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January 31, 2017

#TexturalTuesdays - Button Love by Lisa

Hey there #TexturalTuesday friends! It's Embellishment Week here in the CLASSroom and I'm having some fun with the beautiful buttons from 28 Lilac Lane.

 

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I used Ranger Distress Paints in Barn Door, Seedless Preserves, Spun Sugar, and Picked Raspberry to create the background. I smooshed a little of each paint onto my work surface and then painted each color onto the rough side of the Ranger watercolor paper.

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Allow each color to overlap just a little for a more cohesive look. And, personally, I like the "brush stroke" look, so that is what I was going for. If you don't like that? Blend it out.

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Next, cut a piece of vellum into the shape of a heart. I used vellum for the sole purpose of transparency. I didn't want any cardstock behind the buttons. But do what you want to do, by all means! 

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Then just started attaching all the lovely buttons. I used Ranger's Multi Medium in Matte to do this because I knew it would hold on tight. I used a block to keep things firm I was glueing.

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This particular kit also includes sequins and beads of different sizes. I used those to fill in the gaps as you can see below.

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I die-cut the word "love" using Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies Brushstroke Love by Julie Ebersole using glitter paper and adhered it onto a piece of craft foam for extra depth.

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To make sure that the heart sticks on to the background REALLY good, doesn't warp, and has a bit of loft I used Thin 3-D Foam Squares. I like these particular ones because they come in two sizes and come in both black and white. And are SUPER strong.

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                                             (foam square overload!!)

 Then, just to set off the background from the card base, I wanted to create a shiny watercolor strip. So I broke out two colors from the Kuretake Gansai Tambi Starry Colors Watercolor set in Light Gold and White Gold.


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Let me tell y'all? These colors are a dream!!! If you don't have them yet? Let me come over and sit down with you for a spell and we can have a little one on one while I look inside your head. Hahha!! Just kiddin'...sort of. ;)

After that piece of lusciousness is dry adhere it behind the background piece. Then attach the whole she-bang to the card base. But NOT before wrapping that piece of ribbon that is also included in that kit from 28 Lilac Lane. (I almost forgot...whoopsie!)

Finish it up with a few extra pearls from the kit. 

Here are some close-ups for ya!

Check out those pretty buttons!!!!

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Don't you just loooove Julie's sentiment when it's all glittered up?

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Do you use buttons when you craft? What's your favorite way to use them? I can't wait to hear!! Thank you so much for joining me today. And I hope you had fun!

Ellen-Supplies

 

Lisa Sig

Posted at 12:01 AM in #TexturalTuesdays, 28 Lilac Lane, Cards, Dies, Embellishments, Essentials by Ellen, Mixed Media, Valentines | | Comments (3)

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November 22, 2016

#TexturalTuesdays - Mixed Media Mini Canvas Featuring Ranger by Lisa

Hey everyone! It's Lisa back with another really fun project for you today. I'm featuring Ranger products on my post today for a Mixed Media Mini Canvas that I've turned into a wall hanging.  It's a long post today, but well worth it!

 

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This little wall hanging is just a neat, creative way to get your groove on and get ready for the holidays. No sentiment necessary. Heck, if you use the right patterned paper? The sentiments are all over it! But, you can always stamp something on this canvas, too.

To start with, I'm using a 4 x 6" flat back canvas board that you can get in an assortment pack by Dina Wakley. These boards are perfect for small to medium sized projects. They are already primed so you won't need to do that part...YAY!

I stamped three of the ornaments from the Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps Fat Pants, by Julie Ebersole in Versamark ink and heat embossed them in a variety of metallic embossing powders onto patterned paper. The ornaments were then die-cut using the matching die set, Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Fat Pants by Julie Ebersole.

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The ornaments are then set aside for much, much...much later. ;) Just don't forget where you put them.

Decide which orientation you'd like to work with your panel. It WILL matter and it is important. So this is the time to make that decision. Then tear out some strips of patterned paper from a paper pad. It's usually a good idea not to go too crazy (so you can add some color in between the open spaces), but far be it from me to tell someone not to try something. I usually like to tear the strips. But this time I didn't. Lay the strips down, get a good idea how you like them, take a photo so you don't forget, THEN using a collage glue (I used Ranger/Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium, Matte) adhere your pieces back where you want them.

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* Remember! It's important to add the collage medium under the paper and on top. *

Next, I wanted to add more color. To make that white space go away. Far, far away. So for that, I used the Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium in Vintage. I probably should have used a paintbrush for this, but I thought a make up sponge would enable me to smooth the medium into the areas the way that I wanted. I'll have to give this product another try, honestly, because it was kinda goopy right out of the jar.  It does give a brown-ish tint, though. So there's that!

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After I dried the Vintage Medium I went in with a few color of Distress Inks: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Evergreen Bough, and Ground Espresso. As I was adding the color one of my paper strips started to come up, so I "helped" it along. I like the roughed up look of torn edges in collage. What can I say?

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Once this was dry I used a snow stencil and the Ranger Texture Paste with a palette knife to create a snow-like effect. Before the Texture Paste could dry, Ranger Distress Stickles Dry Glitter in Clear Rock Candy was sprinkled on top. Tap the excess off and put back in the jar. This is the BEST glitter. ♥ So versatile!!

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Next up, I cut out some random images from the patterned paper that i have (the Tim Holtz Mini Stash, Tidings). I adhered these using the Distress Collage Medium in Matte and then on top I added the Ranger Distress Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium, Crazing. I used a brush for this one. (See? I got smart!) This medium is very thin in viscosity (or so it seemed to me.) And I applied it in a few thin layers first in one direction and then in another on top of the paper image. It can be heat set with a heat tool or air dried. This product leaves tiny little cracks when dry.

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I cut a few thin strips from each color of Tim Holtz Deco Sheets, Holiday 2016 which are adhesive backed. The green was added to the left side and a little notched banner was added near the top right side.

Using the tip of a sharp pair of scissors or another sharp tool, punch a small hole at the top of each ornament. Add foam squares to the backs of the and put into place where you'd like them onto the canvas being careful not to cover the hole. Thread the ornaments with gold thread and tie with a bow. Bring the edges of the excess thread over the back of the canvas board and secure. I secured each bow with Ranger Multi Medium, Matte. After this I filled the open areas of each ornament with Ranger Glossy Accents. I wanted them to look more ornament-y, for a lack of better terms.

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I then took a length of the Tim Holtz Crinkle Ribbon and trimmed to size. Using the Distress Inks again I simply rubbed the inks onto my work surface, spritzed with water, and rubbed the ribbon into the ink. Crinkling it to make sure of an even coating. Dry the ribbon with a heat tool, continue to crinkle as it dries. Punch two holes and thread the ribbon through. Attach the Tim Holtz Jingle Brads to one side.

Last, but not least? A few simple pearls and rhinestones were added. Very simple, but just the right touch.

Whew!! And here are a few cloe-ups for your viewing pleasure.

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I think you can see the crackles in the December 25 from the Crazing. Yeah! And aren't those Jingle Brads the cutest?

And this next one really shows the embossing of Julie's Ornaments!

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I hope you enjoyed today's #TexturalTuesdays and that it inspired you to create.

Ellen-Supplies

Lisa Sig

Posted at 06:00 AM in #TexturalTuesdays, Essentials by Ellen, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Tim Holtz | | Comments (17)

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August 02, 2016

#TexturalTuesdays - Felt Flower on Canvas by Lisa

Hi my lovely crafty friends! It's Lisa up on the blog and wowza do I have a project for my #texturaltuesdays fanatics today!! Strap yourselves in because it's gonna be a lengthy one. ;)

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All of the Ellen Hutson, LLC designers are featuring FELT this week in our projects. So exciting, right? So I decided to work with the Memory Box Dies, Plush Ranunculus. I'm not sure that my flower really looks like a Ranunculus. But, truth be told? There are soooo many petals in a Ranunculus? I would have still been die-cutting felt!! :/ 

I used my Big Shot Plus to cut the Taylored Expressions Felt from the Yellows - Oranges pack (I used the color Butter).

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I cut a LOT of these circles once I realized what a Ranunculus should really look like.

Beginning to build the flower, take the smallest circle and shape into a cone. Wrap another circle around it so it looks like this and adhere:

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Start building your flower with the circles (petals) around this center. It may work best to work from the back. But, you want to work with larger and larger circles (petals), adhering as you go.

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Here you can see how MANY pieces of felt I needed to make this flower as full as in the completed project!

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I really should have counted. 

Completed flower (I had stuck some seed beads in the center, which I change my mind on):

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I didn't want to make a HUGE canvas for this. A small 6" x 6" canvas is always suitable for most of my needs unless I'm doing something really out of the box. But these flat canvas panels can usually even be punched through with a Crop-A-Dile. Makes it nice for gift giving.

I started with 3 colors of Ranger Dina Wakley Media Paint in Tangerine, Lemon & Magenta. I added White later on to soften and blend out the colors.

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All that I did was dot one color and dry brush it onto the canvas, then use the next color doing the same thing, then the next.... The following photos are a succession of the painting of the background.

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And then I used some bubble wrap for additional texture to lift off some paint with the next one:

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I zapped my canvas with a heat tool to make sure that it was really dry before moving on.

Using a portion of patterned paper from Authentique's Cheerful 6" x 6" pad I tore a piece out and fit it to one side and corner of the canvas. Using Prima's Soft Gloss Gel and the 1" Silicone Brush (also from Prima) I brushed the gel on top of the canvas where the patterned paper was going. Placing the paper into the gel and another coat on top of the paper completes the process. Be certain that there are no air bubbles by lightly pressing over the paper. Air could cause the paper to lift.

I'm fairly impatient with my crafts so I usually heat set items that can be heat set. 

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Stamp the words "Love, Hugs, Sunshine" from the Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, All Inside by Julie Ebersole onto white tissue paper using Coffee Archival ink by Ranger. I used the My Sweet Petunia MISTI Stamping Tool to help me line the stamps up. (I cannot line things straight to save my life!)

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As you can see above I roughly tore the edges of the tissue paper after the words were stamped. Once you have the tissue in place, you may need to tear more off. Be very careful as this is a gentle surface.

Collage the tissue paper in place VERY gently using the same means as above with the patterned paper using the Soft Gloss Gel. Once the tissue paper is dry, color in the letters with markers.

LisaAdametz-FeltFlower-08022016-17(random sequin alert!!)

I used Barn Door Distress ink to deepen the background a little in some random areas using a mini ink blending tool and a small stencil from the Tim Holtz Mini Stencil Set 4. Blending the ink through the stencil onto the canvas leaves a very pretty design and also deepens the color. It's very subtle and something you wouldn't necessarily notice. It's also a great way to soften the edges of the tissue paper.

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I had already gotten carried away adhering sequins so I had to use the stencil over the sequins...

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The floral piece you see there at the bottom ⇑ in the photo above ⇑ is a really cool piece from 28 Lilac Lane and this is from one of their embellishments kits.

SO!! All that I have left is to adhere my flower. FINALLY!! Yay!! I used Prima's Modeling Paste since I knew it wouldn't take forever and a day to dry and it would hold my flower to the canvas.

Once I was done, though? I decided I wanted to add some shimmer to my flower and I painted on a little of the Soft Gloss Gel on the edges of the petals and then sprinkled Ranger Distress Stickles Dry Glitter in Clear Rock Candy over the Gel. I can't tell you how much I {puffy heart} love this.

It looks goopy now, because it's still wet, but when it's dry? Baby, watch out!

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If you've read all the way through this YOU deserve some close-ups!!! ♥

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(so sparkly!)

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Isn't that FUN?!!

Thanks soooooooooo much for hanging out with me today and my ohhh-sooo-lengthy tutorial!! :D You all are why I love doing my thang. * mwah * Hope you had fun today. I sure did. My fingers are all painty and everything. :)

Check out my supplies below if you wanna make something like this for someone special in YOUR life.

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Lisa Sig

Posted at 06:00 AM in #TexturalTuesdays, 28 Lilac Lane, Essentials by Ellen, Felt, Mixed Media, Prima Marketing, Taylored Expressions, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (3)

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July 15, 2016

Mini Pallet Mixed Media Art by Julia Stainton

How about a little mixed media art? Today I'm excited to share an altered mini wood pallet that I've created with lots of beautiful layers of crafting products. Mixed media is all about layering, texture and making use of this and that. This project has a fun and unique look as it alters a wood pallet to create the art piece.

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I'm loving the new Maya Road wood pallets and they are perfect for altering and home dec projects as well as mixed media. I love using them just like I would a canvas. The pallets come in two sizes: 4" x 4" and 6" x 6". I've used the larger size here but the smaller size makes a darling project as well.

Painted-pallet

To start off with, I've primed the wood surfaces with a light coat of gesso. I wanted the wood texture to show through into the final design. Gesso seals the wood and allows it to easily take paint or other textures or pigments.

Texture-paste

Next step is to add in some texture. I love this Mesh Stencil by Tim Holtz and I've used a palette knife to apply the Whipped Spackle through the stencil.  Remove the stencil and allow to dry.

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I love creativity quotes and I've stamped one here from the Tim Holtz Perspectives Stamp Set. This set also includes a huge gorgeous butterfly that I've stamped onto the pallet and texture.

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I turned to Gelatos to add color to this design. I love the pastel colors. You just scribble them on and then work into the gesso with your finger or a paper towel to blend them.

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Add in another layer of texture paste using the Tim Holtz Bubbles Stencil. This one is one of my faves as it's soooo versatile. Once again, allow to dry.

Paint-on-metal

The Quote Bands are metal charms that have really fab quotes on them. To make it more shabby chic like my project and to help the sentiment stand out, I painted the entire face of the charm with Gesso. While it was still wet, I wiped away the gesso from the surface, leaving it in the depressions of the text.

 

Dream-pallet

Adding a little gold to the design makes it shine and I simply dry brushed on a few areas with the Dina Wakley Gilt Paint.

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One all the background layers were done, I added in the embellishments. The quote band was adhere and tied on with twine. You'll also see vintage buttons, some sweet Maya Road butterfly transparencies and vintage paper flowers. There's also some leaves I die-cut from the Bold Blossoms Stand Alone Die Set from Essentials by Ellen.

Paintbrush

Lastly, check out this SWEET charm from Ken Oliver Crafts. It's so lovely and is perfect for creativity projects! It's called Vintage Art Supplies and please forgive me, I missed linking it below but you can click on it here. And just so you know, if you're looking for more detail...click on the first or last images and they'll enlarge!

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Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a fabulous weekend and make it creative!

Julia

Supplies:

Posted at 11:58 AM in Altered Items, Backgrounds, Dies, Embellishments, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Maya Road, Mixed Media, Paper Blossoms, Tim Holtz | | Comments (3)

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March 08, 2016

#TexturalTuesdays - Finding Your Own Textures with Lisa

It's Tuesday yet again! And it's Lisa back in the CLASSroom, so that can only mean one thing: #TexturalTuesdays....YAYAYAY!! I may be even MORE excited than usual. Scary, huh? ;) But, that's because as I was thinking about what would be fun for today's feature I thought "how about finding texture that you may already have and just don't realize it?" You know...stuff that you just have laying around! FREE TEXTURE!! Creating with what you already have is the best. And it really helps you broaden your horizons. And, gets you thinking outside that proverbial box.

Here is what I made with a few items for texture in my own home:

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What I'm using today that's free: good 'ol bubble wrap (non-popped), a ripped off piece from a box, and some spongy packing material. I am creating on a 5" x 7" pre-gessoed flat canvas.

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First I cut my patterned paper into 1" strips and figured out how I wanted them laid out onto the canvas. Like always, because I am memory-impaired, I took a photo, removed the paper, put down a coat of Gel Medium and then put the paper back according to the photo. Once in place, another coat of Gel Medium is added on top of the patterned paper.

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The edges of the paper are trimmed once the Gel Medium is completely dry.

Using the Asphalt Texture Paste and a palette knife, spread some of the texture paste through the stencil onto a torn portion of the spongy packing material. 

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Remove the excess texture paste and lift the stencil straight up. Set it aside to dry. (It will dry fairly quickly. DO NOT attempt to heat set as this material is very heat sensitive.)

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* It's kind of like a spongy vellum!! *

So next because I was compleeeeeetely inspired by Julie Ebersole's beautimous butterflies on Hello, Monday yesterday (March 7, 2016) I just pretty much had to do something similar to mine, too.  * Waving to Julie and bowing to her greatness. *  My butterflies were heat embossed with a pewter EP and then colored with watercolor pencils to work with the colors in the patterned paper.

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Then I applied some of Dina Wakley's (for Ranger) Media Heavy Body Acrylic Paint in black  onto my work surface and smooshed my bubble wrap into it. I realized I didn't like quite how that was working so I used a palette knife instead and that worked MUCH better.

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I then just pressed it onto the canvas wherever I wanted it being careful not to OVER apply since it is a black paint.

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While the paint is still wet shake glitter on top and tap off the excess.

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Die cut a circle out of the corrugated box piece. Tear some of the paper away to reveal the "corrugated" parts. (Is that what it's called? Inform me if it's not.) Coat with Gesso, allow to dry, and then apply varying shades of Gelatos® Double Scoops® In Lemon, Metallic Melon and just a tiny hint of Snow Cone.

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Adhere the "Be Kind" strip to the canvas using Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L® E-Z Runner® Ultra Strong Permanent Adhesive. Use the same adhesive on the back of the corrugated circle to hold in place. Place a few of the small 3-D foam squares to the back of each butterfly to give them dimension. Finally, add the Pink Blush sequins from Pretty Pink Posh! 

A sweet and easy little canvas like this is fun to make and give as a gift or just hang up as a reminder to yourself to always Be Kind. 

Here's a close-up!

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Using texture on your mixed media projects, art journals, or on your cards, does not have to be scary OR expensive. Look around to see what YOU have. Be creative and challenge yourself to use something different on your next project. Let me know if you have made a project in the comments -- I'd love to see what you've made! And, as always, I welcome your comments. :)

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Lisa Sig

Posted at 08:00 AM in #TexturalTuesdays, Adhesives, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (3)

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February 23, 2016

#TexturalTuesdays - Art Journaling Using Texture Accents with Lisa

Hi there friends! Lisa back for another #TexturalTuesdays and boy-oh-boy do I have a treat for you today!! An art journal page jam-packed with texture and some of my favorite ways to achieve texture in some (perhaps) not so ordinary ways.

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Believe it or not, as a person who dabbles mostly in mixed media-esque type projects I am deathly afraid of art journaling. This is only my 3rd page. I kid you not. Having said that, I am finding it immensely freeing and I really enjoy keeping my little works of art in a bound journal. I'm not sure how people can art journal in those teeny-tiny, itty-bitty journals? Mine is kinda big. And the paper needs to be substantial for all the goop, ummm...I mean PRODUCT (heh) I put on it. If you are already a mixed media art journaler, do what works for you. But if you're just getting started, like me? Make sure the paper is meant for mixed media and is large enough. Just my 2¢ on that!

One of the things I like to do as a mixed media "artist", is use tissue paper in my art. it creates texture and, if colored, is a beautiful way to add color WITHOUT painting. I also love to stamp on plain white tissue paper and then apply it to a canvas (or art journal page) with Gel Medium and then color it in. Super easy! So save all your tissue paper, folks! ;)

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Once I figure out where I want the tissue paper to go (placement) I take a quick pic with my phone, slather down some Gel Medium, and then can look back at the photo I just took to remind me where the pieces of tissue go and lay down more Gel Medium on top (short term memory here, ladies & gents...just keepin' it real.)

Also, while that top layer of Gel Medium is still wet (and a little thick) I add in some of the Clear Droplets in both 4mm and 6mm from Pretty Pink Posh in one area.

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I had added a little bit more Gel Medium to make sure those Droplets weren't going anywhere anytime soon. :) Make sure to let all the Gel Medium dry before going further.

Once that's all nice and dry, add a few dabs of Ranger's Dina Wakley Heavy Body Acrylic Paint in Magenta to a few places onto the journal page and, with a wet paintbrush, paint over the journal page. The paint will be either bright OR light, depending on how much water in your paintbrush or how much paint. So, keep that in mind.

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Again, let the paint dry (heat set or air dry). 

Using the Prima Marketing Bloom Stencils, Circles by Jamie Dougherty and the White Wendy Vecchi Embossing Paste with a palette knife, carefully scrape the texture paste over the large circle stencil and allow the paste to dry. (Lots of create and dry, huh?)

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Before the texture paste has completely set up, it's easier to clean-up if you wish. I use a flat paint brush that has been lightly dampened and clean off each time. (See all that goopy stuff at the top near the coils? I totally did that on this page.)

With the art journal on it's side, and tilted upward, I added a dropper full of IZINK Pigment Ink, in Topaz along the edge. Then using a mini-mister I misted the ink and allowed it to flow and drip.

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Dripping!!

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I did the same thing on the opposite side with IZINK Pigment Ink in Safran. (Going to sound like a broken record here, but...be sure to dry between ink colors otherwise it could turn mucky.)

Next, I used the 6 x 6 " Prima Marketing Bloom Stencils, Spark by Jamie Dougherty along with the Ranger Dylusions Ink Spray, White Linen and sprayed onto the right side of the page and on the upper left hand side of the page.

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It's so subtle, but just enough.

Next, I stamped the sentiment "Be Your Own Hero" using Dylusions Cling Stamps, Dy's Alphabet using Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black. (Heat set the ink.)  I thought the black was a bit too stark looking so I dabbed just a tiny bit of Gesso with water onto my work surface and when it was VERY watered down, I rubbed it lightly over the letters. Heat set again! Then I added  highlights to the letters with a White Uni-Ball Impact Gel Pen. I also added contrast to the outer part of the letters using a PITT Big Brush Pen in Black.

More color was added using a Gelatos® Double Scoop® in Lemon and adding water to that as well.

My finishing touch was to die-cut a heart from the Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies, All Inside by Julie Ebersole. What I did first, was die-cut the heart from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L® 3-D Foam Creative Sheets. Then I peeled back the top layer of adhesive and placed a small square of red foil from Wow! Fab Foil (shiny side up), rubbed it with my finger, and lifted the foil up. A perfectly beautiful, dimensional, foiled red heart! I peeled the backing off and stuck in smack dab in the center of my ray circle. 

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More close-ups:

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Look at how cool the Dew Drops are close up and they reflect whatever is underneath them.  ♥

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I hope my art journal process inspired you to take your own out and find some easy things to play with. One paint, one or two stencils, maybe some sequins? And tissue paper!! So much fun!

Lisa Sig

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Posted at 08:00 AM in #TexturalTuesdays, Backgrounds, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Pretty Pink Posh, Prima Marketing, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (5)

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January 19, 2016

#TexturalTuesdays - Perfect Pearls Techniques with Lisa

Happy #TexturalTuesday, my friends. It's Lisa back with you and I'm super happy to be sharing this piece with you today. I went a teeny bit out of my comfort zone to create it, but it was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to trying it again.

I'll start by showing you the finished piece and then explaining the process of using today's feature product: Ranger Perfect Pearls. 

LisaAdametz-PearlyLove-01192016-1I've been seeing other artists create these fabulous 3-D canvases for some time now. They're almost always all black and layered with ornate piece of fabulousness (metal embellishments, buttons, gears, etc.) So, when I went to CHA (Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show) I wanted to really learn more about the process. And it's SO EASY!

I decided to create mine on a 6" x 6" non cradled wood board. It's what I happened to have on hand and I know that they're virtually indestructible. I also like to use ¼" MDF (medium density fibreboard) from the hardware store and have it cut to various sizes. Love that stuff. It's cheap and easy to use.

The first step is to prime your surface. Since this "canvas" is a porous surface it needs to be primed with Gesso. So a nice healthy coating of Gesso gets us started.

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Once the Gesso is dry, then create the heart. I cannot free-hand draw to save my life. (I wish I could, but I leave that stuff to the pros.) I used the largest heart from the Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Folk Hearts by Julie Ebersole die set to lightly pencil the heart.

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Then I scooped Gel Medium into the pencilled in heart and made sure there was a thick enough layer and began to place the buttons to form the heart. If the buttons were loose'ish I simply added more Gel Medium to the back of the button. It's SUPER important to make sure that this thick layer of Gel Medium is VERY dry before moving on.

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Apply Black Gesso all over the entire piece making sure that there is no color showing. Use a good brush that you don't mind getting a little bit dirty and is easy to clean. The Black Gesso dries fairly quickly so you'll be able to tell where you need more.

(wet)

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(dry)

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Now, for COLOR!! Choosing your favorite color of Ranger Perfect Pearls is like picking your favorite child...or pet. Right?! ;) I chose to work with Forever Violet, Perfect Gold, and Blue Patina. Using the Perfect Medium I kind of smooshed it into the buttons so it would leave the resin on the buttons.  Once I was satisfied with the amount, I began brushing the different colors onto the buttons. Once I was happy, I brushed off the excess, and lightly misted it to set it.

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To add a little bit of interest, I used a stencil and smooshed the Perfect Medium through the stencil (stamping isn't quite the right term since I'm pushing the medium through the stencil....). With the pattern left behind I was able to dust more Perfect Pearl colors on.

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Since I STILL wasn't happy I stamped a few dots and circles from the Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Bokeh Dots by Julie Ebersole using Jet Black Archival Ink and Delicata Golden Glitz Ink which seemed to help.

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The final step was to die cut and add foil to the Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Brushstroke Love by Julie Ebersole. Fine'!

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Whatcha think? Would you make one of these, too, with all those metal embellishments and buttons you have laying around? I'd love to know what you think!

Wishing you, as always, a terrrrrriffic Tuesday! :)

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Lisa Sig

Posted at 08:00 AM in Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (10)

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December 22, 2015

#TexturalTuesdays - Believe Tag by Lisa

Hi there and Happy Tuesday! It's Lisa and I'm back for another episode of #TexturalTuedays.  I can't believe it's almost Christmas, how about you? Speaking of believing (nice segue, eh?) that's the stamp that I chose to use from the Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Brush Stroke Christmas by Julie Ebersole. I decided to build my tag today around this one stamp and go from there! Have you ever done that? It's fun!

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You may be wondering, why a black tag, Lisa? And I shall answer you...why not? (I'm such a smarty-pants.) Actually, when you see my process, I really was going for a frosty look, which is kinda hard to photograph. But, the black tag shows it off the best. Being black and all.

Let me show you what I did to get this tag all texture-y! (Photo heavy post..)

1 and 2. I used a standard Inkssentials #10 Tag (black) and used Tim Holtz's Frosted Film to cover it and make it non-porous. It also gave the tag a very subtle frosty look and different kind of texture. If you have this product and don't know what to do with it, use it with products such as paints and alcohol inks.

Cut it slightly larger and then trim to size. WAY easier this way.

3. Using Ranger Alcohol Inks in Watermelon, Pool, Sail Boat Blue, Purple Twilight, Pitch Black, and Metallic Mixative Pearl add the colors to your blending felt and dab onto the frosted film randomly. (If more blending is desired, use a fresh felt and the blending solution.)

4. Edge the tag with Ranger Metallic Mixative, Silver.

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5 and 6. Figure out where you want you place your stencil and mask off that area. I went overboard, but I didn't want the Texture Luxe™ getting on anything else. Apply the Texture Luxe™ in Pearl and lift off the stencil very carefully. (Silver would also look super pretty!)

7. Stamp the "Believe" sentiment in Versamark embossing ink and heat set in Silver embossing powder onto a strip of Vellum.

8.  Stamp the ray or burst from the Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Merry & Bright by Julie Ebersole onto the tag using Hero Arts Shadow Ink in Silver. (I'll be honest in that I wasn't sure if this ink would stay on the frosted film since it's a water-based ink, but it kind of behaves like a pigment ink. Very impressed!)

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9. So. Foil. I added mine by adding two strips of my fave adhesive tape at the top and bottom of where I put my Texture Luxe™ and then burnished the foil right on top. So easy! 

10. The next way I like to add foil and add really fun interest is to use Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L® Adhesive Sheets , remove the backer, and press the sticky side randomly to different parts of the tag. Then press the foil to the sticky areas (shiny side up), burnish, and lift up. You get really awesome super shiny accents. So cool!

11. Then I decided I wanted some pink stars. So I dabbed some Spun Sugar Distress Paint onto my craft mat and let my wood veneer stars swim in the paint for a little bit.

12. I adhered the painted wood veneer stars and a few clear sequins. Then I realized I wanted it just a touch pinker, so I spritzed a bit of Dylusions Ink Spray in Bubblegum Pink.

LisaAdametz-Believe-12222015-Collage-3Close-up time!!!

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Can you tell how the Frosted Film gives the tag gives it a texture? 

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I know today's post was lengthy, but I really wanted to cover everything. So much to share!!

Play with some of your forgotten products and mix them up with some of your new goodies. Find new ways to bring texture into your projects. And always, ALWAYS...have fun. :)

Lisa Sig

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Hero Arts, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (0)

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December 08, 2015

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist - Day 8 by Lisa Adametz and Jill Foster

Instagram Lisa AdametzHi everyone! It's Lisa with you today and welcome to a VERY special #TexturalTuesdays!! I'm beyond excited to have one of the most talented ladies in the biz here in The CLASSroom  with me today to share her beautiful work with us today. My prompt for all of you is to show non-traditional colors with texture. (You all know how I love my texture!) And Jill Foster ROCKs both! 

Day 8 Nontradtional Color and Texture

 (For complete challenge information head to this post.)

First, I adhered a piece of watercolor paper directly to the manila tag and cut it to size. This way I have the perfect surface for a watercolor tag! I am using the Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors to color my background and also the Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper to mask off my images (which I die cut) for placement.

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It kinda looks weird at this point, doesn't it? I love that!!

Next lay your stencil over the entire piece, tack it down with low-tack tape (if possible), and using a palette knife spread Texture Luxe™ in Pearl through the stencil. (I reuse these paper stencils until they die, as you can tell.) Pull the stencil straight up.

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Then carefully peel up your masks and allow the Texture Luxe™ to dry.

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Next, stamp the Mondo Poinsettia (large - one time, small - twice) using Versafine Onyx Black Ink and heat set with Clear Embossing Powder on watercolor paper.

Color the images with Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils in Neutrals and Reds (I used black, grey, and silver for the leaves and a deep red for the center).

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Die-cut the Mondo Poinsettia flowers with the coordinating die. Embellish the flower centers with Ranger Enamel Accents in Black. Blend the watercoloring further with the Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker in Clear.

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I also die cut the word "Joy" (Love and Joy - Penny Black) 3 times from Bazzill Card Shoppe Licorice Twist and 2 times from Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Heavy Weight Cardstock 110# and adhered them all together, but slightly offset.

Before adhering the flowers in place place plenty of Scrapbook Adhesives 3D foam squares on the back for dimension. And die cut some of the Berry Leaves from the Leaves Penny Black Die and tuck behind the large Poinsettia before adhering.

A little close-up action! ;)

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Lisa Sig
 

Supplies Small

Jill Foster Jill Foster PicWe're always dazzled by Jill's fabulous creations - in fact, we are just tickled pink (and yellow and blue and purple) to be able to share Jill's non-traditional colors and textures tag with you!  Jill showcases Penny Black's stamps and dies to help us think outside of our creative box.  You can find so much inspiration using the Penny Black stamps, dies and stencils on the blog she shares with Elizabeth - be certain to check out Studio Sessions and be inspired! Thank you so much Jill!  It's adorable!

Jill Foster Tag 1
Jill Foster Tag 2

Supplies Smallfor Jill's tag

EHLLC 25 Store CreditThank you for joining us once again this year for Day 8 of our 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist series! We would love it if you would leave a comment below sharing your appreciation for Lisa's and Jill's beautiful tags here today and you will be eligible for the random drawing of the $25 gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com. Leave your comment before noon on December 13th to be included (one comment per person please.) Be certain to return tomorrow to for some Christmas tag inspiration using Avery Elle stamps!
 

Posted at 12:00 AM in 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist, Blog Candy, Christmas Inspiration, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Penny Black | | Comments (119)

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November 10, 2015

#TexturalTuesdays - Thank You & More Gelatos by Lisa

Hi there and Happy Tuesday! It's Lisa and I'm back for another episode of #TexturalTuedays. Today's episode may be a little refresher from two weeks ago. I really want to make sure that you (my crafty readers) understand the full properties of Gelatos® and a few of the wonderful things that they can do. Soooo, that being said? Let me present today's card:

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(click for a larger view)

Isn't it yummy? Those colors? Gelatos®, my dear friends. Let me show you what I did. Sound good? Great! Let's get started.

I'm using Ranger's watercolor paper (the smooth side) for ease of blending and since it takes the water really well. The Gelatos® colors I have here are Iced Chai, Iced Coffee, Gold, and Tangerine. I then also added Blood Orange for additional depth.

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 Scribble the Gelatos® colors onto the watercolor paper and then blend with your fingers as shown below.

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Mist the blended color heavily with a mini mister, allow the colors to drip, and blend into each other, and allow to dry. *TIP - If you are dissatisfied with the way the colors have dried you can always add more color AFTER it is dried. I added more Blood Orange to mine, misted again, blended again, and dried again.

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Using the Gelatos® Gold twist up about 1/4" of the product and use a palette knife to cut off the product onto the work surface. Smash the product onto the work surface using the back of the palette knife.

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So, now here's when one of the awesome things about Gelatos® happens...because they are water soluble you can mix them with OTHER products to achieve a new look. And that means that products that normally are NOT tinted can now BE tinted. Such as Whipped Spackle. But, it's also important to note that since Whipped Spackle is opaque, that mixing the two products will cause it to lighten. Whipped Spackle is a texture medium from Faber-Castell® Design Memory Craft® that is very light, very fluffy and I've heard it described it to be the consistency of "frosting". It is exceptional with stencils, but can also be used any other place you desire texture on your cards or mixed media.

Whew!! I sounded all teachery, huh? :)

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Now mix the Whipped Spackle with the smashed up Gelatos® Gold and spread over random areas of dot stencil (or stencil of your choice -- it's a free world!).

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When you lift you stencil, pull it straight up. (I am always VERY random when I apply my pastes.)

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I noticed that there still wasn't as much vibrancy as I would have liked so I added a spritz of Dylusions Ink Spray in Squeezed Orange and let it drip. And before it was dry, I also spritzed Ranger Perfect Pearls in Perfect Pearl which made the Dylusions Spray blur out and do magical things. So pretty!

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I trimmed the piece down, flipped it vertically, die cut a leaf from one of the trimmed pieces and created the card you see at the top of the post. The little dots on the side and the sentiment are Essentials by Ellen LLC Autumn Acorns, Designed by Julie Ebersole. Then I rounded the bottom right hand corner for extra interest.

Easy-peasy! I hope you learned just a teensy bit more about Gelatos® today that will make you take them out and use them more. Have a wonderful day and I'll see you in TWO WEEKS!

Lisa Sig

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Fall, Mixed Media | | Comments (8)

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October 27, 2015

#TexturalTuesdays - Happy Fall Gelatos Card by Lisa

Hi everyone! It's Lisa with you for another episode of #TexturalTuesdays . I'm going to be delving into my bag of tricks today and sharing a few of my favorite Gelatos® techniques. I get asked a LOT about how to use them and, honestly? They are one of the easiest and most fun products to use out there. 

Using the Essentials by Ellen Autumn Acorns Stamp and Die set designed by Julie Ebersole I created the card below:

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Gelatos® are a very unique product in that they are a compact acid-free pigment stick that glide on smooth with or without water. They are light fast, odorless, and acid-free.

They can be used on paper, wood, canvas, chipboard, ceramic, glass, and so many more surfaces. Of course, my favorite way to use them is on paper and canvas.

So let me show you what I did!

1. I started off by creating an A2 card base out of Neenah Desert Storm card stock. Scored on the vertical edge.

2. The next piece that I'll be working with is a small piece of Ranger watercolor paper. Cut large enough to accommodate the dies I'll be using.

3. Then simply start scribbling your Gelatos® onto a panel of watercolor paper. The heavier-handed you are with the color, the deeper the color will be.

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4. Add more Gelatos® colors, if you wish. (The colors I'm using are all from the Steampunk Collection of Gelatos®.)

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5. Blend the colors onto the watercolor paper using fingers. Use a separate finger for each color. While the color is at a dry stage over-blending would "muddy" the color too much.

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6. Using a mister, heavily mist the panel and tilt it over a rag or paper towel. Allow the color to drip.

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7. At this point the panel can either be air dried or heat set. I'm pretty impatient, so I opt to heat set it. I also dabbed it with a rag for extra texture.

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8. Using the Autumn Acorns Stamp set and Versamark watermark Ink, stamp the images for the card front. Then shake copper embossing powder over the entire panel and carefully tap off the excess.

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 9. Heat emboss.

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10. Roughly cut out each shape and die-cut. Put the die-cuts aside.

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11. Create another panel out of watercolor paper and create wet brush strokes across the front of the panel with the Gelatos®. 

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12. To lighten the color, it's very easy to rub the Gelatos® color directly onto a craft mat and mist it. Then pick it up with a watercolor brush to paint onto your panel.

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13. If you create multiple pools or puddles of color, your panel can be pressed into them for a very unique look once dried. (My panel below is not dry yet, but has just been pressed into the pools of color.)

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14. Once the panel is dry, create the sentiment by stamping again, with Versamark, and embossing with copper embossing powder onto cardstock weight vellum. Then create a banner notch to one end of the vellum and adhere to the back of one side of the panel.

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15. For visual interest a strip of card stock was cut to the same length at the Gelatos® panel. This strip was then coated about half-way in with Gel Medium and bronze mica flakes were added. When the Gel Medium dries, the mica flakes are heated with a heat tool to slightly melt.

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16. If there are areas of white (from the cardstock) showing through apply one of the Gelatos® colors. I used Black Cherry from the Steampunk Collection.

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17. Adhere to the left (and back) of the Gelatos® panel so that just the edge is peeking out. Adhere the acorns and leaves using the different thicknesses of foam squares, then adhere your panels together. TA-DA!! All done.

Here's a close-up for your viewing pleasure. ;)

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If you have any questions on anything I did on today's #TexturalTuesdays episode, please be sure to let me know. I'd love to hear from you!

Lisa Sig

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Tips and Techniques, Watercolor | | Comments (5)

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September 08, 2015

#TexturalTuesdays - Gel Medium with Lisa

Hi everyone and Happy Tuesday! You know what THAT means!! Yep..that means it's Lisa here with you for another edition of #TexturalTuesday!!

Today I thought I'd bring you another one of the bare basics from the Mixed Media "tool chest" and that is (drum roll, please...) GEL MEDIUM!! Yay!! Let's hear it for Gel Medium! Okay, maybe you're not all as excited by Gel Medium as *I* am...but you WILL be. ;)

So, let me talk to you a little about what Gel Medium is and isn't. There is a little bit of confusion out there in crafty-land about this stuff and it's my job to clear the air, right? Right! 

Here we goooo: "The primary function of Gel Medium is to broaden the technical capabilities and results of acrylic paints. Depending upon the type of medium employed, it can alter the consistency of paint, add sheen, reduce gloss, adhere mixed media elements to the surface of the painting, increase film integrity, add a transparent coat, reduce the cost of paint, prime a canvas, repair a painting, protect a painting and bind paint. Artists use gloss medium to highlight specific elements of a painting, such as the breaks of waves or the edges of clouds. Gel medium also works great in collage, decoupage and transfers."

* Source

Just like with my last #TexturalTuesdays blog post here in the CLASSroom on Gesso, I'm going to show you how to use Gel Medium in a variety of ways.

Let me first start by showing you the Mixed Media canvas I created using Gel Medium:

LisaAdametz-GelMedium-Butterfly-1For the canvas above I used the super versatile Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Be-YOU-Tiful by Julie Ebersole as my sentiment.

1. To start I have a 9" x 12" very basic canvas and a print of a butterfly that I found online, put on a thumb drive and made copies of at my local copy center. The reason for this is that for the Image Transfer Technique you do NOT want to use an ink jet printer. It should be toner based or from a magazine.

LisaAdametz-GelMedium-Butterfly-2 2. Lay your image face down on your canvas where you want it and coat the image completely with Gel Medium using thin but very complete layers. I coated the entire canvas NOT just my paper. Burnish to make sure all air bubbles are out between print and canvas. Then allow to dry completely. (I'm fairly impatient so I use a heat tool to speed up the process.)

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3. Using a water bottle, spritz the image completely with a coating of water. You will want to make sure the image is completely damp. At this point you will want to start attempting to remove the paper from the canvas. By rubbing the paper away gently, you will be leaving the image behind...not the paper.

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4. As you rub, be gentle, but firm. You DO want the paper to lift. But do not rub too hard. If you are rubbing too hard you may remove your print. You may keep adding additional water, as needed. 

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5. The best part of the Image Transfer Technique is the imperfections, the slightly distressed look and how unique it will turn out each and every time. At this point I decided to add some tissue paper in random areas. Using the Gel Medium now as collage medium, I applied the Gel Medium first on the canvas, then put the tissue paper down, and then put another coat of Gel Medium on top. Then allowed it to dry.

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6. Next, I used "painted" the butterfly with a light coating of Gel Medium. This will allow me to use the Stamper's Big Brush Pens in a very wonderful way! As always with Gel Medium make sure that it's completely dry before going on to another step.

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7. I have my 4 chosen colors of Stamper's Big Brush Pens. 2 Blues and 2 Greens. Starting with the Darkest Blue at the center of the Butterfly, the lightest blue, darkest green, then the lightest green I blend them all together. Since there is a base of Gel Medium these will all blend together with either just your finger or a touch of moisture. Either a paintbrush or water brush. If it gets too wet, just dab it up with a paper towel. These will dry permanent, archival and lightfast as they are India Ink.  

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This is how pretty they look all blendy!!  

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8. I love a little sparkle so I added a little bit of Glass Bead Glitter Gel to the Butterfly wings. I tend to use my fingers, but you use whatever makes you happy to get that stuff on your Butterfly's wings. With this stuff just remember -- less is more. If you use too much? It takes forever to dry and really doesn't look at that pretty. No bueno. 

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 9. So now to fill in the rest of the canvas!! Yay!! So simple! I used TWO Gelatos®. Yup. That's it. Two. I used Squid Ink and Margarita Mix. Started off with the Squid Ink and rubbed it all over the place and then worked in the Margarita Mix on the edges.

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10. I die-cut the Be-You-Tiful once from each of the colored cardstocks, slightly offset them, and adhered together. Stuck some itty bitty pieces of adhesive foam squares on the back and stuck the whole shebang on top of two die-cut vellum leaves. THE END!  ;)

 I hope that you enjoyed learning the Image Transfer Technique and saw how many other wonderful uses Gel Medium has. It's definitely one of the products I use the most.

Hope that you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and enjoy the rest of the week ahead.

Lisa Sig

Posted at 08:00 AM in Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Penny Black | | Comments (4)

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August 13, 2015

Folio Journal by Julia Stainton

Some of my very favorite projects to put together are for memory keeping or altered art. I love switching things up in paper crafting. Most of the time I create cards but there's something so wonderful about making something for yourself now and then. Something to treasure and keep.

My-journey-folio

Today I'm excited share this new project I've created. It's kind of a multi-purpose project. It's a bit of memory keeping and journaling and little bits of treasures all mixed together. And actually, the project that you will see really isn't finished yet. It's just the beginning. I plan to fill it with inspirational quotes, a bit of journaling, photos and just random bits and pieces of my life.

Folio

To start off with I am using a Tim Holtz Folio. These come in two sizes and the one I'm sharing today is the larger sized one. It's such a great and unique way to store ideas or memories, to art journal or even a little porfolio. The Folio is held together with elastics and you unfold it to open it up.

Folio-insert

Inside the Folio you find the binding piece. This can be left loose in the Folio or adhered. I suggest not adhering it before you are done as this makes it easy to pull out and embellish or even stitch, like I did.

Pocket-papers

You can use any kind of paper or ephemera in this Folio but for this project I used some of the great Tim Holtz Pocket Cards. There are a TON of cards in this pack and I mixed and matched prints and sizes throughout my folio project.

Folio-gather

There's really no right or wrong way to create this project so I'm going to give limited instructions on it and let a LOT of photos do the talking. After all, they are worth a thousand words are they not?!

My first step when creating my folio was to gather bits and pieces of things and layers that I thought would work well together in my project. You may notice that not everything in the above picture made the final cut but most did. That's often how it works. Go with the flow.

Folio-front-detail

I decided to keep the exterior detail to a minimum on my folio. This was for two reasons. 1. This way it can store easily on a shelf and not collect dust. 2. When you keep the outside simple, it's like a wonderful surprise to open it up to find all these layers of wonderful things.

Stitching-detail

Many of the embellishments on the cover are repeated throughout the folio. I love adding machine stitching to my projects. It gives them a sweet feminine look and it's also a great way to adhere lace so that it doesn't fall off.

Folio-open

Here's what my folio looks like opened up. The fun idea behind the folio is to layer and stagger the layers so that you get little peeks here and there of what lies beneath. Each panel or layer is adhere along the stitched spine and forms a flap.

Folio-inner-panel

Inside the front cover is a great creativity quote from the Tim Holtz Pocket Cards. It's also embellished with a Tim Holtz flash card and a Maya Road Travel Token.

This is a very interactive project so make sure when you are adhering things that you use a very strong adhesive. Hot glue, a strong liquid adhesive or Ranger Adhesive Strips are good options.

Envelope-detail

Too add to the peek-a-boo features of this project I've used some sheer and translucent layers. First of all I used an Avery Elle Vellum Envelope on one of the top pages/layers. It's also a great place to tuck in little mementos.

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As you lift each flap more and more of the project becomes visible.

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I plan to fill in the spaces with notes and musing and photos. This is one of those projects that will keep growing along your journey.

In this photo you can see that for one of the pages I've stitched some White Dot Acetate to the create the layer. I love how it shows you some items from the other side right through it.

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Each page has little touches and embellishments adhered to it. Some have flowers, buttons, flair, stitching or trims.

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This page has some sweet Tim Holtz Photobooth images on it for a vintage touch. Don't you love old photos?

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This project is very much a creative experience in collage.

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When creating your folio make sure you repeat some of the design elements throughout the project to give it cohesion.

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That brings us to the last page/layer. Now it's all ready for me to fill up. I suggest using a Copic Mulitliner or other permanent marker or pen as this will be a project you'll want to keep and treasure.

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Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! I hope you've been inspired to try out a folio of your own!

Happy creating!

Julia-signature-wide

Supplies:

 

Posted at 09:01 PM in Cosmo Cricket, Maya Road, Mixed Media, Scrappy Pages, Tim Holtz | | Comments (2)

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August 11, 2015

#TexturalTuesdays - Gesso with Lisa

Hi everyone! It's Lisa Adametz (aka papergrace) here with my VERY first #TexturalTuesday post for the CLASSroom and the fabulous ladies at Ellen Hutson LLC. I'm super duper excited to be here and I hope that I'll be able to help you all on your mixed media journeys. Whatever they may be. :)

Today I thought it would be fun to show you one of the basics in the mixed media "tool chest". And that would be GESSO! 

First off the let's talk about pronunciation and what it's used for. The "G" sounds like a "J" so, it's more like Jesso. Don't worry, I called it "guess-o" for a loooong time. ;)

From Wikipedia:

Gesso is: a white paint mixture consisting of a binder mixed with chalk, gypsum, pigment, or any combination of these. It is used in artwork as a preparation for any number of substrates such as wood panels, canvas and sculpture as a base for paint and other materials that are applied over it.

I'm going to be using Gesso today in a variety of ways. Just to show you how versatile one product can be. First off, here is what I created!

LisaAdametz-Textural-Tuesdays-Gesso-08112015-MainImage

I used Julie's new Mondo Poinsettia Stamp set and Die Set and the Noel stamp from Mistletoe and Holly.

1. Cut a piece of Ranger Sticky Back Canvas to 4" x 5½"  and coat it liberally in both directions with Gesso. (First in one direction, allow to dry-- either with heat tool or air dry. Then a second direction, and the same drying method.)

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2. The canvas (when it dries) will still be pliable but ready to take paint, ink, or any other mixed media fun you wanna throw at it without sinking into the canvas and bleeding.

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3.  I usually stamp onto canvases of any kind using an Archival Ink, this time in Black. I know that Archival Inks work wonderfully on canvas, but if I notice that it's a bit faint for my liking, I'll use a Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen to go over the stamped image to get a darker outline as I did below. These pens use India ink, which are lightfast, waterproof and bleedproof. Perfect for these types of projects. After it's stamped, I then die-cut the image with the matching Mondo Poinsettia Die Set.

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4. Using Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils (one in a lighter pink and one in a dark red) start coloring in the flower. Lightly color in with the light pink pencil and go heavy with the dark red pencil just in the center. (Ignore the very center of the flower as I changed my mind and decided to go with Liquid Pearls. They look like creepy little eyeballs!)

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5. Using a small brush and a water cup blend the water from the darker areas out and shade where the two petals meet. Blend more color with the darker pencil at the base of the petals, if desired. These pencils blend so easily and so beautifully.

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6. Once you have them blended as YOU like them, give 'em a quick zap with your heat tool to get the colors to set (not necessary, but *I* like doing this, personally). Add a bit of NON-TACKY liquid adhesive (something like a thin smear of Gel Medium, Glossy Accents, or something similar and sprinkle liberally with Distress Stickles Dry Glitter in Clear Rock Candy. Be sure to tap off the excess. Add Liquid Pearls in Daffodil for a pretty and dimensional center.

LisaAdametz-Textural-Tuesdays-Gesso-08112015-6(Ooooh!!! Sparkly!)

7. Using a second piece of canvas that was Gesso'ed (it's now a verb!) color onto the background using a few Gelatos® from the Red Set (or if you prefer, the watercolor pencils). Spritz the panel relatively heavily with water from a mini mister and allow the colors to blend and drip. (Note: having the Gesso applied allows for this to happen without bleeding through.) Heat to set or allow to dry once you are happy with your background.

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(I use a paintbrush, my fingers, a rag, and sometimes a baby-wipe to assist in the blending of the colors.)

8.  To get a bit of a bleached effect off of the background spritz some water, heat set it, and then lift it with a rag.

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9. Dip a small paintbrush into the Gesso and use a corrector to clean up any areas of your watercolored image that aren't to your satisfaction. So easy! And Gesso can be tinted, too.

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10.  Dip the same paint brush back into the Gesso and hold over the background. Tap the paintbrush close to the end to allow for the Gesso to splatter over the background. Gesso creates awesome splatters!

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11.  Since this background IS canvas you can use a pair of scissors or a Craft Pick to pull some of the threads away to give it a more rustic/rough edge.

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12. Then it's time to start (FINALLY!) finishing this card! place some 3-D Foam Squares on the back of the Mondo Poinsettia. Make a lovely loose nest from some vintage silver thread and place that under the Mondo Poinsettia and adhere to the background. Stamp the sentiment onto a scrap of some White Cardstock with Brilliance Graphite Black and then heat set with clear embossing powder. Cut sentiment strip to size and notch to create banner with scissors.

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13. Attach background to card base (standard A2 card base scored and folded on the horizontal). Attach banner using Tiny Attacher. Embellish with various colors of enamel dots for added interest.

So you can see, you can use Gesso as a primer, a color corrector, as a means to tint other colors (if desired), and to create texture! It's really quite invaluable.

If you have any questions about how to use Gesso, please ask me in the comments below. I'm always willing to help!

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Lisa Sig

Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Glitter, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (11)

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February 15, 2015

Colorful Soul Mixed Media Canvas by Lisa Adametz


LisaAdametz2015The best part of CHA is the opportunity to meet the fabulous women who make up this wonderful community. This year when I headed over to the Faber Castell Design Memory Craft booth I had the good fortune to get hugs from Lisa Adametz AND ask her if she would be willing to share her talent with us here in the CLASSroom. Lucky us... she said YES :) Not only is Lisa extremely talented but she is also kind, thoughtful and so very easy to work with! She designs for Faber-Castell, Scrapbook Adhesives and is a Bloom Girl for Jamie Dougherty! Yep, she is a very busy young lady!!

"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts" is such an incredibly true statement and so very appropriate for the spectacular and colorful art piece Lisa created for us today! To learn more about Lisa and see more of the fantastic pieces she creates please visit her blog papergrace. Please join us there to thank her for sharing her creativity her in the CLASSroom and as our way of thanking you for taking your time to visit and explore Lisa's blog we have a package of goodies awaiting you there! Please leave a comment on her blog post about being a guest here by February 19th to be included in the random drawing she will be hosting there.

Thank you Lisa for the beautiful piece of art you are sharing with us today and for the excellent directions - you are one very talented chica and we are lucky to have you here! Big hugs and thanks! -Ellen

Lisa Adametz Blog Candy

Hi there crafty friends, it’s Lisa Adametz here with you today and can I first say “squeeeeeeee”?!!? at how incredibly excited I am to be here with you in the CLASSroom with the wonderful people of ellenhutson.com. I’m thrilled to be bringing you a mixed media art piece that I created using some really fun goodies from Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft®, a beautiful stamp by the fabulous Jamie Dougherty (of Prima and her Bloom Girl line), and some gorgeous papers from the Aurora Collection by Basic Grey.

Here is what we’re making today…isn’t she gorgeous?

LisaAdametz-ColorfulSoul-1

The canvases that I like to use are usually pre-primed or pre-Gessoed. But, it’s usually a good idea to check the packaging. If you’re unsure, it never hurts to put a coat of Gesso onto your canvas. Gesso will help keep the paints, Gelatos® or other wet mediums from seeping through.

1.  Stamp your image onto white tissue paper using Jet Black Archival Ink. Place a piece of copy paper underneath the tissue paper to prevent bleed through onto your work surface.

2.  Carefully tear the edges of the tissue paper around your stamped image to ensure that the image fits the proportion of the canvas.  Set aside.

3.  Gather patterned paper and tear into random pieces to fit your canvas. Be certain to leave a space for your stamped image. It is helpful to position the stamped image in place at this time and position the torn papers around her. (*Tip – I often take a photo at this time so I can see (and remember) where the pieces went and fit.)

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4.  Using Gel Medium start to adhere the torn pieces down. Apply the Gel Medium underneath the paper and on top. This will also need to be done to the stamped image. Be very careful when applying to the image as the tissue can tear. Heat set or allow to air dry.

5. Rub Gelato® Double Scoop® Licorice all around edges and rub from outside edges in with fingers or a rag/cloth. It WILL look very dark at first.

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6. Gather other colors of Gelatos® (blues, purples, pinks, and metallics) and rub over top of torn pieces. Blend colors in well with fingers or with a rag/cloth.

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7. Start to color the stamped image by using the Art GRIP® Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils. The Neutral Collection is perfect for coloring her face and hair. Picking 3 shades within a color group will lead to very beautiful results for the butterflies. (*Tip – be careful not to oversaturate your paintbrush and work in small sections at a time. Remember that there is still tissue paper underneath the Gel Medium.)

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8. Using the Gold Texture Luxe from Faber-Castel Design Memory Craft® and a sponge swipe over random areas of canvas. Such as where papers were torn, corners, image’s neck, etc.  A small paintbrush was also used to apply the gold Texture Luxe to highlight Bloom Girl Sharon’s hair. (If this is done, your brush must be cleaned ASAP. The Texture Luxe can be difficult to remove. )

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9.  Next up is the Pearl Texture Luxe which will be applied through the Prima Marketing Checker Stencil using a sponge. Moving the stencil around gives it a really random look. By using the sponge it also gives more dimension AND texture.  Prior to cleaning, use white Gesso and stencil the areas around her head. Also use fingers (or sponge)  to blend the darker areas.

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10. Embellish the canvas and Bloom Girl with Prima Flowers, Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, and Doodlebug Pearls. Add Glass Bead Glitter (using Gel Medium)  to a flower and accent the butterflies with Zig Wink of Stella in Black and Clear.

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11. Attach letters from Basic Grey Aurora Collection pack to create quote. Outline using Black PITT Artist Pen.  Apply Gel Medium to coat letters to prevent peeling and lifting.

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Admire!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope this has inspired you to create your very own mixed media canvas. They really are so easy! …AND fun. -Lisa

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Basic Grey, Blog Candy, Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Prima Marketing | | Comments (34) | TrackBack (0)

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January 01, 2015

2015 Mini Folder Album by Julia Stainton

 Happy New Year! I'm excited about all 2015 has to bring. How about you? I decided I'd kick off the new year with a sweet vintage style creation that has me anticipating all the wonderful things 2015 will bring so that I can fill it up.

2015-mini-album

Today I'm sharing my 2015 mini album that's created from mini manila file folders. I plan to fill it with notes, quotes and photos. Mini albums are so fun to create! I love anything mini sized and because I have the mini ready for my experiences, I have no excuses not to add to it over the course of the year.

Mini-folders

These little manila folders measure 3" x 3.75" in size. I've used 6 of them to create my mini album. There's 12 per package so why not create two at once and give one away as a gift?!

Punched-folder

I've used the Tim Holtz Binder Punch to punch my file folders. It's a great little punch and the folders fit into it perfectly and are very easy to line up. You can also use a Crop-a-dile or other hole punch to create your mini album.

Stamped-folders

Once my folders were punched, I stamped them all with beautiful vintage stamps by Impression Obsession and Hero Arts. You'll find the links below. Invariably, I always miss one link and today is no exception. The text background is stamped with the Hero Arts Newspaper Background.

Stamped-folders-angle

Each folder is stamped on the front, back and inside with random images and then the edges are sponged with Distress Ink.

Misted-album

Next I've added in some random accents of color by misting areas of the folders with Mr. Huey's Mist. Ledger transparencies are also punched and added into the mini album for a little extra interest and more places to add photos. The mini album is held together with circle clips that I picked up at the office supply store.

2015 Mini Album create with Mini File Folders by Julia Stainton

After putting the album together, my favorite part of any project is embellishing the cover. The Maya Road chipboard is the main element that ties it all together. I've colored in the chipboard with the Celadon Copic Marker. You can choose any color you wish. Aqua and green just happen to be one of my very favorite color combos I turn to over and over as I love them so much.

2015 is created with some gold glitter letters. To add some more bling, a stunning Maya Road button accents the design along with vintage roses and vintage buttons.

Mini-album-top-view

I also can't get enough of the Cosmo Cricket wood accents and for this design they add in some journaling sentiments as part of the mini album cover and the tabs on the side. On the top ring I've added on one of the cutest camera charms I've ever seen by Maya Road.

Open-mini-album

And here's my mini album open and just waiting to be filled with memories this year.

2015 Mini Album create with Mini File Folders by Julia Stainton

 Thanks so much for stopping by the CLASSroom today! I hope I've inspired you to create a little mini album but even more so, some wonderful memories this new year of 2015.

Happy New Year and happy creating!

Julia-signature

 

Supplies:

 

Posted at 09:00 PM in Impression Obsession, Maya Road, Mini Books, Mixed Media, Punches, Scrappy Pages | | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)

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September 15, 2014

Embedded Embossing Paste by Catherine Pooler

CatherineToday we are thrilled to welcome Catherine Pooler here to the CLASSroom and have several fantastic giveaways just for you! Catherine is the founder of StampNation, an online community whose membership learns, creates, plays and connects with one another. Catherine's passion for stamping and teaching comes through in her all of her creations and videos. 

House Party SponsorCatherine recently launched her new look and improved site catherinepooler.com and is throwing a fabulous housewarming party! We are proud to be one of her sponsors and are giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to our store! So be certain to head over and join in the fun! For complete details head to this post. 

For all those of you who are joining us here today we are giving away the opportunity for you to join in the fun over on StampNation! By simply leaving a comment on this post today you will be entered in to a random drawing for a one-month membership to StampNation! Please leave a comment on this post before Friday, September 19th to be included.

Catherine has another huge treat in store for you when you visit her blog - she has another project AND video awaiting you there so be certain to head over to Catherine Pooler's blog now! As our way of thanking you for taking the time to visit Catherine's blog we have a package of goodies awaiting your there. Please help us thank Catherine by leaving a comment on her post about being a guest here by September 19th to be included in the random drawing she will be hosting there. You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture of our giveaway.

Thank you Catherine for sharing your creativity with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

Catherine Pooler

Hi Friends! To say that I’m excited to be a guest in Ellen Hutson’s CLASSroom today would be an understatement!

Embedded Embossing Paste 2

The products I got to work with here are so super fun! The stamp set was like playing with paper dolls, the additional images work perfectly with the doll and with the two sentiments, you can’t beat it!

You may notice that I tweaked up the sentiment from how it comes in the set…be sure to watch the video to learn more about that.

I thought some paper piecing would be fabulous with this image and even used it with the bat. A bit of Delicata Gold stenciled on to the background made a subtle, yet still glitzy pop.

The real show-stopper here is the circle accent piece. Gold Mica Flakes embedded in Translucent Embossing Paste. oh, WOW!

In the video, I actually thought this wasn’t quite dry yet…see the white-ish part northeast of her elbow? That is just Mica Flakes with a bunch of Translucent Embossing Paste over them! It is dry, but turned a milky white color.

Embedded Embossing Paste

It’s always fun to play and experiment and find new ways to use any products you have. I hope you have enjoyed today’s tutorial and are inspired!

Supplies Small

Copic Markers: E31 E29, E39, E37, E00, E01, E04, YR02, YR04, YR09, G24, G28, C3, C5, C7

Posted at 12:00 AM in Blog Candy, Cards, Copic Markers, Halloween, Mixed Media, Prima Marketing, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (58) | TrackBack (0)

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December 12, 2013

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2013 - Day 12 by Ellen Hutson

Thank you for joining us for our last day of this years tag series! Huge THANKS goes out to the talented, generous ladies who shared their creativity with us during our 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2013! Thank you Jennifer, Julie, Ronda, Kittie, Kelly, Julia, Paula, Sharon, Teri, Jill, and Heather for the fabulous tags you shared with all of us this year!!!

THANK YOU also to all those of you who have shared your tags with us on our challenge post. You still have time to join in the fun by continuing to add your projects until Monday, December 16th! Each of your twists is an inspiration and we thank you for sharing your versions of our 12 tags series! We would also like to thank all those of you who have left comments for each of the designers! Your enthusiasm spurs us on and brings us joy - thank you for taking the time to do so. If you haven't yet had the chance there is still time before we host our drawings for the gift certificates we are giving away :)

Ellen Tag 12

It has been a VERY long time since I have had the opportunity to create and it was with a sense of trepidation that I began the process for creating the tag I am sharing with you today. Being out of touch with what the current trends are I googled 2013 Christmas Trends and found a beautiful pastel Christmas inspiration using soft pinks, pools and gold. Being that I am fascinated by the techniques and process involved in stamping I decided to use a couple of "new to me" products - the Gelli Arts Printing Plates and Tim Holtz Frosted Film. 

Step 1

In August my dear friend Lisa came for a "play date." I am so blessed to have such a dear friend who is also an amazing teacher! It was at that time that she shared the "ins and outs" of the Gelli Art printing process. You can also see the fabulous tutorial using Gelli Plates that Julie created showcasing this fun mono-printing process here.

To begin label the protective sheets of the Gelli Arts plates using a Sharpie. This will help ensure the correct storage of the Gelli plates so that you can reuse them many times. Once labelled remove the protective sheets and place the Gelli plate on a piece of acetate or plastic. This keeps the bottom side of the plate clean and protected while allowing you to easily move your plate from place to place as you work. Store the original sheets in the packaging for storing your Gelli plate after you have completed your project. I use hand sanitizer to help remove all little tidbits of paint from the printing plate before rinsing with clean water, allowing the plates to dry and then replacing the protective sheets and putting the plate back into the original packaging for storage.

Step 3

Die cut a pine branch out of cardstock and cover both sides with gesso - allow to dry. This creates a much sturdier piece that will work wonderfully for printing on your Gelli plate. Just think of all the many stencils and print making supplies you already have in your "stash" when you use your dies to create these fun tools!

Squeeze small amounts of Studio Paint on to a non-stick craft sheet - I used three different reds - Dash of Red, Modern Red, and Painterly Pink. Use an ink blending tool to sponge the different colors on to the branch.

Step 2

"Bokeh" is another huge trend this year. Create a bokeh effect on your printing plate by randomly dotting Adirondack Metallic Pearl and Gold Acrylic Paint Dabbers on the Gelli Plate. Allow to fully dry.

Randomly "stamp" the painted pine branch on the Gelli plate. I was able to get two branches stamped before reapplying paint to the branch. Allow to fully dry before proceeding.

Step 4

If you work quickly you can easily use Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabbers and Studio Semi-Gloss Acrylic Paint to create your mono prints. If you work more slowly all you need to do is add some Extra Time to your paints before proceeding. Julie's Bristol cardstock is ideal for creating monoprints. Be certain to have all supplies at the ready when you create your final print for pulling.

To create the ombre effect with the paint work light to dark from the top left corner down to the bottom right. Remove the caps from the dabbers and drizzle a small amount of Juniper in the top right corner, Pool diagonally through the center and Studio Sky Blue in the lower right corner of the 8x10 Gelli Plate. You need very little paint - less is definitely more when it comes to monoprinting. Use a brayer to spread the paint evenly and lightly over the plate surface. 

Immediately place your 8 1/2"x11" sheet of Bristol to the surface and rub your hands or brayer evenly over the entire surface. Lift a corner to ensure that you are pulling all layers of paint. Pull your first print.

Step 5

Pull a second "ghost print" by immediately placing a second sheet of Bristol to the surface. Once again rub your hands over or brayer the entire surface. For this print I rub several times to ensure pulling as much of the final paint as possible. You will notice that the upper right hand side is not well defined. One of two things happened here - perhaps my remaining paint had dried too much or perhaps I didn't rub the surface evenly enough. The fabulous thing about monoprints is that each is unique and showcases a unique beauty. This piece ended up having a more snowy effect and is stunning in person. I could have easily chosen it for my final tag, but I wanted a little more striking color scheme so I went with my first pull for the final tag. 

Step 6

To create the ornament portion of my tag I wanted to experiment with a technique that I saw showcased on the Gelli Arts YouTube channel where they used packing tape. Tim Holtz has always inspired me and when I saw the tag he did for December using his Frosted Film this idea hit. Would the Frosted Film work as a suitable replacement for packing tape? It has a fabulous crystal like surface and would easily cover the Gelli plate! Yes, it was a monkey-clapping experience when the idea struck and was successfully completed!!

I once again used the non-stick craft sheet to "ink" my brayer with a multitude of paint colors to create my ombre colored ornament. For this portion of the project I once again used Studio Dash of Red, Modern Red, Painterly Pink and Adirondack Pearl.

Step 7

Create a mask by diecutting two strips of Reynolds Freezer Paper using the Vintage Lace die. I place the shiny side of the Freezer Paper against the Gelli Plate and gently rub it into place. Brayer directly over the Freezer Paper masks and immediately pull the lace strips away from the surface showcasing the bold "lace" strips.

Once again think of the incredible number of masks/stencils you can create by cutting Freezer Paper with your dies!!! 

As you can see I diecut the shape of my ornament as a reference before beginning so that I would get exact placement of paint colors and strip location.

Allow to fully dry before proceeding.

Step 8

"Ink" the stamp using Adirondack Gold Metallic Paint Dabber and stamp over the ombre colors. Allow to fully dry before proceeding. It is essential that all paint is completely dry before you being the next step!

To cut the Frosted Film I like to work with the steel-edged Tim Holtz Design Ruler and the Fiskars FingerTip Craft Knife. To hold the Film in place I use the Basic Grey Magnetic Precision Mat - the magnets make this a much easier process!

Step 9

Remove the backing from the Frosted Film and smooth the Film (sticky surface to Gelli painted surface) over the painted surface. Rub evenly over the entire surface several times. Slowly pull back the film and admire your beautiful film. If little bits of paint still remain on your Gelli plate simply allow the film to go back into place and rub again gently with your fingertip until the paint sticks to the film.

Lay the film flat on your work surface sticky side up. On the sticky back side brush Perfect Pearls to the open areas. I brush Perfect Pearls over the entire back surface to ensure that no stickiness remains.

Step 10

Turn over and apply a piece of Be Creative Tape to the front side of the Frosted Film. Remove the tape backing, apply and burnish Sahara MicroFine glitter to create the beautiful glittered stripe shown above.

To determine the best use of my monoprint I created a guide by simply diecutting a piece of copy paper and moving it around on my monoprint until I found the precise piece of the print I wanted to showcase. Diecut the tag from your monoprint.

Tag 12 Closeup

Diecut the ornament shape from the tag and apply the Frosted Film print to the back side using Be Creative tape to hold it in place.

Apply gesso to the pine branch used for printing, dab with Pearl Adirondack Metallic Paint and apply a little of the Sahara glitter to the branch. Complete the tag with a Sahara glittered reinforcement and ornament cap and a silk ribbon.

Now it's your turn! Create a trendy colored tag, use a Gelli Plate, stamp using paint, add a Bokeh effect to a tag - the choice is yours - just come and join in the fun! I can tell you that it felt amazing to finally create a project once again! I am so excited to see what you create using this tag as your inspiration :)

Once again thank you for joining us for the 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist!! 

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And that completes our 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist! I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as we have - Christmas is such an inspiring time of year! This is your last opportunity to win a chance at a gift certirficate to our store so be certain to leave your comment below to be eligible for the random drawing of the $25 gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com - be certain to do so before noon on December 13th to be eligible (one comment per person please.) Remember to leave comments on all 12 tags for a chance at each day's blog candy! Your words are appreciated so much! Winners will be announced soon - it could be you! Wishing you much happiness and many joyful moments this holiday season - Merry Christmas!

Posted at 12:00 AM in 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist, Blog Candy, Christmas Inspiration, Gelli Arts, Mixed Media, Studio Line , Tim Holtz, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (141) | TrackBack (0)

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December 03, 2013

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2013 - Day 3 by Ronda Palazzari

Ronda Palazzari head shot

Mixed media is an area of paper crafting that is new to me --- this style intrigues me! It is an area I would like to explore more. I am SO thrilled to share Ronda Palazzari's gorgeous tag with you today as she incorporates this style.

As I began to explore this area of paper crafting I discovered Ronda's site - Ronda Palazarri. It was through her stencils that we carry in our store that I first learned her name and I went in search of who she is. Exploring her blog I found a treasure trove of inspiration! As well, Ronda has written a book titled Art of Layers. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet Ronda, but I hope that someday soon (hopefully Winter CHA) I will have that privilege :) 

Thank you Ronda for sharing your creativity with us today here in the CLASSroom - your tag simply glistens on the screen and welcomes the holiday season in style! -Ellen

 Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag

Nothing says Christmas to me like a winter walk in the woods with the snow gently falling.  This elegant tag is reminiscent of those silent nights with the moon shining brightly on the snow covered evergreen trees.  Even though this tag has many layers, they come together quickly creating a beautiful tag that is easy to recreate.  

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 1

Apply liberal amounts of matte medium with a paint to a #8 tag and cover with music paper.  Burnish the paper into the adhesive and apply another coat of matte medium to the top of the paper giving it a protective seal.  Once the matte medium is dry, trim off excess paper and punch hole in the top of the tag. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 2

Add dabs of distress paints in Evergreen Bough, Pumice Stone, and weathered wood onto the craft sheet and spray with water.

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 3

With a sweeping motion, drag the tag through the colors covering the tag completely.  You may have to do a couple swipes through the paint. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 4

While the paint is still wet, dab into it with a paper towel in a pouncing up and down motion.  It creates this beautiful mottle effect.  Let the tag dry completely or heat to dry it.

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 5

Add a simple white layer using a dabber and my 6x6 spinning tops stencil.  Swipe the paint gentle through randomly through the stencil being careful not to push too hard on the dabber top and cause the paint to bleed under the stencil.  Let it dry completely or heat set the white paint.

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 6

Dab some gold metallic paint onto the craft sheet and paint a smaller snowflake stamp.  Stamp it onto the tag.  Repeat this step two more times making a total of three snowflake images.  Once the tag is dry, stitch randomly on the background using white thread.  *Note I cut my snowflake border stamp from the grunge snowflake set into individual stamps.  You could just mask off the other images if you prefer not to cut your stamps.

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 7

Trim a piece of book paper down to fit into the star bottlecap tin.  Adhere it to inside of the metal tin using matte medium.  Apply a thin coat of the matte medium to the top of the book paper.  Cover the book paper and the inside of the tin with gold metallic paint.  Rub away some of the gold metallic on the paper revealing some of the book text. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 8

Using a water brush, dip into the festive berries distress ink and paint the wood bird.  You can do a couple coats until you get the saturation you desire.  Add some Aged Mahogany to give the bird some depth of color.  Let it dry.   Paint the twig using the same method using Walnut Ink or any of your favorite brown distress ink. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 9

Add some Christmas Red Stickles to the bird again making it heavier on the bottom of the bird than on the top. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag How to 10

Swipe some walnut stain distress ink onto the crinkle ribbon and spray with water.  Crinkle up the ribbon and let it dry completely.  Add little touches of Mercury Glass Stickles to the ribbon using your finger to smear it onto the ribbon.  Now you are ready to assemble everything together. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag details 2

Place some fabric leaves on the tag background along with a leaf pin and glue the altered star tin on top.  Add the bird & twig to the star tin along with another leaf pin.  Embellish the twig with some Pearl Roses. 

Ronda Palazzari Joyeux Noel Tag details 3

Add Walnut Stain Distress ink around the edge of the tag using a blending tool.   A silver glitter title to the tag and a crinkle ribbon bow complete the tag. 

Ronda Palazzari

Supplies Small

Other: Vintage Music sheet, book text, sewing machine


Please join us in welcoming Ronda here in the CLASSroom and thank her for sharing a wonderful mixed media tag with us all! Leave your comment below to be eligible for the random drawing of the $25 gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com - be certain to do so before noon on December 13th to be eligible (one comment per person please.) Join us tomorrow when we debut a new tag designed by Kittie Caracciolo!

Posted at 12:00 AM in 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist, Blog Candy, Christmas Inspiration, Gift Packaging, Maya Road, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Tim Holtz, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (242) | TrackBack (0)

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November 15, 2012

Treasure Everyday Mini Album by Paula Cheney

PaulaWe are honored to share the work of one of the very talented "Gypsy Girls", Paula Cheney, with you here today in the CLASSroom. The details that Paula includes in her work puts them over-the-top! I think it was my Excel spreadsheet that we had a good laugh over when we attended Ranger University a couple of years ago now that brought us together - we both love a good spreadsheet - ha! ha! I love a wonderful sense of humor and to mix it up with sheer artistic talent... you have described Paula to a "t"! I am very lucky to be able to have Paula as a friend.

You can find Paula at the blog she shares with Debbie (who is also amazingly talented and a very special lady!) titled "One Lucky Day." Their blog is filled with shabby, vintage beauties --- you will be able to spend hours going over the beautiful projects they share there. Paula can currently be found as the Creative Coordinator for Tim Holtz Brands and teaching here in the U.S. and abroad. If you ever have an opportunity to take one of Paula's classes you must! You will learn so much and laugh - a wonderful combination! I would appreciate if you would head over to Paula's blog now and help us thank her for sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave your comment on her post about being a guest here. As our way of thanking you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Paula for sharing your chic album with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

Paula-cheney-blog-candy

 23

Envelopes

1
Cut out 5 envelopes using the Sizzix Alterations Pocket Envelope die and Manila Cardstock from Ranger.  Do not fold.

2
Use Distress Stain Tumbled Glass and Mustard Seed to color the envelopes by squeezing Distress Stain onto a craft mat (use more blue than yellow).  Spritz with water from a Mini mister.

3
Swipe envelope into the stain. Dry with heat tool.
Swipe again, dry again.  Repeat as necessary.

4
Shake Brushed Pewter Distress stain to mix, then squeeze out a small amount onto craft sheet.  Repeat pervious steps until each envelope has a bit of metallic shimmer. 

5
Using Archival Ink in Aquamarine, stamp random text onto envelopes.  No acrylic block needed!

6
Stamp Butterflies with Archival Ink in Sap Green.

7
Cut out the Sizzix Alterations Inside Out Alphabet.  Create one word for each of the 5 envelopes and adhere with Collage Glue stick.
Add Vial Labels and chitchat words to describe each main word.  Stitch to the envelope if desired.

8
Adhere 1/8” Wonder Tape to the bottom and side of envelope.

9
Close envelope so both flaps are out.  The bottom of the envelope should be sealed just above the small flap.

10
Set finished envelopes aside while we make the cover.

Cover

11
Cut two pieces of Sticky Back Canvas 3 x 11”. 
Color the canvas with Tumbled Glass Distress Stain in the same method used previously.  Dry with Heat Tool.

12
Peel off the backing and stick the two pieces back to back. 
Stitch around the canvas with sewing machine.

13
Repeat butterflies on one side of canvas with Sap Green Archival Ink.

Stitching the book

14

Line up the first envelope at the left end of the canvas piece.  Stitch to canvas along the small flap.

15
Repeat stitching the envelopes onto the canvas cover about 1/8” apart. 

16
Trim away threads.

17
View of album spine.

18
Cut 30” of Crinkle Ribbon.
Color the Crinkle Ribbon with Distress Stains Frayed Burlap, Tumbled Glass and Mustard Seed.
Spritz with mini mister, then pounce the 3 colors at random onto ribbon.  Spray again to make the colors bleed then dry with Heat Tool.

19
Once dry, wrap ribbon around the book and secure to the TOP of the cover with Glossy Accents.
NOTE: make sure Glossy Accents is UNDER the Ornate Plate.

20
Cut a piece of paper from an old book.
Add Chitchat words and secure to the Ornate plate.

21
Add Ornate Plate over ribbon on cover.  Secure with brads.

22
Create small journaling cards for each envelope from manila cardstock. 
Round corners.
Stamp with butterflies and Aquamarine Archival Ink.
Add to each envelope.

23
Completed mini album cover!

Inside Pages

24
25
26
27
28

Supplies Small

Posted at 12:00 AM in Altered Items, Blog Candy, Gift Ideas, Mini Books, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (57) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Distress Stains, Guest designer Paula Cheney, Mini Album, Sticky back canvas album cover, Tim Holtz

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June 21, 2012

Land of the Free Mini Canvases by Julia Stainton

Independence Day is coming up and inspired by the new Maya Road Star tins, I thought a patriotic project might be a fun one to work up for my American friends. I hope you enjoy it!

Land-of-the-free-mini-canva

Mini Canvas Frames have to be one of my all-time favorite products in the Ellen Hutson LLC store. They are 4"x4" in size and are the perfect size for making fun altered canvas projects and just right for experimenting on. A great feature of these canvases are they are triple primed meaning you can get right to the fun stuff. As well they come two in a pack, are super high quality and as the canvas wraps right around to the back, you don't even need a frame for them. Unless you want one of course.

  Land-of-the-free-step-one

Today's tutorial has lots of photos to take you through all the steps. A picture is worth a thousand words, right?...so I've taken a few to make it easy to follow. The first step is to paint one of the canvases with blue Studio Acrylic Paint.

Land-of-the-free-stamped-ca

While that is drying, you can stamp a nice collage of images onto the other canvas. It's already triple primed as I mentioned earlier so you can just stamp away. I like using the Ranger Archival Inks for stamping on canvas and then heat set the ink for permanence.

Land-of-the-free-masking-st

Creating stripes is easy to do when you mask off an area. Tissue Tape makes a beautiful accent but it also works perfectly to mask with. Apply the tissue tape on the areas you want to remain white and paint the rest in red.

Land-of-the-free-painted-st


After the paint has dried, you can remove the masking tape and your canvas should look like the above photo.

Land-of-the-free-background

While that continues to dry, it's back to the blue canvas. Once it's surface is dry you can stamp on it with paint applied to a background stamp. I love doing this with an Adirondack Paint Dabber as it makes it super easy to cover the area. Stamp canvas and set aside to dry.

Land-of-the-free-distress-c

Once both canvases are dry you can add a lovely crackle finish if you like the vintage look. Apply Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint over each of the canvas and give it an hour or so to dry.

Land-of-the-free-distressed

The Distress Crackle layer will add a beautiful vintage distressed look. To highlight it, sponge the surfaces with some Distress Ink. If you'd like to check out the detail, just click on the above photo to enlarge it.

Land-of-the-free-star-detai

Finally we get to the Maya Road Star Bottle Cap that inspired the project. Most paints flake off metal so I've painted the inside of the bottle cap with Gesso. I've filled the inside of the star with a knotted length of burlap tirm and added some other sweet embellishments.

Land-of-the-free-star-canva

Here's a detail of what the star canvas looks like finished.

Land-of-the-free-striped-ca

To complete the striped canvas, I've painted some chipboard letters with the matching blue Studio paint and adhered them to the canvas.

Land-of-the-free-canvas-ver

You can display these canvases horizontally as in the first photograph but after completing the project, discovered that it looks great arranged vertically as well.

Hope you've been inspired to create some patriotic art for your home this summer.

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies: White 4"x4" Canvas Frames, Studio Gesso by Ranger, Snow Cap Adirondack Paint Dabber, Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint, Dash of Red Studio Paint and Smidge of Blue Studio Paint by Ranger, Studio Artist Brushes, Jet Black Archival Ink, Vermillion Archival Ink and Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink by Ranger, Cling Music Background,  Large Newspaper Background DesignBlock, Basic Grey Carte Postale by Hero Arts, Patti Mini Alphabet Chipboard Set by Maya Road, Star Bottle Cap, Vintage Paper Roses, Linen Burlap Trim and Ticket Transparencies by Maya Road, Heart Trinket Pins, Crystal Star Trinket Pins, Kraft Flag Trinket Pins and Wood Bingo Motifs by Maya Road, Love Banner Clear Stamp Sheet by Maya Road

Posted at 09:00 PM in Adhesives, Hero Arts, Home Decor, Maya Road, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques | | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

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March 29, 2012

Misted Canvas Valise by Julia Stainton

There are just so many darling canvas bags, wallets and other goodies in the Ellen Hutson LLC shop that I just had to give one a creative whirl. Today's project uses the Maya Road Valise and it's a sweet little bag with a wrist strap that can carry a few essentials with you on the go.

Valise-altered-photo

I've used some mists, stamps and markers to alter it and make it my own. The canvas is the perfect...well...CANVAS for some creative experiments.


Maya road cavnas valise


This is what I started with. OK. Well, above you'll find the newer version of what I used but it's basically the same project. I actually love the snapped flap on the newer version.

Valise-reverse-side-misted

First step is to add some color and design to the canvas. I started off by using a dotted template that you can see below along with some Strawberry Shortcake Glimmer Mist.

Dots crafting template

You lay the template over the canvas and then mist. Repeat on the front side as well.  I love using pinks and oranges together to I then misted the entire canvas piece with some Tiger Lily Glimmer mist. Don't worry about perfection. It's supposed to look artsy.

Valise-stamped-butterfly-de

You'll want to make sure that your canvas is really dry before moving onto the next step. You can use your heat gun a little if you like to hurry things along. To add stamping details to this valise, I've used the Maya Road Soar Butterflies stamp set and stamped it randomly in Jet Black Archival Ink. I know that I usually mention that this is the best ink for canvas and fabrics but it bears repeating in case a stamper is just joining us. Archival Inks work so well and definitely give the cleanest image without bleeding.

Once you've stamped the images where you want them, you can come in and add extra color to the line images. I've used the Faber-Castell Pitt Brush Markers to color in the butterflies. The ink in these markers is india ink and it is waterproof and works well on canvas.

Valise-daisy-detail


To create the flower detail, I've cut out a blossom from the Milk Daisies Vintage Lace Trim and then trimmed out the inner circle of the lace so that it doesn't cover up the magnetic catch.

Valise-canvas-flower-detail

Finally, to finish it off, I've added color to the flower detail with the Faber-Castell Pitt Brush Markers again. You can even color in the thread on the button to coordinate the design.

 Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a fabulous weekend!

Supplies:  Canvas Valise by Maya Road, 6x6 Mini Swiss Dot Template by Crafter's Workshop, Tiger Lily Glimmer Mist, Strawberry Shortcake Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels, Soar Butterflies Stamp Set by Maya Road, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Milk Daisies Vintage Lace Trim by Maya Road, Faber-Castell Pitt Brush Markers

Posted at 09:00 PM in Maya Road, Mixed Media | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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May 24, 2011

Father's Day Card Using The Metallic Foil Multi-Medium Transfer Technique

Do bells and whistles ever go off in your head when you see a technique? Claudine recently shared a fun video showcasing a Multi-Medium Transfer Technique and bells and whistles went off in my head - this technique would be PERFECT for creating a masculine themed card for the men in your life! 

Card

With Father's Day right around the corner I felt the combination of October Afternoon's Rocket Age would make the perfect fit with this fab technique!

Inside the Package 

I also wanted to show you the goodies that come "Inside the Package" in the Miscellany kits from October Afternoon. It was so much fun to select the ticket and rocket from this collection to add to my card today. I am hoping to create some additional pieces in the next few days to show you some other options - there are so many items (buttons, ribbon, tickets, cards & chipboard) to select from in these fabulous collections!

 

With Claudine's permission we are sharing her video here today. Her blog is filled with magical techniques using her fabulous line of products! Claudine is also teaching an on-line class covering "Composition" which is open for enrollment right now - so head over to Claudine's blog to learn more about it and enroll today!

DSC_0440 

I thought I would also show a few step-by-step photos to share my little "twist" on this technique. Rather than using actual tin I opted for something I had right here in my studio - the new Inkssentials Foil tape. I printed a picture on my laser printer (it is my understanding that inkjet printing does not work the same) of a moon using the mirror image mode since there is writing on the picture I used.

Apply multi-medium directly to the Metallic Foil as shown in Claudine's video.

Foil Transfer 1 

It is absolutely critical that you allow your sample to dry completely. I left mine overnight and found it in this curled up state this morning. No worries... it works just fine!

Foil Transfer 2

Spritz to wet thoroughly. 

Foil Transfer 3

Using your pointer finger gently rub the paper fibers until your image is revealed. Continue to spritz and gently rub until your image is fiber free. 
Foil Transfer 4 

When working with the foil you will need to hold down the edges as you work and be careful not to bend wrinkles into it.

Foil Transfer 5

Cut out a piece of Craft-a-Board to fit the moon. Use a Silver Paint Dabber to create a metallic edge on the Craft-a-Board. Simply remove the backing and the self-adhesive foil can be adhered to this more sturdy base.

You will also use this same Dabber to paint the chipboard rocket. While the paint is still wet simply take a large Artist Brush and smooth the paint for a wonderful "space-age look."

Adhesive

The picture above is one I have wanted to share for some time. I love using adhesive dimensionals when I add embellishments to my cardfronts. The two depths of these dimensionals (1/16" 3-D Dots and 1/8" 3-D Dots) allows me to have varying heights and create a more interesting look overall.

Alphabet

Jenni Bowlin's Spice Tin ink pad is a fabulous navy color and works together with so many of the Navy papers we carry. I couldn't believe I did not have a "dad" stamp in my stash! A ClearDesign alphabet saved the day!

Card Closeup 

Tiny Type stickers and 7 Gypsy studs were the final touches to this masculine look.

Creating for men is always a bit tricky, but I think that this technique will blast you into the stratosphere with the men in your life - ha! ha!

Supplies Small 
stamps: Hero Arts ClearDesign Typewriter Letters

ink: Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin Ink Pad

paper: October Afternoon Rocket Age 8x8 Paper Pad and Miscellany Kit, Memory Box Parchment Cardstock

accessories: Studio Matte Multi-Medium & Artist Brush, Inkssentials Metal Foil Tape, Cosmo Cricket Red Tiny Type, Tiny Attacher, 7 Gypsies Display Trim Studs

Posted at 02:22 PM in Adhesives, Cards, Craft-a-Board, Hero Arts, Masculine Projects, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Studio Line , Tips and Techniques | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Claudine Hellmuth, Father's Day, masculine cards, Metallic Foil Multi-Medium Transfer, Multi-Medium Transfer, October Afternoon Rocket Age, Ranger Techniques, Studio Line Techniques, Transfer Techniques

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April 21, 2011

Life Canvas Wall Art by Julia Stainton

Art is everywhere. It's in nature. In design. Essentially any thing of beauty is a work of art.

As a child we love art. We love painting. We love creating. It brings us joy.

Somewhere along the way, something happens.

We start to critique ourselves. We start to decide that art is only for "real" artists and we just don't compare.

I'm more often than not stuck in this mindset too.

Today I have a challenge for you. To believe that you can create art. To feel the freedom of getting messy with some paint and canvas. To explore. To enjoy.

This is my little foray into an altered art wall hanging. It's not perfect but that's OK. I'm not either.

Life-wall-art

I have to admit this was all a bit of a trial and error project. If we don't take the chance to try things out, we don't learn. I encourage you to dare.

Life-canvas-painted

To start my project, I cut a piece of Sticky-Back Canvas to 7x7" square and placed it on a plastic mat. I roughly painted mine with two colors of Studio Line paint from Claudine Hellmuth.

Life-tissue-application

Studio Gloss Multi-Medium is a fabulous product for adhering paper and especially tissue. This new 7 Gypsies Tissue is just stunning and there are a few different prints of it available. To adhere the tissue, brush the entire surface with Glossy Medium and then apply some torn tissue. You'll want to apply another coat of it over the tissue as well to really seal it. If you like a more matte finish, the Studio Matte Multi-medium works in exactly the same way. I've purposely added in some creases in the tissue to add texture to the finished design.

Life-stamped-on-tissue-pape

You can layer tissue over tissue and it's a great way to add a stamped sentiment or quote. Here I've stamped my sentiment on plain white tissue with Jet Black Archival ink and then heat set it.

Apply a fresh coat of Multi-Medium to the surface and then layer on the tissue. Brush another coat over the top to seal it.

Life-embellishment-cluster

After your canvas layers are dry, you are then able to embellish it. I've used Glimmer Mist, a Prima Canvas bird, ink, Jenni Bowlin Chipboard Buttons and a beautiful Webster's Pages Designer Threads Doily.

Life-tissue-detail

Here's a closeup of all the great texture you get with painting on the canvas and also with the tissue.

Life-wall-art-closeup

To finish off my project, I've stamped various areas of the canvas and tissue to tie the design together.

Please feel free to click on the above images for an enlarged image to see better detail.

As spring is the season for all things new, I encourage you to try something new and explore your creativity! Thanks so much for joining me in the CLASSroom today!

Have a beautiful Easter,

Julia

Supplies: Claudine Hellmuth Sticky Back Canvas, Studio Line  Paint Sky Blue & Studio Line Paint Landscape Green by Ranger,  Studio Line Multi-Medium Gloss by Ranger, Designer Threads Doilies by Webster's Pages, Tiny Attacher by Advantus, Birdsong Collage Tissue by 7 Gypsies, Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist & Sweet Clover Glimmer Mist  by Tattered Angels, flower by Prima, Vintage Green Pearl Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Raw Canvas Chipboard by Prima Marketing, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Shabby French stamp set & Stuff to Say Stamp Set by Stampers Anonymous, Sketchbook Tissue Tape by TIm Holtz, Chipboard Buttons by Jenni Bowlin, Avignon Clear Stamps by 7 Gypsies

Posted at 09:00 PM in Altered Items, Mixed Media, Studio Line , Tim Holtz | | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

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February 22, 2011

Countdown to Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Mix and Match Products - 2

One of the projects that captivated me at CHA was a canvas apron that had been colored using the Faber-Castell product line. The Faber-Castell design team has been doing a fabulous job of educating on their blog using their new product line and I have been taking it all in. I would very much like to encourage you to visit their blog if you are intrigued; there is SO much to learn and gorgeous samples to whet your appetitie. 

I read through the directions that Rita Barakat put together for her apron project. Then with my basic little set of tools in hand I began to explore creating on canvas. I felt that starting small was definitely the way to go, so selected one of the smaller canvas products we carry. Trust me when I say that we have a LOT of canvas options for you to try - LOL!

As an aside I just wanted to share how easy it is to search our store for the products we use right here in the CLASSroom blog.

Search 

By typing a single word, such as canvas, in the search mechanism (note the red arrow above) and clicking on go, all the products in our store, Ellen Hutson LLC, that have the word canvas in them will show up for you to see. SO easy --- at least we hope - LOL! 

Canvas Tag 

One of the products that Faber-Castell has in the line that intrigues me is the PITT Artist Pens. I felt that this product needed some exploration. Following are some of the key pieces of information I felt you should know about these pens included in the Faber Castell Design Match program:

  • made from pigmented India Ink - which means they are permanent, waterproof when dry, smudge proof AND extremely fade-resistant (or lightfast),
  • acid-free and archival,
  • won't bleed through paper,
  • two sizes of nibs - the Big Brush Pen (perfect for stamper's who want to ink larger stamp surfaces using a pen) and the Artist Pens (with reversible Brush Nib for long use),
  • can be applied directly to Clear Stamps and red rubber alike for interesting impressions!,
  • works on all types of paper, and even canvas,
  • odorless and non-toxic,
  • perfect companion to watercolor pencils and gelatos due to their waterproof quality,
  • the black Artist Pens are lightfast for 100 years (I doubt anyone will want to hang on to my projects that long - LOL!) and are available in additional nib sizes - extra superfine (.1mm), superfine (0.4mm), medium (0.8mm) and brush.

Pitt 1 

I began with one of the gorgeous Prima masks, outlining it with the fine brush tip pen. As you can see I simply placed a glue dot on the bottom side of the mask to hold it in place on the canvas.

Pitt 2 

This photo is for comparison purposes - the top pen is the Big Brush Pen and the lower one is the Artist Pen. As you can see their is a lot more ink in the large pen, as well, the larger tip makes quick work of larger surfaces and coloring directly on your stamp. (That lesson is going to be coming soon :-D)

Pitt 3 

I then used the Big Brush pen to add additional color to my background and define this area more. The tones on these two markers complement one another perfectly.
Gelato 1 

Next I worked with a tube of the Gelato and brushed the surface of this chapstick like tube directly to my canvas.

Gelato 1 and Aquarelle 

The final step was to add some additional orangey-red with my Aquarelle watercolor pencil.

Using my fine-tip waterbrush I then began to work the color into the surface of the canvas. As you can see I stayed within the lines because I wanted a fairly crisp image defined. The wonderful thing about the PITT markers is that they are waterproof once dry. I found that even though I was working on canvas and thought that my color might really bleed into my image the bleed was minimal. If I had wanted I could have controlled this even further by heating my project to quickly dry it, but I loved the way it looked! 

Waterbrush 2 

As you can see the color really intensifies after it has had water added to it. Make certain to leave some "white space" when adding your colors so that you get a varied background!

Pitt 4 
To create the sentiment tag I simply colored directly on my clear stamp with the Big Brush marker and then stamped it on the mini ticket.

Canvas Tag Closeup 

To complete the look I stamped a sentiment using Studio Paint to "ink" my stamp surface. I can hardly wait for the pens to arrive - I really want to try the Big Brush pen in black to see how it will work on canvas. There are many inks that do work on fabric, but I have found that with the bumpy texture of canvas paint is definitely the best medium for getting a clean stamped image.

Exploring and learning about a new product is so much fun! Being one who absolutely loves to color these products definitely intrigue me - so tell me, what do you think so far? Have you seen other's working with them?

Supplies 

Faber-Castell Design Match products are arriving Wednesday, February 23 and will be found in the New Category :-D

stamps: Studio 490, Be Happy Make Art, Inkadinkado Inchie Greetings

accessories: Prima Mask II and Bird Trinket, Red Twill, Hero Arts Cream Self-Adhesive Lace and Art Flower, Maya Road Mini Ticket, Tim Holtz Memo Pin, E-Line Bermuda Breeze Flower, Studio Line Charcoal Black Paint and Ink Blending Tool

Posted at 12:00 AM in Faber-Castell, Mixed Media, Prima Marketing, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: canvas tips and techniques, Faber Castell Design Match Products, Gelato, India Ink Marker, PITT Artist Pen, PITT Big Brush Pen, watercolor techniques, watercoloring on canvas

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February 14, 2011

Love is in the Air #4 - Shabby Dabbers and See Through Transfers

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! Today is the last day of my little Love is in the Air Tag Technique mini-series. My hope is that once again you are simply inspired to just create and try new things - tags are such an easy format in which to do this!

With this thought I am going to challenge you - using any technique from this series or our 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist (just click on the following links to see your choices and find directions for the different technique options) you have one week to create a tag using one of these techniques and share it in the Gallery. Please be certain to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or are having trouble uploading your project!

ETA: As noted in the Gallery you have until Midnight Pacific Time on Sunday, February 21st 2011 to join in our challenge.

Following are a list of techniques to select from:

  1. Shabby Dabbers - directions included in this post
  2. See Through Transfers - directions included in this post
  3. Copic Stained Glitter
  4. Nostalgic Blended Batik
  5. Shimmer Sheetz Texture
  6. Colorwashed Craft-a-Board
  7. Studio Paints and Transparencies
  8. Studio Line "Decoupage"
  9. Shabby Grungeboard
  10. Studio Line Stamped Texture
  11. Copic Airbrushed Graffiti
  12. Alcohol Ink Holograms
  13. Bigz and or Movers and Shapers Die Foam Stamps (create your own stamp)
  14. Transparency Accents
  15. Hot Glue Embellishments
  16. Pattern Play (use a tissue paper pattern or pattern directions in your creation)
  17. Magnetic Masks or Stencils
  18. Sticky Back Canvas Flowers
  19. Inky Texture Folders
  20. Enameled Metal Embellishments
  21. Dabber Resist
  22. Metallic Dabber and Alcohol Ink Magic
  23. Glossy Accents and Stickle Glue for Clear Embellishments
  24. Clear Embossed Resist
  25. Tissue Tape and Alcohol Ink
  26. Create your own Custom Felt Stamp Pad

We will be selecting a random winner from all those who participate - that winner will receive a $50 certificate to shop in our store!

Store Credit

Tag #4... how does time pass so quickly?!? I have wanted to play with the Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime collection since it arrived and even though it is filled with flowers and fairies I felt that it was so very Valentiney (is that even a word?) in feel and knew that one of my tags was going to incorporate it. 

Springtime Love

To begin I cut a grungeboard heart using the Heart Wingz die. I love how this heart is lopsided! Now if you don't like an assymetrical look you can cut out the coordinating "scrollwork" heart and flip it, layering it to make a symetrical heart! I should have taken a picture to share this concept and if I get time I'll come back in and show you, but because I am working from home on a Sunday evening I don't have all my tools - bummer. 

Shabby Dabber 1 

Place your grungeboard element in a texture folder and run it through your machine. I am loving my new Vagabond - all I have to do is push a button! SO easy! It really is a very strong machine - Erica and Julia here at work have their own little story. They actually embedded a die in the cutting plate due to an incorrect sandwich --- now that's power! bwahaha!

Paint the entire surface of the embellishment with a light colored paint dabber and allow to fully dry.

Shabby Dabber 2

Once completely dry, sand the surface - this will remove most of the paint from that top raised layer. Then use an ink blending tool and Distress ink to add color to the sanded surface. Result... instant shabby delight!

Paint Transfer 1 

This next technique was a bit of an experiment. I have created transfers now on numerous occasions by using my Multi-medium to affix inkjet prints or patterned paper to transparencies, but I have never tried mixing it with color before.

I place a very small amount of Studio Line paint on my non-stick craft sheet and mixed it together with a generous amount of Glossy Multi-medium.
Paint Transfer 2 

Paint this mixture onto your plastic or acetate sheet. As you can see I started with clear glossy multi-medium at one end and the special mix with paint on the other end. Yes, the scientist in me had to experiment - ha! ha!

Place a piece of decorative paper on top of this mixture and brayer or rub in place. This next step is critical - you MUST allow it to dry completely! Don't be tempted to start the next step until it is completely dry.

Paint Transfer 3 

Once it is completely dry you will then soak the patterned paper and peel off the top layer.

Paint Transfer 4 

Then gently use the flat portion of your finger to rub the remaining fibers from the surface. Work slowly and carefully so that the transferred image remains in place. If you rub too hard you will remove the transfer.

You may need to wet your surface from time to time with a mini mister to keep the fibers moist and workable. Continue working until you feel the fibers are gone.

To get rid of the last little fuzzy bits, simply apply additional multi-medium to the surface.
Paint Transfer 5 

For the next step I attached the decorative paper, text side up to a Craft-a-board tag and allowed it to dry.

I then used glossy multi-medium to affix my transparency to my tag. As you can see the text shows through the transparency completely in the areas where I used only multi-medium. In the areas where I had mixed Studio Paint and Gloss Multi-medium the transparency has a slight opacity to it, but you can still see through it. I love this combination - it makes for a very interesting final look.

Fairy Stickles 

Fussy cut out a fairy and add Rock Candy stickles to her wings.
Springtime Love Closeup 

Add embellishments and ribbon - keys, pearls, whimsy flowers - such pretty little pieces! I have to admit that I have found a new glue that I am REALLY like for attaching my ribbon. It is Beacon's Fabritac. It is a little stringy, but it dries so quickly and I am able to use it easily each time without having to unclog my bottle tip - HUGE yeah for that :-D
Supplies 

ink: Distress Ink - Tea Dye and Walnut Stain

paper: Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Frames and Primrose Cottage, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Shell Pink Dabber, Grungeboard, Rock Candy Stickles, Baubles, Prima Flower, Printable Transparency, Studio Line Gloss Multi-Medium and Painterly Pink Paint, Antique Brass Key, Antique Brass Reinforcer, Silk Ribbon - Mauve and Olive

Posted at 12:00 AM in 4 Tags of Love, Adhesives, Essentials by Ellen, Graphic 45, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques, Studio Line , Tim Holtz, Tips and Techniques, Valentines | | Comments (24) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Ellen Hutson, graphic 45, grungeboard techniques, once upon a springtime, Patterned Paper Transfers, Ranger Techniques, Shabby Dabbers, Studio Line Techniques, Tim Holtz techniques, transfer technique

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December 26, 2010

12 Days of Christmas: Day 2 - Jewelry to Melt your Heart, by Becky Olsen

Jewelry is one of the ways that we express our indivuiduality and uniqueness. How much more unique and individual can it get than when it is created by you specifically for yourself or a special person? It can be as easy or intricate as you want and perfectly reflect the personality of the person intended to wear it.

For the pieces I made tonight I pulled a large pile of goodies into reach. I liked working with a lot of options at hand and actually was able to complete a lot of pieces in a short time because it was all handy.

Products used

I began by melting clear UTEE in my Melting Pot.

Melt pot with clear UTEE

While that was getting to the proper temperature I prepared my Memory Frames by trimming all of the backing paper to the size of the frames that I used. These are the 1" x 1" in Black Patina that have paper from the 8'" x 8" Graphic 45 Steampunk paper pad. Make sure to have the Melt Art Kooltoolz handy, they are very useful and non-sick. When you have your frames prepared on top of your Non-stick Craft Mat, carefully pour the melted UTEE into the frame. Try to fill in the corners and not have any air bubbles, but don't stress too much if it is a little uneven.

Ready to fill frames

Here you can see that one of my pours was uneven and had air bubbles. I set it on my Non-Stick Craft Sheet and used my Heat It tool to get the UTEE hot enough to settle evenly and let the air bubbles escape. Please be very aware that you CANNOT touch this piece while in this process with your hands. It is very hot and can cause serious burns or injury. That is what the Kooltollz are for :o)

Sqare element of necklace before heat it tool

In this image you can see how much more even it is. I am very pleased with the result, and love the dimension that was achieved. The pieces are from Tim Holtz Washers, and the Sprockets and Gears, and the Copper 2" x 2" Memory Frames.

Sqare element of necklace

This is the 1" x 3" Polished Chrome Memory Frame, Mini- Fasteners, Washers, and some Game Spinners.

Long element of necklace

For a bracelet I attached a couple of appropriate lengths of Tim Holtz Lace Chain with the clasp on one of the sides so that it can use the jump ring that is already attached to hook onto.

Finished bracelet

I used more of the Lace Chain in different lengths to attach the different sized Memory Frames together and I also included a couple of Making Memories Vintage Groove Charms and another Sprocket to bring the steampunk feel from the art into the chain.

Adding lace chain

This is what the finished pieces look like next to each other. Very fun and funky, and they are 100% unique to me, never to be duplicated exactly the same way ever again! These pieces would be just as interesting if they were alone on their own chains and worn seperately or together. That is the fun of jewelry is accessorizing with it to match your outfit or your mood :o)

Finished necklace and bracelet
Let me know what you think, and I hope that you found this to be educational and inspiring!

B-

It's time to start humming again :-D ...

On the Second Day of Christmas my goodie box could be...

  • Melting Pot
  • UTEE 

12DoC-Day-2 
To participate in this random drawing please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

We need your thoughts. As I try and figure out what interests you as we move ahead into the new year I would love to have your opinion on the posts we do on jewelry making, resin, soldering, etc. Are you interested in this subject matter and the products that we carry that are associated with this category?

Don't forget the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings --- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

Posted at 11:51 PM in 12 Days of Christmas, Jewelry Making, Mixed Media, Ranger Techniques | | Comments (166) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Melting Pot, Suze Weinberg, UTEE

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September 13, 2010

Graphic 45 Hallowe'en In Wonderland by Becky Olsen

For this fun altered project I started by planning a crafting day with a fun friend (she had found the amazing candle sticks on clearance, don't know where, sorry!) a Hallowe'en in Wonderland 12" x 12" paper pad, Claudine Hellmuth's Multi Medium in Matte, and a few Tim Holtz findings. We giggled, fussy cut, got sticky and ended up thrilled with the end results! I took pictures of each side and some close-ups of interesting details that I will describe how to create.To begin I covered all four sides with the Curiouser and Curiouser paper using the Multi Medium to adhere the paper and get a smooth adhesion. Then I fussy cut images from the Through the Looking Glass paper and chose the sides to adhere them to that continued to tell the story.For this side I used the fussy cut images of the White Rabbit and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. I wrapped wire around the handle of a smaller paint brush to get the spiral and then attached it to the side. I then punched out two of the White Rabbit tags and adhered them back to back and put the top through the end of the wire.  

G45 Halloween Candlestick 2
  

For the bottom of the tag I got out a Tim Holtz Typewriter Charms and placed the letter "A" in there (for Alice of course!)The charm was attached using a Tim Holtz Mini Paper Clip that had been placed in the bottom hole of the tag. 

G45 Halloween Candlestick 3

From the view of another side you can see how fun and dimensional that little coiled wire and tag piece is!On this side another fussy cut piece was adhered and I twisted another piece of wire to make a little holder for a Tim Holtz Word Key.    

G45 Halloween Candlestick 4

 

The key is attached to the wire piece using a Tim Holtz Swivel Clasp.

 

G45 Halloween Candlestick 5

Here is a close-up of the twisted wire piece.

 

G45 Halloween Candlestick 6

On the third side you can see how the little wire piece is like a sign hanger. The Cheshire cat and Caterpillar are on this side, and so I used a Tim Holt Hinge Clip that was adhered with a glob of Studio Multi Medium Matte that was left to dry for a bit and then I wound some wire into a circle and put it through the clip. I attached some more Mini Paper Clips and also used a Tim Holtz Spinner piece, and a Tim Holtz Muse Token for the bottom.

 

 

G45 Halloween Candlestick 7

The Tim Holtz Trinket Pin is what is attaching this fun charm to the wire circle.

G45 Halloween Candlestick 8

And as you can see I wrapped the wire around the top quite a few times to create texture and for this section The Mad Hatter was adhered and then another long coil was created by wrapping wire around the handle of a paint brush. I threaded a Tim Holtz Word Stick through and around the wire coil and placed it close to the top of the Mad Hatter.

 

G45 Halloween Candlestick 9 

When I was going through all of my Tim Holtz goodies I was trying to find the words that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. It was very fun creating these little vignettes on a single piece that was still cohesive looking.


G45 Halloween Candlestick 10

I love it because it is different from whichever direction you look at it from. It is my first decoration of the season, and I am trying to find a cool pillar candle that is purple that I can put on top. I will likely end up wrapping more wire around that and maybe another little bauble or two from my Tim Holtz toys.I hope that this inspires you to get out your items that would be fun to alter and get some beautiful Graphic 45 to help you along with your projects.

B-

Posted at 02:40 PM in Gift Ideas, Graphic 45, Mixed Media | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Candlestick, Graphic 45 Hallowe'en in Wonderland, Home Decor

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August 30, 2010

Prima Marketing Masks and a Canvas Pennant Gift Tag

Masking and pennants are all the rage! You can use your masks for airbrushing, spritzing with misting sprays, paint, gesso, and ink blending tool and so much more.

Gift Pendant 2

Prima has added a bunch of different stencils (scroll down to the bottom of the page) to the mix and I wanted to give you the low-down on how these come packaged so that you won't be surprised as I was.

Prima Masks Open

Each group of masks/stencils is held together with a rivet. I found it difficult to manipulate these stencils in their current form and so I tried several things. First I tested the rivet to see if it was threaded like a screw - nope. Next I tried to pry it open. Still no luck.This did loosen the rivet and thus made it easier to move the masks, so if you like the idea of keeping them together you may want to try this just to loosen them up a little.

Prima Masks Cut
So I finally ended up using my little scissors to snip off one mask right next to the rivet so that I could test how this would work.

Prima Masks 1 

To clean up my cut and make the edge symmetrical I used my Tonic cutter to trip the "label base."
Prima Masks 2 

I then used the 1/4" corner rounder on my chomper to even up my corners.
Prima Masks 3 

Both sides will need to be "chomped" to make them even.

Mask 

To avoid movement as I sprayed I attached the stencil to my canvas with tape to hold it in place.
Mask Spray 

As you can see it is quite wet as I spray to get a deep color.
Mask Spray 2 

I remove the stencil very carefully to avoid dripping on my project. If you do drip, don't worry - just pretend that was the look you were going for as it is interesting as well.
Mask Spray 3 

To speed up the dry time I use my heat it tool.
Gift Pendant

Attach to your gift and make someone feel special with this one of a kind tag.

TIP: Use a basic brown bag and mist it with complimenting colors to create a unique gift bag. In addition you can add some color to plain tissue or packing paper with mist to brighten it up and make the gift even more fun to open.

Supplies Sm

stamps: Hero Arts ClearDesign Sew Stylish

ink: Tattered Angels Mist - Electric Blue, Sweet Clover and Timeless Lilac

accessories: Prima Masks I, Canvas Triangle Banner, Kioshi Bloomers and Buttons, Maya Road Turquoise Trim, Violet Silk RIbbon

Posted at 06:27 PM in Gift Packaging, Mixed Media, Product Information, Tool Talk | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Masking Techniques, Masks, Prima Marketing Masks, Prima Masks, Tattered Angels Mist

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June 03, 2010

Ice Resin, Mold n' Pour and Beeswax Altered Artwork

Creating pieces to give as gifts or hang on your walls can be so much fun! This past weekend I had the pleasure of playing with some of the new products that we have brought into the store. These are all tools/media that will allow us to expand our teaching possibilities and our creativity. Adding new techniques and ideas keeps my mind fresh and alive and so I hope that you enjoy some of the new additions we have made and that you get up the courage to just give them a try!

Resin is all the rage! The objects and effects that can be created are SO very cool. Today I will be sharing some beginner tips, as well as show you how it is that I created the butterfly for the piece shown below. Hang with me because this will be a "class" of epic proportions - LOL! There is so much fun stuff to share with you.

Altered Art

At Ranger U I fell in love with so many new tools! Today I am going to share how to create with the Mold n' Pour. The molds that you create can be used with resin, UTEE, beeswax, candles, soap and who knows what else - LOL!

Mold N' Pour

Prepare your work surface and all the necessary tools before you begin. This product comes in two parts and once you mix it you only have a few minutes to create your mold before it starts setting up.

Mold 1

As you can see I am working on my XL Misting Mat. You can also work on a non-stick craft sheet or any other non-stick surface. I prefer to remove portions of the mixture from the container and roll them into balls before proceeding. This allows me to eyeball their size - you want these balls to be the same size. I have my object ready - in this case I decided to use a Vintaj butterfly. I clipped the jump ring to create antennae before combining my Mold n' Pour putty.

Mold 2

Working quickly I combined my two different colored putties and knead them together. As you can see in the photo above there are still streaks of white showing - this putty is NOT ready to be used. Continue kneading and mixing the putty until it is a uniform color. Remember that it sets up quickly so don't overwork it. I find that working with smaller amounts is easier, so my suggestion would be for you to experiment first with a small item as your object.

Mold 3

As you can see in this photo it is now a uniform color. Roll it into a smooth ball.

Mold 4

Press your object straight down into the putty and let it sit. I like to press my object about 3/16 - 1/4" into the putty. Now walk away ladies - LOL! It is just too tempting to squish around in this wonderful "stuff." Return in approximately 10-15 minutes and press your fingernail into that pretty round edge. If you do not leave a print then you are ready to remove your object. It is better to be patient and wait too long than pull your image out early and damage your mold.

Mold 5

The detail is incredible!

Mold B1

This next mold was MUCH tricker. It wouldn't have been if I hadn't been stingy with my Mold 'n Pour :-( The good news is that my error forced me to experiment more. I wanted to see if I could salvage/fix my mold and I came pretty close to it being precise. This Hero Arts rubberstamp image is approximately 3 3/4" square. I should have probably used 3/4, or even the entire container of Mold 'n Pour, rather than the 1/2 container I used. Lesson learned - don't be stingy :-D

I kept the cling style stamp mounted on the plastic as I worked so that I would not damage the "cling" aspect of this stamp.

As I prepared to create this mold I determined that I would need a large flat surface to press my putty evenly into place over the surface of the stamp - the 5x7 acrylic mounting block was perfect for this.

On the right side of the image above you can see a damp, white washcloth. This is a trick I learned from Lisa this past weekend. I have gone through mountains of paper towels when creating. I don't like the fact that I am being wasteful, but because I like to work with clean hands as much as possible so that I don't "dirty" my projects I needed a solution. Using two washclothes - one wet/one dry - my need for other cleaning tools has been greatly diminished. I LOVE this solution - thank you Lisa!

Mold B2

I worked quickly, but sadly was horrified when I realized that I was short on material. It was in that instant that I had to decide if I should quickly look for a suitable replacement or just go for it. I decided to proceed in spite of this deterant and quickly using my fingers to spread the molding material over the stamp. I immediately pressed my acrylic firmly against the putty to flatten as best possible. As I worked I could see the "putty" setting up right before my eyes. I haven't figured out yet whether the cool broad expanse of the rubber made my material set more quickly than normal, but it set up FAST! So perhaps it would have been best to spread the material on my non-stick surface before putting it on the stamp. I just don't know yet, but will try this next time.

I could see that I had gaps around the edges as well as holes in the middle, but rather than give up I decided to press forwards and see what would happen. I mixed a little more putty and applied it over the holes in my mold. (I did not remove my stamp to "check" - I knew I had holes.) Again I used my large acrylic block to press down on my mold.

Mold B3

I allowed this to sit for 10 minutes. I then removed the acrylic block and flipped the entire piece over, mixed a little more putty and pressed additional Mold 'n Pour against the sides to create my base.

Mold B4

After allowing it to once again sit I removed the rubber stamp image and was left with a VERY cool mold! I immediately took my dry wash cloth and rubbed the surface of my rubber stamp to remove the excess putty that was slightly stuck to the surface. I don't know what would have happened if I had allowed it to dry completely, but being I like to clean as I go, this worked well for me. As you can see there are "hints" of the mold still in the crevices, but I do not believe that it will impact my stamp in any way.

Creating molds is ADDICTIVE! You can use buttons, metal embellishments, rubber stamps, and so much more. I have read that you can even use hard candies such as Lifesavers - how cool is that?!? Suze and Tim talked about carrying Mold n' Pour with them when they go antique shopping. They ask permission to mold some of their finds along the way! Oh how fun that would be!!!

So now that we have our molds - let's play with them :-D

ETA: These molds can be used over and over again. Suze shared that she has boxes labeled with different styles of molds. I can see doing something similar once I have a few made.

Working with Ice Resin

I thought I would begin by trying to explain to you what Ice Resin is. Ice Resin is a two part resin that when mixed forms a crystal clear, jeweler's quality grade product. This resin is different from the water-based, dimensional sealants such as Rangers Glossy Accents, SU Crystal Effects or Judikins Diamond Glaze that we typically use in paper crafts. These dimensional sealants are excellent products for many purposes, but they do not offer the durability and waterproof finish that resins do. Ice Resin is also very different from the meltable embossing powders such as UTEE, that are popular for molding and sealing. UTEE liquifies when heated and hardens when cooled. It is typically rigid and susceptible to cracking. As well the clear versions of UTEE are prone to yellow as you work with them.

Resin is a much harder and more durable product that retains its clarity. With resin you can create a "dome" on your projects that acts as a magnifying lens of sorts.

It can be used together with metal, polymer clay, metal clay, paper, glass and numerous other products. Today we are going to start simply - we are going to create the butterfly I used on my art piece.

Before beginning it is incredibly important to read all your directions first! I would also like to encourage you to visit the Ice Resin website. There are numerous articles written that will answer many of the specific questions you might have.

Resin 1

One of the recommendations I tried as I worked with the Ice Resin the second time was to warm Part A of the Ice Resin mixture in hot tap water before beginning. It worked like a charm - it was not nearly as granular looking as the resin I created in my first batch. It was so much easier to mix with Part A warmed.

Another recommendation that I followed closely was to work in small batches. You will be AMAZED at how many different pieces you will be able to create with 1 oz of mixture! Have numerous projects ready to go before mixing your resin!

Ice Resin comes with little plastic mixing containers that have precise measurements listed on the sides. The first time I mixed my Ice Resin I used two separate containers. The second time I realized that I didn't need to us two containers - I could just use the measurements on the sides to make certain I was mixing correct quantities.

Before mixing in one container you will want to clearly think through your measurements and perhaps even mark the outside of your container with a sharpie marker, showing the precise stopping point for each part. You will need to work very carefully when pouring directly into your container though - there are no second chances with this method - LOL!

The smallest batch Ice Resin recommends making is 1/2 oz. I think that this is a great way to start your experimentive/creative process! You will truly want to try so many different things. It is best to work in layers for many applications, allowing the resin to cure before proceeding - therefore mixing small amounts is what I believe is the best way to go. I had several pieces I am currently working on and decided that a total of 1 oz. would be best for my use this time even though today's project only used a few drops. Hopefully I will have more to share with you soon :-)

Resin 2

Wait until Part A is warm and pour 1/2 oz into the container. Followed with 1/2 oz of Part B. As you can see it fills this little container right to the top. If you do not feel comfortable working in such a tight space be certain to have another clean plastic container that you can throw away at the ready before you begin. I work carefully and so just work from this little container.

It is recommended that you work in a well-ventilated room and wear gloves that you can also throw away once your project is complete. If you don't work carefully you can make a lot of things sticky - LOL! They do say that if resin comes in contact with your skin that it can cause minor irritation. I did get a little on one of my fingers, but immediately wiped it on my wet washcloth with no side effects.

Resin 3

Once you have the two parts mixed together you are going to stir, and stir, and STIR! You can see a visible difference in the photo above compared with the shot two photos above. I stir for approximately 5-7 minutes. You want to have a nice clear liquid before you stop stirring. Allow the mix to rest for another five minutes and many of the bubbles will rise to the surface and pop.

1 oz. is a LOT of resin and so I had numerous projects at the ready. Again, today I am going to share only one of those projects. Once you have used all your resin you will be throwing your container away - it is recommended that you not use "dirty" tools.

Resin 4

Using my popsicle stick I transferred a few drops of resin to a plastic spoon. Prior to beginning I had filled my mold with water and then poured that water into my spoon to see exactly how much resin I would need. I then dried my spoon and mold before proceeding. As you can see it takes VERY little resin. To the clear resin mix I added a small amount of Tarnished Gold embossing powder. Once again remember that less is more - it is easier to add a little more powder than it is to add more resin.

Stir the powder into the resin with your popsicle stick. Be certain to use a clean popsicle stick with the mixing of each new element. You will find that adding the embossing powder thickens your resin slightly. As soon as I had finished mixing I poured my resin mix into my mold.

Typically you will have approximately 30 minutes to work with your fully mixed Ice Resin. It is recommended that you work in a room that is approximately 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other additives you can use that I have used to color or add interest to my Resin are Perfect Pearls, glitter, mica, and flower soft. Ones I haven't yet tried that are recommended are - oil pigments, chalk pastels, spices, dried floral ingredients, gold leaf, and I'm guessing that there are so many more.