Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Create some BoHo Rooster MAGIC with the Embossing Resist Technique

One of the most satisfying aspects of stamping is the ability to create projects using a variety of techniques at different levels of complexity.  While my recent Boho Rooster project was done using very basic techniques, I went to a whole different level with this new project!  Using a technique I call "Embossing Resist",  I basically created a pattern using a solid silhouette stamp! It sounds complicated and looks complex but trust me, if you follow the steps outlined below, you will get the same (or equally) interesting results!


Again, I decided to use a sheet of printed text torn from an old book.  I love using printed text pages because the text is already there,...plus the paper is usually lightweight and perfect for easy ink absorption.

For this project I used Boho Mandala plus one of my new silhouette stamps from Impression Obsession -- Rooster 1.


I began by prepping my paper.  Using DTP (direct-to-paper) and sponging added color and grunge to the plain white background.  (I used Clearsnap Colorbox Archival Dye inkpads in various colors.) And since dye ink is transparent, the printed text shows right through. Another way to ink the paper is to use spray inks.  This technique does make the paper super wet which then has the potential to cause it to curl.  To keep curling at a minimum, I'll dry the paper immediately with a heat tool and then let it finish drying overnight with a heavy non porous weight (like a plastic box filled with inkpads or an old metal cookie tin) sitting on top. 

When the paper is completely dry, it's time to begin stamping.  I stamped my Boho Mandala off-the-edge an then repeated it again in the opposite corner. 



Now the fun part begins.  
To create the resist effect, I stamped my Rooster 1 in the center of the paper using clear embossing ink.  I then sprinkled clear embossing powder on top, shook off the excess and melted it with a heat tool.  The cool thing about embossing is it creates a resist to most water-based wet media.

I then sponged on additional ink around the image, making sure to use a high contrasting color.  

This technique can can be used in dozens of different ways and color/design combinations.  Sometimes it is fun to experiment and just take the opportunity to let your creative heart shine!




After a little hand tearing and layering, here is the finished project!  Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Adhesive makes the layering super easy to do.


Wednesday, May 29, 2019

NEW Rooster Stamps are IN the HOUSE!



One of my favorite stamps and stamp sets from recent releases are the Boho set and the Boho Stamp.  These stamps allow for such a wide variety of combinations and techniques, I literally could NOT put them down when my samples arrived.  Which means I literally stamped a zillion papers in my creative experimentation with them.  So, when my new summer release samples arrived, I took one look at my solid silhouette roosters and knew EXACTLY where I was going to head!

I grabbed a sample from all my previous Boho experimenting and the rest just....happened!

And oh my....this card was such a simple quick process.  That's why it really pays to make lots of extra background paper designs when you are "in the magic mojo moment".  You never know when you will need one!

This sample shown below was done on a printed text page from an old hardcover book.  It was stamped using a variety of Clearsnap Archival ink colors and sponged with a quick drying pigment ink.  Since it had been allowed to dry for weeks, it was all ready to use when I found it in my stash!



To create my rooster card,  I stamped  Rooster 1 and Rooster 2 using Clearsnap's Top Boss embossing ink and heat embossed with clear powder.  Doesn't really get simpler than that!



Then I hand tore around edges.....




....and attached the stamped/embossed layer to an off-white cardstock layer using Beacon Adhesives' Zip Dry Paper Glue.  Finally, I attached everything to a tan notecard and grunged the notecard edges with Clearsnap's Art Dauber and Wicked Black Archival Ink.

That's it.

Easy peasy!






Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Hummingbirds...and away we fly on a creative adventure!

As I tentatively embrace spring (which, in Chicagoland, has been mostly non-existent so far), I'm reminded that summer cannot be far off.  And the arrival of summer also includes the Impression Obsession SUMMER stamp release! Yay!  I have some SUPER fun new stamps and stamp sets launching with this release.......

So, in celebration of SPRING (hopefully...finally...we need spring...), I'll start this new blog series with my brand new Hummingbird stamp set!


This is SUCH a fun set, I couldn't wait to start playing with it...

But first I had to narrow down exactly what I wanted to make.  And, if you know me at all, you know I usually don't just do traditional.  Nope.  I usually try to find new ways to use materials or change up techniques so they have a new "spin".  So, yep...you guessed it!  I went renegade before I even opened the Hummingbird set packaging.  LOL!And away I flew on another creative adventure!

When I went to grab my Strathmore Bamboo notecards, I accidentally grabbed a stack of the coordinating envelopes instead. That's when the light bulb went on and I decided to try making a card out of.....an envelope.

Here's how:

After carefully opening up the envelope and trimming off edges with remnants of adhesive, I opening it up flat on my stamping table.  Then I stamped the hummingbird and lily cluster on the left panel, using Clearsnap Wicked Black Archival ink, as shown:



I continued stamping lily clusters and other floral elements from the set as shown:


Next I stamped another one of my new phrase stamps (Bird Sings)...inside the center panel of the card...



Next step was to color the images using a combination of Derwent watercolor pencils and markers. 





I loved the way the colors harmonized so well but...it just needed a finishing touch.  I wanted to keep it simple so I added a simple gold trim on the underside of the left panel and a simple pink cord along the edge on top .  Beacon's Fabri-tac Adhesive made it super easy!



This Hummingbird set can be used in SO many different ways...this is just one of them. 



Here is the finished project!!!





Monday, April 15, 2019

Happy Spring....or is it still Winter????

The past 6 months have literally been a blur.  Winter made its unwelcome appearance by very early November here in Chicagoland. And, like an unwelcome guest that was only supposed to be visiting a few weeks, Old Man Winter just WILL NOT leave!  In fact, just yesterday we had a significant snowstorm!  Yes, several inches of wet, heavy messy SNOW on April 14! 


Poor Ollie couldn't figure out where his beautiful green world had gone.  Again....


 Meanwhile, we are looking forward now for Spring's arrival.  (She is running SO late....)  Hoping we can finally send Winter packing until next year! I actually sense Spring is finally arriving because now I'm starting to sneeze....and Spring ALWAYS brings allergies with her.....)

Monday, October 29, 2018

Boo Witch for Halloween

And now it is almost time for that magical day when kids (and adults who still think like kids) are transformed into all KINDS of costumed characters, celebrities, animals, creatures and clever concepts.

I hope your Halloween is a safe and happy one -- filled with lots of treats, decent trick n treat weather ....and one in which memories are made to last a lifetime.  

In my final Halloween card for the season, I thought I would incorporate some easy, fun techniques that give added texture and sparkle...plus the illusion of movement. 



Here's what you will need:


Impression Obsession Rubber Stamps 

D7981 Little Witch
H7759 Spooky Trees

Clearsnap
Colorbox®️ Archival Dye ink pad: Wicked Black
Top Boss®️ Embossing Stamp pad
Colorbox®️ Embossing Powder (Gold)

Beacon Adhesives
Zip Dry®️ Paper Glue
Premium Tacky Glue

Heat Tool
Frame Die of your choice
Wood or chipboard letters painted black


Here's how to make it:

1. Cut out a frame from black cardstock and an oval from orange cardstock.

2. Stamp Little Witch on orange oval.  Before lifting stamp, carefully rotate it to the left and then to the right. Lift and remove stamp.

3. Stamp top portions of the Spooky Trees on the letters using the Embossing stamp pad.  Heat emboss with gold powder.  

4. Attach all layers as shown using Zip Dry Paper Glue.  Attach the letters with Premium Tacky Glue; dry.



If you enjoyed all these fun Halloween projects this month, please leave me a comment!  And if you have any special technique or project requests, just let me know!

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Witch Pumpkin?

How could it ever be fall without....pumpkins?!  Not only are these plump orange veggies an important ingredient for pies and other harvest recipes, pumpkins are just such an important symbol in the whole Halloween experience.  In fact, I'm not sure which experience is my favorite. 

And...which one is your favorite? Is it the quest to pick out the perfect pumpkin, the act of pumpkin carving, or the actual night of trick n treating (shoulder to shoulder with little ghosts, goblins and princesses)...and being "wowed" by all the cool jack o lanterns everywhere?!  It is SO hard to choose so I guess I just have to pick them all!  LOL!

So I decided to combine one of the brand new stamp images I drew for Impression Obsession with one of my fun Cover-A-Card background stamps to create a card that captures everything.  Memories of pumpkins in the farm fields, carving those funny faces and then seeing all those porches and glowing windows filled with happy face pumpkins. 

Can you smell that faint whiff of autumn in the air.....and pies baking? Mmmmmm....




Here's what you need:

Impression Obsession Rubber Stamps 

E7978 Happy Pumpkins
CC263 Spider in Web

Clearsnap
Colorbox®️ Archival Dye ink pad: Wicked Black

Derwent: 
Academy Watercolor Pencils and Water Soluble Markers

Beacon Adhesives

Zip Dry®️ Paper Glue

Corner punch of your choice

Here's what to do:

1. Stamp Happy Pumpkins on light orange card stock. Color with pencils and markers, using a waterbrush or paintbrush to blend colors and add a shadow under the pumpkins. 

2. Stamp Spider in Web on purple notecard.

3. Punch corners of orange layer.  Attach all layers to notecard with Zip Dry Paper Glue. 

Creative Option:  No need to stop here with a notecard!  You can also create this basic design and use to decorate home decor items such as a box, wood plaque, framed print or trick n treat bag! 







Friday, October 19, 2018

Boo to you! Halloween is coming.....

As we slide further from sweet summertime, there is a definite chill in the air here in the Midwest. I can't help but think about how much this time of year always triggers memories of my children's Halloween fun, as well as that of my own childhood.  

Anticipation of that magical day (and sometimes entire weekend) is still contagious.  In fact, like many parents in our friendly neighborhood, I usually also get into the spirit of fun by wearing wigs or funny hats, along with orange and black clothing to greet all the trick-n-treaters that appear at my door.  On those Halloween days when the weather is drop dead gorgeous, I'll also spend hours outside greeting everyone...and just enjoying all that fun going on around me!  

But now is the time to get ready.  It's time to get that pumpkin, decorate the house....and create some cards for neighbors and friends.



For this project, I have used two of my new stamp images from Impression Obsession to create a card that will appeal to all ages--including all those "special" little pumpkins! 

Here is what you will need:

D7891 Little Witch
C7979 Scary Pumpkin 1
C7980 Scary Pumpkin 2

Clearsnap:
Colorbox®️ Premium Dye ink pads: Banana, Tangerine, Licorice
Colorbox®️Mix’d Media Inx ink pad: Jasmine
Art Dauber

Beacon Adhesives
Zip Dry®️ Paper Glue

Sizzix/Ellison:
Swirls Embossing folder

Here's what to do:

1. Apply both Banana and Tangerine ink to each of the pumpkins. Stamp along the bottom edge of a white cardstock scrap; dry.  
2. Stamp the witch in Licorice, overlapping slightly over the pumpkin(s). Cut angled corners.  3. Dab Licorice around all the edges of both the stamped layer and a purple notecard; dry.
4. Pressure emboss a black cardstock scrap. Lightly dab Jasmine pigment ink over the raised sections; dry. 
5. Attach all the layers to the card using Zip Dry®️ Paper Glue.

I just LOVE it when I can use up scraps from my stash!