Technique Tuesday - Embossing with inked shadow

I started this card to be a tone-on-tone technique, then had a thought to add some embossing.  First, I stamped the flowers with coral ink on soft peach card stock.  It was pretty, but definitely needed more, so I took out my gold embossing powder.  I heat set the inked image so no powder would stick to it.  Then, I inked up the flowers with VersaMark, and added gold embossing powder.  I embossed the image over the stamped image, just a little off so that the stamped image would appear as shadows. The gold embossing really stands out. and this simple technique looks quite intricate.  I finished the card by sponging with coral ink over the embossed flowers, concentrating the color near the image. I finished it off with a stamped sentiment.  I ran a gold leafing pen along the edges of the stamped panel before layering.
Stamps are Penny Black, ink is Vivid Ink.  Both available online, gold leafing pen available at Joann Fabrics and Michaels.
This technique works best with solid style images, and works especially well with flowers, foliage, weeds, etc.  How about snowflakes?!  Think I'll try a winter one when I get home...check back later to see it.  Give it a try, and let me see what you come up with!

I've been in Buffalo, and will be heading home today, exhausted, but one very blessed nana.  Glad I have my notebook computer, so I can keep in touch and get my Tech Tuesdays out to you.  I worked on this one while I was home on Saturday, before heading back to Buffalo.  It's back to work for me on Thursday.  I'll miss the girls and Dan, but will be taking weekend trips back and forth, with the holidays and all.

Blessings and peace,
lynda

Christmas card for challenges

One more post tonight for a card I just finished for some challenges:
Basic Grey - WINGS http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-33-wings.html
and
Penny Black at Allsorts - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
and
Our Creative Corner - 3D project - http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/
and
Penny Black Saturday Challenge - http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Which is a sketch:

 

And, here's the card:

Penny Black stamps from 30-058 Jolly Friends, and 30-012 Bubbly.

Basic Grey papers from Wassail collection on background triangle pieces and border strips.

Colored with Tombow markers and Dove blender pen, glittered.  Martha Stewart snowflake border punch for snowflakes, then cut out of border.  EK Success border punch along striped border.

Distress inks for distressing edges.

That's it for tonight.  Getting up early tomorrow to start Christmas decorating!

Blessings,

lynda

Card for Basic Grey Wings Challenge

Just a quick post of a card for the current Basic Grey challenge, which is WINGS.  Here's a link to the challenge http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-33-wings.html .  And here's my card (the background paper with the bird cages and birds is from the Basic Grey Porcelain collection):

I just love this paper, and the colors! 
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, end are enjoying the leftover turkey dishes!!
Peace and blessings,
lynda

Technique Tuesday - Using Crystals and Gemstones on Cards and Pages

Hello from Buffalo, where, believe it or not, it's about 55 degrees!!!!  Yep, it's almost Thanksgiving, and we're having early October weather.  Rainy, but mild.  It was a wet walk to the corner for Keeley's bus this morning, but we made a game of dodging the raindrops. 
I'm enjoying my time with daughter and family, especially the wee tiniest one, and, of course, her big sister.  Mom is doing better each day, and Kennedy is growing, and becoming extremely spoiled by her nana and papa!!  I'm having a really hard time letting her be and not holding her all day!!  Keeley is at school now, and Faith went to doc's get her stitches out (good thing I brought hubby along, cuz' I don't like driving on the skyline in Buffalo)!  I have the wee one to myself, and am taking a little time to do my Technique Tuesday while she is sleeping.  I'll be back to holding her sooooooon!!

One more week of "borrowing" techniques (even though they are techniques I use), while I'm in Buffalo helping daughter with her new bundle and her 5 year old big sister.  I love crystals and gemstones, and use them on almost everything.  Here's a video by Nancy Taylor from the Hero Arts blog, which shows some ideas on using these little embellishments on you cards and scrapbook pages...here' the link http://heroarts.com/learning/technique.cfm?techID=183 .

Here are some of my cards and pages using these techniques:

 There you have some of my cards and pages that use crystals and/or gemstones/pearls.  As far as Nancy's techniques for lifting and attaching the gemstones, I love the idea of using the craft knife.  I usually use my tweezers, but I am going to give the knife a try.  Also, I have some crystals with no sticky back.  For those, I use the glue pen, put down a tiny puddle of it, then lift the crystal onto it.  Works like a charm!
That's it for this week.  I hope to be back on schedule after next week, once mom and baby and family are settled into routine and stronger.
Blessings & peace,
lynda

Technique Tuesday - Perfect bow for cards and scrapbook pages

As many of you know, hubby and I have been in Buffalo, becoming nana and papa for the second time.  Our daughter, Faith, had her second little girl on Monday.  Kennedy Grace was born at 10:03 AM Monday, weighing 7 lbs, 3 oz, 20 inches long.  She is a precious little angel, and the perfect little sister to Keeley Ryan, and beautiful addition to our family.

Tearing myself away to come home tonight was very difficult, indeed, but I have to go back to work tomorrow.  I will be going back to Buffalo next week, for the entire week, so that I can help my daughter, since my son-in-law has to return to work on Monday.  Faith had to have a C-section, so will be unable to get Keeley to the bus stop and do many of the things a new baby and 5 year old demands.  It will be a wonderful Thanksgiving.....one which we truly have much to be grateful for!!

 Since I was otherwise detained these past few days, I am cheating this week for Technique Tuesday.
 I borrowed it from a blog called Stamping 411.  It features a really pretty flat rhinestone centered bow, which is ideal for cards and scrapbook pages.  I really like the look of this bow, and plan to use this on my future projects.  Here is the link to the post with full directions and pictures: http://stamping411.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-make-rhinestone-brad-bow.html .

And this is the beautiful bow:

And, of course, what kind of Nana would I be if I didn't have some pictures to share with you...so, here are pics of my new, beautiful granddaughter, Kennedy Grace:

 The above were taken right after she was born.  The next one was taken today, just before we left to come home.  Notice the bow already~! 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  I'm working on a technique for next Tuesday from a request from one of my blog readers.  If you have any requests, I will be happy to try to show the technique here.

Blessings from one extremely blessed and happy grandma (and tired)!
lynda

Technique Tuesday - My Christmas Card

Yep, I finished my Christmas cards!!!  I know, I can't believe it myself.  I wanted to get them done before # 2 grand baby arrives, so I got to work early.  It helped to get together with friends to work on them.  Makes all the repetition of making the same card over and over a little more fun.  I even got the envelopes addressed and ready to go.  I left them open so I can add a little note.  So, that's one less thing to have to do when I get back from Buffalo, where I'll be spending several days with my daughter and her family, helping Faith with the new baby.  In case you haven't heard, it's a girl, and she is coming on Monday!  Can't wait to meet this precious little one!

Anyways, here is my Christmas card:

And the inside:

The stamps are Penny Black.  The ribbon is from Michael's, and the inks are Ranger's Distress Inks. 
Here are the techniques I used:
I inked the poinsettia with three colors of distress inks, starting with antique linen, inking the entire stamp.  Then I added old paper around the outsides of the petals and a little inside, by using the corners of the pad.  Finally, I used the ink blending tool to add a little vintage photo to the centers and around the edges.  I also added some shabby shutters ot the stems and leaves.
Then I spritzed the stamp with a fine mist spritzer with water and stamped onto ivory card stock.
The phrase stamp is all one stamp - I masked and inked the first part, removed the mask, and stamped it on the front.  Then, I masked that part, inked the rest, and stamped it inside.
The edges of the inside and outside of the card were done with the ink blending tool and distress inks.  To achieve a soft, blended look, simply start off the paper, and using circular motion, blend from off the paper onto it, using less and less pressure as you get toward the center of the card.
A couple of copper brads added a little dimension.
That's it!
For me, it was VERY difficult to not keep going and adding more to the card.  But I decided to keep it clean and simple, something which is not easy for me.  I think the simplicity, however, adds to the powerful message I wanted to highlight.
Each year, I choose a theme for the year, which I introduce with my Christmas decor and cards.  My theme this year was "peace," which I introduced with my cards and Christmas decor last Christmas.  My 2011 theme is "hope," and my card reflects that theme, as will my decorations. 
I try to develop the theme throughout the year, by reading about it, living it, and promoting it during the year. 
We already have a jump start on next year's theme, I think, with the new life that is soon to be part of our family! 
I'll keep you posted!

Blessings and peace,
lynda

Technique Tuesday - Background Resist Embossing

I really love the Tim Holtz distress inks.  The ink blending tool has opened up so many ways to use these inks, and have made it easy to achieve professional results with minimal practice.  I have used these inks and tools in many of my technique articles, as they lend themselves to various uses.  Today, I am using the inks/tools in a much different way than previously.

I call this the background resist embossing technique.  It is basically a clear embossed image over a stamped background, creating a resist. Then, distress ink is applied, revealing the image in a dramatic way.  Instead of applying ink from the outside and working in, as in many techniques, the ink is applied to the center of the image and gradually fades out.  Here are the cards, along with directions (a link to Gina Krupsky's blog and YouTube presentation follows):

Here's how it's done:

• Stamp background with distress ink - a word or music background is especially good for this technique.  Be sure the image is dry before the next step.  
• Clear emboss image over the stamped background.  I use an anti-static bag on the card so the embossing powder only sticks to the stamped image.  Be sure image is completely cool before next step.
• Ink the ink blending tool with same color of distress ink as you stamped the background in.  Start applying ink heavily from the center of the stamped image, and working out.  Use circular motions with the tool.  Re-ink and re-apply until desired intesity is achieved.  The image will pop out.  It should be dark in the center, and fade out gradually.
• Use a paper towel or tissue to wipe any ink from the embossed image.
• Finish card as desired.

I found this technique, by Gina Krupsky, on the Gina K Designs blog.  Here's a link to the YouTube video:  http://stamptv.ning.com/video/emerging-leaves?xg_source=msg_mes_network .

Tim Holtz (Ranger) distress inks and the ink blending tool can be purchased at Michaels and AC Moore, and various internet retailers.

Enjoy!

lynda

Happy halloween card

Just a quick post with my halloween card for this year....and a wish for all for a safe and happy halloween!  Click on image to get a better look at the embossed background.

Inside:

And, finally...
a little halloween humor...
Where does a ghost do her shopping?
At the "booo-tique," of course!

OK, so I'll stick to card-making, scrapbooking, and stamping.  I know I'll never make it as a stand-up comedian! 
Blessings,
lynda

Technique Tuesday - Stamped Concertina Booklet

Concertina Booklet

This is a fun little accordian-style card/booklet that I taught at my store a few years ago. It uses folding and scoring in an accordian manner to create a terrific little gift style booklet with windows.  Here are some samples:

Open view of snowflake Concertina made with Basic Grey papers and Impression-Obsession stamps.  Here is the cover:

Here's how it's done:
Cut 7 6" x 3" pieces of cardstock to stamp images on. These will be the back pieces.  Score each at 3".
Cut 7 6" x 3" pieces of patterned paper or coordinating card stock.  Score at 1 1/2", 3", and 4 1/2".
Cut opening in second set of six pieces.  I used my Cuttlebug with Spellbinder's dies for openings. You can use a paper trimmer or large piunch.
Stamp images in center of first set of pieces - be sure the images are small enough to be seen through the holes.
Do any stamping, embellishing you wish on the opening pieces.  Fold stamped pieces in half along 3" score line.
Fold top pieces (with opening) along score lines, creating a mountain fold (looks like an upside-down "v"). Fold the two ends up to the peak of the mountain, creating two valley folds (should look like a "w").
Use glue or tape runner to attach the front panels to the stamped image panels, matching the edges. The image should show through the die cut on the front panels.  The tape will only go on the two folded up edges as you want the window to open.
Four of these "cards" will be the front, and three will be the back.  Put them in the order you want, making sure none of them are upsde-down.  Attach the right panel of one card to the left panel of another to create the concertina.  Make sure you begine with the front cover and end with the back cover.  These diagrams should help make this clearer:

Front piece with the die cut, back piece stamped.  Back piece is scored at 3".  Front die-cut piece is scored at 1 1/2", 3", and 4 1/2".

Bottom piece folded in valley, top piece folded valley, then mountain in center, then valley - looks like a "w."

Tape/glue along each side panel only, taping top piece over bottom piece.  Leave center part unglued, so the window will open out in an upside-down "v" and the sides will fold into valley folds.

Line up pieces in the order you want, four in front, and three in back.  Tape right side of a front piece to left side of a back piece.

Cut two pieces of card stock 3 1/8" x 3 1/8" for the front of the booklet and the back.  Decorate the front as desired, and tape to front, tape back to back.  Here's a close up of a couple of the panels.

Here are a couple more:

Cover of Penny Black halloween concertina.  I embossed the front die-cut pieces with my Cuttlebug embossing plates, then inked them with distress inks.  It's difficult to photograph these to show their true beauty...looks far better in person!

A closer look:

And there's the back.

Another:

Closer view of the stamping I did on the front pieces AND the back pieces:

One last one (Penny Black stamps):

All supplies/embellishments, etc. available at local craft stores or online.  The plaid ribbon on the halloween card I got at AC Moore.
I'm sure you will think of so many ideas for these.  I think photos in the center would be fun.  They're great for any occasion, and especially terrific for holidays.

Give it a try, they're fun!

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Double Watercolor Inking Technique

I spent some more time "playing" with my Adirondack and Distress inks this weekend.  I call this the double watercolor technique, because it involves water, and stamping twice.  Here's what I used, and how it's done:
-Watercolor paper - available at any craft store (ie Michael's, AC Moore, JoAnne's).
-Dye inks - I used Adirondack inks on the fall card, and Distress inks on the Christmas card.
-Fine mist water spritzer with water.
-Inkssentials ink blending tool
All above available at www.scrapbook.com, and at some of the craft stores mentioned above.

Here are the cards I made:

I love how the double stamping makes it look as though the images have shadows.  Here is how it's done:
Start with watercolor paper.  You can use card stock, but watercolor paper works best, as the color and ink blend and soften better on the watercolor paper.

• Spritz your watercolor paper with water.  You want to use plenty of water, but not soaking.  It may take a little practice to get the right amount.  I spritz the water on from about ten - 12 inches away, giving a few good sprays.  The paper should be wet, so that when you stamp on it, the image will soften and bleed.
• Ink your stamp with dye ink, and stamp your image or images onto the wet paper.  It should start to bleed right away, and lose it's form.  If it does not, then spritz more water onto the image.
• After all your initial stamping is done, set the card aside to dry, or dry with heat tool.  The paper will curl as it is heated, but if you turn it over and heat from both sides, it will flatten out.  Make sure the card is completely dry for the next step.
• Re-ink your stamp/stamps, and stamp the image/s over the previously stamped images.  This will give the image form again, and the part underneath that bled when it was wet will look like a shadow.
• Finish card as desired.

For my fall thank you card, I used Hero Arts stamps.  The leaves are from a couple of their older leaf sets, and the script is the H2141 Manuscript Background.  I cut the leaf background out with a Spellbinder's die, available online and at JoAnne Fabrics.  The thank you panel and paper "buckle" is also a Spellbinder's die.  I used the Inkssentials ink blending tool to distress the edges of the card with distress ink, and to bring some of the butterscotch ink into the card to soften the whiteness of it.  To distress the edges, simply ink up the tool, and using circular motion, start off the card and bring the tool along the edge of the card all the way around.   On the piece in this picture, I left the die on the paper so that the narrow outside edge will not get ink on it (see the Christmas card).  I finished the fall card with some Stickles glitter glue, available also at craft stores.

The Christmas card was also made with Hero Arts stamps.  The papers are Basic Grey, available at JoAnne Fabrics, and Scrapbook.com.  For the poinsettia center, I used some tiny beads I had in my stash.  I applied Dimensional Glaze (craft stores) to the center, then spooned on the beads.

 Spritzing on the water....

Image on wet paper before overstamping....

Image after drying and stamping over the initial wet stamped and bled image.  I just love the distressed shadowy look of this!
I will add a card later with this image, so stop back to check it out soon.

That's it for tonight.

Blessings and peace,
lynda

One more technique card

Hi...
If you missed the Brushless Watercolor technique, just scroll down to the previous post, and the full directions and card samples are on that post.  Here is one more card I just finished up before calling it a night.

Stamps are by Stampendous, paper from Prima First Blush collection.  Flower from Michael's.
That's it.
Have a wonderful evening!

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Brushless Watercolor Stamping

Today's techique is one I taught at my store a few years ago.  I learned it from Tim Holtz, and it's called brushless watercolor.  Basically it involves dabbing the corner of several colors of ink pads onto a large stamp, spritzing with water, then drying quickly with an embossing gun.
I used Adirondack ink pads for their earthy, rich colors.  The tops come off of the pad base with just a little twist, and snap back on.

I choose my colors, depending on the stamp.  For this sunflower, I chose two shades of green - oregano and pesto.  I also chose butterscotch and rust for the flower part.  Start with the lighter shade. For the flower, I inked the entire flower with butterscotch.  Then, using the corner of the rust pad, I tapped color here and there on the flower.  I also added some espresso to the inside.  For the stem and leaves, I inked the entire area with oregano, then tapped here and there with pesto.  Then, use a fine mist spritzer to lightly spritz the stamp.  Stamp onto cardstock, and hold the stamp down for a few seconds before removing it.  Using your heat tool, set the inked image by heating it right away for a few seconds.                                                                                                                                                                                   Finally, use a glue pen to apply touches of glue for embossed highlights.  Add gold embossing powder, which will stick to the glue, and heat.  Do not overdo the glue/embossing powder, as you want the rich colors to show through, and the gold to just be highlights.

Hope you enjoyed this technique.  I showed some close-ups so you can see how the colors blend together and look like watercolor.  It may take a little practice, but it really is worth it.

I am entering these cards in the following challenges:
OUR CREATIVE CORNER http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/2010/10/our-creative-corner-sketch-challenge.html
Sunflower card - The theme is a sketch challenge

PENNY BLACK AT ALLSORTS CHALLENGE http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-challenge.html 
Both cards - The theme is Colors of Autumn,
and
SATURDAY CHALLENGE http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Both cards - The theme is Distressing.

Hope you find some time to check out these challenges and maybe enter some.  You never know, you just might win some great prizes.  I won last week's House That Stamps Built challenge with my fall card, and got a certificate for $25 worth of Repeat Impressions stamps!!!!  I'm so excited, and can't wait to go shopping for my freebies!

I finished another image, which I didn't make a card for yet.  Hopefully, I will get it made tomorrow, so stop back soon to check out that card.  Also, I posted a couple of posts since last Tuesday, so you might want to scroll down and check them out.  There is a fall card and a halloween card.

Blessings and peace,

lynda