Inside Every Man...Altered Microscope Slide Mailer

One thing I love to alter is microscope slide mailers. They are soooo much fun and despite their diminutive size there is lots of space to play with.

Today I wanted to share my "Man" slide mailer.

In it I used two of my favorite guy stamps in my collection... The first image ~ (front of the mailer) is from River City Rubber Works ~ Enos Game Board Collage and the second image (inside) is from Oxford Impressions - Family Album. This image as are most of Oxford Impressions stamps are "photo realistic" stamps. These are highly detailed stamps and I have had the best success by using Archival Inks stamped onto Glossy Cardstock. You can stamp on plain cardstock but you just don't get the same level of detail as you do when stamped on the glossy cardstock.

Supplies:

Weathered Wood Distress Ink Re-Inker - Ranger

Mini Mister - Ranger

Adirondack Alcohol Inks - Ranger

Embossing Ink - Ranger

Black Embossing Powder - Ranger

Archival Ink - Ranger

Distress Inks - Ranger

Glossy Cardstock - Ranger

Krylon Metallic Paint Pen

Niji Waterbrush

Ribbon

Misc. Embellishments (domino, charms, buttons, etc.)

Computer Generated Text

Instructions:

1. Add a couple drops of Weathered Wood Distress Ink to the Mini Mister and fill it the rest of the way with water. Shake to mix well.

2. Spray both the inside and outside of the slide mailer with the ink. Let dry completely.

3. Once dry, stamp the man image on the front with clear embossing ink, sprinkle with embossing powder. Shake off excess and heat to melt powders.

4. Stamp boy image in glossy cardstock using Archival Ink.

5. Color the boy image using Distress Inks and the Niji Waterbrush. Let dry.

6. Trim image and insert and glue into the area where the glass slide would normally be housed.

7. Print saying on vellum, trim and adhere to the inside left portion of the slide mailer. Affix "Man" & "Boy" letters in the appropriate spaces.

8. Add additional distress inks and Krylon Metallic Paint Pen details as desired.

9 Embellish the front and inside with "lumpy" goodies...buttons, game pieces, charms, tokens, etc. I used Alcohol Inks to color some of the embellishments since they didn't originally match the color scheme I was going for.

10. Wrap ribbon around the spine and add charms.

ENJOY!!

So there you go...

now it's your turn!

Tomorrow I'll have a fun 4th of July project to share :)

Don't forget if you need a Patriotic saying for the 4th I have a whole list of

Patriotic Quotes, Sentiments and Sayings

here on the blog as well as

Inspirational Quotes & Sentiments for Military Personnel.

Have a wonderful evening friends!!

More fun with Stickles Glitter Glue!

As promised I have several more ideas on how to incorporate Stickles Glitter Glue into your projects.

I had colored this stamped image with watercolor pencils and added SGG highlights in matching colors...

It's difficult to see in the photo (it's difficult to photograph the stickles sometimes) but there are two different shades of SGG on the sunflowers - Yellow and Gold. It really adds a nice contrast and brings the sunflowers to life.

And a bit of cool fun....Snow doesn't sound too bad after all the 90's we've been having lately ;) lol!!

I hope this helps get those Stickles out of the bottle and onto your paper/projects!

Tomorrow I'm going to share an altered/stamped microscope slide mailer with you that incorporates some of my favorite guy stamps.

With all the men in my life this mailer was a labor of love!

OH, before I forget...

Check out my new siggy....

It's got one of my new stamps incorporated into it ;)

Yes, that cute little realistic bird is just one of the stamps in my new line!

I've been working feverishly on creating several cards that will hopefully inspire and entice you. I sooooo can't wait to share these stamps with you...

Only 8 days left!!!!!!!

Stickles Glitter Glue ~ Not Just for Dots Anymore!

I get many e-mails from people telling me they bought a few bottles of Stickles Glitter Glue that just sit on their desk because they don't know what to do with them. So many people ask for suggestions on how to really "use" them instead of just adding a dot here or there.

Now don't get me wrong, using Stickles for "faux gemstones" is great but you can do so many more things than just add dots to your projects.

Today I've got 3 cards to share with you that will really give your Stickles bottles a work out!

Stickles add not only great glitz & glitter but it also adds so much texture! To create this card I painted a swish/flourish with gold SGG the added several balloons over top. As you will note, the balloons have been decorated in a variety of ways ~ a couple of the balloons have all over coverage, I added strips to the yellow balloon and gold highlights to the blue balloons. Don't forget to mix it up a bit. Several of the balloons have highlights using Silver SGG.

In addition to the flourish and Balloons I created "strings" from the balloons and covered each of the letters with Black Diamond SGG.

One of my favorite ways to use Stickles Glitter Glue is to add highlights to pattern paper. I'm sure many of you know how expensive pre-glittered pattern paper is ~ it can range anywhere from $1.50 up to 2-3.00! Way to rich for my blood... but with a little bit of time and SGG I can turn any piece of pattern paper into the "fancy stuff"!

For this card I not only highlighted the dot pattern paper with a variety of SGG but I also outlined the harlequin design on the other sheet of PP. I also used the glue to outline each of my acrylic letter tiles and I also colored the stamped image with SGG as well! It's a great way to add lots of zing to a plain stamped image.

Here is another fun card that I really spiced up with Stickles. Again I kicked the pattern papers up a notch or two by highlighting the existing design with complimentary colors of the GG. I also love to paint chipboard pieces (scallop circle, flowers, letters, flourish) with acrylic paint and then cover with the glitter glue. By using the same colors on the flowers as I used in the pattern paper it ties the whole design together giving the finished card an amazing "Finished" look.

I hope these ideas have sparked a few ideas on how to get your Stickles off the shelf and into your projects!

Tomorrow I'll have a few more ideas on how to incorporate Stickles into your projects.

Till then friends...

Have a beautiful day

filled with sparkles!

Bic Markers - Part II

Since I originally posted about the Bic Markers being a great alternative to Copic Markers I've had lots of questions and e-mails asking about these pens. I've done a bit of experimenting and research so I thought I'd share it with everyone.

Q. What type of ink / Are the BIC Markers alcohol ink?

A. (From the Bic web-site) Thank you for your question and interest in BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers. Yes the markers are made from an alcohol-based ink and are acid free, meaning there is no added acid or measurable p.H. Furthermore, The inks used in the BIC® Mark-It Permanent Markers have undergone a toxicological review by Duke University Medical Center Occupational Health Service under the ACMI (Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc.) certification program for art and creative materials.

Q. Can these markers be blended like Copics?

A. (from the Bic web-site) BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers can be blended, lightened and diluted using a product called an alcohol blending solution. Alcohol blending solutions come in bottles with a precision tip that can either be dropped directly onto surfaces decorated with BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers, or dabbed/rubbed over the colors using a piece of felt. This method creates a lighter blended look, while dripping the product directly creates a more diluted look.To blend BIC Mark-It™ Permanent markers, first decorate any surface that the markers work on such as glass, metal, plastic, foils and coated paper. Once your design is finished, decide what kind of look you want for your design, and either drip the alcohol blending solution directly onto the surface, or dab/rub it on with some felt. Let it dry to reveal your blended masterpiece!Please note that blending is challenging for a first time user. Should you decide to use an alcohol blending solution, please be sure to follow the directions and heed any warnings provided by the manufacturer.

I didn't particularly get too excited about either of the two suggested techniques on blending these markers so I have done a bit of experimenting on my own. First with Ranger's Alcohol Blending Solution and then with ChartPak Blending Pen. The following are my results....

Ranger's Alcohol Blending Solution

&

Bic Markers

on Glossy Cardstock

I stamped my desired image using a black dye ink on glossy cardstock. I then rough colored the image ~ I didn't get too neat about it as you can see since I was going to be blending the colors.

I filled one of my Niji Waterbrush Pens with Ranger's Alcohol Blending Solution. If you're not familiar with Niji Waterbrush Pens they are amazing!! They have a fillable barrel which usually is used for water & watercoloring (which I love to use paired with my Distress Inks).

After my Niji was filled & ready to go I simply blended the inks working from light to dark. I did notice that I need to keep the brush pretty wet with Blending Solution in order to blend/slide the ink around.

I continued to color the leaf/stem and blend in the same fashion. Here is how my pear turned out....

Chartpak Blender Pen

&

Bic Markers

on Plain Cardstock

Now that technique doesn't work on plain cardstock so I decided to try my Chartpak Blending Pen. I colored the markers on my Non-Stick Craft Mat and picked up the inks with the Blending Pen. I then colored the image as desired blending as I went.

As you can see this technique also worked well.

Comparison

Blending Solution vs. Chartpak

As you can see both techniques worked very well and produced a nice blended image. The Blending Solution on Glossy Cardstock (L) produced a much more vivid finished image than the Chartpak blending (R) did. Not that it is better, just different.

Another question I got quite often was if the Copic Blender could be used on the Bic Markers. That I can't answer. I don't have a Copic Blender Pen nor do I have anyplace to pick one up locally so my best answer would be is to give it a shot.

So there you go...

I think this answered the three most asked questions I rec'd. on Bic Markers.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to post or e-mail me.

I'd be happy to help if I can!

Just For Fun Color Challenge #17

Happy Friday!!

Time for another great Just For Fun Color Challenge!

This week we have a classic color combo ~

Beautiful huh?

Well, I took up the challenge and this is what I created ~

Just For Fun Stamps used: D3133 - Branch Bouquet; F2687 - Fancy Dress Form; and WB8010 - Just a Note Word Block

I also used Liquid Pearls to create the little flourish.

Now this color combo was just too much fun so I create a second card. This one has a bit of an Asian flair to it....

Just For Fun Stamps used: F2120 - Cherry Blossom; AA2122 - Asian Motif 5; AA2118 - Asian Motif 2; F2642 - Fern; E2965 - Growing old/Birthday

I colored the cherry blossoms with Taffy Smooch Ink (that's the ink in the cool finger nail polish bottle) and topped it off with a bit of Fruit Punch Stickles Glitter Glue!

If you're up to the challenge and would like to join in on the fun, be sure to hop on over to the Just For Fun blog and post a link to your creation...you might just be the lucky winner of a 25% discount coupon for your next Just For Fun Rubber Stamps order!

While you're at it, check out the rest of the Just For Fun Girls creations

for a bit of fun and inspiration ;)

Glenda Brooks
http://glendabrooks.blogspot.com/

Sherry Cheever
http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Terre Fry
http://terresscraptherapy.blogspot.com/

Broni Holcombe
http://bronih.typepad.com/splashesofwatercolor/

Roni Johnson
You Are Here J

Elizabeth (Beth) A. Moore
http://www.runswithscraps.blogspot.com/

Starla Nelson
http://sn-exploringcreativity.blogspot.com/

Sandy Sandrus
http://www.sjscleverideas.blogspot.com/

Kathy Tucker
http://www.kattoys.blogspot.com/

Margarita Ybarra
http://Mycreationsbymy.blogspot.com/

Thunder, Lightening and Wind ~ Oh MY!!

Whew!!!!!!

Did we ever have one heck of a storm last night!

It started moving in our area around 5:00pm with very high winds and progressively got worse. We ended up losing our power about 10:00pm due to trees on power lines.

They haven't determined if it was a tornado or straight line winds (??) yet but whatever it was went right over our house and knocked over several trees in the cemetery on the next block which were the ones that took out our power.

I tell you, you just don't realize how electricity impacts your life until you don't have it. Lights, air conditioning, computer, phones, printer, water, etc.... It even makes crafting difficult! Lights aside, I never realized how often I use my heat gun to quickly dry inks, water, etc. Without fans or air conditioning it seemed like things were taking FOREVER to dry so I finally gave up. The humidity was just too high to get things done with my sanity intact. LOL!!

Tomorrow I will have the JFF challenge for you (got that finished yesterday before the storms hit) and if things work out tomorrow afternoon I'm planning on sharing some fun info about the Bic Markers that I learned while experimenting! If I don't get it posted tomorrow then on Saturday for sure ;)

AND

I got some really great mail today....

I rec'd July's Get Inked Stamp kit

and

the first run of MY NEW STAMP LINE!!!!!!!!!!!

Wooo Hooooo!!!

I am so pleased with how they came out. I have several vintage/retro people, 3 realistic bird/egg sets and another cool image that I just cannot wait to share with you.

All of these images go "live" on July 7th!!

I'm hoping to add lots more vintage images to line in the coming months :)

I can't wait to hear what you think of them!

So that's my news of the day...

sorry it wasn't a fun technique or project but sometimes Mother Nature just does not know when to tone it down and take a chill pill. LOL!!

Canvas Swirl Flower Card Examples

Yesterday I shared instructions on how to create a fun and funky new flower using Ranger's Sticky Back Canvas ~ Canvas Swirl Flowers.

Well today I've got a couple cards to share with you incorporating those flowers!

If yesterday's tutorial didn't inspire you, maybe these cards will!!

A Rose...

I added a few stamens to the center of the flower. I simply poked a hole in the center ~ threaded the stems through the hole and secured them on the back. The leaves are plain white cardstock squirted with Glimmer Mist and torn into a rough leaf shape.

Just a Note Rose Card...

Again I added a few stamen to the large flower but this time I just glued it under one of the swirls. The smaller flowers each have a sticky back gemstone for it's center. The stamps (leaves & sentiment) are Just For Fun Rubber Stamps.

NOTE: I did want to add that while I was creating the second card the canvas came loose from the chipboard. This was one of the first flowers I had made ~ I had pulled the canvas on and off the chipboard a couple times so it must have been loose when I embossed. Much of the "sticky" side of the canvas that should have been attached to the chipboard was embossed as well. Anyway, if this happens to you, don't freak out...I simply glued the canvas back down on the chipboard and it held together perfectly!

So, now what do you think of these flowers???

Look like something you might try?

I'd love to see your results if you do make some!

Please feel free to share a link here or e-mail me :)

Canvas Swirl Flowers!

You know me and my flowers...

always trying to come up with something new and fun to try.

WELL....

today I have another one for you.

I was so excited about these flowers I could hardly wait to share them with you so here you go....

Canvas Swirl Flowers

Supplies:

Sticky Back Canvas - Ranger Industries

Chipboard Circle (pre-cut or hand-cut)

Distress or Pigment Ink (optional)

Embossing Powder

Embossing Gun

Instructions:

1. Tear the canvas in 1/2" strips. For smaller flowers you will use 1 strip, for larger flowers more. It's hard to say exactly how much you will need because it all depends on how large you make the flowers and how twisted you get ;)

2. Paint the chipboard a color that will coordinate with your finished flower. NOTE: I left my chipboard plain so you could see it on the finished flower to allow for color variations so you could easily identify the various steps.

3. (optional) If desired, ink the canvas with desired color. Let this ink dry completely. This is very important...if the ink is still wet it will hold the EP's in later steps and ruin the twisted effect.

4. Begin in the center of the chipboard circle ~ Press one end of the stick side of the canvas to the very center of your circle. Twist the canvas strip once. You should now have a swirl ~ white sticky back canvas showing in the center with the inked side in your fingers. Press the inked canvas down on the chipboard beside the original piece of centered canvas. Twist and press, twist & press working your way around the chipboard as shown.

Don't get discouraged if you knock loose a twist or two, simply press them back down where they belong. It took me a couple tries before I got a flower that I liked the looks of.

Once you reach the edge of the chipboard, cut off the excess canvas or if you are working on a larger flower, add additional strips as necessary. Your circle/canvas should look similar to this now....

5. Sprinkle the canvas with desired color of embossing powder(s). Shake off excess and reserve for future projects.

6. Heat to melt the embossing powders. Don't worry about the canvas ~ it is built to withstand heat. Let the flowers cool completely before use.

And you're finished!!!

Here are a few examples of my finished Canvas Swirl Flowers...

You will notice in the first photo how very little of the chipboard shows through. You can use this as a guide on how tightly packed your twists should be placed on the chipboard. The second photo shows you how dimensional the flowers actually are!

And here are a couple "un-inked" Canvas Swirl Flowers....the white of the canvas really makes the flowers pop don't you think?

Looks like fun huh?

Tomorrow I'll share a few finished projects incorporating these flowers so be sure to check back then!

Copic Alternative - Bic Markers!

Happy Summer!!!

Ahhh, the first official day of summer and the longest day of the year!

It's nice that it is official now since we've been having 90 degree days here - LOL!!

I don't know if you've been tempted by the Copic marker craze that is EVERYWHERE but I tell you despite the amazing look you can achieve I just CANNOT bring myself to spend $5.00 for a single marker. I don't have mounds of money sitting around so I have to spend what little craft $$$'s I do have where it will do me the most good.....a $5.00 marker just isn't the place to be doing it.

Recently I rec'd a thank you card from one of the Whimsy Stamp winners ~ Dee Dee...She has graciously allowed me to share the card she created with the stamps.

Beautiful isn't it! I LOVED the coloring and the use of glitter on the horses main. I asked her if she had used Copic's to color the horse. NO...she used BIC markers!!!!! Well now just look at how awesome they look....

That looks just as nice if not better than some of the Copic examples I've seen. I understand that it in part has to do with the coloring skills of the artist but I'm telling you it looks wonderful.

Soooo that set me in search of these markers.

I was at Wal-Mart of all places this past weekend and found a set very reasonably...around $12.00 for 24 markers!!! Now how could I pass up that kind of deal ~ $ 0.50 a marker sure beats $5.00!! And just look at wide variety of colors you get...

I haven't had a chance to use them much but I did color a couple images I had on hand....
Stamp Credits: Frog ~ Viva Las Vegas Stamps & Baker Chick ~ Rubber Romance (Thanks S!!!)

Pretty cool don't you think?

I'm not the best at hand coloring (which is why I watercolor so much) so I'm pretty pleased with the results!

What do you think?

How do these compare to Copics?

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Winners, winners and MORE winners!!

Man this not being on the computer much is really putting me behind with posting the winners!

I've got lots of winners to tell you about....

The winner of a set of the

Architecture Stamps

I designed for June's Get Inked Kit is.....

Joanne Jay!!!

Joanne Jay said...
Wow! Very nice. I would like to see vintage ball dresses and men's attire...great for prom or wedding cards, etc. Thanks for sharing with us.
June 8, 2010 2:02 AM

The winner of
Ranger's new Enamel Accents...

Denise B

DeniseB said...
Love the dragonflies! I would try it out with some butterfly stamps I have! Looks like fun!DeniseB
June 10, 2010 8:15 PM

Congratulations!!!!

Will you ladies send me your snail mail addies so I can get your goodies in the mail!!

AND

the winners of Vintage Image Craft's

Patriotic Creative Challenge

FIRST PRIZE
Vintage Patriotic Bingo Card Ornament by Berta Feige delighted the judges with a strong thematic focus and creative, professional execution. The patriotic embellishments include glass glitter and rhinestones, silver tinsel, and pleated crepe paper for a bunting-like ruffle at the bottom. We were quite torn between this ornament and Berta's Rosette Ornament, but this one just set off the fireworks!
SECOND PRIZE
Miss Patriotic Crown by Kay Tangner really popped for the judges because of Kay's wild setting for the front-and-center vintage image. She added unique touches with creative embellishments that made the image so dimensional, like sewn-on buttons, a beaded necklace, flags, tassels, and more. Kay made this one for her niece's birthday on July 4!
THIRD PRIZE
Hip-Hip-Hooray Soaps by Cindy Adkins are both decorative and practical. These little soaps boast antiqued vintage images, and embellishments like buttons, flags, raffia and cheesecloth. The judges were impressed by Cindy's attention to detail, front and back, as well as her artistic photo styling and setting.
HONORABLE MENTION was awarded to the Patriotic Kissing Ball by Margaret Diggs. This Victorian whimsy displays some meticulous work, from creating the ball to making the tea bag roses and the natural fiber embellishments. Wonderful work!

I have to tell you this was a hard one to decide!

There were so many great works of vintage art to choose from!!!

Vintage Postcard Sunday....a little bit of this, a little bit of that

Happy Father's Day

to all you Dad's out there!!

I hope you've all had a chance to remember Dad! I gave my dad his goodies yesterday when he stopped over for eggs. He really liked the change box I made him but danged if I didn't forget to give him the leather key chain! Guess he'll get an extra goodie next time I see him.

Today for Vintage Postcard Sunday I have an assortment of this and that...just some cool vintage images for you to enjoy and possibly even use in some of your art!

Enjoy!!

Let's start off with a little something for Dad....

Double Tunnel in the

Blue Ridge Mts.

Third National Bank

in Atlanta, GA

Wonder if it's still there?!?!?

Alligators

caught on the

Isthmus of Panama

And of course...

The lovely Lady herself

The Statue of Liberty,

New York, New York

Hope you've all had a great weekend!

Just For Fun Color Challenge #16

I am so excited about this card...it's another girl from the Pin Up Girls UM Sheet of stamps. These images are lots of fun for all sorts of occasions!

Here are the colors for this weeks challenge....

and here is my card....

Told you she was fun!!!

Stamps Used: I used one of the Pin Up Girls as I mentioned above. I also used the Game Cube and one of the sayings from the Birthday block.



All inks are Distress Inks & the image was stamped with Archival Ink. The background is a monoprint using 3 colors of green.

Be sure to check out the Just For Fun Blog for this challenge.

If you're feeling creative, be sure to post your card using the Mr. Linky form at the bottom of this week's Color Challenge Post! You could be the lucky winner of a 25% off discount coupon!!

Also, be sure to check out all of the other colorful creations from the rest of the JFF DT Girls!

Glenda Brooks
http://glendabrooks.blogspot.com/

Sherry Cheever
http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Terre Fry
http://terresscraptherapy.blogspot.com/

Broni Holcombe
http://bronih.typepad.com/splashesofwatercolor/

Roni Johnson
You Are Here :)

Elizabeth (Beth) A. Moore
http://www.runswithscraps.blogspot.com/

Starla Nelson
http://sn-exploringcreativity.blogspot.com/

Sandy Sandrus
http://www.sjscleverideas.blogspot.com/

Kathy Tucker
http://www.kattoys.blogspot.com/

Margarita Ybarra
http://Mycreationsbymy.blogspot.com/

Upcycled Leather Stamped Key Chain & Cuff Bracelet

I know I'm going to sound like a broken record but today I have ANOTHER Fun, Quick, Inexpensive and EASY project for all the men in your life!

This is so much fun, I've been waiting and waiting to share this with you.

My son's belt gave up the ghost a few months ago...it was three layers of leather stitched together along the edges. Well, being the farm boy he is he's been pretty rough on it so as you can see one of the layers came loose and was done for.

Soooo, I decided it would make great key chains and cuff bracelets!!!

Stamped & Recycled

Leather Belt

Key Chain Fob

These are so simple to make....

Cut -

Trim to the desired length and shape. For the example I used the end of the belt (after the loops) and peeled them apart the rest of the way.

I added holes at the bottom to match the sides.

STAMP -

Stamp with desired images. I experimented and used Archival, Staz-On, Brilliance and Adirondack Pigment Inks and they all worked great! I added color to the edges using Archival Ink and the Ink Blending Tool (of course!).

Stamp Credits: The auto is Just For Fun, Gears - Judikins.

Eyelet -

Add eyelet ~ I used my Crop-A-Dial and it cut like butter! Add a key ring and you're finished!!!

And here are the finished key chain fobs...

Recycled & Stamped

Leather Belt

Cuff Bracelet

NOW, you can take the same basic steps and create a very cool and hip leather cuff bracelet!

Stamp and ink as desired...

Stamp Credits: Alpha - River City Rubber Works; remainder - JudiKins.

Add a snap - this is very easy.

AND IT"S DONE!!!!!!!!

See, told you it was easy!!!!

Sooooo, another item you're going to recycle instead of toss ;)

Right?!?!?!

LOL!!!