Coloring Techniques, Part 2

Today's coloring technique is creating a watercolor effect.  Therefore, you begin with watercolor paper.  I've shared a similar project to this one, using shades of coral, so I decided to go bold this time and use Bermuda Bay.  I like!

I'm finding that I go to this Too Kind stamp set a lot.  It's one of my favorites.  It's the easiest 2-step stamping you can do.  When doing 2-step stamping, always start with the more solid image first and stamp it in the lighter color of ink.  You can simply stamp off and use the same ink or start with a lighter, complimentary shade of ink.  Once that is in place, you stamp the more detailed image in the darker color.  You get instant, artistic results.

To do it as a watercolor effect, you simply wet your watercolor paper first.  How much water you use determines the effect you achieve with it.  I don't think the photo shows all the watercolor detail in my flower, but it is what it is.  I'm more of an artist than photographer.  When you try this technique, be sure to have several watercolor papers ready because you'll want to experiment with the amounts of water you use, to try getting different results.

Here's a card I made, using this technique.

I've used layers of color to pull out all the ink colors.  I stamped a coordinating envelope.  Pretty!

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- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

My New Card Display

I put up a new 'clothesline' for displaying cards in my studio.  It is working out very well to use it for class previews.  Here are all the projects for Friday, March 14, so you can see them all at a glance.  We'll be working with some super fun water coloring techniques and playing with using DSP as a part of our design.  Each card has layers of delicious texture.  Each card is unique in its design.  Each card is super fun to create and I hope you'll join us for this class.  Scroll down to see further details on this class, as well as other upcoming events.

Close-ups:

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- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Let's Talk Cards, Part 3

I've been sharing the cards we'll be making at one of my upcoming classes.  Today, let's take a look at yet another one of the cards from this upcoming class.  This card features flowers stamped onto watercolor paper, with a technique resulting in an Impressionistic style.  Let's take a look:

This card brings back fond memories of my Art Appreciation class in my undergrad work at Millikin University.  I loved that class and, while others struggled to deal with it at all, it brought out my love of art and all the wonderful art masters over the ages.  They used so many different and wonderful styles and techniques.  It's great when I can try my hand at one of their techniques, using rubber stamps to help me.  While I loved my class, I learned in a later art class that my talent with watercolor painting was, as a talent... not so much.  The great thing about using rubber stamp images to help you with your projects is that you don't have to be limited by inability to paint or draw your own images.

I'd like to throw out a big thank you to my friend, Sushi, for reminding me to try this technique again.  It's been a while since I used this technique and I really enjoyed doing it again.

Click here to see what Sushi created using this technique.

Again, here's a sneak peek at what we'll be making for our (March 14) Friday Night Cards Class.

These cards will include playing with DSP a bit and a lot of water coloring techniques.  I think you'll enjoy them a lot.  The class includes envelopes and all materials to make the cards, except your adhesive.  All the envelopes are dressed up to coordinate with the cards, too.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Fall Frameable Project / Tips to Make It

I have been looking forward to sharing today's project with you.  This is what we'll be making at our Scraps and Prayers class on Oct. 14.  It starts with a 12 X 12" sheet of CS and then continues on with many layers of rich color and texture.  I love making projects like this one!  I decided to make it using the same colors as the banner (Oct. 23 Blessings and Banners class) and the wreath (Sept. club) I've made, so they could all be used together to decorate for the season.

Tip:
Would you like the perfect frame for this project?  Get a frame called a Record Album Frame.  It is the perfect size.  You can find them at most hobby and craft stores.  Watch for a sale and then stock up on a couple of frames.  If you like this project, you'll want to get a couple of extra frames, because I will be sharing 2 more ideas for Christmas frameable projects!!!

To cut out the 'thankful' lettering:
Place a layer of waxed paper OVER your CS and then make your 'sandwich' for the Big Shot.  It makes it much easier to get the letters off the thinlit.

Now that you've cut out your letters, you have to get them off the die.  See the holes in the die?  Use these to gently poke through with your paper piercer.  Then, turn the die over and carefully peel off your letters.  Be sure you peel off the waxed paper, too.

Lastly, use your paper piercer to poke out the extra spaces in the letters.  This tool makes the project a snap.  The dies also have lettering for 'merry' and 'love' in the package.  To order, use #132171.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Thanks and Hello, Friday Night Cards - Sneak Peek 2 and 3

Today, I have 2 cards to share with you, along with a video for you to enjoy.  I hope your weekend is going well.  My first card features Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry and Whisper White, a very crisp and clean look.  I even used a little scrap of Bermuda Bay Baker's Twine for added texture.  We'll be making this card at my Friday Night Cards class on August 9.  

With the help of the Mosaic punch, this card goes together rather quickly.  At the class, I'll show you a quick way to make the 'flag' piece.  I punched 3 of each mosaic design, so I could add some to the inside of the card too.

The second card is one I showed you recently.  It's here to remind you that we'll be making it at my class, too, AND learning my new technique with our new striped embossing folder.

A nice thing about taking a class is that you get to enjoy social time with friends and nourish your creative spirit.  Yes, you can stamp at home and I hope you often do so.  At a class, I have all the footwork done for you --- supplies gathered, designs created, and all materials cut and ready to go.  Also, it gives you the opportunity to use new stamp sets and new products.  Sometimes, it's just nice to sit back and have the initial work done for you.  I hope you'll join us for a Friday Night Cards class soon.  Remember to get a friend to sign up, too, so you can each make the bonus card.

Before I go, here's a little video for you.  Just click below.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CqY2MUi893Y

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Crushed Curry Flower --- Lovin' It!

Here's a simple card I made for tonight's Friday Night Cards class.  It becomes elegant because of the layers and the simplicity of the stamped image.  I love it.  Somehow, I'm enjoying Crushed Curry a bunch more than when we first had it.  It's so vibrant and cheerful and, therefore, good for this floral image.

This card uses a two-step stamping technique.  Whenever you stamp this way, always do the larger, more solid image in the lighter color.  Then stamp the highlighted detailed image in a darker color.  I actually used the same ink for both stamps, by stamping off to get the lighter color.

To add to the elegant details, I raised the two smaller white layers on dimensionals.  I tucked a little piece of ribbon under the edge to give a nice little embellishment.  I stamped a coordinating envelope, too.

I'm off to run some errands and then relax a bit before my class tonight.  I don't know why I always end up needing to run so many errands right before a trip, but that always seems to be the case.  My daughter and I leave Tuesday for Utah for our Convention.  It's going to be a really exciting one this year, as we're celebrating our 25th anniversary.  I can't wait!!!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.