AECP Level 1 - Final Project

(Group 55 - Ken Chien)

The assignment for AECP Level 1’s final project was to design a coordinated set of masculine and feminine cards centered around a theme (I decided on cards with sentiments of encouragement).

The three Level 1 courses where I drew much inspiration from were 1) All About Layering (3/4), 2) Clean and Simple (CAS) cards, 3) Stenciling  Technique - although I learned from all ten courses and they all influenced the creation of these eight cards in some way.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese concept of the “Four Gentlemen,” which symbolizes virtues such as integrity and resilience through four plants - plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, each representing a season - I crafted a collection that embodies these qualities.

Card Designs:

• Plum Blossom (Winter): Utilized Altenew’s layered die set and 3D embossing folder to create depth and texture, capturing the essence of resilience during winter.

• Orchid (Spring): Employed layered stamps and stencils to depict elegance and renewal, reflecting the spirit of spring.

• Bamboo (Summer): Combined 3D embossing techniques with stenciling to illustrate strength and flexibility, qualities associated with summer.

• Chrysanthemum (Autumn): Stamps and stencils were used, and this particular set was chosen to represent endurance and longevity, embodying the autumn season.

Packaging:

The set is presented in a custom-designed box crafted from recycled Altenew mailing materials, featuring individual compartments for each pair of cards. The “Craft Your Life: Silk Art” set was used to adorn the packaging cover, with an additional set of peonies—often referred to as the “queen of flowers” in Chinese culture—stamped on the spine to honor its exalted status.

This project seeks to showcase Altenew’s products’ versatility while paying homage to cultural symbolism, creating a meaningful and cohesive set of encouragement cards.

Let's begin...

One of the most intriguing yet challenging projects is creating a cohesive set of cards featuring 4 pairs of matching (yet distinct) masculine and feminine cards. One of the initial decisions I made for this PR was regarding the card size. I chose to make all the cards A2 sized (some with a vertical fold and some with a horizontal fold), which feels small since I typically work with A6. To give all eight cards a lush, uniform appearance, I framed each card front with a slightly smaller brush gold card stock, creating a thin border.

Then, the work began gathering Altenew products, which was a crucial step in bringing my artistic vision to life. This process required careful consideration and planning, as my concept was intricately focused on specific flowers that hold significant cultural meaning. In particular, I aimed to incorporate flowers that the ancient Chinese revered, referring to one of them as one of the "gentlemen" of the floral world, a title that reflects both beauty and elegance. This aspect of my project was not merely a choice of aesthetics; it was a deep appreciation for the symbolism and history associated with these flowers, which have been celebrated in Chinese culture for centuries.

This task was particularly urgent for me due to my location in Taiwan, where access to certain floral products can be limited. I knew that any flower-related materials I required would necessitate ample time for international delivery, as shipping across borders often involves delays and logistics challenges. Therefore, I had to act swiftly and efficiently to ensure that I could gather all the necessary supplies before the project timeline became too tight. The clock was ticking, and I was determined to bring my vision to fruition without compromising on quality or authenticity.

Fortunately, the good news was that I already possessed most of the Altenew sets that I needed for my project. This was a relief, as it meant that I could immediately begin sketching and planning my designs without having to wait for additional products to arrive. However, there were still a few missing items that were essential to complete my collection. After checking Altenew's inventory, I discovered that they had the specific products I was lacking in stock, which filled me with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Knowing that I could easily order these remaining pieces allowed me to focus on the creative aspects of my project, confident that I would soon have everything I needed to bring my floral concept to life.

CARD SET 1 - PLUM BLOSSOM (MEI HUA): The plum blossom is a significant flower in Chinese and Asian culture, yet it is not as recognized in the West compared to the cherry blossom. It is the first flower to bloom in winter, often depicted in Chinese art against snowy landscapes, symbolizing resilience. The Forbidden City housed many women who found solace and inspiration in these blooms during the harsh winter, often writing poems or creating art about them. The plum blossom represents strength against adversity and plays a role in Chinese cuisine, with its fruit used in sauces, sweets, and traditional medicine. Despite its cultural importance and spread to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, the cherry blossom remains more famous outside Asia.

Again, the Plum Blossom is one of the most iconic flowers in Chinese culture, holding a significant place not only in traditional art and literature but also in the hearts of the people. It is revered for its resilience and beauty, symbolizing perseverance and hope amidst adversity. Additionally, it is recognized as the national flower of Taiwan, representing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the island. While at first glance, the Plum Blossom might appear similar to the cherry blossom, especially to those who are not well-versed in the nuances of these floral varieties, there are indeed distinct differences that set them apart. The Plum Blossom typically features smaller petals that are rounded at the tips and often exhibit a more vibrant hue, ranging from pale pink to deep magenta, while the cherry blossom tends to have larger, more elongated petals that can come in shades of white and light pink. Furthermore, the blooming period of the Plum Blossom occurs earlier in the year, often heralding the arrival of spring, whereas cherry blossoms bloom later, creating a beautiful yet fleeting spectacle. This contrast in both appearance and timing adds to the unique charm and cultural significance of the Plum Blossom, making it a beloved symbol of renewal and the transient nature of life in Chinese philosophy.

Altenew offers a single product specifically for the Plum Blossom—a smaller layer die set. I also found a 3D embossing folder named Cherry Plum Blossom, which combines elements of both flowers into a single branch with blooms. Although it's a bit of a cheat, I had limited options. With these two products at hand, I decided to experiment with something I've owned for a long time but never used. I'm unsure of its official name, but it's a dense sponge that can be heated and then pressed against stamps or embossing folders to create a negative space stamp surface block. I was amazed by the level of detail the sponge captured, though I accidentally set one on fire by overheating it, resulting in a burnt corner.

The stamp effect closely resembled traditional Chinese chop stamps. I used various sections of the embossing folder and stamped them with different colors on the card front. Naturally, some splattering was essential as well! I had something special in mind for the inside of the card. While planning this project, I decided not to heavily rely on pop-up mechanisms, but at least one pair of cards would feature pop-ups. With the Plum Blossom's sole dedicated set being the die set, I ink blended one in a more traditional deep red while the masculine card has more brown tones.

When you open the cards, you might initially think that I used the same pop-up mechanism for both creations, given their striking visual similarities. However, upon closer inspection, you will discover that they are actually two distinct, repurposed dies designed by the talented Karen Burniston, each featuring its own unique characteristics and subtle differences in movement. The feminine card, which is adorned with delicate floral elements, employs the Tea and Coffee mechanism, a design that has been cleverly tripled up to enhance its visual impact. This particular mechanism allows the blossoms to sway more dramatically, creating a sense of lively movement that captures the essence of a gentle spring breeze. The way the flowers dance and flutter as the card is opened adds an enchanting touch, making it feel almost alive. In contrast, the masculine card takes a different approach by utilizing Karen's Mailbox Pop mechanism. This design is more understated and sophisticated, moving at only two pivotal points as the card is opened. The movement here is not as exuberant; it resembles more of a gentle breeze than a gust of wind, offering a calm and refined aesthetic that complements the overall theme of the card. The subtlety of the Mailbox Pop adds to the charm of the masculine card, providing a more grounded and elegant experience. Each mechanism has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the intended sentiment of the card, showcasing the versatility and creativity that can be achieved with Karen Burniston's innovative designs. Ultimately, the contrasting movements of these two cards highlight the beauty of personalization in card-making, allowing for a tailored experience that resonates with the recipient.

CARD SET 2 - ORCHID (LAN HUA); The next flower on the list is the orchid. Altenew had a slight preference for orchids. I have two Craft-a-Flower sets and two Build-a-Garden stamp sets available. I chose the beautifully detailed Alluring Orchids and Add-on bundle. It was one of those large stamps that take up most of the space on the Stampwheel 2.0. I had plenty to work with for the two cards. I opted for a violet-purple feminine card and a teal masculine card. I decided to try the "eclipse" technique for these orchid cards. This technique is simple. Once I had a good image, I used large letter dies to cut out a word from the image. Then, I stacked layers of more die cutouts to lift the word subtly. I love how simple and clean this technique looks—very elegant. I didn't have much space for the word if I stuck to my standard A2 card size. I could fit three letters snugly on a vertical card and more comfortably on a horizontal card. I chose the word YOU to clarify that the card was intended for the recipient. The sentiments "I appreciate you" and "You're capable of doing amazing things" fit YOU perfectly. I decided to keep the feminine card vertical while turning the masculine one into a horizontal card.

After completing the feminine card using the classic eclipse technique (with the word elevated), I wanted to distinguish the two further. I stacked the entire card and allowed the YOU to sink, creating a more noticeable look (in my opinion) that was equally appealing. I'm glad I chose teal for this card; I adore the color. This particular stamp and stencil set is worth exploring if you appreciate the unique appearance of orchids. My favorite aspect was that the product designer included the characteristic spots on the orchid (not called tongue?). The final step of the coloring was to ensure what they were, and they turned out to be stamped dots. I'm thrilled with these two. Orchids were my grandmother's favorite flowers, and I always remember standing on a step stool to reach the kitchen sink and help water the exposed roots and bark of my grandmother's numerous orchids.

CARD SET 3 - BAMBOO (ZHU ZI): I must thank Altenew for releasing a 3D embossing folder with matching stencils for bamboo. It's the only bamboo set available. I would have thiso if it weren't for the panda set to stand in for produce beautiful bambo. This is the only set I experimented with extensively before starting this project. It was also my first introduction to Altenew and the first item I purchased from them. The memory of my initial experience with this bamboo set will always stay with me. I hadn't been crafting for a while and was puzzled by the squiggly lines on Altenew's stencils, not realizing they were designed to save material and required repositioning. I colored it as it was, having already dry-embossed the bamboo in the center. A few days later, I asked my only crafting friend in Taiwan why the set looked so odd—I had an embossed bamboo in the center and stencil inking on the left and right sides of the page, far apart. It turned out they needed to be layered and used together. I felt embarrassed, but I'm glad it didn't deter me from Altenew, LOL!

For this particular pairing, I focused on the aesthetic aspect of color blending and the tactile qualities of the images I created. To achieve a distinct visual contrast between the feminine and masculine elements, I applied a debossed technique for the feminine image, creating a subtle indentation in the cardstock that exudes a sense of softness and delicacy. In contrast, the masculine image was brought to life through an embossed technique, resulting in a raised surface that conveys strength and boldness. This combination of textures enhances the visual appeal and invites the viewer to engage with the artwork on a sensory level.

During this creative process, I stumbled upon a fundamental technique that, surprisingly, I had never explored before. I discovered that I could run a design through the embossing machine with a pattern that is either more repetitive or more subtle before embossing it again. By using the Bamboo as the sendoff for a deeper press, I achieved a layered effect that added complexity to the final piece. This technique allows for a fascinating interplay of textures, where the initial pattern serves as a foundation upon which the subsequent embossing builds, creating a rich visual narrative.

The outcome of this process is genuinely striking. After completing the embossing, I lightly brushed ink onto the raised areas of the cardstock. This technique highlights the embossed sections and allows the subtle patterns from the first pass to emerge softly in the background. The interplay of the raised and recessed designs, combined with the ink application, results in a dynamic composition that captures light in intriguing ways. The final piece is not merely a visual representation but a tactile experience that draws people in, encouraging them to explore the details and nuances I have painstakingly crafted. Overall, this project has expanded my technical skills and deepened my appreciation for the possibilities that arise from combining different techniques in my artistic practice.

I discovered a new product to use with the stencil: Shimmering Relief Pastes. The colors are stunning, and applying them as leaves adds a unique shine and sparkle to the cards. I experimented with drying the paste directly on the embossing folder to see if a dried piece might be helpful elsewhere, but it tore apart when I tried to remove it. A thicker application next time?

CARD SET 4 - CHRYSANTHEMUM (JU HUA): The set utilized in this project was the exquisite "Japanese Mum" layering stamp and die set, which is renowned for its intricate designs and versatility. The first stamp, which serves as the outline of the flower, imparted a strikingly sharp and graphic quality to the overall appearance of the bloom. This bold outline was particularly suited for the masculine card, as it conveyed a sense of strength and structure, while I intentionally opted not to use it for the feminine version, which called for a softer and more delicate aesthetic. For the background of the cards, I aimed to experiment with the unique textures that can be achieved through the use of Letterpress plates combined with hot foil techniques. In my exploration, I found myself particularly captivated by the 'satin' foils, which possess an almost ethereal transparency that adds a subtle yet sophisticated sheen to the final product. The iridescent quality of these foils creates a mesmerizing effect, catching the light in a way that enhances the visual depth of the card. This elegant satin foil was specifically chosen for the feminine card, as it aligned perfectly with the soft, romantic theme I was trying to achieve. In my experience, I have found that press plates tend to integrate more seamlessly with the Glimmer system compared to traditional foil plates, which often require more adjustment and precision. Although I typically favor using the MINC or fuse machine for foiling, especially for items printed on a laser printer, I have come to appreciate the distinctive designs and high-quality materials offered by Altenew. Their unique plates and foils allow for creative possibilities that are hard to replicate with other brands. After carefully cutting out the chrysanthemums, I deliberated on the placement of the flowers on each card. My intention was to avoid a coarse arrangement; instead, I aimed for a balanced and harmonious composition. For the masculine card, I chose to feature a single, prominent centerpiece that drew the eye and served as the focal point of the design. In contrast, the feminine card showcased two separate chrysanthemums, strategically positioned slightly apart from each other. This arrangement not only added visual interest but also created a sense of movement and flow within the composition, enhancing the overall appeal of the card set.

RECYCLE AND PACKAGING: I wanted drawers for each pair of cards, but creating actual pull-out drawers was beyond my skills. Reflecting on my brief experience with bookbinding using Japanese stitching, I realized it would be relatively easy to learn how to make hinges with simple math. I had numerous Altenew shipping boxes and envelopes in various sizes. Initially, I considered using the Stampwheel 2.0 box. This box has foam-cut corner grooves within its pizza-sized dimensions, allowing me to fit the card's corner into these notches. Two cards with a Chinese symbol in the center notch perfectly fill the box with the cards fanned out in a circle. However, that box wouldn't fit into my light box for photography, so I opted for bookbinding.

I only needed each drawer to be half an inch deep to accommodate the two cards. I placed small triangle stoppers in the lower right corner to secure the cards. I cut out the four Chinese characters for Plum Blossom, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum in a brush calligraphy style and positioned them in the corner (intentionally subtle). Next, I worked on a Craft Your Life set called "Silk Art," using a cool stencil. I repeated the ink blending three times, then heavily splattered the cover sheet. For the spine of this book frame, I chose to use the "Cora Louise Peony" stamp, embossing the outline in antique gold. Interestingly, it's surprising that the Peony wasn't included on the list instead of the Bamboo. Throughout Chinese history, the peony has held a highly esteemed position. Its name is synonymous with beauty. It is often referred to as the king or queen of flowers in China, and every Chinese woman I know considers the peony their favorite flower - it's that culturally ingrained.

Wow, working on this project has been an absolute blast! I've learned so much, and it's truly been an enriching experience that has taken my skills and creativity to new heights. The whole process was not only educational but also incredibly fun, as I dove into the delightful world of stamping and stenciling. Each technique offered a fantastic opportunity to express my artistic vision, and I was thrilled by how engaging it was to experiment with different designs and patterns. And oh my goodness, Altenew's ink color selection is mind-blowing! The sheer variety is astounding, with shades ranging from vibrant and bold to soft and subtle, opening up endless possibilities for color combinations and layering techniques. I'm absolutely thrilled with how framing the entire collection with the cohesive theme of the Four Gentlemen adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation. This thematic approach not only boosts the visual appeal of the cards but also tells a story that truly resonates with the viewer. I really hope you enjoyed these cards as much as I loved making them! Each card was crafted with love and attention to detail, and it fills me with joy to share this creative journey with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to appreciate my work. Your support means the world to me, and I can't wait to dive into more artistic adventures in the future!