Trena's Creative Space

Shimmer & Bleach

The Sunday International Design Team is creating cards/projects this month using the bleaching technique. My card was inspired by stampsuzz's card on splitcoast. I really like the combination of red/yellow and orange/yellow.

1. I used Tim Holtz recipe to create my glimmer mist.

   

2. Using a piece of 8 1/2 by 5 1/2" yellow card stock, spray with yellow glimmer randomly. Repeat with orange glimmer. Heat set. Move heat gun quickly over areas so it does not burn.
3. Create an "ink pad" with pad felt and bleach. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area.
4. "Ink up" image with bleach and stamp over glimmer. Stamp across card stock, "re-inking" each time. Allow to dry. The bleach pulls the color away and leaves a nice silhouette image.  Because of the the detail in Dee's solid stamp designs, her images are really nice for this technique.
5. Pick out the shimmer & bleach section you like best. Cut to the size of 4 x 5 1/4". Use corner

   

   punch on each corner. 
6. Punch three butterflies out of remaining cards stock. Add dots of Liquid Pearl to center of butterflies and allow to dry.
7. Adhere front layer on to black base. Add a dot of Liquid Pearl to each corner and allow to dry.
8. On two of the butterflies, add adhesive in the center of the body to allow the wings to be bent up. Adhere to front of card. Ink up sentiment image in black and stamp on front.
9. Add white card stock to the inside of the base card for the message. Adhere the third butterfly to the inside. Cut a strip of simmer card stock to add to the inside also.

Stamps: Dee Gruenig Mini Binder Set - ATC Words, Dee Gruenig Japanese Set

Paper:  Stampin' Up! yoyo yellow, whisper white, basic black
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Stampin' Up! yoyo yellow & only orange re-inkers
Accessories: Perfect Pearls, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Stampin' Up! corner punch, mini misters, cut-n-dry stamp pad felt, household bleach, Liquid Pearls lemon yellow, heat tool, shallow plastic container

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Tea Pot Thank You

Here's another card from one of Dee's latest releases at Sunday International.  I keep thinking of ideas! There's so many stamps in the set. I still have not used every one. :o)

1. Ink up bamboo tree image with gold and stamp randomly on A2 size black card stock – layer 1.
2. Ink up tea pot image with VersaMark watermark ink then red ink and stamp on white card stock.  Clean stamp.
3. Ink up tea pot image with gold ink and stamp on white card stock. Clean stamp.
4. Ink up tea pot image with VersaFine black ink and stamp on white card stock. Sprinkle all three images with clear embossing powder and heat set.
5. Use smaller circle punch to cut out each tea pot image.  Use larger circle punch to cut out one circle of each - red, black, and gold. Adhere each tea pot circle to its corresponding colored layer circle.
6. Ink up Arigato word image in gold and stamp on black card stock. Sprinkle with gold embossing powder and heat set.   Cut around word.
7. Cut a piece of white card stock 1 1/3” x 5 ½” and adhere to layer 1 – Keep in mind this will be a landscape positioned card – the white strip will go across the top.
8. Cut ¼ inch off side and bottom of the layer 1 piece of card stock.
9. Adhere the tea pots across the white strip – this will be the front layer of the card.
10. Adhere front layer to black card base.
11. Add white card stock to inside of card and stamp bamboo and tea pot images.
12. Close card and run gold pen along outside of the front of the of card, using the edge as guide.
13. After it dries, open card and run gold pen around entire card.           

Stamps: Best of Dee Gruenig Japanese ATC , Arigato Word
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, basic black, real read, brushed gold
Inks: VersaMark watermark stamp pad , Stampin' Up! real read, Versafine Onyx Black, Encore Ultimate Metallic gold

Accessories: Stampin' Up! clear & detailed gold embossing powder, heat tool, Stampin' Up! 1 ¼”, 1 3/8” circle punches, Krylon gold leafing pen

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

Bunch Like You using a Resist technique & New Release at SI

This month, the Sunday Design Team is featuring at least one project that uses a resist technique.  I made this simple, yet colorful, ATC to highlight the lovely flowers in this new set.

Check out all the new sets this month. Click here!

1. Use make-up sponge to randomly smear ink colors over white card stock.
2. Ink up flower image with VersaMark and stamp, add clear embossing powder and heat set.
3. Brayer lilac ink over whole ATC. Do not cover completely. Allow some of the multi-colors to show through.
4. With clean paper towel, rub ink off embossed flower. 
5. Stamp sentiment on pink card stock with VersaMark, sprinkle with black embossing powder and heat set.  Cut out with die cut shape.
6. Ink flower image with pink and lilac ink pads, stamp on scrap white card stock. Cut out flower for embellishment.
7. Adhere sentiment die cut over ATC and add flower embellishment.

Stamps: Best of Dee Gruenig Greetings 2 ATC, Best of Dee Gruenig Japanese (NEW!)
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, pink passion
Inks: Stampin' Up! pink passion, green galore, lovely lilac, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, VersaMark watermark stamp pad

Accessories: Stampin' Up! clear & detail black embossing powder, brayer, make-up sponge,  Nestabilities die cut, heat tool

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Japanese Swan on an Ocean of Polished Stone

More images from one of Dee's new sets coming out August 15th!   Our design team is now having monthly technique challenges. We are just finishing up a challenge with polish stone.  For August our technique is any type of resist.  Please come back and visit this month to see projects with resist. Also, for more ideas hop over and visit the Sunday International Design Team projects at  - click here!

1. Saturate a large cotton ball with alcohol (very moist, not dripping). Squeeze three drops of each color re-inker onto the cotton ball randomly. Squeeze two drops of the silver re-inker, apart from each other. Dab the cotton ball randomly around the glossy card stock. The alcohol makes the ink spread. If there’s too much ink in one spot, dab over the spot again to spread the ink. Dab over areas until you get the effect you want.  Tip: Because a little goes a long way, use at least a 5 ½” x 8 ½” sheet of card stock at a time. If you dab too much, you’ll get a big blob.
2. When using metallic inks with this technique, a fixative is needed to set the ink completely. Spray a fixative lightly over the cardstock.  Allow several minutes to dry.
3. Ink image with craft ink and stamp onto glossy card stock. Sprinkle on embossing powder and heat set.
4. Cut out image. Use craft knife to get under his chin. Set aside.
5. Brayer the top 3/4 of the vellum ATC with blue lightly. Start brayer off the top edge of the ATC and gradually come in with the ink. Check out more on this cool brayering technique from Michelle, here. Repeat two to three times. Create clouds with the template, finger sponge dauber, and blue ink.
6. Cut polish stone piece of cardstock to a size of 1” x 3 ½”. Tear along the long edge to create the look of water waves.  Rub the torn edge on the blue ink pad.
7. Place swan image on ATC and adhere down. Adhere wave over swan, aligning with the bottom of the card.
8. Use silver leafing pen to draw a boarder around the ATC. Tip:  Lay card flat on scrap paper. Make sure the leafing pen tip is saturated with paint and slowly run the pen around the card with part on the paper and part on card. The more you have on the card, the wider the boarder will be.  Allow to dry.
9. For sentiment, use Post-It Notes to cover areas of image that are not to be inked, so the just the word “Wonderful” can be inked. Ink up with VersaFine ink pad. Remove Post-It Notes around the word and stamp on illustration board.

Stamps: Best of Dee Gruenig Greetings 2 ATC, Best of Dee Gruenig Japanese ATC [to be released 8/15/09]
Paper: Strathmore Bristol vellum ATC, Stampin’ Up! glossy card stock
Inks: Stampin' Up!brocade blue ink pad & re-inker, basic black craft ink pad, night of navy re-inker, almost amethyst re-inker; Tsukineko ultimate metallic re-inker silver, VersaFine onyx black ink pad

Accessories: alcohol and cotton ball, hair spray (as fixative), Krylon silver leafing pen, Quickie Glue pen, Stampin’ Up! finger sponge dauber, Stampin’ Up! cloud template (retired) and detail black emboss powder, craft knife, 2” brayer, Post-it notes

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Friends, Flowers & Fish

Here's another sneak peak at the Japanese set - Best of Dee coming out August 15th at Sunday International.   I used a lot of glitter, but it's hard to see in the photo. I'll keep practicing my photography!

1. Use markers to color direct to fish image and stamp on sticker back paper. Repeat for a variety of colored fish. Cut out and set aside.
2. Saturate a large cotton ball with alcohol (very moist, not dripping). Squeeze three drops of each colored re-inker onto the cotton ball randomly. Squeeze two drops of the silver re-inker, apart from each other. Dab the cotton ball randomly around the glossy card stock. The alcohol makes the ink spread. If there’s too much ink in one spot, dab over the spot again to spread the ink. Dab over areas until you get the effect you want.  Tip: Because a little goes a long way, use at least a 5 ½” x 8 ½” sheet of card stock at a time. If you dab too much, you’ll get a big blob.
3. When using metallic inks with this technique, a fixative is needed to set the ink completely. Spray a fixative lightly over the cardstock.  Allow several minutes to dry.
4. Stipple blue ink on right side of illustration board.
5. Cut the polish stone card stock to a size of 1 ¼” x 3 ½”. Adhere to left side of illustration board.
6. Use markers to color direct to flower image and stamp over the area that is stippled. Color again and match branch or flower at each end to make the flower cover the length of the card.
7. For sentiment, use Post-It Notes to cover areas of image that are not to be inked, so the just the word friends can be inked.  Use marker to color direct to image. Remove Post-It Notes around the word and stamp on illustration board.
8. Remove backing from sticker paper position and fish onto polish stone side.
9. Use glitter pens to add sparkle in various places.
10. Use silver leafing pen to draw a boarder around the ATC. Tip:  Lay card flat on scrap paper. Make sure the leafing pen tip is saturated with paint and slowly run the pen around the card with part on the paper and part on card. The more you have on the card, the wider the boarder will be.  Allow to dry.

Stamps: Best of Dee Gruenig Greetings 2 ATC, Best of Dee Gruenig Japanese ATC [to be released 8/15/09]
Paper: Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper, Strathmore Illustration Board ATC, Stampin’ Up! glossy card stock
Inks: Stampin' Up! brocade blue ink pad & re-inker, night of navy re-inker, almost amethyst re-inker; Tsukineko ultimate metallic re-inker silver
Accessories: alcohol and cotton ball, hair spray (as fixative), stipple brush, Sakura glitter pens, Krylon silver leafing pen, Marvy Brush Art Markers 60, 62, 110, 122, 118; Post-It Notes

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Black and Gold Polished Stone

The Polish Stone technique is one of my favorite backgrounds.   Traditionally the technique is done on white glossy paper. Dee Gruenig is the first person I saw use black glossy paper. I just had to try this technique with black and gold! I'm sorry it's hard to capture the full look of polish stone with a photo or a scan. If you've ever tried it, you know it's stunning in person.

1. Stamp images onto gold card stock with black craft ink, sprinkle emboss powder and heat set. Cut out and set aside
2. Saturate a large cotton ball with alcohol (very moist, NOT dripping). Squeeze three to four drops of gold reinker onto the cotton ball. Dab the cotton ball randomly around the black glossy card stock. The alcohol makes the ink spread. If there’s too much ink in one spot, dab over the spot again to spread the ink. Dab over areas until you get the effect you want.  Tip: Because a little goes a long way, use a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of card stock. If you dab too much, you’ll get a big blob.
3. Use a heat gun to help set the ink. When using metallic inks with this technique, a fixative is needed to set the ink completely. Spray fixative lightly over the card stock.
4. Stamp sentiment onto gold card stock with black craft ink, sprinkle emboss powder and heat set.  Cut out with label die cut.  Insert dragon fly brad.
5. This card is the standard A2 size, with each layer 1/8” smaller than the previous layer.
   Adhere polish stone layer onto gold layer.  Insert brads through both layers. Adhere gold layer to black base card.
6. Adhere images and sentiment label.

                 

Stamps: Best of Dee Gruenig Greetings 2 ATC, Best of Dee Gruenig Japanese ATC [to be released 8/15/09] (SI)
Paper: black glossy card stock, Stampin' Up! brushed gold card stock
Inks: Tsukineko Ultimate Metallic gold re-inker, Stampin' Up! basic black craft ink pad

Accessories: Stampin' Up! black detail emboss powder, heat tool,  brads from JoAnn, alcohol and cotton ball, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels, hair spray

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Mini Thank You - Japanese Style

August 15th is the next release of Sunday International's Best of Dee ATC stamp sets. I got an early release of one of the sets today!!

1. Use markers to color direct to kimono image and stamp on sticker back paper. Repeat for the vase and bonsai images.  Cut out all the images and set aside.
2. Stamp sentiment onto mini fold over card with gold ink, sprinkle emboss powder and heat set
3. Use markers to color direct to bamboo image and stamp lightly on mini fold over card
   Stipple gold ink all over mini fold over card. Randomly place dots
4. Use markers to color direct to bowl and chop stick image and stamp on mini fold over card
5. Peel off sticky back of kimono image and adhere to mini fold over card. Repeat for vase
6. Mask off a section of the mini envelop and stipple gold ink. Peel off sticky back of bamboo image and place on envelop. Randomly place dots on the stippled section.

Stamps: Best of Dee Gruenig Greetings 2 ATC, Best of Dee Gruenig Japanese ATC [to be released 8/15/09]
Paper: Mini Fold over cards and Mini envelop, Crack N' Peel Matt Sticker Paper
Inks: Encore Ultimate Metallic gold

Accessories: Marvy Brush Art Markers  1, 4, 6, 15, 110, 113, 114, 118; stipple brush , Sakura metallic gold pen, Stampin' Up! gold detail emboss powder, heat tool

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

Sunday International has a new Look!!!

Hello!! I'm back from vacation and I need a follow up vacation to rest. No time for that! :o)

Have you been to Sunday International lately?!  They have a fabulous new look!!  Stop by and visit - you'll find it's easier to move around the site and they have added great videos! There is a new release of Dee's ATC stamps coming out August 15th. Next week, I'll start showcasing projects with recently released and upcoming ATC stamps.

Here's an excerpt from the July 17th Posh Impressions Newsletter:

Big news and a big surprise!
Sunday International has a new web site. www.Sundayint.com We love it! Now SI properly puts out the true message that they are headquarters for the EZ Mount System of Stamping. They created the method. They have the exclusive means for  providing the genuine EZ Mount foam mounting cushion that has the official logo on the back of each piece of foam. They guarantee it for life. No other company that we know about does this.

With a hundred or more companies making stamps on variations of EZ Mount we are glad that they staked their claim as there was confusion out there. Some mounting foam works better than others. EZ Mount is the reason  Dee Gruenig accepted SI's invitation to hitch her wagon to them. Dee recognized that stamping needed a revolution, a new concept that makes sense and a reason to get people excited about stamping again. EZ Mount did that to some extent and is now becoming better discovered by more stampers.

To subscribe to Posh Impressions Newsletters, please go to:
http://www.poshimpressions.com/posh_news.htm.

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

It's a Junior Jungle on Noah's Ark

I needed a baby card, and thought of Noah's Ark.

1. Cut glossy cardstock to 9 x 6 and fold in half to make 4 1/2 x 6 size card
2. Found a cartoon of the Ark on line and used it as a guide to draw an Ark for my animals
3. Cut two round holes for the windows. Cut out the front arch window with a craft knife
4. Cut out the Ark and added some color and boat lines with markers
5. Positioned the Ark on the base card and drew inside the windows with a pencil
6. 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 a black ink pad. Stamped the animals on the base card
7. I then stippled some color in the windows. I didn't have to stay inside  the lines because the Ark would cover it :o)
8. I cut a strip of blue card stock to match the width of the base card and used decorative scissors to cut ripples for the ocean.  I added some motion to the ocean with markers and a white pen
9. I adhered the Ark, then the water and added the little bird last to led the way.   My le boo boo on this card.... I forgot to erase the pencil lines before I adhered the Ark. OOps!

Stamps: Junior Jungle ATC-Best of Dee Gruenig Collection
Paper: Stampin' Up! glossy white, creamy caramel, ballet blue
Inks: Blending Blox shades of gold, Marvy Matchables black
Accessories: Stampin' Up! 1 1/4" circle punch, markers ballet blue, close to cocoa, creamy caramel; craft knife, Marvy LePlumeII Markers 2, 6, 13, 16, 18, 29, 72,  stipple brush, decorative scissors, Prismacolor .005 Fine Line Marker, Inkssentials opaque pen

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

On the Green

I only used one stamp on this card - the clouds. Aren't they cute?!  This is actually a birthday card for my husband. He really enjoys golf, so I had to make him a golf card - I just had too!

1. I looked through my Cuttlebug templates to find the right one that looked like the little indents in golf balls. I found one close enough! Cut out a circle with a hand punch.
2. Drew a golf tee. I cut the same size circle in a piece of scrap paper and drew the tee under it to get the shape.
3. Using MIchelle Z's resist and brayer technique, I inked up the cloud in VersaMark and then in blue dye ink and stamped "in the sky." I repeated this three times.  I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the clouds and heat set.
4. Next, I colored the inside of the clouds with a VersaMark pen and sprinkled clear embossing powder over the clouds and heat set.
5. I masked my horizon line, and then used my brayer to color the sky blue. After a few moments I used a soft paper towel to wipe the ink off my clouds. TIP: When masking to create a straight line, line your mask paper up with the side edge of your paper you are brayering on.
6. I moved my mask over the sky and brayered the grass. I had a little bit of a gap, so I moved my paper up and used a sponge to fill in the gap.
7. I cut a little whole in the paper to stick my tee "in the grass," and drew a few blades around the tee with a marker.
8. Glued everything down. I used Crystal Lacquer to make sure the embellishment stayed on.

Stamps: Dee's small cloud
Paper:Stampin' Up! whisper white, handsome hunter; Memory Box Noteard
Inks: Stampin' Up! mellow moss, bliss blue (retired); VersaMark stamp pad
Accessories: VersaMark Pen, Stampin' Up! 1 1/4" circle punch, mellow moss marker & clear embossing powder, sponge, brayer, Crystal Lacquer , golf embellishment from my stash

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

New ATC Stamps from Sunday International!

 

   

Sunday International will be launching a new stamp series later this month....it's the Best of Dee Gruenig, ATC size stamps!! I am so excited. I really, really dig the the bold design of Dee's images and am looking forward to the smaller versions for ATCs and all the "posh-abilities" [as Dee says :o)] of using the various size images.

1. I started with the envelop. I used the brayer to color in the sky first and then masked a line for the water level and brayered the water.
2. I colored the hippo image with a gray marker and added a little black around the edges and stamped him under water.  I added his eyes and eye brows with  the fine tip of the LaPlumeII marker.  I added some underwater plants (on the front and back) and sponged the the lower part of the card to make it look like the water's bottom.
3. I then brayered the water again to make him look under water and added a few bubbles with the fine tip of the LaPlumeII marker.
4. For the ATC, I used the brayer to color in the sky first and then sponged the greens from the caribbean blox for the grass.
5. I then stamped some plants and a tree for the background - stamping off on scrap paper first and then onto the ATC. I wanted to make them look they were behind the animals - less vivid.  I used the blending blox for the plants and markers for the tree.
6. For the animals, I used markers directly on the images, blending at least two colors on the stamp for depth and interest.  I stamped them onto glossy stick paper. I also stamped some plants using the blending blox.
7. I cut out the images and layered them onto the ATC.

 

Excerpt compliments of Posh Impressions April 24th Newsletter

Sunday International is working hard to present a series of special sets called The Best of Dee Gruenig. Twelve sets will be introduced as the first collection with six pairs of small sets that work well together. They will feature the following three special changes.

 Change #1 - Offered on sheets of rubber to save you money, you can mount them on cushions for use with acrylic see-through mounts. They are also available as ready to use stamps mounted on the fabulous EZ Mount cushion. You can now get them both ways.

Change #2- All images are reduced in size to be used for ATCs, inchies and other smaller projects. They also provide size variation for use with Dee’s usual larger images.

Change #3 - Where appropriate, images normally facing in one direction have been reversed for additional variation and combining when stamping.

Expect them in May and please tell your friends about including mentioning in your chats, forums and clubs.

Stamps: NEW! coming soon Jr. Jungle ATC-Best of Dee Gruenig Collection
Paper: ATC envelop, Crack N' Peel Glossy Sticker Paper, Strathmore Artist Trading Cards-Bristol Vellum
Inks: Stampin' Up! cool caribbean, ballet blue, Marvy Blending Blox shades of caribbean
Accessories: Marvy Brush Art Markers 1, 12, Marvy LaPlumeII 1, 4, 10, 11, 13 18, 29, 46, sponge

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

My Entry Into The Big May Copic Giveaway

Do you really enjoying coloring....blending, making your project pop?  I do!! I really enjoying coloring with Copic Markers. My favorite features of Copics are the way they blend AND the way you can erase when you make a "le boo boo!" The Pen Addict is having a giveaway.  I'm participating because I just can not have enough Copic Markers!  I want at least one in every color! Coloring is one my favorite ways to express myself and releave stress. Given the way my day job has been going lately, if I win the giveaway, those markers will throughly be used! :o)

1. Lightly ran embossing static pouch over white card stock
2. Stamped images using black ink
3. Sprinkled embossing powder over the images, shook off access, and then heat set
4. Colored images with markers starting with the smallest areas first then filling in color in the largest area.  I always start with my lightest color, coloring in small circles, then add the darker color and come back with the lighter color to blend. I go back and forth, light...dark...light...until I get the blended look I want.
5. Cut out the the tea pot using a circle die cut. Cut out the tea bad and tag along embossed line and sent through sticker maker.
6. Cut out two scalloped layers
7. Assembled card, drawing the tea string between the tea bag and label

STAMPS:  Dee Gruenig's Thanks A Latte! Duets
INKS: Versafine Onyx Black
PAPER: Neenah Classic Solar White , Stampin' Up! bashful blue & ballet blue
ACCESSORIES: Copic Markers & atyou Spica glitter pen , Stampin' Up! black detail emboss powder & embossing buddy, heat tool, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Marvy LePlume II marker 1

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Anthony & Burt Celebrate a Birthday

It's my cousin's birthday this week!  I'm using Anthony & Burt to help Steve celebrate.

1. Stamped image on watercolor paper
2. Starting with Burt, added dots of green and then spread with the water brush. For adding the darker green, I colored the marker on my non-stick mat and picked up the color with the water brush. I didn't want the color too intense. I continued with the various colors.
3. For the yellow frosting, I used an opaque pen to make it look more like icing.
4. Added a glitter pen to Anthony's wings and a metallic pen on the fork.
5. I used a white gel pen to brighten Burt's eyes and added the pupils back in with a fine line marker.
6. I then cut out the image with a deco die cut and layered on top of a larger deco die cute. 
7. Stamped the multi-layer cake image several times on an angle as the background in 'tone on tone' - same color ink as card stock. I also stamped the inside of the card with the cake.
8. Assembled card and added embellisments

STAMPS:  Anthony & Burt Cube Stamps, Dee Gruenig's Birthday Cake
INKS: StazOn Jet Black, Stampin' Up! green galore
PAPER: Strathmore watercolor cold press 140lb, Stampin' Up! green galore, yoyo yellow
ACCESSORIES: Marvy LePlume II Markers 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 46, 51, Nestabilities deco dies, watercolor brush, Sakura clear glitter,  opaque yellow & metallic silver pens, Inkssentials opaque pen, Prismacolor .005 Fine Line Marker, Dew Drops

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

Cupcakes!

Cupcakes are a nice way to say many things - here's one for Happy Birthday.

1. Used Nestabilities die to cut out cup cake and cherry from white card stock.
2. Sponged red onto cherry . I used a gel pen to make an highlight and a brown maker to color the steam.
3. Sponged color on base and frosting. Used markers for sprinkles.
4. On the base card, I used a sticky note to mask inside of card. I sponged marigold along the right side of the card - the open vertical area.
5. Colored direct to cup cake image with markers, blending on stamp.  Stamped randomly in the sponged area. Repeated for cherry and sprinkles. Removed mask.
6. Adhered die cut cup cake onto front
7. Stamped sentiment and smeared it, ahhhhh - a le boo boo! Stamped sentiment again on scrap white card stock and cut out with die cut shape. Covered up le boo boo - card is good to go!

Stamps: Dee Gruenig Sweet Dreams, ATC Mini Words
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, Vertical Inspiration Foldover Cards
Inks: Stampin' Up! chocolate chip, yoyo yellow, creamy caramel, marigold  morning, real red
Accessories: Stampin' Up! Markers chocolate chip, creamy caramel, real red, summer sun, only orange, handsome hunter,  Inkssentials opaque pen, sponge, Nestabilities cup cake die and label cuts

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Polished Stone Funky Flower Flowers

I had this idea to emboss on top of a polished stone effect on glossy paper and decided to try it with Dee's Funky Flowers.

1. Squeezed drops of all three alcohol inks onto applicator felt, added a few drops of blender solution, then dabbed on vase image. Stamped on glossy sticker paper
2. Added more ink and solution to applicator felt, and dabbed around big area of the glossy paper to create polished stone look. Allowed to dry. Inked up vase image with VersMark and stamped over polished stone  on glossy sticker paper, added clear embossing powder and heat set. Cut out both images of vase.
3. Put on a new felt and squeezed drops of all three alcohol inks onto applicator felt, added a few drops of blender solution, then dabbed onto acetate to create a transparency polished stone effect for a background.
4. I placed the embossed vase near the acetate, and picked out paints to compliment the vase and the background.
5. Added small amount of water to paint pots and waited a few minutes - to get a toothpaste consistency. Used a water brush  to apply paint to flower image, and stamped on glossy paper. Reapplied paint and stamped on opaque sticker paper. I wanted to see each turned out.  Allow the images to dry and cut out.
6. I placed flowers in the vases, just to see how they looked and decided which one I wanted to use for this project.  I'll use the other images on another project - maybe this week. :o)
7. Assembled the card. You may be able to see my le boo boo, or you might think that it is artistic expression. :o) I placed my flower and vase too far to the right and cut off one side of a flower petal to be flush with the edge.

 

           

       

Stamps: Dee Gruenig's Funky Flowers stamp set
Ink: Adirondack Alcohol Inks eggplant, lettuce, cranberry, VersaMark
Paper: Crack'-N-Peel Glossy Sticker paper,  Crack N' Peel Opaque Sticker paper, Oval Window Frames with Acetates, Stampin' Up! whisper white
Accessories: Tim Holz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator, Adirondack blending solution, water brush, craft knife, Inkssentials opaque pen, Scrapbook vellum adhesive, Stampin' Up! clear embossing powder, Twinkling H2Os paint pots green tea, key lime, bougainvillea, plum blossom

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena