From time to time different companies send me their products to try out. If I think they are really good quality and something that I will truly use, I blog about it. A few months back I was asked if I would like to try a new product called "The Groove" tool. Of course I said yes. During my move my new toy went with me but I didn't really have time to try it out. The distributor emailed me last week to see what I thought of it......oops. I pulled it out and gave it a whirl and what a delightful tool this is, can't wait to share it with you.
The Groove by Art-C is the first tool specifically designed for crafters to ink, sand, stencil and distress a wide variety of surfaces (wood, glass, cardstock, fabric, metal and more). It is portable, light-weight and cordless. Click here to watch The Groove tool.
Here is a sample of some playing cards that I altered using the Groove tool. It sure made sanding and inking very simple. I've included some directions if you're interested in altering some playing cards in the near future.
Directions:
Sand the surface of the playing card lightly leaving some of the original design on the card. If you're using the Groove tool there are two different sanding tips and a low and high speed setting. After sanding lightly tap off the dust.
Apply heavy gesso to the sanded portion of the card. Allow to dry completely before proceeding. You can use a heat gun but be careful not to cause the gesso to bubble unless, of course, you want that distressed look.
Stamp your chosen image on the gesso, sprinkle embossing powder on it and heat emboss the image. Stamp a second image, cut it out, this will be used as a mask later. BTW, this is one of Magda Polakow's new stamps manufactured by Stampotique.
Cover the image on the card with the mask to apply the background colors. I used my new Brusho Crystal Colours for this project. This was a combination of Prussian Blue and Light Brown.
Next I stamped on the card and added stenciling with some heavy gesso. When this was all dry, I inked the edges of the card and allowed that to dry.
I liked this project so much I altered quite a few of the playing cards with different stamps, colors and phrases. Here are a few of my favorites.
I am happy to announce that Momenta sent me a "Groove Tool" to offer as a give-away here on my blog. If you are a follower of my blog and a resident of the USA just leave a comment here at the end of this LONG post. I will give everyone until Thursday midnight, October 8th to leave a comment and then on Friday morning I will randomly pick a winner out of a hat. I will include in the package some of my altered playing cards as inspiration just for fun.
I hope to see lots of comments and maybe some new followers, I love this tool and am anxious to share it with one of you! I will announce the winner on Friday morning, October 9th.
Hugs ~ Renee
It really does sound a great tool, and I just love your altered playing cards, Renee - so kooky and such fun. Sadly I can't go in the hat, being in the UK, but I hope you get lots of interest.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment this morning - good to hear from you. I know I've been a poor visitor lately - but I'm getting there on catching up finally.
Alison xx
Wow, Renee...this looks so fun~ I love your results and thank you for showing us this cool tool, from Art-C~ I would be thrilled to win this sweet, groovy tool to add to my art work~ Yes, please toss my name in your creative hat!!! @>-------------xo
ReplyDeleteVicki Kammerer said: " Can't have too many tools and this one looks like it will make "altering" way easier and fun to boot ! "
ReplyDeleteI love new tools and gadgets. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRenee,
ReplyDeleteThis tool looks very interesting and more to the point, it looks to be very useful especially with playing cards which can be a tricky surface.
Talking of playing cards - love this collection. Amazing colours and they all perfectly represent your style, which in my eyes there is always an essence of quirkiness.
Thank You for this generous Giveaway.
Wishes
Lynne
The new groove tool looks like fun. Would love to be able to use it on a regular basis. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful Renee! Don't put me in the drawing - I have neither the time nor talent to make use of it - just wanted to comment on how awesome the cards are. Glad you are liking NC :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Yvonne! We're in SC but close to NC. We're getting hurricane weather now instead of blizzards. Nice trade off. :-) Love it here so far.
DeleteThis looks like a lot of fun!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your playing cards! Those characters are too cute :) I always like trying new tools, fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteXox, Courtney
Renee, how is it, you make everything look so easy?!!
ReplyDeleteSuch fun playing cards! Your stamped images,colors and words- the best! Are these included in the giveaway? ")
Your groove tool looks pretty cool to work with- I'd like to give it a whirl!
(pun intended!) teehee
So glad you are back to your crafting space- have missed seeing you regularly!
hugs&love,Jackie
Your playing cards look amazing! I especially like that sanding feature. And I can see that you're enjoying your new crafty space/location.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best new tool I have seen in a very long time. Looks like it would be great to work with.
ReplyDeleteMarie
Looks like a tool that would get a lot of use! Thanks for the chance to win one :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I'd love to get the chance to try it! Your cards are awesome also! Thanks for showing us!
ReplyDeleteOooh, cool! I want to win, pick me! I would love the tool and some of your cards!!
ReplyDelete