the CLASSroom

Graphic 45 Recipe Box by Sharon Harnist

Supplies:

• Chipboard Recipe Box
• Graphic 45 Fashionista Collection designer papers
• Neenah Classic Cream cardstock
• Memory Box Licorice cardstock 
• Stamps: Kim Hughes Playful Alphabet 
• Ranger Distress Inks: Antique Linen & Black Soot
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Spellbinders dies: Decorative Frames & Antique Bookplate 2
• Basic Grey Buttons
• Art Flowers
• Black Twill
• Martha Stewart Baker's Twine
• Studio Paint: Charcoal Black & Dash of Red
• Copic Sketch Marker: 100-Black
• Royal Coat Satin Decoupage  
• Red Liner Tape

I've been wanting to alter a recipe box for quite some time and finally, all the elements came together perfectly when I saw this new line of Graphic 45 designer papers!  I love the dark, rich, distressed colors and these red, black and cream nostalgic patterns match my kitchen perfectly!

I started this project by assembling the chipboard box.  It ships to you flat, but is very easy to quickly fold together.  You'll want to adhere it with a very aggressive tape, such as red liner.  Then I covered the chipboard recipe box with the Graphic 45 papers, using Royal Coat Decoupage as an adhesive.  I loved this Vintage Cherries Graphic 45 print, but there are several other fruit/vegetable prints to choose from in the Graphic 45 line, too, that would work just as well.  

Since this box will be in the kitchen, possibly exposed to food and water, once the papers were adhered to the box and dry, I put a protective coat of decoupage on top of the papers, too.  I even adhered patterned paper to the bottom of the box and also gave it a protective coat of decoupage.

A 5/8" wide piece of black twill separates the two patterns of paper on the box bottom, with simple loops of twill and a tied button accent on the front.  The twill was also adhered with the red liner tape:

The box lid was also covered with two prints of the Graphic 45 patterned paper.  I stamped "recipes" using Kim Hughes' Playful Alphabet with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Neenah Classic Cream cardstock.  I used Spellbinders Antique Book Plate 2 die to cut it only, I didn't emboss it.  The edges were sponged with Antique Linen and Black Soot Distress inks. 

The mat you see behind the "recipe" label was die cut and embossed with Spellbinders Decorative Frames from Memory Box Licorice cardstock.  The two were layered and adhered with the decoupage:

Buttons tied with Baker's Twine and Art Flowers were used to embellished the lid label.  The store appears to be out of stock of the Baker's Twine at the moment, but I bet it will be back soon.  The package Ellen usually carries has the red twine in it, but no black.  So I took the caramel-colored twine from the package and my trusty Copic Black 100 marker and made it black!

To give a professional finish to the chipboard box, you may want to use some coordinating Studio paint on the edges:

I'm sure I'll have a few recipe card projects to share with you in the future, now that I have a pretty place to store them!

Webster's Cupcake Postcard by Sharon Harnist

 

I adore Webster's Pages papers, so when Ellen added these fabulous smaller scaled "cards" in the store, I was a very happy papercrafter!  The smaller size and scale of these patterns are perfect for cardmakers.  There are currently five different sets of journaling, message & vellum cards and mini calendars that are sized 5.50" tall x 4.75" wide (and some gorgeous trim to match!).  They are double-sided (except for the vellum cards) and packaged in a clear jewel CD case that is the flip-the-lid-back kind that makes the case into a desktop easel, perfect for holding calendars or altering ... what a great value!

I chose the Hello Beautiful Journaling Cards for my birthday card today.  The base of my card is Neenah Natural White, cut 5" x 11", and folded at the top.  I trimmed just a tad off the top and bottom of the Journaling Card and the narrow strip of turquoise cut off the top is what you see making a faux ribbon across the striped bottom portion of the card.  I studded the strip with teal crystal gemstones, to match the paper.

I used Spellbinders Cupcake die set to cut and emboss different patterns from the journaling cards (I used the largest cupcake in the set of three).  This tan card with journaling lines was used for the cupcake bottom:

 

While the paper was still in the die, I inked the embossed areas with Ranger's Antique Linen Distress ink:

 

The cupcake frosting top was die cut and embossed from another pattern of the journaling cards.  I lightly inked just the cupcake's frosting shaded areas with the same Antique Linen ink and then went over it with Clear Copic Spica Glitter Pen:

 

The sprinkles were colored with Turquoise Spica Glitter Pen.  I trimmed the die cut frosting top into a wavy pattern along the bottom edge, to give it a more realistic look than the straight edge of the paper you see in the die above.  The cherry was cut from another red floral pattern of the journaling cards and inked with Ranger's Fired Brick Distress Ink.  I sponged Ranger's Vintage Photo Distress Ink around all of the edges of the cupcake die cut, and around the card's edges.

 

I mounted the cupcake with dimensional foam tape to the card and added the Lockhart "happy cupcake day" sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa ink.  And there you have a quick and easy birthday card!  How do you like these new Webster's patterns?  Thanks for visiting the CLASSroom today!

Shady Tree Studio Fruit Basket Decor

As an interior designer I had the opportunity to work on some of the most exquisite homes. Some of my favorite projects involved painted surfaces and when the opportunity presented itself to add some character and charm to my own somewhat "bland" looking home it was so much fun. Our home has a comfortable, cozy feeling and today's project is completely inspired by our own home decor.

 

This little terra cotta planter base is so easy and quick to make! I would love to see you give this a try!!! So many of the images, especially the Shady Tree Studio ones are PERFECT for this project and this technique. Also once again I also got to dip into those buttery, luscious pots of Studio Line paints - that made me a happy girl!

 

This is the doorway between my kitchen and dining room. I was so fortunate to work with an artist that was simply amazing. I shared a sketch with her and I kid you not when I tell you that she completed this project in no less than three hours! Now that's talent! I could probably do this and so I am blessed, but it would take me a year of Sundays' (not just a month of them - LOL) 

 

In addition I had her paint these terra cotta planter bases using some of the fruits that we included over the doorway and kitchen sink window.

 

As you can see there is an assortment of different fruits and vegies on the plates. Sorry for the crumby pictures, but I took them at night and forgot to bring my proper flash home with me. The other three plates the pic is even worse and so I am going to just leave that one out.

 

Today I want to share with you how incredibly easy it would be for you to create some one of a kind art for your kitchen soffits, shelves, laundry room, or even garden shed. I believe that if you put a top coat on these that perhaps you could even use them outside on your patio, but I need to check with Claudine before I start telling "tales" of this nature :)

To begin stamp your image on the terra cotta using Brilliance Ink. I then heat set it to speed up the dry time. I would also like to suggest these wonderful round acrylic blocks for helping you align these images in the center of your surface. I simply eyeballed the center, once I had my stamp mounted in the center of the block, but you could also use a quick pencil line on the terra cotta surface if you are a complete perfectionist.

 

Next you will need to use gesso to cover the entire stamped surface. Terra cotta is quite porous and with the translucent quality of this paint the white base will help bring a quality look to your completed project. You will want your brush strokes to create a rounded shape being the gesso does help provide texture to your project base as well.

Allow the gesso to dry before moving on to the next step.

 

I then mixed up a couple of green colors using the color chart that Claudine has provided. This is a handy tool that I have printed off, covered in laminate using my Xyron and then hung on the wall next to my work surface. I need to remember to take a picture of this when I complete my next project and share this with you because I find that it is an extremely helpful tool for quick mixing.

As you can see in the photo above the paints are somewhat translucent, which makes them so very easy to blend without getting muddy brown colors. By using a combination of mixed colors and layered colors I was able to create my very own painted art piece!

 

As you can see I use both the paint "pots," as well as the lids. Before using the paints I give them a good shaking. I then use wooden skewer sticks to take paint from the pots and add them to my little mixing palette.

 

As you can see I use these sticks repeatedly. I know it's kind of quirky, but I love seeing the odd mix of colors on the sticks. Once they are dry you can use them again without any problem. 

The little white palette can be purchased at Michaels and if I remember correctly is very inexpensive. I recommend cleaning this right after completing your project for ease. It's kind of like doing the dishes, if you wash them immediately it is SO much quicker than if you let the food dry in place before beginning your clean-up task.

The last tool you see is my little "water bucket." This is a collapsible container that has a sponge in the center. Cleaning my brushes between colors is so easy when I have this on my work surface. Once it is cleaned and dry you can squeeze it into a very small space. I LOVE things that squeeze into small spaces - LOL!

 

In hindsight I wished that I had added more yellow to my pear, in fact I think I probably will still do so. That's the joy of painting, you can always rework it if you aren't quite happy with your final colors. 

As a final note I would like to recommend that you figure out how you will display your plates before you begin. It is tricky finding hangers for pots that have to deep an edge. So put all your pieces together before beginning so that you will be able to display your art once completed.

Thanks for stopping in here at the CLASSroom and I hope that I've inspired you to try your hand at creating your own home decor using the Shady Tree Studio images and Studio Line paints!

Hello, Cute Chick!

I adore Kim Hughes images! The two chicks in her Sweet Spring set caught my attention recently. I colored them with the Copic markers pictured below. The BG13 marker is the one that I used with my Copic Airbrush System to add a bit of sky to the background.

Papers are Basic Grey Porcelain--such sweet Spring colors! Ribbon is the 1/4" silk ribbon, tied through a button from my stash. I used a label die to cut the focal image and mask it. I used an arch lattice punch on Solar White cardstock to create a lacy bottom edge, scoring the lower edge so that the lace could bend up to add more dimension. Some machine stitching subtly frames the perimeter of the paper, as well as the decorative strip.

Isn't Spring fun? Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom today!

New Nestability Labels and a Few More!

Just a quick heads up that the new Labels Three and Labels Four have arrived. They are flying out the doors swiftly so place your orders quickly if you would like to obtain dies from this shipment. As well some of the other dies have arrived, but are also moving rapidl! We hope more will be on their way soon, but we have a nice start for those who have been waiting patiently (or in some cases, like me, not so patiently - LOL) I am excited to be able to use these new designs! Please note that if these links come up "empty" it means that we are sold out. Hopefully more will arrive soon, but as you well know we can't hold our breath as we wait :)

We have the dies all unpacked, counted in and ready to go. Thank you again for your wonderful support and patience. We truly do appreciate it!

Have a wonderful Sunday and stay tuned for a fabulous post from Debbie!

distress inked mask by cindy lyles

 

Tim Holtz's Distress inks take center stage in today's project.  Hello everyone and welcome to Ellen's CLASSroom blog!

 

We're going to begin today by taking a sheet of decorative paper and altering it.  Above is half a sheet of 12x12 Remy patterned paper from 7gypsies, and I've placed Tim's Flourish mask over the decorative paper and burnished lightly into place using my fingertips.  Tim's masks are clear, allowing one to see exactly what is happening when applying ink.  Using an ink blending tool I blended Distress Dried Marigold around the mask.

 

Followed with Distress Spiced Marmalade.

 

Next - Distress Fired Brick.

 

Almost there - filled in areas of the Remy decorative paper using Distress Peeled Paint.

 

Wiped mask with a clean, soft cloth then removed.  Inked exposed areas lightly with Distress Shabby Shutters.

Trimmed distressed, masked Remy paper to fit over a Memory Box Jack O Lantern card base.  yummmmy....

 

Next:  I'll show you how I create unique background paper.  I learned this technique from Tim Holtz:  onto a non-stick surface, such as a non-stick craft mat or a sheet of glass, swipe various Distress ink pads (I used three Distress colors from altering the Remy decorative paper), then mist with water using a Mini Mister until small beads of liquid appear (shown in above photo).

 

Drop a section of white cardstock into the wet colors, spinning cardstock around slightly.  Lift then heat set. 

 

Drop cardstock back into the wet colors, spinning again with remaining ink.  Lift then heat set again.  Stamp image - Bird Branch (Memory Box) - with a nice bold ink - I used Ranger's Archival Ink in Jet Black.

   

Snippets of Brandywine 6x6 paper and a sliver of the distressed masked Remy paper create a decorative sidebar for the card interior.  Bird Branch was stamped in a pale celery ink.

 

Options:  Vertical strips of the distressed masked Remy paper were used to create an additional card (above) quickly. 'just a note' sentiment and Bird Branch (both Memory Box) were stamped with Archival Ink in Jet Black - sentiment onto white cardstock and Bird Branch onto a section of Memory Box Brandywine 6x6 decorative paper.  Ellen's pearls add perfect details!  

Thank you for stopping by the CLASSroom today!

Memory Box Company Blog Candy Winner

I hope that you all had a wonderful St. Patty's Day yesterday. The lucky winner of our Memory Box Blog candy is...

Here are your random numbers:

26	

Timestamp: 2009-03-18 15:45:03 UTC

Miss Mary - some goodies will be on there way to you shortly!!! Congratulations! We hope that you are all starting your contest entries - don't delay Ü

Butterfly Birthday Blessings by Sharon Harnist

 

Supplies:

• Stamps: Mona Lisa Moments Script Essential Expressions & Birthday Centers
• Paper: BasicGrey Porcelain, Memory Box Peony Notecard or cardstock
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Ranger Adirondack Snow Cap Pigment ink or Palette New Canvas
• Accessories: Spellbinders Nested Butterfly & Double Ended Tags dies, Martha Stewart Double Scallop Edger Punch, Soft White Silk Ribbon, Fresh Grass Dew Drops,

Butterflies seem to be the classic symbol of Spring and the soft, pretty colors in this BasicGrey Porcelain paper, paired with birds, cages & butterflies just seemed to fit well together.  I started this card by trimming 1/4" from the front right edge of a Memory Box Peony notecard and then used Martha Stewart's Double Scallop Edger punch on the notecard and BasicGrey patterned paper covering the front of the notecard.

The front was also adorned with a Spellbinders Nested Butterfly die cut that I embossed with the Cuttlebug Swirls embossing folder.  To bring out the swirl pattern, I inked the embossing with a white ink pad:

 

Adirondack's Snow Cap pigment ink pad gave a very subtle color variation to the butterfly.  I decided I wanted a more vibrant white, so I ended up inking the embossed swirls again with Palette's New Canvas ink pad.

The "birthday blessings" sentiment was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto more Memory Box Peony cardstock and then die cut with Spellbinders Double Ended Tags die.  The left side of the tag's hole was anchored with a Fresh Grass Dew Drop and the right side's hole was tied with pretty white silk ribbon.

Don't forget to dress up the inside of your card, too!

With the scalloped right front edge, the inside of the card shows so I placed another pattern of the BasicGrey paper inside the notecard, layered with more of the Memory Box Peony cardstock.  Finally, I cut another larger Spellbinders Nested Butterfly from white cardstock and placed it on the inside of the card, to have a place for the sentiment (Mona Lisa Moments' Birthday Centers) and a signature.

I hope this butterfly birthday card helps bring a little Spring your way!

$100 Memory Box Bucks and Blog Candy Giveaway

 

What could be better than $100 of FREE product? Memory Box is sponsoring a contest that gives you FOUR chances to win this prize!!!  Memory Box has been working hard to bring loads of ideas to those who love and use their stamps via their blogs. I am excited to share their blogs with you, as well as the opportunity to win $400 in prize product!!! So be certain to read on, get your ideas rolling and get creating. We will do our best to ship out your supplies at top speed if you need something new to enter! Contest deadline is March 28, 2009 so don't delay.

If you win one of these contests you get to come and shop at our store and receive $100 of Memory Box product FREE courtesy of Memory Box Company!!! So get started ladies - enter now!

I am going to list the images from the Woodland Springtime Collection below and link them to the images in our store. If you find that it comes up "empty" once you click on the link please know that it means that we are currently out of stock. We are doing our best to make certain that we will have the images to provide you for this contest. Please email us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com if you find one missing that you really want and we will put you on a special list to get it out to you quickly.

Following are the Woodland Springtime images:

• Spring Beginnings
• Spring is Here!
• Hear the news?
• Owl be the first
• Good things
• Eclipse Tree
• Flutter Chick
• Nutty Squirrel
• Dotty Ring
• Garden Bunny
• Owlette
• Tufted Owl
• Perched Chick

Dave has just completed a fabulous tutorial on his blog today - Stamp, Color, Create - showcasing the coloring of the Tufted Owl. His blog contains links to all the blogs that are sponsoring contests.

Jean's blog is sponsoring a contest in which you need to use one of the images from the new Woodland Springtime collection. Create a card, tag or layout - read more about it on her blog by double clicking on the preceding link.

Laura is presenting the "Marker Mania" contest! Yep, all you Copic lovers are going to LOVE this challenge! I know that you are going to blow them away with your coloring talents!!! Once again select one of the images from the Woodland Springtime collection to complete this challenge. Read all the details here on her "Color Whimsy" blog.

Cate is presenting you with a little more "challenging" contest. Head over to Paper Amour and read more about how you can score $100 of Memory Box product by creating a scrapbook page with your "difficult to scrap photos"

Last, but certainly not least is Create x 3 sketch challenge contest. This entry needs to use either Memory Box papers or a Memory Box stamp. Patter (isn't that just the cutest name!!!) has a sketch awaiting your arrival - so be certain to take a peak now!

For those who haven't had a chance to read this month's Ellen Hutson LLC Newsletter we have provided you with a special coupon to help you with your initial purchase of Memory Box Stamps. We want to make it easier for you to enter this contest. That code is: MBCLOVE. Between now and March 31st you can enter this code upon checkout in the "promo code" box and receive 10% off of your Memory Box Stamps in that order! (this coupon code is not valid mixed together with others - so pick the one that gives you the better discount!)

Better yet - leave us a comment below telling us what it is that you like best about the Memory Box products that we carry. Guess what you will win! Yep, you guessed it - something to help you on your way (YIPPIE). Dave used the following supplies to create this card:

• 6x6 Butterfield Collection
• Iris Cardstock - this comes in our Merry Winter Cardstock Collection
• Tufted Owl
• Sweet Corn Notecard - so we will be giving you our Spring Collection of Notecards and Envelopes
• Total Retail Value - $23.46

The card above was created by Dave Breathaur please find all information and leave him a comment on his blog - Stamp, Color, Create and let him know how much you appreciate this fun contest and the sharing of his color expertise!

You have until midnight tomorrow, March 17 to leave your comment below. We will do a random drawing of all comments on Wednesday. 

If you win one of these contests you get to come and shop at our store and receive $100 of Memory Box product FREE courtesy of Memory Box Company!!! So get going ladies - enter now! May the luck of the Irish be with you!!!

Martha Stewart Paper Easter Egg Boxes

 

When I first saw these Easter Eggs I just grinned - I knew that at last I would have an egg I could decorate that would last more than one season. There are SO many different ways to decorate these eggs. I decided to share a pastel version of these eggs being most of the Easter candies are pastel in color.

 

To begin I decided to try two different methods of painting the eggs. The egg on the left was painted with Gesso first, whereas the egg on the right I decided to paint directly with the Studio paints. I wasn't certain if it would make any difference whatsoever in the application. As you can see the glossy finish on the egg made for a rather "splotchy" first layer.

 

It is amazing the difference when applying the first layer of color on the egg that has been gessoed! When applying the second coat of paint to the egg on the right it went on a whole lot smoother than the first though.

I proceeded to paint all three eggs in different colors - purple, pink and yellow, and allowed them to fully dry before proceeding.

 

Tip: Create any color glass glitter by simply adding a couple of drops of Various Ink to Diamond Dust. To create the color above I added a couple of drops of RV11 and a drop of RV34. Remember less is more! It is easier to add a drop than to continue to add more Diamond Dust.

 

To adhere the glitter to my egg I wrapped red liner tape around the egg band.

 

To create my whimsical butterflies I used two Butterfly punches. I love how the punch size graduates in three different sizes from large to small when combining the Classic Butterfly and the 3-in-1 Classic Butterfly punches. Punch the butterflies out of coffee filters and color using Copic markers. Coffee filter paper is extremely porous and soaks up a lot of alcohol ink, but it has an exquisite look when completed. For these butterflies I began with RV11. For the top butterflies I then edged them with V15 and BV04, ending with another layer of RV11 to saturate the edges and allow the colors to bleed. As you can see I worked on my craft sheet so that I would not ruin my work surface.

To create the pink butterflies I simply used RV11 and RV34.

I then used a slight amount of Icicle stickles on the wing edges and dipped it into my special Diamond Dust.

 

I removed the red liner from the tape and adhered the glitter to the egg band. Using a finer glitter I then sprinkled it between the spaces that the glass glitter leaves. Absolutely stunning is all I can say!

I adhered the pink butterflies to my egg first by using mini glue dots. Then I layered my glittered, purple edged butterflies on top and added pink Micro Twinkle Stickers

 

This is perhaps my favorite egg due to it's simplicity and sparkle.

 

For my next egg I wanted to share how you can decoupage patterned paper to your eggs. I cut out a flower and leaf from the Poppyfinch collection. It was this collection of paper that helped determine my color scheme. Being there wasn't quite as much purple in this flower as I would like I added just a hint of Studio paint to it before applying.

To decoupage simply place a layer of your adhesive down on the egg where you will be attaching your papers. Then apply adhesive to the back of your cut outs, placing them in the desired location. Next paint another layer of decoupage over the surface. I use my finger to help mold the paper to the shape of the egg. I then use my brush to smooth out the surface yet again. Once dry I add a second layer of decoupage to my image.

 

A little more Icicle Stickles combined with my custom colored Diamond Dust, another butterfly, and I have another beautiful egg awaiting some special gift for Easter morning.

 

I would like to advise you to proceed with this type of egg treatment with caution! It is imperative that you are ready to move quickly when working with gesso on large rubber stamp surfaces. If you allow the gesso to dry on the surface good luck getting your stamp surface clean.

I love how gesso acts as a resist when covered with a wash of paint, so I just had to give this a try. Begin by preparing all your materials. I have an old toothbrush that I place next to my sink in advance so that I am ready to brush my stamp clean as soon as I have finished applying the gesso to my project.

If you have Penscore I would suggest that you paint your gesso on the penscore and use it as an "ink pad" to apply the gesso to your stamp surface. It will be much quicker and I believe that you will get a more even application than what you see here. Unfortunately I didn't have any penscore here at work and so I just proceeded by quickly brushing the gesso directly to my Fiery Floral Scrapblock.

 

I then took my egg and rolled it around on the painted surface. The first application REALLY slipped and so I grabbed a paper towel and just quickly wiped my egg. I felt that the textured look would add apppeal to the overall look and so I just left it and reapplied the gesso to my stamp. This time I rotated my egg in a more uniform manner and voila I had a funky textured egg surface.

I must admit that this technique would be much simpler if the surface of my project were flat, but you know me - why try something easy first?!? LOL!

Allow the gesso to fully dry before proceeding.

Then mix equal parts of purple, pink and water. Apply this wash to the egg surface and allow to dry. As usual I forgot to take a picture at this point and so you will need to peek through the butterflies to see the finished egg surface. 

 

To finish this egg I punched out oodles of different butterflies and layered them in a flight pattern across the egg surface. A few more pink twinkle stickers and my first Easter Egg Box project was complete.

There are SO many more things I would like to try! A vintage look with gorgeous trims, decoupaged napkins, stamped tissue paper images, airbrushing... these are just a few things that are running through my mind as I ponder the possibilities these eggs hold.

Remember Easter is just around the corner, so be certain to get started soon. Surprise a friend or family member this Easter with a gift presented in this funky little container!

spring cherry blossoms by cindy lyles

 

During my youth my family and I visited Washington, DC many times - it was only a four-hour drive away and we stayed with good friends of my parents.  One year we visited while the cherry trees were blooming, and today's project stems from that wonderful memory.

When Ellen told me she was carrying Flower Soft, the Baby Pink instantly took me back in time, and I'd like to share the step-by-step for today's project with you:

Stamp Memory Box Bare Oak image onto white cardstock using Burnt Umber (Palette Hybrid).  Cut a section of Eclipse Tape longer than needed, then tear lengthwise, to create a naturally jagged edging for the grounding line.

 

Airbrush (or delicately sponge) Copic B21 sparingly for the sky - this hint of color forces the pale pink Flower Soft to pop even more.  Follow up with R02 (a pale/flesh pink), sparingly.  Here in the Northeast there has been a subtle, yet distinct amount of pink in the skies as we approach spring.

 

Remove Eclipse tape but do not discard; cover tree and upper portion of cardstock with Post-it notes (to protect from airbrush overspray), then reposition the torn Eclipse Tape as shown above.  Airbrush with both Copic YG91 and YG95 for the grass.

 

Remove Post-It notes and Eclipse Tape and discard.  Dab Flower Soft glue, or a high tack glue in your crafting arsenal, repeatedly over the oak branches and a few scattered places along the ground line.

Carefully open Baby Pink Flower Soft and scoop out a bit of the flora with a scoop or your finger tips, then gently breaking apart with your fingers.  Sprinkle liberally over the adhesive, pressing Flower Soft flora gently into the glue.  You should have entirely too much Flower Soft on top of the glue - so much that your fingers never come in contact with the wet adhesive as you press.

 

No dry time necessary - simply tip and repeatedly tap cardstock to remove excess Flower Soft.  I recommend allowing adhesive to dry completely prior to mailing. 

Stamp 'happy spring' (Memory Box) onto Basic Grey Porcelain paper (6x6 pack) strip with Burnt Umber, trim and notch end.  Adhere sentiment strip with a dimensional to give the appearance of a wavy flag.  5x7 card base is comprised of Memory Box Pea Pod cardstock with snippets of Basic Grey Porcelain 6x6 decorative paper.  Complementary Basic Grey Porcelain brads and a Basic Grey Porcelain button complete the card.

Thank you for stopping by Ellen's CLASSroom blog today!

Copic-Airbrushing a Background by Debbie Olson

On Monday I posted a video tutorial for coloring a Lockhart Lilacs in a pitcher image. Today I have a couple of different basic methods of airbrushing a background for you. If the embed breaks, the YouTube link is here. Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom!

P.S. I have a better video camera ordered (i.e. one that will focus close-up) and will wait for it to get here before trying to make any more videos. Thanks for your patience.

_____________
Product Credits

Stamps: Lilacs in a Pitcher by Karen Lockhart
Paper: Basic Gray Euphoria pad
Coloring Medium: Copic Markers in V01, V15, V17, G21, G85, C1, C3, W1, B21, B23, Y21
Tools: Copic Airbrush System, Spellbinders Circle Nestability, Martha Stewart Lattice Punch, Eclipse Tape

Welcome Tag by Sharon Harnist

 

Supplies:

• Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Co Buttermilk Hen, Kim Hughes Spring Trees
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Ranger Walnut Distress Ink, Copic markers and Spica glitter pens
• Paper: BasicGrey Marrakech
• Accessories: Martha Stewart's Doily Lace edger punch & Baker's Twine, Spellbinders Flower Creations 3  & Tags Trio, Inchie Arts White Inchie Squares, Ivory or Nut Brown Flower Soft & Flower Soft glue
• Other: Jumbo paperclip, sewing machine & thread, ribbon & rick-rack, aggressive glue (E200 or Gorilla Glue)

We live in a new development and haven't had any close neighbors for the first 18 months we've been here.  We finally had our first next door neighbor move in, so I made this tag to accompany a welcome gift of good old fashioned pound cake.  On the back of the tag, I wrote our names and contact info. 

The tag measures 3.25" x 6" and I loved the bright, welcoming patterns of these BasicGrey Marrakech papers -- they seemed to fit perfectly with Karen Lockhart's Buttermilk Hen.  I stamped the hen with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto an Inchie Arts White Inchie Square and colored her with these Copic markers (Spica glitter pens are orange & sky blue):

I covered another White Inchie Square with coordinating patterned paper and sandwiched a jumbo paperclip between them, using a very aggressive glue.  It is just clipped to the paper pocket I created on the tag (by machine stitching the pocket to the solid colored tag) -- it's made to be removed and used as a bookmark.  Or you could put a magnet on the back and use it on the fridge to hold papers or a recipe.

I glued Flower Soft at the bottom of the Inchie, to give the hen a realistic nest!  I used Ivory and then airbrushed the Flower Soft with E13 Copic marker, but the Nut Brown Flowersoft would be a great match, without having to airbrush.

The flowers were die cut with Spellbinders Flower Creations 3 and stacked with dimensional foam tape.  The button in the center was tied with Martha Stewart's peach Baker's Twin.  The twine was also used to tie on the welcome tag.  The Spellbinders Tags Trio was stamped with part of Kim Hughes' Spring Trees "welcome spring" sentiment, using Walnut Distress ink.  The Flower Creations 3 die was also used to make the hole reinforcement at the top of the tag.

The faux lace trim at the bottom of the tag was created with Martha Stewart's Doily Lace Edger Punch and more coordinating BasicGrey Marrakech paper.  Thanks for visiting our CLASSroom neighborhood today!

Lilacs and Lattices by Debbie Olson

 

Tonight I used Karen Lockhart's Lilacs in Pitcher image for the first time--what a beautiful stamp! I paired it with some Basic Grey Euphoria papers and a Lattice punch to try to capture a garden look. If you would like to see me color this image with Copic markers, please play the video below. Warning: I tried a different set-up with my little Flip Video camera, and its focus range is obviously not meant for close-up filming. That means that the focus is not tight; I think that the information might be a bit helpful anyway, so I'm putting it out here with that disclaimer. It is in two parts since YouTube allows only 10-minute segments. If you are a video buff, I would LOVE to hear what video camera you might recommend for close-up filming, as well as family use. I'm seriously shopping, so send those camera suggestions! If the YouTube embeds break, the direct links are at the bottom of this post.

Video Part 1

Video Part 2

After coloring and airbrushing the stamped image, I added some Heather Flower Soft to the fronds--just a touch here and there. I think that stuff must be addictive! It has a lovely texture, perfect for adding the final touch to flowers, as well as for creating flowers on stems, shown in this amazing piece by Ellen.

Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom!

_____________

Direct YouTube Links in case the embedding breaks:

Video Part 1

Video Part 2

fruit trees by cindy lyles

 

Today's project uses a new Memory Box stamp - World Tree.  This clean line art image was paired with Lockhart's new 'just waiting for you' sentiment.

 

Neenah Solar White cardstock was die cut with Nestabilities Large Labels, then the World Tree image was stamped using a celery hybrid ink three times for a graduated or shaded image.  The tree image was stamped again on a white cardstock scrap, then cut out and adhered over the darkest tree image with a foam dimensional.

A Nestabilities scallop rectangle was die cut from Licorice cardstock, and a Holly Berry card base and envelope were prepared along with Ellen's heart bling.  Card base measures 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".

The adorable 'just waiting for you' sentiment was stamped with Archival Ink in Jet Black.

 

The envelope flap was stamped with Jet Black Archival ink repeatedly - this image creates quite a modern and striking look to me!  Red heart bling was added to the tree and sentiment.

 

More options:  This is a Beate Johns layout using Basic Grey Eva designer paper.  Nestabilities dies one size smaller than the red card above were used (but the same sets - large labels & small scallop rectangles).  World Tree image was stamped with celery ink, and Lockhart's 'happy birthday' sentiment was added using Jet Black Archival ink again.  Red bling mimics sparkle-y apples!  An Endive card base is a perfect complement to the Eva paper.  Card base measures 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".

 

Card interior, using scraps of Eva designer cardstock and mimicking the quadrant look from the card front.  Wonderful sentiment is Mona Lisa Birthday Centers.

Thank you for stopping by the CLASSroom today!

celery ink:  ColorBox Oive Pastel; May Arts satin ribbon, cotton string.

March Stamp of the Month

Predicting weather here in Seattle is a complete mystery. The day starts out gloomy and ends up being spectacular OR it will start out beautiful and then turn cold and rainy. They are now "forecasting" snow, yet again for us this weekend! What's up with that? Needless to say I thirst for spring. So when selecting this month's stamp of the month I keep telling myself that all these showers are going to bring forth a myriad of spring flowers!

To begin I selected one of the fabulous new Memory Box paper packs - Fernbrae. Included in this set are a diverse selection of BEAUTIFUL papers. I wanted to share some of the different ways that you can put together this month's kit to make a set of cards that is diverse and yet similar. 

I began by cutting the key paper pieces approximately 4 3/4" x 3 7/8" using the New Scallop punch to create the decorative lower edge. The Martha Stewart punches have all (except the Embossed Diamond - this punch is not doing the job the way I would like to see it done) punched the Memory Box cardstock and papers beautifully.

I then stamped the IB Umbrella on a couple of different patterned papers.

 

For this card I cut out the umbrella and placed it on the sticky side of the Scalloped Circle stickers being careful not to touch the sticky surface and leave finger prints. I used the tip of my dry embossing stylus to help it adhere.

 

Tip: When using products such as Flower Soft, Fun Flock and glitter use a "tidy tray" to work in. This allows you to then easily dump the excess product back in to it's original container.

I then covered the entire surface with glitter and using my finger I pressed the glitter in to place. I then removed the excess glitter and ran this "sticker" through my Xyron machine to add adhesive back to this surface. This application allowed me to adhere the sparkley, clear "sticker" directly to my cardfront.

 

To change it up just a little I decided to use the springy flower paper and then once again cut out my IB Umbrella and adhered it using a dimensional.

 

I wanted to share a close-up picture of how it is that the punch aligns. Being over 40 (by more than I would like to admit - LOL!) I do need to wear my reading glasses to make certain that the holes and markings are aligned on the left side, but I have had excellent success with creating a beautiful decorative edge on my notecards and layers. This "gadget girl" always smiles when she finds a tool that creates something so gorgeous Ü

 

The last card is just another simple version. The "happy spring" sentiment is not included in this month's packet because I have found that if I include too many different items it is not as versatile. You could use any sentiment in it's place - one that I felt like using was "rain, rain go away!"

 

I thought I would also remind you of the trick to use your self-closing tweezers when tying ribbon, especially if you have short ends. This makes it SO much easier!

 

I hope this gives you a good start on this month's collection of cards. These would make a wonderful gift set as well. Package them in one of our Crystal Clear boxes and brighten someone's rainy day Ü

Polished Stone Meets Heat Embossing by Debbie Olson

 

I've been playing with my Copic Various Inks and polished stone techniques again, but with an added twist of embossing on top. First lesson: the embossing must be on top, because if you clear-emboss on the white glossy cardstock, and then think that you will create polished stone in the crevices and get a resist, let me tell you that it doesn't work that way with the Copic inks!  They cover embossing as beautifully as they cover everything else, so all you'll get is interesting texture--not a resist technique.

Begin with white glossy cardstock and two or three compatible colors of Copic Various Inks. I was a bit daring and chose complementary colors, knowing that I would run the risk of ending up with a muddy gray if I overworked the inks. You may use a blender-solution or a 91% rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton ball, or you can simply drip colors and blending solution if you prefer. Work the colors until you are pleased with them, but try to avoid over-mixing complementary colors.

After you are pleased with your polished stone effect, and after it is completely dry,ink a background stamp with Versamark or another embossing ink and stamp the polished stone background. This particular background is the CHF Paisley Scrapblock.

 

Use a detail embossing powder to cover the stamped image and heat-emboss. Proceed to finish the card as you wish. I chose to keep mine simple with a ribbon treatment and a sentiment from the Mona Lisa Moments Motivational Centers set, framed with a Spellbinders Curved Mega Rectangle Nestability. (The white silk can be found here, and rhinestones here.)

 

If you try some embossed polished stone, I would love to see it; feel free to post a link here. Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom!