Trena's Creative Space

B&W

This card was inspired by a card on  Mike's blog.  He has a very nice tutorial creating a B&W card using a basket technique.  This card is 5" x 5".

1. Cut layers for card.
2. On smallest black layer, ink up large swirl image with silver ink pad and stamp in the center, about two thirds up. Ink image again and stamp image to the left moving it down half way, overlapping the side.
3. Ink image again and stamp to the right moving it up, overlapping the side.
4. Turn your paper around, and stamp to overlap the top of each of the stamped images.
5. Allow to dry. Adhere layers.
6. Ink up large coffee cup image with white ink and stamp onto white design card stock, sprinkle with emboss powder and heat set.
7. Cut out coffee cup. Use craft knife to cut inside handle.
8. Adhere to top layer. 
9. On inside, ink up small coffee cup and stamp on left side. Repeat up the side.
10. On the outside coffee cup, add a swirl and dots with a Pearl Pen.  Allow to dry completely.

 Stamps: Michael Strong's Hetty's Coffee Cup Set MS352EZ
Paper:  Stampin' Up! basic black & silver metallic, The Paper Company Designer Paper (I found it at Joann's),  Neenah Classic Solar White (for base card)
Ink: Encore ultimate metallic silver, Stampin' Up! whisper white craft
Accessories: heat tool,  craft knife and cutting mat,  judikins opaque white embossing powder, Pearl Pen white

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

Underwater Scene

This week I will be sharing a card featuring Michael Strong's images each day. For this underwater scene, I chose Michael Strong's mini fish - such a cute image!

1. Ink up image with StazOn and stamp. Repeat for two more images.
2. Use iron and waxes to create water background.  See here for post on tips and Encaustic video.
3. Holding card stock in mid air, lightly touch and pull away the iron to create the ocean bottom.
4. Using the tip of the iron pull the wax up for underwater foliage.
5. Use the stylish with the hot brush tip and clear wax to reheat the wax inside each fish. Wipe away color with a tissue or paper towel.
6. Use pencils to add color to each fish.
7. Adhere layers.

 Stamps:  Michael Strong Mini Creatures
Inks: StazOn jet black
Paper: Encaustic Creations glossy card stock,  Neenah Classic Solar White, Stampin' Up! basic black
Accessories: Encaustic Creations iron, stylus, wax squares, Crayola Metallic FX Crayons, Prisma Pencils

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Crib Mobile for Lily

I made this cute little mobile for a baby card challenge we are having at the Michael Strong Yahoo Group.   

1. Ink up images with watermark ink, stamp  onto different color card stock, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.  
2. Cut out images.
3. The mobile and crib are hand drawn with a Copic Multiliner.
4. Add color to mobile and crib with markers, using two or three colors from a color family.
5. Adhere layers and images. Use pop-dots for the images in front.

Stamps: Michael Strong Mini Cloisonné Creatures MS335EZ, Mini Cloisonné Wings MS336EZ
Paper:  Stampin' Up! bold brights, Cryogen White
Ink: VersaMark watermark ink pad
Accessories: heat tool,  crystal white embossing powder, Stampin' Up! punch, pop-dots, Copic Markers & Multiliner 0.5

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

Coffee with Hetty

Hetty is a lovely, talented woman who is the moderator for our Michael Strong Yahoo Group.  Mike named his newly released coffee set after her. I'm so excited for Hetty!! She works hard to support our group, where lots of ideas are shared about creativity.  This card is 5 1/4" x 5 1/4".

1. Rub anti static bag over water color paper. Ink up large coffee cup image with watermark ink, stamp  onto watercolor paper, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set. 
2. Choose color theme/design papers and markers.  I picked several from my Club Scrap
   collection  and narrowed it down.  I've been a member for years and just adore their card stock/papers!! They have great designs and texture on quality  paper.
3. Add color to the image with markers. Start with lightest shades and cover the largest area with in an embossed area,  then spread with water brush. Allow to dry.  Color with the darkest shade covering a smaller area and spread color with water brush. Allow to dry.
4. Cut out image.  Cut layers out of design paper/card stock.
5. Adhere layers.
6. Use a VersaMarker to color a part of the swirls image that will fit over coffee cup. Use a scrap piece of paper to mask where coffee cup will be, and stamp swirls about the coffee. Sprinkle with emboss powder and heat set.
7. Adhere coffee cup.
8. Using dual art brush pen to ink image, stamp small coffee cup image inside card. Draw swirls above cup.

Stamps: Michael Strong's Hetty's Coffee Cup Set MS352EZ
Paper: Strathmore 140lb cold press watercolor paper, Club Scrap, Stampin' Up! very vanilla
Ink: VersaMark watermark ink pad, VersaMarker watermark pen
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! embossing buddy, Tombow Dual Brush Pens 452, 491, 969, 977, water brush, craft knife and cutting mat, crystal white embossing powder

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

New Images from Michael Strong

This classy Cloisonné Fleur De Lis comes in a set of two and is one of  Mike's new images.  I call it classy because it can make a simple layout look classy. :o)   See all Mike's images at Sunday International here. 

This layout is for the May challenge we are having at the Michael Strong Yahoo Group.   There's lots lots of ideas and fun going on there.

1. Ink up image with VersaMark, then Memento. Stamped onto card stock, sprinkled with emboss powder and heat set.
2. Use die cuts to cut image and also a black layer.
3. Cut other layers. Use Cuttlebug emboss folder to create Fleur De Lis background.
4. Adhere layers. NOTE: I taped the ribbon down first and then adhered to base card.  Adhered the design paper over that.

Stamps: Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fleur De Lis MS350EZ
Paper:  Stampin' Up! very vanilla, , DCWV Paper Print
Ink: VersaMark watermark ink pad, Memento rhubarb stalk ink pad
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! clear emboss powder, Cuttlebug emboss folder, Spellbinders Nestabilities classic oval die cuts

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

Michael Strong Die Cuts!

When I came home today, this is what was waiting for me!  I'll be busy this weekend using them! I promise to share! :o)  You can visit Mike's site to order them from his catalog.  When you go there, you'll also see his adorable new granddaughter, Lily.

I run them through my Cuttlebug machine with the same set up as for my Spellbinder dies - they cut beautifully!

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

Another Kimono!

I'm having a great time with Mike's new Kimono image.  :o) This card is 4 1/2 x 6".

1. Rub anti-static bag across on Japanese paper. Ink up kimono image with gold ink and stamp onto Japanese paper, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
2. Cut out the image. 
3. Rub anti-static bag across  red card stock. Ink up smallest crane  image with gold ink and stamp onto card stock. Repeat for three more images. Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
4. Cut out the images.
5. Adhere layers and images.
6. Adhere crane image on a piece of white card stock and place inside

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Kimono, Cloisonné Cranes- MS342EZ
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, really red, regal rose, Yuzen Chiyogami Japanese Paper
Ink: Encore Ultimate Metallic gold ink pad
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! embossing buddy & detail gold embossing powder

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

Kimono and Dragonfly

To compliment this colorful kimono, I used a KrstalKraft acrylic dragonfly.

1. Rub anti-static bag across on Japanese paper. Ink up kimono image with black craft ink and stamp onto card stock, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
2. Cut the image out.
3. To create background, ink up mini dragonfly image with red ink pad and stamp onto red card stock. Repeat for a random background.  Repeat with burgundy ink pad.
4. Peel paper backing off of dragon fly acrylic piece. Use double sided tape to stick clear acrylic dragonfly to an acrylic block.  Ink up  kimono with StazOn ink pad. Lay flat. "Stamp" dragon fly onto image to pick up design.   Allow to dry.
5. Adhere card layers. Adhere kimono on an angle.  Use Crystal Lacquer to adhere dragon fly.
6. Ink up mini dragonfly image with red ink and stamp in lower corner of A2 size white card stock for the note inside.

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Kimono, Michael Strong Mini Cloisonné Wings MS336EZ
Paper: Yuzen Chiyogami Japanese Paper, Stampin' Up! basic black, whisper white, really red
Ink:  Stampin' Up! really red, bravo burgundy, craft black, StazOn jet black ink pads
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! embossing buddy & detail black embossing powder, Crystal Lacquer, KrystalKraft butterflies acrylic shapes

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! 

Trena

Simple Layout for an Elegant Look

It was easy to make this card look elegant with Michael Strong's new kimono design!

1. Ink up kimono image with gold ink pad, stamp on black card stock, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set. 
2. Cut out the  image.
3. Cut square layer out of white card stock.
4. Ink up mini bamboo image with gold ink pad, stamp on the square layer. Repeat several times to create a random background.
5. Repeat for the black layer.
6. Adhere layers. Adhere kimono image.
7. Use Crystal Effects to adhere dew drops.
8. Stamp ink bamboo image on the inside for a nice little surprise

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Kimono, Posh Impressions Cultural ATC Set
Paper: Stampin' Up! basic black, whisper white
Ink:  Encore Ultimate Metallic gold ink pad
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! embossing buddy & detail gold embossing powder, The Robin's Nest gold dew drops, Spellbinders Nestabilities square die cut

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

A Touch of Spring to Celebrate 15 years

I made this card to help celebrate Michael Strong's 15 year anniversary of designing rubber stamps. Click here to read his interesting story!  You'll also see some new stamp images he has coming out.  I just got the Kimono! I can't wait to design with it!

This card measures 4 1/2 x 6" and has 15 elements on it to celebrate 15 years.

1. Stamp flower and leaf images on the smoother side of the  watercolor paper, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set. 
2. Using three shades of a color family to watercolor the images: starting with the lightest color, fill in a section, leaving a small white space. Use a waterbrush to spread the color in the area. After it dries, add  the next darkest color - laying down less color -  spread it with the water brush. After it dries, I add a small amount of the darkest color and spread that. TIP: When watercoloring, wet one section at a time so you don't get hard lines. Always start with a clean brush in the lightest area and move to your darkest  area.
3. Cut the images out.
4. Cut the design card stock so that one complete flower pot is the focal point.  Use the VersaMark Marker to draw a stem and add a line over the black swirl.  Sprinkle emboss powder and heat set.
5. Adhere layers to the base card. TIP: The liquid adhesive allows you more time to shimmy and position paper pieces.
6. Adhere all pieces onto top layer of card. Use Crystal Effects and a toothpick for the Dew Drops.
7. Adhere a piece of design card stock inside for the note.  The pattern is light enough to write over.

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Flower MS320EZ, Cloisonné Leaves MS307EZ
Paper: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad 140lb cold press,, Club Scrap design card stock & black card stock
Ink:  Encore Ultimate Metallic gold ink pad, VersaMark Marker
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! gold detail embossing powder, Crystal Effects, & embossing buddy, Tombow markers 133, 158, 249, 905, 925, 993, waterbrush, Dew Drops, lady bug button from Joann's, Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Special This weekend at Sunday International

This weekend at Sunday International enjoy "FREE" shipping w/on your entire order w/ the purchase of any Mike Strong stamp. Enter coupon code "STRONG" during checkout & purchase any Mike Strong stamp to receive "FREE" shipping. This offer applies to all accounts within the U.S. Offer is only valid till Sunday March 20th.

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena    

March Michael Strong Challenge

 

I made a four leaf clover card using Mike's mini heart shape.  I used a piece of background design paper I made a couple weeks ago. Click here to see how made the background paper.   When I make a design paper for a project, I always make extra for "later." :o)  This card was really quick.

1. Ink up mini heart image with versacolor ink pad and stamp onto green card stock.  Repeat three more times. Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
2. Draw a stem on green card stock with VersaMarker.  Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
3. Cut out hearts and stem.
4. Adhere layers to base card.
5. Adhere stem and adhere hearts in the shape of a  clover.
6. All done!

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Shapes MS337EZ
Paper: Stampin' Up! certainly celery, whisper white & design paper, homemade design paper
Ink: VersaColor 69 bamboo ink pad, VersaMarker
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! clear embossing powder

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Easter Eggs from Scraps & an Art DVD

This card was inspired by one of my Sunday International Design Team Sisters, Paula.  She made  the cutest card with colored Easter eggs.   This card was so easy and fun!

1. Pick out colorful scrap papers in your stash - design papers/card stock, papers you colored or created with different techniques.
2. Swipe them with an antic static bag.
3. Ink up mini egg  image with white craft ink pad and stamp onto card stock.  Repeat for each piece of your scrap. On this card I used a total of seven - three in the basket, and four more next to it. Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
4. Cut out each image.
5. Ink up basket image and stamp onto white card stock.
6. Color with markers.
7. Use white pen to give a highlight to the basket.
8. Cut out the basket portion of the image.
9. Think about your layout and arrange your pieces on the top layer of your card.  Take a photo to help you remember. :o)
10. Stamp egg images on white card stock with complimentary colors to match layout on front of card. This piece will be for your inside note card.  
11. Adhere all your pieces! All done!

When you need multiple masks of one image, stamp one time on Eclipse tape. Layer number of pieces you need  on top of each other. With the stamped image on top, cut through all layers. Isn't that a great idea?! It's not mine. :o) I got it from Judi Watanabe of Judi-kins!   I received the most awesome DVD for Christmas from my thoughtful husband. It's called Art Unscripted. In addition to Judi, Carol Duvall hosts several artists who share projects, tips and inspiration.

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Shapes MS337EZ,  EZMount Mini-Binder Stamp Set - Easter #1 SUEZSET01
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, orchid opulence, Club Scrap texture card stock, scrap design papers from my stash
Ink:  Stampin' Up! white craft, real read, orchid opulence, only orange, pink passion, Memento ink pads  tuxedo black
Accessories: heat tool, Judi-Kins opaque white embossing powder, Eclipse masking tape, Stampin' Up! embossing buddy, Copic Markers 0, 29, 37, Inkssentials opaque pen

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Wind Beneath My Wings

This month Michael Strong challenged our Yahoo Group to make a card with non-traditional Valentine's Day colors, i.e. no red, no pink.  I made a card that can be used anytime of the year, with your partner in life or with someone in your life that encourages you and lifts you up.

1. Ink up mini heart image with VersaMark watermark ink pad, then with chocolate ink pad and stamp onto card stock. Repeat for three more images. Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set. NOTE: In between inking up your image, stamp off excess. You can also completely clean your stamp. I have a dirty and a clean VersaMark pad.  I use the dirty one for this technique. My ATC bud Diane ask me about my "dirty ink pad."  :o)
2. Cut out images.
3. Use a sponge or blending tool to gently add color around oval layer.
4. Use marker to draw body & antennae of butterfly. Use white pencil to add a little highlight on one side of body.
5. Adhere layers building from base card up.
6. Adhere wings
7. The words were generated via computer and printed onto card stock.  I always print my words first on copy paper to make sure I have the size and layout I want before printing on cards stock, AND I always check spelling. :o) Use a sponge or blending tool to gently add color around it.
8. Ink up mini heart with blue ink pad and stamp on vanilla card stock for inside note.

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Shapes MS337EZ
Paper: Stampin' Up! ballet blue, chocolate chip, whisper white, very vanilla
Ink:  Stampin' Up! chocolate chip ink pad & marker, VersaMark watermark ink pad, Memento ink pad  summer sky
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! clear embossing powder, Spellbinders Nestabilities oval and scalloped die cuts, Tim Holtz blending tool, white pencil, Cuttlebug emboss folder

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Can you Resist Paisley Print? Yes!

I used a resist technique to create a matching layer with PanPastel Artists' Pastels  - my new favorite medium! :o)

1. Ink up large paisley frame image with VersaMark watermark  ink and partially stamp on one side of  card stock, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
2. Ink up small paisley image with VersaMark watermark ink and stamp in blank area of card stock. Repeat several times to create a random design,  sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
3. Choose two  or three coordinating PanPastel colors to match design paper. Use sponge soft tool to pick up a small amount of lightest color and then spread onto card stock in a circular motion.  Pick up a shade darker and apply the same way. Repeat until you get the colors you desire. Use a clean paper towel in a circular motion to remove pastel from embossed images, also to burnish the pastel into the card stock.  This is my first time using the PanPastels on a finished product - I know there's much more that can be done with them. I'm starting slow. :o)
4. Ink up small  paisley image with gold ink and stamp onto white card stock,  sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.  The gold ink and clear embossing powder together result in a soft image.  Cut out using die cut.
5. Chose what part of your pastel layer you want to use on your final card. Cut it down.
6. Adhere all layers.  Note:   When I was thinking about my layout on the design paper, I purposely cut it so it would include both the bold and subtle images.  The design card stock is so pretty! It is designed by Mike - that's why they coordinate so well with his stamps. ;o)

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Paisleys MS340EZ
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white,  Club Scrap designer

Ink:  VersaMark Ink Pad
Accessories: PanPastel Artists' Pastels, Sponge soft tool, heat tool,  Stampin' Up! clear emboss powder,  Spellbinders  rectangle die cuts

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Sunshine

 
This card features a technique using Tombow Markers and a water brush.

1. Stamp large and small flower (Sun for this card) images on the smoother side of the watercolor paper, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
2. Using three shades of a color family to watercolor the images: starting with the lightest color, fill in a section, leaving a small white space. Use a waterbrush to spread the color in the area. After it dries, add  the next darkest color - laying down less color -  spread it with the water brush. After it dries, I add a small amount of the darkest color and spread that. TIP: When watercoloring, wet one section at a time so you don't get hard lines. Always start with a clean brush in the lightest area and move to your darkest area.
3. Cut out each sun and set aside.
4. On a smooth piece of card stock, sponge blue ink over a cloud temple.  NOTE: If you do not have a cloud template, you can make your own  with a scallop punch as shown in the photo.
5. Use a sponge or blending tool to gently add color around the template on to your base layer.
6. Lay "sun" over the clouds to determine where to add sun beams.  Use a straight edge scrap paper and sponge or Color Box Stylus to add beams of light . 
7. Trim top edge of sky to allow room for sentiment.
8. Tear thin peices of texture card stock for water waves. Make sure they are wider than your cloud layer. Add some blue ink over texture to help give it depth.
9.  Edge torn edges with white craft ink. Allow to dry.
10. Adhere torn pieces to base card stock.  Trim edges to fit cloud layer.
11. After you add the water, you can add more beams of light and extend them across the water. Adhere to base card.
12. Stamp sentiment.
13. Use pop dots to adhere sun.
14. Trim 1/4" off top and one side of A2 size white card stock.  Add the small flower image and adhere to inside of card.
15. Decorate the envelop by stamping the small flower image along the left side.  Use straight edge scrap paper and blending tool to add a yellow background for the flower.

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Flower MS320EZ, Cloisonné Shapes MS337EZ, Words and Phrases MS333EZ 
Paper: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad 140lb cold press, Stampin' Up! whisper white, Club Scrap texture card stock
Ink:  Encore Ultimate Metallic gold ink pad, Stampin' Up! white craft ink pad, Tim Holtz Distress Ink ink pads - mustard seed & weather wood
Accessories: heat tool, Stampin' Up! gold detail embossing powder, Tombow markers 055, 062, 993, waterbrush, Tim Holtz blending tool, Marvy giga scalloped punch, Color Box Stylus

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Love & Hearts

 

This card was inspired by a card Michael Strong did making custom background paper using his Texturizing images.

1. Select images you like from the texturizing set.
2. Create custom background paper. Ink up texturizing image with red ink pad and stamp onto
   red card stock. Repeat and stamp again randomly.  Clean Stamp and repeat with watermark ink pad.
3. Ink up mini heart image with watermark ink pad and stamp onto design card stock. Repeat for a second image, sprinkle with emboss powder and heat set.  Cut out hearts.
4. Cut 3/4" strips from your background paper. - three vertical  and one horizontal.
5. Ink up sentiment image with watermark ink pad and stamp onto horizontal.  sprinkle with  emboss powder and heat set.
6. Cut square for hearts from red background paper. Cut larger layer square of design card stock.
7. Adhere pieces on base card.
8. Ink up mini heart image with red ink and stamp inside. Repeat to add another image for a nice little surprise.

Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Shapes MS337EZ, Texturizing Stamp Set MS332EZ, Words and Phrases MS333EZ
Paper: Stampin' Up! real red,The Paper Company Designer Paper (I found it at Joanns)
Ink:  Stampin' Up! real red ink pad, VersaMark watermark ink pad
Accessories: heat tool, Judi-Kins opaque white embossing powder, Spellbinders Nestabilities square die cuts

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Underwater Best Friends

This card features mini creatures from Michael Strong. Very easy and fun to make!

1. Pick four shades of blue ink pads.
2. Pick up lightest color of blue with your brayer, moving in one direction to pick up color.
3. Lightly brayer back and forth, moving brayer down white card stock, starting off your paper moving towards the middle. Repeat several times to add a nice shading of blue - until you get the shade you like. Turn card around 180 degrees and brayer next darker shade into the lightest shade. Repeat several times..
4. From that same side, brayer the next shade. Repeat several times.  Brayer the darkest shade only about an inch in. Repeat.
5. Add sea plants with marker.
6. Ink up mini fish image with Memento black ink and stamp onto white card stock. Repeat to get three stamped images for each mini image.
7. Color the images using two markers in, or near, a color family for shading. Cut out images.
8. Adhere images to brayered layer, laying down shell and star images so they go off the bottom.  Trim edges.
9. Use pen to add bubbles coming out of each fish's mouth.
10. Ink up sentiment with Versafine ink and stamp.
11. Adhere all layers.
12. For inside of card, mask off the top of a piece of white card stock, brayer lightest blue. Ink up shell mini with shell image and stamp, then stamp again. Repeat across the brayered area.

 Stamps: Michael Strong Mini Cloisonné Creatures MS335EZ, Words and 
Phrases MS333EZ
Inks: Memento tuxedo black, Stampin' Up! bashful blue, marina mist, not quite
navy, night of navy, Versafine onyx black
Paper:  Curious Metallic CRYOGEN WHITE 89lb card stock,  Stampin' Up! whisper white, basic black, & summer sun
Accessories: brayer, Copic Markers, Xyron sticker maker, Sakura Micron .005 pen

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Congratulations Valcook!

Each day this week, I will post a card of the day featuring Michael Stong's images. Please stop by  to see.  If you get inspired and make something from what you see on my blog, please leave me a comment with a link to your deisgn so I can see it!

I made this card for Valerie Wilson Reed - we are in a Women's Business Network together in the Chicagoland area.  I'm so excited for Val!  Her fabulous apron designs recently got picked up by Sears. A couple months ago, she was on HSN.  You can visit her website by clicking here.  When you visit, you'll see her design that inspired this card.

1. Rub anti-static across on white card stock. Ink up large paisley image with black craft ink and stamp onto card stock, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
2. I did not want the flowers to show up in the apron image - I'm using the paisley as the design for the apron - to match Val's design. To get the outside of the image, use the VersaMark pen to ink up the border and skirt folds of the apron image. Because of the skirt's width, the complete image will not fit inside the large paisley image.   First outline the top part of the apron and stamp. Then outline the skirt port and stamp next to the top. Don't worry about inking past the top or bottom - you are going to cut the pieces out.
3. Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.  Cut out images without arpon strings.
   
4. Ink up complete apron with black craft ink, stamp onto white card stock, sprinkle with embossing powder and heat set.
5. Use die cut to cut large scalloped oval around image.
6. Color apron strings black. Use black glitter pen on strings to add some highlighted sparkle.
7. Adhere paisley pieces over embossed image.
   
8. Use pink permanent marker to create a pink border near the bottom of the skirt.
9. Ink up individual paisley images with VersaMark and stamp randomly on pink layer.
   
10. Adhere all layers to base card.
11. Ink up sentiment with black ink and stamp on pink layer.
12. Stamp a paisley border inside for a nice surprise.

 
Stamps: Michael Strong Cloisonné Paisleys MS340EZ & Words and Phrases MS333EZ, Lockhart
Paper: Stampin' Up! whisper white, basic black, pink
Ink:  Stampin' Up! craft black, VersaMark
Accessories: heat tool,  Stampin' Up! detail black emboss powder & emboss buddy, Spellbinders  large scallop die cuts,  Sharpie pink fine point, Tombow Marker N15, Copic atyou Spica black glitter, VersaMarker

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena

Mini Wings Framed

This project features Michael Strong's mini wings set in a 3D-Frame.  The colorful mini backgrounds were inspired by a technique I learned from Kevin, the owner and designer of Stampscapes images. You can see the original post here. 

1. Cut A2 size card stock in four even pieces. Choose four shades of a color family for each mini  card. 
2. Starting with your lightest color, lightly swipe the  sponge from the outside in - turning the  card after each swipe.  Continue around the card several times. Repeat with the next three shades. Use a small amount of black as your final  shade.
   
3.               
   
   
4. Ink up the texture image with the 2nd lightest shade and stamp.
5. Repeat the above steps for two more mini cards.
6. Using the Versafine ink pad, stamp each image on a mini  background.
7. Before using the acrylic pieces, gently wipe them off with alcohol. 
8. Coat one side of the small acrylic frame with  with clear drying glue and press it onto your decorated paper. If you use  too much glue, wipe off the excess with a damp paper towel. When you press the glue covered acrylic over your image, turn it in a
   circular motion to make sure all areas of the acrylic frame are coated.  Repeat for the other two pieces.
9. Depending on how much glue used,  it should be dry within a couple minutes. Make sure your glue is completely dry. Use a craft knife or small scissors to cut the paper   around the edges of the shape.  Use a piercing tool to poke away the paper blocking the hole. 
10. Drip alcohol inks onto a cotton ball and dab all around the large frame.  Add blending solution to the cotton ball and dab some more. Repeat these steps until you are happy with the colors. This creates a pretty 'see-through" polished stone effect.
    
11. Trim the three pieces and the large frame with the black sharpie.
12. Hang pieces and you're done!

Variation: Use photos!

               

 
Stamps: Michael Strong Mini Cloisonné Wings MS336EZ, Texturizing Stamp Set MS332EZ
Paper:  Curious Metallic CRYOGEN WHITE 89lb card stock
Inks: Mement ink pads  tuxedo black, summer sky, bahama blue, danube blue ink pads, paris dusk, new sprout, pear tart, bamboo leaves,  cottage ivy, lulu lavender, sweet plum, lilac posies, grape jelly, Alcohol Inks stonewashed, eggplant, lettuce, Versafine onyx black
Accessories: 3D-Frame acrylics, various sponges, Sharpie black pen, alcohol, Alcohol Blending Solution, cotton balls, Crystal Lacquer, craft knife, self-healing pad, piercer

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Trena