanation of the mixed media on the first card. I love the look of mixed media but hesitate to try it. CP inks look awesome. Love the new colours. They are on my wishlist.
Gorgeous cards, Ingrid
Gorgeous cards, Ingrid!
Wow love all the different techniques you used to create these beauties!
Hi Ingrid. I love the mixed media Joseph’s coat background you made it’s the new inks, it looks fab! What came to mind was it looks like distress inks. My next thought was: please mail this card to me! Lol
Love the card with the Stone Blue feathers! Beautiful!
Fun cards! Love all of them ♥
The first card is fabulous – but the thought of trying that is too much! But I really love the blue feathers.
lovely cards, the blue feathers are beautiful
Gorgeous new colors! Love your pretty cards!
Awesome cards and that 5×7 piece too! Love all the new colors! I think my favorite is the flower card.
Really sweet cards, so creative.
I love how versatile the inks are! Your first card was probably my favourite, simoly because it showed that the pastel inks could be used in a ‘darker’ sort of way. I love the layers and different techniques you used. (Do you have videos of these techniques?)
The zen feather has been my favourite stamp set throughout the blog hop, I love seeing how different people use one item.
Beautiful cards, thank you for sharing!
What fabulous cards. I really love the first piece with all the rich colors.
First card I enjoy mixing in a little mixed media, pardon the pun on my cards. Second card clean and simple beautiful.
Thanks so much for a fun and creative play session.
Very creative and fun cards. Love
Beautiful cards Ingrid!
These are such great cards! It’s hard to choose a favorite ink color because they’re all so wonderful, but I think I’m leaning towards the sugared lavender.
These are great cards! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’m leaning towards sugared lavender.
Can’t wait to try the first technique! I love to iron…so right up my alley!
I agree…ZEN GARDEN color collection is gorgeous! I LOVED the smooshin technique of the first card. Beautiful work Kelly.
Fantastic cards Ingrid. Can’t wait for my orders to be delivered!
Third attempt to leave comment. (lol)
Congrats Ingrid on this wonderful release. Love your 5×7 piece. Don’t know if I would have the heart to cut it down. Your “thanks” card is awesome. Thank you again for sharing your talent and this wonderful release.
Ingrid, congrats on this wonderful release. Love your 5×7 piece. Don’t know if I would of had the heart to cut it down. (LOL) This is a wonderful release!
The thanks card is awesome.
Well my word, how beautiful is your 5 x7 piece. Then you take it up 5 more notches with your mix media add ons. Your “thanks” card is awww so wonderful. Thank you for sharing. This release is awesome.
These are great Ingrid! I really love the mixed media one.
Fabulous cards. I really like the one with the feathers.
Hi Ingrid, love the thanks card with the zen feather! Your cards are always very unique, with all kinds of techniques! always interesting to see what you will create!
Love the backgrounds!
Beautiful cards. I loved all three! I loved the idea for the masculine card with the stone blue feathers. I’m always trying to figure out a sophisticated looking masculine card and I end up with a card with a colorful cake or clown on it instead. lol Thanks for the ideas!
So many pretty projects! I’m loving the zen feather stamp and the new inks.
I LOVE these cards Ingrid 😊
LOVE the cards you created!!!!
Yes, the colors are gorgeous! I enjoyed your ideas. Thanks
Your cards are stunning but my favorite is the masculine one, it’s hard to find cards that appeal to the men in our lives. Thank you for sharing.
Ingrid….you comeup with the most interesting ideas…..I don’t know how you doit, but thsk you so much for your willingness to share with all us strangers. Catherine I prefer the you tube videos to facebook. The new colors are so dreamy….can hardly wait to play with my order!!
That watercolor panel is beautiful and I love what you did with it.
I like how you kept all of the feathers the same color. Simple and pretty.
I prefer utube videos. I’m open to any technique a I always learn something. Awesome zen release
Gorgeous cards! Especially love how you made a stencil with that cover plate and got all inky!
I read it several times and I’m still stunned by your zen media feather technique. WOW
Ingrid, is it Halloween already? Seriously, that first card is gorgeous. you should do a video. Or you and Catherine together. You two play well with each other.
Now I’m wishing I had ordered the feather stamp set and the dies. Next time.
Love Catherine Pooler products!
The ideas are endless with this collection. I love the inks
Love your cards. My favorite is the doodle bouquet, so cute.
Ingrid you are amazing!
From a man perspective, I really like the Masculine Feathered. The Zen Garden Bouquet is nice also.
Fabulous cards! I love the watercolor smoosh technique and the ways the colors blended in together. Great display of the new zen colors and stamps!
I just love how dramatic your first card is with the contrast of the black against the colorful background!
What beautiful colors! I love the background you created with them! and that feather background is a delight!
I love the watercolor look just by itself, what a great background. Then you went and took it to the next ten steps with all the techniques. I can’t wait to try this. Love the other cards too and the first one is amazing. Thanks for sharing. Will you ever do a video on the techniques used in the first card?
Gorgeous cards, Ingrid! Love all of the CPD products!
Like the flowers best. Not a big fan of feathers but the colors are beautiful.
I Love, Love, Love that stone blue and the feathers card!! I can’t wait to start playing with these stamps and inks.
Wow – I had totally forgotten about doing that Joseph’s Coat technique! I haven’t used it for years and look at the cool results! Love it. Gotta say I love the cover die and what a great way to use it! I also love these ink colors and those doodled flowers and the font on those words… darn, there goes the craft budget again! Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Oh my gosh !! Fabulous new colors and I love the stencil you used on the card. 🙂
I think Zen Garden is going to sell out! I love all the fun images.
Your cards are fabulous! Love the font of the new dies, too.
Its the triangles that REALLY put the icing on the cake for me today… what a perfect touch … along with the colors for a masculine card! And that first card… with the mulitimedia feel and smooshing of all the zen colors – UNBELIEVABLE! Thanks so so much for sharing Ingrid! 🙂
Love seeing your name on a hop Ingrid, because I know something (or several somethings in this case) is coming. You did not disappoint as usual….great cards. I learn a lot from you. TFS
*good*…please insert after word something. (face palm)
Your cards are so pretty. Thank you for sharing.
Wow I just love your “create” card just
Beautiful
When I saw your watercolored piece, I said “Yes please!” out loud. It’s so pretty!!!! And perfect that you could make two cards from it! I also think that stone blue and icing on the cake mix would make for a lovely baby card as well. I know there’s it’s a boy ink, but when I think of baby blue, the stone blue is what I envision. Thanks for sharing all your lovely cards. Can’t wait to see more of the release!
Gorgeous. I am blown away by the creative minds I have been seeing in this blog hop !!
Hi Ingrid! I think I would frame the 5×7 color swatch. And your zen garden doodled bouquet is outstanding!!
Love all your cards. Thank you for sharing.
Your cards were gorgeous. I especially love the zen doodle flowers and the masculine stone blue feather. That one is elegant and perfect for any occasion.
Beautiful cards! I love how you did your backgrounds, especially the first one! The colors are so pretty!
I absolutely love that background with all of the colors at the beginning of your post. Really lets all of the colors shine
Amazing cards, Ingrid! I would also like to see a video on that first card. Loving the new colors together! Thanks for sharing.
Your cards are all so different and all so fantastic, too! Thank you for the inspiration. 🙂
I’m pretty speechless (or wordless!) following admiring your stunning creations… That first piece is frame-worthy, and I thought you had added buttons until I saw you created the round flowers, too. Second one, perfect combo of soft leaves and little confetti stamping. And the third posy, with that gorgeous doodled flower background…oh man! Keep inspiring us, Ingrid!
Gorgeous selection of creations!! So cool with the smashing technique.
Ingrid that first ink smooshed card is amazing!! These new colors are gorgeous!!
I would like to see a video of the technique you used on your first card, step by step:) The new Zen Garden colors are beautiful!
It is a beauty.
The colors blend together
so well. The stenciling pops
off the card. Fantastic.
thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the cards and how you used the pops of color!
Love the color combination.
Very clever trick removing the embossing powder.
Very pretty and yes, I think I need a video for the first card, too. I understand the ironing part, as I have done that before, but there were some other steps in there…
Loved your Eat Sleep Create card is amazing!!!! Thanks for sharing your cards!!
Great cards! Love them all!
stunning cards – thanks for all the ideas:)
Wow! Your cards are awesome, really like the blue feathers amazing colour. These new inks are fantastic along with the stamps and die cuts. Thank you for sharing your ideas and techniques.
Blue feather background is fabulous!
love the blue feathers!
I’d need a video for the first card but it sounds intriguing. Love the blue feather card.
I love that stone color. It reminds me of well-worn denim.
As always, your work is stunning! I will try the iron off embossing technique when my loot gets here!
Great cards, Ingrid! Can’t wait to get my hands on these colors!
love the background colors great job
The multi colored background is very pretty. I love the way you combined in more of a formal look.
Ingrid,
Another set of beautiful cards and lots of creativity!
That colour on the first card looks amazing! !
I love the design and colors of the masculine card. Also the way you blended colors on the first card is amazing.
Thanks for sharing your projects and all these new ink colors with loads of possibilities!
I love the masculine card…the design and colors. The colors blended so,well in the first card. All,are beautiful.
Wonderful cards! How I wish I had a vision of what to create! You always share amazing ideas!
All your cards are so different. Your right I did ask myself why is she ironing it off.. lol My favorite is your Thanks card. 🙂 ty
Great cards. Your first one would be beautiful framed.
Your feather cards are incredible. Thanks for shaing.
Lile the feathers
So love the look of the flowers reminds me of the 70’s. Awesome card!
Wow- really amazing cards! Love the new stamps and inks!
As usual, your cards are awesome! I love the idea you had for making a stencil that you can reuse. Aren’t these colors amazing???
Each card seemed better than the last. Wow you knocked it out of the park.
Ingrid your cards are stunning. Wow!!
Wow. Your backgrounds are amazing!! Im in love with your first card!! Stunning!!
Gorgeous cards with some really stunning techniques!
Beautiful cards! Can’t wait to get my hands on those inks!!!!
Can I just say, black on black embossed flowers…WOW!!! These are lovely Ingrid. Can’t wait to get my order! ❤️
Wow love tot card
The first card is fabulous!! Love these new ink colors.
wow, amazing projects today showcasing all the wonderful new things at CPK!