Technique Tuesday - Coloring With Pastels

Pitt Pastels for soft coloring

Today's technique is coloring with Pitt Pastel pencils.  These pencils are pastel chalks, made by Faber Castell.  I like this brand because the chalk is soft and blends really well.  I love the chalk in pencil form. It is easy to control, yet has many of the attributes of the chalk palettes you may be familiar with.
I made these two cards using Pitt Pastels to color the main images.

 This first card features Penny Black stamps (30-014 clear set and 3949H poppies). The bottom panel is a piece I had previously created with alcohol ink.  Spellbinder's dies were used to cut the image and the panel around it, and I used one of the Spellbinder's label dies (cut in half and attached to the panel) for the top and bottom pieces.  The strip of mulberry paper was added for softness.  I used the stardust gel pen to add some sparkle to the butterfly, around the image panel, and friends.
Challenges I've entered this poppy card in:
    Allsorts Challenge Blog - Inspired by Nature
    Penny Black At Allsorts Challenge - Say It With Flowers

 Hero Arts stamps were used on this card.  Spellbinder's dies were used for the panel and the scalloped layer piece.  EK Success punch was used for the purple border.  I stamped the left panel with the floral border from the clear set CL045.  I also stamped the white satin ribbon with the same stamp.  To create the ribbon flower, I stitched along one long edge of a five inch piece of stamped ribbon, then pulled the stitches up to gather, and stitched it together to form the flower shape, and added a pearl to the center. The right panel is H214 manuscript background.  The hydrangea is one of my old favorites F2067     The silver friends is from a Class-A-Peels border by Stampendous. 
Challenges I've entered this card in:

Stamping on ribbon

Allsorts Challenge Blog - Inspired by Nature
Hero Arts Club Monthly Contest- Friendship & Love

Here's how to color the images with the Pitt Pastels:

Start with three or four colors for each part of the image.  For the poppy card, I chose three different reds, a rust for the centers, and two greens for leaves and stems.
Tortillions are used for blending.  A tortillion is a blending stump, made from tightly wound heavy paper.  I got mine at AC Moore.  The pastels are available at most craft store art areas, or at art stores, usually as a set.
I like to "ink" my stamp with my markers, using the colors I want my images to be.  In this case, I colored the stamp using red marker for the flowers, rust for the centers, and green for the stems.  This way, when I color it in, there is not that harsh black outline as there is when you stamp your image in black.  Just a different look, much softer.

 Adding Color
Start coloring with your lightest color for each area.  Then add the next shade, finishing with touches of the darkest color where it would naturally be darker.

 Blending with tortillion
Using the tortillion, begin rubbing the colored image. This will blend the colors and soften the look.  I use one tortillion for each color group.  I add a ring of the color around the top of the tortillion, so that I will always use that tortillion for that color group, thereby not contaminating it with other colors when I use it again.

 Add white for highlights
I like to finish by adding some white highlights. To do this, use an eraser to remove some of the red where you want the highlights. Then color in with the white, and blend with the tortillion.

A fine mist of hair spray will set the chalk.

Hope you'll try this.  The pastels are a wonderful medium, and I think you will like the way they blend, and the effects they give.



On a personal note
We celebrated our granddaughter Kennedy's baptism Sunday in Buffalo.  It was a glorious day, and a glorious celebration.  Her big sister, Keeley, was excited, and Kennedy was so sweet, and in such a happy mood.  If you would like to read about it and see pictures, you can visit my writing blog, A Little Perspective (Kennedy's baptism post) .

Enjoy your week.
Blessings,
lynda

Jennifer McGuire's Smooching Technique on Hero Arts Blog

Just a short post tonight, as I wanted to direct you to a really inspiring article and YouTube tutorial by Jennifer McGuire over on the Hero Arts blog http://heroarts.com/learning/technique.cfm?techID=194 , in case you missed it.   Jennifer presents her smooching technique, and the look is just so pretty.
I remember doing this technique years ago, and it's good to see a refreshed version.  Jennifer uses chalk inks, but it will work just as well with your dye inks, even pigment inks.  Also, note the words at the bottom....she shows how to "cut up" your phrase stamps to get the look you want.  Very clever, that girl. 

Do hop over and check it out.  You will be pulling out your stamps and playing this weekend, for sure!

Just finished a blog post over on my writing blog, A Little Perspective .  Now, I'm off to my craft room to cut up some stamps.  And, then to the couch to work on a blanket I'm finishing up (knitting) for my grand-baby, Kennedy Grace, whose Christening is this Sunday.  I want to be sure it is ready for the big occasion.  I'll be knitting into the wee hours, I think.  It's that procrastination thing.

With that, I'll say good night, make some tea, and get my fingers limbered up.

Blessings,
lynda

Coffee Cup Challenge Winner!!

Well, color me embarrassed!  I forgot to post the winner of the paper cup challenge here on the blog.  I did post it on the Paper Arts Cafe Flickr Group, and the Hero Arts group, but forgot to post it here.  So, in case you missed it over at Flickr, the winner is Cindy C. (cimee).  CONGRATULATIONS Cindy!  I already got the addresses from those of you who entered, and, of course, from the winner, so I could send the stickers to the entrants, and the stamps to our winner. 

Thank you to to Virginia L., Michelle, Sylvia, and Cindy for playing. It was fun, and although I didn't get a large response from this first challenge, I will do it again. This time I will pick a theme where the products are easier to find!! lol.

IF YOU'RE HERE LOOKING FOR THE TECHNIQUE TUESDAY FOR THIS WEEK, JUST SCROLL DOWN TO THE PREVIOUS POST.

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Simple Card with Marker Outline

I love the look of simple cards...their clean lines, uncomplicated design, and fresh look.  But, for me, they are a challenge.  I find it difficult to stop at the CAS (clean and simple) point.  I want to add more; multiple layers, dimension, a touch of this, a snip of that, a sprinkling of anything.  That's why, when I received a request for some ideas for some simpler cards, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to challenge myself. 
For today's technique, I chose a non-coloring, clean and easy marker technique. 

Begin with a white embossed image.  Choose a brush marker, such as Tombow or Marvy LePlume, in a color slightly darker than the color of the card stock the image is on.  Then, simply run the marker around the image, creating an outline.  That's it....it's that simple! As much as I love watercoloring, or adding color with PrismaColor pencils or chalks, this technique really makes the image "pop," and I love the look.
And here's my card:

Stamps are Penny Black.  I stamped the script on the pink card.  The main image panel is layered onto a scalloped layer, and attached.  Miss you panel added.  I stamped the same background script onto the flower, and attached with a button.  Just a touch of crystal glitter glue to finish off the scallops and verse panel.  I chose pink, so I could enter this in the Penny Black Saturday Challenge here.  The theme is Pretty In Pink.
It was very difficult for me not to keep going, but I forced myself to stop.  I'm pleased with the look, and will try it again.  Hmmmm, looking at this, I'm thinking a few pearls, perhaps some lace and ribbon..... Well, here I go again!  I will not add anything, I will not add anything, I will NOT!

Enjoy your evening.

Blessings,
lynda

Technique Tuesday - Crinkled Ribbon for Cards and Layouts

Crinkled, dyed ribbon is very popular now.  The vintage, distressed look enhances your cards and scrapbook pages and paper crafted projects.  This crinkled ribbon can be expensive to purchase, but is very inexpensive and easy to make yourself. 
This video by Lindsay, The Frugal Crafter shows how to make your own hand-dyed crinkled ribbon from rayon seam binding and dye based reinkers.  Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f6WcFAs3VM&feature=related . 
Lindsay used liquid watercolor, and many of the other tutorials I've seen use glimmer Mist sprays.  I make my own.  I use the little mini misters from Ranger and fill them 3/4 with plain water.

Then just add a few (7 to 9) drops of refill ink.  If you want shimmer, add a little Perfect Pearls (about 1/8 tsp), and mix well.  Then just follow the directions in the video, and you have gorgeous, rich, crinkled ribbon!

I purchased a 100 foot roll of white rayon seam binding for just $7.95 at  Zipperstop (click to bring you to the site).

And here is a card I made with my dyed, crinkled ribbon. 

I used Adirondack bottle and denim inks, with green interference Perfect Pearls.  I do like to push the envelope a bit, and had to try stamping on the finished ribbon.

I used Penny Black's Letter Background 1999L for the script effect on the ribbon (it shows up better on the real ribbon than it does in the picture.  The leaf is Penny Black's Leaf Spray 2026H.  Not sure where the celebrate script is from - it was a cling that I forgot to label after removing it from the block.

To make the ribbon flower, simply gather about 5" of the ribbon along one long edge with needle and thread, pull up to gather, then sew into flower shape.  I used a permanent marker to dye a pearl for the center (and the button on the bow).

Have a wonderful evening, and stop back tomorrow to see the winner of my blog candy coffee cup challenge!

Blessings,

lynda

Birthday Card and Challenge Card

Oh, what a lovely day off I had.  Thank you Mother Nature!!
I spent the day reading, writing, and in my craft room.  Much of the time in my craft room was spent straightening my mess  work area, but then I did make a couple of cards.
This first one is for a couple of challenges:

Our Daily Bread Designs http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/odbdslc46-blues-challenge.html  BLUES CHALLENGE (Had to use mostly blue)
I found this Hot Off The Press paper in my stash, and used a Martha Stewart punch, and, of course, ODBD scripture stamp.  I love this verse about hope.  It fits right in with my theme for the year this year A Little Perspective - Living In Joy, Hope, and Grace (my writing blog where you can read about my theme of hope).

Friday Sketchers http://fridaysketchersblog.blogspot.com/  Sketch challenge, and here's the sketch:

 Here's my card for these challenges:

I also made this birthday card for my dear friend (Penny Black stamps):

I'm thankful for a wonderful day.  Hope you got to do something fun, and didn't have to brave the weather.  Back to work tomorrow, so I'm off to bed now.  

Sweet dreams,

lynda

Stamped Speckled Background With Soft Sponging

I'm getting ready for the snow storm we're supposed to get tonight and tomorrow.  Stocked up on some good food, and worked late today instead of tomorrow, so I can take tomorrow off and play!!  I plan to have a great "jammie day" and maybe try some fun ideas.  Hope you get a day off, too!

Anyways, here's my technique for this Tuesday.  I use this background technique a lot, and am often asked how I did it.

 

It's quite easy, really.  Here's how to do it:

• Start with a white or neutral card stock.  Trim to size of the panel you will use on your card.
• Begin applying ink to the card stock panel.  On this card, I started with the outside edges with my Tim Holtz ink applicator with light spring green ink.  Start off the paper, and using circular motions, apply ink to the edges, working in until you have the coverage desired.  I chose to leave the center white on this card.
• Add a second (darker) application of ink closer to the edges only, if desired.
• A stipple brush (available at most craft stores or art supply stores) may also be used, which I did use when I wanted to add some color inside the edges, such as on the rose panel.  Just dab the stipple brush into the ink, and tap it onto the card panel until you reach the desired depth of color.  Here's a link to my post about stippling http://paperartscafe.blogspot.com/2010/10/technique-tuesday-shimmering-stippled.html .
• For the dots, or speckles, I used a rubber stamp.  I have several of these background speckled type stamps.  Just ink up the speckles and stamp them randomly on your sponged/stippled panel. On my card, I used the same green ink I did the sponging with.
• If you want more spatter, either repeat with another color, or try spattering with a brush.  The pink teeny-tiny spatters in my card were done with a watercolor brush.  I simply dabbed my ink pad onto my craft mat (you can use any plastic surface, or even a plate). Then I spritzed with enough water to work up a little puddle.  Dip your brush into the puddles, then "flick" off the brush bristles onto your card.  Just take the wet inked brush, and tap it gently on your other hand, and the spatters will flick off onto the card.  You could also use a toothbrush for this part and run your thumb along the bristles to flick the inked water onto your card!
• Finish your card as desired.  I stamped the rose by inking the flower with a pink brush marker, and the stems with a green marker.  Then I spritzed the stamp with a fine mist spritzer, and stamped it over my background.  I used a damp watercolor brush to "pull" the ink from the edges of the design.  

Here's a close up of the sponging and spatters:

The stamps are older Hero Arts stamps, which I still love and use often. Can't part with the oldies.  The crinkled ribbon is actually seam binding, which I dyed to match the card.   I'll show you how to make your own crinkled ribbon from seam binding on next week's Technique Tuesday.  Stop back! 

I actually made this card for a Valentine's card challenge over on the Hero Arts Blog.  I made it several days ago, but wanted to be sure the person I sent to has received her card before I posted it, in case she stopped by my blog and saw it.  Now that she has it, I can write about it.  She did ask about the background, so, Michelle, this Technique Tuesday was inspired by your curiosity!

I'd like to share the card that I received from the swap.  Dani Beckman sent me this adorable card:

Stop by and say hi to Dani at http://danibeckman.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by.  Stay safe and warm in the storms we're all getting.  Stay in and craft!!

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Side Stair Step Card

I just fell in love with this card when I began seeing it on the internet.  I finally got around to trying to make it this past weekend.  A couple of friends came over to "play," and one of them had brought one that she had received.  That was all it took.....we decided right then and there to make one.

About eight mock-ups later, I finally felt as though I "got it."  Trying to figure out how to make a card without step-by-step instructions in front of you is not as easy as it looks.  But, we persisted, laughed a lot, measured a lot, and finally, I was able to put together a mock up.  Since then, I tweaked it a little, and made a card.  Then I wrote up the instructions, step-by-step.  It is a standard A2 size card.

Here's my card:

Here's a view a little from the side, so you can see the "stairs":

Fun, huh?  It's fun to make, too.  And really easy once you work through a mock up the first time (now that I've got the measurements for you).  Here's how it's done:

Place an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of card stock in your trimmer at 2" (this is the base of your card. Cut a slit from 2 1/8" to 7 1/2".

Place the card on your score board horizontally, with the slit at the bottom.  Score from the top to the slit at 2 1/8".  (If you click on the pictures, you will see a close-up view).

Score all the way down the card at 4 1/4".

Score from the top to the slit at 5 3/8", then score from the top to the slit at 6 1/2" and 7 1/2".

 Starting with the center (the 4 1/4" fold), accordian fold the card as shown.  The 4 1/4" fold will be mountain folded at the bottom (narrow part) and valley folded at the top (wide part).  The rest of the folds will alternate mountain/valley folds.

Here is how the card looks before you add your stamps, images, and embellishments. 

That's it for the basic shape!!  Decorate as desired.
I used Penny Black stickers and stamps for a quick and easy card.  This one's going to my granddaughter, Keeley.  Now I have to make one for Kennedy!

There are variations on this card, including one with the steps in the center with a panel on both sides, and one without any panel, just steps all the way across.  My friend Arlene took home one of my "oops" mock-ups (where I slit in the wrong place), and made an adorable Easter basket card from it.  I tried put it up here, but can't seem to get it pasted in.  I will see if I can get it in my Flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/paperartscafe/ , so check it in a day or two.  And please, please feel free to post pictures of your cards, stair step or otherwise, on my Flickr group.  I'd love to have you in the gallery!

I've entered this in the Penny Black @ Allsorts challenge, where the theme is All You Need Is Love!  You can find the challenge here http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-challenge.html .

I hope you have fun with this.

Just a reminder, you have until Monday, February 7th to enter the coffee cup and/or coffee sleeve challenge from my previous post.  Scroll down for details.  Enter and you may win some blog candy...a free set of stamps, and the first three entries will receive a panel of stickers.

Thanks for stopping in.

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Paper Cup Challenge

Last week my friend, Arlene, and I met for our monthly "friend breakfast" at our favorite haunt.  As we sipped our coffee, I casually remarked that the design on our cups would make pretty patterned paper.  We chuckled.  Who else but two paper crafters would see patterned paper in a paper cup's design!  I said it would be fun to see if we could make something from the cup itself.  Arlene said, "Let's do it," and the challenge was born.  We took our cups home, and each made a card from our cup.

Here's a picture of the cup which is what each of our cards started out as:

To make our cards, we washed the cups and dried them thoroughly.  We then very carefully removed the bottom and opened out the seam.  Then, just thought about how we would use the elements on the cup, and used it like we would use any special piece of patterned paper.  I did use a stronger adhesive on the back of mine, as the cup's inside had a little bit of a waxy finish, and I wanted to make sure it would stick to my card stock.

And here are the cards (click on images to see larger) -
Arlene's card (Arlene Rose) (outside and inside)

 Arlene used Spellbinder's dies to cut the shapes, then layered them onto card stock which she had embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I love the little details with the punched flowers and the gorgeous sheer ribbon!

My card (outside and inside)

 I cut out around the swirl border design on the cup, making it part of the card, then used Spellbinder's dies to cut the shapes.  I added some stamped flowers (Hero Arts) and verse, and a pretty purple and green edged ribbon.
To read my article about friendship on my writing blog, click here http://lynplecsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/special-blessings-of-friends.html .

CHALLENGE!!!  PRIZE!!!   WIN!!
Paper Cup Challenge
DEADLINE:  Monday, February 7, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST
DETAILS:  So, now that you have an idea, our challenge to you is to do the same.  Save your next take-out cup, and make something from it to share with us.  If you can't find any interesting cups, you can use a coffee sleeve (the ones that fit over the cup to keep your hands from getting too hot). Take a picture of your project, and upload it to my new Flickr Group here http://www.flickr.com/groups/paperartscafe/ .  Label your card or project: PaperCupChallenge.  You just click on "add photo" to upload your picture from your Flickr gallery.  If you do not have a Flickr gallery, it's easy to create one, and it's FREE.  What is Flickr?  Flickr is the best way to store, sort, search and share your photos online. Flickr helps you organize that huge mass of photos you have and offers a way for you and your friends and family to tell stories about them.  Have you ever sent someone a card, then forgotten what it looked like?  Sometimes a recipient of a card I've sent will call and say something about the card, and I can't remember what I sent them!  It's great to have pictures of your cards, so that you can make another like it if you want. Don't worry - you can set it up so your pictures are private, or you can choose to share with just certain people, or with anyone.  The best way to learn about Flickr is to upload some photos, explore the site, join some groups and make some friends. You can find more info about Flickr in the Magical Feature Tour.

So, go ahead.  Go get that coffee, or tea, or latte, and get home to make your project.  Join my flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/paperartscafe/ , and post your card.  Don't forget to label it PaperCupChallenge to be eligible for the challenge prize, and leave a message here on the blog to let me know you are playing, so I can watch for your entry.  The winner will receive a Fun At The Beach cling stamp set by Memory Box.  The first five entries will receive a panel of Fresh Paisley stickers by Autumn Leaves. 

I'm really excited about my first blog challenge, and really hope you'll play along.  We can't wait to see your ideas.  Don't forget to comment here that you are entering, so we can hop over to the Flickr Group to see your cards/projects.

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Metallic Edge

Some of you asked about the gold metallic edge on the You're special circle on last week's technique:

So, I decided to show it on today's Technique Tuesday.  Sometimes you need a pretty, metallic edge on a panel or card layer, but cannot find just the right color paper to match the embossing on the card.  This technique makes just the right edge on your card panels and layers.  It will always match the embossing on the card.

You will need some gold (or any metallic color) embossing powder, an embossing stamp pad, or VersaMark pad, and a panel about 1/4" larger than the layer you are putting on it.  You can make the panel larger if you want more of a border showing.

 On this card, I made the embossed border around the main panel about 1/4 inch, and the border on the floral panel a little less.
Here's how it's done:
Cut a panel of card stock slightly larger than the piece you will be layering onto it.  The larger the piece, the more metallic edge will be showing.
Dab embossing ink or VersaMark along the edges, making sure to ink a little more than will show.  Dip edges into embossing powder, then heat to emboss.
Add layering panel, and Voila!  You have a metallic embossed edge!
 This card features Penny Black stickers and Basic Grey paper.
That's it for tonight.

Blessings,
    lynda

Caught My Eye

I love to surf the net, looking at cardmaking and scrapbooking blogs, and quite often something catches my eye.  I thought I would share some of these gems with you here on my blog.   I am always impressed at the amount of sheer talent and inspiration that is out there.  It's great to see that our craft is alive and well, thank you.  And that so many creative, talented people are sharing their work.

I recently spotted some gorgeous work over at CardCornerByCandee.blogspot.com .
Candee has a great eye for design.  Her work is clean, uncluttered, yet elegant and inspired.

This card really caught my eye because of it's simple layout, yet elegant design.  The colors are stimulating and pleasing.  And the focal point, that flower!!  I'm loving the way Candee used the twigs (Martha Stewart punch) behind the flower (which she made by layering flower punches.  Visit Candee's blog to see more of her pretty cards.

 I love the striking look of the red with the kraft and white on this pretty Valentine's Day card.  The playful way Candee put the little red heart punched shapes inside the hearts on the embossed background, and layered the heart punches in the center make this card fun and delightful.

 

I love everything about this card.  The soft blue with white, the texture of the embossed panel, pretty snowflake patterned paper, snowflake punches, and the saying layered up on circles!

This one really made me smile!  Black and white is such a classic color combo.  Candee's layered hearts featuring the tux and wedding dress are adorable.

 

Finally, this stunning card really caught my eye.  I'm loving the embossed vines, and the pretty sheer bow on the background paper.

Thanks to Candee for letting me share some of her work here.  Stop by and visit her blog, and leave her some love!  

I'll be back Tuesday with another technique for you.

lynda

A quick and easy card

Just sharing a quick and easy card tonight, and some exciting news.  First, for the card:
  I'm showing both front and inside.

The image is from Inkadinkado.  I simply layered gingham paper onto a card, stamped the image, sponged, wrapped with ribbon and attached to card.  I added some buttons.  On the inside, I stamped and glued the panel, then tore and added a bit of the gingham paper to the inside.  That's it....the whole card took maybe 15 minutes!

Now, for the news....

I just published a new blog.  Not to worry, I am still going to keep this blog, as this one is my "baby," and I will NEVER stop stamping and scrapping.  I will continue to share my ideas, inspirations, and, of course, Technique Tuesdays.
Many of you know that I do some writing, and have been writing on HubPages online, and for some magazines now and then.  I decided to kick it up a notch, and start a blog to publish some of my shorter pieces.  I mainly write to inspire, to challenge, and to share personal insights.  This blog will focus on the positive, and it is my hope it will inspire you.  It is called A Little Perspective.  It is about living in joy, hope, and grace.
I invite you to visit, and to read the first two posts, which I just published tonight.  The welcome post is under the first article, so be sure to read that, also.  I welcome and appreciate your comments, and hope to see you there.  Here is a link -  A Little Perspective .  There is also a link on the right panel.  You may subscribe, and follow, so that you will know when I publish new posts.

Hope you're staying warm, and making time to enjoy your craft.

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Hand Made Metallic Embellishments

Happy New Year!  Welcome to the first Technique Tuesday post of the year 2011!  Today's technique is how to create your own hand made metallic embellishment.  The "embellishment" is actually card stock, made to look like metallic.  I have done this with punched shapes, such as hearts, punched keys, fleur de lis, holiday shapes, as well as die cut shapes, such as the terrific label dies by Spellbinders.

Here are a couple of cards with my own hand made embellishments:

Here's how it's done:

• Punch or die cut your shape from plain white or ivory card stock.
• Use an embossing pad or VersaMark pad to ink embossing ink onto the shape, making sure to cover the entire shape completely.
• Dip inked shape into gold, copper, or silver embossing powder, and heat.  Use the edge of a craft knife to hold the shape down while heating so it doesn't blow away.
• Attach embellishment to card with glue dots.

That's it.  Easy-peasy.  And here's a link to Gina Krupsky's video, which demonstrates this technique perfectly: http://stamptv.ning.com/video/creating-a-metallic .

Hope you're keeping warm and healthy, and making time to create!

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Watercolor Backgrounds

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  This is my last Technique Tuesday of the year for 2010.  I look forward to sharing many, many more ideas with you in 2011, with Techniques Tuesdays, gallery cards, and challenges, as well as general postings. 
I would like to thank so many of you who have taken time to comment on my blog postings, or sent me emails of encouragement.  It really means a lot to me, and inspires me to keep going.  It really is great to hear that you are enjoying my efforts.....so thanks again.

For today's technique, I played with watercolor for a background.  These are quite simple, really.  I just used watercolor paper, spritzed it with water until it was quite wet, then rubbed ink from stamp pads onto my craft mat, and picked up the ink colors from the mat with a water brush, then ran the brush across the wet paper.  The instant the brush touches the paper, it runs and spreads.  If the color does not bleed as much as you'd like, simply spritz, or add more water with your water brush.  When it looks the way you like, dry with a heat tool.  The colors will dry a little lighter than they appeared when they were wet, so it's good to keep that in mind. The paper will curl while it is drying, so I turn it over and dry both sides until it flattens back out.  You can always iron it flat, but I find that the tape holds it down on the card and keeps it flat.

On this purple/green sympathy card, I used eggplant and lettuce Adirondack inks, then dried the paper with my heat tool right away.  I used Nestabilities dies for the shape for the design panels, then I stamped the flourishes and the sympathy saying (Impression-Obsession stamps) with black ink.  Finally, I added some silk flowers, crystals, and highlighted with the Stardust gel pen.

I began this thank you card the same way, with watercolor paper, and cranberry and current Adirondack inks.  Then, I decided to give it another spritz of water, and inked the dragonflies in the two colors and stamped them randomly over the entire wet background.  I love the way they faded and feathered into the background.  After drying with a heat tool, I stamped and embossed thank you in the bottom right corner.  I stamped the frame and saying on white, cut it out, mounted onto black, then cut around to give a narrow black border.  I wrapped ribbon around the watercolor panel, tied a bow, then attached the frame over the bow with foam mounting tape.  I layered the panel onto a black card, and highlighted with a Stardust gel pen and added crystals to finish it off.

If you are on Facebook, stop by and say hello...I'd love to "friend" you.  This is me: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1181568098 . 

That's it for tonight.  Have a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!  God bless.

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Past Winter card ideas!

Christmas is sneaking up on me, so I'm taking the pressure off myself for this Technique Tuesday post, and posted four cards I had made about three years ago.  It's fun to look back!
The first card with the tumbling snowman heads is one of my favorites.  I simply stamped one of the snowmen, then masked it off and stamped again, repeating three times.  Then a simple watercoloring, and some glitter.
For the mitten card, I stamped the background, then stamped the mittens, and the saying four times, creating a "word window."

The blue snowman let it snow card is stamped, watercolored, then layered on gorgeous blue/green paper.
Finally, the pink snowman with the star. I stamped the panel with snowflakes, then the snowman, watercolored, and layered.
What I love about these cards, is that they are not necessarily Christmas cards....just snowmen and winter cards.  It's good to have some on hand.  They make great thank you cards, also!

See you next week with the final Technique Tuesday of this year.  I look forward to another year of techniques and ideas.  I hope you are enjoying them, and, as always, if there is something you would like to see or know about, please let me know, and I will do my best to do a segment on it.

Best wishes to you and your families for a blessed, happy Christmas and New Year!!

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Chalk Ink Background With Soft Image

I took out my chalk inks this week, and started playing.  I love the cat's eye shapes in the ColorBox chalk inks.  They stack on each other, and are so easy to use and great for storing.  This is a technique I taught a few years ago at my stamp store, and thought it would be a fun one to share with you today.  I don't really know what to call it, so I'm simply calling it what it is....a chalk ink background with a soft image.  Here's how it's done:
* Start with smooth white card stock.
* Rub a white Memories or Staz-On ink pad (be sure it is freshly inked) over the entire white panel, laying down a nice, smooth base of white ink.
* Immediately rub on three or four coordinating colors of chalk ink, directly over the white inked card stock.
* Blend the ink colors into the white ink by rubbing the white ink pad back over the panel after it is inked with the chalk colors.  If you are concerned about getting the colors on your white pad, use a piece of Cut n' Dry with white Memories or Staz-on reinker to rub over the colors.  This will soften the colors, and blend them together.  See the close-up pictures from my cards.
* Stamp image/s over the background using chalk inks.  They will stamp out soft and whispy.
That's it! 
Here are a couple of cards I made with this technique:

The round poinsettia image is the part of this card which uses this technique.  I used a white Memories pad, and pink, rose, and red chalk inks for the background.  I used Penny Black stamps.  The papers are from Little Yellow Bicycle.  Here's a close-up of the background:

On this next card, I chose blue, orchid, and soft teal chalk inks.  When I rubbed my white pad over the inks, they softened to this really pretty background.  The snowflake stamped images stamped on so softly, making this background look like a soft, cool winter's snowfall.  Notice the white spots/specks all over the background?  This was a "happy accident."  I was spritzing my stamp with water to clean it, and some of the spritz landed on my work.  After a minute, these white spots appeared!!!  I loved it, and decided to keep it.

Here's a close-up of the background:

Stamps on this card are Hero Arts.

I hope you are enjoying your holiday preparations, and are almost ready and able to relax and appreciate the season.  I spent today relaxing with a great book, and dog-sitting for my neighbor's dog while she is away for a couple of days.  I made a yummy chicken casserole in my crock pot, did some stamping, listened to Christmas music, and just enjoyed watching the snow come down, and come down, and come down!!!  It actually just stopped snowing a couple of hours ago, after having snowed all evening and night, then all day today, into tonight.  It is supposed to start again, and accumulate another several inches by morning.  Slow going to work tomorrow. (Glad I had today off).

All supplies for today's technique are available at your local craft stores, or on many of the online stores.  Hope you'll give this a try!

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Altered Notebook/Journal Gifts

Don't let the word "altered" scare you off.  These notebook gifts started out as a simple composition book and a Dollar Store 5 x 7 notebook.  To "alter" them, I simply added some papers, stamped images, embellishments, and inking.  Here's a step-by-step on each of these gifts I made:

This Christmas journal, a gift for my sister-in-law for her birthday this week, started out as a black and white composition book, costing about $1!!  Here's how it is done:
-Paint the spine binding with copper Lumiere paint, which has a really pretty copper shimmer to it (not so evident in the picture).
-After the spine was dry, apply white glue to the front cover and adhered the poinsettia paper.  I pressed the paper into the glue onto the composition book firmly and thoroughly.
-Repeat for the back cover.
-Next, trim all the edges where the paper overlapped the edges of the book, using an exacto knife.
-Repeat for inside cover panels - I used a copper shimmery paper I had on hand.
- Distress the edges of the notebook covers with Ranger distress ink.
- Embellish/decorate as desired.  I created some die cuts with my Cuttlebug and Nestabilities dies and layered them on the book cover with foam tape.  On the top die, I stamped the Penny Black poinsettia, and word background, then sponge/distressed it before layering it on.  I added pearls for accent, and the bow was made using last week's technique.  I didn't have a coppery/red brad, so I took a gold one and used permanent markers to color it!
I stamped a couple of scriptures on the inside covers, layering them up.
That's it!!  How easy is that. 
Next, I made this 5 x 7 journal for my 12 year old niece, Sierra, and she absolutely loved it!! Lots of bling, and her favorite color (which also happens to be mine)! Here it is:

This started as a $1 journal, with a slightly stiff paper cover.  I wrapped the green dotted scrapbook paper around the cover, adhering with glue. Next, I added the striped panel, then the purple paper on the bottom.  I hot-glued the large flower (got all colors of these when they were on sale at Michael's a while ago for just such a project).  Lastly, I added the purple swirl crystals, and her name with letter rhinestones.  I made these purple with a permanent marker.  Sierra loved having her name in rhinestones on her journal!

Hope you will try these.  Plain and even patterned notebooks, paper pads, and journals are available everywhere, from dollar stores, to discount stores, to office supply stores, just begging to be covered and transformed into beautiful keepsake journals.  It's easy to make some pretty gift journals with a little glue, some paper, and a few embellishments. Add a pen, and they make wonderful, treasured gifts.
Enjoy these last three weeks of gift/card making before Christmas!

lynda