In the Works...

R-r-r-r-r-r-ip...

This is a vacation week, so I am pretty much "on the go", and not stamping, but I still managed to squeeze in this entry for Less Is More.  The challenge?  Tearing... which I've incorporated in two ways:

The first is obvious - a torn edge along the embossed strip (Cuttlebug folder, Distressed Stripes). 

The second is a bit more obscure -- used in creating a background for the focal panel... a technique for which you need: chalk pastels (stick form), white cardstock, copy paper, and cotton balls. 

smART stamps used come from Changes (b-fly), My Hope (words), and Slow Go (grass).

A Reversal (of sorts)

The front of last week's card featured a de-bossed square.  This week's card uses the same technique, but features the reverse side of the square, or in other words, it's the embossed version.  Since both cards were constructed using a homemade template, I thought I'd add a little tutorial on how I got my results... Yes, there are probably YouTube videos showing something similar, but what's described here, is what works for me...

 
Other Details:
Stamps: smARTworks from Dogwoods, and For Today
Card Size: 4.25" x 5.25" - cut long, side-folded
Inks: Versamark (watermark), Versafine Onyx Black
Coloring: Chalks

Embossing or De-bossing Using a Chipboard Template and the Big Shot
Note: These instructions should work with any die cut/embossing machine, but the "sandwich" may need adjusting.

1.  Using chipboard from a cereal or cracker box, etc., cut or die cut 2-3 identical shapes -- the thickness when stacked should be about 1/8 of an inch. (Figure 1)

2.  Making sure all edges are even, stack and adhere the shapes together. (Figure 2)
3.  Prepare the card base by cutting cardstock to size, and scoring where the fold will be, but DO NOT FOLD!

4.  Using repositionable, non-permanent tape, tack the shape to the card base. (Figure 3)
     For a debossed (innie) shape, tack to what will be the OUTSIDE of the card front.
     For an embossed (outie) shape, tack to what will be the INSIDE of the card font.

5.  Create the embossing "sandwich".
     - original platform - paper with shape, shape side against the platform - 2 rubber mats (Spellbinders) - 3-ply cardstock shim - black embossing plate. (Figure 4)  

Note: Layers in Figure 4 are shown staggered for demonstration purposes.  The top edges of anything layered above the cardstock should actually be even with the card's score line. 
6.  Run the sandwich through the machine.

7.  Disassemble the sandwich, and carefully remove tape & shape. One side of the stock will be debossed, and the other embossed. (Figures 5 and 6)

8.  Fold card along score line, and use as desired.

Remember, the thickness of cardstock, thickness of template, and machine used will all make a slight difference in the results, so start off practicing with scrap. 

Once you perfect your recipe, write it down on the template. (Figure 7)

This technique can be a tad fussy at the beginning (perfecting my recipe took me 3 tries), but it's really quite easy, and the results are beauteous enough so that a little "fuss" is no big deal.

 

Quilted Cards

Last month, I was inspired by one of the weekly newsletters I received from SplitCoastStampers, and subsequently Googled "quilt cards."  Wow!  What a lot of different techniques for achieving the quilted look on a greeting card!!!  Some used a definite pattern while others were randomly assembled... some used real stitching, and some 'faux'... some even incorporated real fabric!  Hmmmmmm.  Where to start?  Since I really wanted to "quilt," but was thinking of making multiples, I also wanted something fairly uncomplicated, scrap friendly, and time efficient. 

Based on this criteria, I decided to start with a patchwork design, but instead of following one specific tutorial, I incorporated a variety of tips gleaned from several sets of directions.  Then, after completing my first card, went back and tweaked things a bit to streamline the process.  The result being what I'm sharing with you today, or my version of

Creating A Paper Patchwork Quilt 

Materials (Specifics -- what was used)
Paper (4 prints from a Making Memories paper pad, and a 3.75" x 4.75" cardstock panel)
Paper cutter or square punch (1" square by EK Success)
Ink - color to coordinate with papers (Ancient Page Chocolate, Archival Coffee)
Sponge Applicator (sponge dauber)
Sticker/label paper
Paper adhesive of choice (Scotch ATG gun)
 
1.  Choose several coordinating papers.  You can use a mix of prints, prints and solids, or even make your own prints by stamping on plain stock.  For best results, however, the weight of the papers should all be the same.

2.  Determine the quilt size.  The finished size of the quilted piece depends on the size of the squares you use.  Personally, I think it's easiest to work with 1” squares, but any size can be used... You just need to determine the total number of columns by rows needed for the look you want to create. 

3.  “Cut” the squares.  Even though “square” should be easy enough to cut using a paper cutter, a punch produces true uniformity, and for me was faster. I used a 1” square punch by EK Success.  I also kept all my squares separated by pattern… Not necessary if you really want to “patch at random,” but if you plan to repeat in any order, separated “stacks” will save time.

4.  Ink the edges of each square.  This is the most time consuming part of the whole project, and can actually be omitted… It does, however, add depth and will help camouflage the “seams.”   Choose a coordinating color of ink that will compliment the base you plan to use.  My applicator of choice?  A sponge dauber. 

5.  Preview the layout.  This is entirely optional, but I find it provides a chance to see exactly how the finished design will look, and allows for adjustments to be made -- especially if you know how you're planning to finish the card because you may want a certain print showing in a certain place, etc.  Note: If you use the selected papers in regular order, the finished piece will be balanced and still look randomly configured.

6.  Assemble the columns.  For each column, press squares one at a time onto the sticky side of a ½” strip of label/sticker paper.

 

7.  Adhere the columns to a base.  Mount columns side by side onto a dark base (same color as the ink used works very well) which has been sized slightly smaller than the proposed size of the finished quilt.  For example, if the finished quilt is to be 4 x 5, size the base to 3.75” x 4.75”.  Work left to right starting with the two outer edges of the first column slightly extending beyond the two outer edges of the base.  Add additional columns, edge-to-edge, across the panel.

8.  Emboss the panel.  Sandwich the assembled panel inside any embossing folder you choose, then run it through a die-cut/embossing machine 'hinged' edge first.  My favorite folder so far? The Argyle folder by Cuttlebug because it has what looks like raised "stitching."
 
Note:  It may be tempting, but DO NOT combine steps 6 & 7 into one and use sticker paper as a base for adhering all the squares in a single configuration.  Things will start out looking great, but the embossing process in step 8 will cause the edges of the squares to separate slightly, and the the sticker paper will be exposed.

9.  Use the quilted piece as desired -- As shown in the samples, a 20 square (4 columns x 5 rows) quilt makes a great background for an A-2 card... To make a single column, "longways" border for an A-2 card, use 6 squares, then center the border across the card, and trim each end flush with card -- for the "shortways" version, do the same thing with a single column of 5 squares.  You can also find on-line samples of the quilted piece having been punched, or die cut etc... Endless possibilities!
  
Additional Details:
Stamps: smARTworks from Garden Tea, Changes, SBO Cookie Plate Botanicals
Dies/Punches:  Nestabilities Labels 9, Martha Stewart (butterfly), Marianne Design Creatables (flourish swirls, flower)
Ink:  Versafine Smokey Gray (gray card)
Embossing Folders:  Cuttlebug Pop Culture, Sizzix Damask
Other:  Diamond Stickles applied to punched butterfly

 

 

Undercover...

 
This week's share combines a card created for the Less Is More Challenge (a "tall" card based on this sketch), and a mini tutorial on removing unwanted words from a stamped image...

Stamps:smARTworks from Spring Fling
Card Size: 3.75" x 8.5"
Punches/Dies: Zig Zag trim (Sizzix)
Coloring: Markers & Prismacolor pencils with OMS
Other: Stickles, Dimensional glaze

 

The bunny image on the card actually stamps like this. 

  
See the words on the Bunny's hat?  Well, when smARTworks acquired the engraving plates from Angi-b & Company, they were found to include several of these pre-labeled images.  Not being a big fan of this type of thing, however, I've pretty much been letting these stamps sit unused -- a shame because except for the labling, I really like the images... Finally discovered a solution:

1.  After stamping the pre-labeled image on project, stamp a second image on scrap.
2.  Working slightly inside the outline of image on scrap, cut out the worded section.
3.  Using the cut-out as a template, trace it's shape onto the paper of choice. Cut out shape.
4.  Check the fit on the full-size image, and trim as needed.
5.  Adhere over corresponding area on full-size image.
Note: If coloring of section is desired, it can be done before or after the final step.   I happen to prefer laying down a base coat of color before, then adding highlighting/shading after.

 
Take a look at the before and after of another pre-labled image from the same set... This "cover-up" was cut from colored stock, then overstamped with words from Ladybugs...

 
 

 

 
 
P.S.  As for my being able to participate in the LIMC while still limiting posts to once a week --  Sometimes the two will be combined like this time, and sometimes, when I have something additional to share, the two posts will be made on the same day with the one showcasing the challenge card being chat-free.  My new target day for posting each week is Thursday.

March-ing Toward Spring

Easy-To-Do Card Project -- Butterfly Zest

 
Materials
Stamps:  images & words from FS-070 Horsin' Around
Cardstock --  Teal, A-2, top-folded card
                    White, 3" x 4.25"
                    Yellow, 3.5" x 4.5"
Inks:  VersaMark (watermark), Black - Memento Tuxedo Black was used.
Yellow/Spring Green/ Teal Chalks & 3 applicators (or cotton balls)
Markers - Yellow & Teal
Eraser (Magic Rub is a good choice for chalks)
Stamp Positioner (i.e. Stamp-a-ma-jig)
Other (optional):  Black embroidery floss & needle, (2) sm. black rhinestones, dimensional glaze

How To
--  Using watermark ink, stamp solid butterfly images on white panel as shown.
--  Working light to dark, apply chalks over ink. Erase any stray marks.
--  Using the positioner, and black ink, overstamp chalked butterflies with their corresponding outlines. Note: Placement looks more "artsy" when not exact.
--  Using black ink, stamp words as shown.
--  Using markers, color butterfly "spots."
--  (optional) Follow directions for "Flossed Antennae & Body." (see below)
--  Mount stamped panel to yellow layer, then to card.
-- (optional) Adhere rhinestones to ends of antennae.
-- (optional) Apply dimensional glaze to butterfly "spots" & allow to dry.

Notes/Tips 
--  This card can be made using any three colors you choose. Just adjust paper and marker colors to match.
--  Chalks make a wonderful coloring medium... They're user friendly, clean up easily with an eraser, and provide a soft base for other mediums.
--  It is always a good idea to test your inks & coloring mediums on a scrap of the same paper you plan to use before starting the project.
--  Don't have chalks?  Use a rainbow ink pad instead.

Instructions for "Flossed Antennae & Body"
Notes -- Outline image is used alone, and stamped in red for contrast. 
-- Floss is adhered to the reverse side of the panel using tacky glue and "Scotch" tape so that panel will lie flat when layered... Knots = "Bumps". 
 

 

 

Sneak Peek #2

Time for another round of sneak peek cards. This one featuring rubber from the Summer Blooms and My Hope stamp sets...

Summer Blooms is a full-sheet set of contemporary style 'blooms' in a variety of sizes, two 'flower girls', a realistic lady bug, some 'grass', and a few sayings. Lots of possibilities!

This card showcases the set's largest bloom and one of the flower girls. The girl's outfit is paper pieced using the same print as was used with the flowers. 'Lady bug spots' were used to embellish the flower centers.

The flower on card #2 is a 'DK' image (designed by Dina Kowal)... While 'daisy' immediately comes to mind, it could also be colored to suggest a black-eyed Susan, or coneflower.  I used spotted print, and created a 'fantasy' flower.  Three fairly thick applications of dimensional glaze makes the center 'dome' outward.  The 'thank you trio' is one of the set's word stamps...

Here's the 'thank you trio' again, stamped end to end, in a row... It has been paired with another 'fantasy' bloom.  The black strip of cardstock was punched along both long sides using a Martha Stewart edger. 

Also included in Summer Blooms is this very basic 6-petal flower.  Great for creating modern-looking backgrounds, but actually designed to make 3-D rosettes.  Having seen something similar used with grunge board in a publication from the UK, I wanted to design a smART version which could be used on cardstock.  Of course, I also plan to try it with grunge board, but for now my focus is cardstock, and/or heavyweight prints.  A basic tutorial on how it works follows... 

Please note: Tutorial stamping was done in black for contrast -- Normally I'd have used an ink to match the paper... Also, if no outline at all were desired, one could stamp in VersaMark, or a very light color of ink on the 'wrong' side of the paper. The paper used in the tutorial is double-sided.

Here is the completed flower teamed with one of the sayings from My Hope, a Nestabilities die, and and fern punchies (Emagination).

My Hope is a half-sheet set with five ministry-based verses/sayings focusing on the Christian's hopeful expectation, a lovely vintage butterfly, and some pussy willow-like 'twigs'.

You can see a portion of the 'twigs', and a second saying on this card.  The silhouette butterflies were punched (Martha Stewart).

The second, My Hope, card shows off the vintage butterfly over an alcohol inked background. Except for the 'blue', I tried to simulate the colors of the 'American Painted Lady'. The punched strip is a duplicate of the one on the purple Summer Blooms card, but since the strip wasn't as wide to begin with, the punched pattern 'mingled'.

The only stamping on this final card is found on the center panel.  I had planned to provide specific sizing for all sections, then went and cut one panel 'wrong', and had to re-size everything else without measuring.  The flower with deco brad center, and the little circle embellishments were all designed using punches by EK Success. 

I still have the computer situation to contend with, and am also scheduled to take some classes this week, so unless the new rubber arrives, I will not be posting again until the 23rd.

See you then,

Susan T.

Punch 'n Scrunch

Several weeks ago I tagged an item in April's 'Quick Tip' section of VSN which told how to create a 3-D flower embellishment by layering five flower punchies together, inserting a brad through their centers, misting the paper with water, then shaping.  Wondering how well this would work, I decided to give it a try... 

Did it work?  Yes, but easy as it sounds, a little practice was needed.  I was also not all that fond of having a braded center every time, so began tweaking things, and came up with this version of what I call a 'Punch 'n Scrunch' flower:

Materials Needed:
Cardstock (a great way to use scraps!)
Flower Punch
1/16" Hole Punch
Round Toothpick
Glue -- something that dries 'waterproof' (I used The Ultimate by Crafter's Pick)
Water-filled Mister or Spray Bottle

Basic How To: 

  

 
Optional:
 Mist completed flowers with a shimmery spray, or highlight petal edges with glitter glue.
 Embellish centers.

Notes & Tips --
-- Using a brad in the center instead of glue is faster because drying time is eliminated.  You can not, however, achieve as tight a scrunch on the inner petals.
-- Keep in mind, the smaller the punched flower, the more difficult it is to manipulate the petals.  I found 1" or more works best.
-- Paper makes a difference. Choose stock that absorbs water quickly, but doesn't 'pill' easily.
-- Due to the 'pilling' issue, try not to overwork the paper.
-- You can vary the look of the flower by using light and dark shades of stock on the same blossom, mixing punch designs, etc.
-- The most important steps are the drying steps. 'Allow to dry' means thoroughly, completely, 100%!

Once dry, 'Punch 'n Scrunch' flowers not only hold their shapes, they are remarkably sturdy.

Bet you'll never guess what you'll be seeing on my smART-Word Challenge card next week?!?

Until then,

Susan T.

Three Dresses

Earlier in the week I received Peggy Lamb's last batch of card samples.  While I was happy to see her latest work, and was at the same time rather sad in knowing this is her final batch, I couldn't help but notice what great care Peggy had taken to make these last cards extra special... great originality, beautiful colors, clever details, and meticulous execution... To me, quite possibly her best batch ever!

Among the assortment of beautiful, yet 'I can do that too' cards, were three samples Peggy designed using The Dress (HS-089):

This one is called "Shades Of Pink", and it's as pretty as pretty can be.  I'm sure any girlie girl would absolutely flip over receiving it!  After all, with the color and the bling, 'It's a girl thing...'

Peggy's second card, "A Riot In Rick Rack" is all done in  peachy-coral-melon & white, and sports die cut rick rack accent on the card as well as real, mini rick rack on the dress. 

A close-up of the print used on the skirt reveals that the punch embellishment on the card, mimics the flower in the print.  Very chic!

Lastly is "Pretty Print", and it really is... The colors, taken from the print paper, are gorgeous, and the half-pearl 'buttons' embellishing the bodice adds a perfect touch of sophistication.

This card really comes together, however, when it's opened, and the message 'Celebrate in Style' is revealed.  So pretty!

The remaining cards from Peggy's 'last batch' were all designed using the FS-088 Fun Stuff stamp set.

All for this time, and a big 'Thank You" to Peggy,

Susan T.

A Man Thing

The idea for this next sneak peek, FD-03 Neckties, came into my head this past June when it was time to create a Father's Day card...

I had stumbled across across some fairly easy origami shirt directions, and thought what a cute card could be made not only for my dad, but also for all Mark's classroom dads... The trouble was, every button-up type shirt my dad ever wore meant he also wore a tie, and try as I would to cut a tie out freehand, I just couldn't get it to look consistently proportionate, or end up with it being the right length... and so, 'perceived necessity became the mother of invention', and I decided to design a rubber solution.  After all, I figured even if no one else liked it, at least I'd have my idea for Father's Day 2010 all ready to roll... 

 
Additional Card Details --
Size:  A-2 (4.25" x 5.5")
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, used for stamping, and also for sponge daubering around all the edges.
Print Paper:  Shirt (Miss Elizabeth's), Background & Tie (DCWV Old World Stack).  FYI - The DCWV Old World paper is great for the neckties because it has extra thickness with almost a cloth-like texture, and also because many of the prints are subtle enough to be used with a print vs. plain shirt.
Other:  Brads, Corner Rounder by Carl 

 

More about the origami shirt... You'll notice I said the directions I originally used were 'fairly easy'.  Said because I am extremely origami challenged, and meaning if I am able to follow a set of given instructions and have the item end up looking anything like it's supposed to, then it really is an easy project.  For the fully illustrated instructions included with FD-03 Neckties, however, I did tweak a few spots in the original to hopefully make things even easier. 

Note: Upon completion of my version, Mark and Eli became test subjects, and were given the how to sheet, a piece of paper, and no help.  Each of them was able to independently make the shirt on the first try... Yeah!

Now it's YOUR turn:

1) Place a 4" x 6" piece of text-weight paper face down.

2) Bringing wrong sides together fold it in half the long way.  Unfold.

3) Fold long edges in toward the middle crease.  Edges should meet, but not overlap.

4-A) Fold top corners out at a 30' angle.
4-B) Flip paper over.  The parts sticking out are the sleeves.

5) Fold bottom edge up about 1/4".  This is the collar.

6-A) Rotate the paper 180'.
6-B) Flip paper over.

7) Fold outer corners of collar in toward the center.  This is the neckline.

8-A) Bring the lower edge up (the end with the sleeves), and tuck it under the collar.
8-B) Crease along bottom edge.

9) Stamp the large necktie, or bow tie onto paper of choice.  Cut out.  Adhere to shirt.

Note: For a smaller shirt that uses the smaller tie, follow these directions with a 3" x 5" piece of paper.

Tomorrow's the day!  One more 'peek', and the official release!

Susan T.

Same Mask - Different Use

Here I used the same mortise mask from my previous post, but instead of placing it around a stamped image, placed it over blank paper.  This created a stencil. 

After daubering in the dye inks (same brands/colors as before), I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning where to stamp stems, then spattered raw umber acrylic ink across the panel.  Raw umber, by the way, is a nice color for spattering becuase it's not as stark as black, but packs more of a punch than brown. 

After the paint dried, I stamped and embossed the saying, and layered the panel to an A-2 card.

Stamps used on this card are from the FL-30 Leaves #1, WD-43 Life's Donation stamp sets.

Should you want to get really fancy with masking, make sure to check out Dina's tutorial at smARTworks.

Have a great weekend,

Susan T.