the CLASSroom

Creating a Pocket Letter by Julia Stainton

We are so excited to share today's post with you! Julia discovered Pocket Letters™ a couple of month's ago and shared her find with me. After a little research we discovered Janette Lane, the creator of Pocket Letters™ and Pocket Letter Pals™! We thought it would be fun to collaborate with Janette and share this trend along with two ways to use identical Kelly Purkey and Maya Road products and a few other goodies that these two fabulous designers have in their stash! 

I asked Janette to share a little bit about herself so that we could share her background with you :)

Hi there, my name is Janette! I'm the author of Janette Lane Blog, a papercrafter, and a snailmail enthusiast! I live in California where I lead a simple and blessed life with my wonderful husband, Justin (aka Lovey). I'm also the creator of Pocket Letters™ and Pocket Letter Pals™, an organized and artistic way to send penpal letters around the world. I love anything having to do with creative correspondence (couldn't resist the urge to complete that alliteration) blogging, and arts and crafts. I also have a penchant for planners, journaling, photography, hamburgers, and thrifting. I'm inspired by the world around me and I always try to look for the humor and beauty in every day life.I believe it's the "little things" that make life BIG!

You can find Janette in the following places:

• YouTube
• her blog, Janette Lane with specific info on Pocket Letters™
• Pocket Letter Pals™
• Instagram

Please join Janette today on her blog, Janette Lane, to see the special Pocket Letter™ she created and be certain to leave a comment there before May 16th. You won't want to miss out - we have a special thank you awaiting one lucky random winner! 

THANK YOU Julia and Janette for sharing your creative genius with us and we hope that each of you enjoys today's collaboration! -Ellen

---

Recently there's been a very intriguing trend that I discovered on Instagram. It's called the Pocket Letter™ and it's a fun way to get creative and share your art with others. It intrigued me as it's a) a throwback to my childhood and the penpals I used to have b) it's a new way to be creative and c) I usually can't resist trying something at least once!

Ellen and I thought creating a pocket letter would be a fun project to share with you in the CLASSroom and so we decided to look into this pocket letter thing.

Today I'm sharing a pocket letter with you that I've created for the CLASSroom but what exactly is it? A pocket letter™ is made from a plastic sleeve that holds baseball cards or other paraphernalia. It's a simple concept. Just fill all nine of the little pockets with paper, notes, art or whatever, fold the pockets into thirds and mail off to a friend. Once it's swapped the plastic pocket letter can be put into a 3 ring binder to keep or you can use the items in the letter to create your own projects.

The Pocket Letter™ was first created by Janette Lane and we thought it would be fun to plan a little blog hop with Janette today. 

Make sure you stop by Janette's blog here to see the rest of her pocket letter and for more inspiration!

How to Create a Pocket Letter™:

• start off with a 9 pocket page protector
• fill each pocket with something - use your imagination
• fold page protector into thirds and put in envelope
• send off in the mail - note: make sure you go to the post office as the envelope will be a little thicker than normal so extra postage will be required

Each pocket will fit an ATC sized piece of cardstock or other papers. That means you can use any ATC sized product. Because of the popularity of pocket scrapbooking there are a ton of wonderful products on the market that will fit in these sweet little pockets. I start off by cutting 9 pieces of paper to 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches in size and then add layers and embellishments from there.

For this pocket page I was playing around with some of the new Kelley Purkey line for Hero Arts. It's a fun mix of stamps and notes that are great for planners but can also be added to lots of crafting projects as well. That's one of the things I love so much about crafting...the ability to make ideas work across different mediums. I've also paired it up with some of the fun new papers from the Basic Grey South Pacific 6x6 paper pad, some sweet Maya Road goodies and of course, some of the Ellen Hutson dies.

Design Notes:

• Each pocket is different but using a product line or color scheme across the project helps tie it all together
• The fun little Kelley Purkey post-it notes are perfect for my planner but also fun additions to a pocket letter
• Stamp details onto patterned paper, notes, tags or other accents to personalize it
• The kraft mini bag in the center pocket has been stenciled with Avery Elle Ink and the Kelley Purkey Window Pane Stencil
• The Tim Holtz Pocket Cards make fun and easy layer accents for pocket pages
• Pocket Letters™ are a great way to use up lots of little bits and pieces you have laying around your work space
• Sending off pocket letters™ is a fun way to stay in touch or to make new friends
• Pocket letters™ can be created in your own unique style or you can think about your recipient and create something specifically for them

Pocket letters™ can be a little tricky to photograph so I've pulled out each of the inserts so that you can take a better peek at them. Each insert is unique and for the most part, just using simple layering and stamping techniques to add interest.

Don't worry about making each insert too complex. Just have fun creating!

 

Things That Can Be Included in Pocket Letters™:

• tea bags
• craft supplies
• paper clips
• sequins
• gift card
• photos
• travel ephemera
• pressed flowers
• letters
• die-cuts
• embellishments
• post-it notes
• stickers
• tags
• mini art
• inspirational quotes
• pocket calendar
• ATC's
• anything fun or unique!

To finish off your pocket letter™, just fold it into thirds and place in a legal sized envelope. I always like to tie mine up just to make it easy and it looks cute too.

If you're looking for people to swap pocket letters with, it's easy to find them at the Pocket Letter Pals™ web-site!

Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom!  I hope you take the time to try out a pocket letter™ and share your art.

Have a creative day!

 

Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black

Basic Grey South Pacific, 6x6 Paper Pad

Cosmo Cricket Wood Charms, Happy Mail

Cosmo Cricket Wood Charms, Tiny Text

Hero Arts Wood Block Stamp, Kelly's Planner Icons

Hero Arts Stencils, Kelly's Window Pane

Hero Arts Clear Stamps, Kelly's Take Note

Hero Arts Designer Papers, Kelly's 4x6 Sticky Notes

Hero Arts Clear Stamps, Kelly's Outline Letters

Tim Holtz Heirloom Roses

Maya Road Ribbon, Felt Roses, Milk White

Maya Road Kraft Ticket Strips, Large White

Maya Road Transparencies, Vintage Butterfly, Black

Crate Paper Confetti by Maggie Holmes, Sequins

American Crafts Cardstock, Gold Glitter, 12x12, 2 pk

Tim Holtz, Mirrored Stars

Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, You Rock by Julie Ebersole

Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Bold Blossom Stand-Alone by Julie Ebersole

Tim Holtz Pocket Cards

Maya Road Wood Tokens, Travel

Maya Road Round Jeweled Centers

Tim Holtz, Mini Paper Clips

Sizzix Big Shot White & Gray

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Accent It - Feathers and Arrows

Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher

Use the 9-Pocket Pages or create your own "Hot Li'l Pockets" using the Fuse Tool and our Storage Pockets or Pocket Pages! Be certain to sign up for our newsletter (just head over to our home page, scroll to the bottom and enter your name and email address!) You are not going to want to miss what Julie has cooked up for May 15th!!!

Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Pages 10 pk

Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Pages 25 pk

Ultra Pro 8-1/2 x 11 Pocket Pages 25 pk

Ultra Pro 8-1/2 x 11 Pocket Pages 10 pk

Essentials by Ellen Storage Envelopes, 25pk

Avery Elle Stamp Storage Pocket, 25 pk

We R Memory Keepers Fuse Tool

Lockhart Neon Thanks by Sharon Harnist

Hello and happy weekend once again! Today I have a brand new Lockhart stamp image to share. You'll want to be sure and check out all of the sweet images in Karen's new 2013 Spring & Summer release, here.

(Click on any photo for a larger view)

Aren't these Gift of Flowers bright and cheery?!!  Here's Karen's colored image you'll see in the store -- I altered the image a bit, by cutting off the the "Thanks" flower stake and using it on the tab of the file folder:

 

I chose my color palette specifically to coordinate with the fun Hero Arts Neon Pink ink I used on the Hero Arts ClearDesign-Glow Girl greeting inside the adorable mini Naked ATC Manila Folder:

Isn't that greeting fun?!! I found my Copic RV06 was a close match to the neon pink ink pad, so I used it to color some of the flowers in these sweet potted plants:

The flowers were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto X-Press It Blending Card and here are the rest of the Copic Sketch markers I used, along with Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens (Orange, Lemon, Melon & Pink) to color the flowers. I find the glitter pens are great for coloring in small images like these -- especially tiny stems and the planter's wrought iron:

After coloring the flowers, I used Paper Smooches wonderful Wise Dies Frame-Duo Die 2 to die cut some fabulous Chalkstock paper I recently discovered in the store . . . the texture is silky amazing and accepts the Hero Hues Snow Chalk Ink I used around the edges for a faux chalkboard look very well. I placed the frame over the colored flowers, then adhered the frame to the darling ATC-sized mini file folder. (This would make a great ATC, wouldn't it?).

To keep the folder closed until the recepient is ready to view the contents, I used a cute Mini White Clothespin. Copic Foam Tape was used on the back of the folder to adhere it to the card front, which allows for easy removal and replacing of the clothespin.

The pretty coordinating papers I used are from My Mind's Eye 6x6 The Sweetest Thing-Honey pad, on a Memory Box Raspberry notecard.  I hope you have a bright and cheerful weekend!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

InLinkz.com

Imagine Paris Tag by Julia Stainton

I seem to be hooked on tags these days. Last time I was in the CLASSroom I went the art journaling route with a bunch of tags to make a mini album for my daughter. Today's post uses a tag as well. Inspired by a big beautiful black tag and the chalkboard trend, I've gone vintage collage style with them.

There are many ways to stamp on dark surfaces. You can use embossing powder,or a pigment ink, but I've found that paint always works really well. I've been a fan of stamping with paint for years. The interesting thing with stamping with paint is that it never turns out exactly the same each time. I think that adds to much to the vintage style. That perfectly beautiful imperfection.

I love using the Adirondack Paint Dabbers for inking up a stamp with paint. You can use a foam brush with any acrylic paint and brush it on the stamp, but the paint dabbers make it so easy and there is no cleanup. Simply dab the paint with the foam applicator onto the stamp and then press onto your surface. These dabbers also work really well for "inking" the edges of your paper to define them.

• step one - stamp the ATC and apply paint to the edges of the ATC and the Tag

Tip: Wash your stamps off immediately as the acrylic paint is extremely difficult to get off if you allow it to dry. This is the voice of experience and it was painful.

• step two - stamp postage marks onto the black tag
• step three - adhere torn coffee filter paper with Multi-Medium...wrinkle the paper when applying it for added texture

Note: Multi-Medium is a fabulous adhesive and and essential mixed media product. Just brush it on the back to adhere or on the front to add a glaze.

• step four - adhere adhesive lace and then stamped ATC
• step five - tie tag with twine and tie on button

• step six - adhere flowers and insert trinket pins
• step seven - pin metal tag to flower

Tip: When creating a black and white project, add one pop of color to brighten it up.

Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom! I hope you'll give stamping with paint a try. Have a fabulous weekend!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Watercolored Canvas by Julia Stainton

Canvas is such a wonderful textured fabric that is so popular in the papercrafting world right now. Is it any wonder with its beautiful texture and limitless possibilities? Recently I ordered some Canvas ATC's. That's Artist Trading Cards if you are unfamiliar with the term.

ATCs are usually 2.5" x 3.5" in size. Many crafters collect and trade them and they are a great little panel to experiment on.  I had thought to use them as a base for embellishments. I've done that and it's a great way to use them. The other day I decided to take a more artistic approach and use them to make a little stamped canvas panel for a birthday card for a friend. I'm pretty excited with how it turned out so I'll show you how I did it.

First of all I used a Craft Sheet to protect my work surface. This will get slightly messy with inks and water so this makes it super easy to clean up. I'm using a Hero Arts Basic Grey Stamp from the Konnichiwa line called Floral Blossoms. Using Jet Black Archival ink I inked it up and stamped my canvas ATC. Heat setting at this point will make your ink permanent.

Next I've added in my first layer of color. To do this I first mist the canvas with water so that the color will bleed all over the canvas and give you a beautiful watercolored look. A Mini Mister is perfect for applying water over your canvas. Apply inks to your canvas with a waterbrush and just get lots of color onto the canvas. It really doesn't look too exciting at this point but don't worry. It's easy to pick up ink by squishing your ink pad lids into the ink pad and then using the lid as a palette. After this step, use a heat gun to dry the canvas well.

Next build up the color slowly by adding in more color and shading with ink on your brush. You can also use dye-based markers to add in more precise details.

White gel pen makes it easy to add white highlights for a finishing touch. I really like the look of stamping over the entire piece when done with some text or a subtle background stamp. I've over-stamped this piece with the Old Letter Stamp in Aquamarine Archival Ink.

When creating a detailed panel, I always love to keep the focus on my mini work of art. That means a nice clean and simple white card base and a couple simple accents.

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom!

Happy creating!

 

Supplies: Stitches ATC Canvas by Prima Marketing, Floral Blossoms Basic Grey Konnichiwa Cling Stamp by Hero Arts, Old Letter Writing Stamp Set by Hero Arts, All Occasion Messages Stamp set by Hero Arts, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Aquamarine Archival ink by Ranger, Crystal Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Wood Buttons by Maya Road, Crushed Olive Distress Ink, Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink, Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, Worn Lipstick Distress Ink, Wild Plum Adirondack Ink and Sunshine Yellow Adirondack Ink by Ranger, Rose Bud Memento Marker by Tsukineko

ATC Fun and Random Drawing for Ellen's ATC

ATC's have always intrigued me, but I must admit this is a new adventure for me - I cannot remember ever creating one before (insert big eyes!) I had no idea what the "requirements" are for an ATC and so I began with what I know. I know that Claudine has ATC sized Sticky Back Canvas, so I went and grabbed one to use for this project :-D

So what is an ATC? I decided I'd best figure that out and there is NO better resource than the CLASSroom - right?!? Note the wonderful categories on the side index - yes sir, ATC or Altered Trading Cards are right there amongst the mix. A little reading was in order - I encourage you to follow this link and read more about ATC's if you have never created one and are intrigued. 

 

With Sticky Back in hand I decided to do a transfer, but what could I try that might be an interesting lesson. I decided to test the punched edge to see what type of interest this would add to a project.

 

Apply a generous amount of Matte Multi-Medium to the canvas face and then a small amount to the printed side of the patterned Prima paper. Rub the paper firmly to affix to the canvas and let it dry. Yes, this is the hardest part --- allowing it to fully dry is imperative!

 

Once completely dry mist the paper until you see the paper change color. In the photo above you will note how the paper in the center is not moist enough - this will not rub off easily. Once again use the flat part of your finger as I showed in the Transparency transfer to remove the excess paper. You will notice how the top edge does not have the decorative paper transfered to the canvas - this is because there just wasn't enough adhesive in that location to affix the decorative paper properly. I love that random look and so when applying the adhesive to my canvas I allow some portions to be drier than others to get this random application. You will also note that I really did try and define that punched edge by applying plenty of adhesive to that area before the drying process began.

 

Remove as much of the paper "fuzzies" as possible. If you would like to get rid of that white cast brush a very light coating of matte multi-medium over the finished piece. The part on the left is still not covered so that you can see a comparison.

 

I knew I wanted to add some fairly heavy embellishments to my ATC and so I decided to use Craft-a-Board as my base. Craft-a-Board and Color Wash are a match made in heaven! In my spray box I misted the surface with Stream Color Wash and some plain water until the surface was soaked. Using a brayer I then went over the surface. This grabbed a little of the color from previous sprayings and achieved the most gorgeous color mix. Hopefully soon I will have the time to do a "Use Your Spray Box To It's Full Advantage" post. :-D

 

Inking one of my favorite Hero Arts backgrounds with Walnut Ink was the finishing touch for my ATC backing.

 

I don't know if you recall my foray into Shimmer Sheetz the other day, but the flower shown above is one of those experiments :-D I simply punched the flower from the Shimmer Sheet and then heated it, curling the petals while it was warm. Susan, who happened to be in my studio that day (yes, I'm a lucky lady!) grabbed an embossing stylus and put a vein down the center of each petal. We then used the Crafter's Pick to add a hole. This flower turned out to be THE perfect color embellishment for this project - I love when a happy coincidence occurs! Using a Tim Holtz foliage piece together with a brad I attached the flower as shown above.

Remember that you can alter the length of chain on most of these embellishments. Simply removing a few of the links made the length much more appropriate.

 

What could be more perfect for an ATC than an Odds and Ends ticket (using a Stamp-a-ma-jig helps me get these tickets in the best position on my ticket strip), together with a mini paper clip and a bird for that little bird house?!?

 

Yes, my little ATC is REALLY lonely in this adorable Mini Library Drawer. If you collect ATC's then this little drawer is THE perfect place to store your collection.

I believe that the point of ATC's is to just create for art's sake and then trade them, so with that I will be giving my lonely little ATC to someone who might enjoy having this lonely little character - LOL! I know that there is absolutely no way I can make enough to trade but I can give the one away that I did make... if you would like to be included in a random drawing for this little ATC you must show me your ATC's! At the end of this post we would love for you to share one of your ATC projects! Link us up and inspire other's to just create art for arts sake :-D

 

stamps: Hero Arts Cling Fabric Design Background, Tim Holtz Odds and Ends

ink: Distress Walnut Stain Ink, Archival Coffee, Stream Color Wash

paper: Memory Box Bayou CS, Prima 6x6 Madeline, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Studio Line Natural ATC Sized Sticky Back Canvas and Matte Multi-Medium, Prima Vintage Bird Trinkets, Tim Holtz Crafter's Pick, Ticket Strip Die, Foliage, Mini Paper Clips, Swivel Clasp; Hero Arts Self-Adhesive Cream Ribbon Strip, EK Success Deco Scallop Punch, Iridescent Black Shimmer Sheetz, Martha Stewart Flower Punch and Stamp, 7 Gypsy Antique Brass Reinforcer and Mini Library Drawer

You have until March 2nd to create an ATC and share it with us here to be included in a random drawing for my ATC. I would love to hear from you --- tell me if you create and trade ATC's. If so how many do you typically create? Thank you and have a wonderful day!

ETA: Please feel free to add your ATC to the Gallery and link to it there!

Hero Fun Polyshrink - By Lisa Strahl

I had a lot of fun playing with Hero Arts images this week.  The range of styles that Hero is currently offering is really exciting.  Because I am a technique junkie, I often see images in terms of how versatile they are - how many different techniques can I apply to one image? 

My post today focuses on the first two images that I ordered from the Winter 2010 CHA Release.  They were my "gotta have it" stamps!

The first image is simply called Large Line Flower and is a nice big stamp measuring 4x4 inches.  Polyshrink techniques are a little easier with large images like this one to ensure that the finished piece is still big enough to be a focal point on the card. 

Polyshrink Line Flowers

Prepare the Black Polyshrink by sanding it gently in straight lines horizontally and then vertically.  It's important to use a Polyshrink Sanding Block as the grit is just right.

Stamp the Large Line Flower with New Canvas Palette Ink and allow to dry.

Trim the image close to the frame with sharp scissors or a small guillotine trimmer for precision. 

Shrink according to package instructions.  If you shrink in the oven the image will shrink the more evenly as compared to a heat tool.  I used a heat tool!  The shrunk piece is shown below and measures about 1.75 x 1.75 inches.

Painting on a glossy surface can be a challenge, especially a black one!  I used Wild Plum Adirondack Dimensional Pearls mixed with a little water on my craft sheet and one of the smallest Studio Line Brushes to color the flowers.
 

I added Glossy Accents (Ranger) to the flower as well as some small clear jewels.  The Polyshrink piece has been layered on Iris Cardstock (Hero Arts).

...and the sentiment does not always need to go on the outside of the card.  Sometimes a little surprise tucked inside can be fun!  This sentiment is from the Life is Not Perfect  stamp set as was watercolored with Pink Sherbet and Raspberry Adirondack Ink.

 

 

Spritzed Background Dandelion Artist Trading Cards

Randomly mist a full sheet of Craft-a-board beginning with a Mini Mister filled as follows - 3/4 water, 2 full droppers of Scattered Straw Distress Ink Reinker and a pea size scoop of Pearl Perfect Pearls.  Shake and mist.

Continue spritzing with a mister filled as above with Broken China Distress Reinker and Pearl Perfect Pearls.

One more time with Aged Mahogany Distress Reinker and Blush Perfect Pearls.  Keep adding color until it is beautiful and sparkly!  Heat set.

There is going to be lots of ink left around the edges of your Non-Stick Craft Sheet.  Use that ink to create more backgrounds by pressing smaller pieces of Craft-a-board directly to the sheet and "printing" the color to the surface.

 

Here is the background after many layers of added color.  Just something that I will set aside and use another time when I need some inspiration.

Here is a shot of the full sheet finished.

Next I cut the sheet into ATC sized pieces - 2.5 x 3.5 inches.  I am completely amazed at the serendipity of the color combinations!  Gorgeous and each one is different.

 

This is the other stamp I just had to order as soon as it was available.  It's called Dandelion Frame and it is just gorgeous!  I stamped it with Jet Black Archival Ink on the ATC backgrounds.

I finished them with a sentiment from the Vintage Butterflies set which reads "Life involves passions, faiths, doubts and courage".  I also added some small black gemstones in the flower centers.

This set is all ready for my ATC swap group this month!  I love being ahead of the game and these were so quick to make.

 

I do wish you courage in whatever you are facing this week!

Cheers, Lisa 

Distressed Anniversary ATC by Sharon Harnist

 

Today, I have an anniversary ATC to share with you, because tomorrow happens to be my 16th wedding anniversary!  Distressing and aging are some of my favorite techniques and you'll probably see them on most of my projects, so I thought I'd share a few things I like to do.

First, I'd like to refer you back to the ATC basics I did here and you can click on the ATC category over on the left sidebar for more ATC inspiration.

Second, when working with patterned papers for my ATCs, I like to use a template I created.  It's just a scrap piece of cardstock in which I cut a 2.50" x 3.50" opening: 

 

This allows me to move the template over all parts of the patterned paper, choosing just the right part of the pattern I want to use.

Third, I like to use the scrap piece of cardstock I cut out of the template to arrange the stamps I want to use ... moving them around until I find a placement I like:

 

Fourth, I'd like to reiterate that using punches and die cuts on your ATCs is sometimes overlooked simply because the smaller 2.50" x 3.50" canvas size of ATCs can be intimidating.  Just remember, smaller punches and dies can work wonderfully on them!  Here's an example where I used a die to cut the base of my ATC.

On today's project, I used EK Success Daisy Chain edger punch to cut a Memory Box Water cardstock accent for my ATC:

 

As you can see in the photo above when I was playing around with the arrangement of all the elements, left unsponged with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, the daisies might have looked a little out of place on the brown/pale blue/cream patterned  Basic Grey Cappella paper I used -- they wouldn't have maintained the shabby feel the paper has.

 

After sponging the daisy chain, I noticed the centers of the daisies were still pristine pale blue (center daisies in the photo above), so I took a Copic E25 marker and just lightly touched it inside the center hole of each daisy (bottom daisies).  I think this really continued the distressed look I wanted.

All the elements from the Rummage Bin-Sweet Bee stamp set I used on my ATC were stamped with the Rich Cocoa ink onto Memory Box Water cardstock, cut out, and sponged with Rich Cocoa ink.  Remember, when trying to maintain a shabby feel, keep your coloring muted, too. 

 

The beehive was accented with Copic markers E31 & E50, and the word HONEY word was highlighted with Gold Copic Spica Glitter pen.  The bee was stamped onto Neenah Classic Cream cardstock (again, a muted color instead of using bright white cardstock), colored with Copic YR31 & BG0000 markers, cut out and popped up on foam tape.  His body was also accented with the gold glitter pen.

To finish the distressed/shabby feel of my ATC, I roughed up the edges of the patterned paper with the Tim Holtz Paper Distresser and mounted it onto more of the Water cardstock, sponged with Rich Cocoa ink.  When adhering the daisy chain to the paper, I intentionally put adhesive over the holes of the daisies, and then sprinkled on some Crystal Fine glitter.

I hope you'll enjoy trying some of these techniques/tips on your ATC creations!

 
Stamps: CHF Rummage Bin-Sweet Bee
Paper: Basic Grey Cappella 6x6, Neenah Classic Cream cardstock, Memory Box Water cardstock
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic markers (detailed above) & Gold Copic Spica Glitter pen
Accessories: EK Success Daisy Chain edger punch, Tonic Tim Holtz Paper Distresser, Martha Stewart Essential Colors Glitter Set (Crystal Fine)

ATC Trio by Kim Hughes

They're versatile and super cute...I adore the sweet ATC size.  They can easily be added to a card or tag base and they make me feel extra artsy when I create them!

Supplies: 

Ranger: Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Cranberry, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Distress Ink Pad, Walnut Stain

Basic Grey Brads, Green at Heart Glazed

CHF: Backgrounder, Open Circles, Scrapblock, Vintage Text

Martha Stewart Craft Punch, Classic Butterfly

Basic Grey Opaline Half Pearls, Wine/Champagne

Manila Tags, #8 (Large)

Crystal Clear Plastic, 8" x 8" sheets

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Spray, Walnut Gold

Hero Arts: Cling Curly Flowers,  Cling Circle Doily, Cling Messages, Set of 3, Cling Reversed Flowers and Leaves

Pull out a piece of the clear plastic and dab the edge of the ink pad onto the surface. 

 

repeat with an orange ink pad
 

and a third time with cranberry ink
 

dab a few drops of glimmer mist and rub the stamp onto the clear , inked surface.
 

stamp onto a manilla tag multiple times, picking up ink as you go
 

complete with a stamped sentiment.  Clean clear sheet with baby wipes and use again

Ink up the top of the patterned stamp with the darkest color to the lightest, making sure to overlap each color

 

Bring out the plastic sheet once again and ask off the center section.  Stamp with cranberry ink first.  Then cover the columns on the right and left and ink the center with orange ink...complete with covering the middle and stamp with yellow ink

 

cut the tag to ATC size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and stamp the bottom
 

complete by adding a touch of color with a Copic marker, a punched butterfly and some pearl/brad accents

Have a wonderful day :)

3 Ways to ATC - By Lisa Strahl

Monday, Monday...nah nah nah nah nah nah.  Another full week here at my house, but I had a loverly weekend and enjoyed an evening coffee outside with my hubby last night.  Perfect.

I have a few Artist Trading Card themed projects for you today.  Even if you are not an ATC kind of crafter, I think you will find lots of inspiration from the teachers here at The CLASSroom this week.

ONE OF A KIND

My first ATC is an "art for art sake" piece.  I created this when I just sat down to play with stamps and paper and ink that I loved.  See the supply list right below the photo for more details.

Stamps:  Botanical Bliss set and Stitches Scrapblock (Cornish Heritage Farms)  Ink:  Pearlescent Chocolate Brilliance (Tsukineko), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)  Paper:  Cotton Candy (Memory Box), Natural White (Neenah)  Other:  Circles and Ovals Fragments (Tim Holtz), Paper Distresser and Piercing Tool (Tonic), Ink Blending Tool (Ranger), Crackle Accents and Glossy Accents (Ranger), Chino Pearls(Kaisercraft), E77 Maroon Copic Marker, Brown Waxed Linen Thread  Finished Size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches

SWAPS OR MASS PRODUCTION

My second ATC could be created on mass or at least a few at a time if you are a person who makes 4 or 8 cards.  I like to create on a single layers when possible which is why I chose Craft-a-Board as the base for my ATC.  Collage Elements I (Kim Hughes) are the images featured.

Begin by sponging Juniper Adirondack Pigment Ink (Ranger) in a circular motion over the entire Craft-a-Board ATC with an Ink Blending Tool.  Heat set.

Repeat the process with Terra Cotta Adirondack Pigment Ink.  This time ink only a portion of the background.

One more time with Purple Twilight Adirondack Pigment Ink - again just sponging certain areas.

Stamp the polka dot background stamp from the Collage Elements I stamp set in the pattern shown with Jet Black Archival Ink (Ranger).  The round acrylic block can be found here.

Add some text.

And some flowers and stamp words as shown in the finished project photo.

You may have noticed the silver rim around the edge of the ATC in first photo for this project.  That was created with a Silver Krylon Leafing Pen.  There is a little trick I use to get the ink flowing.  First, it is important to shake the pen well - there is a little ball that will help the mixing.  If you press the tip to your Non-Stick Craft Sheet several times the ink will begin to flow and you can build up a pool of ink on your sheet. 

This will allow you to pick up more as you need it easily.  Heat set when done.

Create centers for the flowers with Mint Green Liquid Pearls and allow to dry.

 

Layer Kioshi 6x6 Papers (Basic Grey) together for the card front and create a line of faux stitching as shown with the Tim Holtz Design Ruler and Retractable Craft Pick.  Use a Black .05 Multiliner Pen to trace between the holes you have pierced to create a "faux stitch".  Place Mango and Lavendar Pearls along the stitch line.

PREMADE BACKGROUNDS

My last tip of the day is one that may surprise you.  I make a lot of ATC's and Inchies.  I also really, really, really *love* 6x6 paper pads because they are created for the scale of projects that I like to create.  Are you sitting down?  Have you swallowed that mouthful of coffee?

When I purchase a new 6x6 pad, the first thing I do is pull out one of each sheet and cut it into ATC and Inchie bases as follows:  

I am using a piece of Kioshi to illustrate.  Cut at 3.5 inches.

Take the 3.5 x 6 inch piece, turn it and cut at 2.5 inches, two times.  (Illustrated in the next two photos.)

 

You will have a 1 x 3.5 inch strip left.  Trim off the 1/2 inch and then trim the remaining porting into three 1 x 1 inch squares.

Now cut the remaining piece measuring 2.5 x 6 as shown - cut at 3.5 inches.  You will be left with a 2.5 inch square.

Here are the pieces you will have created - 3 ATC's (2.5 x 3.5), 3 inchies (1 x 1), a 2.5 x 2.5 inch square to use as a mat or could be cut down to a Twinchie (2 x 2 inches).  I even save that little .5 x 1 inch piece and adhere it to an Inchie Square.  Now I have ready made backgrounds that just need a little embellishing or stamping to create a fabulous ATC or Inchie.

Here is a photo of all of the ATC's I cut from the Kioshi 6x6 Pad:

 

Do you have any idea how this little fan of ATC's makes me?!  Ack.  Love it.  The other benefit of cutting into the paper right away is that you get to *know* it.  AND, your hoarding tendencies will be curbed because you have already cut it.  :P

If you are still with me after this lengthy post, good for you!

Cheers, Lisa

ATC's as Card Focal Points by Debbie Olson

 

When Ellen gave us this week's challenge, ATC's (altered, or sometimes artists', trading cards), CHF stamps, and Basic Grey papers, I knew that I would have to think of a use for the ATC's. You see, I don't really collect them, nor do I stamp in mass quantities and trade them. More power to those who do! I just have this wide utilitarian streak that makes me try to think of uses for things. . . It occurred to me that they are a great size for a card focal point, and I thought I could put together a little card kit in which the parts were interchangeable. 

 

I started with four Basic Grey Kioshi 6" x 6" papers and a couple of stamp sets, Botanical Bliss and Sweet Bee. Not pictured, but used on one of the ATC's, was Key Elements.

 

Next I chose some Adirondack inks that would coordinate with the papers. (Click on the pictures to see them in readable size!) I chose the Memento in case I decided to color parts of the images with Copic markers. 

There really aren't a lot of rules about ATC's, except that the size is generally 3-1/2" x 2-1/2". Besides the simple stamped images below, I used some white twill tape and Memory Box cardstock in blues and greens, as well as a couple of buttons, rhinestones, and my sewing machine.

 

Here are the finished ATC's, matted in a dark gray cardstock. A couple of them I sewed around and mounted the image on top, and the other two I mounted using foam tape and placed the image behind a window.

 

And here is my next step--backgrounds made out of that Basic Grey Kioshi and matted with the same dark gray cardstock that I used to mat the ATC's.

 

I haven't attached the ATC's to the cards fronts yet--just laid them on for a picture. Package the card fronts, card bases, and envelopes with the four ATCs for a great little gift for a crafty friend who doesn't have much time. She'll love you for it!

Inchie Gift Book by Lisa Strahl

It's Monday.  Who's ready?  Need coffee.  Lots of coffee. 

I am going to jump right in this morning and tell you that I love, lovey, love Graphic 45.  It's just easy for me to work with.  I don't have to think.  A happy place.  The project I created for you today is a fold out, Artist Trading Card sized, inchie'ish type book that I plan to give to a friend because she can appreciate an "art for art's sake" project.

I wanted to cover my ATC sized container as quickly and easily as possible, so measured the length of the case with my design ruler and cut an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of Be Creative Tape to size on my trimmer.  The advantage of the sheets as opposed to the roll is that you have backing on both sides of the tape, which means you can die cut it or cut it on a trimmer.

 

Pull off the brown backing a little at a time and simply apply around the surface of the case.  Easy peasy.  Remove the white and blue backing and adhere paper which has been cut to the same size.

 

Paint the top of the case with Pitch Black Adirondack Paint Dabber using one of the many handy brushes in the Studio Line Brush set.  It dries completely within a few minutes.  You can heat set it if you are impatient!

I made a little bouquet of Gypso flowers that have been lightly inked with Sepia Archival ink.  I love to make arrangements and couldn't help but sticking this vintage Jenni Bowlin pin into the center.  Once again I am using those Tiny Type stickers, just can't get enough.  I want to say what I want to say and they allow me to do that.

I also added a thin strip of paper that is the "b" side of Botantical News and embellished it with a row of black pearls.

 

I used a little brown ribbon to hold my fold out book closed inside the container.  The inchie square on the front cover is embellished with layered brass flowers by Vintaj.  I used Black Inchie Squares which were sanded after adhering the paper to give the effect of a worn tile.

A close up of each page is shown below.  Please scroll to the end of this port to see a full supply list.

Each Black Inchie Square has been covered with an image from the Botanticabella Tag sheet, sanded, coated with a layer of quick drying clear nail polish (to ensure the colors do not bleed), adorned with a Tiny Type sticker, embellished with a Clear Spica Glitter Pen and then covered in Glossy Accents and allowed to dry overnight.

 

 

My hope is that this little booklet could be display on a shelf or mantle and then tucked away for safe keeping in it's case.

Thanks so much for joining us today in the CLASSroom.

Cheers, Lisa
-----------------------

Supplies:

Botanicabella Collection:  Botanical News, Antiquity, Botanicabella Tags (Graphic 45)

Black Inchie Squares(Inchie Arts, LLC)

Brass Flower Stacks Fastenables (Vintaj)

Ivory Gypso Mini Flowers(Prima)

Tiny Type Stickers, Black and Brown (Cosmo Cricket)

Glossy Accents (Ranger)

Clear Spica Glitter Pen(Copic)

Cream Stick Pins(Jenni Bowlin)

Sepia Archival Ink (Ranger)

8.5 x 11 Tape Sheets (Be Creative)

Brown Crochet Ribbon, Classic Trim Collection (Webster's Pages)

Pitch Black Adirondack Paint Dabber (Ranger)

Studio Line Brush Set (Ranger)

Strip of Black Pearls(Kaisercraft)

Precision Sanding Kit (Basic Grey)

Collage with Graphic 45 and Stampers Anonymous by Lisa Strahl

Hello ladies!  Did anyone get to enjoy the sunshine on their face like I did this weekend?  The vitamin D does a girl good I tell ya.  ;^)

I put together two projects for you that flow out of Bek's AWESOME collage article that was featured in the In Touch newsletter last week.  First up is a collaged Artist Trading Card using only stamps and featuring none other than the Mona Lisa.  I want to share a few tips that I find helpful when creating collages:

The very first order of business is to stamp all of the images I want to work with. Why do I do this, especially since I have a index on the storage sheet?  Even though I am a visual person, there is something organic about the stamped image.  I suppose I am getting to know my images better.  I began my stamping all of the images from the Mini Classics set (Stamper's Anonymous) on Classic Cream Cardstock (Neenah).

The first step helped me to decide which images I wanted to use.  Stamp the flourish image in a random pattern using Mountain Rose Adirondack Ink (Ranger).  I also have to give a shout out to the round acrylic blocks holding the stamp - they make positioning my images so much easier!  They come in three sizes: 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches and 4.25 inches.

The flourishes are pretty, but a little bit to stark against the cream paper so I sponged the same color ink over the entire surface using Cut 'n Dry Foam in a circular motion.  Now it's soft and pretty!

Next up is stamping the Mona Lisa in Coffee Archival Ink (Ranger).  I chose and dark and bold ink so that Mona did not get lost against the background of flourishes.

I finished the collage as follows:  stamp the Imagine sentiment from Just Word Art Studio 490 (Stamper's Anon) in Stream Adirondack Ink; stamp the same flourish again but this time in Pool Adirondack Ink (which is a tone lighter than Stream), stamp the distressed checker pattern from the Ultimate Grunge stamp set in Terra Cotta Adirondack Ink.  Finally, frame the ATC by sponging Pool ink around the image and then a frame closer to the edge with Stream ink.

The second project features Graphic 45 paper and more Stamper's Anonymous images.  I created a special gift for someone that comes in it's very own coordinating box.

Apply Copper Adirondack Paintusing the dabber top to this ginormous flourish stamp from the Fabulous Flourishesset.  It measures 4x7 inches so chances are that you don't have a block and in this case that is just fine! 

 

I wanted to share a tip about cling mount stamps that you might not have considered.  There are occasions where I do not put my stamps on a block at all.  In this case, I was stamping on a very uneven surface and the flexibility of the rubber allowed me to press the stamp unevenly, there by getting in all of the nooks and crannies where the chipboard is scored between the pages.

Details and Product Info:

-background paper on the left is the reverse side of Around the World(Transatlantique) and was applied to the chipboard with Matte Multi Medium (Ranger); the right side is painted with Traditional Tan Studio Line Paint (Ranger)

-the image of the two women is from the Haute Couturepaper (Fashionista)

-stamps include Fabulous Flourishes as mentioned above, sentiment is from the Paisley Prints stamp set stamped in Jet Black Archival Ink, and the pen nibs from the Mini Classics stamped in Cranberry Adirondack Paint

-Black Banner ribbon lace(Prima), Cosmos flower punch (Martha Stewart) sponged with Caramel and Jet Black ink, black brad from the Eerie Collection (Basic Grey)

-backgrounds prepared the same as above

-image of the woman from the Fashionista Tags Sheet

-stamps include sentiment from the Mona's Sketchbook set and Fabulous Flourishes again - this time stamped in Denim Adirondack Paint Dabber

-Metallic Copper Crochet Ribbon (May Arts), Donegal Lace(Prima), black jewels (Hero Arts)

 

Last but not least this cute little oval box was decorated with Globe Trotter and Around the Worldpapers (Transatlantique).

I hope you inspired to try a collage project this week!

Cheers, Lisa

Back to Basics - Ink It Up by Lisa Strahl

Monday.  It's Monday once again.  I hope you had a good weekend and maybe even had time to create or play.

We are starting a new series today called Back to Basics.  Each week one of the CLASSroom teachers will be sharing their experiences with basic paper crafting and stamping supplies.  There are many ways to achieve successful results and it is a guarantee that we all do things a little differently.  By no means are my methods the only ones, just the ones that I have found consistent results with.

Let's get started with how to get the best possible impression with your stamps.  I am going to focus primarily on ink as it relates to line art versus detailed images, silhouette image and suggestions for clear versus rubber stamps.  The paper or surface you are using is also very important, but that's a post for another day!  What I will say is that generally, the smoother the paper, the easier it is to get a good impression with any given ink.  My advice for paper and ink combinations is to test, test, test.  If you try a pigment ink and it doesn't work, try a dye or vice versa.  For this post I am using Neenah Classic Solar White.

My #1 tip for you is called the "Swirl and Tap".  I am real stickler for an even and solid image and this technique is the best way I have found to achieve that.

It is a good idea to clean your stamps well the first time you use them.  My favorite is a strong cleaner like Stewart Superior Ultra Clean and a dry white terry cloth.  This will help to remove any residue left over from the manufacturing process or lint/dirt that may have transfered to the stamp during shipping.

RUBBER STAMPS

First the swirl.  Rub the ink in a circular motion with medium pressure over the entire surface.

Next, the "tap".  Now tap the entire surface, pressing the ink to the stamp.  By pressing the ink to the stamp you have much better control because you can feel the resistance against your other hand.  If the stamp is on the table, you really don't know how much pressure you are exerting.

The tapping motion brings the ink up to a "bead" - it ensures that there is enough ink applied evenly over the stamp.  With this detailed rubber stamp called Leopard and Beauty, I used Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate Ink.  This is my all time favorite ink for detailed rubber images - it is SO crisp!  This color is such a rich brown, without too much red.  Another ink I really like for detail rubber images is Adirondack Pitch Black Pigment Ink.

Here is the image stamped.  One note on the actual stamping - I use finger tip pressure to ensure that I don't press to hard which can cause you to lose detail in the image.  It also helps to stamp on a foam mat of some kind, like a mouse pad.

Next let's discuss silhouette images or images that have large areas of solid rubber.  This Zebra Pair is a great example.  It would be very obvious if the ink did not give an even, solid impression for this image.  For this type of stamp on card stock, my all time favorite ink is Jet Black Archival by Ranger.  This is my go to ink.  It works for me, for the most number of techniques.  The biggest exception is that it is not compatible with alcohol based markers like Copic.  Of course, I used my "swirl and tap" method again.

I encourage you to click on the stamped image to see just how bold and full the coverage is.

I went on to create an ATC (Artist Trading Card) with this image by creating a mask using Judikins Eclipse Paper and airbrushing various colors of Copic Markers and Spica Glitter Pens to create an African sunset.  The Copics I used are: YR24 Pale Sepia, E39 Leather, and V15 Mallow.  The Spicas I used include Lemon, Orange and Clear.  That perfect little sentiment is from a stamp set called Beacon of Hope.

CLEAR STAMPS

I am pleased to share that Ellen only carries the highest quality clear photo polymer stamps.  Why is that important?  If you have ever bought clear stamps I would be willing to bet that you can tell that there are variations in how they stamp and how they stick to the block.  The highest quality clear stamps accept more types of ink and make a good impression.  With clear stamps, like rubber, it is a good idea to clean them first and think about the surface you are stamping on as I have described above.

For this detailed dragonfly from the Antique Engraving Set by Hero Arts, I again used Adirondack Pitch Black Pigment Ink and stamped onto a white inchie.  For most pigment ink, a quick heat set is a good idea.

I then stamped the image again on paper from the 6x6 Frond Collection Paper Pack by Memory Box, fussy cut out the wings and adhered them with a very thin but super sticky strip of double sided tape.  The "come fly away" sentiment (Botanical Bliss set) is stamped in Eggplant Adirondack Pigment Ink.  The finishing touches include Glossy Accents applied to the body and the entire inchie edged with the Silver Krylon Leafing Pen.

 
Next up is line art clear stamps.  You have several choices for these images including Jet Black Archival Ink (Ranger), Graphite Black Brilliance Ink (Tsukineko) and Pitch Black Adirondack Pigment Ink.  There are others of course, but these are my favorite.  I stamped the little owl image from the Say Hello Stamp set by Hero Arts.

I wanted to stamp a single word from the Sassy Petites stamp set  and didn't want to cut this set up so I simply masked off the area around the word "sparkly".

Remove the masking paper to reveal the one inked word.

Use the masking paper again to create a "handle" for the back of your inchie and press the inchie to the stamp.

Here is my finished "Sparkly Owl" inchie.  I used the 6x6 Spearmint Memory Box Paper Pack, added Diamond Stickles and Lemon Yellow Liquid Pearls to the wing and highlighted the rest of the owl with the Clear Spica Glitter Pen and embellished with two small pearls.

 

Thanks so much for joining us today @ the CLASSroom!

Lisa

Nook and Pantry ATC's by Lisa Strahl

Hello CLASSroom followers!  I am thrilled to share with you that I will be joining you every Monday as a regular CLASSroom Educator.  What a joy to be able to work with dear friends that I admire so much.  I hope that my style and interests in this vast world we call paper crafting will be an inspiration to you.  I believe that each of us has the ability to draw on creativity within us.  With that, please allow me to share a set of three Artist Trading Cards with you.

I have become completely enamored with what I generally call "art in a small space."  Artist Trading Cards are simply a canvas measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches in which you can express your creativity.  There are no other rules!  How many of you Type A paper crafters love rules?  If my travels and teaching are any indication, most of you like rules.  Perhaps it's the freedom with this medium that I am enjoying so much.

This ATC was created with the Nook and Pantry 6x6 inch paper pad and the Domestic Love stamp set by Cornish Heritage Farms.  I am ready to make my first confession to you.  I am a 6x6 inch paper pack ADDICT.  A few years ago there was nothing more frustrating to me than finding a patterned paper line that I loved only to discover that it was very hard to work with because the elements and patterns were too big for my project.  Then along came the 6x6 inch, scaled down version of my favorite papers!  Now I buy almost every single one I see.  How lucky for me that Ellen carries a great selection of 6x6!

Here are some details of this ATC:

 

 

I began by stamping (Coffee Archival Ink), fussy cutting the couple and layering them over one of the more solid red patterns in the Nook and Pantry 6x6 paper pad.

Paint a Philosophy Tag with Modern Red Studio Paint making sure the paint goes deep into the debossed words and numbers.

Gently wipe the paint away from the surface of if the tag, leaving the paint to highlight "Cherish." 

Punch the edge with the Binding Edge Border punch. 

Color the 1/4 white silk white ribbon with the R11 Pale Cherry Pink Copic Marker.

 

I used that same marker to color the man's dress shirt and the woman's dress.  Now technically Archival Ink (Ranger) is not Copic friendly, but this was a small space and I was careful!  I also could not resist adding yet another earring to the image.  It's a Nook and Pantry Brad.

The ticket comes from a wonderful embellishment book called Adage Tickets. 

The next ATC features the egg beater image from the Domestic Love stamp set.  Again, all papers are Nook and Pantry.

 

Now, you didn't need me to show you how to stamp this image, but I wanted to share that the old saying "necessity is the mother of invention" holds true in my craft room.  I couldn't find a clear stamp block in the piles on my desk, so I grabbed the nearest clear object that could hold my stamp.  The Tim Holtz Design Ruler was perfect!  Stamp the beater and sentiment with Coffee Archival Ink.

Use the Binding Edge Punch on the strawberry paper.

I really wanted to use a button but didn't have anything quite right so I used my Copic Airbrush Compressor System and the Dark Brown Sketch Marker to create one.  A quick note about the air compressor...it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.  I did start with the smaller air can, but found that I liked the flexibility of airbrushing to customize my project that I was using up cans.  Edited to add:  When I linked the compressor to this post I noticed that it's almost 20% off the retail price!

 

The Tonic 8.5 inch Guillotine Trimmer is perfect for cutting the thinnest shred of paper.  I cut a few very narrow stripe to use in the place of thread for my button.

Drizzle some Clear Spica Pen on the strawberries...

...and some Silver Spica on the beater.

 

Last but not least, this one is for all of you who DIDN'T have a great Valentine's Day!

 

More stamps from Domestic Love and paper from Nook and Pantry.  Brads from Indian Summer Collection.  The base card stock is Memory Box Dill.

Stamp the vacuum with Coffee Archival Ink on the paper keeping in mind what pattern you want on the dust bag.

 

I love, love, love the Tonic Paper Piercing tool because it's heavy duty and can go through chipboard.

 

This little flower is found on a sheet from Nook and Pantry in a repeating pattern.  I cut out different sections from three different flowers.

 
 
Then layer the different sections of the flower on top of each other and secure with a Nook and Pantry brad.

Creating these Artist Trading Cards has left me feeling very domestic indeed.  Thanks for joining us on the CLASSroom today.  See you next Monday!

Lisa

ATC Home Decor by Sharon Harnist

 

If you don't know people interested in swapping ATCs, or if you're like me and just can't bear to part with some of your creations (!) -- why not make them into home decor items?  Here, I simply made my Valentine-themed ATC and then placed it on a plaque.  There's another suggestion for ATC swaps ... you can make them seasonal and then use all the cards you've swapped in a grouping for your seasonal home decor.

Here's what the plaque looked like when I found it on clearance at the craft store -- I knew it had good potential for altering!

Basic Grey's Sugar Rush paper matched the colors of the plaque perfectly, so I just decoupaged the paper to it and then added some of Maya Road's pearl trinket pins to the beads, to make them a little more special:

 

Again, I gave my ATC some shape by die cutting some of the pink solid Sugar Rush paper with a Labels Four Nestabilities die -- the second to the largest die in the set measures almost exactly 2.50" x 3.50" (ATC size).  Then I stamped Karen Lockhart's wonderful new Love Angel with Memento Rich Cocoa ink and colored her with the Copic markers pictured below. 

 

TIP: I like to use the Cocoa ink as opposed to black whenever I want to keep my final colored image a little on the softer side -- to match the softer pastel colors of the paper I'm working with.

To achieve a nicely graduated shading like I did on the Angel's dress, start with a base coat of your lightest Copic color (BV0000).  Doing this first will "prime" the paper and make the next colors blend easier:

 

Then add the middle shade of your 3-color grouping of markers (BV000) to the bottom two-thirds of the dress:

 

Next, add the darkest color in your grouping (BV02) to the very bottom of the dress:

 

The last step is to go back with your first lightest color and blend everything together.  You can then add back in a little bit of the darker color at the bottom of the dress, if it needs more definition.  Sometimes I repeat the last two colors another time, just to get a little deeper color saturation.

I cut out and mounted the angel with foam tape to the Nestie die cut, which is also on foam tape:

 

To give the die cut stability, I backed it with some of Ellen's fabulous Craft-a-Board.  I love that it is a beautiful shade of cream and cuts easily most of the time with Spellbinder's dies -- see it peeking out of the edges of the pink Labels die cut?  Much nicer than traditional chipboard!  The more open kind of die like the Labels Four I used here usually cut very easily all the way through the board on a first pass through your die cutting machine (mine did here).  More detailed dies may take a few more passes through your machine or require a little snipping of the Craft-a-Board in spots where it may not have cut all the way through -- but that's just the nature of low-profile dies. 

TIP: If a die isn't cutting through the Craft-a-Board (or ANY thicker material, such as GrungePaper) all the way, use this sandwich in the Wizard die cutting machine to help get a better cut (from the bottom, up):

-Spellbinders White Master cutting mat
-Die, cutting side up
-Material to cut
-Eyelet Setting Plate (copper colored metal plate that comes with your Wizard)
-White Master Mat

 

I used Glossy Accents to adhere the die cut paper to the die cut Craft-a-Board -- it gives a good, quick bond.  The tiny hearts the Angel is dropping are the punched-out centers from Martha Stewart's Lace Heart Edger Punch, attached with Quickie Glue Pen and shimmered with Copic's Clear Spica Glitter Pen.  The Angel's wings and hearts on her dress were also covered with Clear Spica and Pink Spica was added to the heart she is carrying (hopefully you can see all that shimmer if you click on this photo to make it larger):

 

I think I know two little girls who will love to have this revamped plaque hanging in their room (if they can get it away from Mom)!  It will be good for Valentine's Day or any day you want to spread a little love!

 
Stamps: Lockhart Love Angel
Paper: Basic Grey Sugar Rush, Neenah Natural White
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa ink pad, Copic markers, Copic Clear & Pink Spica Glitter Pens
Accessories: Craft-a-Board, Labels 4 Nestabilities dies, Martha Stewart Lace Heart Edger Punch, Maya Road Vintage Pearl Trinket Pins, Royal Coat Decoupage Finish, Ranger Glossy Accents, Quickie Glue Pen

Bee Mine ATC by Sharon Harnist

 

I have some more ATC (Artist Trading Card) tips for you today.

1. Use a die to give your ATC some shape.  Here, I used Labels Seven Nestabilities to cut patterned paper for my base.  The second to largest die in this set is exactly 2.50" x 3.50".

2. Don't be afraid to use all the same elements on an ATC as you do larger cards.  Here, I've used a button, gemstones, cut-outs, Copic marker, glitter glue, lace ribbon and staples!

TIP FOR ANY PROJECT: Use solid colors of the patterned paper collection you are working with to stamp your images.  Then you'll be assured the stamped pieces will coordinate well with the rest of your project.

 

3. To give cut-outs or die cuts more depth, ink the cut edges.  Here, I used dark brown Brushed Corduroy Distress ink, to help the cut-outs blend in with the paper pattern.  Copic W1 was used to give the "B" some shadow and more depth.

I used Copic markers YR31 & E55 to color the bee and then glittered her wings and popped her up on foam tape.

   

4. Keep the scale of your embellishments smaller on your ATCs than on larger projects.  Here, I used tiny gemstones and a smaller button.

5. Tim Holtz's Tiny Attacher stapler is a perfect size for ATCs and a great solution to attach an open patterned lace, when any kind of glue or tape would show.  Here, I used a staple on each end of the lace to attach it to the ATC.

I hope you all are enjoying trying out ATCs ... thanks so much for visiting today!  ~ Sharon

 
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms The Rummage Bin-Sweet Bee Uncut or Precut
Paper: Webster's Pages Petite Papers-Postcards From Paris & Sweet as Cherry Pie 6x6
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink-Brushed Corduroy, Adirondack Dye Ink-Cranberry & Espresso. Copic markers- YR31, E55 & W1.
Accessories:  Spellbinders Labels Seven Nestabilities dies, Prima Ribbon Lace-Saucy, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Acrylic Block, Clear Crystal Gemstones, Martha Stewart Baker's Twine-Red, Button, Star Dust Stickles

Artist Trading Cards by Sharon Harnist

 

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) ... what are they?  Do you love them?  Do they scare you?  What's the appeal?  Hopefully we'll cover a few answers to those questions today!

Artist trading cards are a way for artists to create miniature works of art that can travel the world through trading.  ATCs originated in 1997 when Swiss artist M. Vanci Stirnemann created an exhibit of over 1,200 handmade cards.  He asked others to create cards as well, so that on the last day of the exhibit he could trade his cards with them.  The idea was a hit and turned into a world-wide phenomenon!  Today, artist trading cards are used to share work, network, and practice creating on a smaller scale.

Artist trading cards are pieces of watercolor paper, cardstock, or illustration board that are 2.50" x 3.50" in size.  An artist creates an original work of art on these tiny canvases and then trades them with other artists through groups and events -- similar to trading your Inchies!  Trade is the operative word ... cards should not be sold.

Any medium is "allowed" on trading cards.  Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, found objects).  This is the perfect opportunity to use up all those little scraps of paper, ribbon and other embellishments you have lying around!

On the back of the cards the artist should print their name, contact information (an email address is fine), the title of the work on the artist trading card, and a number if it is part of a series.

To make the most of one piece of 8.50" x 11" cardstock for your ATC bases, follow this cutting guide (you'll get 10 ATC bases out of one piece of cardstock):

 

For my trading card, I chose a line of stamps that make Artist Trading Cards a breeze ... Cornish Heritage Farms' All Things Considered line.  There are many different sets to chose from, and all the elements in the sets are perfectly sized for ATCs!

 

I stamped the floral frame with Cranberry ink onto Natural White cardstock, trimmed it to 2.50" x 3.50" and then colored it with these Copic markers (sorry for the fuzzy photo, they are R30, R32, R37, G21& E25):

 

The center floral image was stamped with Rich Cocoa ink and colored with the R-series of Copic markers shown above. 

 

Next, I airbrushed the background of the card with my custom lighter YR31 Copic marker (made by filling an empty Sketch marker with 2 parts Copic Colorless Blender Solution and 1 part Copic YR31 Various Ink Refill).

 

The edges of the floral center and ATC were sponged with Brushed Corduroy ink.  The center is popped up on foam tape.

To finish my ATC, I colored a Maya Road chipboard letter (it appears the store is sold out of the particular alpha set I used but if you keep a watch on this link, I'm sure they'll be back in stock soon!) with Copic R37 marker and then covered the letter with Glossy Accents.

 

Copper Stickles were added to the flower center and the edges of my ATC were distressed.  And there you have an Artist Trading Card ... not so scary after all!  Fun to create and trade, or just keep for yourself!  Wouldn't a grouping of ATCs you or your friends created look wonderful framed all together?  It would make a very unique home accent!

 
 
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms-All Things Considered, Botanical Bliss (uncut) or Precut
Paper: Neenah Natural White
Ink: Ranger Adirondack Cranberry dye ink & Brushed Corduroy Distress ink, Memento Rich Cocoa ink pad, Copic markers (shown above)
Accessories: Maya Road Chipboard letter, Copic Airbrush System, Tonic-Tim Holtz Paper Distresser. Ranger Glossy Accents, Copper Stickles & Ink Blending Tool. Foam tape