Ink Stained Card Sketch & JFF Stamps!

Happy Friday!!

Woo Hoo...it's finally cooling off here after a scorching week ~ temps in the upper 90's with VERY high humidity.

O.k...here is this weeks card sketch....  The background looks a bit confusing with the ribbon tossed in there but it's actually only two different background papers instead of 4.  The ribbon just slices them all in two.  You'll see what I mean when you check out the cards below.

And here are the cards I created using Just For Fun Rubber Stamps. 

Note: this card uses the rainbow paper I made earlier this week using the brayer technique -

 Easy Rainbow Brayering.

Now it's your turn to give this fun sketch a try!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Glassine & Twinkling H2O's

A couple weeks ago I shared some techniques to help you play with your new *Ideaology Kraft Glassine Paper (Glassine & Alcohol Inks and Glassine & Distress Inks ~ Embossed Glassine).  Well today I've got another fun technique that I've been playing with...

Glassine & **Twinkling H2O's!

*Ideaology Kraft Glassine Paper is a new product in the Tim Holtz line of goodies.  I have gotten several e-mails from people who have bought it but after they had it in their hands they weren't sure what to do with it.  These techniques are designed to help you start to play! 

**Twinkling H2O's - If you're not familiar with this product it is a highly concentrated shimmery pigment that comes in a solid cake form.  You add a drop of water to the cake and let it soften.  You can then easily pick up the color with a waterbrush (which I prefer) or a regular paint brush.  Once the TH2O's have dried there is nothing more you need to do to them ~ no sealers are necessary.   I find for some applications I like them better than Perfect Pearls and they come in many many colors.

Supplies:

Glassine
Archival Ink
Rubber Stamp (Sunflower from April Get Inked Kit)
Twinkling H2O's
Waterbrush or paint brush & water
Heat Tool - Optional

Instructions:



1.  Stamp desired image onto the glassine using Archival Ink.  I like to heat set it to speed drying other wise you'll need to let it set for a while.

2. Wet your Twinkling H2O's with a dot of water.  After it has softened, load your waterbrush/paint brush with color. 

3. Begin massaging the color onto the image.  Yes, I said massaging.   Now here is the interesting thing ~ glassine paper is naturally resistant to water.  If you spritz it with water it will run into little droplets.  When you begin painting the stamped image the Twinkling H20's will initially pool into little drops of color but as you massage the color into the image it will begin staying put.  I don't know why it works but it does...

In this photo you can see I have painted the upper portion of the sunflower.  If you look closely at the petal my brush is near you can actually see the droplets of color.  

Also, the Archival Ink has a bit of resist to it so the ink won't stick to the image lines but stay inside the lines as you add the color. 

I must say it's a pretty fun technique to play with.  It's amazing how the paper, inks and pigments all work together.

Here is what the flower looked like once I had all of the petals painted (massaged).


3. Continue massaging/painting the image as desired.

4. After you have finished colorizing the image, speed drying with the heat tool or let it dry naturally (which may take a while depending on temp/humidity/etc.).

And here is what my finished glassine stamped image looks like....

Now it's your turn!

Go massage your glassine paper ;)  LOL!!

I'm going to continue to experiment with the glassine to see what it likes and what it doesn't. 

 I'll be sure to share my findings with you all :)

Time for Another Charm Swap???

I posted a poll to see if you're ready for another charm swap.

I have been itchin' to make some more charms and a couple others have been asking about it as well.   I think I might even get my Mom talked into joining in on the fun this time. 

So, I thought I'd toss it out there to see if there is enough interest at this time or if I should wait a bit.

I'm game for one now or later...it's all good for me.

If you weren't around for the last one it was a make 5 and receive 5 different charms plus a charm pin back.  (I will supply the pin)

Everyone is welcome....there are no border restrictions here :)

So, please take a second and vote if you're interested or not. 

Thanks everyone!

More Brayer Techniques

I have a couple more brayer techniques I wanted to share with you to help you pull those brayers out of the drawer, dust em off and put them to work!

The first technique is one that combines dye and pigment inks on the same roller.  It's very easy but the results are way cool.

Brayer Stampings

1. Load up your brayer with a nice even layer of dye ink across the entire roller.

2. Ink up your desired image with a contrasting pigment ink.

3. Roll the brayer across the stamp once or twice. 

You have now picked up the inky image on the brayer.

4. Roll the brayer across the cardstock.

5. Clean the roller.

6. Repeat steps 1-4 with the same or different color combos until the cardstock has been covered with ink & images.

This is a GREAT way to make a quick color blocked stamped background paper.  This is also a super easy way to make some really fun gift wrap paper or ink up a plain gift bag.   You can make matching gift tags in the same fashion.

Quick Joseph's Coat Variation

Normally when you see a card made using Joseph's Coat Technique it's a brightly colored image with a black brayered background.  Here is a nifty variation on that technique using the scrap paper that I told you to keep yesterday!

Here is the paper that I used to clean my roller each time I changed color for the Brayered Rainbow technique.  I told you this paper would come in handy ;)

1. Cut the paper to desired card size.

2. Stamp desired image onto the paper using clear embossing ink.

3. Sprinkle with clear embossing powder; shake off excess and heat to melt the powders.

4. After the image has cooled, cover the entire piece of cardstock with desired color of ink.  As I mentioned it is usually black but I like to play with other colors.  For this example I used Denim Adirondack ink. 

5. Wipe off the excess ink on the image with a dry cloth.

And here is an example of how your image may turn out... (the flash washed the tree top out a bit but IRL it's quite vibrant).

So there you go...a couple of fun, quick and easy techniques to help put all of those neglected brayers to work! 

Hope you all have fun playin'!

*Request* Basic Brayer Techniques

Today I have a requested technique for a few people that I've been meaning to get to for a while now (thanks for waiting ladies!). Janie and her friends in Canada asked to see a few basic brayer techniques.  They were lucky enough to get a great deal on some brayers from a local shop but had no clue on what to do with them so they asked me to share a basic brayer technique or two. 

Here you go ladies....

Basic Brayer - Ink Application

1. Ink your brayer by rolling it across the ink pad several times.  I like to roll it until I can see a nice even coat of ink across the entire roller.

2. Apply the ink to your cardstock by placing your brayer just off the edge of the paper and make one complete pass over the paper from edge to edge.  If additional ink is desired, roll from edge to edge again. 

Tip: Don't push your brayer back and forth. Since the roller never leaves the paper you will end up inking the same exact areas over and over without really covering the whole area.  Just remember edge to edge.

Easy Rainbow Brayering (If you don't have a rainbow ink pad)

1. Choose 2-3 colors of ink (or more if you're feeling adventurous!).  For this example I'm using primary colors - red, yellow and blue.  

2. Ink up approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the brayer with the first color; roll it onto the paper - edge to edge.

3. Roll the brayer across scrap paper to remove any excess ink and clean the roller with your favorite rubber stamp cleaner.   I know...CLEAN it??? Yes, it's easy and only takes a minute.  This prevents ink buildup on the roller which tends to get muddy after one or two additional colors.

4. Apply your next color in the same fashion as you did the first.  Apply the ink to the paper slightly overlapping the first.  This will naturally blend both colors creating a third.

5. Remove the excess ink on the scrap paper and clean the roller.

6. Add additional colors of ink, overlapping the previous color when you apply the ink to the cardstock.  Remember to clean the roller between each new color.

and here is what your Inky Rainbow might look like....

For a bit of interest I spritzed some stamp cleaner into my hand and flicked it onto the cardstock.  Let it set for a few seconds then dab away the cleaner. 

Don't throw away your scrap paper....after a few rolls you get some pretty cool looking designs which could be used as a card background or you could even use it to stamp your main image onto. 

Tomorrow I'll share a couple more basic brayering techniques so be sure to check back then :)

Busy Busy Busy...Up coming Previews!

Happy Monday!!!!

(do you feel all that energy?!?!)

LOL!!

Things have been wild here and I know some of my posts have been short but there is a good reason.  It's CHA time again (I know I know...just seems like the stuff from the Winter CHA in January are just now shipping) and I've been working my tail off the last couple weeks on projects for Ranger. 

I ended up making 28 cards, tags or other stamped goodies in the last 2 weeks and I'm wiped out!  Now I don't know how many they are going to use at CHA but I can tell you this...you will eventually get to see them all right here!  I will be posting them with complete directions after I know what's what.

For today though I thought I'd share a few very close-ups just to entice you!

And for a bit of fun...

How about a Guessing Game & Give-A-Way to make it interesting ?????

I know it's tricky but can you guess which products are being showcased in each photo???

Mystery #1 -

Mystery #2 -

Mystery #3 -

Mystery #4 -

All correct responses will be entered into a drawing for assorted Ranger Industries goodies!!!

You have until June 21st to guess!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Third Coast Rubber Stamps!

Woo Hoo....

I got some very exciting news last night....

From the Third Coast Art Rubber Stamps web-site....

I am delighted to announce our first ever Design Team!


These fabulous stampers have bravely volunteered to be a part of the inaugural group. I had over 60 applications, and it was just too hard to decide, so I added five more positions than I had originally intended. Several other applicants will be offered a spot at being a Guest Designer for a month. I appreciate all of the interest in Third Coast and our stamps. Truly! If you missed out on this round, please consider applying for the winter team. I will be mixing things up a bit in December!


Anesha Marshall - Cambridgeshire, England
Donna Cook - Missouri, USA
Karen McAlpine - Michigan, USA
Kathi Rerek - New Jersey, USA
Leigh Snaith-Brunton - California, USA
Lynda Brough - Suffolk, England
Michelle Burress - Florida, USA
Milo Lilja - Trollhättan, Sweden
Stempelientje - The Netherlands
Riet van Zundert - The Netherlands
Roni Johnson - Indiana, USA
Sandra Levy - Paris, France
Shelly Becker - Alaska, USA
Susan Shuler - Michigan, USA
Valerie H. Wilson - Nova Scotia, Canada
And our sole Painter:

Barb Urbassik - Maryland, USA


Doin' the happy dance here!!!

I can't wait to get started :)

Just For Fun Friday - Watercolor Challenge

I don't know about you but when Monday is a holiday and Friday rolls around I'm thinkin' it's Thursday!  Drives me nuts...

Anyway, today I have another quick and easy challenge for you this week....

Try a bit of watercoloring! 

This card was lots of fun to make, just stamp, swish around a few colors of Distress Ink, add a bit of Stickles Glitter Glue for some flash and you're done!  Now I like to use my Niji Waterbrush for this technique but of course a paint brush and water work just as well.

  I LOVE using this technique for simple yet elegant cards.  What's really great about this technique is that you can use virtually any image and color combo for a perfect card!  Doesn't get much better than that now does it?

Now it's your turn...sometime this weekend give this technique a try and see if you don't fall in love with it too!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Origami Tie & More to Add to the Origami Shirt Card!

Hi All!

Today I wanted to share a few ideas to spruce up the Origami Shirt Card I shared on Tuesday. 

The first idea I have is to add a few stitches here and there to really make the shirt look authentic....as you can see here I added a few around the collar with a Sharpie Extra Fine Marker.  I have in the past added stitches to other areas of the shirt but I never gave it a thought when I used this particular pattern paper.  The paper it's self has what looks like stitches in it already so when you add more they just blend in.  Sooo...won't be showing you that.  But you know where the stitches are most likely to appear from looking at a regular shirt ~ around a pocket, sleeves, front seam, etc. 

Another fun thing to add to your card would be buttons!!  You all know how much I love buttons.  Of course I had some in my stash that fit perfectly!  Simply affix with a Glue Dot, your favorite liquid glue or you could really stitch them on if you're feeling ambitious.

If you'd rather not mess with buttons how about using some mini brads in whatever color you have on hand?  They would make a great little addition to give your shirt a bit of authenticity.

Origami Tie -

Supplies:

Pattern Paper (3x3)

Instructions:

1. Flip the pattern paper over so you're looking at the back (white) side.  It should be orientated so it looks like a diamond ~ with one corner pointing at yourself.

2. Fold the left point of your diamond in towards an imaginary center line. 

3. Fold the right point of your diamond in towards the center so it meets the left side that has already been folded in.  Your paper should now look like a kite.

4.  Flip the kite over so the pattern side is facing up.

5.  Swivel the kite around so the skinny end is pointing away from you.

6.  Fold approximately 1" down towards the center.

7.  Now fold approximately half of that 1" that you folded down back up.

 

8. Now make a tiny crease approximately 1/16" from the top edge of your paper.  Fold the rest of the original fold from step #6 back up at this crease line.

Here is what your tie should look like at this point.... The last few steps formed your tie's knot.

9. Now filp your paper back over so the original folds are facing up.

10.  Fold one of the outer edges towards the imaginary center line.  You'll have to pay special attention to the knot folds as they take a bit more pressure to get a nice crease.

11.  Fold the other edge towards the center meeting the first fold.

And now you have a completed tie!!!

You can add it to your shirt with a dab of glue...

How cool is that???

Well there is one final step I like to add to the shirt card before I give it away.  I find that it makes for a nicer finished look if you add a bit of plain cardstock (white or colors) to the inside of your card.  It hides all the folded areas and gives you a nice space to add a sentiment, words of advice or wishes.  You can stamp on these areas before or after your card has been assembled.  If you're like me though I suggest doing it before you affix it to the card.  Prevents unexpected mishaps that might require you to start over ;)

So there you go...

A fun and I hope easy to follow card idea for all the guys in your life!

Keep in mind though this card could easily be altered to make a pretty, feminine blouse for your gal pals too!

Happy June!!!

Gosh, can you believe that we're starting the 6th month of 2011 already?

I don't know about you but it sure seems like the year is just flying by!

Well as we start a new month it's also time to check out the fun, interesting and just down right bizarre holidays and observances for June.

JUNE

HOLIDAYS & OBSERVANCES 

Flower: 

Rose & Honeysuckle

Zodiac Signs:

Gemini / The Twins, May 21 - June 21

Cancer / The Crab, June 22 - July 22

Birthstone:

Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite

Month Long Observances:

American Rivers Month

Audiobook Month

Cancer Awareness Month

Graduation Month

Happy Women Month

National Accordion Awareness Month

National Adopt A Cat Month
(we adopted a cat last month...not going to get another - LOL!!)

National Beef Steak Month

(Can you say b-b-que!!)

National Candy Month

(mmmmm!)

National Dairy Month

National Drive Safe Month

National Flag Month

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month

National Frozen Yogurt Month

National Iced Tea Month

National Papaya Month

National Pest Control Month

National Rose Month

(we should all take time to smell them!)

National Safety Month

National Seafood Month

National Summer Vacation Month

(wooo hoooo!!!)

National Tennis Month

Recycling Month

Turkey Lovers Month

(this should be in November - lol!!)

Zoo and Aquarium Month

(I LOVE Zoo's!!)

Week Long Observances:

Week One

America the Beautiful Week

International Volunteer Week

National Fishing Week

National Fragrance Week

(aromatherapy)

National Headache Awareness Week

National Hug Holiday Week

National Safe Boating week

Step-Parents Week

Teacher Thank You Week

Week Two

Graffiti Week

Honor America Days

(June 14th through July 4th)

National Clay week

National Flag week

(Week in which June 14th Falls)

Nursing Assistants Week

Pet Appreciation Week (PAW)

Week Three

Amateur Radio Week

Hug Holiday Week

Men's Health Week

National Forgiveness Week

National Grasslands Week

National Little League Baseball Week

National Physical Therapy Week

National Roller Coaster Week

National Tennis Week

Take Your Pet to Work Week

Week Four

Deaf and Blindness Awareness Week

Eye Safety Awareness Week

National Camping Week

Daily Observances:

June 1

American Indian Citizenship Day

American Zoo Day

Artists of America Day

Dinosaur Day

International Children's Day

Queen Elizabeth's Birthday

Superman's Birthday (1938)

June 2

3-Ring Circus Day

Dare Day

National Bubba Day

National Chocolate Macaroon Day

June 3

Doughnut Day!!!!

Egg Day

National Cancer Survivors Day

National Itch Day

National Rocky Road Day

National Trails Day

June 4

Cheese Day

Old Maid's Day

National Cancer Survivors Day

National Frozen Yogurt Day

June 5

National Attitude Day

(my 18 yr old celebrates this every day!!)

National Gingerbread Day

Teacher's Day

World Environment Day

June 6

D-Day Anniversary

Drive-In Movie Theater Birthday (1933)

National Applesauce Cake Day

National Family Day

National Hunger Awareness Day

National Yo-Yo Day

June 7

June Bug Day

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

National Family Recreation Day

National Tailors Day

Native American Appreciation Day

June 8

Ice Cream USA

Lassie's Birthday

Watch Day

World Ocean Day

June 9

Best Friends Day

National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

National Marriage Day

Donald Duck's Debut (1934)

June 10

Public Zoo Day

June 11

National German Chocolate Day

National Hug Holiday

Write To Your Father Day

June 12

Baseball Invented (1839)

Machine Day

Magic Day

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

June 13

Kitchen Klutzes Of America Day

National Lobster Day

Weed Your Garden Day

June 14

Family History Day

Flag Day

National Strawberry Shortcake Day

Pig Callers Day

Pop Goes the Weasel Day

US Army Started

June 15

Ben Franklin's Kite Experiment (1752)

Go Fly a Kite Day

Power of a Smile Day

National Electricity Day

National Photography Day

June 16

Cracker Jacks Day (1893)

Fresh Veggies Day

National Fudge Day

National Hollering Contest Day

No Orange Clothes Day

June 17

Disneyland Opened (1955)

National Apple Strudel Day

World Juggling Day

June 18

Go Fishing Day

International Picnic Day

Macadamia Nut Day

National Cherry Tart Day

June 19

Eat an Oreo Day

Garfield's Birthday

National Martini Day

June 20

Bald Eagle Day

Ice Cream Soda Day

Juggling Day

Plain Yogurt Day

June 21

FATHERS DAY!!!

Dr. Pepper's B-day (1857)

First Ferris Wheel Opened (1893)

National Peaches & Cream Day

June 22

National Chocolate Eclair Day

Take your Dog to Work Day

June 23

Mid-Summers Eve

National Pecan Sandy Day

National Pink Day

Yo-Yo Birthday (1928)

June 24

America's Kids Day

Descendants Day

Great American Picnic Day

National Forgiveness Day

UFO Day

June 25

LEON Day

(Six Months til Christmas - NOEL Backwards)

National Strawberry Parfait Day

June 26

Bicycle Invented (1819)

National Chocolate Pudding Day

June 27

Captain Kangaroo's Birthday

National Orange Blossom Day

Sunglasses Day

June 28

World War 1 Commemoration

Hand Shake day

National Tapioca Day

Paul Bunyan Day

June 29

Camera Day

National Almond Butter Crunch Day

June 30

Meteor Day

And to help celebrate the month of June I thought it only appropriate to give away a stamp set that's all about weddings/anniversaries with a bit of rayon ribbon tossed in for good measure!

To be entered into the drawing in honor of June being Zoo & Aquarium Month...

Tell me what your favorite wild animal/fish is!

I love most all animals but I have two absolute favorites...the Tiger and Giraffe. 

Luckily for me our local zoo - The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo - has great exhibits of both!

You will have until 6-15 to post your answer!

Have a wonderful June!!