Hello there and thank you for stopping by to help celebrate Altenew January 2017 Release! As always, there are lots of great products to pick from – new stamp sets, coordinating dies and new ink colors (scroll down to the bottom of this post to see all new colors in action)!
Now that I live in Phoenix and am constantly surrounded by cacti I couldn’t resist using the Be Strong set that features a fun southwestern theme – they say Cacti are all the rage right now and I couldn’t agree more!
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CARD DETAILS
I started working on my project by stamping the front cactus using Simon’s Intense Black ink on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper (it’s rather expensive paper but oh so very very good – you try it once and you never want to use another watercolor paper again). I used my MISTI stamping tool and triple stamped each image for the blackest black and most solid outline possible. Cold press paper always had some texture to it, so it’s hard to get a good impression when stamping using a clear block.
I masked the front cactus and added another, slightly bigger one behind it. I also stamped Be You & Be Happy sentiment using same black ink and added a number of light strings to the top part of my watercolor panel.
For my coloring, I went with Daniel Smith watercolors (I am using their dot sampler chart – there’s a ton of color in every single dot; it’s meant for trying and testing colors but if you watercolor just a little bit this chart will last you a long time). I freehand colored the sky and horizon line as well as the sandy ground.
I added some natural twine from May Arts and also embellished my card using small and medium clear droplets from Pretty Pink Posh – I adore using them for my cards.
Here’s one last photo of this project where you can catch a bit of texture on the paper.
ADDITIONAL INSPIRATION
I also used a Splash of Color stamp set together with one of the Sketchy Cities and added bold splashes of green to do some quick coloring. I love this set and I can see myself using it often to quickly color any image (and it’s going to completely mess free!). I added a simple sentiment – Sometimes all you need is a little splash of color, tied some natural twine and adhered a strip of gold glitter tape and foam mounted my stamped panel onto a card base made out of light gray cardstock.
 
NEW ALTENEW INK COLORS
I thought it would be super fun to use the Splash of Color stamps to stamp all 12 new ink colors onto a piece of paper. I’m planning on stamping all Altenew inks like this for an easy visual representation.
If you are a fan of Altenew Crisp Dye inks you’ll be happy to know they now have new colors available. A set of lush, tropical greens – Tropical Forest (this is a great addition to the 3 existing green colors); vibrant orange – Warm & Cozy and cool stylish gray colors – Rock Collection. All of these are available in individual pads and in a large oval as well as small cube sets.
GIVEAWAY (NOW CLOSED)
To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to THREE lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew blog by Thursday, February 2nd at 11:59 PM EST for a chance to win. The winners will be announced on the Altenew blog on Saturday, February 4th.
I also have one $30 gift certificate to giveaway! Leave a comment below by the end of the day, Feb 2nd. I’ll pick a random winner on Feb 4th, post winner’s name in this post and will email the winner.
The winner is Hey Jude Cards (Jude U). Congratulations!
Thank you, everyone, for your lovely comments!
NEW STAMPS
 Altenew Tiny Bubble Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Basic Borders Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Basic Headers Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Be A Lighthouse Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Faithful Feathers Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Let The Wind Carry You Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Painted Jellyfish Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Wishing You Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew A Splash Of Color Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Amazing You Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Be Strong Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Farmers Market Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Garden Hydrangea Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Halftone Circles Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Hibiscus Bouquet Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Life is Beautiful Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Recollections Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Smile More Stamps Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
BLOG HOP
The next stop on this hop is my good and crazy talented friend May Sukyong Park!
You can also start over at Altenew blog.
SUPPLIES
Altenew Be Strong Stamps Shop at: ANÂ |Â SSS |
Altenew A Splash Of Color Stamps Shop at: ANÂ |Â SSS |
 Altenew Sketchy Cities America Stamps Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Pale Gray Cardstock Shop at: AN |
 Simon Says Stamp Intense Black Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
 Arches Cold Press Watercolor Pad 9×12″ Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 Neenah 80 Solar White Paper Pack 250 Sheets Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 Mini Misti Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS | SC | AZ |
 Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear Sequins Mix Shop at: SSS | PPP |
 Sakura Quickie Glue Pen Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 Pretty Pink Posh 4MM Clear Droplets (small) Shop at: SSS |
 Pretty Pink Posh 6MM Clear Droplets (medium) Shop at: SSS |
 Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 238-Dot Color Chart Shop at: AZ |
 Altenew Gold & Silver Glitter Tape Shop at: AN |
 Martha Stewart Mini Scoring Board Shop at: SSS | SC | AZ |
 Medium Water Brush Shop at: SSS |
 May Arts IVORY Twine String Burlap Shop at: SSS |
 Altenew Mini Cube Set Rock Collection Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Mini Cube Set Tropical Forest Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
 Altenew Mini Cube Set Warm and Cozy Shop at: ANÂ | SSS |
LOVE the splash of color against the skyline–so cool!
I like your splashes of color with the city scape!
Amazing!!
Beautiful cards Yana, these new colours are really vibrant and beautiful.
love those little light bulbs, so adorable!
I love that Splash of Color stamp set and how you used it! Great cards!
So beautiful new releases! And even more your cards! I love the strings of lights and the cacti.
Creations from one of the best! Thank you for your great talent.
Love the cards – the splash of color one surprised me in how well I liked it in your card
So cute! Loved Altenew since they started.
Hey Yana…now that I’ve seen you use the Splash of Color stamp set, I want it (darn, that happens all the time with you LOL). As always, stunning cards Yana and I love the tip about using the Splash of Color stamp set to make our ink swatches! Until next time Yana….
Gorgeous cards!
gorgeous – as always!
Love the clear droplets with the watercoloring. I’m inspired!
what fabulous cards , and that second one-so clever and just outstanding!
WOW… BEAUTIFUL cards!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Hi Yana, I love the card the Sketchy Cities stamp
You make the most amazing cards!
I like how you used the paint splatters!
I love your cards! Thank you for featuring the inks as well.
Gorgeous cards! Can’t wait to try some of these lovely products! 🙂
Great cards and those colors are outstanding. I absolutely love that Splash of Color Stamp Set. Thanks for sharing.
Linda D.
Love the splash of color card!
Altenew and you, work so well together . You are exquisitely talented Yana, well done.
As usual such great cards and a bit of new knowledge too!
Beautiful cards. I love all the lights on the cacti card.
HI Yana! It was so great to see you again at CHA. Your cards are amazing, and I LOVE what you did with the new inks and Splash of Color! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
The colours are beautiful. Really like the splash of green on the city card. Thanks for sharing.
Stunning as always!!!
Love these beautiful new colors!
Love your cards. Your designs and use of color are always “right on”! The splash of color on the city design is just perfect!
I love how you showcased the Splash of Color stamp set and the new inks.
Love the simple card with just the splatters. Beautiful. Keep the cards coming. They are great.
Love the splatters, so fun
Beautiful cards, love your coloring too.
I love the cacti, one of my favorite plants.
Love your watercoloring, the colors are amazing!
I love your take on the “splash of color”!
Beautiful
Really nice
Love your cards – so fun and bright. Thanks for sharing:)
wso cool hat you’re living in Phoenix! LUV the splashes!
Beautiful cards – I especially love seeing these new ink colors (thanks!)
I always love your cards! Love the new designs! I’ve already ordered a couple of them because I’m an instant gratification kinda girl!
Love your cards!
I was wondering how to use those splatter stamps! Super cool!!
Striking cards. Really love the splash of colour skyline. Thank you for the inspiration.
Such gorgeous cards, and as always your wonderful photography skills make them look even better, Yana!
wonderful cards, Yana – really am loving the new ink colors and how you used them!
Amazing cards and I love how you used the splash of color on the sketchy city card.