In the Works...

A Little Self Promo

If you should happen to look in the current Mar/Apr issue of RubberStamp Madness, then you'll find ME in there!  Yup, page 27 to be exact -- The Card Shoppe section...  in an article called, "Wordplay" -- This is the published card:

I won't regurgitate what the article says, but I will share "the rest of the story..."

"Joy To You" was actually submitted with 5 other cards, as a variation on a theme sort of thing.  Out of the six, RSM kept only this one, and although stating the card was originally designed for a "massive" (as in 40 cards) pen-pal experiment (which is true), the card they kept and published was not the one replicated forty times and mailed out hither and yon...

A display of all six cards, can be seen in my "Joy To You" photo album.

Now for the Cardworks:
All six cards started with the same basic "formula" --

A formula is my way of defining a concoction of pre-determined guidelines for card making... Essential ingredients include paper sizing, technique, and basic layout.

"Joy To You" Basic Formula
Paper Sizing: (1) Blank, white ATC (2-½” x 3-½”)
                        (1) Black layer, 2-¾” x 3-¾”
                        (1) Colored layer, 3” x 4”
                        (1) Side-folded white card, 3-¾” x 5-¼

Technique:  smARTworks' Fluid Chalk Collage

1.  Using 3-4 complimentary colors of Fluid Chalk ink, randomly stamp a variety of background and solid images across the ATC -- Overlap some of the images, stamp some of the images a second time without re-inking, and leave a bit of “white space” here and there.
2.  Stamp a focal image in black.  Clear emboss.
3.  Stamp a saying and additional images in black.  Do NOT emboss.

Layout:
Adhere stamped panel to black, then colored layers.  Centering layered panel, mount to card front.

Once the basic formula has been concocted, then it’s time to invent some variations.  Possibilities include:

Rotating the colors within the chosen palette.
Changing the entire color scheme.
Changing the stamped images.
Tweaking the layout.
Adding embellishments.

In the case of "Joy To You," the five variations were created as follows:

Variation #1 - Adjusted placement of colored layer.
Variation #2 - Changed color of card.
Variation #3 - Changed color of card, and eliminated the black layer.
Variation #4 - Eliminated the colored layer, and embellished with added stamping.
Variation #5 - Adjusted placement of colored layer, and embellished with punches and mini buttons.

On first read, one might think stamping by way of a formula would stifle creativity, but for me it's just the opposite.  I find determining the right mix for each initial formula wonderfully challenging, and working out variations within the pre-set guidelines, good for stretching my ingenuity.  A great way to play with purpose!

Stamps used on the Joy To You cards:  WD-02 Joy, FL-16 Real Stems & Blossoms, FL-09 Darling Duo, FL-17 Grasses, WD-92 Great Day, BG-18 Goin' in Circles.

Any idea which variation actually became the pen-pal mailing????   My personal favorite.... Variation #4.

And there you have it... the rest of the story...

Daffy Hostess

Okay, before partaking of this week's tea and Cookies, some advice... something like, "Never argue with a Sicilian when death is on the line..."

When hostessing a color challenge tea, never call out the color combo before checking to see if you have those colors in your own paper/ink/accessory stash.

Guess I don't have to tell you how this advice became relevant... ~ I be sooooo daffy!

It's just that I am so enamored with this recent print paper acquisition -- a Stacy Claire Boyd design by EK Success, that I never thought about anything else.  The colors:  Chocolate/Brown, Lime/Chartreuse, and Aqua/Teal... Absolutely LOVE them together!

Obsessed with matching the color shades in the paper, and only eeking out minimal success ~hee hee, here's what I did:

The strip of striped print is actually the reverse side of the above design.  I started with that, then decided I really wanted to incorporate the Bible verse BV-36 Proverbs 16:3... I'm in the midst of making decisions (and sadly, cuts) for a future new  release of rubber, and I really, really, really need the Lord to establish my thoughts... Also, hubby and I have recently (as in just last night), been confronted with a difficult "kid" issue/decision involving one of our adult children, so claiming this particular promise is particularly pertinent.

But back to the card... I actually had to marker in some additional "aqua" colored lines onto the striped paper, otherwise I could never have matched my colors. 

Next came the punch embellishment, scavenged from my bits 'n pieces bin.  I had custom-colored the large flower with one of the Fluid Chalk inks many moons ago (added the large polka dots with a jumbo, kiddie, pencil eraser), and the de-pronged, chartreuse flower brad had been removed from a previous great idea gone bad...  I added one of my new, favorite punches (PBM2) from matching brown cardstock, and topped it off with an "icee," Heidi Swapp small, flower jewel from my "like it too much to use it" stash.

The leaf punch is part of an older Sizzix die (Leaf, Stem #38-0227).  I did a little "nip 'n tuck" of one of the leaves, and voila!

Additional, honorable mentions -- Ink used for the verse, and around the edges of the verse's layer - Versafine, Vintage Sepia... Distressing tool used on edges of the chartreuse panel.

All in all, I'm  quite pleased with the final results.  Even though there may not be a tremendous amount of nitty-gritty stamping involved, I met my color challenge, and made the stamped verse my focal point... exactly what I set out to do.  Guess that means, "OK Success!" ~hee hee hee

Only four of the Cookies are planning to attend today's party:  Dina, Donna, Heidi, and Trish.  Susan sends her apologies, but she's having too much fun with her cable guy... getting a network and going digital.

My Penance For Neglect

Yes, I confess, I have been a neglectful blogger, but it doesn't mean I haven't been busy... Lots of paperwork, classes to prepare and teach, and most importantly, prepping images for an upcoming "new release" -- I tend to get on a roll with this activity, and become completely absorbed and all-consumed...

I don't want you to think, however, that I've forgotten those of you who faithfully drop by to check out what's "in the works," so even though I can't share what I'm currently doing, here's a look-see at the Valentine I gave my hubby last week -- Didn't dare post it at the last tea party for fear the intended recipient would decide to visit, and spoil his surprise...

What I really like about this card are its possibilities... a Valentine to be sure, but think about weddings or anniversaries... Keep the metallic ink, paper layer, and ribbon, while changing the base color to almost anything, and you've got "easy elegance," with maximum appeal. 

Cardworks:
Stamps - Heart Collage and WD-28Vert. Love Comes
Ink - Brilliance Galaxy Gold
Pearl-Ex (gold) - applied while ink is wet
Scoring Tool - after script has been stamped, smaller red layer is scored 1/4" from each edge
1/8" Eyelet Tool (hole-maker), or Long-reach Punch -  used to make hole for the ribbon AFTER all layers are attached.  Caution:  When hole-punching, make sure to "open" card, and punch though layers and front flap only. 
Other - Fun Foam, 1/2" Sheer Ribbon, and Charm (keys)

The "how to" is really just basic stamping, inking and layering, but the real "fun" comes in by incorporating the fun foam -- found in almost any store carrying "kids" crafting supplies.  It comes in flat, spongy sheets, and is available in oodles of colors.  When working with fun foam:

• Work on a flat, smooth, heat-resistant surface.
• Cut a  piece of the foam slightly larger than the stamp you will be using.
• Use a heat tool, and really "warm" each side of foam, then concentrate a little more heat on the area you want to impress... foam may change color, and should start to curl slightly.
• Immediately impress a dry stamp* into the heated foam -- press firmly, and hold for a slow count of ten. 
• As foam cools, stamp will release easily.
• Allow foam to cool completely. 
• If not happy with the impression, re-heat foam, and re-impress.
• Cooled foam can be cut, inked, glittered, etc. as desired, BUT make sure to use only air-drying products - DO NOT heat set.
• Fun foam can be attached to other surfaces, using a variety of adhesives -- permanent, double-sided tape was used on this card, but a small amount of tacky glue also works well.
• For all products (inks, glue, etc.), remember fun foam is porous, and as such, takes extra drying time.

* When impressing fun foam an inked stamp can also be used, but have the image all "inked and ready" before heating the foam.

If you've never stamped on fun foam, give it a try.  It really is a lot of "fun," and there's an added bonus... The stamped creations are flat and extremely lightweight -- perfect for sending through the mail.

Valentine Tea

Today's tea party challenge, Make a Valentine, comes by way of smART Cookie hostess, Donna Duquette, and with tomorrow being Valentine's Day, it certainly makes a lot of sense... It was also a lot of fun!

I designed a handful of "heart cards" this year, but decided to share the following three because they're variations on a single theme -- All three use the same basic techniques (stamping, coloring, 3-D cut-outs, basic layering, and dimensional glaze on the noses), all three use stamps from these two sets:

Heart Duos #2 & ABC-With Heart, and the color scheme for each  is traditional - either red, pink, or a combination of the two...

Card #1 (taught in my recent "Have a Heart" card class at Stamp 'n Scrap)

Ink: Memories Ruby
Saying: WD-108 I love you (LOTS!)
Coloring: Markers & Radiant Pearls
Other: 3/8" Sheer Ribbon and Itty Bitty Rhinestone (red - on heart)

Card #2 (made secretly for Mr. Eli)

Ink: Memories Cherry
Saying: WD-114 My Heart
Coloring: Markers
Other: Heart Punches and Ultrafine Glitter

Card #3 (mailed out to several card pals)

Ink:  Brilliance Pearlescent Coral
Saying:  BV-17 I Corinthians 13:13
Coloring:  Markers & Twinkling H2Os
Other: Itty Bitty Rhinestone (pink - on heart)

All the Cookies "pinky-swear" they are participating this time, so to take a look at their Valentines, click on the links located under smART Cookie Design Team. (see sidebar)

Happy Hearts Day everyone!

Sisterhood Winner

And the winner of the "Sisterhood" collage stamp is........ Linda SS, who wrote:

My sister is 2 yrs. younger and when she started kindergarten, I taught her to write her name and she was so proud of herself.  Problem is, instead of teaching her how to write Janet, I taught her to write "Toe."  A couple weeks later her teacher finally said, "Why do you always call yourself Toe - your name is Janet".  Boy was she mad at me.  She still talks about it 40 some years later.

I enjoyed reading every sibling comment that was submitted, but did happen to find Linda's hysterical... One of those that made me chuckle on first read, and continues to make me chuckle every time I think about it.  Kind of like the time I got my little brother, John, to trade all his dimes for my nickles... After all, the nickles were "bigger."  ~hee hee hee  Awful?!?  Yes, but Mom made me give them back, so no harm, no foul...   

That confessed, Linda, please e-mail me with your contact information, and I will get "Sisterhood" in the mail to you pronto.  Then you can whip up a card for "Toe," and remind her what a good teacher you were...

A special thank you to all who participated.  Should any of you who didn't win this time be interested in purchasing the "Sisterhood" stamp, the cost is $5.50 plus shipping (58 cents for a single stamp set), or $6.08.  Not bad... not bad at all.

Sisterhood Collage

February first already!  Time to unveil the 3rd smART Cookie Challenge...

You may already know what a smART Cookie Challenge is, but just in case you don't, it's when each member of smARTworks' design team is given the same rubber stamp(s), and asked to create "something."

The stamp set chosen for Challenge #3 was "Sisterhood" --

Although the two gals appear as though they might be best friends, the stamp is called "Sisterhood" because in real life, these two were sisters.  Of course, that's not to say they couldn't also have been best friends, but the collage needed a name, and I decided to honor their sibling relationship.

To take a look-see at all the deliciously clever Cookie projects using this "Sisterhood" collage stamp, click here. 

But wait!   We're not finished quite yet...

By now, some of you also know that every time we have a Cookie Challenge, we also have a contest where participants earn the chance to win a free set of the featured rubber...

Soooooo, if you'd like to throw your name into the hat for the chance to win a free "Sisterhood" stamp, here what you've gotta do:

Submit a comment to this post sharing a favorite sibling moment you remember... It can be good, bad, happy, or sad -- just as long as it's a favorite.

On Monday morning (Feb. 4), I'll put the names of all those participating into a hat, and before he leaves for school, Mr. Eli will pull out a winner. That winning name will then be announced right here, later in the day.

Have fun remembering...