Freckle-Face Printworks

A Muse-ing Preview

2012-01-29T18:49:00.005-07:00

Last year, I did some catalog work for the "new" A Muse Studio. I loved working on their holiday mini. So when the art director invited me to add my "vintage" style to their 2nd catalog, I eagerly agreed!

I haven't seen the catalog yet, but this last week, A Muse Studio held their 1st convention in New Orleans. And all the card samples sent in for the new catalog were on display. Imagine my delight when one of their consultants posted pictures of the samples....and a good many were mine!

Here's the link to Mindy Fisher's A*MUSE-ingly Crafty blog!

Which cards are mine?

2nd photo - The triptych of vintage announcers.
4th photo - both bee skeps are mine
5th photo - the far left poppy card
6th photo - the far upper right (poppy) and the 2nd from the left (Union Jacks with "Carry On")
7th photo - the grey USA over grey/red travel labels
9th photo - the Union Jack "Carry On" (pretty sure that one is mine...when you do 30+ cards you might forget one.)
14th photo - same as 7th photo

Sweet! I'm excited to see the real catalog!

GC135: Favorite Paper

2012-01-18T19:33:00.005-07:00

Oops...the Monday holiday thru me. I forgot to get this posted this morning!

We're using up our scraps over at Gingersnap Creations this month. Today's challenge is to use your FAVORITE PAPER.

Well my "favorite" (can a paper hoarder have a favorite??) paper has long been Basic Grey. So I sorted thru my BG scraps and used my heart Nesties. Little Quasi here was stamped and colored with Copics. Fun and fast! AND USED SCRAPS!

Thanks to this month's sponsor Stampotique!

Stamps: Stampotique QUASI #6015; "GIVE SELF A HUG" #4010
Ink: Memento
Paper: Basic Grey scraps
Accessories: ribbon, Copics, heart Nestabilities

Happy 2nd Anniversary

2012-01-14T13:38:00.003-07:00

For my niece and her husband, who celebrated their 2nd anniversary on Jan 2nd.

Simple paper piecing.

Stamps: Purple Onion
Ink: Archival
Paper: Basic Grey
Accessories: glitter and glue pen

Happy Birthday, Carolyn

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was traveling over the holidays and missed my friend, Carolyn's birthday. It's a few days after Christmas. I wanted to send her a part of me, so I created this 5x7 mixed media piece.

The techniques I used follow a lot of what I learned in Christy Tomlinson's SHE ART class, which I took last summer. In the end I liked it so much I nearly didn't send it to her (wink).

This is the birthday card I sent along. I think the image is a Lost Coast stamp. I love, love, LOVE the sentiment. It totally cracks me up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLYN!!

Rogue Redhead: Je T'aime

2012-01-12T00:01:00.002-07:00

It's the first even Thursday of the new year! Time for some Rogue Redhead goodness!

It seems like FOREVER since I did any tags....and then I had to stop and laugh. I did all 12 days of Tim tags...silly me! Still the urge to do a tag over took me tonight.

The background text and boy come from RELISH READING and the sentiment is part of FLORICULTURE. I tucked a heart under his arm in preparation for Valentine's day!

Stamps: Rogue Redhead Designs RELISH READING & FLORICULTURE (sentiment)
Ink: Archival Jet Black, Distress Inks
Paper: tag
Accessories: ribbon/rhinestones; Prima rose & butterfly, copper spray, heart Nestabilities

GC134: Ribbon

2012-01-11T00:01:00.001-07:00

Wow...this is my first blog post of 2012! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This month on the Gingersnap Creations blog we're getting organized! AND we have a fabulous sponsor this month - Stampotique Originals! Today we're cleaning up the RIBBON!

Getting organized for me that includes using bits and pieces that have been hang around my craft area - discarded from other projects.

The best way I've found to "glue" down ribbon scraps is to run them thru my Xyron sticker maker.

Take your bone folder and rub all over and around each edge to get a "clean" sticker.

Lay the ribbons down side by side and trim off the excess. I used scraps to paper piece Heart Throb and colored his head, hands and shoes with Copics.

Stamps: Stampotique HEART THROB #6057; "HUG ENCLOSED" #5244
Ink: Memento
Paper: scraps
Accessories: ribbon, Xryon label maker, pink puffy heart sticker

You have a month to create a Ribbon masterpiece and post it on Gingersnap Creations!

Gift Card Holder

2011-12-30T11:46:00.002-07:00

This year for Christmas most of my gifts were gift cards. I love getting gift cards...so I give them a lot. (wink)

But I like to "wrap" them up, too.

Amuse Studio has a great 5-inch stocking die. Which is the perfect size for this. They also have a mitten that makes a great gift card holder too.

Out of two 6x6 sheets of paper (I use double-sided paper so the inside is pretty too). Cut 2 full stockings and 1 toe/heel.

For the cuff, fold a coordinating paper in half and lay the fold just under the die edge.

I lay the card in the center of the "back" of the stocky and place red tape all around it.

Place the toe/heel over the red line tape. You now have a pocket for the card.

On the cuff, place red line tape at the bottom edge of both sides. Don't place it higher or the card won't open.

I place both stocking pieces together and then fold the cuff over each section. I punch a hole in the cuff and added a ribbon and hanger. Removable glue dots will keep the card closed until it's time. Put one behind the card too, so it doesn't move around.

If you'd like to order the stocking or mitten die, contact Chris.

GC132: Soft Yellow and White

2011-12-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

This month's color challenge at Gingersnap Creations is Soft Yellow and White. Ok...so this isn't a soft yellow, but I love the snow flake paper by Graphic 45.

Sorry I can't remember where I got the angel stamp. She's colored with most of my yellow Copics. And I had to make her a "ginger"!

Please join us and post your soft yellow and white creation on the Gingersnap Creations blog. You have a month and you might just become a GINGER GEM!

Happy Birthday, Heather!

2011-12-26T11:43:00.002-07:00

My friend, Heather, celebrated a milestone birthday this year. She was out of town at the time, so I just got her birthday card to her this week.

I stamped directly on Basic Grey paper and then cut out all the parts.

Happy Birthday, Heather!!

Gift Tags

2011-12-22T23:36:00.004-07:00

A few years ago I gave my family and friends a small tin filled with 10 Christmas tags. I said at the time, "return the empty tin and I'll refill it".

So last year the empty tins came back (all but one...Heather). But I didn't get around to filling it. I made a good start but just ran out of time.

So this year I put about 20 tags inside and returned them.

I didn't offer to fill them again. But we'll see how I feel next year.

(I used a wide variety of stamps, papers, and embellishments -- and I didn't keep track. So enjoy!)

Gingersnap Creations: Beeswax

2011-12-17T00:15:00.003-07:00

Please hop on over to Gingersnap Creations for a step-by-step on my creative journey with beeswax.

I can't say it's a tutorial but I do share what worked and didn't work for me.

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 12 (The Finale!)

2011-12-15T21:54:00.003-07:00

Well, we come to the end. Tim posted his twelfth tag on Monday, but I've had family issues that absorbed Monday and Tuesday. I finally got my twelfth tag done last night but it was too late to post it.

So here we are! I loved Tim's colors! And the little house (his looked like a surfboard for the angel tho...) I decided to just stay with the houses.
I free cut them out of grungeboard. I had blue German Scrap already (so no need to invent some). And I went with simply typed words. (Did I tell you I bought a typewriter a while back?? Sooooo retro!!) (grin)

I am so happy that I completed all 12 tags this year! That's a first for me. I've been taking them to work and hanging them on my cube wall. EVERYBODY stops by to see the new tag each day. It's been fun!!

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 11

2011-12-11T19:43:00.003-07:00

Day 11...wow...it's almost over for another year. I liked Tim's tag for today but I'm not a fan of making shrinky-dinks. I don't like how they curl. And if I have any shrink plastic right now, I have no clue where it is.

So I did my own thing today. My only inspiration was his color palette, and in the end I ditched that too!

The background is "spray & smoosh" with Broken China and 2 Glimmer Mists (Marshmallow and Turquoise Blue). Then did some stamping with found objects in white & silver. Since I ended up with a modern palette of colors I decided to go with a cute image from Whipper Snapper. Colored with Copics and glitter pens. I added some Flower Soft polar white but you can't really see it (even in real life).

So..tomorrow is the finale.

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 10

2011-12-10T20:50:00.003-07:00

Today Tim was all about faux mercury glass. Which I love! This is a fun technique. Packing tape transfers work best with vivid colors, so these are a bit washed out. But it goes with the mercury glass feel.

The background stamp is from Red Lead. Distress Inks are Brushed Corduroy, Pine Needles, Red Barn, and Scattered Straw. I added a little vintage tinsel (also by Red Lead) and some red wire hangers.

Only two days left!

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 9

2011-12-09T22:11:00.002-07:00

Wow...I really like Tim's Day 9 tag and I like mine better! (grin)

I liked that Tim's tag looked like vintage wallpaper, so I looked for a similar stamp. I don't think I've ever inked up this Stampabilities motif stamp. But it was perfect for this tag. I used Victorian Velvet and Shabby Shutters.
I made mine more feminine with the doily and flowers (a Prima set from several years ago). The letters I painted with Glimmer Glam. It's my first time using that, it's got great shine but I wish the brush were bigger/longer!

Looking forward to Day 10!

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 8

2011-12-09T17:11:00.003-07:00

Ok...I didn't get my tag done yesterday. I got home and fell asleep during dinner. I needed a night off!

I really liked Tim's Steampunk tag...but it didn't say "Christmas" to me. So I used the same background technique (love arcylic resist) and collaged a postcard to Santa!The Distress Inks I used are Tim's new holiday collection (Festive Berries, Evergreen Bough, Iced Spruce - LOVE THEM!!). I also sprayed the background with Marshmallow Glimmer Misty - it adds a snowy white sparkle. Santa was stamped with Festive Berries then clear embossed and also sponged with Festive Berries.

The lights I colored with Red Pepper alcohol ink. I had the idea and then saw that Ellen Huston's Classroom also had the same idea (she used Copics). Great minds!!

I'm off to get some dinner, then work on Tag #9...

Rogue Redhead: Birthday Girls

2011-12-08T02:01:00.001-07:00

My beautiful niece, Jessica, turned 24 on Sunday. This is the birthday card I sent her. I used my Rogue Redhead Designs, MILLINER MISSES plate. These lovely ladies are wearing their best hats!

I used a 4x6 printed paper with the border and then just embellished with flowers, wood scroll piece, and a birthday wish. The Milliner Misses were water colored with my aqua pen and Distress Inks.

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 7

2011-12-07T21:33:00.003-07:00

Whew! I'm so relieved that Tim is back on his game today! I LOVE THIS TAG!!!

I changed a few things up. I used my favorite technique for the background - the "spray and smoosh". Tim calls it Wrinkle-free distress. I stamped swirls and red postmarks in the background for interest.

I've been waiting all year for him to demonstrate uses for the kraft glassine paper. I'm really inspired and can't wait to play with more of the techniques in his video.

The sentiment is one of my favorite Amuse Studio sets - Vintage Holiday Greetings. If you're interested in ordering contact Chris.

Ready for Day 8!

GC129: Starry Night

2011-12-07T00:01:00.004-07:00

This December, Gingersnap Creations is celebrating Holiday Lights and we will be focusing on candles, votive holders and all things wax.

For today's project I'm focusing on a luminary for a votive or tea light. It's a quick project with lots of possibilities. Different shaped windows, embossed vellum windows, different die-cut edges - the list goes on and on! The tutorial is on SplitCoast Stampers.

I started with a 12x12 piece of silver glitter paper. I cut the piece a bit longer than 5.5" called for in the tutorial because I wanted to die-cut the top edge.

To cut the window, I drew a pencil line inside and then positioned the nestie with washi tape. I folded the box in half to cut the top. The polar bear is a Memory box stamp. And I die cut stars and covered them with blue glitter embossing powder. If I could have found a tea light or votive I would have fired it up for you. Sadly all the little candles are in a "very safe place" right now.

These are the Copics I used. The warm greys are great for shadows.

I hope to have a second post today inspired by Tim's Day#7 tag...stay tuned!

Tim Tag 2011 - Day 6

2011-12-06T21:19:00.002-07:00

Ok. Let me just say...I hate Tim's tag today. It's messy. It's sloppy. To me, he called this one in...

My challenge was to do something I liked out of the un-inspiration of Day 6. AND I LOVE WHAT I DID!!

I was looking thru my embossing folders and came across this musical note folder. And I remembered my resin birds - and BANG! I was inspired.

I don't have the big wide sheet of heavy foil Tim had, but I've had this roll of flashing tape for years. It's shiny. It has an adhesive backing. It's cheap. You can find it in the hardware store near the venting materials. The only down fall is that it's 2-inches wide. But I just laid two strips together and when embossed you don't really notice the joint.

What I disliked most about Tim's tag was the messy paint dabber painting. So, I colored the tag with my COPIC R29. Since Copics are alcohol based they act just like the Ranger's Alcohol Inks. Better yet..since Copic has like million colors you can get the EXACT shade you want (if you have it that is...).

The alcohol dries quickly but leaves the metal tape feeling a bit sticky. After I used the sander to remove color and distress the tape, I sprayed it with Workable Fixatif.

Here's my resin bird. I also colored with Copics.

The branch was a Prima product which I just hot glued to the tag. Added some ribbon and "Merry Christmas" - which is part of a Memory Box stamp. I also spot colored that with a Copic directly to the stamp.

Here's hoping Day 7 is more inspiration...

TIm Tag 2011 - Day 5

2011-12-05T22:42:00.003-07:00

I love Tim's technique today...but it doesn't love me! I've have tried the alcohol ink/Archival ink removal technique 3-4 times now. And I ****FAIL**** miserably every time! And today was more of the same.

In the end I created an AI background. Then I stamped silver snowflakes but didn't try to remove the ink. In the end I covered that with silver glitter too. A quick layer of spray fixative and it was ready to layer on paper (you can't really see it in the background) and decorate.

The decorations are a wreath made of holly tinsel; a Red Lead sled; and a grungeboard snowflake covered with glass glitter. I added silver balls around the wreath. The sentiment "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" was a last minute add because the tag needed one more thing. (wink)

On to Day 6....

TIm Tag 2011 - Day 4

2011-12-04T21:41:00.002-07:00

Well, Day 4 is coming to a close and I'm finally done with my version of Tim's Day 4 Tag.

Mine looks a lot like Tim's but is different in the following ways:

1) I used pre-cut grungeboard pieces I've had for 3-4 years now. (See, I am using my supplies!!!)
2) I didn't have the number dies but didn't like that part of the tag, so I used some of the grungeboard holly that was on the same sheet as the snowman. Everything was colored with paint dabbers.
3)I like the acetate snowflake border but I think I'd like better out of a sparkle paper (next time...)
4) I used a mesh flower I've had for a while now...I like that bit of silver!
5) I added a bit of POLAR WHITE Flower Soft. Another supply that is just sitting here waiting for me to drag it out!

So, back to work in the morning. We'll see if I can keep up this next week! (grin)

PS...Happy Birthday to my niece, Jessica. Her card will be posted on Thursday!

TIm Tag 2011 - Day 3

2011-12-03T14:02:00.003-07:00

Every year Tim does a tag I'm not so crazy about. I'm not afraid to say I don't like Tim's Day 3 tag much. I think it's just too simple for my tastes. So I set out to do mine a bit differently!

It started with the technique. Tim created his own stamp pad. And while I did that last year (and really liked how it turned out), it's not my favorite technique. So I took the same stamp and spot colored it with Distress Stains! Before I embossed it I sponged Wild Honey and Vintage Photo around the entire tag (that Wild Honey makes it GLOW). THEN I embossed it. The trees and deer where stamped on other tags using Vintage Photo and my new Holiday color - Evergreen Bough. The deer was also roughly heat embossed with "Antiqued Silver". All the other supplies I got at Red Lead Paperworks. If you don't know Red Lead check them out!! BECAUSE THEY HAVE FABULOUS VINTAGE FINDS!

See ya tomorrow!

TIm Tag 2011 - Day 2

2011-12-02T22:55:00.005-07:00

So this was a pretty quick tag. Tim's Day 2 tag was pretty simple and retro today.

I didn't have Tim's kraft paper but I did have the holiday collection. I love the vintage Santas. I had the deer die Tim used today, but I decided to use the lamp post.

I decided to use the felt snowflake and a calling card "SNOW" from Red Lead. Similar to yesterdays but I really like this. The holly leaves were covered in Rock Candy Stickles. And I sprayed the tag with Glimmer Mist Marshmallow.

See ya tomorrow!

TIm Tag 2011 - Day 1

2011-12-01T22:01:00.003-07:00

YEAH!!!! The day is here! I love this time of the year - Tim is doing his 12 Tags of Christmas. The Day 1 tag is elegant!

I have sworn NOT to buy ANY SUPPLIES! But to use what I have. I don't want to replicate Tim's tag but use it as inspiration.

So here's what I did have - the tag Die and the pine cone die; and the pearls. Everything else is a substitute. I used grungeboard precut letters and some green glitter (an off brand I got at the Expo). I used Amuse Studio paper because it has that nice white core that shows thru when you sand it. And I had some coffee-dyed ribbon a friend sent me for my birthday a few years ago. I had bought some great "vintage" embossing powder that was white and gold mixed...I love the flecks of gold!

So! Day 1 is complete. Can't wait for Day 2!

Stamper's Sampler - Neon Valentines

2011-11-30T20:20:00.007-07:00

I got that fun package in the mail last week. The one that says, "Congratulation! You've been published in Stamper's Sampler." I'm still waiting for my subscription copy, but since Tim starts his 12 Tags of Christmas tomorrow...I needed to get this posted!!!!!!! (GRIN)

I have to tell you about the paper, the bird is stamped on. It's a napkin!! I pulled the two sections apart, glued the lime/raspberry napkin onto white paper then stamped the bird. The stamps are Purple Onion.

I love this card. The background was a scrap I had from the Fred Mullett class I took last year (year before?). When the challenge was NEON Valentines, I knew this piece would work. I don't remember who makes the stamp...it's a California shop.

This is a small 3x3 card. Stamp is Amuse Studio.

This was the pinwheel challenge. I *HAD* to put pinwheels on my favorite girls! I love this Lost Coast stamp!

I'm going to try my best to keep up with Tim this year...yeah, I know I said that last year and failed. But it's a good goal! I'm also taking Christy Tomlinson's The 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas. Not so sure I'll be doing those but I liked her list of visiting artists.

Rogue Redhead: Milliner Misses

2011-11-24T00:01:00.003-07:00

Over on the Rogue Redhead blog, our current Rebel Challenge is to use one piece of designer paper. So, I decided to dig out some Christmas paper and came across a 6x6 pad of Basic Grey's Wassail paper. I love the delicate holly leaves.

The one of the newest Rogue Redhead release is Milliner Misses. I just love these sweet-faced ladies.

I used Copics to color her because she needed to stand-out against the paper. It's been a while since I colored with Copics and I've forgotten the vibrant colors! I used BG10 to outline her and then sponged some Distress Ink Forrest Moss around the edges.

I dressed up this Miss' hat with a sprig of holly and a few rhinestone; added a little glitter on her collar; and the gold hairy cord - and this Miss is already for Christmas shopping (just in time for Black Friday)!!

Here are the Copics I used.

Stamps: Rogue Redhead Designs MILLINER MISSES; Inkadinkado sentiment
Ink: Archival Black, Amuse Studio Cranberry
Paper: Basic Grey Wassail
Accessories: Martha Stewart holly punch, Copics, glitter, red rhinestones, gold cord, Nestabilities

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

GC126: Raffia

2011-11-09T00:01:00.003-07:00

Do you have a bag of raffia? Did you buy it in the '80's? I did...and I still have a full bag!!!

What is it about Raffia that it self-generates when you're not using it? LOL.

WELL TIME TO USE IT!!! This week on Gingersnap Creations we're looking for your Raffia art!

This is a 6x6 piece. This month's sponsor at Gingersnap Creations is
Rogue Redhead Designs. I'm proud to be a design team member at RRD, so I needed to use my FLORICULTURE set on this piece. RRD is also celebrating their 1 year anniversary. Stop by for some great bundling specials! The sunflowers, sun face, and leaves are all part of that set. The girl was clip art hanging around my desk.

We're also focusing on beads and seeds at Gingersnap Creations. I used micro beads for the sunflower centers. It gives a really nice texture!

Get out your Raffia and show us your art at Gingersnap Creations!

GC125: Farm Fresh

2011-11-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

Well I have to say I'm sad to leave POE month behind on Gingersnap Creations. I love all the spooky goodness that was created and displayed over there!

November we head to ON THE FARM with a focus on seeds and beads.
Recently I've been loving the color block stamping, so I had to give it a try. And yes, I know it looks like the rooster is laying eggs (there was no hen stamp).

Stamps: Oxford Impressions COUNTRY GIRL
Ink: Amuse Studio inks; Archival Black
Paper: Amuse Studio kraft & Cherry
Accessories: red brads, 1/8" red line tape, sesame seeds, red Scrappers Floss

Hope you join us at Gingersnap Creations with your Farm Fresh creations!

Deb's Recipe of the Month Club: October (2010)

2011-11-01T10:05:00.004-06:00

If you've been reading my blog for a while (over a year) you know that 2 years ago for Christmas, I gave my family and friends a membership to "Deb's Recipe of the Month Club". Each month I would re-do a family favorite and send it out.

And I was doing REALLY GOOD! Until I went back to work (after being unemployed for 3 months). And my new schedule threw my life into chaos.

I'm happy to say that I'm back on track (for the most part) even if it has been a year since the last installment!

Marli's Pea Soup is a new family favorite. I love rich pea soap when the snow is flying. Marli is one of my mom's good friends and she had a great recipe for pea soup. So the recipe in my head became....(grin).

This is pretty basic. I don't do CAS very well and struggled to leave it as is. The vine helped in the end (Hero Arts).

Stamps: PaperTrey Ink, Hero Arts
Inks: VersaColor Bamboo
Papers: green cardstock
Accessories: ribbon, pebble rhinestones

Dr Paine's Apothecary

2011-10-31T10:00:00.002-06:00

I've been dying to do a shadow box and/or Configurations box. So I asked Pat, the owner of ONE LITTLE SPARK, if she'd be ok with a Configurations box. There isn't a lot of stamping but it does use a lot of goodies! She said yes right off.

So I started collecting goodies to go in the box. Surprisingly, (or maybe not) this time of year it's very easy to find cheap spooky stuff.

Here are most of my class ladies with their finished pieces. I was very happy they all got done in 2 hours!! Pat, the owner, is on the far left and I'm in the middle back.

So some close-ups:
Monkey Paw. One of the gals tore strips of Sticky Back Canvas and wrapped it around the boney fingers for a Mummy Hand.

A spider created a web in an empty hole.

Apothecary bottles.

Dr. Paine's shingle...

Skeleton and goodies.

Mouse (Martha punch).

Mini skulls

Raven.

The greenery behind most of the goodies is "reindeer moss", which I found at Hobby Lobby. It's very moist and flexible when it comes out of the bag. But I noticed today that it's dried out now. It's even creepier...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Be safe!

A Murder of Ravens Class Cards

2011-10-30T13:26:00.004-06:00

WOW! What a great weekend I had at ONE LITTLE SPARK teaching (and taking classes)!

Here are the classes cards from a Murder of Ravens.
THE RAVEN - we used the same photo transfer technique I did a tutorial on a while back. Stamps by Hero Arts & Stampers Anonymous.

THE SENTINELS - The tag background was done with Paint Dabbers - Lemonade, Butterscotch, and Mushroom. Stamps by Memory Box.

THE NIGHTWATCH - I love this one...so FAST! The background is a tag covered with Peeled Paint & Wild Honey Distress Stains. The image is a Mrs. Grossman's laser-cut sticker.

THE RAVEN - This is a good old Tim "Spray and Smoosh" background. Stamps Memory Box & Stampers Anonymous.

Tomorrow DR PAINE'S APOTHECARY!

Spooky Anniversary Card

2011-10-22T00:01:00.002-06:00

Let’s be clear….I don’t do card requests.

I can barely get my own cards done (we’re not talking mailed…just done). So I don’t create for my family and friends.

But I made an exception for this card. My friend called and asked me to do a wedding anniversary card. The couple in question was married on Oct 31st and according to the lady, they’ve never received a Halloween type anniversary card.

After 58 years...they deserve a spooky anniversary card!

Stamps: Cosmo Cricket
Inks: Versamark & glue pad
Papers: Martha Stewart, Basic Grey scrap
Accessories: Martha web punch, PaperTrey Ink number dies, lime glitter, white embossing powder, ribbon scrap, orange sequin, black rhinestone

A Murder of Ravens & Dr Paine’s Apothecary!

2011-10-19T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today’s Random Redhead Challenge at Gingersnap Creations is RAVENS! And it’s the perfect tie-in to the class I’ll be teaching at ONE LITTLE SPARK in Little Egg Harbor, NJ this SATURDAY, October 22nd!
This tag is one of the projects in the class – A MURDER OF RAVENS. All the cards/tags in this class have a raven theme.

Here’s the class description: Did you know a flock of ravens is called a "murder?" Neither did we until Deb shared her fabulous Halloween class designs with us! You'll learn tons of great new techniques, while making gorgeous cards and this great tag in her Murder of Ravens class.

The 2nd class I’ll be teaching is Configurations Box where we’ll create DR. PAINE’S APOTHECARY – full of creepy crawly potions! I don’t have a full picture of the box but here are a few highlights.

Here’s the class description: Using products from Tim Holtz and 7Gypsies (just to name a few) you'll have a blast creating this fabulously spooky curio cabinet!

If you live in the area, I hope you’ll join us! And a special thanks to Heather for taking such great pictures of my stuff!

Poe Mini Album

2011-10-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

I love October! The leaves are changing. The countdown to Halloween is ticking away. And the CANDY CORN IS OUT!! (yes, I'm addicted to candy corn).

In celebration of All Things POE this month at Gingersnap Creations, I wanted to share this quick little mini album I created for my Poe.

Here's the finished album. It's 4x4 and about inch thick. AND! It can hold as many pictures as you want to add.

The supply list is pretty basic. 2 coasters (4x4), 18" ribbon, 2 pieces of double sided card stock cut 4x12, 4x4 piece of coordinating paper, 12x12 card stock for the accordion pages, and Red Line tape.

Start by covering both sides of each coaster with tape. Trim off excess tape.

Cut the ribbon in half. Remove the protective tape covers from one side and stick the ribbon in the middle of the coaster.

Lay each piece face down, ribbon out on one of the 4x12 papers. Place a piece of Red Line tape in the spine. Trim the extra paper off the corners. Remove all the protective tape covers.

Then slowly (because once it's down...it's down!) lay the other 4x12 paper on the inside. Trim the excess paper.

Cut a coordinating 4x4 paper for the outside of the spine. Lay it in the middle of the outside of the album. Gently pull both sides together and tie them. This will make the spine curve.

Cut your 12x12 piece of card stock 3 3/4" x 12". You'll get 3 pages. You can cut as many papers as you need. You may want to glue half to each album cover.

Score each strip every 3 3/4". I flipped my pages over after each score to help me pleat the papers. You will end up with a small tab at the end. Run tape down the tab, press to the next strip. On the last strip, cut the tab off. Pleat the papers.

Apply tape to one side of the stack.

Press into the album.

I liked the pleated paper to pull in the opposite direction.

Fill with photos of your favorite spook! I used some spooky pictures from my Hipstamatic iPhone app!

So where is Poe, you ask? Well, if you've read my Gingersnap bio...you know I adopted a rescue cat last Halloween. I named her Edgar ELLEN Poe...or Poe for short. (I love that her initials are E.E.P.!!)

Enjoy!!

Rogue Redhead: A Goodbye to Summer

2011-10-05T21:44:00.005-06:00

It's my Rogue Thursday! Here's a card with one last look at summer.

It' all started with a Memory Box paper. It had all these need spaces calling out for stamps. The little boy from Rogue Redhead Designs BEACH BABES fit perfectly. Then it was just a little embellishment to finish. The little boy was colored with colored pencils and the softened with a little gamsol.

Stamps: Rogue Redhead BEACH BABES and BITS 'N PIECES
Ink: Archival sepia
Paper: Memory Box
Accessories: wood swirl, paper flower, button, glitter, gold beads, leaf punch

GC121: Horror Stories

2011-10-05T00:01:00.002-06:00

You're gonna love this month at GINGERSNAP CREATIONS! We're doing HALLOWEEN up right by paying homage to the original Dark Lord - EDGAR ALLEN POE!!

This week's challenge is Horror Stories.

I created a chunky ATC with the man himself...and his favorite muse, the Raven!

What's a chunky ATC...well....it's a wood block that's cut ATC sized. I only decorated the front but the back also calls out for some love.

My little raven was decorated with a party hat. I punched a 2-inch circle out. Cut it in half and then cut off about 1/3 of the half circle. It makes the perfect cone hat. The pom-pom was originally white and then rubbed on my Rusty Hinge pad.

I hope you'll join in the holiday merry making at Gingersnap Creations...why don't you start with you're own Horror Story!

(Almost all the supplies are from Red Lead PaperWorks.)

COVER GIRL!!!

2011-09-29T00:01:00.002-06:00

OMG! OMG!! OMG!!!

My card made the COVER of STAMPER'S SAMPLER!!!!

Remember in the last issue the same card was featured in the "coming attractions" ad in the back. I looked at some other issues and it didn't seem to match up that a card in the ad would be on the cover next time. So, I was pretty surprised!

And it's also in the magazine body.

Along with two other cards I sent in.

This one is also mine but attributed to somebody else. I've been given credit for other artist's work - and now I feel their pain!

All the stamps & papers are Amuse Studio! If you'd like to order them, my friend, Lara, can help you!

And on the "Coming Attractions" ad...for Valentine's Day...my Neon Valentine!

eep!

GC120 Turquoise, Blue, and Purple

2011-09-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

Over at Gingersnap Creations we're wrapping up Friendship month with a GORGEOUS color challenge! Turquoise, Blue, and Purple...yum!

I wanted to play around with these colors in a background.

I've had the Navy Pearl and Purple Pearl Lumiere for a LONG while (to the point where I was slightly worried they'd be dried out). I've had the turquoise (Stream) Dimensional Pearls almost as long. At any rate, I decided to mix the color into modeling paste. I played with the paste a bit on my She Art girls and love the way it kept it's shape after the mask is removed.

So I took a bit of paste out of the jar, added a squirt of turquoise (in the end I added a 2nd squirt)...

... and mixed it up!

I tried to get some texture with a mask, but the color made the modeling paste too "unstable". Instead of neat little circles from the mask, I just got peaks.

On the other side of the paper, I put two good-sized drops of Lumiere on the page and used a hotel key card to scrap it off/around.

Eventually, I over-lapped the peaks and just went for a "plaster" look. There is surprisingly a lot of texture left when it dried.

And the color is GORGEOUS! I sprinkled some glass glitter on and let it dry over night.

I hope you join in the color fun! You have a month to post your creation and link it to the Gingersnap Creation blog. You just might be named a GINGER GEM!

Watercolor Spotlight

2011-09-17T00:01:00.004-06:00

Stop by Gingersnap Creations on a quick tutorial on how I spotlighted this image!

Stamp by Lost Coast Designs

Encouraging Words Magnets

2011-09-13T21:59:00.003-06:00

I joined a magnet swap on Gingersnap Creations - Encouraging Words Magnets. It's been awhile since I created art for a swap. I forgot how much fun it is!

There were just a few rules:
They needed to be between 2x2 and 4x4 - that means ATC in my book (2.5 x 3.5).
They needed to be a magnet.
They needed an inspiring sentiment.

Here are my 4 girls. They all had a cardboard ribbing background. A piece of patterned paper and clipart girl (Paper Whimsy). I added some gilded lace and a flower. And the sentiment and magnets of course!

Close up of my golden girls.

And a close-up of my blue girls.

Rogue Redhead: Beach Babes & Sketch

2011-09-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

I love card sketches! When I'm tired and I need some inspiration I look for a card sketch to get me going. I can always find a paper, or color, or stamp set to use. It's the layout that stumps me when I'm tired.

This week, I looked to SplitCoast Stampers Wednesday card sketch (SC349).

I started with a kraft card and stamped the background of the Beach Babes set in blue. Then I picked two designer papers from Memory Box's VALISE collection and backed them in blue. The image is stamped on kraft and lightly water colored. The final touch was my white souffle pen to give the shirt some definition.

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Published...sort of...

2011-09-01T21:51:00.001-06:00

I was published again...SORT OF...

A few issues ago, a page worth of cards was attributed to me, but it wasn't my work. I felt so sorry for the artist that did send in the work. How disappointing it must be to *NOT* to see your name!

Well, they did it again. My name. Another artist's work. So sad. And these were such a neat concept!

But this week, I was flipping thru to see what the next deadline was and the challenges. And I saw this ad for the next issue...and there was one of my cards! Using an amuse studio sentiment and their snowflake dies (told you they had killer dies!). I'll be interested to see if the card makes the next issue.

amuse studio Holiday Mini!

2011-08-30T21:00:00.006-06:00

I have long been a fan of A Muse Artstamps, specifically their great sentiments! They were always funny, right on, and a great size/font. Even for GRUNGY me! And as you probably know, earlier in the year they switched their format to home party/social selling company, and became A MUSE STUDIO!

What you probably don't know is that one of my good friends, Heather, is Amuse Studio's marketing director. Last spring she asked me if I was interested in using their stamps, paper, inks, etc to create art for their upcoming Holiday Mini. I'll be honest and say I hesitated. Let's face facts...I'm grungy and complicated; and Amuse has always been CAS and cute! But Heather said not to worry, they wanted my grungy spin. So I said YES!

I have to say:
1) I *LOVE* their card stock. I love the white core. I don't have to cut up a sheet of typing paper and tape it inside to write a note. I love that when you sand it you get that distressed look! It's a great weight and the color palette is fresh and "now".
2) I love their pigment inks. I got a good clean stamp every time! I almost never get a clean stamp with a water based ink.
3) I love their wafer thin dies! You have to check out their TAG dies! (grin)

This week Heather finally got home from her travels around the country teaching classes and brought me a catalog. Until this week I had no idea if she'd used any of my cards. When I dropped my assignment off, I told her she wouldn't hurt my feelings if she didn't use anything. I would have been thrilled with just one card. So imaging my excitement that FOUR of my cards made the catalog! GRUNGY OLE ME!!!

Autumn Leaves (SBSQ005)

Perfectly Polished (SNSK070)
mini envelope die (TAD0014)

A Christmas Carol (SASQ017)
Scallop dies (sorry I'm not sure of the number)

Script background (SASJ013)

And the nicest part is that amuse studio recognizes it's contributing artists. I've never seen another company do that! WOW!

I flirted briefly with the idea of becoming a consultant. But after two failed attempts to make money "off my art", I'm just not interested in that end of the business anymore. If you'd like to order or get a catalog, please contact my friend, Lara Kalapacs!

(oh...and I got invited back for another round!) (GRIN)

Rogue Redhead: Watercolor Babes

2011-08-17T22:23:00.003-06:00

It's Thursday! Time for Rogue Redhead Designs!!

When I first saw this beautiful BEACH BABES set, I knew I needed to drag my watercolors out.
I'm not a watercolor artist (as you can tell), but awhile back I took a class from Dave Brethauer from Memory Box Stamps. Dave taught us the basics of water-coloring with Twinkling H2O's. Creating beautiful backgrounds is pretty easy.

I spray my paper (cold press 140lbs watercolor paper) with a water bottle and let it sit for a minute. At the same time I spray the watercolors and let them soak up some water. Then by just loading your brush and moving it in stripes across the paper - the colors will mix, pool, and generally make you say WOW!

I have tons of H2O's but recently I purchased this tray of opalescent watercolors from Red Lead Paperworks. I like the vintage colors. They aren't as bright as H2Os.

After the color dried I decided there wasn't a horizon line. I'm not sure you can tell in this picture, but I used my white Souffle pen and some glass glitter create the look of foamy water hitting the beach.

I hope you give water-coloring a try!

GC115: Tribute To Teens

2011-08-17T00:01:00.004-06:00

First...HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM!! It's a bit early but here's your card...

My nephew turns 15 next week, so Gingersnap Creations TRIBUTE TO TEENS had perfect timing! I think I find teen cards harder to do than masculine cards. Their interests in life are gelling which helps, but it's hard to do "full" adult. Adam got a new guitar this year and is becoming quite the rocker (yeah Adam!!) So, when this rocker boy image was retiring from Stampin' Up! I had to have it.

Gingersnap Creations is also focusing on using child playthings in our art...crayons, clay, etc. All good stuff...but I never had kids so I don't have much of that laying around the house. :( In the quest for this card background I tried the following:

1) I bought mold-making clay - I was going to use a stamp to make a 3D guitar embellishment. That didn't work out because I bought the wrong modeling (mold making) clay and I didn't get the guitar stamp in time.
2) I tried to do an encaustic (paint with hot wax) technique with crayons & an iron. All I had was glitter crayons, and the end result was muddy background. I think I'd have better luck with a travel iron.
3) So...I decided to move to a marble background. GREAT! Except I didn't have any ROUND marbles (only the flattened ones). BUT, I did find some large wood beads. And so my red and black background was created with those. You can find the technique here on SplitCoast Stampers.

Stamps: Stampin' Up! EXTREME GUITAR, Inkadinkado SQUARES, Amuse Artstamps sentiment.
Ink: Archival Black
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Real Red & Basic Black re-inkers, wood beads, plastic box, red eyelets, black/white baker's twine, and Black Diamond Stickles

I hope you let your inner child out to play! Please join in the challenge at Gingersnap Creations!!

GC114: Baby Wipes

2011-08-10T00:01:00.004-06:00

Hello!

This month at Gingersnap Creations we're celebrating the JOYS OF CHILDHOOD! Today's Spicy Supply challenge is all about BABY WIPES. There are several great techniques out there that use baby wipes to create beautiful backgrounds. I'm using a SplitCoast Stampers tutorial by Beate Johns.
Below are the two backgrounds I did. Besides the strip I used curves and swirls; and even dotted a bit.

The cute crocodile image is from a cute little set I ordered from England. Woodware Crafts - Jungle Pals. I pulled out my Copics to color...it's been so long I was worried they might have dried up. I stamped the leaves on the swirl green baby wipe section and then layered with foam tape.

background #1 - SU! Certainly Celery & Old Olive

Background #2 - Tempting Turquoise & Taken with Teal.

I hope you'll drag your baby wipes and post your creation on Gingersnap Creations!!

Rogue Redhead: Thinking of You

2011-07-28T00:01:00.002-06:00

Wow...where did July go?? It's Thursday again - time for ROGUE REDHEAD card!

I love BITS and PIECES...so many great sentiments! I have a neighbor who's fighting cancer right now and I wanted to send her a "thinking of you" card.

For the ATC-sized main image I used two FLORICULTURE stamps and pulled out my Stampin Up! inks (because Tim doesn't have a GOOD purple ink - he needs to work on that! (grin)). I inked the top of the pod with purple and the stem with green...an old technique that works every time! The ferns were added later.

Stamps: Floriculture & Bits and Pieces
Ink: Stampin' Up Old Olive & Lovely Lilac
Paper: kraft, Basic Grey
Accessories: twine

Rogue Redhead: Floriculture Tag

2011-07-20T22:31:00.003-06:00

It's Thursday! Time for another ROGUE REDHEAD DESIGNS entry!

A little summer goodness coming your way! I know most of the country is suffering heat and humidity, but I live in the mountains of Colorado. Right now there's a nice gentle rain falling (and believe me, we need it!)

I used the FLORICULTURE set to make this summery tag. I embossed the checker board and then sprayed with Colorwash and Glimmer Mist.

Stamps: Floriculture
Ink: Archival Ink: Coffee; Stampin' Up Old Olive
Paper: Tag, yellow pattern paper
Accessories: White embossing paper, gold bead, clipart by Red Lead, Colorwash spray, Glimmer Mist spray, ribbons.

Sewing Machine

2011-07-15T22:02:00.006-06:00

Today on the Gingersnap Creations blog, I have a tutorial.

When I first saw the machine theme for this month, my first thought was SEWING MACHINE! I love the look of stitching on cards. It adds such a nice, subtle detail. But I've spent the last 3.5 months (we get the themes very early on) pondering what kind of tutorial to do for the SEWING MACHINE.

I mean....you either own a machine and know how to use it OR you don't own a machine and it's a mute point. Right?

Then this past week I learned the COOLEST photo transfer technique in a class I' m taking and the ideas started rolling around. So forgive me for taking a slight turn...I promise to include the sewing machine too!

These are just the close-ups of the piece.

Stamps: just a clock stamp...but I can't remember what company
Ink: Distress Ink (Pumice Stone and Fired Brick)
Paper: 6x6 manila square, 7 Gypsies LILLE paper, sticky back canvas (ATC sized)
Clip Art: Dezinaworld Steampunk 4
Accessories: 7 Gypsies rub-ons, Tim Holtz gears & mini bottles, Stampin Up! mini tag punch, red Stampers Floss, red glitter, sequin waste, red wire, Tim's tiny attacher, sewing machine/red thread, Copics, black reinker, mini brads.

The image is a Dezinaworld clip art photo on sticky backed canvas. I also used Tim Holtz gears, mini glass bottle, and some 7 Gypsies rub-ons. And some red glitter for "time in a bottle". (wink)

A few more rub-ons, sequin waste, and red wire wrapped into a coil.

I hope you'll stop over to Gingersnap Creations and read the tutorial!!

GC110: Gears, Cogs and Watch Bits

2011-07-13T00:01:00.002-06:00

This week on Gingersnap Creations we're doing Gears, Cogs, and Watch Bits. Our sponsor this month, Dezinaworld, sent us some great Steampunk collage sheets to use in our art.

I used one of the Steampunk tags (yes, I cut up a tag...gasp!) To make this 3D watch piece. Recently, while I was shopping, I came across these ART PARTS from Studio 490. They are a layered chipboard piece (front & back).

You could use just the chipboard piece out of the bag. I was going for a shiny brass look and used a paint dabber to add the copper paint. After it dried I gave it a little sponged Vintage Photo to take down the brightness a bit.

I simply printed the Dezinaworld tags on copy paper and cut out a portion of the Jules Vern tag for the background. I added in a few watch parts and a light bulb. And done!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my Steampunk watch but I'll find something to do with it.

Create your own Gears, Cogs, and Watch Bits piece and posted it on the Gingersnap Creations blog.

GC109: ON THE ROAD

2011-07-06T21:49:00.003-06:00

Oops...I'm a bit late in getting this posted! I went to an acupuncturist for the first time last night and 4 hours after my appointment time I got home and it was too late to post! ( I'm happy to say I'm already seeing some benefit from the session, tho...)

This month Gingersnap Creations is dedicated to machines with a focus on steampunk style, a mix of Victorian elements and futuristic components. We also have a great sponsor - Dezinaworld who is a great source for collage sheets! I'll be playing with some of their steampunk sheets next week. ;)

This week's theme is ON THE ROAD! Not steampunk but I love this set.

SO...my tag.

Hummm...ever have one of those creations that goes horribly wrong but you can't stop? I started in a good place. Postcard sized tag, a piece of map torn from an old atlas, my ROUTE 66 stamps from Artistic Outpost. And I took a left turn down a bad road!

My friend, Heather and I have an unending debate about "one less vs. one more item". Heather always thinks everything needs one less something. I always think everything needs MORE. But I have to say in this case...Heather is right (did you hear that Heather???) But what needs to come off...well that's where the road took a left turn. I don't know.

So...enjoy my over embellished tag and don't forget to get your KICKS ON ROUTE 66!! (yes...I'm that old...)
Post your ON THE ROAD creations on the Ginger blog by the end of the month!

Rogue Redhead Designs: HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

2011-06-30T00:01:00.002-06:00

Happy 4th of July! This image from the Rogue Redhead Designs RELISH READING set seemed perfectly suited to a little fireworks viewing.

To achieve the fireworks bursts, simply smack your DISTRESS STAIN bottle against the paper. I added some Stickles after the stain dried to give it that "sparkle". The girl was watercolored with my aqua pen and Distress Inks. The rest of the card was sponged.

Hope you have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July!

SP08: 3 words, 3 papers, 3 buttons

2011-06-29T00:01:00.002-06:00

Every now and then a month has 5 Wednesdays in it. And when that happens the Gingersnap crew does a BLUE MOON challenge! This month's blue moon challenge is "3 words, 3 papers, 3 buttons"!

It's been a LONG time since I did an ATC (working size is 3.5" x 2.5"). But now and then a small canvas is a good ting. This little dress is from a Stampington & Co set. I love the party dress. And it seemed in keeping with the month long theme of "SHOPPING" over at Gingersnap Creations. The dress is colored with Copics to give it some highlights. So,

3 words: Linen, Lace, & Pearls
3 papers: all from Basic Grey's WISTERIA set
3 buttons: the tiny stars at the bottom (they're really beads but you get the drift!)

She Art - She Lived the Simple Life

2011-06-28T11:59:00.002-06:00

Here's the 2nd canvas. And this was only the "week 1" techniques!!

I have to say this is my favorite of the two...I love her dress and the texture on this piece.

The texture was created with modeling paste and sequin waste.

More texture...I love the LAYERS!!

Looks like she has a hairy arm...but that's ok. (GRIN)

She Art - Bloom where you are planted

2011-06-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

Close up pictures of the Bloom She Art canvas.

She was a little lop-sided so I made her look at some daffodils.

The daffs are 3D. And since I "need" bling...they got some Stickles in the middle.

And she got a lace collar to help even her out a bit. You can see a bit of the texture behind her head. That's modeling paste. And her 'barrette" is a piece of that Tyvek background rolled into a "bead". Cool, huh?

She Art - part 6 (final)

2011-06-26T20:47:00.002-06:00

...con't (from here)...

Here are the finished girls. Believe it or not...this was just the first "week" of classes. There are 2 more weeks. I have 3 more canvases purchased...but I'm not sure I'll follow the classes. I have some ideas floating around in my head... (grin)

The next two days will feature closes ups of each canvas.

(an online class - SHE ART by Christy Tomlinson at The Scarlet Lime.)

GC108: The Color of Money

2011-06-19T20:00:00.003-06:00

This month's color challenge at GINGERSNAP CREATIONS is the COLOR OF MONEY! In keeping with the month long shopping theme we get to the heart of the matter..that cash you spend!

The US dollar has long been nicknamed "GREENBACKS" so I decided to go with a monochromatic color theme (even though the re-vamped dollar is starting to get some color).

This week I'm shopping for vintage hats!! I love these stamps by Hero Arts. The tag was covered with green designer paper. I added a rub-on. The girls were stamped on a color washed tag and cut out. And then I added pearls and a ribbon.

Stamps: Hero Arts THREE SMILES and SMART STYLE
Ink: Archival black, Distress Ink PINE NEEDLES and BUNDLED SAGE
Paper: tags, green designer paper, black card stock
Accessories: rub-on, pearls, rhinestones, ribbon

Tyvek Backgrounds - Tutorial

2011-06-18T00:01:00.002-06:00

As promised on Wednesday, here's my Gingersnap Creations BAG & TAG! For a complete tutorial on these Tyvek Backgrounds - please visit the Gingersnap Creations blog!!

Finished bag & tag.

Close up of finished bag front.

Tag - from Wednesday's post.

She Art - part 5

2011-06-16T13:32:00.002-06:00

...con't (from here)...

Only a couple more steps to go!

Stay tuned...

(an online class - SHE ART by Christy Tomlinson at The Scarlet Lime.)

GC107: Bags & Tags

2011-06-15T00:01:00.003-06:00

This week at Gingersnap Creations, we're doing BAGS & TAGS!! I'm saving the bag until later (although you can see it today on the Gingersnap blog).

The tag started with a white acrylic paint brushed across the tag. Then I used Distress Stain (Broken China) to color the entire tag and a small squirt of Glimmer Mist (Tuscan Sunset) to give it some shine. The Hero Arts wheat stamp was inked with Distress Ink (Wild Honey) and Hero Arts FRIEND DEFINITION was stamped in gold. Some sponging with Vintage Photo.

As for the shiny piece under the flower...come back on Saturday! (wink)

Don't forget to post your BAG & TAG on the Gingersnap Creations blog!!

She Art - part 4

2011-06-09T21:39:00.005-06:00

...con't (from here)...

Making progress. It's slow because I don't know where I'm going. But I like where I'm headed! :D

Stay tuned...

(an online class - SHE ART by Christy Tomlinson at The Scarlet Lime.)

GC106: Packaging/Packing Supplies

2011-06-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

This week at Gingersnap Creations, we move from the mall to the mailbox! Your challenge - use those packaging/packing supplies in your art!

I used three different packing items on my tag: Bubble Wrap (love to stamp with that!!); cardboard (with one side pulled off - again makes a great stamp); and Tyvek. Tyvek?? It's that tough white envelope material. It makes an awesome ribbon here, huh? (more on that later)

A stamping friend sent me the sentiment several years ago but I love it. Stamping Bella was colored with watercolor pencils and Gamsol (mineral spirits).

Stamps: Stamping Bella, bubble wrap, cardboard, sentiment (unknown company)
Ink: Stazon black, Distress Ink (Broken China on the tag)
Paper: tag, Tyvek, white card stock
Accessories: Martha Stewart punch, Lumiere paint, pink acrylic, white embossing powder, watercolor pencils, Gamsol, rhinestones, fuzzy yarn

Join us at Gingersnap Creations with your packaging art!! And you might become a GINGER GEM!!

(back to SHE ART in a few days...)

She Art - part 3

2011-06-07T13:40:00.001-06:00

...con't (from here)...

After the canvas dried I went back and toned it down a bit and added a little more color. I like this much better.

Stay tuned...

(an online class - SHE ART by Christy Tomlinson at The Scarlet Lime.)

She Art - part 2

2011-06-06T15:37:00.003-06:00

...con't (from here)...

I started the background for my SHE ART classes.

I'm not 100% happy with this yet. I'll play around a bit.

Stay tuned....

(an online class - SHE ART by Christy Tomlinson at The Scarlet Lime.)

She Art - Beginning

2011-06-05T15:24:00.005-06:00

I think I told you I'm taking an online class - SHE ART by Christy Tomlinson at The Scarlet Lime.

So without giving away class secrets - I thought I'd take you on my journey. I started with two 5x7 inch canvases. And used gel medium to adhere random scraps of paper.

Stay tuned...

(PS...I'm also taking SHE HAD THREE HEARTS art journaling class too! - but I haven't started that one yet)

Rogue Redhead Designs: BITS & PIECES

2011-06-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

As I noted at the end of the post yesterday - I was invited to join the ROGUE REDHEADS design team! This card was created using the BITS AND PIECES plate!

Please visit the Rogue Redhead blog to find out how I did this card!

GC105: From the Mall - MANNEQUIN

2011-06-01T00:01:00.003-06:00

I had to laugh when I saw this month's theme at GINGERSNAP CREATIONS - SHOPPING!

I'm not a shopper by nature. I almost never step foot in a mall, shopping center, or big box store. The one major exception to that - - I will shop for stamps! Almost everything else I order online!

But this week we're AT THE MALL!

For my shopping trip, I made a mannequin to model those haute couture clothes I buy (NOT!) LOL...

I started with a 5-inch paper mache bust and painted it white. I had lots of bits and pieces of beautiful paper left from my Fred Mullet ELEGANT MESS class. They were too pretty to throw away and too small to be of much use. But with a little gel medium they covered the bust beautifully! After the gel medium dried, I rubbed Perfect Pearls here and there to add a bit of shine and shimmer.

I used a Tim "door knob" for the "head" I love the bit of crystal sparkle it brings.

A friend sent me this beautiful hand-dyed, crushed ribbon for my birthday last year. I've been hoarding it but the dress form needed it! The Eiffel Tower charm is my salute to Paris Haute Couture.

The back of the form didn't need much visual interest. The rose is covering a small section that I missed covering in Elegant Mess paper. The wings are Kaiser Craft wood die cuts "painted" with a gold Paint Dabber.

Finally, I'm delighted to say that I've been invited to join the talented ROGUE REDHEAD Designs design team! You'll love these stamps with a vintage flair!

GC104 - Denim, Dust, and Rust

2011-05-24T23:03:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this month's color challenge at Gingersnap Creations - Denim, Dust, and Rust.

Gingersnap Creations has a great sponsor this month - Technique Junkies Newsletter!

For the very "splashy" modern background I used a Technique Junkies' method called Bingo Blast. But I substituted the new Distress Stains, for the bingo markers! Same effect but in the dusty, rusty colors of the old West. (I think it turned out very cool!)

Stamps: Oxford Impressions COUNTRY GIRL (photo); Stamper's Anonymous ODDS AND ENDS
Ink: Stazon black, Distress Ink Fired Brick
Paper: red cardstock, glossy paper,
Accessories: flower button, twine, Distress Stains (Faded Jeans, Antique Linen, Fired Brick), bottle cap sticker
Technique Junkies: Bingo Blast - April/May 2009

Don't forget to post your Denim, Dust, and Rust (blue, tan, rust) creation to the Gingersnap Blog before June 19th. You'll not only be qualified to be selected as a Ginger Gem, but also have a chance of winning the fabulous "Emboss or Die" CD from Technique Junkies and, for this final challenge, a two-year online only subscription to the fabulous Technique Junkie Newsletter. (That's so AWESOME!)

Sympathy Card

2011-05-21T09:37:00.001-06:00

Every now and then you need a sympathy card. I always like to use butterflies for those cards.

Just using a pretty paper (Memory Box) to cover the entire card background and then a solid image over it works best for a quick card. I did stamp the butterfly group on the patterned paper for a little more interest. The main image is a Memory Box stamp. Sponged with Broken China and Peeled Paint - and a little Vintage Photo to age all the papers. The butterfly was colored with Copics and glitter pens. Cut out and the wings left free to float.

It's Always a Good Day When....

2011-05-19T21:09:00.005-06:00

...you come home to this in the mailbox:

It's always exciting! Then I wonder which of the cards, tags, etc I sent in made the cut! And I can't wait to get in the house and start flipping thru the pages.

This time my little Queen Bee (by Red Lead Paperworks) all dressed up in yellow! This was scrap of mulberry paper batik I had laying on my desk. And some wire screening attached with Tim's tiny Attacher.

Hope you have a great weekend...it's snowing here. (wink)

GC103: The Singing Cowboy

2011-05-18T00:10:00.001-06:00

This week Gingersnap Creations is creating a scene! A stamped scene that is!

I started with a background technique called PULLED GLIMMERS - using Patina, Sunflower, and Sugar Maple. Then stamped the cowboy, masked him, and stamped the bottom foliage and cacti.

Stamps: Artistic Outpost THE SINGING COWBOY and ROUTE 66; sentiment Stampers Anonymous
Paper: cream, kraft, brown cardstock
Ink: Archival Coffee, Distress Inks
Accessories: Glimmer Mist (Sugar Maple, Sunflower, Patina) twine, star brad
Technique Junkies: Pulled Glimmers - June/July 2010

Gingersnap Creations has a great sponsor this month - Technique Junkies Newsletter!

I've been a subscriber for many years and love the detailed, step-by-step instructions in each issue of the newsletter.

Stamps: Artistic Outpost THE SINGING COWBOY and ROUTE 66; sentiment Stampers Anonymous
Paper: cream, kraft, brown cardstock
Ink: Archival Coffee, Distress Inks
Accessories: Glimmer Mist (Sugar Maple, Sunflower, Patina) twine, star brad
Technique Junkies: Pulled Glimmers - June/July 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-15T18:54:00.003-06:00

Ok...so I'm a little late. I had the cards done on time but didn't see my mom until Wednesday night (I took her to see Grease on the stage). And I needed to send my niece's.

Sorry. I can't tell you who designed the stamp. Couldn't find any markings on it. The papers are Graphic 45. Colored with my aqua painter. I placed a small piece of wash tape over the word 'Love' before sponging color over the rest image.

Pink for my mom (and me).

Blue for my niece who celebrated her first Mother's Day as a new mom!

GC101 - Cowboys & Cowgirls

2011-05-04T00:14:00.062-06:00

This month Gingersnap Creations moves from the mystery of the Far East to the Wild West!! And when I saw today's theme I knew I could indulge in a guilty pleasure and buy the new Tim "Wild West" set. It's not a style I naturally gravitate towards but it was a Tim set and I 'needed' it. (wink)

Last week I sighed up for a very cool online class, 'She Art' with Christy Tomlinson of The Scarlet Lime. The first week of class started with background collage/texture techniques. So just playing around I did the background with torn pages, gel medium, and Glimmer Mist. I'm so psyched about this class! I can't wait to show you more stuff.

I'll admit I've been stumped by the glassine paper. I'm intrigued by it, but it's so dark that I'm not seeing a lot of uses for it...yet. That in mind, I love how this crumple flower turned out!

Stamps: Stamper's Anonymous
Paper: 6x6 Manila card stock, tag, brown card stock
Ink: Distress Ink
Accessories: glassine paper, brad, twine, aqua pen, gold embossing powder, flower punch. gel medium, washi tape, masks, Glimmer Mist

The Stamper's Samper Catch-up Issue

2011-05-02T21:26:00.004-06:00

I only stop for the mail every couple of days - I'm lazy and I don't get much mail so why bother?

'Cos there might be a complimentary copy of the next STAMPER'S SAMPLER CATCH-UP ISSUE in the box!!! Yep..published again.
I just flipped thru and only saw this card - a romantic card using Graphic 45 papers and Memory Box stamps.

Tag Tuesday - EASTER

2011-04-23T13:27:00.005-06:00

The Easter bunny came early to my house...and left me a carrot!

Or at least that's what I tried it make it look like.

* Carrot clipart from Oxford Impressions. I couldn't find that one in her collage sheets so maybe she's not selling that one anymore.
* Bunny inches/clipart from Etsy - Sainesydney

Stamps: none
Paper: tag, green scrap, black c/s
Ink: Distress Ink: Orange Marmalade; Wild Honey; Vintage Photo
Accessories: clipart, green yarn, Martha Stewart tulip boarder punch, white lace, Orange Peel Stickles, Glimmer Mist: Pearl

GC99: Fans

2011-04-20T00:01:00.004-06:00

Continuing with the Asian inspiration over on Gingersnap Creations - today's challenge is FANS!

I took this more figuratively then literally. I opted to make a fan-fold medallion to highlight my koi.

When I make a background with a spray and/or ink method, I will use a clean tag to "clean-up" any extra color on the mat. I did this background tag last week when I did the "mist" background.

I did a simple fan-fold medallion. This is two pieces of 12 x 1.5 - scored every 1/4 inch.

It's been a LONG time since I colored anything with Copics but I did do the gold fish.

Stamps: Great Impressions KOI, Memory Box DOT CIRCLE
Paper: tag, orange scrap
Ink: Memento
Accessories: Glimmer Mist, Twinkling H2O's, left ribbon, pearls, yarn

GC98: Mists

2011-04-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday! That means another Gingersnap Creations post!! Today we're playing with Mists!

I have a VERY GOOD local stamp/scrap store. Kathy is great at bringing in traveling teachers. Several months ago, Fred B Mullett came to teach some messy but FUN classes. I took THE ELEGANT MESS. This is just one of the techniques we did that night to make incredible, 0ne-of-a-kind backgrounds!

One of the papers we used was Oriental Calligraphy paper. The best way to describe this is really stiff tissue paper. It's very thin but will hold up to lots of water. You can find it here on Fred's web page.

We used Adirondack Colorwash in a variety of strengths, but any color wash/mist will work. I used Glimmer Mist for this card. I chose 4 colors (Key Lime Pie, Sunflower, Turquoise Blue, and Tiger Lily) and started with the lightest and randomly sprayed on part of the paper.

Then I used several kitchen items as masks (penny sink mat, sushi mat, rubber shelf liner). Spraying other colors over the masks, flipping them over onto other sections, and making an "elegant mess".

Then I let it dry for a bit. You can use a heat gun to speed things up - I did to finish the drying.

24 hours before I started, I choose three Twinkling H2Os (Dreamsicle, Summer Breeze, Apple Blossom). I filled each pot up with water and let it sit. The water made the H2O's very "gloopy"...kinda like Elmers Glue.
By scooping a little color out onto my mat and adding a bit more water, I could stamp with it (Apple Blossom and Memory Box Sonoma Print). Or fill my brush and fling it. The final result is a large piece of background that can be used for multiple card!

In Fred's class he had little window template so you could figure out where in your sheet you wanted to cut. He has one on his web page - CROPPING TOOL TEMPLATE. There's also a short video. Note the PDF template does not have the marking holes.

He also has a template for the card base - the rectangle works perfectly with the template. As you can see this card would be perfect without any further embellishments. I choose to stamp the Stampin' Up geisha over the color block. Even my "sits on top of everything" Archival black wasn't 100% crisp.

The final touch was a double coin knot. I used a thick paper cord in a turquoise blue.

Stamps: Stampin' Up! DREAM GARDENS, Memory Box SONOMA PRINT
Paper: Oriental Calligraphy paper, Neenah Solar White
Ink: Archival Black
Accessories: Glimmer Mist, Twinkling H2O's, found masking items, Japanese cord

Please join us in using MISTS at Gingersnap Creations! You have a month to make your entry.

Tag Tuesday - POSTCARD CUTOUT

2011-04-07T23:06:00.005-06:00

Louise (Kard Krazy) decided to retire from Tag Tuesday. It was one of my favorite challenge blogs. Fortunately, Rebbecca picked up Tag Tuesday! This is my first chance to play since the move. But I just HAD to do this one!

Last year I picked up some vintage postcards at the Farmer's Market here in Woodland Park (Colorado). They've been sitting on my desk waiting for the right moment to use them. This week's challenge is POSTCARD CUTOUT. I admit, I did NOT cut my card but I'll tell you why...

...first, it's a VINTAGE POSTCARD OF PARIS! Furthermore, it's a TWA "Kodachrome" postcard. Too fun - reminds me of my grandpa's slides. Anyway, I wanted to keep the post card intact.

The base is a "postcard" tag that I found in Seattle last summer. It too has been waiting for the right time.

I did some stamp pad rubbing on the postcard tag. The plane is from Tim's new set AIR TRAVEL.

Stamps: Stamper's Anonymous AIR TRAVEL
Paper: postcard tag, vintage postcard
Ink: Distress Ink: Pumice Stone, Faded Jeans, Stormy Sky, Fired Brick
Accessories: Stickers (stamp), bottle cap, twine

GC97: Geishas

2011-04-06T00:30:00.006-06:00

This month the Gingersnap Creations blog is TRAVELING TO THE FAR EAST! The focus will be the arts of origami and paper folding. In following with the Far East theme today's challenge is GEISHAS.

When I think of Asian art I almost always think of rice paper panels with water color images. Clean and simple at it's best! So in keeping with that, I tried for a clean and simple card.

Every now and then I get a fancy to buy Asian style embellishments, papers, stamps, etc. - but it rarely gets used. So I went to my stash and started "shopping". The first item I pulled out was some tissue/newsprint paper that had had a gold leaf block in the center. One was plane newsprint, the other had been painted orange and then gold-leafed. I pulled out two different script stamps and used black Archival ink to stamp over the gold squares.

Both geisha images are clip art I bought from eBay many years ago. I wrapped gold "Japan" thread around each card. Japan thread is a left over from my needlework days. It's a shiny gold thread. The ginger card got a gold fan embellishment.

The embellishment for the pale pink geisha card is an origami crane.

I started with a 3-inch square of paper and followed this video:

The final touch was my chop.
In 2004, my mother and I took a three week trip to China. Oh the things we saw! It was truly an amazing trip. One of the goodies I purchased for myself was a jade chop. A chop is the traditional signature on everything from official papers to art work. You'll often see a chop in red on Asian art. The chop came with a blue china bowl of red ink. It's a clay like substance that is still "wet" after all these years.

I was born in the year of the rat...so my jade block is topped with a playful rodent.

Here's my chop on the back of both cards. The Chinese chop carver uses a phonetic approximation of my name DEB into a Chinese word...I always wonder if the "translation" means something like "she eats bugs". Oh well...

Please share your Geisha creations with us on the Gingersnap Creations blog. You have a month!

Oops! (not my work)

2011-04-03T22:44:00.005-06:00

So, I got my Stampers' Sampler in the mail over the weekend. I knew I didn't have any thing in this issue because I didn't get an advanced copy.

But I always check who submitted the beautiful art pieces because I have stamping friends around the world who are routinely published!

Imagine my surprise to see my name above two beautiful cards!!

I feel for the artist that submitted these two cards...it's terrible not to be recognized for your efforts!

The Drone

2011-03-31T18:48:00.006-06:00

I’ve been waiting on pins and needles to make this announcement! A few weeks ago I was invited to be a Contributing Artist to the Gingersnap Creations blog!! I’m SO honored to join these UBER talented artists for the next 6 months. Shortly, I will be updating my blog with direct links to the other Gingers. If you’re looking for grungy and/or vintage inspiration - visit them! And don’t forget there’s a weekly Gingersnap Creation challenge...

I created this copper/rust/ginger “bee boy” for my introduction piece. It felt great to be working with Distressed Inks again (I’ve been working with those FAB Amuse Studio inks for the past few weeks but I missed my DIs). It also felt great create a TAG again! :D

I found this great altered photo on The Land of Nod Studio’s blog – she has a Free Friday Photo every week. Since he was Gingery, he was perfect for my collaged tag. I also just got some new stamps from Stampotique that gave me the idea for The Drone. The rest of the tag is just classic “Tim” techniques with a little Glimmer Mist thrown in for sparkle! The honeycomb was embossed with a blue/copper EP called Terra Cotta.

Here’s a close up of the bee wing. I used a clear glitter pen on the wings before adding a layer of Crystal Effects. The end result is a sparkly wing.

Stamps: Artistic Outpost EPHEMERAL BACKGROUNDS (bkgd), Oxford Impressions LE JARDIN (hive), Stampotique bee & honeycomb
Paper: tag, photo paper
Ink: Distress Inks: Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Orange Marmalade, Vintage Photo, embossing ink
Accessories: ribbon, Glimmer Mist-Tuscan Sunset, clear glitter pen, Crystal Effects, gold pearls, Scrabble tile letters, Terra Cotta EP

So happy to be a Ginger!

Happy Birthday Missy!

2011-03-23T22:58:00.004-06:00

For my niece Missy...she turned 22 on Monday!

Just a little Asian influenced card.

For the kimono I stamped these Stampin Up two-step flowers and used a Hero Arts background stamp. I have to rave about the new Amuse Studio pigment inks! They have great coverage.

I used the stamp positioner to line up the kimono stamp image. Then cut out the image and collaged the card. The green polka dot paper was stamped with VersaMark and glitter embossing powder.

Stamps: Memory Box, Stampin Up FAST & FABULOUS, Hero Arts, Amuse sentiment
Paper: Amuse Studio (A|S) Grass polka dot & Bermuda
Ink: Amuse Studio (A|S) Buttercup & Lemon Whip; VersaMark; Archival Black
Accessories: Glitter embossing powder, Prima flowers, skeleton leaves, dragonfly charm, pearls

My 50th Birthday Travel Album

2011-03-20T21:59:00.009-06:00

I finally finished it!! Last September my mom and I took a "family heritage" trip to the Madison Wisconsin area. On and off over the last 15 years, I've spent a great deal of time doing family genealogy research. My mom's family is "easy" because they all came from Norway between 1840 and 1850 - and settled in two counties (Dane and Green) Wisconsin. Thru Ancestry.com I've meet cousins 5 and 6 generations removed. Some still live very near the original homestead of the ancestors I've researched the most.

My greatest 50th birthday wish was to have my picture take at the grave of our common "mother", Birgit Halverson. She died on my birthday (83 years earlier). Despite 6-8 months of research, contacting EVERYBODY I could think of, sending my newly met cousins out to area cemeteries - we still haven't found Birgit's grave. But in the end I cherish meeting those cousins and sharing a common background! In addition, I wanted to visit the Wisconsin State Historical Society to gather records I could find online, but cost $15 a copy to get.

So here is my travel/birthday album from that trip. I started with a Graphic 45 Kraft envelope album. Covered a great deal of it in Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutant paper and added some additional mini envelopes for additional storage. Other supplies used: Primas, Glimmer Mist, rhinestones, Slice, washi tape, Memory Box stamps, and some Tim Holtz stuff.

Closed it's a pretty small album.
Just under flap is a picture (a bad one) of the birthday girl - ME!

Each "page" is an envelope. Inside I put a journal card and a photo for that day.
The small envelopes also have journal cards and hold "ephemera". In this case my pass to the UW library.

On my birthday I used this numbered paper and "highlighted" my age!

I decorated some of the inside flaps.

Tag Tuesday - POSTCARD

2011-03-06T22:42:00.003-07:00

I have the sniffles (and a bad sinus headache) but I got some new clip art from RED LEAD. So I spent some "bed time" cutting paper.

A*Muse | Studio

2011-03-01T19:38:00.003-07:00

Did you hear the news? A Muse Artstamps has become A Muse | Studio!

A few month's ago they asked me to do some design work for them...I can't say much but I have to tell you the ink pads alone are FABULOUS!!!!

If you're interested in placing an order try my consultant, Lara Kalapacs!! (Please comment if you'd like her email.)

Happy Birthday Joanna!!

2011-02-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my friend, Joanna!! She's one of my local stampin buds and we often get together for a fun night at Archiver's!
This is very simple card. Memory Box paper covering the entire card base. The circle is a new Memory Box circle script stamp and over-stamped with the butterfly collage. I used two Stampin Up colors: River Rock and Pacific Point. It fits perfectly in one of the Nestability circles. A swirl of rhinestones (of course). And the "B" and butterfly are both stickers. I brushed a little talcum powder on the back of the butterfly sticker to get it to "stand up".

Fast, simple, elegant! Happy Birthday Joanna!!

Carolyn turns 50!

2011-02-27T15:23:00.004-07:00

Hey! Yes, we're back from a FANTASTIC trip to The Netherlands. I think we saw everything you'd want to see there except tulips (too early). I had a lot of fun posting from my iPhone, but I noticed what I wrote didn't post. Oh well...

My nephew did great swimming! We so rarely get to participate in those childhood activities so many people take for granted. Just one of the many drawbacks to my sister living in Italy.
So, my friend, Carolyn, turned 50 at the end of December. Carolyn, her husband, Scott, and I are all the same age (give or take a few months). Scott is 1st with a July birthday, I'm next with a Sept birthday, and Carolyn squeaks in on Dec 29th. So you're saying to yourself...what took her so long to post this card? Well, we don't live in the same town and I wanted her to have it before I posted it!! :D

I did a very simple card with clipart (Paper Whimsy). There is no stamping here. I just enhanced the images with a glitter pen and glass glitter. The ribbon was tea-dyed at the same time I did the Gingersnap tutorial ribbon. It started out white.

I'm not sure why she was dreading this birthday...she looks great!

Here's a close up of the card detail. I had a 2nd flaming image that I cut out and poped up on foam tape. And I just love that glass glitter!! And in this picture you can see the gold "glitter" pen I used to highlight the palm tree fronds.

Swimming in Eindhoven

2011-02-13T01:26:00.002-07:00

Anne Frank & Adam/Laura

2011-02-12T02:02:00.002-07:00

Windmills, wooden shoes, & cheese

2011-02-11T00:58:00.001-07:00

Aalsmeer flower auction & Delft

2011-02-09T12:26:00.001-07:00

Van Gogh Musuem

2011-02-08T09:45:00.001-07:00

Rijksmuseum

2011-02-07T11:55:00.001-07:00

Vondel Park

Amsterdam!

2011-02-06T09:56:00.001-07:00

We upgraded. Champagne in business class.

Test post from my iPhone

2011-02-04T20:47:00.001-07:00

Poe

Tag Tuesday - VALENTINES

2011-01-30T20:03:00.005-07:00

I'm out of practice! This is the first time this year I've gotten to play along with Louise's TAG TUESDAY challenge: VALENTINES. And this tag took me about 2 hours too long to make! I'm still not 100% happy with it but sometimes you have to say UNCLE!!

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous, Memory Box
Paper: Tag, Making Memories
Ink: Distress Ink - Victorian Velvet
Clip Art: Paper Whimsy
Accessories: Rose stickers, ticket, pearls, glitter, paper lace.

Color Challenge - Coffee & Cream

2011-01-26T07:11:00.001-07:00

Today's Gingersnap Creations Color Challenge is Coffee & Cream!

I don't know if this is Steampunk. I don't think it is but I wasn't going there. The image probably is...I just wanted to do something masculine. I just wanted to collage some fun things together. The background paper is a page from a French book I received as a gift (thanks, Heather!) It had a natural patina so I didn't do anything to it except stamp some numbers along the left side. The sentiment tag was stamped on Basic Gray BASICs paper and cut tag shaped.

My only real touch was some tea dyed ribbon (see blow). It's the lighter half of the rosette ribbon. The darker side was sprayed with COFFEE SHOP Glimmer Mist. (yes, I had fun with the coffee and tea theme!!!)

Stamps: Stamper's Anonymous
Paper: Stamping UP! EARLY ESPRESSO & VERY VANILLA
Ink: Archival Coffee
Accessories: Idea-ology ribbon & goodies; Glimmer Mist

I wanted to point out the finger print - you can stamp with anything!

Close up of the tea-dyed/Glimmer Mist ribbon.

I boiled 2 cups of water, threw in 6 teabags, and some white ribbon.

I let it set for 1/2 hour.

Then puddle and dry on a plate.

If you'd like to play along with the Gingers, you have a MONTH to post your interpretation of COFFEE & CREAM on the Gingersnap Creation's post. Be sure to stop by here and leave me a link to your creation too!

Thank you to Gingersnap Creations - I've had a blast being a Visiting Artist!!!

Published!

2011-01-25T18:38:00.008-07:00

A few days ago I found an advanced copy of the Feb/Mar 2011 Stamper's Sampler in my mailbox...you know what that means!!
Remember all the cards I did from the fat quarter of egg material? Well, I sent the best of the bunch to Stamper's Sampler and they published 4 out 5!! Here they are:

I stamped over the fabric with the Hero Arts FRIENDS DEFINITION.

I love the "Nesting Place" details - those are sequins with rhinestones.

A cork scrap put to good use.

If you get the magazine - compare this picture to the published one. I stamped the image in Coffee Archival...looks ORANGE in the magazine.

Tune in tomorrow to see my last posting as a Visiting Artist over at Gingersnap Creations!!

GC83: Snow, Pine, and Mahogany Color Challenge

2011-01-23T19:15:00.005-07:00

Just slipping in under the wire here with last month's Gingersnap Creations Color Challenge: SNOW, PINE, and MAHOGANY!
I've been wanting to try the Tattered Angels CHALKBOARD Glimmer Mist, so I bought two bottles over the holidays - Evergreen and Strawberry Shortcake. I sprayed the tag with Evergreen and then placed a mask over that and sprayed with Strawberry Shortcake. The neat thing about the Chalkboard GM is that it's opaque, not transparent like the regular GM. So the colors do layer with out loosing much of their own color personality. I did sponge a little bit with Pine Needles.

A close-up of the top of the tag.

And in this shot I think you can see the white netting.

Stamps: Hero Arts SMART STYLE
Paper: tag
Ink: Archival Jet Black, Distress Ink: Pine Needles
Accessories: Prima flowers, white netting, white feather, fuzzy yarn, pearl swirls, Glimmer Mist