the CLASSroom

Copic Letterpress by Sharon Harnist

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y,   D E A R   E L L E N ! ! !  

Yes, today is a very special birthday for our dear, sweet Ellen, so naturally I had to make this project into a birthday card for her!  Hope you enjoy your special day, dear friend!  

Recently I tried out a theory I'd been thinking about and am happy to report worked . . . I always love when that happens!     I played around some more with Ellen's beautiful new Letterpress 110 lb White Cardstock and Copic markers, to see if I could achieve a traditional letterpress look with the combination and these were the results:

It's easier than you might think!  

1. Simply color the raised side of an embossing folder with any combination of Copic markers you'd like.  Here, I used G43 (from this year's new 2012 Copic colors) and RV55 on the beautiful damask pattern from Lifestyle Crafts Floral Embossing Folder duo set:

No need to work quickly here or worry about the ink drying too fast -- just take your time, we'll deal with that later!  After coloring, have your die cutting/embossing machine and materials all set up and ready go, because now is when you WILL need to work faster!  

2. Fill a Mini Mister bottle with Copic Colorless Blender Solution and generously mist your letterpress cardstock on one side -- don't be afraid to get it too wet.  I suspect the high cotton content of this paper helps it to retain the moisture of the blender solution long enough for it to reactivate the Copic coloring on your embossing folder . . . yay!

3. Fold the colored side of the embossing folder onto the wet side of the letterpress paper and run through your die cutting machine with its recommended embossing sandwich.

If, by chance (and this happened to me the first time!), some of your color does not transfer to the paper, just re-mist that part of the paper, line up your embossing folder, and run through the embossing sandwich again.  Wa-lah . . . quick and easy letterpress in a myriad of 358 Copic colors!!  

I finished the card by stamping more of the letterpress cardstock with Hero Arts Clear Essential Messages birthday sentiment, inked with Adirondack Raspberry dye ink. I trimmed the sentiment into a banner shape and secured it to this sweet Memory Box Gothic Rosette, die cut from Bubblegum cardstock . . . lots of great dimension, as you can see in the photo above.

Hope you have a wonderful day, Ellen!!  ~ Sharon

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Edited to add: Someone asked below in the comments about permanent staining of your embossing folder.  Most (if not all) of the color will be transferred to the cardstock with the Copic Colorless Blender Solution. If there is some Copic marker color remaining on the embossing folder, you can wipe it off with either Copic Colorless Blender Solution, hand sanitizer (since it has a high alcohol content, it will clean Copic color) or regular old rubbing alcohol/alcohol prep wipe.

Stamps: Hero Arts Clear Essential Messages; 
Dies: Memory Box Gothic Rosette die; 
Paper: Essentials by Ellen Letterpress 110 lb White Cardstock; Memory Box Pea Pod Notecards & Envelopes and Bubblegum cardstock; 
Ink: Ranger Adirondack Raspberry dye ink pad; 
Copic Markers: G43, RV55; Copic Colorless Blender Solution; 
Accessories: Ranger Mini Mister; white button; 

New 2012 Copic Colors & Lockhart Stamps by Sharon Harnist

I was very excited to see these 12 beautiful new Copic colors for 2012 and wanted to share them in a project with you today:

Colors include:

• BG57- Jasper
• BG90- Gray Sky
• BV34- Bluebell
• E84- Khaki
• E89- Pecan
• G43- Pistachio
• G46- Mistletoe
• R56- Currant
• RV52- Cotton Candy
• V22- Ash Lavender
• V28- Eggplant
• YR27- Tuscan Orange

Ellen is offering the 12 new colors either in the whole 12-piece set (at a bit of a savings) or individually. Here's a run-down of how the new colors fit into the existing Copic color palette:

• Existing G40 now has companions of G43 and G46
• Existing BG53 now has darker shade of BG57
• Existing BG93 now has a lighter BG90 pairing
• Existing E81 and E87 now have darker E84 and E89 golden brown companions
• Existing BV31 now has a darker BV34 companion
• Existing V20 and V25 now have darker V22 and V28 for a wonderful muted lavender blending group
• Existing RV55 now has a lighter RV52 mate, for a wonderful pink grouping we've all been craving!
• Existing R59 now has a lighter R56
• Existing YR24 receives a darker mate of YR27

I used Karen Lockhart's pretty new Garden Roses #2159, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and used the new RV55 (with RV52) for the roses and new R59 for the deepest shading.  (You can find all of newest Lockhart stamp release HERE):

(New 2012 colors have a black dot below the color name on the cap end)

The leaves and stems were colored with existing G40 and new G43 and G46:

The basket is base coated with E81 and shaded with new E84 and existing E87 -- such a pretty golden brown / khaki color!

The ground was colored with existing E30, E31 and E35.

The image was die cut with Lifestyle Crafts Tags die and tied with some of Ellen's pretty light pink satin ribbon she sends as a thank-you gift in each order, tinted a little with Copic R20 marker to match the paper roses.  

The paper roses were die cut from October Afternoon Sidewalks 8x8 patterned paper with Sizzix Bigz 3D Flower, and I have a tip to share with you that makes rolling these paper flowers a little easier!

I use Locking Hemostat Pliers to hold the outside edge of the flower and roll it tightly into the center of the flower:

After rolling, you can loosen your hold on the flower, unlock the pliers and secure the flower to the center with a Craft Glue Dot . . . easy-peasy!  

I colored flat-backed pearls with Copic R56 and secured them to the centers of the flowers.  Green patterned paper from the same Sidewalks pad was die cut with Tim Holtz's On The Edge-Scallops die and everything adhered to a Memory Box Currant Notecard.

I know you will enjoy these new Copic colors -- they really fill out some pretty colors of blending groups!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Garden Roses #2159
Dies: Sizzix Bigz 3D Flower & Tim Holtz's On The Edge-Scallops dies; Lifestyle Crafts Dies-Tags, 
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Memory Box Notecards-Currant, October Afternoon Sidewalks 8x8 patterned paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Existing Copic Markers: 
New 2012 Copic Markers: 
Accessories: Simply Swank Locking Hemostat Pliers, Craft Glue Dots, Pearls, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares, light pink satin ribbon (free gift from Ellen)

Copic Poppies by Sharon Harnist

As this year comes to an end, I reflected upon some of my favorite techniques I tried over the year and wanted to try this one again: Copic Direct to Rubber Background <== Click to see another example of this technique).  While I did the original technique back in March using the Copic Airbrush System, it's just as easy to accomplish the same look with just the Copic markers!

I used Copic T7 to ink the entire rubber stamp. I like using the chisel end of the marker -- the broader surface covers the stamp a little quicker and is less likely to damage the brush tip.  You don't need to be concerned about the color looking a little streaky at this point -- this technique is very forgiving and how the stamp is colored won't matter in the end!  Be sure to also ink all of the flower details.

Then, fill a Mini Mister with Copic Colorless Blender Solution and spritz the stamp.  Hold the mister further away from the stamp, for a finer mist.  I sprayed closer to the stamp, to achieve this water drop effect.  If you look closely where I sprayed more solution in the center of the stamp, the effect is lighter because the Blender Solution diluted the color of the T7 more -- just like it would if you used the Blender marker over T7 marker colored directly on paper.

After spritzing with the Blender Solution, be prepared to stamp the image VERY QUICKLY, because the alcohol-based solution will evaporate and dry quickly!

Using the gray marker, I think this looks like the poppies are blooming in a snow storm and I love the dimensional effect!  Next, I colored the poppies with these Copic markers and Black Atyou Spica Glitter Pen:

I trimmed the image, leaving a white border and adhered it to a Memory Box Licorice Notecard.  The lovely sentiment is from Hero Arts' Poly Clear-Essential Messages.  It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black onto more X-Press It Blender Card and the corners were rounded with the Corner Chomper. 

I love how this ended up looking a little like a colorized black and white photograph!  I hope you'll give this or YOUR favorite technique from this year a try over the last few days of the year! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Hero Arts Clings-Poppy Background & Poly Clear-Essential Messages,
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card; Memory Box Licorice Notecards & Envelopes,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
Copic Markers: R24, R29, R39, G24, G28, T7, Black Atyou Spica Glitter Pen; Copic Colorless Blender Solution, 
Accessories: Ranger Mini Mister, Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, 
Other: Narrow red silk ribbon 

Feminine Twist Tag Bloopers

On the way to fun creations there are always a few bloopers (or maybe more than a few ;-D) that occur. Many items hit that circular file, otherwise known as the garbage, and others end up being quite spectacular. I hope you enjoy seeing some of the "experiments" that occured along the way to the final 12 Tags of Christmas series.

Colored Pencil and Picket Fence Distress Stain

You know you have a fun idea, you can hardly wait to share it... oops you stamped it all too low on the tag to make the balance work. So you start all over - hmm... what to do with the old tag? Well, I like to experiment because I'm simply curious. What would the colored image look like with Picket Fence Distress Stain over top as well as underneath? The answer is - quite soft and beautiful!

Lesson relearned from tag #2 - position your key elements before beginning. Yes, I already knew this lesson, but in my excitement... oh well - we now get to see what colored pencil looks like stained with Picket Fence ;-D

Testing 101

Use those little tidbits that are left over after diecutting to test with! When trying something new and different, rather than using the key elements, I like to use the tidbits to test my ideas.

When I know what is going to work the best, THEN I'm ready to roll on my key elements :-D What an amazing time saver AND good use of these tidbits!

Remember how Tim suggested a nice thick layer of Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint. Well... sitting in my studio all alone on a Sunday, waiting and waiting for it to dry... finally giving up and taking my Heat It tool and ever so gently trying to coax it along... What could have been a beautiful piece... not so much! ha, ha! Lesson learned - leave it alone - do NOT heat Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint!

Thank goodness for innovation. Yes, on Tag 4 I waited for a very long time before realizing I might be at the studio all night, and all the next day, waiting for my project to dry. So I started all over with a nice thinned out layer which ended up being spectacular!

Cracked Glass Technique

In the mean time I had PLENTY of time to experiment and started trying to think of other ways I could achieve a similar look. So I decided to try an old standby I learned years ago - Cracked Glass. Inking my ornament with Distress Embossing Ink and applying a layer of UTEE. Heat, reink and apply a second layer...

and finally a third layer. As you heat the last layer you can alter the texture of the finished project. As you can see at the bottom of this ornament the texture is glossy and smooth - this is the UTEE completely melted. Up in the right hand corner you can see the bumpy texture - if you start melting the UTEE and then move on to a new section you can achieve a completely different look. The choice is yours!

As you can see I went with the completely smooth look.

Allow the UTEE to cool completely and then gently bend your project, cracking the UTEE. You can apply another layer of ink over the surface. It will seep into the cracks and create an even more dramatic look. So many choices, so little time :-D

Colorizing Metal Foil

As you can tell I had a LOT of time on my hands, so I decided to experiment a little further with a look that I then altered for my Mexican Tin Ornament on Day 6. Using Snow Cap Alcohol Ink Mixative I covered the surface of my foiled and embossed ornament. (See Tag 4 to learn how to create this ornament)

Apply a layer of alcohol ink using an alcohol ink applicator. Allow to dry for a few seconds and then use a sanding tool to brush away the top surface of alcohol ink products, exposing the now brushed foil beneath.

Such a striking look and SO very easy to do!

More UTEE Shrink Plastic Embellishments

Shrink plastic also comes in white. Create your embellishment as shared in our Tag 11 post.

Pigment ink also works beautifully as a release when stamping into hot UTEE or hot glue. I inked my stamp using the gorgeous Delicata gold ink.

Remove embellishment from the melting pot and drag across your non-stick craft sheet, immediately stamping as shown above. Allow stamp to sit until UTEE cools slightly, about 3-5 seconds, and remove.

Once again use the hot edge of the melting pot to refine your embellishment.

If you ended up trying this technique and created some pieces that didn't quite cut the mustard, you can still salvage them with this technique.

Clean up the edges of your embellishment by cutting away or melting away the excess UTEE. Place into a clean melting pot project pan, or something similar.

Heat with your Heat It tool, softening the surface, and sprinkle on glass glitter. Allow to cool and then pick up and release excess glitter.

You will end up with a gorgeous, embellishment with glass glitter embedded into the UTEE.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my experiments and "recovery tactics" from this last set of tags. Yes, when trying new things there are going to be quite a few that are questionable :-D Wishing you a stress-free, productive and creative week ahead!

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2011 - Day 6 by Ellen

Inspiration comes in interesting ways! It always amazes me how memories in the recesses of one's mind come to the forefront when creating. When I first peeked at Tim's tag this morning I paused - I knew that it reminded me of something, but I could not put my finger on it. Christopher Radko makes some of the most beautiful glass ornaments and the bright colors just struck a cord in my mind, but that wasn't it. It was when one of our sweet customers stopped in, exclaiming that it looked like a Mexican ornament, that it truly dawned on me what memory was trying to find its way to the surface.

(remember to double click on the photos if you want to see them in more detail)

It was a trip to Old Town San Diego when my girls were little! We purchased two very sweet little Mexican Tin Ornaments for our Christmas tree. I always like to purchase a Christmas ornament when we take a trip, so that when we decorate our tree each year it brings back fond memories of time spent with my family. Well guess what... we haven't had the time to decorate our tree yet this year and my mind was blanking... and yet the idea was still there!

Are you tired of me using the Inkssentials Metal Foil yet? LOL! When Tim used it today I knew that I wanted to try another idea I had discovered and will be sharing that "blooper" discovery with you after the tags are completed. Today's creation pushes that blooper a step further!

Adhere a piece of Metal Foil to the Craft-a-board (picture showing this is on Day 4 Tag.)

Place in embossing folder making certain that the debossed area is pushing down into the metal foil.

This particular embossing folder is exquisite! I love the textural difference of the metal foil where it is untouched vs. embossed!

Now being the complete tease that I am, I wanted to post the picture above and say - here is the completed Day 6 tag. I LOVE how simple and beautiful it is!!! You could crank out a TON of these!! But, I had an idea and I carried on :-D

Apply Snow Cap Alcohol Ink Mixative to the felt applicator and dab the entire tag with it.

Then, one drop at a time, use Various Refills (which are alcohol inks) to color in the debossed areas. I used a fine tipped old paintbrush to paint in the color. It is not critical that you stay within the lines, but working in a "neat" manner will make it easier in the long run.

As you can see the color flows fairly well within those debossed areas.

Apply all colors before moving on. I like working on my non-stick craft sheet. Cleanup is super easy - to clean your paintbrush put a small amount of alcohol ink blending solution or rubbing alcohol into a tiny container and swish the brush clean between colors. Then use the solution to clean up any mess on your non-stick craft sheet when your project is complete.

Alcohol ink dries quickly! It still may feel a little tacky, but you can proceed. Put your project on a piece of scrap paper (don't sand directly on your non-stick craft sheet or you may destroy it) and sand the top surface of the tag. Using a corner of the small Lucky Squirrel sander you can also rough up the painted interior of the flowers if desired. It is so fun to see the satiny foil appear through the white mixative!

Use a soft cloth to remove dust from sanding.

I love that the Webster's Pages trims are mounted on a clear backing. This allows you to easily see what your project will look like if you apply these fun jewels. Add additional bling to the flower centers.

I hope you like today's interpretation of Tim's tag and for those of you who love simplicity and are way behind, just stop at step 1! So simple and gorgeous, or detailed and colorful - you pick!

ink: Snow Cap Alcohol Ink Mixative, Various Ink Refills - R29, YG67, Y17, V17, Colorless Blender Solution

paper: Craft-a-Board

accessories: Tim Holtz Tags & Bookplates Die, Sizzix Basic Grey Winter Botanicals Embossing Folder, Inkssentials Metal Foil, Sanding Block - Tim's and Lucky Squirrel, Alcohol Ink Applicator, Webster's Pages Botanical Christmas Dazzle Me strip, Yellow Gemstones Large and Small, Violet Silk Ribbon, Red Tassle

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What is the favorite new tool/product that you have tried recently? By sharing your comment below you will automatically be entered in our random drawing for the goodies shown above. Be certain to leave your comment before noon on Thursday, December 8th to be included. Thank you for once again joining us as we celebrate creativity at this festive time of year!

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2011 - Day 4 by Ellen

Welcome to Day 4! The inspiration I took from Tim's tag today was the beautiful cracked detail! The first thing that popped into my mind was the beautiful old glass vintage ornaments that I have seen in photos and so I decided I would try and play with that idea.

I am going to apologize right now for the quality of my photos and promise I will try to take some better pictures during the daylight hours tomorrow. I'm not certain what I did, but the white balance on my camera was definitely not accurate and combine that with the sparkle and sheen... well the quality of my photos tonight is definitely off. I considered going back down to work to reshoot them, but admitedly I'm just too tired - so I decided to share them as is and try to get better photos tomorrow.

OK - so this is a new day and a new photo. The color is much more accurate in this photo, but now you can't see the pretty sparkle - LOL! Oh well, it's all good because I know that you all have wonderful imaginations :-D

To begin adhere the Inkssentials Metal Foil to Craft-a-Board. Craft-a-Board is a product that works BEAUTIFULLY with embossing folders and diecuts. It adds stability to your projects and yet allows all the detail to show.

Use Carved Ornaments #2 to cut out the ornament shapes.

The detail of this embossing folder also reminds me of the patterning I have seen on vintage ornaments. Align the ornament within the folder using a small piece of tissue tape to hold it in position. Run it through your diecut and embossing machine.

Use the alcohol ink applicator and YG63 Various Ink refill to colorize the metal foil. Drip several drops of Various Ink onto the felt pad and dab on the ornament surface.

Lightly sand the raised surface of the ornament. It is incredible how gorgeous the detail looks when the burnished satiny silver appears above the light green.

Apply a light layer of Rock Candy Crackle paint to the surface. Using the Ranger scraper remove the excess Rock Candy by dragging the scraper across the surface. You could also use an old credit card or Starbucks card to achieve the same result.

By removing the excess Rock Candy it exposes the satiny silver finish better and the thinner layer of Rock Candy will crack into the most beautiful fine scale which works perfectly with this embossed pattern. It truly does look like an old vintage ornament.

Add a little extra Rock Candy Crackle paint to the top edge of the ornament and the very bottom. Sprinkle Vintage Glitter Glass on these areas. Allow to dry. Rock Candy Crackle paint takes a LONG time to dry - LOL! This is experiment #4 I believe - when we have completed the 12 days series I hope to do a "bloopers" post. I think you will be highly amused and begin to understand why these posts go up so late each night ;-D

I tried so hard to get a picture that captures the gorgeous cracked detail, but argh - my pictures just are not good today - hopefully you can envision the absolute beauty in this little decoration.

Using the technique that Tim shared today I swiped Picket Fence and Bundled Sage Distress stains on my non-stick craft sheet. Spritz your tag with water and then pull it through the inks on the craft sheet.

When creating my tag base I decided to experiment with the combination of Picket Fence and Bundled Sage. I was curious if there would be a difference between the tags if I added Picket Fence or left it out. I was quite surprised that there was a subtle difference between the two tags. Can you guess which one has the Picket Fence stain added?

It's the tag on the left - the Picket Fence seemed to give a more subtle, "grainy" appearance. It is so fun to compare! I'm certain if you were using a darker stain color that it would be even more defined.

Ink the snowflake stamps with Bundled Sage Distress Stain and randomly stamp the tag background. The difference when stamping using an image inked with Distress Stain vs. an ink pad is quite noticable. Distress Stain will give you a looser, more watercolor like look (shown on the left), whereas your stamp pad will define the image clearly (shown on the right).

Cut the evergreen foliage using the Tattered Pine Cones die from excess plastic packaging. It is fun to know that there is a recyclable use for the packaging from the dies. If you do not have any Clearly for Art works in a very similar manner.

Use Snow Cap and Silver Metallic dabbers to ink the foliage. Then lightly heat the plastic and shape. You need to work quickly as the plastic cools it hardens into whatever form you have created. Good news is that you can always reheat and reshape.

One last parting shot that also has really bad coloring - LOL! Be certain to double click on the photo and it will pop bigger so that you can see the cracked detail. Please use your imagination to input the color above to coordinate perfectly with Bundled Sage, then add an incredible sparkle and a silvery satin quality and you've got it :-D Sorry for the bad photos but I do hope that this inspires you to try playing with these fun techniques!

stamps: Winter Sketchbook

ink: YG63 Various Ink Refill, Picket Fence and Bundled Sage Distress Stain

paper: Neenah Solar White, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Tim Holtz Tags & Bookplates, Carved Ornaments #2 and Tattered Pine Cones Dies, Lifestyle Crafts Whimsy Embossing Folder, Inkssentials Metal Foil, Alcohol Ink Applicator, Melissa Frances Pale Green Glass Glitter, Rock Candy Crackle Paint, Webster's Pages Vintage Netting, Vintage Satin and Lace, Lavish Trimmings, Snow Cap and Silver Metallic Dabbers, Sanding Block, Baubles

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I love dies - there are SO many to pick from! Tell me which dies you currently use frequently - by doing so you will automatically be entered in our random drawing for the Carved Ornaments #2 Dies shown above. You have until Tuesday, December 6th noon Pacific Time (one comment per person please) to share your comment.  We look forward to hearing from you!    

2012 Photo Tray Calendar Q1 by Sharon Harnist

If you follow my personal blog at all, you know I have a thing for calendars -- I love them!  I like combining them with artwork to have on display in my home and most importantly -- right on my desk or in my office/creative space!  I also enjoy finding new ways to create them for gifts.  So here's a new one I came up with, that utilizes my 7 Gypsies Black Photo Tray:

               (Click on any photo for a larger view)

Each section of the tray measures 4" x 6" -- perfect for just adding family photos to your calendar, if you wish, or artwork close to the size of a standard A2 card.  I decided to make three months at a time so I would have additional room to showcase some different techniques for you, but you could easily make this a 6-month calendar if you wish.  Then if you give the tray as a holiday gift, you can easily follow up with additional months later in the year (if you don't get them completed all at once) and they will be easy to mail to the recepient.  I'll try to have each calendar quarter prepared a month in advance over the coming year, allowing you plenty of time to follow along and create your own calendar/months, if you'd like!

The beautiful coordinating papers I used this quarter are all from Lilybee Design's Head Over Heels 6x6 Tiny Tablet, designed by our very own multi-talented Miss Julia Stainton . . . I adore all these colors together!

The calendars are Ellen's 2012 PDF Downloadable Calendar -- printed at 75%, they are approximately 3" square.  Each one was matted with Memory Box cardstock: Lagoon, Raspberry, and Vanilla Bean:

January:

I used Tim Holtz Texture Fades Embossing Folders-Snow Flurries & Snowman for the top panel. The embossed snowflakes were rubbed with Adirondack Snow Cap pigment ink pad and sprinkled with Glitter Ritz Transparent Warm Highlights micro fine glitter and then heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder (they were a little tricky to photograph, but show up a little better in the close-up views):

The embossed snowman was just hand trimmed closely to the embossed edges and the edges of both the snowman and snowflake embossed panel were sponged with Distress Inks. Pretty Zva Clear Swirl gemstones accent the Maya Road Mini Chipboard Snowflake which was also clear embossed with glitter. Hero Arts Pink Crystals accent the snowflake and calendar.

TECHNIQUE - Watercolor Two Ways:

I just recently discovered this gorgeous Hero Arts Felt Finish Natural White Watercolor Paper Ellen started carrying and LOVE that it comes in either Bright White or this soft Natural White color I used!  I used for both of these watercolor techniques.

February:

Lockhart Stamp Company's Love Angel was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black onto the watercolor paper. Using a Niji Waterbrush filled with Copic Colorless Blender Solution, I dipped the brush into Copic Various Ink Refills (BG11, BG13, R24, R81, and YR31 placed in a plastic paint palette) to "water" color the angel (clean up afterwards with Clear Blender Solution):

Copic Clear Atyou Spica Glitter Pen accents the angel's wings and a light pink crystal accents the heart she is carrying. Memory Box Raspberry cardstock, die cut with Tim Holtz's Heart Wings Bigz Die, accents the background and calendar:

March:

Lockhart Roses Daisies & Polka Dots was also stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black onto the watercolor paper, but then watercolored the more traditional way, with Adirondack Dye Ink Pads (Lettuce, Pink Sherbet, Pool, Raspberry, Sunset Orange, Sunshine Yellow).  You can just used the ink pad lid as a palette, by rubbing the ink pad onto the lid (as seen in the lower left of the photo below) -- this will usually transfer enough ink to watercolor with, if your pads are juicy enough:

Or you can place a few drops of reinker into the stamp pad lid and use this to watercolor with.  To finish this piece, I used a few dye-based Memento Markers to accent the flowers and color those tiny flower stems!

Memory Box Taffy cardstock, die cut with Tim Holtz's Tattered Florals die, accents the background.

Please let me know if you like this concept and if you'd like to see more months each quarter next year!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Love Angel (#7008), Roses Daisies & Polka Dots (#2122)
Paper: Hero Arts Felt Finish Natural White Watercolor Paper; Lilybee Design Head Over Heels 6x6 Tiny Tablet; Memory Box cardstock-Lagoon, Raspberry, Taffy, Vanilla Bean; 
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink kpad and Memento Markers; Ranger Adirondack Pigment Ink (January)-Snow Cap; Ranger Adirondack Dye Ink Pads (March)-Lettuce, Pink Sherbet, Pool, Raspberry, Sunset Orange, Sunshine Yellow; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Jan & Feb)-Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy & (Mar) Worn Lipstick; 
Copic Markers: E33 & BG13 (Angel), Colorless Blender Solution; Clear Atyou Spica Glitter Pen
Copic Various Ink Refills: BG11, BG13, R24, R81, YR31 (Angel)
Dies: Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die-Heart Wings and Tattered Florals;
Accessories: 7 Gypsies Black Photo Tray; Ellen's 2012 PDF Downloadable Calendar (printed at 75%); Niji Waterbrush; Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fades Embossing Folders-Snow Flurries & Snowman; Ranger Clear Embossing Powder, Heat It Craft Tool, and Ink Blending Tool; Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter-Transparent Warm Highlights; Maya Road Mini Chipboard Sets: Snowflakes; Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares; Zva Clear Swirl gemstones; KaiserCraft Pearls; Hero Arts Pink Crystals; Darice Plastic Paint Palette; 

Anniversary Celebration: Back In Time Challenge by Sharon Harnist

For this challenge, we would like for you to go "Back in Time" through the blog posts on any one of our blogs and choose a project that you can use to inspire a new version of that project.

Ever since Ellen introduced us to the Burnished Velvet (glitter) technique, I've loved doing it . . . what's not to love about glitter?!!  In this CLASSroom blog post last September, Ellen shared a fabulous Halloween/Fall card with the technique. In that blog post, you'll find links to a few other projects with the Burnished Velvet technique and complete instructions for the Burnished Velvet technique in THIS InTouch post.  

Here's my updated version for a sweet polar bear Christmas card:

(Click on any photo for a larger view and to see the sparkles!)

The quick and easy steps:

1. Stamp Memory Box's sweet Fredward Bear with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock; color the bear's scarf with Copic R81 and R85 Sketch markers.

2. Die cut bear with Memory Box Fredward Bear die.

3. Die cut a piece of Be Creative sheet adhesive with bear die. Peel off protective film from bottom side of tape and adhere to colored image.

4. Peel protective film from front side of tape and cover with Glitter Ritz's Transparent Micro Fine Warm Highlights glitter; burnish glitter into tape with finger. 

5. Alternately, while protective film is still on front of colored image, carefully use a craft knife to cut around bear's scarf and remove protective film. Cover exposed area of tape/scarf with your choice of colored Gitter Ritz glitter; burnish with finger. Remove rest of protective film from bear and cover with White Opaque glitter; burnish with finger.

6. Stamp Karen Lockhart's Season's Greetings stamp with Adirondack Watermelon dye ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and trim into a banner shape.

7. Paint Maya Road Mini Chipboard Snowflake with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Acrylic Paint-Blank Canvas and sprinkle with Flora Craft Twinklets Diamond Dust. Allow to dry.

8. Cut two pieces of Memory Box Yuletide 6x6 patterned cardstock and adhere to a Memory Box Cherry Blossom Notecard. Assemble card.

We can't wait to see your "Back In Time" projects!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Memory Box Fredward Bear, Lockhart Stamp Co-Seasons Greetings, 
Dies: Memory Box Die Fredward Bear, 
Paper: Neenah Solar White cardstock; Memory Box Yuletide 6x6 patterned cardstock, Cherry Blossom Notecard,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Ranger Adirondack Watermelon dye ink; 
Copic Sketch Markers: R81 & R85,
Accessories: Sookwang Be Creative Tape, Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter-Transparent Warm Highlights; Maya Road Mini Chipboard Sets: Snowflakes; Flora Craft Twinklets Diamond Dust; Claudine Hellmuth Studio Acrylic Paint-Blank Canvas; 

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Find a project here on the CLASSroom that inspires you and create your card or project based on that post! Once you have completed your project please be certain to link it using InLinkz below. You have until 11:59pm Pacific Time Wednesday, November 30th to complete your project. All entries will be included in a random drawing for the special prize package shown above.

Framed Snowglobe Shaker Decor by Sharon Harnist

             (Click on any photo for a larger view)

Hello and welcome to the CLASSroom!  Today I have this framed snowglobe shaker home decor piece to share with you.  This 4" x 6" framed artwork was easy to create and I love that it's interactive . . . people will walk by this piece on my foyer table and shake it all season long!  Here's how to make it:

1. Stamp this year's Lockhart Stamp Company-2011 Limited Edition Nicholas Sings Carols image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and color with these Copic Sketch Markers:

2. Stamp the image again, positioned on a 4" x 6" piece of Authentique 6x6-Wonder patterned paper where you want the shaker to be. Using a craft knife, cut out only the globe, leaving the base of the globe on the patterned paper. Color the base with Copic T4 and T6:

3. Cut a 4" x 6" piece of Ellen's Crystal Clear Medium Weight Plastic and adhere it to the back side of the patterned paper you cut the snowglobe out of, using Copic's High Tack Double-Sided Tissue Tape. The plastic helps give the patterned paper extra stiffness so it will sit up over the stamped image well:

4. Next, using 3D Foam Squares, build a barrier around the hole you cut in the patterned paper.  Stay away from the edge of the circle, so the foam tape won't show from the front.  Be sure all the edges of the foam tape are touching, so your "snow" won't escape from the shaker! This will also make the patterned paper/plastic piece sit up over the stamped image and hold your shaker material (snow) in place.  Here, I'm using chunky Twinklets Diamond Dust.  It only takes a very small amount of the Diamond Dust -- a lot less than you might think:

5. To create the banner across the top of the frame, I covered three of Maya Road's Mixed Scalloped Triangle Banner pieces with more Wonder paper.  Those little scallops can be tricky to cover, but Basic Grey's Precision File Set makes it easy.  I've had this file set for almost 5 years -- it was one of the very first things I bought from Ellen's store when it first opened!

6. Next, I colored Maya Road's Noah Alphabet chipboard letters with Ranger's Adirondack Cranberry and Snowcap Pigment Inks and clear heat embossed them:

7. The banner was attached to the top of the frame with Doodlebug Assorted (Red) Twine and Craft Glue Dots:

The final embellishment is a Maya Road Mini Chipboard Snowflake, colored with Versamark Frost Dazzle ink and clear embossed.

You can find previous years of these darling Lockhart Limited Edition Christmas globe stamps Ellen still has in stock here:

2010-Auntsy Nancy Reads to Nicholas,
2009-Nicholas & Kitty,
2008-Nicholas First Train,
2007-Grandpa & Grandma Flurry with Nicholas,

Each deeply-etched red rubber wood-mounted stamp is hand colored, signed, numbered and dated!  How cute an entire set of these framed snowglobe shakers would look on your holiday mantle!

Happy crafting!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company-2011 Limited Edition Nicholas Sings Carols,
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Authentique 6x6-Wonder, 
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark Frost Dazzle; Ranger Adirondack Pigment Inks-Cranberry & Snowcap,
Copic Sketch Markers: B0000, C1, R20, R22, R24, R29, T4, T6, YG61, YG63, YG93, YG95, YR12, Y23, Y26
Accessories:  Essentials by Ellen-Crystal Clear Plastic Medium Weight; Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares Mixed; Flora Craft Twinklets Diamond Dust; Doodlebug Assorted Twine; Maya Road Mini Chipboard Sets: Snowflakes, Mixed Scalloped Triangle Banner, Noah Alphabet; Basic Grey Precision File Set; Ranger Clear Embossing Powder & Heat It Craft Tool; Copic High Tack Double-Sided Tissue Tape; Craft Glue Dots;
Other: 4" x 6" dollar store photo frame 

Bookmarks From Scraps by Sharon Harnist

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  I love Memory Box’s line of Notecards and Envelopes -- they are easy to grab for a quick card base and have the pretty matching colored envelopes included!  Often, I cut down these A2 card sized card bases (5.50” x 4.25”) and make smaller notecards -- 4.25”, 3.50” or 3” square, and am then left with these scraps:

So I recently set out to make something out of these leftover scraps (most were 2” x 8.50”) and the first thing that came to mind was bookmarks!

         (Click on any photo for a larger view)

To make these bookmarks for my girls sturdy, I adhered my Memory Box colored scrap notecards (unfolded) to 2” x 8.50” pieces of Ellen’s Craft-a-Board. On the left above, I used Meadow and Wisteria, and on the right I used Currant and Licorice. I used more pieces of my leftover notecards (the reverse/inside of Memory Box notecards and cardstock is white) and punched with Open Scallop Edger Punch to make the white scalloped edging.

Next, I stamped a few Lockhart stamp images (Bennie Bear and Crown of Royalty) with Memento Tuxedo Black onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and colored them with these Copic markers:

Next, I cut out the images and adhered them to Inchie Arts White Inchie + Squares.  For the bear, I colored a white Inchie + Square with YG01 and YG03 Copic markers -- I love that I can make any color of Inchie, Inchie +, or Twinchie Square I want, just by coloring a white one!  I adhered the crown image to a Black Inchie + Square.

Then to personalize each bookmark, I used Kim Hughes’ Paper Smooches Alphadot clear stamps to spell out each girl’s name, “Good Reads” and “Was Here”.

By changing this basic idea around and using more “grown up” or seasonal stamps and paper/cardstock colors, these will also make great gifts for teachers, friends and family for any of the upcoming holidays!

Thanks for visiting the CLASSroom today!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company-Bennie Bear #1011, Crown of Royalty #2125; Paper Smooches by Kim Hughes Alphadot clear stamps; 2.50” Round Acrylic Block with Grid;
Paper: Memory Box Notecards & Envelopes-Currant, Licorice, Meadow, Wisteria; Copic X-Press It Blending Card;
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Ranger Adirondack Dye Ink-Purple Twilight;
Copic Markers: Bear-YG01, YG03, BV02, BV04, E41, E42, E43; Crown-RV00, RV55, T0, T2
Accessories: Essentials by Ellen Craft-a-Board; Inchie Arts White Inchie + Squares and Black Inchie + Square; EK Success Open Scallop Edger Punch; 

WCMD 2011 - Inchie Challenge by Sharon Harnist (EHWCMD3)

Hello, everyone ... I hope you are enjoying today's challenges and getting some cards made on World Card Making Day!  One of my favorite products/techniques to work with are Inchies, so my challenge to you today is to make a Fall themed card using an Inchie to spotlight a larger image!  IF YOU DON'T HAVE INCHIE ARTS INCHIE SQUARES, YOU MAY USE A 1-INCH PIECE OF CARDSTOCK.

For my card, I chose my favorite new Fall Lockhart Stamp Company images, this fabulous Autumn Gate.  I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Copic's X-Press It Blending Card twice.  I hand trimmed around one image and then lightly colored the image a little with some lighter muted Copic colors (E30, Y00, YG61, YR00, T0, T1), to replicate what this gate might look like at dusk.  Normally when doing a spotlight technique, the larger image is left uncolored, but I liked the tiny bit of color on mine.  You may do either on your challenge card.

For the spotlighted "Give Thanks" wreath, I used a piece of cardstock with a 1-inch square punched out of it to use as a template to place over the second stamped image, to determine exactly what part of the image I wanted to use:

I used a pencil to trace around the square template and then I cut out the 1-inch image, leaving the right edge of the banner and bow extending beyond the edges.  I colored the 1-inch image with these Copic markers: (E31, E33, V15, Y15, YG61, YG63, YR12, and Orange, Melon & Lemon Atyou Spica Glitter Pens).  Alternately, you could just stamp the part of the image you want to highlight onto the Inchie Square (or 1-inch piece of cardstock), and/or punch or trim your cardstock image to be one inch square.  I then adhered the cut out image to an Inchie Arts Dark Cream Inchie Square and mounted the Inchie to my larger image.  The Inchie Square gives a wonderful bit of dimension and depth to the Spotlight Technique.  If you are using a 1-inch piece of cardstock for your spotlight, you may want to pop it up on foam tape, to make your spotlight stand out from the rest of your image.

To finish my card, I die cut a Maple Leaf from Memory Box Jack O Lantern cardstock, crumpled it up and then sponged it with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.  It is mounted with 3D foam squares to the Memory Box Paprika notecard base.  A black button and Black Baker's Twine complete my card.

I hope you have fun trying this Inchie Spotlight Technique! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Co-Autumn Gate, 
Dies: Memory Box Maple Leaf die; Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Die-Scallops, 
Paper: Memory Box-Paprika notecards (card base), Jack O Lantern cardstock (leaf); My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 6x6-Sunshine, Copic X-Press It Blending Card; 
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Ranger Distress Ink-Brushed Corduroy; 
Copic Markers: E30, E31, E33, V15, Y00, Y15, YG61, YG63, YR00, YR12, T0, T1; Orange, Melon & Lemon Atyou Spica Glitter Pens,
Accessories: Inchie Arts Assorted Neutral Inchie Squares; Black Baker's Twine; black button; Scrapbook Adhesives 3D foam squares; Ranger Ink Blending Tool; 

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INCHIE CHALLENGE

For our Inchie Challenge simply create a Fall-themed card using an Inchie Square or 1-inch piece of cardstock to spotlight one area of your stamped image.

Once you have completed this challenge please be certain to link directly to that specific project in our WCMD Challenge Blog Candy post!

BLOG CANDY

Fall is filled with traditions -- what tradition do you look forward to each fall?  Be certain to leave your answer and some love for Sharon on this post to be entered in a random drawing for the fun goodies shown below.

 
All comments must be made by 11:59pm Pacific Time on Sunday, October 2nd to be eligible.

Color-Bleed Grid Technique by Julia Stainton

I have a fun background technique to share with you today. It's one of those "hmmm...what if I..." things that have been floating around in my mind for a while. I hope you enjoy it! It's a simple one that you don't need a lot of product for...just some Copic markers and Copic Blending Solution. I'm pretty tickled with the color-bleed look. I hope you give it a try!

Let's get started...

First of all you need to create a grid to color in. I've made my grid 3"x3" but you can choose whatever size and how many squares you wish. Use pencil and a ruler and draw it in lightly.

Next, color in your squares with different Copic Marker colors. Make sure you get a nice even covereage and use lots of ink. Erase your pencil grid when done.

Here's what the reverse side may look like. You want lots of saturation of color going right through the paper.

For this project I've used the above Copic Markers. I've used colors that are close to each other on the color spectrum so that when the color bleeds, it won't get muddy.

Now here's the fun part! With the image facing up again, drop tiny drips of Copic Blending Solution onto the grid to create "watermarks".

I've used the bottom end of a paint brush to add in the smaller dots. The Copic Blending Solution dries very quickly. A feature I love. I can be a tad impatient. Make sure the layer is completely dry before stamping on it.

And here's the finished design. Some simple stamping, a sentiment and tiny rhinestones finish it off. I find that when using a pretty technique, it's always best to keep the rest of the design simple. You don't want to overwork the design or take away from your beautiful background.

Supplies: Solar White Cardstock by Neenah, pencil, Tim Holtz Design Ruler,YG23 New Leaf, B04 Tahitian Blue, BG34 Horizon Green and BG49 Duck Blue Copic Markers, Copic Colorless Blender Solution, Basic Grey Butterflies and Wildflowers stamp set and Everyday Sayings stamp set by Hero Arts, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, clear rhinestones

Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom!

Clean & Simple Card: Just saying hi, by Julie Ebersole

*click on the pics for an enlarged view*

This card design seemed apropos for today! I'm so jazzed to be here and part of Ellen's Education & Inspiration Team.

I'm not sure 'bout you, but I never seem to get enough of flower stamps--love LOVE 'em, and in all types of art styles.  This MONDO one by Hero Arts is one of my many favorites--such a great contemporary look, and it looks great simply stamped or colored in.  Makes for a fantastic focal image by nature of its size.

In this instance, I decided to white emboss it, and simply trace around it with a subtle touch of blue Copic that matched the hues of the patterned paper I wanted to use. It's a great way to accentuate an image like this, without having to color it all in (it is kinda big, but in an awesome kinda way. *grin*)

I love that so many manufacturers are now producing smaller, 6x6" versions of their gorgeous patterned papers because the scale/size is so perfect for card making! The Marjolaine collection has some super-cute florals, as well as great masculine patterns in hues of dusky blues, chartreuse, and charcoal.  And, they look wonderful with kraft card stock!

Sometimes you can stamp right over the top of patterned paper, and sometimes the pattern and colors are too strong for a sentiment to really show up well.  To make sure this greeting didn't get "lost" within the pattern of the paper I chose, I white embossed it onto a strip of vellum card stock about 1/4" narrower than the patterned paper first and then adhered with some Xyron adhesive (the little "X" shaped one).  Be Creative sheet adhesive also works extremely well, in lieu of Xyron, for a completely "invisible" vellum adhesive. The vellum diffused the pattern beneath it just enough to allow the sentiment to remain easily legible.

It hit me how fun it would be to layer a clear button over one of the designs from the patterned papers for an accent, so I glued it down with some Glossy Accents, and after it was dry, I trimmed it out, and pierced through the button holes so I could add some twine (I can rarely, if ever, leave m' buttons nekked, I'm afraid) and slap it down with a Glue Dot.

To finish it off, I rounded the upper right corner and decided to add white gel pen borders.  You could easily duplicate this design in 10 minutes, and if you prepped enough supplies for mass production, you'd probably be able to create quite a few in just an hour's time!  Gotta love that! 

Thank you for stopping by the CLASSroom today!

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Hero Arts Cling Large Flower,
Hero Arts ClearDesign Just Saying Hi
Versamark Inkpad
Hero Arts Card Buttons Clear
Judikins Embossing Powder Opaque White
Basic Grey 6x6" Marjolaine Paper Pad
Memory Box Co. H Cardstock Kraft
Copic Sketch Marker B21 Baby Blue
Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool
Uniball Impact Gel Pen White
Ranger Glossy Accents

Other:  Card Stock Vellum (source unknown), Xyron Adhesive, Ivory Twine (by May Arts)

Lockhart Pumpkin Cookies Foldover Bookmark

There are times when I wonder if I'm living under a rock - LOL! With everything going on in life I don't have any time to blog hop and so I have no idea if someone else has shared a version of this project before. Using a large, shaped die to create a "foldover" is an idea that I just thought was fun and so I had to share it with you - I hope that you enjoy it even if you have heard it before.

 

I have been LOVING the label dies from Memory Box Company and it was after creating the Halloweenie card with the Chadwick Label that this idea dawned on me. Why not create "foldovers" with my larger dies?!?

 

To create a "foldover" you simply score your cardstock and fold it. Then using a piece of tissue tape attach the cardstock, with the fold line end slightly lower then where the die would normally make the cut, to the face of your die.

 

Run it through your die cut machine and voila a very nifty "foldover." These then can turn into darling bookmarks that have fabulous shapes!

 

To hold the bookmark in place use a Basic Grey magnet - these are still the best magnets on the market for something like this.

 

Shown above are the colors of Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils and Spica Glitter pen that I used to color the Pumpkin Cookies. I <3 this image and have used it as our thank you's this month.

I also used the Copic Markers to color the 1/4" white silk ribbon with purple to add a little "pop" to the project.

As a little aside - I must tell you that Indie Bloom has papers in the collection that have a fabulous halloween feel.

 

To close I had to share the first version of my project - it is so amazing to me that sometimes when I view my completed project through the camera lens I see missing elements. That is precisely the case in today's project - do you see the difference? It's the littlest of details that can make a card special. By simply adding texture to the edges of the foldover with a pierced design the project comes to life.

 

stamps: Lockhart Halloween Cookies

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lavender Spica Glitter Pen

paper: Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Mango CS, Basic Grey Indie Bloom

accessories: Tim Holtz Mini Cabinet Die, Mini Paper Clip, and Design Ruler, 1/4" White Silk Ribbon,

Paper Smooches Croppin', Hoppin' and Halloweenie Fun

September is right around the corner and with it comes the fall buzz for all fun and crafty "Halloweenie" things. This new set from Paper Smooches debuts on September 1st, so you will not find it in the store until that date. BUT I have a special surprise for you! We are using it today in our Warehouse Crop and we do not want you to feel left out. Read through this post and share which Paper Smooches set is your favorite with us in the comments section to be included in this random drawing for an opportunity to win your very own set!

 

This little witchie just make one grin - yes, she is a cute ghoul - ha! ha!

To color her I used Copic colors - YG11, YG25, YG00, W00, R02, R08, YR16, YR68, YR09, 100 and V04.

Her hat and dress are paper pieced with the spidery paper from the Graphic 45 Hallowe'en in Wonderland 8x8 collection. Then using a White Pastel Pencil I added color around the "edges" of the design to add depth. Use the Clear Glaze pen to add shine to her lips and the blacks of her eyes. A yellow Spica Glitter Pen was used on the orange in her socks and the buckle on her hat. It is amazing how much these little details help to create a special image.

 

Tip: When cutting out fine details such as the heels on the witches boot cut out the areas that have the most delicate parts first. To have the added stability of the remaining cardstock will help you keep them in pristine condition.

Then using a black marker color over the cut out portion - this helps eliminate any white spots!

Every witch needs a sparkly moon. When airbrushing I like to create a mask that does not "buffet" in the "breeze." To diecut Eclipse tape, my favorite paper masking material,  I affix the Eclipse to a piece of typing paper or cardstock and then cut out the image. In this case I used the Memory Box Flower Mound die - I felt it created a delightful moon background :-D

Firmly affix it to your moon. 

Airbrush with several colors to create a fabulous color combination - I used YR09, YR68 and YR16. 

Remove mask and reveal your fun new moon. 
 

To adhere the Be Creative (Sookwang) tape to your project simply place the moon face down on to the adhesive surface. Using the Fiskars fingertip knife I run it around the exterior of my circle, cutting through the adhesive. Then use your finger to easily roll the excess adhesive away.

Use Warm Highlights glitter and the Burnished Velvet technique (read more about that technique here if you don't remember the details) bring your moon to life.
 

One of the advantages to clear stamps is the ease of cutting the sentiments and customizing them. "hey cute ghoul" comes as one long piece. I wanted to create a shorter, stacked version, so I simply cut it between the words rounding the edges on the end.
 

To then be able to determine the fit makes it so easy to use.
 

Stamp the background using Deep Violet ink, add a few bats (sorry this is an old Martha Stewart punch I just couldn't resist using) and a gemstone for balance and bling.

 
Now don't forget to leave a comment below telling us what your favorite Paper Smooches stamp set is! You have until midnight Sunday, August 28th to be included in this random drawing for the Paper Smooches Halloweenie set!

 
stamps: Paper Smooches Halloweenie (stamp set will be available here in our store on September 1st), Hero Arts Cling Classic Fabric Design

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Archival Deep Purple

paper: Memory Box Granny Smith Notecard, Cantaloupe & Lavender Cardstock, Neenah Solar White

accessories: Memory Box Chadwick Label Die, Citron Gemstone, Clear Glaze Pen, Lemon Spica Glitter Pen, White Pastel Pencil, 4 1/2" Be Creative Tape (Sookwang) or Tape Sheets, Warm Highlights Glitter, Eclipse Tape,

Custom Lace by Julia Stainton

Creating with the focus on embellishments is one of my very favorite ways to papercraft. I love the texture and arranging them on the project and especially, finding creative ways to use them.

Today's project uses the beautiful Basic Grey Out of Print Lace Stickers which are stunning on their own. I decided to have a little fun playing with them and adding color to one of the stickers for a very unique look.

To start off with, I simply cut the sticker with the backing away from the rest of the package. The backing makes a great work surface and allows me to play around with the design arrangement before commiting to my final design.

To add in color, I turned to some of my favorite Copic Marker hues. Coloring lace is so easy. While leaving it on the backing, simply dab on color in the areas you wish to highlight. Using the brush end slowly build up the color by allowing the ink to soak into the lace until you get a look you are happy with.

 

Here's a detailed look at the lace and the card.

I love using tickets to anchor a design and this fun ticket is cut from a 12x12 patterned paper from Memory Box.

Supplies:

Solar White cardstock by Neenah, Out of Print Lace Stickers by Basic Grey, R83 Rose Mist, R85 Rose Red, BV01 Viola, BG11 Moon White and YR09 Chrome Orange Copic Markers, Fancy Floss Baker's Twine by We R Memory Keepers, Cling Daisy Label Stamp Set and Woodgrain Pattern Background Stamp by Hero Arts, Jet Black Archival Ink and Milled Lavender Distress Ink by Ranger, Valise Ticket's Please Cardstock by Memory Box, Green Leaf  Trinket Pin by Maya Road, Tiny Attacher by Advantus, Hello Luscious Stitched Brad by Basic Grey

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!

Zentangled Lockhart Telephone

It has been so much fun hearing how much you are enjoying this month's thank you note!

 

It all began with the thought that I wanted to turn the Lockhart phone into a "mod" image. Yes, I remember the 70's all too vividly and am still somewhat enamored with the psychedelic colors and image of that era.

 
This darling telephone is one of those old rotary dials and so perfect for this technique. When looking for an image select something that has "open space." 

 

I then used the Basic Grey Lauderdale as my inspiration. Note the arrows with numbers on them. As you can see #1, the leaf, was completely inspired by the leaf in the patterned paper. #2, the line with the circle on the end of it within the bloom came from the little yellow flower center. #3, the swirls in the handle were inspired by the stamens in flower #3.

To fill my images I use a combination of my Copic Multiliners. For the smallest of areas I find myself reaching for my .03 sized pen and then working my way up when I add borders and definition.

Taking inspiration from patterned paper or Zentangle books makes "filling in" images easier. I can tell you that I doodled several images before finalizing my plan. Simply stamp your image multiple times and begin to draw. It doesn't have to be perfect and you can do each one a little differently. Once you arrive at your final look you can then redo it with that design in mind.

 
I also wanted to share with you today how fabulous the new Memory Box Corner Notch dies are. These are designed to perfectly fit a gift card, such as a Starbucks card, BUT it also fits perfectly with the Perfect Gift Card Die. Just think of the custom gift cards you can now so easily create for the holiday season ahead! What a fun little booklet it would be if you created your own stamped "coupons!"

To complete the look I simply rounded the corners with the Chomper, added a strip of glitter and topped it off with a little bling.

I would like to encourage each of you to find a stamp that has an open area and then start adding some "pattern" to it!

 
stamps: Lockhart Telephone

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Multiliners - .03, .05, .3

paper: Memory Box Mango Notecard, Basic Grey Lauderdale 6x6 Paper Pad, Neenah Solar White Classic Crest

accessories: Memory Box Perfect Gift Card and Scalloped Corner Notches Dies, Corner Chomper, Be Creative (Sookwang) 1/2" Tape, Grasshopper Glitter Ritz, Canary Yellow MB Jewels

Zen Apples by Sharon Harnist

 

I loved the idea Ellen shared in this post about filling larger open stamped images with doodles or Zentangles, so I thought I would try my hand at tangling and had a BLAST!  To start, all you need is any stamp image with enough room to doodle in ... I chose Karen Lockhart's Perfect Apples (they reminded me of school starting again next month!) and stamped them with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card.

Next, just have fun randomly drawing images within the stamped image, using Copic's Black Multiliners -- I used 0.1 for most of my details and 0.3 for the thicker lines.  You can find the refillable markers individually in Ellen's store or both of them in this disposable pack.  Using the Copic Multiliner, which is the same permanent ink as Copic markers, ensures no fading or bleeding should you want to also add color to your tangled images.

 

If you need help with patterns to doodle, Ellen carries a wonderful selection of Zentangle books that give you ideas and easy to follow patterns.  After finishing my designs, I colored each of my apples individually with Copic markers (colors listed below): 

 

To finish my card, I die cut the apple image and mounted it with 3D Foam Squares to another die cut of Memory Box Cranberry cardstock and then to a black card base embossed with Tim Holtz Texture Fades Wooden Embossing Folder -- I love that these folders are the exact same size as an A2 cardfront!  For accents, I added red twine and green felt leaves attached with a gold brad.

I hope you'll give tangling a try, I think you'll like it -- I sure did!  - Sharon

 
Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Co-Perfect Apples,  
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card; Memory Box Licorice & Cranberry notecards
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
Copic: Black Multiliners-Refillable 0.3 and 0.1 or disposable 4-piece set, Markers-RV34, R35, R37, BG13, E35, G21, G24, G07, YG17, Y08, YR23 
Accessories: Tim Holtz Texture Fades Embossing Folders-Bricked and Wooden, Jillibean Baker's Twine-Red & Brown, Hero Arts Felt Poinsettia & Leaves, gold brad, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares, Zentangle books,

Copic Background Stamping by Sharon Harnist

Today I'm showing you another way you can use your Copic Various Ink Refills to create a stamped background or main focal image, using solid, bold & chunky stamp images.

1. Using a craft stick, mix together Copic Various Ink Refill colors of choice into gel hand sanitizer on Ranger's Non-Stick Craft Sheet -- one color in each pile of hand sanitizer OR you can try mixing colors together, to create a new color.  Use two or more colors, or just one.  Since the Copic ink and hand sanitizer are both alcohol based, with the hand sanitizer having a high alcohol content, it serves as a great medium to hold the Copic color. Above, I used YG03 and R22 to create the background for this notecard:

2. Press Hero Arts Antique Brocade rubber stamp into colored gel, to ink up the stamp. Tap rubber stamp around in the gel colors, making sure all of rubber stamp surface is covered with color.
3. Stamp onto Arturo Soft White Single Card Panels.  Alternately, you could stamp onto a heavy cardstock, which may buckle and/or warp when dried; whereas the Arturo paper is more absorbent and the color will quickly soak into the paper, thereby preventing as much spreading or smearing of color.
4. Let dry naturally (it won't take too long), or speed up drying process by using a heat tool.

Above left, I used just one color, V15, to stamp the center panel; then mounted it onto an Arturo Lavender Card.  Basic Grey Opaline Indigo Half Pearls accent the violet stamped panel.  I used the Copic YG03 Various Ink Refill to hand dye May Arts White Silk 1/4" Ribbon to tie around the brocade stamped center panel on the right, which was mounted to an Arturo Pale Pink Card.

Sentiments are all from the Hero Arts ClearDesign-Everyday Sayings, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad.  Another added bonus to using the gel hand sanitizer -- your stamped project will smell nice, too!

I hope you have fun with this technique and let me know what you create with it!  You can use any number of bold, solid stamp images! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Hero Arts Cling-Antique Brocade, ClearDesign-Everyday Sayings,
Paper: Arturo Soft White Single Card/Panels, Lavender Cards & Envelopes and Pale Pink Cards & Envelopes,
Ink: Copic Various Ink Refills-R22, YG03, V15; Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Accessories: Ranger Non-Stick Craft Sheet, Claudine Hellmuth Craft Sticks and Heat It Craft Tool; Hero Arts Pink Crystal Gemstones; Basic Grey Opaline Half Pearls-Indigo; May Arts White Silk 1/4" Ribbon (dyed with YG03 Various Ink Refill)
Other: Gel hand sanitizer

Summer Card Camp Color Inspiration

Today's post is going to be super quick because I want to give you time to head over and sign up for the Summer Card Camp 2011 if you have not already done so --- you do not want to miss out on the fun Jennifer and Kristina have planned for you! Registration is open until June 29th, so that means you only have two more days.

 

This weeks color combo made me think of sherbet!
 

What better fit than these darling little cones from the Basic Grey Hero Arts Life of the Party. I know who is going to grab this card for a friend's birthday this summer!

To color this image I used a combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.
 

Then using the same Walk in the Park decorative paper together with some felt flowers and fabulous Wild Plum embossing powder I quickly whipped up a second birthday card. I love having color combinations to inspire me --- it makes the creative process go so very quickly!

Not only can you achieve color with markers, inks and pencils, but you can add color with buttons, felt, embossing powder and so much more. Look in your stash to see what you have in these delicious colors! Then head over and sign up for some fun and join in the challenges - in addition to the amazing inspiration there are some awesome goodies awaiting some lucky participants!

 
stamps: Hero Arts ClearDesign Life of the Party Birthdays

ink: Distress Embossing Ink Pad, Memento Tuxedo Black

paper: Echo Park 6x6 Walk in the Park, Memory Box Mango and Bayou Cardstock

accessories: Sizzix Flowers #3 Original Die, Rose Felt, Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket Buttons

Memory Box Die Sandwich Information

This weekend we celebrate the wedding of my nephew and soon-to-be niece. The day of their engagement my nephew planned a wonderfully romantic day, starting at sunrise with a hot air balloon ride. So in keeping with the theme of their wedding reception I wanted to create a card that used a hot air balloon. Well, lo and behold I could not find an appropriate stamp in my collection - imagine that - LOL! Julia to the rescue - she went "spotting" through our stamp collection and found the Hero Arts Flourish Ornament.

 
I would never know that this was a Christmas stamp when used upside down and pieced. I am quite tickled with the end result... it feels so "weddingy."

Begin by printing your sentiment on the cardstock. Stamp the Flourish Ornament on a sheet of decorative 5th Avenue paper.

TIP: Add a hint of color for depth to your designer papers using Copic markers.

Finish off with a little bling!

MEMORY BOX DIE SANDWICH INFORMATION

We have been receiving questions regarding the Memory Box Die sandwiches and so I thought I would share a couple of quick pictures and my thoughts to hopefully assist you.

 

If you already own Nestabilities then simply use the exact same sandwich you are used to. If you do not and are starting from scratch then the most important component to add to the products that come with the Big Shot or Vagabond is the Solo Thin Die Adapter. As you can see in the photo above this adapter comes with instructions printed directly on it. This makes it super easy to use.

I have positioned the plates askew for the photograph above - when cutting you will want to have them positioned directly atop one another.

Following is the sandwich as pictured starting at the base:

• Solo Platform
• Solo Shim (this comes with the Platform, but because it can be damaged after loads of use it can be purchased separately)
• Solo Thin Die Adapter
• Extra shim if necessary - this can be as thin as a piece of copy paper to as thick as a piece of Craft-a-Board. Some machines and dies have a "sweet spot". If you cut out your die image and it is not quite cut all the way through simply add a shim to your sandwich.
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad - I typically keep my extended pad out because it can be easily used for the longer dies such as the rosette. (These cutting pads are too wide to fit in the Cuttlebug.)
• Cardstock
• Memory Box Die - Position with "blade" side facing down towards cardstock. I like to hold my die in position using tissue tape - this helps keep the alignment perfect. Yes, it's the perfectionist syndrome - LOL!
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad

Now simply send your sandwich through your Big Shot, Big Kick or Vagabond. Many of you have also asked what you can use in your Cuttlebug with the longer dies such as the Rosette. Unfortunately I have not a perfect solution for this and so I must admit that my preference lies with with Sizzix machines because of the longer plates and sturdy machines. Now don't go running out and purchasing a new machine blaming it on me - LOL! But, I do believe that you will appreciate the ease of using the longer plates and not having to mess with "rigging it" to try and get the shorter plates to work.

I hope that you find this information helpful. Thank you for once again stopping in here in the CLASSroom - have a lovely weekend!

 
stamps: Hero Arts Flourish Ornament

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - BG70, BG72, T2

paper: Melissa Frances 5th Avenue 6x6 Paper, Memory Box Pool Cardstock

accessories: Memory Box Piestra Tile Die, Memory Box Sparkling Diamond Jewels

Old Jalopy Father's Day Card by Becky Olsen

Father's Day is in just a few days, can you believe? Sometimes coming up with masculine ideas can be a little intimidating for me. I love making cards with all the girly fluff and eye candy, but thinking of ways to let the men in my life know how much they mean can be a little more difficult. I was pondering this dilemma and remembered the Old Jalopy die cut that Tim Holtz designed for Sizzix, and the question of where to start was answered.

First the die cut was cut out in Craft-a-Board. Then start at the bottom edge and lay down a strip of Marketplace Tissue Tape. 

Then cover the rest strip by strip with Tim Holtz Marketplace Tissue Tape.

Use an exacto knife to remove the excess tape from the edges and windows of the jolopy.

Color the windows from the other pieces of the die cut with Copic markers and then coat with Glossy Accents and set aside to dry.

Color the other pieces of the car from the die cut with Copic markers and adhere in place on the car. Stitch May Arts black silk ribbon onto the bottom of a card base that has been covered in October Afternoon paper from the Seaside collection. The sentiment was done with Cosmo Cricket black Tiny Type. 

Adhere the jalopy with Scrapbook Adhesives dimensional foam, and insert the windows at this time as well (if they are dry).

This sweet ride is ready to hit the road now, and I am really excited about how cute it turned out. Not the same thing as a girly, eye candy kind of card, but one that no doubt will give a jump start to your special dad's heart.

B-

Shaded Delicate Blossoms by Sharon Harnist

Today I'm sharing this gorgeous Hero Arts ClearDesign-Delicate Blossoms stamp I used on this 6x6 stamped art piece that I colored with Copic markers.  I stamped the blossom image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic's X-Press It Blending Card.

I used two of the new Copic 2011 colors: BG70 and YG61 ... I love how these new lighter colors help extend the color range of some of my favorite blending groups!  The lightest part of the blossoms is the BG70 I used to base color the entire blossom, and then left that lighest color showing while adding depth to the rest of the blossoms, using the rest of the BG blending group: BG72, BG75, and BG78.  Remember, laying down the lightest color in your blending group first will allow the rest of your colors to blend easier.

Generally, you'll want to add your deepest color towards the bottom or inside of a blossom, or where one petal meets another one or casts a shadow onto another petal.

I used the new YG61 towards the bottom of the flower stems, where they would be lighter, with more daylight hitting them, and then used the darker colors of the blending group (YG63 & YG67) towards the tops of the stems where they would be darker and have shadows cast against them from the blossoms.

For the shadowing behind and under the flowers, I used this Copic blending group: E40, E41 and E42 since it matched the colors in the pretty Prima Reflections 6x6 paper I chose. Marianne Walker's Shadows & Shading-A Beginner's Guide to Lighting Placement is a fabulous tool that goes into great depth and detail on how to place cast shadows and shading and what color they should be:

I die cut the floral image with Tim Holtz's Sizzix On The Edge Die-Scallops simply by placing the edger die on each side of the image and running it through my die cut machine twice ... a different way to use those edger dies!

Finally, the Hero Arts Essential Messages sentiment was stamped on more of the Reflections patterned paper, hand cut into a banner shape, and the edges inked with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink and machine stitched to the floral image.

~ Sharon

Stamps: Hero Arts ClearDesign-Delicate Blossoms & Essential Messages,
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Prima 6x6-Reflections,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Brushed Corduroy,
Copic Markers: BG72, BG75, BG78, YG63, YG67, E40, E41, E42; New Copic 2011 colors: BG70 and YG61; Pitch Black Atyou Spica Glitter Pen;
Tools: Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Die-Scallops, Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper,
Accessories: Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Dots, Glue Glider Pro-Perma Tac, Sewing machine; Marianne Walker's Shadows & Shading-A Beginner's Guide to Lighting Placement

Dear Blog Candy Winner Call Me

This little telephone is insanely cute AND versatile! I just had to use it to announce today's winner because of the cute little "checklist" that you can use to accompany it! You must check out the new Lockhart images --- it is so hard to pick a favorite from this new release. 

 

The winner of our Memorial Weekend blog candy is...

 
My flowers are my favorite thing in the garden. I LOVE my little purple iris' that are blooming right now. Might be because I love purple???

Posted by: cheryl l. | May 29, 2011 at 05:29 AM

Cheryl please email us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com (or you could call us too - LOL!) with your snail mail address so that we can get your new goodies out to you!

 

Today I wanted to remind you that Copics can be used to enhance designer paper! By simply stamping your image directly on designer paper and then coloring selected portions you can add interest and depth to stamped designs. The key to incorporating color is to select colors that compliment the colors in your designer papers. Test your colors in a corner that will not be used before beginning.

Another tip I would like to share today is selecting papers that emulate a mood or emotion. For example this bold, sunburst design really made it feel like the phone is ringing.  

I couldn't help myself... I had to try putting an actual "cord" on my phone. My using the very fine tip of the Quickie Glue pen I was able to add twine to my image. I love the end result.

This phone is perfect for paper piecing, coloring and I believe I am going to have to Zentangle it as well---too much fun!!!
 

A little bling to designate what it is that I am hoping we will receive today, as well as my interpretation of the counter on which the phone is sitting, and this vibrant project is complete. Thank you to all who took time to leave your comments this weekend - I loved hearing from you! I can just envision the glorious blooms and I want SO BADLY to taste the fresh, vine ripened tomatoes!

 
stamps: Lockhart Telephone and Mail Check List

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - YG21, YG25

paper: Echo Park Splash 6x6, Memory Box Mango Cardstock and Key Lime Distressed Dots

accessories: JilliBean Green Twine, Quickie Glue Pen, Pistachio Green Memory Box Jewels

Welcome Gate Seed Packet

Holiday Monday's get a big thumbs up! I hope that you are enjoying yours.

Today showcases the coloring on the last piece of the little trio of projects I created using the new Lockhart stamps. Sharing garden seeds can be so much fun and the intent was to create a little piece that garden seeds could be enclosed and given to a friend.

 

Each of the pieces above have one common thread - the Mykonos papers. Using the colors from this collection was a wonderful jumping off point and allowed me to create an ensemble that easily coordinates.

 

Begin by coloring each different element in the stamped image with a light colored Copic. At times I make a "mistake" when pulling out the flowers, greens, etc. - by working with a light color it is so very easy to come back in and adjust the colors if you discover you have colored a leaf pink :-D

I am now going to work through how I add depth or dimension to my colored images.

 

Add W4 as shown above. Do not color the entire area - only little tidbits in similar corners of each "segment."

 

Add E34 in various areas as shown above.

 

Now go back over these areas with W1 - the lighter color will blend the colors you just added, as well, when you color an area over a second time it becomes darker. I have found that I will get varying shades of a color by going over an area up to four times. Each time I apply that color it becomes slightly darker.

 

The last colors I add are typically with Prismacolor Color Pencils. The added texture that colored pencils add by simply grabbing the top layer of tooth on the Neenah paper adds so much interest. I hope that you can see it in these photos.

 

I almost always work from light to dark.

 

Then come back over all colors with my lightest Copic color to blend and add colored pencil once again. Sorry for the blur on the bottom of this picture, my camera grabbed the marker colors and I didn't realize I had lost my focus on the bottom of the image :-( Please look at the photo below to see that area in focus.

 

One of the techniques I like to use when coloring "green" areas is to very lightly "blur" the background area with Chartreuse colored pencil as shown above.

I then come back in with a mix of greens to create depth.

 

Mixing yellows and yellow-reds creates a wonderful golden yellow.

 

A little Goldenrod colored pencil and the flowers and gate are almost complete.

I purposefully left the sign until the very end - I didn't know what color I wanted it to be until my image was complete. It then became obvious to me that I wanted to balance the blues of the flowers at the base and create a triangle of color.
 

To create unity amongst these projects I once again stitched my image to the flap of this wonderful little Kraft Glassine envelope. This time I took a picture of the back side as well so that you can see how the stitching can vary from one side to the next.
 

Using another Squash button together with a mini paper clip and adding a Whimsy Bird completed this simple project.

Remember to leave your comment before midnight tonight on the Summertime post to be eligible to receive the goodies you will need to create these projects! AND let's all cross our fingers for some nice summertime weather!

 

stamps: Lockhart Welcome Gate

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

paper: 7 Gypsies Mykonos 6x6 Paper Pad, Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Squash Cardstock, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Tim Holtz Kraft Glassine Envelopes, Mini Paper Clip, Memory Box Button Die, Design Ruler, Retractable Craft Pick

Summertime with New Lockhart Stamps and Mykonos Paper

I just have to giggle this morning as I write this post - most obviously I hid my "clue" in the picture on Facebook well. Yes, it is new Lockhart stamps that I am so excited about! Lockhart stamps were my first "babies" here in our store. I would head out and teach coloring classes using these images and would love every minute of it. I still love every minute of the time I get to spend coloring these delightful images. The details make me smile and feel all warm inside.

Over the next three days I will be sharing a new project each day, showcasing the new images AND we have a special give-away here for you today, so be certain to read all the way through this post and leave a comment to the question below to become eligible for this random drawing.

 

Ready To Plant... I am SO ready to plant this spring! I really would like to have some of my favorite home-grown tomatoes again this year, but the weather - oh vey! So for now I will have to satisfy myself with coloring pretty garden images :-D The shape of today's tag was inspired by the fabulous little tags available in the new Mykonos collection. The colors in this collection just scream summertime to me and so I began to color my series of projects with these beautiful papers sitting next to me.

 

As always I begin to color my image by "picking out" the details in my image using a light colored Copic marker.

I then come back in and add darker highlights such as the red, as you can see I am beginning to do in the petunias above. There are times when I am uncertain what colors I will want to use on certain pieces of the image, such as the wheelbarrow, and so I leave them alone until I get further into my color selection.

 

Once I have all my colors in place I then come back with the lightest color to blend them all together. If the range of the color values is too large I will scribble some of the darkest color in the area I am blending on my non-stick craft sheet and using the lightest color I will pick this color up off the sheet with the tip of my marker and bring it back into the design to blend the colors. This will create depth in your image with the varied color values.

 

I used two coordinating patterns and the tag series shape as inspiration. A layer of squash cardstock is used on the reverse center section to "disguise" the inky backside of my colored image and add sturdiness.

A button was created using Craft-a-Board and covered with Squash cardstock. I adhered the cardstock to the Craft-a-Board using a small amount of Matte Multi-Medium.

To create the stitching I simply punched holes in my tag using Tim's Design Ruler. The perfectly spaced holes make it so very easy to create simple stitching patterns on your paper. Then thread good old-fashioned and inexpensive DMC floss on a needle and stitch.

The rain is coming down outside yet again today - crossing my fingers and toes that tomorrow brings sunshine so that I can spend some much needed time in my garden. :-D

 
stamps: Lockhart Ready to Plant

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

paper: 7 Gypsies Mykonos 6x6, Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Squash Cardstock

accessories: Memory Box Button Die, Craft-a-Board, Design Ruler, Retractable Craft Pick, Matte Multi-Medium

Do you like to garden? What is your favorite plant --- is it a flower or a garden vegetable? By taking the time to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below you have a chance at winning this fun little prize package of (3) new Lockhart images, the 6x6 pack of Mykonos paper and the new Memory Box Button Die!

You have until 12:00pm PDT Monday, May 30th to leave your comment and be eligible. (One comment per person please.) We will do our random drawing on Tuesday morning and announce the winner here in the CLASSroom as well as on our Facebook Fan Club page.

Thank you for stopping in here at the CLASSroom - we wish you a happy Memorial weekend and thank all those who help protect us by serving this country!

Ticket to a Happy Birthday Creeper Style

We are celebrating a special day today at our home - I can't believe how quickly 17 years have flown by!!! My baby is now taller than I am, blows me out of the water when it comes to Math and Physics, and can run like the wind.

 
She also loves music; quirky music.

 

Her voice is beautiful and she is not afraid to sing in public. She's going to shoot me when she sees this photo of her singing this past weekend at the Relay for Life, but I just couldn't help myself. She has so much personality :-D So what better place to hear a wide mix of musical groups than Seattle's Music and Arts Festival, Bumbershoot.

 

"Real" tickets are not yet available and in order to make our gift to her something a little more special I created a "faux ticket" to put in the card. As you can see I once again used Tissue Tape to keep my design perfectly positioned. The light adhesive leaves no marks --- yeah for the little tricks!

 

Next I needed a "muscial" image. I found "Tyler" rocking his guitar amongst the Creeper Crew, but I needed a female version. Using a Faber Castell's XS PITT Artist Pen I changed up the hairstyle as shown above turning Tyler into a girl :-D

 

The colors of the Bumbershoot logo coordinated PERFECTLY with Splash --- I love a happy coincidence. The second was the realization that the edger punch I wanted to use, aligned perfectly with the striped paper!

A little bling with some Chartreuse Glitter Ritz and Amber Rhinestones, some punched musical notes and we now have a cute way to present our little gift. Happy Birthday sweetheart --- You Rock!

 
stamps: Creeper Crew - Tyler from the Creepin' Kit

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Black XS Faber Castell PITT Artist Pen, Copic Markers - E0000, E000, E11, R11, R24, YG0000, YG00, YG03, YG25, YG61, E34, E37, E27, BG11, B93, B97

paper: Echo Park Splash 6x6 Paper Pad, Memory Box Persimmon Notecard

accessories: Chartreuse Microfine Glitter Ritz, Be Creative (Sookwang) 1/4" Tape, EK Success Open Scallop & Musical Symphony Edger Punch, Copper Rhinestones

Copic Watercoloring by Sharon Harnist

I have a fun and different watercoloring technique to share with you today -- using your Copics!

(click on any photo for a larger view)

I love the look of a watercolored image and you can achieve it, using Copic Various Ink Refills!  To get started, I stamped this beautiful Lockhart Stamp Company Phalaenopsis image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto an Arturo Single Notecard (similar to watercolor paper):

Then I used Copic Various Ink Refills to "watercolor" the orchid image:

To do this, place drops of Various Ink onto a paint palette and use a water reservoir brush filled with Copic Colorless Blender Solution to pick up the ink color and watercolor it onto the Arturo paper.  Here are the ink colors I used (listed below):

On the palette, you can add Colorless Blender Solution to any color to lighten it, or mix any Various Ink Refills you'd like, to make new colors!

I love how the Y21 golden background turned out -- similar to an old Tuscan wall! 3D foam squares attach the watercolor piece to the card base.  The Hero Arts sentiment was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto cream cardstock, cut into a banner shape, and then machine stitched to the card base.  More machine stitching attaches the pretty October Afternoon 5 & Dime papers to the 4" x 8" card base.

I hope you have fun giving Copic watercoloring a try! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company-Phalaenopsis, Hero Arts ClearDesign-All Occasion Messages,
Paper: Arturo Single Cards-Soft White, October Afternoon 5 & Dime 8x8, Neenah Classic Cream cardstock
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Rich Cocoa,
Copic Various Ink Refills: YG03, YG63, R22, R24, E33 Y21; Colorless Blender Solution,
Accessories: Niji Waterbrush, Darice Plastic Paint Palette, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares,
Other: Sewing machine + thread

The Art of Tangling

Last October I had the pleasure of visiting Karen of the Lockhart Stamp Company at her home in the Sonoma Valley. Karen is a wonderful hostess and we had a MARVELOUS time seeing the sights, eating good food and talking trends. Thank you once again for such a wonderful reprieve Karen!

One of the topics of conversation during that visit was the art of Zentangle. I really had not heard of it before. When Karen first showed me a picture of a project created with Zentangles the first thing that came to mind was that it appeared to look a lot like Henna - I love the look of Henna and was immediately intrigued.

As soon as the Perfect series was released I began to play with the pears, even taking them with me on our college tour trip. Karen's newsletter inspired me to pick up the pieces and get that project completed :-D I hope you enjoy my little tangled take on these fab pears.

It is my love of Moroccon patterns that has inspired today's project. I hope you can see the little influences I tried to bring to this tiny work of art. Many of the patterns I utilized on these pears are inspired by Henna art. As well I looked through the series of Zentangle books that we carry. Each book contains a wide variety of patterns and specific step-by-step directions for completing each unique design. If you have never "tangled" before I highly recommend getting a book to see how it is done and try your hand. I kid you not when I assure you that everyone can do this!

Other design references are brought about through the use of Tim's newest Mini Cabinet Card die, which to me resembled a Moroccon window, and the Argyle punch, meant to imitate some of the beautiful tile patterns. 

To add color I first used a Copic Marker and then added highlights with a very sharp Prismacolor Color Pencil.

 

I would like to begin by telling you that I am NOT a certified Zentangle teacher. If you are interested in learning more about this art form you can either purchase the books or go to the Zentangle site and find a 'certified Zentangle teacher' in your area to take classes from. 

The tips I am going to share are things that I have done that seem to work well for me.

As I work I continually rotate my image - this allows me to look at it from different vantage points and decide what might "fit" with the natural lines in the stamped image. For example I began by using the little line around the stem of the pear as my jumping off point.

 

With Karen's images I highly recommend the Copic Multiliner in both the .05 and .03 tip size. You can purchase these in two different ways - sets or individually. I prefer the individual pens because then I can simply add ink rather than throwing out my pen when the ink is gone.

I like to begin with the .05 size to add the initial details. I apologize for the blur in my photos - I didn't realize I had it on such a tight focus and therefore it blurred out the front edges. I am hoping that you can see how I "beefed up" the lines of the stamp. With so much detail I still wanted the pear shape to stand out.

 

Continue to build around the patterns you add.

 

As a beginner I like to work on my entire image at one time, adding tidbits that are unique and yet coordinated to then balance the images.

 

Once I have all the main patterns I then use the .03 (which is ubber fine) to add additional details. 

 

I LOVED how the new Dutch Mustard Soup patterned paper worked so perfectly with this Henna inspired piece.

I have another project that I am working on that I am super excited about and hope it will be completed soon so that I can share it with you. For now I want to suggest that you can take any of the more "open" style stamps  such as the pears, apples, one of the aprons

 
or the slippers

 
and give it a try.

So my question for you today is have you tried the Zentangle art form? We would love to hear your thoughts!

 
stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Perfect Pears

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Multiliner .05 and .03

paper: Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Parsley Cardstock, Echo Park For the Record, Jillibean Soup Dutch Mustard

accessories: Tim Holtz Movers & Shapers Mini Cabinet Card Die, EK Argyle Large Edger Punch

Creating a Strawberry Blossom and Gift Packaging

Don't forget that today is the start of our Mother's Day Sale - for more details please visit the home page of our store.

I love red, ripe strawberries - SO delicious! Naturally when I say the new Sizzix Scoreboard die I had to have it. Can you imagine this little lovely filled with chocolate covered fruit (or chocolate covered anything :-D)? Perhaps you could use it as a placecard holder or a few of these scattered down your table to create a juicy centerpiece! Oh the options abound!

I realize that many of you probably do not have the Sizzix Big Shot Pro so we have created a special packet of diecut strawberries for those who may want to replicate today's project. These are in limited supply, so get yours now if you are interested.

 
Immediately the Lilybee Tomato Stationery paper popped into my mind as being THE PERFECT selection for this project! Top it off with a Memory Box Key Lime Gingham and we have a delicious little treat box!

 

Fold the box along the score lines, using a piece of Be Creative Sookwang tape to attach the flap.

 

Thread a piece of Distress Stained Everyday Ribbon through the holes as shown.
 

Pull the ribbon to close the flaps. I inserted the end ribbon back through the same hole as the first ribbon as shown above.

 

Insert the ribbon through the "hull" (leaves) and tie.

 

Susan Tierney Cockburn has been a wonderful inspiration and teacher. The techniques that I have used to create this strawberry blossom are all well defined in her books the Paper Garden and Paper Bouquet, as well as in this video series we created. Just a quick little aside - Susan is also a fabulous baker- you must visit her blog to satisfy your sweet tooth! Be certain to leave her some love in her comments section :-D 

I was on my own for this strawberry blossom as Susan has not yet created an example of this flower, so I did what all good students do... I googled - ha, ha! I needed to learn what a a real strawberry blossom looks like :-D I decided that the Begonia punch petals looked quite similar, so I used the largest size petal for this project. After taking the photo above I realized that I wanted the tips of the petals to be a little "smoother" and so I snipped off a couple of the bumps.

I discovered that most strawberry blossoms are white, BUT there were a few with hints of pink and so I printed off a picture to inspire my color selections. Using Copic R000 and RV11, together with PITT Pastel Pencil #193 I was able to emulate the natural colors.

 

To create the pistil and receptacle (yes, I googled for that information as well - LOL!) I used the Big Sky Flake punch. Use Y000 and YG00 to color the pistil. Snip the short projections just above the first ball shape and the long projections at the base. Reattach the long projections to the base as shown above using a large glue dot. Attach a whimsy button to replicate the receptacle and little Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft for realism.

 

This little blossom suits the strawberry box to a "T." Twirl a little wire through the ribbon base to bring it all together and serve up a red, ripe strawberry to someone special!
 
ink: Copic Markers - R000, RV11, Y000 and YG00; Peeled Paint Distress Stain

paper: Precut Strawberry Box Packet, Memory Box Key Lime Gingham Cardstock, Lilybee Designs Tomato Stationery

accessories: Sizzix Pro Strawberry Box, Punch Bunch Mega Big Sky Snowflake, Super Giant Begonia Petals, 1/2" Everyday Ribbon, Sparkler Button, Cloth Covered Wire, Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft, Be Creative Sookwang 1/2" Tape

Mother's Day Paper Shoe

Today I am super excited to share a new version of my Wicked Shoe with you! Now for the part that is unbelievably exciting... I didn't hand cut this version!!! Yes, you heard me right --- this beauty was cut with the Silhouette. Julia is making a tremendous difference here at work with her abilities to figure out computer related "things." THANK YOU Julia for making my project today SO MUCH EASIER!  Watch for electronic files to debut in our Digital Downloads category soon!

 

I also wanted to take this opportunity to invite you to shop with us during our Mother's Day Sale. Simply use promo code 'momsday' upon checkout to save 15% off your entire order Friday 5/6 - Sunday 5/8. Remember that we are on Pacific Coast time and the sale runs from midnight to midnight. 

 

I am a hopeless romantic - I absolutely adored the oh so elegant dress that Princess Kate wore last week. It was the perfect "royal attire." You know me - I had to see the shoes too. LOL! Her shoes had the most beautiful soft texture with a lace overlay.

 

Simply stunning! I thought about creating another pump with a rounded toe, but had limited time, so decided to modify my previous Wicked shoe pattern. Using the texture on Kate's shoe as inspiration and a color that most Mom's will love after this LONG winter - sunshiny yellow, I went to work! What better way to brighten it up even further, than with a single beautiful paper blossom!

 

This time I wanted to create a Begonia. Using the directions in Susan Tierney Cockburn's Paper Bouquet book I went to work. This book truly is a treasure trove of fabulous flower designs and instruction!

Just as when we created the Lily, I began with Solar White Neenah cardstock. This allows me to color my petals and leaves to replicate the actual flower with incredible accuracy. I always print off a picture of the actual flower to utilize as a guide. You can see a progression of the color in the photo above.

I work quickly on each individual petal to get the beautifully blended colors. Begin by coloring both the front and back entirely with YR30. Then add the Y21, stroking upwards from the base of the petal. Once again I add this color to both sides of the petal. Next randomly stroke RV32 along the very top edge of the petal. Now go back over this color and work your way back into the Y21 with the lightest color, YR30. This helps to blend the colors together beautifully.

 

The leaves were created from white Neenah cardstock as well. When I looked at the photo of the Begonia leaf it appeared that the leaf was darker on the top side and a little more yellow/green on the underside. Begin by coloring the leaves on one side only with YG63 and YG95. (In writing this post I realized that I forgot to add YG95 to the photo above.) Then flip the leaf over and colored the opposite side with YG63, G85 and a few strokes of YG96 and G29. By working quickly with the different colors they blend beautifully. They do seep to the opposite side, but this only adds to the overall effect.

 

After adding the veining to my leaves I decided to add that little hint of burgundy to the foliage using Pitt Pastel Pencil #193. Smudge the pastel using the little white sponge. I also added a hint of the burgundy to my petals as well. The soft "smudging" of the pastel over the Copic marker base makes for amazingly transparent, dimensional color.

As you can see the colors were SO close to the image I found on-line. I love looking at the real flower as I create my paper blossom - it inspires me. I can only imagine if I had the actual flower sample in hand!

Using Susan's fabulous directions I then finished the construction of my paper Begonia. 

Double click on the photo above for an even closer look.

TIPS FOR CREATING THE SHOE

To create the beautiful lacey texture on the soft yellow shoe is so very easy. Working on light colors can be tricky, but if you keep your Snow Cap dabber handy, all your problems will be solved. "Ink" your image using the dabber - it will appear as above.

 

As you can see the white is quite lovely against the soft Daffodil cardstock. To create a more shabby appearance used an ink blending tool in a circular motion, inking the entire surface with Scattered Straw distress ink.

 
The Snow Cap paint will resist the ink and yet at the same time "grab" it creating a soft suede-like look.

I also stamped the white interior of the shoe with the fabulous Hero Arts Envelope Background stamp using Spun Sugar Distress Ink, adding just a hint of Scattered Straw with an Ink Blending Tool.

 

To add texture and character crepe ruffles were added to the toe and heel area. Cut two pieces from the crepe sheets - 5 1/4" x 1 1/2" (heel area trim) and 3 1/4" x 1 1/4" (toe area trim).

To create balance the heel ruffle is edged with the same pink Copic color as used on the Begonia petals. The toe area was colored with YR30.

 

Thank goodness for my sewing background. Fit is essential when putting these pieces together. To simplify the process add a gathering stitch to the lower edge of the crepe paper and gather as shown above.

 

Position the center back and the front edges as shown above, holding them in place with glue dots. Make certain the glue dots are not on your thread lines. Gently pull the gathering thread until the crepe paper fits perfectly along the back of the shoe. Follow the instructions included in the download for adhering the shoe liner.

 
TIP: Hold your shoe sides gently in place and position the liner. Use tweezers to remove the red tape liner. This method allows you to have everything positioned correctly and helps you avoid getting the adhesive stuck in the wrong position. YEAH for the little tricks ;-D
 

Gather the toe ruffle as shown above. I used a large glue dot to affix this piece inside the toe.

 

Total sweetness! It only takes one little bloom to brighten someone's day - try your hand at creating these beautiful paper blossoms that are timeless!

Thank you for once again visiting the CLASSroom and wishing each of you a wonderful Mother's Day weekend ahead; one filled with sunshine and love!

 
shoe template: original Wicked Shoe Template which is cut by hand can be found here - Digital Download coming soon!

stamps: Hero Arts Envelope Pattern Background, Sweet Threads Thank You

ink: Distress Ink - Scattered Straw and Spun Sugar; Copic Markers - YR30, Y21, RV32, YG63, YG95, G85, G29

paper: Hero Arts Daffodil Layering Paper, Neenah Solar White Cardstock

accessories: Paper Bouquet, Punch Bunch Super Giant Begonia, Large Geranium Leaf, Alpine Flake Large and Paper Crafting Tools, 12" Strip Pink Pearls, Snow Cap Paint Dabber, Ink Blending Tool, Cream Crepe Paper, PITT Pastel Pencil #193, 1/8" Red Liner Wonder Tape

Framed Stencil Flower by Sharon Harnist

Today I wanted to show how you can easily create an easel frame for any sized project.

I started this framed piece of artwork with this fabulous Hero Arts Cling-Stencil Flower stamp.  I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic's X-Press It Blending Card and colored it with the RV series of Copic Sketch Markers listed below, which matches the smaller flowers on the patterned paper I chose. I cut out the flower and then stamped and colored an additional flower, which I cut out only the center of, and stacked it with foam tape on top of the whole flower.

I loved this piece of Webster's 6x6 Petite Trendsetter paper and wanted to used the whole piece -- as opposed to cutting it down to fit into whatever sized frame I might have on hand (and probably not the right color!).  So this is what I did:

I rounded the corners of the 6-inch patterned paper using Crop-a-Dile's Corner Chomper.  Then I cut 6.25" pieces of Ellen's Craft-A-Board and the fabulous new Core-dinations Color Core Cardstock-Black and adhered the black cardstock on the Craft-a-Board, to create a sturdy base.  The patterned paper was matted with a 6-1/8" piece of Neenah Natural White cardstock and then adhered with foam tape on top of the black base.

To create the easel for the back of the frame, I just used a photo frame I had on hand and traced the shape onto Craft-a-Board and cut it out:

 

If I had thought far enough ahead, I probably would have used brads to secure the easel to the back of the Craft-a-Board frame before adhering the patterned paper to the front, but I didn't!  So instead, I scored 1/2" from the top of the easel and then used Ranger's Mini Glossy Accents to adhere the easel to the back of the frame -- this stuff will hold ANYthing with a fabulous permanent bond!

Make sure to line up the bottom edge of the easel with the bottom corner of your frame, so it will stand up correctly (mine IS aligned -- it just appears not to be, because it's folded up a little).

To create the small glittered frame around the "be true" sentiment printed on the patterned paper, I used two smaller Spellbinders Labels Thirteen Nestabilities dies and die cut a frame from sturdy cardstock:

Then I used the same YG63 Copic marker I used on the flower and colored the die cut cardstock frame -- be sure you color the outside as well as the inside edges of the frame, for a nice finish.  This just ensures that none of the white cardstock frame base will show through the glitter.  Then I ran the frame through my Xyron machine, covering it in adhesive, and applied the Glitter Ritz Opaque Micro Fine Chartreuse Glitter glitter.

The frame was popped up with foam tape over the sentiment and the large flower accented with Ranger Star Dust Stickles.

Now just think of all the different sizes and shapes of easel framed artwork (or scrapbook pages!) you can create . . . Enjoy! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Hero Arts Cling-Stencil Flower,
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Webster's 6x6 Petite Papers-Trendsetter, Core-dinations Colore Core Cardstock-Black, Neenah Natural White cardstock
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
Copic Markers: RV13, RV14, RV17, RV19, YG63, T5
Accessories: Essentials by Ellen Craft-A-Board, Spellbinders Labels Thirteen Nestabilities dies, Glitter Ritz Opaque Micro Fine Glitter-Chartreuse, Ranger Star Dust Stickles and Mini Glossy Accents, Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, Tonic Tim Holtz Non-Stick Serrated Scissors, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares,

Easter Lily Cake Box YouTube Videos, with Susan Tierney Cockburn and Ellen Hutson

We thank you for your questions, patience and interest in the video we did for this month's newsletter. Many of you have tried to view the video, but due to computer, browser, and who knows what other issues you have had difficulty viewing the entire video. In an effort to make certain that we don't leave anyone out we are redoing the entire post here in the CLASSroom. We have now uploaded the video to YouTube in three segments due to the length, so please view each segment individually below. Thank you again for your willingness to learn with us and for your patience! So let's begin with "Take #2!"

We have also announced the winner of the Easter Lily Blog Candy here - congratulations go out to Shelley Smith. Please contact us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com with your snail mail address so that we can get your goodies right out to you.

How many of you are passionate about flowers and/or gardening? How many of you can no longer garden the way that you once did? It has been too many years now since I have been able to climb all over my hillside gardening. Before my hip injury I was passionate about my flowers and covered my hillside in beautiful perennials. Some still remain, but they are not in the same "shape" as they once were, so perhaps this is the reason paper flowers appeal to me so much. I can make these in my craft room without squatting AND at any time of the year :-D

One of my greatest blessings in life has been the friendship and bond I have had the good fortune of developing with Susan! It is such an honor to have her join me for today's lesson in paper flower making. Susan has pioneered the art of paper flower making for the past 15 years. Her work is such an inspiration and it is always so much fun to collaborate with her on projects!!!

 

This beautiful cake box is the project we worked on together for this month's newsletter. We hope that you enjoy the video we created to share with you today and that it empowers you to give flower making a try. In this video Susan will teach you how to create the beautiful lilies showcased above and below, sharing many wonderful tips throughout. Please grab your favorite drink and settle in for this 45 minute class with Susan as she shares many of the fabulous techniques she has innovated to bring this art form to us. 

 

 

  

Step-by-step written instructions for creating beautiful lilies are included in Susan's first book The Paper Garden. I cannot begin to tell you how helpful her books have been to me as I learn to create beautiful blooms! If you are a visual learner like me you will also find this book a wealth of information.

CREATING THE CAKE BOX

Now that you know how to make the flowers for this project I am going to share just a few basics regarding the construction of the cake box.

I prefer to attach my decorative paper to the Craft-a-Board before die cutting the pieces using the 3-D Cake Box Die. By affixing the paper to the Craft-a-Board with Be Creative (Sookwang) tape I am assured that I will have a perfectly covered project.

To create today's project I used Lilybee's 12x12 paper. For the scalloped top and base I applied decorative paper to both sides of the Craft-a-Board before die cutting. 

For the cake sides, decorative paper was applied to only one side of the Craft-a-Board. Being careful to position the paper so that the decorative side is cut all the way through, and the Craft-a-Board only scored, is important. To do this place the paper, decorative side to the die, and then send the die through your Vagabond or Big Shot using the crease pad. This will give pieces as shown above and below.

Carefully bend each piece along the score line before attaching them together to get a more uniform look.

 

You will also need to cut and score three pieces of cardstock to hold the cake pieces together. Using a strong adhesive affix the cardstock to the die cut pieces on the back or Craft-a-Board side as shown above.

 

Attach each piece one at a time.

 

When you have all three pieces attached, form the piece into a circle, affixing the last edge.

 

Next you will need to attach the base - the piece with the four tabs. I find it easiest to insert this piece from the top. Push it down through the center until it is firmly positioned in the bottom of the circular piece. Using a pair of needle nose tweezers insert a Glue Dot behind each of the flaps and affix these to the cake tube.

To adhere the scalloped top and base I prefer to use Ultimate Glue. The base is easy to affix due to the large surface you will be attaching it to. Apply Ultimate Glue to the base of the cake and position the scalloped piece holding it in place for a few seconds until you feel it is firmly in place. The cap or top is a little trickier. I run Ultimate Glue all the way around the top of the circular form and then position the scalloped top in place. The glue allows you to move it slightly until you have it in the desired position, then hold it for a few seconds until the glue grabs hold. Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes before continuing your work on the base.
 

To add interest to my cake base I attached a strip of white silk ribbon and then added pearls to either side of it. I also ran a strip of pearls around the top.

I wanted to include just a few close-up photos of the finished project so that you could better see the detail on these beautiful Easter blooms. 

The lily was one of Susan's first punch designs back in 2006. Sadly there are others who have taken Susan's work and called it their own, but the truth of the matter is that these designs, the techniques and wording, are copywritten by Susan --- I am so proud and honored to share her designs with you. With Easter right around the corner and spring knocking at our doors it has been a thrill to be able to share this beauty with all of you. Thank you so much for joining us! 

 
ink: Copic Markers -YG00, YG63, YG95, YR14, Y15, Y17

paper: Lilybee Designs 12x12 Picket Fence and Stationery Designer Paper, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Punch Bunch punches - Mega Lily, Large Alta Flake, Mega Big Sky Flake, Small Caladium Leaf, Small Birch Leaf; Punch Bunch Papercrafting Tools and Magnum Power Punch Aid; The Paper Garden, Sizzix 3-D Cake Box Die, Faber-Castell PITT Pastel Pencils - #104 and #170, Flower Soft - Earth, Toffee, Russet Red, Sunshine Yellow; 12" strip White Pearls, 1/4" White Silk Ribbon, Be Creative (Sookwang) 4 1/2" Tape or Sheets, The Ultimate Glue

Once Upon a Springtime Treat Wrapper by Becky Olsen

I am so ready for Spring, and with snow falling on my hyacinth and daffodils it seems that a Springtime made from paper might be all I have for a few more weeks. I love decorating for this season with brighter colors and the Once Upon a Springtime line from Graphic 45 delivers loads of inspiration with gorgeous images and fresh colors. With this delightful inspiration in hand I thought it would be fun to create treat wrappers that could be used as place cards for a more formal event or made in many different sizes that could be hidden about when it is time to hunt for the goodies that a certain celebrity bunny might have left lying around the yard. (hopefully not covered in snow!)

To begin cut a piece of Melissa Frances Cream Crepe Paper at 10" x 5" and placed a piece of 1/4" double sided Be Creative tape along the center of one edge that is about 2" from each of the ends.

Remove the protective backing from the tape and and carefully adhere to the other end forming a tube. I tied it with some simple garden twine, but it would be stunning with most any of the gorgeous May Arts silk ribbons, or you could use the white silk ribbon and use Copic Marker refill ink to die a unique color.Trim the ends of the crepe paper to have a little fringe if you like.

Now that the end is tied up you can fill with most any kind of treat or surprise that suits your whim. Tie up the other end and then trim.

Now is the fun part, decorating the outside of the wrap! I cut a piece of Primrose Cottage at 4" x 5" and adhered it around with another piece of the 1/4" Be Creative double sided tape. I then cut a piece of Tiny Treasures at 2" x 5" and adhered it the same way. A piece of Neenah Classic Cream card stock was stamped with the images from the Hampton Art Once Upon a Springtime Cling set 2. First the postage in Antique Linen and then the sweet rabbit in Walnut Stain Distress ink.

The rabbit was then colored with a few various Copic colors and then adhered to the top of the wrap. Fussy cut a few of the flowers out from the sheet of Primrose Cottage, adhere and then share a little Springtime with everyone who could use a little too.

B-

Paper Lilies Dress Up Art Parts

I am hoping that you have had time to head over to Kim Kesti's blog and share some love with her - if not please do so, she is an absolutely remarkable woman! That sweet, sneaky girl changed up my desire to share our love with her in the "comment" section and turned it around where you have shared your words with us here at Ellen Hutson LLC. Your words of kindness about the amazing women who I have the privilege to work with here and in the CLASSroom, as well as your beautiful words about who I am as a person bring tears to my eyes. Yes, I am passionate about sharing creativity with others because I truly believe that creativity helped to save my sanity and I want to share that with others - so thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, financial support (through your purchases) and kindness - it is appreciated more than you could ever know!

If you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy the incredible video Susan helped us make I would like to encourage you to visit this post over on In Touch (our newsletter archive blog) and leave some love for her there as well! Today I would like to share a much more "simple" project for those who may be creating paper flowers for the first time. Sometimes one very simple element can make a huge difference on a project and I think that the paper flowers do just that, so I hope that you enjoy this simple twist.

 

This project is created for yet another woman who has supported me over the past couple of years with her kindness. I felt that the words were so powerful and applied so strongly to the support she has shared with me. My desire is to share my appreciation with her through this project.

 

As Susan stated in her video I did challenge her to work with white paper only :-D. As someone who places a huge value on resources, my desire is to always try and share more ways for you to utilize the tools you may already have in your craft room and in this case I was thinking specifically about Neenah paper, the many Copic markers and now the new Faber-Castell products you have purchased from us. So hopefully here is yet one more way for you to use these awesome markers, pencils, pens, etc.

Before beginning a project in which I am trying to achieve natural coloration I google the flower I am trying to mimic. In this case I found this gorgeous lily picture.

 
I used the smallest petal on the Lily punch to create this little bloom. Begin with the lightest value marker and stroke up from the base of the petal to the tip. After adding the darkest value, color back over the entire petal with the lightest color to blend the colors. 

 

I have really been enjoying the Pastel Pencils to add additional veining and depth in my flower petals.

 

As shown in the video I used the sponge to mute the color somewhat. Isn't it amazing how well the colors work with the Cosmo Cricket papers!

 

Due to the small scale of the calyx on this bloom I simply cut the Alta Flake down in size before adhering the petals.

Just a quick shot of all the colors I used in creating this lily. 

 

As you can see I have added little flecks of color to the petals to mimic the real life lily. The ubber fine point on the Faber-Castell Artist pen is perfect for adding this element.

Susan also taught me an alternate way to make stamens for my lilies and I would like to share it with you. I simply colored a small rectangle of paper. Snipping it down and leaving it connected along the base.

I then used my quilling tool to roll it. I realized after the fact that I forgot to snap a second picture after changing my mind and creating a second stamen with the pistil's colored in E08 - oops.

For detailed directions on creating a lily I would like to encourage you to watch the video in this post  - Susan's work is simply magical.

 

For the remainder of the project I simply covered Art Parts and the Sewing Dress Craft-a-Board base with decorative paper, added my sentiment, a chipboard cameo (made using Maya Road pieces painted with Studio Paint) and some other simple, yet elegant embellishments and my piece was complete.

My desire is that one little bloom will show my appreciation. Thank you for once again visiting us here in the CLASSroom and don't forget to head over and leave some love for Kim Kesti and Susan Tierney Cockburn AND win a chance at some fun little goodies!

 
stamps: Tim Holtz Stuff to Say

ink: Jet Black Archival, Antique Linen Distress Stain, Antique Linen Distress Ink Pad, PITT Artist Pen - #133 and PITT Pastel Pencil - #193, Copic Markers - YR30, R81, R83, R85, YG00, YG63, YG67, YG95

paper: Cosmo Cricket Upcycle 6x6 Paper Pad, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Punch Bunch Mega Lily, Slotted Tool, Sample Pack Art Parts, Maya Road Cameo Mini Chipboard, Vintage Black Pearl Pin, Tim Holtz Mini Tassel and Ornate Book Plate, Hero Arts Foliage Dots, Everyday Ribbon, Studio Matte Multi Medium, Studio Painterly Pink Paint, Eco Green Crafts Clam Shell Paint, Ultimate Glue, Flower Soft - Earth