Castle Garden Hello

I am always looking to make something different and unique and that usually drives me to try different papers, color mediums, styles, etc. Today I decided to try pencils on Curious Metallic Cryogen White. I recently read several posts from my crafty Facebook feeds that people enjoy using it with pencils because it has some tooth even though it appears to be a smooth cardstock. I have known about Cryogen White for some time and have used for it Copic coloring sometimes. It is a great blending card and it makes images subtly glow with a sparkly glimmer. I had not considered it for pencils before and that intrigued me.

To begin this card, I first stamped lightly on a square of Cryogen White with Memento Gray Flannel ink. Since it’s not a stark black ink, it facilitates a no lines coloring technique. I chose an Altenew set called Castle Garden. Altenew produces pretty flower stamps and this one doesn’t disappoint.

I knew I wanted to make these flowers purple so I chose two pencil blends. One is on the pink side and the other on the lavender. Below I had completed all the flowers and you can see two different color schemes in the flowers. I like to use at least two blends in a grouping like this. It adds depth and a more realistic depiction of the diversity in color found in plants.

Next I colored the leaves using the same green color blend.

I found that the Cryogen White did indeed accept the pencils really well. The pencils cover the sparkly coating so what you get is a flat colored image but a pretty sparkle all around it. I could have left it just like this but I also wanted to try splattering it with black ink. The only black liquid ink I have right now is the refill for Memento Tuxedo Black. I put a few drops in a small shot glass and used by Tim Holtz Distress Splatter Brush to get ink on the tips. Then I splattered the piece. I probably overdid it but this was the first time I had tried this technique. It still looks nice but I think it would be nicer with less. Next time!

With that done, I started preparing the card base and background. First I made an A2 card out of Stardream Metallic Amethyst. Then I cut a mat of Stardream Metallic Card Stock in Eris. Both of these papers have a beautiful finish. Then I cut a strip out of Bright Foil Silver Card Stock and used a 3D embossing folder to create a beautifully textured piece. I adhered the strip to the Eris and then adhered the flower piece on top with double sided foam tape. I adhered the piece on the Stardream Metallic Amethyst card base and added some purple sequins. I stamped and placed the Hello sentiment which is also in the stamp set.

This card is one of my most favorite floral cards I’ve made in recent memory. I am thrilled to have found out that Curious Metallic Cryogen White takes pencils well. Next I will try using Copic markers and using pencils to add some additional depth.

Thanks for joining me here today for my little experiment. It just shows you can’t judge a card stock by it’s cover (or finish). Since Cryogen White is a smooth card stock known to be used for Copic coloring, I would have never guessed that it actually has a tooth and will accept pencils nicely. Sometimes it pays to read what your fellow crafters are doing!