This Cheery Lynn die is the perfect meld of Chinese Theme AND Dog to take to the Teaparty destination this week with Alex Pasichnyk, a 12-year-old little girl from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. HereÂ’s more on the challenge and AlexÂ’s story: MMTPT499 ~ February 13, 2018 ~ Chinese New Year by snietje at Splitcoaststampers
This is in fact a Chinese Fu Dog (sometimes called Lion), used for protection in Feng Shui. They are often found in pairs, guarding doorways. This “puppy” is facing forward and looking to a bright future just like Alex should be.
I had forgotten how this die has been the source of infinite frustration from the moment I first used it! Perhaps because it has taken offence to the misnomer “Dragon”? (Who cares, as long as Fu brings luck, right?). I HIGHLY recommend using a metal shim with this die, also, a little trick from Jennifer Mcguire: place a bit of painters tape on the area of those detailed dies that tends to be difficult. Thanks also to Kittie747 who was very helpful when I messaged her about die-cutting some years ago. She suggested using wax paper between die and cardstock. Kittie makes stunning die cut cards (see her gallery here: kittie747's Gallery at Splitcoaststampers. Unfortunately, despite all these tips and tricks, the die continues to be difficult, however, Fu does look a little like jade, right?
After cutting the die out of white 160 gram paper, I colored all over it with various colors of prisma watercolor pencils in green and a touch of dark brown (neocolor II or any other watercolor pencils would work fine, too).
Drew around the edges with a permanent brown marker (I used the Derwent brush tips – intentionally leaving a lot more color on the mat underneath than on the edges).
Used my aqua-painter pen to blend all the color together – you can see how the area of the die that is cut but not cut out (typical of some Cheery Lynn designs) stays lighter. I thought this would give it the look of green jade.
I’m addicted to the clear Wink of Stella pen, so that completed Fu (incidentally the Chinese word for “Luck”/”Joy”).
Mounted Fu on gold glitter paper and a red embossed background made with the Crafts Concepts Weaving Blocks 4.5x5.25inch EF. Was not at all satisfied with it so the Thermofoiled character “Fu” came into play. Foiling is a science! As you can see, this was not very successful, but the best I’ve done yet. I’m convinced that foiling and heat embossing only work on coated papers. These leave the toner and versamark on the surface (other papers absorb too much of the sticky). I’d be curious to hear what others think about it.
More glitter paper mounted on fun foam to give everything more depth. A small but beautiful last bit of Chinese ribbon and a Chinese charm. Something was still missing and this eyelash ribbon in Chinese colors came to mind to edge the embossed paper and the charm. Pretty much everything was glued using glossy accents. The card base is an Artoz Paper Card in 5x7. It goes out to Alex tomorrow. I really hope she likes it and that it brings her all the luck and joy that the double Fus symbolize.
Thanks for your patience to read all this and thanks for looking. Have a Fu/Luck/Joy kind of day and start to the new week!
Date: Sunday, February 18, 2018 GMT Views: 567
Favorited:2
Paper: Red Card by Artoz, glitter paper Premium by Geiselberger
Ink: na
Accessories: Crafts Concepts Weaving Blocks EF, Cheery Lynn Stone Dragon Die, computer generated Fu Character, fun foam, Derwent Brush pens, Prismacolor Pencils greens and browns, Chinese Eyelash ribbon, gold cord, Chinese charm from my stash, gold acrylic paint, Glos
Techniques: die cutting, fussy cutting, embossing, foiling, patience:)
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131541
Sun, Feb 18, 2018 @ 8:12 AM
The eyelash fiber looks amazing here, Patricia! What a labour of love to apply it so carefully and neatly all the way round. Your sweet little dog brought back memories straight away of a little blue china one my mother had. What a fabulous Asian card, I'm sure Alex will love it - and from Heather's recent update, it sounds as if things are already going well for her but we could all do with some extra luck in life!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Sun, Feb 18, 2018 @ 10:50 PM
Oh wow Patricia this is wonderful. I loved reading your process and I'm so glad you persisted. Alex and her family are sure to love this an appreciate all the work. I will look for a YouTube demo on using dryer sheets with thin metal dies, works a dream! I shall PM you.
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: June 3, 2016 Location: France Posts: 59776
Mon, Feb 19, 2018 @ 12:17 AM
Patricia this is so pretty and after reading your story I know you've put a part of your soul inside this card!! I'm so glad you played in my challenge this is really an Asian style!! I'm sure Alex is going to love it!!
Registered: September 3, 2007 Location: native Texan living in extreme N. GA Posts: 73387
Wed, Feb 21, 2018 @ 3:17 PM
Beautiful, Patricia! I love the gold & red & all the sparkle! I have many dies that are problem children. I just run them thru multiple times at different angles & sometimes put a piece of card board (cereal box or lighter) under them, then no problem. Your card reminds me of Chinatown in San Francisco. Fun memories!
Registered: December 4, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 16610
Sat, Feb 24, 2018 @ 8:46 AM
What a gorgeous Asian-inspired card this is! I love all the elements, the colors, and this glorious fringe you have added. Alex is sure to adore this amazing work of he(art) you made for her. ~Karen.