Trena's Creative Space

Jungle Scene - Colored with Spectrum Noir Markers

I made this card for the StampscapesII April Swap.  The theme is a jungle scene.  My swap partner is Terry in NV. He likes bears, but since there's no bears in the jungle, he's getting a tiger. :o)

I'm so happy with the result I got with my new method of masking! It a new way to mask for stamping -  at least for me! :o)  My stampin' sister Barb G. told me about it. She actaully told me about it last year at our Stampscape's Retreat and I ran right out and bought the product and prompty orgainzed it away. :o) I recently saw a beautiful scene she created and asked her about it and she reminded me about how she does masking, so I got out my stuff for this scene.

Next week we are having our 2012 Stampscapes!! I am sooooo excited! We have people coming from different places in the USA, from Canada, and one of our Stampin' Sisters is coming all the way from The Netherlands!! How cool is that?!  I'll share photos and art from the retreat.  

The finished size of the card is 4.5" x 6".

1. I stamped the tiger first. To mask him, I painted over him with liquid frisket. My new favo rite!   I got a little happy and stamped a smaller tiger for another scene and masked him too.  After allowing the fluid to totally dry, I finished stamping my scenes and allowed the ink to dry. TIP: Be sure to wash your paintbrush right away with soap and water. It's a good idea to designate an old brush just for your friskette. 
2. I used an adhesive eraser to remove the dried mask. TIPs from Barb: use a tissue to dab any ink off of mask before removing. Use eraser to get it started, then pull mask off.
3. I used old fashioned paper masking (that's what I'm calling it now. :o)) for the rocks and airbrushed the sky with TB3.
4. Using a photo of a tiger I found on line and my Spectrum Noir Marker color combo chart I picked my colors for the scene, and then I COLORED!
5. For the foliage and grass, I brayered ink onto Cryogen pieces and then used die cuts to make a few plants.  I ran them through my Xyron sticker maker.  Adhered them onto the little scene and then trimmed the edges with scissors. I've found that to be easier than cutting them first and then tryting to adhere flush at the edge.
6. I added one of the leafs to the inside of the card, added highlights in his eyes with acrylic paint and a toothpick, and he's ready to send!

Stamps: Stampscapes 084E, 185G, 279F, 302A, I Love Rubber Stamps
Paper:  Curious Metallic CRYOGEN WHITE 89lb card stock , Stampin' Up! basic black, white glossy paper
Inks: Memento tuxedo black ink pad, Spectrum Noir Markers, Marvy blending blox shades of olive ink pad
Accessories: Pebeo liquid frisquet, paintbrush, Dees Distinctively large green leaf & Poppystamps, inc. grassland border dies cuts, 2" brayer

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Happy 4th of July from Anthony and Burt

Anthony & Burt are just so darn cute, AND they get into everything! Here, they are celebrating the 4th of July early.  It's always a good time for waving your flag and eating some BBQ, baked beans, and potato salad!!

1. Mask off base card inside at open line. Stipple shades of olive.
2. Randomly stamp frog prints that have been dipped in shades of olive. Clean stamps and then color with red and stamp. Clean, color with blue and stamp.
3. Ink up sun image with shades of sunrise and stamp onto sticker paper.
4. Ink up cloud image with shades of blue and stamp onto sticker paper.
5. Ink up grass image with shades of olive and stamp onto sticker paper.
6. Color the Anthony image with markers - black on his body and aqua gray on his wings. Stamp the image onto sticker paper. Color his wings with clear glaze pen. Allow to dry.
7. Cut out all the images.
8. Ink up the Burt image with StazOn and stamp onto Radiance card stock. Color with pencils, blending with Dove Blender pen to smooth lines. Cut out.   Use craft knife to cut around his fingers flag pole to fit in.
9. The flag is free clip art I found by doing a google on American Flag. Print it on white card stock and cut out.
10. Lay items out to see where you want to place them. Remove sticky back and adhere.
11. Place cut out flag in slit of Burt's arm. Add adhesive on the back of Burt and place on base card. Remember not to put adhesive on the flag beyond the edge of the card - you will not be able to open it! :o)

Stamps: Sunday International Antony & Burt Accessories ABFSP06
Paper: Vertical Inspiration Foldover Cards-White, Crack N' Peel Opaque Sticker Paper, white card stock, Marco's Paper - Beckett Expression Cover 80# Radiance
Inks: Marvy Blending Blox shades of olive, sunrise, & blue, StazOn jet black ink pad
Accessories: Marvy Brush Markers 3, DG09,   LaPlumeII  Markers 1, 51, Dove Blender pen, craft knife, Sakura glaze pen

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

It's a Girl...in orange and yellow

Didn't want to use pink on this card. :o)  Girls do where more colors than pink & purple, although I do love pink & purple. The colors were inspired by Magical Micas.  I read about them and saw some examples, and of course just "had" to have them. :o)  Like Perfect Pearls they have a binder in them so you can just use them with water. Click here to see demos using Perfect Pearls.

1. Stamp the dress & crayon images with gold ink, sprinkle embossing power and heat set.
2. Dip water brush into powder and add color to images.  Dip it into the lid for lighter shades, and directly into the powder for more vibrant color.
3. Cut out images.
4. Ink up sentiment image with shades of orange and stamp onto base card.
5. Use fine tip of marker to create a faux stitch on the front of the vertical card base.
6. Mask off inside base of the card at point where the front closes. Ink up brayer with shades of orange and brayer up and down on the card. Re-ink and brayer two to three times to create a smooth, blended look.
7. Adhere images where you want them placed.

Stamps: Sunday International Mini Card Stamp Set - It's A Girl MSET04
Inks: Encore Ultimate Metallic gold ink pad, Marvy Blending Blox Shades of orange
Paper: Fabriano Artistico Extra White Watercolor Paper Block 140lb hot press, Vertical Inspiration Foldover Card
Accessories:Magical Micas lucky shamrock, sweet violet, tiger lily orange, california poppy, hydrangea blue, Stampin' Up! gold detail detail powder, heat tool, Marvy LePlume II markers 7, 2" brayer,  Stampin' Up! anti-static bag

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena                       

It's A Girl Gift Basket

  

This little gift basket can be made as two separate baskets, or one - front and back.

1. Ink up bear border image with brown ink pad and stamp at top of basket on the panel under the handle. Re-ink and stamp at the bottom. 
2. Clean stamp. Ink up two bears next to each other and stamp side ways on left side.
3. Clean stamp. Ink up the other two bears and stamp side ways on the right side.
4. Color images blending two markers from the same color family. Color little bears with brown marker.   NOTE: You can see where I practiced coloring on spot that would be covered up. It's a good idea to test your colors on the surface of your project before you color your final image.
   
5. Ink up diaper pin with pink pad and stamp along sides of basket.
6. For the next step, mask off the sides of the basket to apply color only on the front panel. Turn the ink pad so that the individual ink pads are vertical. Ink up small brayer by moving in one direction to pick up ink.
7. To apply ink with brayer on basket, roll it up and down in the same area, moving just slightly to the left and right to blend the colors. Roll over the entire basket including the handle.  You will notice the pattern of the handle shows up in your coloring.  Ink up again and brayer over only the panel area of the basket to create a nice blend.
8. Turn basket around 180 degrees so you can work on the other side. Repeat previous step.
9. Color It's a Girl image with pink marker and stamp on white card stock.  Cut image out with deco edge die cut.
10. Add glitter on flower pedals and centers with pen. Adhere to brayered side of basket.
11. Stamp bear border image on tissue paper with pink and brown ink pads.
12. Fold the basket together and use adhesive to hold it together.
13. Added center bear that I made from a previous project. Click here to see it.

Stamps: Sunday International Mini Card Stamp Set - It's A Girl MSET04
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa ink pad, Blending Blox  pink
Paper:Handled Basket,  Stampin' Up! whisper white, white tissue paper
Accessories: Marvy Brush Markers 10, 2" brayer, Copic markers, Sakura glitter pen, low tack sticky paper for masking, Spellbinders Nestabilities deco die cut
Copics:
Bears: E35, V01, V93; Single Bear: E000, E11, E13, E17, R21(missed photo)

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Mini Baby Card in Colors

These cute little gift cards are a snap to make!

1. Ink up dress image with black ink and stamp three times onto sticker paper, re-inking each time  before you stamp. Repeat for the bottle image and stamp the bear boarder image one time.
2. Color images blending two or more markers from the same color family into an area.
3. Cut out each image and set aside.
4. Mask off a section of a mini base card and stipple color. Repeat for the other two cards.
5. Place images in different spots on the card until you find a layout you like. Remove sticky back and place images.
6. Ink up diaper pin image with matching color and stamp onto each base card.
7. Take matching ink pad and run along the edge of the base card to create a subtle boarder.

 

Stamps: Sunday International Mini Card Stamp Set - It's A Girl MSET04
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad, Blending Blox olive, pink, purple
Paper: Crack N' Peel Opaque Sticker Paper, Mini card (10 mini cards & envelops are included in the CD sets)
Accessories: Stipple brushes, Copic markers, low tack sticky paper for masking
Copics: 0
Bears: E000, E11, E13, E17, R21, R29
Bottles: R81, RV13, BV00, BV04, BG0000, R29

Blouse: BV0000, BV00, BV04, R81, R85, RV13, Y09, YG23

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

An Outdoor Scene Dee Style

Another scene card today, "Dee style."   I used Dee's stamp-a-scene set to create this little outdoor scene. There's two ways to create a scene like this - with masking or using sticker paper. I chose sticker paper. That way I can move my images around several times until I know where I want placement.

1. Color images with markers, blending colors right on the image, and stamp on sticker paper. For the mountains, use shades of gold. To get the gradation in color,  position the ink pad with the lightest shade of gold a little past the center of the image. Ink up one side several times. Turn the ink pad 180 degrees and ink up the other side.  
2. To fill in the void areas around the images, stipple the matching color using the blending blox.
3. Cut out images. Use a craft knife for the tight places in between the trees. Decide on placement.
4. Stamp the clouds in the sky using the shades of blue. Stipple shades of blue around them.
5. Stipple shades of olive all around the area for the grass. Stipple shades of blue and turquoise in the river area.
6. Remove the backing of the images and adhere to card, starting with the items in the background first.
7. Use white ball pen to add some snow to the tops of the mountains. Use a thin marker to add some squiggly lines in the water to show movement.
8. Adhere the white layer with scene onto green, and the green onto the white base card.

Stamps: Dee Gruenig Stamp-A-Scene

Paper: Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper, Stampin' Up! garden green, whisper white
Inks: Marvy Blending Blox shades of olive, shades of gold, shades of blue, shades of turquoise

Accessories: Marvy LePlume II markers  10, 12  Marvy Brush Art Markers 109, 111, 127, 128, Sailor White rolling ball pen, craft knife, stipple brushes

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Happy Fall Y'all!

I felt like a fall card today. We've had a bit of "cool" summer and I have been enjoying it!

1. Color images with markers and stamp on glossy sticker paper. Cut out images. Set aside.
2. Color corn stalk image with markers and stamp on base card. 
3. Color sentiment image and stamp in right vertical space of the base card.
4. Around the corn stalk, stipple shades of gold for the ground and shades of blue for the sky on base card.
5. Use color pencils to add color, highlights, and some texture to the scarecrow.
6. Peel off back of scarecrow and place on base card. Add pumpkins and bird.
7. On the inside left of the base card, stipple a small amount of gold at the bottom. Add the pumpkin and bird.  Use a small tip market to add little dots around the pumpkin and bird.

Stamps: Dee Gruenig Vertical Inspiration - Scarecrow
Paper: Vertical Inspiration Foldover Cards , Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper
Inks: Marvy Blending Blox shades of gold & shades of blue

Accessories: Marvy LePlume II markers  1, Marvy Brush Art Markers 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, 88, 110, 113, stipple brushes, Prismacolor  Pencils

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Jr. Jungle Bookmarks

I have more ideas for the Jr. Jungle ATC set!! It is just so darn cute!!

1. Stamp a collage background by choosing three to four base colors. Starting with black, on an  8/1/2 by 11 inch piece of card stock stamp the zebra image randomly.  Next ink up the cheetah image in shades of gold and stamp in between the zebras, then pick two of leaf stamps. Stamp one in shades of caribbean and the other in shades of olive. Overlapping is encouraged.
2. To fill in stark white areas, stipple in a little shades of caribbean.
3. Cut collage background piece 1/4" smaller than the black book mark base. Adhere collage to base.
4. Stamp zebra image on scrap paper and cut out with circle punch, Cut out a slightly larger circle of a scrap piece of black card stock for a layer. Adhere circle image over layer, and adhere layer to bookmark. Slip into sleeve and add coordinating ribbon.
5. Brayer white bookmark base with shades of gold.  Brayer another piece of white card stock for a layer circle. Ink up the cheetah image in shades of gold and stamp on white card stock. Cut out with circle punch. As with the zebra, layer and adhere to bookmark. Slip into sleeve and add coordinating ribbon

      

Stamps: Junior Jungle ATC-Best of Dee Gruenig Collection
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, basic black; Bookmarkers-White, Black
Inks: Blending Blox shades of gold, shades olive, shades of caribbian; Marvy Matchables black
Accessories: Stampin' Up! 1 1/4", 1 3/8"circle punches stipple brush, 2" brayer, animal print ribbon from Joann's

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Jungle Friends Tag and Gift Basket

   
I'm using those adorable ATC size Junior Jungle images on another project today. This is a quick and easy project to do - you can get it done right before the party. :o)

Tag:

1. I stippled blending blox around parameter of card, and added leaves on the front tag.
2. Using my markers, I colored directly on your images using more than one color to blend on the image and stamped on sticker paper. For the tiger, I added some black lines with the small tip of a black marker. I also darkened all their eyes with the black marker and the hippo's eye brows.
3. I used my printer to create the sentiment on the middle tag fold and stamped leaves around it.  I used a die cut to cut it out and adhered it.
4. I then stamped the little fly across the top and the sentiment on the last tag fold.
5. Before removing the backing from the sticker paper, I placed my animals in a pile trying to imagine what they would really look like piled up.  I then adhered them and added some plants around the bottom and drew a little grounding with a marker. Added ribbon and all done!

Gift Box:

1. I started with stippling on the whole box while it was flat.
2. I then stamped images at random.   As with the tag above; using my markers, I colored directly on your images using more than one color to blend on the image and stamped on the box. For each tiger, I added some black lines with the small tip of a black marker. I also darkened all their eyes with the black marker and the hippos eye brows.
3. I also stamped some white tissue paper with the large leaf and the blending blox

Stamps: NEW! Junior Jungle ATC-Best of Dee Gruenig Collection, Dee's Happy Birthday Vertical
Paper:Zig Zag Triple Tags, Handled Basket Die Cuts
Inks: Blending Blox  shades of caribbian, Marvy Matchables black
Accessories: Spellbinders Nestabilities tag die cuts, Marvy Brush Art Markers 10, 12, 60, 82, 110, Marvy LePlumeII Markers 1, 11, 46, stipple brush; Stampin' Up! ribbon

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Playful in the Jungle

This card was lots of fun to make! I didn't have to measure or line up anything! :o)  I am really diggin' these ATC size junior jungle images from Sunday International's new stamp sets by Dee Gruenig.

1. Cut glossy cardstock to 9 x 6 and fold in half to make 4 1/2 x 6 size card
2. For the animals, I used markers directly on the images, blending at least two colors on the stamp for depth and interest. Except the zebra image - I used the craft ink so the image would be really, really dark and rich on the glossy cardstock. I then cut a circle around the animals  with a round die cut.
3. When I saw the richness of the zebra, I decided to stamp one on the inside of the card. I used a marker in a dotting motion to create a ground under him.
4. To create the animal print second layer circles, I started with a piece of glossy cardstock, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 (A2 size). I inked up the zebra background image with craft ink and stamped all the way to the left. It is perfect size for an A2 size card. Next I used the ochre ink pad for the leopard background image and stamped right next to the zebra image. I used two markers different shades of brown, for the spotted background image and stamped next to the leopard background. I then colored the image again and turned it 180 degrees and stamped again right next to it.
5. For each circle layer I put the die cut circle across two background images to mix and match.
6. I adhered the layers.  I used markers in a dotting motion to ground the lion and zebra and added plants for a little color. I colored just the top of one of the plant images stamped to make it look like it was growing around the animals.
7. On the base of the card, I stippled lots of color using the shades of caribbian.  I then inked up the larger plant from the full size Junior Jungle set with the shades of caribbian and stamped around the card until the ink ran out. I repeated this several times all around the card. I then inked the same image up with the shades of olive and stamped a few times around the card. I used markers directly on the flower images of the ATC set and stamped in a couple places to add a splash of red and deep blue. 
8. Finally, I adhered the layered circles to the card.

Stamps: NEW! Junior Jungle ATC-Best of Dee Gruenig Collection, Dee's leopard background, spotted border, zebra background
Paper: Stampin' Up! glossy white
Inks: Blending Blox shades of blue, shades olive, shades of caribbian; Stampin' Up! basic black craft
Accessories: Spellbinders Nestabilities circle die cuts, Marvy Brush Art Markers 37, 82, 110, Marvy LePlumeII Markers 1, 4, 16, 18, 29, 46, 88, stipple brush

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Flowered ATCs with Matching Envelop

1. I started with the envelop. Colored the Happy Thoughts background stamp with multiple  markers and stamped on the envelop fully open and flat.
2. Colored flower images with markers, blending on the stamp, and stamped over writing.
3. For the background of the ATCs, I started at the top of stamp image using a blending blox. I inked from left to right, with the lightest color at the top. For the next row of color, I turned the blox 180 degrees to match the darkest color to the darkest color on the stamp. And, then turned it 180 degrees again for the third row of the background stamp. To create a subtle background,  I stamped  off on a scrap piece of paper before stamping on my ATC base.
4. I inked entire the flower image with VersaMark (use your "dirty pad").
5. I then inked the flower with the blending blox, adding the lightest shade to the inside of the flower.  I colored the flower center with a light green LePlume because it has a  smaller tip, and stamped on the ATC. I did this for each flower on that one ATC.
6. I sprinkled clear embossing powder over it and heat set.  
7. I followed steps 4 - 6 to add the leaves.

Stamps: Dee Gruenig's Watercolor Set 2 & Happy Thoughts Background Stamp & Friends Duets
Paper: Strathmore Artist Trading Card Pack (smooth Bristol sheets), Artist Trading Card Envelop
Inks: Marvy Blending Blox shades of purple, shades of blue, shades of olive, shades of pink, shades of sunrise; VersaMark stamp pad
Accessories:  Marvy Brush Markers 3, 8, 15, 67, 118, 127; Marvy LePlume II 11; Stampin' Up! clear embossing powder

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Funky Flowers!

Sunday International has just released the funkiest flower set ever by Dee!  This card was inspired by a card Michelle Z shared on her site and the techniques I learned in her most excellent class! I've been having so much fun experimenting with my brayer since the class! I think I have taken it out more in the last two weeks than the whole time I have had it. :o)

1. Inked the vase image with Caribbean blending blox and stamped off on scrap paper. I then inked up with VersaMark directly and stamped on the smooth white base base card stock. Note: I have two VersaMark ink pads - a clean one, and a "dirty" one for projects like this where I use a "dirty" stamp.
2. I filled in the vase openings with a VesaMark marker and sprinkled embossing powder over vase and heat set. 
3. I created a mask of the vase and placed the mask over the embossed image.
4. I then inked up the bold flower image with VersaMark then directly with the purple blending blox. I placed  my stamp face up on the table and brought the ink pad to the stamp so I could control the ink colors on the flower. I then colored the stem with a green marker. I stamped it over the mask on the base card.
5. I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the flowers and heat set.  I repeated steps 3 & 4 for the pink smaller flowers.  I colored the centers of the purple flowers with a yellow marker, then a VersaMark pen, sprinkled embossing powder and heat set.
6. I used the green marker to extend the stems down into the opening of the vase.
7. Next, I brayered turquoise ink on the card, starting at the upper left corner of the card moving slowly towards the center to create the blending effect (learned this in Michelle's class!).  I started off the card stock onto my scrap paper each time I applied ink, and ran off the sides of the card onto the scrap paper. I repeated  this three times, then went to the opposite corner and did the same thing.  I removed my vase mask before I brayered that corner.  After brayering, I used a soft paper towel to remove ink form the embossed images.
8. I then sponged a darker blue around the edges and around the vase. I used a sticky note to mask off a sharp edge and sponged to create a even darker shadow right under the vase.
9. I punched the four corners 1st with the southwest punch, and then with the rounded punch. It gives a little extra design on the corners.  Well, I had a little boo boo with one of the corners, so I just cut the whole corner off at an angle. After adhering the now dark card to the white base, I added a dew drop to the missing corner.

Stamps: Funny Flowers by Dee Gruenig
Ink: Blending Blox Shades of Pink, Shades of Purple, Shades of Caribbean; Stampin' Up! tempting turquoise, night of navy; VersaMark
Paper: SU! Whisper White
Accessories: brayer, Stampin’ Up! clear embossing powder, VersaMark marker, Marvy LaPlume II markers 4, 82, Inkssentials white opaque pen, Marvy Uchida southwest corner punch, Creative Memories corner round punch, Dew Drop, sponge

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Thank You Stationary in a Matching Box

         
To short cut making some thank you cards, I purchased a box of simple thank you cards and added a splash of color - a big, bright splash!  The cards were coated and thought I could stamp directly on them, but when I tried, it just did not work. I could not get a nice clean image. So I had another idea...

1.  Color images directly with markers, blending colors on image, and then stamp on sticker paper. While the stamps are inked, stamp envelops at this time too.
2. Cut out images. For the areas close to small/thin stamped lines, use a craft knife set aside
3. The box surface is great for the bold stamps! Color images directly with markers, blending colors on image, and then stamp. For the sentiment and border, use the blending blox. Turn ink pad 180 degrees where the ends meet. 

    

In addition to the eight card set, I made one extra card with big bright flowers, using the same steps as above.

STAMPS:  Dee Gruenig's Duets Friends, Dee Gruenig's Watercolor Set 2 , Dee Gruenig's Sentiments Stamps
INKS: Blending Blox Shades of Pink
PAPER: box, Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper, package thank you cards & envelops
ACCESSORIES: Marvy Markers 9, 15, 57, 68, 118, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 127, 131, Marvy LaPlume II 5, craft knife

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Door Hangers for the Kid's Room

      

Many kids like to have their names on everything that's theirs. Here's a cute way to put their name on their room.

1. First I stippled Shades of Caribbean around the edge of the hangers to give them a little background color.
2. Colored images directly with markers, blending colors on image, and then stamped.
3. I used the thin side of the green LaPlume marker to add extra grass blades.
4. Stamped two images of the bird on sticker paper, cut out, and placed one on the giraffe and one on the branch of the other hanger.
5. I used a grid line acrylic to line up letters for the names.

STAMPS: Dee Gruenig's Junior Jungle Set, Dee Gruenig's Vertical Inspiration Set-Jungle, Dee's Alphabet Set - retired 
PAPER: blank door hanger, Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper
INK: Marvy Blending Blox Shades of Caribbean, Marvy  Matchable black in pad
ACCESSORIES: Marvy LePlume II markers 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 18, 72,  Marvy Markers 57, 60, 82, 111, 120, 122, 127, gridline acrylic block

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Fruit Squares

One more fruit card! I'm stuck again and having fun! :o)

1. Use grid as a mask to sponge square shapes on base card. I held it in place with low tack tape. I used the two lightest shades in the blox. Let dry. Note: ink on glossy card stock takes a little longer than on matte card stock to dry. Remove grid.
2. Mask off a square at a time using sticky notes.
3. Color directly on stamps using various markers to shade. Play with the colors until you find something you like. Sometimes I search for pictures on the web to give me ideas for colors. Pick the colors you like! Have fun with it! I stamped all the fruit first, then stamped the sentiment - allowing each image to dry before I went on to the  next one.
4. I colored in the watermelon seeds with a skinny marker and added highlights of white paint to the grapes

      

Stamps: Dee Gruenig's Water Color Fruit , Dee Gruenig's Mini Binder ATC set
Ink: Blending Blox Shades of Orange
Paper: white glossy card stock
Accessories:  Marvy Markers 6, 15, 22, 96, 116, 121, 127,  LaPlume II 1, Grid Guide from Obsession Impression, FolkArt wicker white acrylic paint, sticky notes, , sponge

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!  Trena

Watercoloring without a Brush

Here is a way to create beautiful water colored flowers -  Use Dee's watercolor (WC) stamps. :o)

1. Colored directly onto flower stamp with Marvy markers.  Misted stamp with water and stamped on WC paper. Cut out the flower and stem.
   
2. Stamped flower boarder with Blending Blox orange. I turned the ink pad 180 degrees each time I stamped as I moved down the boarder - that way you get light to light and dark to dark ink for a smooth blended look. Misted each time and stamped on WC paper. Cute out the border. 
   
3. Colored frame with marker. Stamped frame on WC paper. Sponged Blending Blox Caribbean for the center background and cut out.
   
4. I Used pop dot behind flower and cut a little hole in bottom of frame for stem to poke through.

Stamps: Dee Gruenig's Water Color Flowers
Ink: Blending Blox Shades of Orange and Shades of Caribbean
Paper: Stampin' Up! brilliant blue,Strathmore cold press 140lb water color paper
Accessories:  Marvy Markers  112, 123, 129, Mini Mister, sponge

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Variety of Mediums for WaterColoring

I'm moving on from chocolate :o)....I was inspired to pull out my watercolor (WC) mediums by a post from Ellen Hutson's CLASSroom. In her tutorial, she encourages crafters to use multiple mediums. I am also a fan of this practice! I like all the mediums she used and used many of them to create this card.

1. Stamped the flower, steam, and leaf images with black ink onto WC paper.  As Ellen pointed  out in her post, I let it dry.  I didn't quite get the steam all the way to the flower so I used a permanent pen to expand and broaden the top of the steam.  I liked the look of the leaves not quite touching so I left them alone.
2. Before I stared coloring, I painted the images clear water - this allows your paint to flow smoothly. I started with the WC crayons - coloring the leaves and steam green and the flower pedals yellow. I touch the tip of the WC brush to the crayons to pick up color.
3. Next, I used the little pots of shimmer paint to add more color to the images.
4. In order to get darker shading, I used a Marvy Marker. I added a bit of color, then spread it with the water brush.
5. Next I added the sentiment, and oh' no! I rocked my stamp causing an extra black mark - a le boo boo. Well after all that coloring, I was going to use this card. I looked at all the stamps in the set and found the cutest tiny lady bug for the cover up.
6. I included a picture below to show how I glued the Dew Drops on. There are many methods that people use. I find this works best for me. I squeeze a few drops onto scrap paper and apply with a toothpick. I like to use tweezers with the Dew Drops cause my fingers are too fat to hold them and place them where I want. :o)
7. I stamped my ladybug image and let it dry. Dabbed her with a red marker and spread it with the water brush -- ever so carefully. While I had the Crystal Lacquer out, I gave my little lady bug some dimension. To fix my other le boo boo - I had smudged a corner with my orange fingers - I got out my stipple brush and blending blox and covered that up! Another successful cover up!

  

 

Stamps: GinaK A Year of Flowers
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Blending Blox shades of orange
Paper: Arturo water color paper
Accessories: WC brush, Faber-Castell artist pen (F), Crystal Lacquer, Stampin' Up! WC crayons certainly celery, barely banana, Marvy Markers 2, 113, Dew Drops, Twinkling H2Os green tea, persimmon, madnarin blush, stipple brush

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Birds of Paradise

I'm back in business taking pictures!!

The crafting circuit is kinda like the clothing circuit... we move from one season to the next. :o) Christmas is over so it's time for hearts, flowers, and candy -- and the look of warmer weather.

1. I created this bright, cheery card using Dee's favorite technique of coloring directly on the stamps with water based markers. I stamped the leaves and branches onto the card and used sticker paper for the bird and flowers.
2. I used a stipple brush to create a subtle sky.
3. I stamped my sentiment on the inside of the stamp

  

Stamps: Dee Gruenig Birds of Paradise & ATC Words
Ink: Marvy Shades of Blue Blending Blox
Paper: Vertical Inspiration Fold Over Card, Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper
Accessories:  Marvy Markers 11, 82, 109, 111, 114, 122, 128, Stipple Brush




Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Christmas Tags

I'm hooked this week on Dee's ATC Christmas set. :o) I used Blending Blox, markers, embossing, and  glitter pens to create colorful gift tags.  I used the same technique from the Embossed Tree post for stamping in VersaMark first, then blending blox.  I also used markers and glitter pens to add some detail and sparkle. After all the coloring and embossing, I cut them out.  I especially like how the Santa face turned out. I stamped the image in Encore gold and embossed it with clear embossing powder, then used Copics to add some color to his face - making his cheeks rosie and eyes brown. I used a white gel pen for the highlight in his eyes and Crystal Lacquer on the spectacles. He's so cute!  I love the deisgn of his beard. If I didn't already have this set, I'd buy it right now, just for Santa's face! (have you ever done that?  Bought a stamp set a second time because you forgot you had it already?  I did that ONE time.  I gave the second set away as a gift. :o)

I also love the little holly leaf and berries. With Dee's solid stamp deigns it so easy to blend colors right on the stamp and create a pretty blended image.  I stamped the holly leaf and berries directly on the tag and trimmed it in gold leaf pen.

I hand wrote the "To:" and "From:" with coordinating  pens and markers. After I completed all the tags. I ran them through my Xyron sticker machine so they can easily be placed on packages.  Just peel and stick! For the wrapping process at my house my husband and I have an assembly line. This is a process improvement over last year. The assembly line would get bogged down during the tagging implementation. This will make it a snap!

STAMPS: Dee Gruenig's ATC Christmas mini set (Sunday International)  PAPER: Neenah Solar White (Ellen Hutson, LLC) INK: Marvy Blending Blox Shades of Purple, Shades of Olive, Shades of Blue, Shades of Gold; VersaMark, Stampin' Up! (SU!)  Craft ink real red; Encore ultimate metallic gold and silver   ACCESSORIES: Crystal Laquer, SU! Clear Embossing Powder, embossing Buddy, and whole punch; Marvey LePlume markers, Krylon silver, copper, and gold leafing pen,  Nestabiliities die, xyron sticker machine, white gel pen, Sakura glitter and metaliic pens, Copic Markers 0, E31, E79, RV11

Harvest Blessings

I used watercolor and coloring with markers to create this card.

I'm taking an on line class through My Creative Classroom. Colleen Schaan is teaching the class. It's great for beginners because she teaches you ALL the basics for coloring with different mediums. It's also great for an experienced crafter that may have an expertise in some of the coloring areas and want to get better in others. Water coloring is an area I definitely need improvement in! :o) After a few practice runs and some feedback from Colleen, I felt confident enough to breakout my Harvest Blessing set designed by Anna Wight. 

1. I stamped the images with StazOn onto WC paper.  Using reinkers and a waterbrush, I colored the scarecrow, pumpkins, apples, and basket. I did not have all the colors I wanted, so I mixed colors on my palette (an old CD).  I even discovered some new ones as I mixed. :o) On my way to a bright orange for the pumpkins, I found a mustard color I used for the shirt  and basket rim - great fall color! I cut out all the images.
   
2. The background is stippled with Blending Blox, using my homemade cloud template for the sky. I drew the corn stock with Copic markers.
   
3. When I stamped the sentiment, I accidentally rocked my stamp and created an extra mark on my tag. That probably never happens to you. I was looking for a way to fix that le boo boo. I had drawn some extra apples to put around the bottom the basket. I placed one over the extra black mark. Viola! it's fixed. Plus, I added an element in a place where I was not thinking of - and I like it. Then I thought about adding a leaf there too. I used Copic markers to color my hand drawn apples and leaf.
   
4. I stamped the images on the background first for placement and then glued the cut out pieces down. For the scarecrow I used the head and body pieces and colored the stake of the stamped image on the background with Copic markers.  When I cut him out, I cut his head off (that sounds bad, but remember he's not real!) so I could cut close to his neck. Since I had stamped the image on the background, it made easy to glue him in place.
   
5. I finished off the card with a little Copic marker shadow under the images and a few highlights with a gel pen.

  

STAMPS: Whipper Snapper Harvest Blessings  PAPER: Fabriano Artistico Bright White Watercolor Paper Block 140lb, Papertrey ink, Memory Box Company  INK: StazOn Jet Black, Memento Rich Cocoa, Versafine Onyx Black, Blending Blox -Shades of Gold and Shades of Blue  ACCESORIES:  Inkabilities Brights, Copic Markers and Multiliner pen, Nestabilities tag die cut, Sakura white gel pen, ribbon, waterbrush, stipple brush