What Happened when I tried 3 NEW card making techniques!

[@CanadianQueenmagenta]

Natalie Bowers has a very interesting channel. I have made smooshers in all different sizes. I love using them. Such a unique look. Love your channel Ardyth. Happy Holidays.

[@nbcascards]

Thank you! Haven't seen you around for a while. Hope all is well with you. :)

[@CanadianQueenmagenta]

@@nbcascards Thank you. All is well just in one of those slump times. I watch more than I do right now.

[@nbcascards]

@@CanadianQueenmagenta Sending hugs! Have been thinking of you. xxx

[@CanadianQueenmagenta]

@@nbcascards Hugs back to you Natalie.

[@ardyth]

I agree - I only found her recently, but I love how she uses messy techniques and still makes very CAS cards! Thanks so much for watching!

[@l.a.kornell4498]

That NB Cards ink smoosher is genius. I get a much better result now. Thanks for experimenting!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

Natalie's channel is addictive - I love it! The smoosher is such a great idea!

[@ardyth]

She's very clever!

[@diannerobert3822]

Very pretty ! Thanks for sharing . 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@SarahCoxWrites]

Wow, I haven't seen the smoosher on any other channel than on Natalie's channel, NB Cards, who showed it over a year ago now, so glad it is making it into the wider world - it is such a useful technique and your cards are lovely.

[@ardyth]

Yes, she's very clever! Thanks for watching!

[@corinarazo1404]

I love the "smoosher". Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@IRC1026]

I thought the NB Smoosher idea was so fun and was happy to see you using it. It gives so much more control than "regular" smooshing. Love your ideas. Thank you so much!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JeanTanner-g3d]

What you did with the ink smooshed panel was brilliant! NB Cards has great inspirations for clean and simple cards, which is not my usual go-to. Your cards are more like what I create, so I'm glad you share with us all.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@judithe.bradshaw5095]

Awesome techniques! Beautiful cards😊. You always manage to create amazing designs from techniques & backgrounds you say “aren’t your favorites”!!! ❤

[@ardyth]

LOL! Some might call me stubborn... Thanks so much for watching!

[@dizzinese]

I am so happy you took my advice on checking out Natalie’s channel and trying the ink smoosher! I LOVE having so much less water running off my paper, but I am a control freak! I know you’ll like it and even with your powders! Just keep at it! I thought your cards all turned out fantastic!!!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much, Denise!

[@flo-llama]

I loved all of these techniques! The smooshed panel made 2 gorgeous masculine cards. Since the men in my life all state that "camo" is their favorite color (as all the others are "girly") I can smoosh their favorite color for backgrounds & stop my endless search for appropriately colored pattern papers. You've just made my life so much easier! Thank you! 💙

[@ardyth]

Definitely a good technique for camo! Thanks so much for watching!

[@maryt9375]

This is why I love your channel - the sheer joy that comes with playing…

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@hilarygreek7830]

The first card looks like a topographical map! Love the blending brush idea!

[@ardyth]

It totally does! Thanks for watching!

[@judipalumbo]

AGAIN! YOU AMAZE ME! I wish I could make a giant video of all my Ardyth favorite vids, but it would be a week long, non stop, if not more! Love it! Love it! Love it!

[@ardyth]

LOL! That is such a nice thing to say! I appreciate you!

[@nbcascards]

Regarding the letterpress technique, I've done it before using the rubber embossing mat that came with my die-cutting machine. The ink transfers well, plus you get and a decent deep impression from the die. x

[@ardyth]

That is a great suggestion - honestly I was getting tired of trying out different sandwiches but that makes really good sense. Thanks so much for your ink-smooshing invention! And for stopping by!

[@muskadobbit]

I’m a convert to the DIY smoosher. I find that analogous colours work better, or split complementary, and definitely dry between smooshes so the colours don’t bleed into each other.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@marthagaluszka8888]

The watercolor smush technique is something we watercolor painters have often used, especially for clouds, rock textures, etc., so I was intrigued that it is adopted for card designs. Nice job. I love watching your experiments and how you solve problems that don't work out as hoped.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@gusterry1]

Huge fan of my smooshers that I learned how to make on NB’s KZbin channel❣️

[@ardyth]

She's so clever!

[@nancyglaspie6735]

Fun! And pretty cards. I love Natalie's channel too. TFS

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@CampHappyMail]

I enjoyed watching you try things that you normally don’t do! And I highly recommend that you make another smoosher using bubble wrap - bubbles on the outside of course! (Another NB cards invention!) I was surprised by your color choices on the first card and it was fun to see the cards that you made from that panel! I swear you could put mud on a panel and still manage to turn it into beautiful cards! I’m looking forward to trying the watercolor techniques with the stencils! Thank you for sharing your experiments - this was fun and the cards were beautiful as always!

[@ardyth]

So many variations to that genius smoosher idea! Thanks so much for watching!

[@cindyrobinson2199]

I follow NB Cards and love her smoosher. You can get some great backgrounds with it. You always have some great ideas too with unique Cards.

[@ardyth]

I've been loving her work too! Thanks for watching!

[@artsyfaithrae]

Great Vid, Ardyth! I’d bookmarked Natalie’s ink smoother vid to also do a video on that handy tool - lol. Definitely gives a better ink smooshed result. Had not thought of using that second technique with the stencils so will definitely have to give that a go! Thanks for the inspiration 🤗💜

[@ardyth]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!

[@kmatto_kmatto]

I love watching NB Cards and have also made my own handmade Smoosher thanks to her! Great tips about stenciling with watercolors and trying to use Betterpress plates without having that specific tool. --Kristin

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@minikraut]

Have been following NB for some time - glad your are connecting!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching, Stephanie!

[@marusnak1113]

Poinsettia is great - love it. And love your smoosher experiment too -had made a note to self to use that after seeing the NB Cards episode, some great ideas from that channel, too. I enjoy your channel so very much. Thank you for sharing.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching, I'm so glad you like it!

[@loribeck7496]

I love it! And I much prefer NB's smoosher to the old method. I'm going to try your press plate technique.... Picked some up at a thrift store but I'm not getting a better press. Your cards are great!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Taitcreates639]

Ardyth, wow, all of those cards ended up beautiful, so clean and well done. Love your techniques.

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked them!

[@mariannes466]

The watercolour technique opened up new ideas!!

[@ardyth]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@marblegal7372]

I’ve yet to make my own smoosher since first seeing it on Natalie’s channel, but will experiment with that after my Christmas cards are mailed. I tried BetterPress word dies in my Big Shot but need to play with the sandwich more. TFS your lovely results, Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@99zanne]

I love Natalie - she’s so talented! TFS!

[@ardyth]

She is! Thanks for watching!

[@VeganDoris]

7:15 OMG that vellum shadow is so gorgeous and elegant!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@MsShanarun]

You made me really want to try water color with stencils. You get more choices for colors. And for sparkle water colors like Twinkling H2O's. Great video!

[@ardyth]

Yes! And watercolour powders too! I definitely want to try that one again! Thanks for watching!

[@donnajacober]

Been using that ink smoosher for quite some time and I love the control it gives. I waited more than a year to get the BetterPress and now wonder why I waited. It is foolproof, no learning curve and produces magnificent cards. Love your channel.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching, I'm so glad you enjoy the channel!

[@phionella7]

I love that first background. I so enjoy your videos and your style of card making. 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@letsgetlizicle]

Love the ink smooshing technique, and will need to try that method! Also, I usually do white on white with die cuts, but definitely love the green on green in that last example...just another thing for me to try lol! Thanks so much for sharing, Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for stopping by, Liz!

[@lindavinson1273]

Such fun! 💕 Love all of the cards. Thank you for leaving in the process.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@michelegourd5742]

I love NB cards!! I also the the smoosher!! I did not know about the watercolor one!! Love that idea since I do not do watercolor much!! I also do not have a better press and I can use the with my glimmer hot foil and also if you put a embossing mat down it will give a letter press look.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@LisaVornhagen]

Those are all really cool techniques! I especially love the ink smooshing!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@Pebblesmas]

Thx 4 yet another amazing viseo. Love your videosas much as the NB Cards videos😂❤, really funny that i do love the first smooshing cards color. And i made the smooshing tools too.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jennygee9849]

great experimenting/play to make some lovely cards....I love my ink smoosher...NB has some great ideas too

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@AKpaperpirates]

I had seen these techniques as you linked, yet you showing new designs for completion was nice, thank you.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Gidget3922]

These are great, Ardith. The first one I wasn’t liking at all but when you cut it down, wow! Thanks for sharing all your tips and techniques. I’ve used Natalie’s smooshers for a long time. I have a large and a small one and they work great. Have a wonderful Christmas 🤗

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! You too!

[@kellymom9]

I struggle with watercolor, but I love the look. The watercolor stencil technique looked amazing & am definately going to try!

[@ardyth]

I'm excited to try it again! Thanks for watching!

[@currylover0]

Wow the stencil was beautiful and simple! Thank you for sharing, and nice way to try new techniques.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@amyswares]

Gorgeous cards! Fun to watch you play!

[@ardyth]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@janetchristensen7351]

Great video

[@kiwipommiegirl]

Your stencilled card is gorgeous Ardyth! I discoved Natalie's channel a while back,made different sized smooshers and use them a lot. Like the look better than swiping or using acetate for background colour. It's lovely to see another video from you Ardyth, I bpray you'll have a lovely Christmas and a very happy new year! Ann in N Zxx

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much, Ann! I love using the smoosher technique too.

[@daphnemerk5334]

Love the techniques you used here, the smooshing and water color blending. I have tried the better press plates before, without much success.

[@ardyth]

I was getting tired of different sandwiches - you have to be so careful not to try to put too thick of a sandwich through the machine, but I think if you have a softer plate (ie an embossing mat or even cardstock), you might get more of an impression. Thanks so much for watching!

[@nancyprobst6311]

The cards are awesome, and I really loved seeing different techniques. Thanks!

[@ardyth]

I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for watching!

[@catheywoody3729]

Love your simple and elegant card ideas. You have a great voice and technique that makes it easy to watch your videos. I am a big fan of you.🥰

[@ardyth]

You are so kind! Thanks for watching!

[@longlivedemocracy756]

Your cards turned out great! I especially loved the cards made with the watercolor. Look forward to trying it.

[@ardyth]

Have fun! Thanks for watching!

[@janweddell3878]

I love watching your experimenting processes! They always encourage me to find the things I have and try them in a new and different way! All your cards turned out so beautiful...as usual. 😍 Thanks for sharing your creativity.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@nicollevisser8141]

What a great inspiration again! Thanks Ardyth! Great start of the weekend! See you next time!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching, Nicolle!

[@lu-ellenhafner4968]

WOW LOVE THE POINSETTIA

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@mokrn]

Ardyth, no offense, but I really thought your first smooshing of the dark colors was headed to the wastebasket. But, NO! You made some beautiful cards with it-- very masculine feel to them. Nicely done! Natalie of NB cards is definitely in a class by herself! I really enjoy trying out her smooshing with various sizes, and by playing with shapes of the paper towels inside the plastic. Right now, she's in her first week of 24 days of die cuts for cards. I, too, love her messy ideas for cards that are still CAS. She's helped me come out of my rigidity with my cards. I also love the different ways she glues items.

[@ardyth]

LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@kcinca5410]

That watercolor technique will definitely be getting a go round at my house. I have a tendency to make other products (magicals, Tim's watercolor pencils, perfect pearls, anything that will work) into watercolors plus I have a myriad of actual watercolors, so this is helpful to me. I don't have a Betterpress either but I do have the plates to use in my hot foil machine (which, of course, I don't get out often enough). I'm doubtful about using the smooshing technique as I know I don't need any more backgrounds! I'm always swimming in them it seems. Although I might try it IF I did have something very specific in mind. TMI? I love all your videos and the fact that you are always willing to try out new things. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@ardyth]

I am really happy with that technique - as someone else commented, so many colours, and possibilities of mixing. I definitely want to try it with the watercolour powders. I'm also not generally an ink smoosher, but mostly because I couldn't reliably get good results. This tool makes it so much easier. Thanks so much for watching - Happy Holidays!

[@Lainers2000]

This is he 2nd time today I have seen a blending brush used for water colors and stencils. The reasoning makes sense…less water. Thanks, Ardyth.

[@ardyth]

Lol! Great minds must be thinking alike! Thanks for watching!

[@michellestmarentette.antoi5904]

Thanks for sharing. You are right the “ joy “ looks comic book, I thought Andy Warhol. 👍🏻south🇨🇦

[@ardyth]

I see that! lol! Or Roy Lichtenstein! Thanks for watching!

[@michellestmarentette.antoi5904]

@ agreed ( had to take art history ).

[@robi92100]

Thank you so much for sharing! These are great techniques and my fav is the first one with the smooshing!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@SharonLuska]

Love everything you do Ardyth🤗🤗💕💕

[@ardyth]

That is very sweet! Thank you so much!

[@cindyg.3875]

I don’t have a lot of inks for blending, so I really like the watercolor trick. Such a nice technique. And, I love how you salvaged the first ink smooshing panel- the finished card is lovely!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@Sylvia.Torres]

Great new techniques and beautiful cards! ❤ Thank you Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@lynvassiliou6597]

Love this video Ardyth, I have been eyeing the better press system but such a big investment for something I may hardly use, now I think I will invest in some better press die plates. I’ve saved this video, & will definitely try it. TFS ❤❤❤

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching, I hope you enjoy experimenting!

[@Franclin58]

Great cards Ardyth. No matter what techniques you use the end result is always stunning.

[@ardyth]

That is a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much!

[@candiwelsh5524]

Love love love! Especially the watercolor idea❤️ great job ❤️

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@CoolCakesandCraftswithAmalia1]

Great ideas, TFS!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@charnydegger3267]

Making use of watercolor and stencils, thank you

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@lizzystitch4842]

Your cards are so pretty!

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Amazing cards 🥰 I love your techniques, your card designs and your tutorial ❤️ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@kareneaton433]

Really interesting seeing new ideas and I always like seeing your cards

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@diezrosales]

Very clever and helpful techniques. Thank you for sharing.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeanettew.fenton6954]

Love ❤the poinsettia

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@judyhartmann3071]

Love the cards! TFS

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@nayinthewoodsrichter6879]

I loved idea 2, definitely going to try. I have an expensive watercolor set to use. I don't physched, going to go play.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching - I hope you have lots of fun with it!

[@olivemaycards]

Thanks for sharing some fun new ideas ❤

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrsmcphate]

Love these techniques! I have to try them! TFS!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@athomeink4189]

Fun new ideas! Thank you! I love that Letter Press look so much!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@LynBell]

Lovely cards!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@olivia8979]

Those were a some great ideas. I think you can also hot foil with those better press plares.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@elizstewart3316]

Ardyth... you are so talented! Love that you are out there testing for us...definitely going to try brushes with my watercolors! Have a wonderful holiday.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@annekeschep8148]

Yup, Natalie’s smoocher is very helpful. So it the “smoosher 2.0” (I made it with bubble wrap) and the mini smoocher: plastic over a domed ink blender. I think the trick is to not use too many different colors. But I assume the transparent inks from Catherine Pooler work differently than the distress oxides, those are opaque and layer up differently. That is a matter of experience. I will have to find my own sandwich for a letterpress plate I recently bought. I am also going to try stencils with water colors, but is there a significant difference with other translucent media? Today I played with stencils and some sticky past I got from Diamond Press and used foil according to the instructions. Very pretty! I used the leftover foil with double sided adhesive and glitter. The last one was “interesting”. Maybe ultra fine glitter? Maybe embossing powder is fine enough, and that combo with heat gives a cool “rough” effect. I liked playing again, have not done that for a long time!

[@ardyth]

I'm so glad you're enjoying experimenting with different techniques! Thanks for watching!

[@wendy8184]

You are so clever!

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@christineb6524]

Wonderful ideas…Thanx ✌🏽

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@sjodoin1474]

Lovely cards. These are great techniques Ardyth! I know you were disappointed with the colours of the first panel, but I thought it was gorgeous.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@lamontmccaskel6078]

Bravo Ardyth

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@melissazabower339]

Did the not-betterpress create the impressions like the better press machine or just a flat stamped look? I'd be afraid of breaking my machine! But the cards look great! 💛😊

[@nbcascards]

If you use a rubber embossing mat in your sandwich you'll get the ink transfer plus the dimesional impressions. x

[@bertas-cards]

It is no different than using a thick intricate die in your machine. The embossing rubber mat would have given Ardyth the BetterPress look without purchase the BetterPress system. Just not as deep of an impression.

[@ardyth]

There is definitely some texture on my card, and I do think that using either a rubber mat or even cardstock in the sandwich would allow for more of an impression. Definitely start with a 'thin' sandwich and build up. Thanks for watching!

[@jennett263]

Love these ideas! Have to think about making a few xmas cards even though postal strike has prevented making more.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@GewoonelsJustels]

Fabulous as always I am working on foiling. I have a Laminating machine. Then I decided to buy a mini minc. That result is spectacular! I am going to try out some things to improve a cheaper version for others. Like fixing the foil with hairspray or so. But first I need to get well dealing with the flu.

[@ardyth]

Oh gosh, I hope you're feeling better soon - I can't wait to see what you come up with! Thanks for watching!

[@kathleendippner1757]

Thanks for the video. I accidentally bought a hot foil plate tree design at stamp show thinking it was a die. I'm going to try using them the way you used the better press plate.

[@ardyth]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one! lol! Thanks for watching!

[@charlottebeseke5596]

AMAZING!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@alicechase2235]

I love the stenciling with watercolor because I don't own any ink pads (except black) and with it I can try all the cool card making techniques with ink but with watercolor!!! And save money on the ink pads!! Because they are not cheap when you want all the colors. With watercolor I can mix all the colors I want!! :D

[@ardyth]

It's definitely great to be able to use what you already have! Thanks for watching!

[@alicechase2235]

@@ardyth Definitely! It does feel like cheating when I have all these colors with this method though!!

[@kathylarsson8388]

That was great really enjoyed your techniques. Kathy Sydney Australia

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching, Kathy!

[@pauladyer9845]

Great tips..thanks

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@julieorme9646]

Love it x x x

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@RF-nq3vi]

🥰🥰🥰

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I love your is so awesome and fun!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@suevantassel1406]

WOW!!!

[@shiba_inu_mom]

The second technique does work better with regular medium sized blending brushes (those who are like the makeup ones) according to Jacky Hernandez (youtube channel name as well, worth to watch her tipps on this also, she has recommendations regarding not seaping under the stencil) - and this is not only helpful for watercolorist but for those who does not have (or are not willing to have) that many different color ink pads - as you can get watercolor sets somewhat cheaper and they provide more color through mixing and the metallics are a bonus too since not that many metallic ink pads art that good or affordable.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for your tips!

[@jeanadamsick9854]

NICE!!!! Do take care. Fl.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@shantelstonehouse]

Can I ask what the little brushes you used with your watercolor are called please x

[@bertas-cards]

Those are blending brushes from Altenew. Click see more up in the video description & she has them listed towards the bottom.

[@shantelstonehouse]

@ thank you, I’m a new subscriber this evening I love your channel 🤗 x

[@ardyth]

Yes, blending brushes from Altenew - but any blending brushes will work with this - the original video has lots of options. Thanks for watching!

[@laurabush9812]

Fun!

[@ardyth]

Thank you!