New craft tool -- a can of air

I'm constantly amazed by the things crafters think up to use for tools and embellishments. Ever since I discovered Tim Holtz (that makes me sound like a Hollywood agent which I'm not) I've been looking up and down the aisles of hardware stores for cool things to use on cards. He's come up with another one -- using a can of air to disperse alcohol inks on glossy papers before they dry. Just use a drop or two and then use the can of air and see what happens next. I used the new Brights Alcohol inks and what a fun card this makes. The background stamp is from Impression Obsession, the $1 ribbon from Michael's and the Smile stamp from Inque.

Until my next post,

Diane

It's not the destination but the journey

Some might say the words of the Greatful Dead song Truckin', "what a long strange trip it's been", might be appropriate to a long marriage; but in this case I'll defer to the Harley Davidson motto of "it's not the destination but the journey". A while back I celebrated my 27th wedding anniversary and I think back to the day..... My motto is more like "it doesn't matter where you get married, who marries you, what you wore or what you served at the reception; what matters is that you STAY married and continue on the journey.

By the way, this card is made with the Route 66 stamp collection by Artistic Outpost.

Until my next post,

Diane

Dictionary ATC

Here's the first ATC I did for yet another Yahoo Group I belong to . This group is called AlteredDesigns and I found it by looking at Elizabeth's art on her blog. I contacted her and now I'm a member of that group too. Give her blog a look/see, she's got some really neat things on it.

Q: So Diane, just how many of these Yahoo groups DO you belong to?

A: Less than 100 but more than 20 (22 to be exact).

Q: Why?

A: Because they are there.

This ATC was made with using a background layer of Metallic cardstock from DCWV followed by a piece of paper from the Rock King collection also by DCWV. The embellishment is made using a piece of grungeboard from Tim Holtz. I used paper Mod Podge on the grungeboard and then on top of the dictionary page. Look closely and you'll see the words "skull and crossbones" that I specifically selected from the dictionary. I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the grungeboard and then inked it with Ranger Distress inks. I then outlined the edges with a gold deco marker.

Until my next post,

Diane

Getting specific about color with kuler

Do you know what complementary colors are? How about analogous colors, or monochromatic? One way to see these colors and many more is to look at kuler. Kuler is an online color wheel of sorts from Adobe. When you start kuler look on the right side of the screen and you'll see "Welcome to Kuler" you can click on a link to view a video demo about what it can do for you.

I need to point out two things about Kuler. First kuler requires Flash so if you don't have it installed or the current version it will prompt you to do so. Second, kuler requires you to have an Adobe ID which is really easy to set up. Watch the video and decide for yourself if it is worth it.

Until my next post,

Diane

What the second challenge turned into

Here's the final result of my second double embossing. Like the previous one I darkened it up with the ColorBox chalk inks then put in on a A2 card. I used my cuttlebug with Spellbinders dyes, ribbon and a bit of bling like the other card. I'm happy with the results.

Until my next post,

Diane

What one challenge turned into

Here's the final result of my green double embossed Cuttlebug challenge that I showed you four days ago. I darkened it up a bit with the same color and trimmed the cardstock to fit a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card (which is half of an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock). I used my spellbinders dye and Studio G $1 stamps along with some ribbon and bling flowers to finish it off. I like the concept and will likely do more. Now I need to finish the blue one.

Until my next post,

Diane

So popular this blog has a personalized soft drink

Now here's some advertising. I read about this on Suze Weinberg's newsletter. The one that mentions this isn't archived yet but it should be when Suze gets back from her European excursion. The web site that can create your own personalized soda can (Says-It) will also make other personalized signs, badges and images that look quite real. Now you know how all those folks do it when you get those goofy jokes that go flying around the internet. Used properly these can be quite fun and entertaining but in the wrong hands...

As your parents used to say when you were roughhousing it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Until my next post,

Diane

Responding to the challenge

I follow a LOT of blogs, sometimes I think too many. Sometimes I think I need to follow the Nike motto and "just do it" instead of just read about it or just watch what other people do. BUT then I read a blog and get some inspiration and realize that there is wheat amongst the chaff. I bought my Cuttlebug a while back and don't regret it a bit. It was a good bang for the buck. I emboss more than cut and I cut more Spellbinders dyes than Cuttlebug dyes. I saw this double embossing challenge on the Cuttlebug Challenges blog last weekend and decided to give it a try on some extra cardstock. The blue one was my first attempt. The embossing went OK but I'm not thrilled with the coloring. I think I may darken it a bit and see what happens. I used Colorbox cats eyes sized chalk inks on that one. The green one was my second attempt and I like it much more. I used Versa Magic chalk tear drop sized ink on that one. The ink pad is stronger and stiffer and I think that helped a bit.

Until my next post,

Diane

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This is to all of you that are Irish and those of you that wish you were Irish...at least for today anyway. I had the pleasure of visiting the Emerald Isle a few years back. I had a great time on my short visit touring the beautiful country and I hope to go back some day.

This card was made with 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock cut in half and folded to become an A2 card. On top of that is a white mat for a shamrock paper that I spiced up a bit with glitter and Sakura markers in green glaze and stardust. I used my Cuttlebug to cut and emboss three circles. On top of the last one I stamped a Studio G $1 clear stamp and colored in the shamrock with the green Sakura glaze pen. A little ribbon is the finishing touch.

Until my next post,

Diane

I'm all packed and ready to go

That old Wells Fargo Wagon...brought thump'n thpethyul for me

I'm a big fan of musicals. I can't think of one I don't love. Although I'm partial to the Rogers and Hammerstein musicals Meridith Willsons "The Music Man" is one of favorites. I was thinking about it this weekend when I got an email from the swap coordinator at my Art Techniques Yahoo group that a package had been shipped. I couldn't get the Well's Fargo Wagon song out of my head. Something special was indeed headed my way. I had participated in the 2009 Technique Fat Book and was anxiously awaiting my pages. We had 120 folks signed up but some dropped out and the final tally was 115. Our theme was to create a technique using inexpensive, children's or recycled supplies. I got my package and immediately devoured it looking quickly at each page. Now I'm savoring each one and reading the instructions everyone included to see just what they did. I was a lot of work for us to create so many pages but even more for our hostess Margie to sort and package all of these bundles up. Thanks to you Margie and to everyone that participated.

Until my next post,

Diane

SheetLoad for guys

If you are like me and have a tough time coming up with ideas for cards to give a guy here’s what you can do. Find a kit like I did or match up your paper and embellishments. The kit I found is from K&Co and I got it at a discount at a place called Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. They have stores in eight states on the East Coast and are similar to other stores that buy up merchandise from places that are going out of business or last year’s selections. This kit had 6 12x12 papers, some letter stickers (which I didn’t use), stickers and dimensional grand adhesions. I used the pattern from the October 2008 SheetLoad of cards web site to get my layout.

Until next time,
Diane

My take on wood, unmounted and clear stamps

I have more unmounted stamps than any other kind. Coming in at a close second is clear stamps. I have the least amount of wood stamps because of storage and cost. All of my craft stuff and my computer is in a spare bedroom. I have a 6’ fold away table (that rarely gets put away) in the middle of room to work on. All of this “stuff” has to fit into the closet or a computer credenza that has been overtaken by craft supplies.

I buy wood stamps for two reasons: I REALLY LOVE the stamp and can’t find it unmounted, or I got it REALLY CHEAP. I have them stored in 2 gallon Ziploc bags with a big piece of cardboard in as a stiffener. The stamps are stored on top of the cardboard and then inside a box. I saw this tip on the Carol Duvall show. The best part about wood stamps I can use any type of ink with these stamps.

Unmounted and clear stamps are basically the same with some minor differences. They both take up minimal space and are cheaper to buy since you don’t have the cost of the wood. I went to a stamp show a few years ago and bought a group of acrylic blocks in various sizes and can use these blocks with every stamp I own. I can use any ink with an unmounted stamp but find that chalk inks work the best with the clear stamps. Distress Inks don’t work too well in my opinion on the clear stamps. Sugarloaf See Dee/Inque stamps are basically rubber stamps with their own stick backing. Other unmounted stamps need to be attached to your acrylic block somehow.

Here’s how I attach unmounted stamps to acrylic blocks. First get your unmounted stamp and cut away the excess. You might buy them pre trimmed but if you buy a whole or half sheet you will have some waste. I use Tim Holtz scissors for this trimming. Buy some Graffix Cling Vinyl and some 8 ½ x 11” page protectors at an office supply store. Trim the Cling Vinyl to 8 ½ x 11” (for some reason it comes as 9x12 sheets). Do a dry fit and arrange your unmounted stamps on the Cling Vinyl. When you are happy with your arrangement turn them upside down and apply a VERY SMALL amount of Aleene’s “Tack It Over & Over” glue and cover the entire back using your finger. If you have too much it will be white so spread it out so it is pretty clear. Wait overnight and then apply the tacky backed unmounted stamps to the Cling Vinyl and then insert that sheet into a clear plastic page protector and insert into a 3 ring binder. Now when you use your stamps you just remove the stamp from the Cling Vinyl and attach it to the clear acrylic block.

Until my next post,

Diane

What a weather week!

Just a few days ago on Monday we had about 2-3" of snow on the ground, the schools were closed and the temperature didn't get to 30 degrees. Yesterday you wouldn't have guessed it because there is no evidence and the temperature was almost 80 degrees. This short burst of heat will end by Tuesday and we'll see more seasonable temperatures. But for those of us that like to exercise outside in warmer weather it was a nice change of pace.

Until my next post,

Diane

Love, love you, love you more

Last month along with trading ATC's Sid and I sent a magazine across the pond. I sent him Sommerset Studio and he sent me Craft Stamper in honor of his getting published in that magazine. The Craft Stamper magazine came with a free stamp that I used to make a birthday card for my hubby. The stamp could also be used for Valentine's Day but I thought it was a good choice for a birthday card for my special guy. My card is a compilation of a few ideas I saw in the magazine. I cut the mini hearts apart from the main stamp and used it as a border. It was tough to see so I colored over it with a Sakura Gelly Roll pen. The rest of the stamping is done with Color Box chalk inks since they work well with clear stamps. I outlined all the "tags" with a Stardust Gelly Roll pen but it is hard to see in the photo. It gives the card a bit more bling.

Until my next post,
Diane

Easy as 1,2,3 card

This is another card I made using the one sheet wonder technique. If you google that term you'll find MANY options to choose from. Better yet why waste the time to google just click on my link and you will find many templates. This card, and the others in this batch used up some extra scrapbook paper. The base of the card is from DCWV and it is glittered. The paper is from Provo Craft. The stamp is from the Sugarloaf/Inque 264 set of stamps. The finishing touch which might be tough to see from the scan is the Sakura Stardust pen outlining I did to the stamped Happy Birthday and the flower borders.

Until my next post,

Diane

Spinner ATC's

These three ATC’s were for Sid in the UK for our monthly swap. I picked the theme which was to use craft spinner often used by children (hey we are all BIG kids right?). This was featured on the Yahoo group the Scrapbook Lounge. Unfortunately there aren’t any new episodes but the Yahoo group is alive and well.
#1
Center the card on the spinner. Dip a waterbrush into your color (I used Colorations Watercolor in lime, orange, green) and lightly touch the card as it is spinning. Add the second and third colors drying in between colors. Next, move the card to each of the four colors and reapply the colors drying in between. The stamp I used is from Impression Obsession. I stamped it using Whisper Orange and Butterscotch dye inks. Trace the lines of the stamp with a VersaMarker and emboss with clear embossing powder. Next, outline edges with Marvy Metallic Marker. Add the dragonfly embellishments and add to an orange background.

#2
Color over the openings of a Plaid swirl stencil with a VersaMarker on Paper Cut glossy paper. This will act as a resist. Center the paper on the spinner. Spray Colorations Watercolor spray with Fuchsia and Turquoise without drying in between. Spray Glimmer Mist Pearl and dry all sprays. Run the card through a Cuttlebug with swirl embossing folder. Dab the raised portions with Tsukineko Brilliance in Pearlescent purple, lavender and sky blue. Add the metallic word from Michaels $1 bargain bin and mount on a black background.

#3
The base is black glossy paper from the Paper Cut and the flowers are white glossy paper also from the Paper Cut. Estimate the size you need based on the size of the punch and cut to size. Center the piece of paper on the spinner. Using a fine tip Sharpie lightly touch the tip to the paper while it is spinning. Mix the colors to suit your taste. Punch the squares into the flowers. Adhere the flowers using a small Xyron to the black glossy cardstock.

I had fun making these and hope Sid likes them.

Until my next post,

Diane

Card for Sid

Here's the card I sent to Sid that had my Feb ATC's inside. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the ATC's. The card is from a concept called One Sheet Wonders. I used patterened paper instead of making my own background paper like some folks have. The template I got was from Mae Collins, she has a bunch of great templates to use for inspiration.

The patterened paper is from Provo Craft. The stamped image is another of my Studio G $1 stamps. I colored in the stamped image with Sakura Glaze markers.

Until my next post,
Diane

Card for March ATC of the month

If I have one handy, I like to include a card when I send out my ATC of the month or ATC lotteries. For swaps I don't send a card (maybe I should though) because the ATCs get distributed to many people. I probably should send a card (for a swap) when I can because the folks that host the swaps do a lot of work and often don't get thanked.

This card is one of my latest Sheetload cards and now you get to see it in detail. I used an 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock cut in half to make two A2 cards. On top of that is a piece of DCWV textured cardstock. The rest is paper from American Traditional Design along with the flower embellishment.

So...for those of you that do swaps my belated THANKS for all the work you do resorting cards, ATCs, 4x4 pages and all the other things we crafters like to trade.

Until my next post,

Diane

Winter Wonderland

Like a great majority of the eastern seaboard of the USA my local area got some snow late Sunday and early Monday morning. Naturally the schools were closed as were many goverment offices. Since we rarely get snow my joke is that (one) snowplow driver must get very tired. It was a very wet snow and in my little world didn't really stick to the road or driveway. Now that's what I'm talking about. What if we could invent a way to have it just stick to the ground and roofs. It would be a beautiful winter wonderland. Folks wouldn't have to shovel, we wouldn't need snow plows or sand/salt and the snow would stay pretty. I went out early Monday morning to fill the bird feeders then came inside and snapped some photos.

Until my next post,

Diane

Laughed until I cried

On Sunday I went to see Menopause the Musical with two friends. I got the idea of arranging a girls day out after reading another blog (sorry can't remember who). The recommendation was so strong I clicked on the link and right there and then decided I needed to arrange a road trip. The show is about 90 minutes or so of non-stop laughing...unless you are the teenager/20 something gal that sat next to my friend Jeannie. After the show at an early dinner Jeannie said the poor girl didn't laugh or smile throughout the show. We all said she'll get it in about 20 years then realize what it's all about. The show was so great I bought the soundtrack, something I rarely do. Not only is the show entertaining but a portion of the proceeds goes to ovarian cancer research. For those of you down under it is coming your way so check out the link to see when you too can laugh until you cry.

Until my next post,
Diane

Stampers Corner March ATC of the month

This month at my Yahoo group Stampers Corner our ATC of the month club had a theme of “acetate use”. The base of this cards is using the Rock King card stock from DCWV. On top of that is a whitish piece of paper cut to the same size as my acetate. I’ve got a pack from the Paper Cut. It is heat quality so you can use it in a copy machine or laser printer and you can heat emboss on it too. I ran a 8.5 x 11 piece through my laser printer and printed some free quotes from Pennywise Arts. I adhered the paper to the acetate with my Xyron to hide the glue lines. I used Ranger alcohol inks in the following colors: lettuce, meadow, pesto, bottle and stream. The finishing touches were a bit of peel-off stickers from Dovecraft colored with the same alcohol ink colors and some outlining with a Marvy Metallic Marker. Hope you like it.

Until my next post,
Diane

Giving Credit where it is due

A while back I had a post of the page I submitted for the Yahoo Mixed Media Art Friends that I belong to. I had seen a video that gave me inspiration but couldn't remember who did it. It bothered me and I kept searching using different terms and FINALLY found the source. Jennifer McGuire made this post and although I modified it using recycled cardboard instead of Grungeboard and Gel Medium rather than Mod Podge the concept was basically the same. Take a look at Jennifer's video and maybe you too will be inspired to make something fun.

Until my next post,
Diane