World Of Michael Trent

CHA - 2012

2012-01-24T22:19:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone. I am back in NYC after having spent two months in Brasil. Nice and strange. But will be back in Brasil soon to start my new life there.

Tomorrow I am heading to California for CHA. That's the Craft & Hobby Association show that is held every January and July to showcase all the new crafts, papers, stamps, etc. that will be coming out soon. Watch the blog...I am going to be posting pictures and videos when I can to show everyone all the cool new stuff coming out.

~Michael

A 98% True Colors Card

2012-01-06T13:17:00.001-05:00

After playing and testing all the products from True Colors, I wanted to see if I could make a card using only True Colors products and, considering the limited colors, etc. that I had to play with, this is what I finished. I actually love it!! Would love to know your thoughts so feel free to comment at the end or shoot me an email. Thanks!!

First I used the diamond stencil from Crafter's Workshop on white cardstock and the Aqua Transparente. And let that dry.

Then, I applied the Red, Green, Blue, and Gold Splendour alcohol inks from True Colors and blended them a bit with some Ranger blending solution.

Then I put another Crafter's Workshop stencil over the alcohol inks and, with the Ranger tool and some felt, I applied some of the Bronze Patina Ecologica from True Colors.

Then I used the clock stencil from Crafter's Workshop and applied some of the Lazuli Patina Ecologica over it. Allowed it to dry and then stamped some of Tim Holtz' images on the card front using Archival Jet Black.

Applied some popdots to the backs of the grungeboard letters I tried during my test and adhered them to the card front.

Final product. I really like it. And I hope my dad does too when he gets it.

~Michael

Playing With True Colors Products

2012-01-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Following up on my post yesterday about going for training at True Colors - yesterday and today, for the first time in a long time, I got to just PLAY. No tutorials to write, no projects to think about. It was all about seeing if True Colors products work the way I am used to - and can I use these in my projects here and teach with them. Well, the answer is YES!!

These are the products that Eduardo at True Colors gave me to play with.

My first project was to use True Colors Aqua Transparente, which is a clear transparent stencil paste, but not as thick as the pastes I am used to in the States. I applied it to a flower stencil I had here on regular white cardstock and let it dry. Next I used some of their Special Colors sprays, which is a water based spray, a bit like Ranger's Color Wash. I only had a red, yellow, and metallic green, but I wanted to see if the sprays would NOT adhere to the clear stencil paste. Sprayed some on the paper, then wiped the area with the clear paste with a paper towel and it came off. Yeah!! Test worked.

A bit hard to see but the stencil is in blue on the left and the piece of cardstock with the clear stencil paste is on the right.

I sprayed the Special Colors over the whole piece of cardstock.

After I wiped away the colors from the where I had applied the Aqua Transparente.

Then I tried the water based Special Colors over a stencil on glossy paper. The sprays adhered great, and I even got that nice metallic shimmer from the green. Then I put a piece of plain cardstock over the stencil and rubbed so that the image went into the cardstock. Nice. Not bad. Tests worked.

Left side is the Special Colors on glossy paper. Right side is the excess absorbed by a piece of white cardstock.

Can you see the glimmer from the Metallic Green?

Now for the True Colors alcohol inks called Splendour. And they come in a spray. Have never seen or heard about that in the States. My favorite medium to work with are the alcohol inks by Tim Holtz and Ranger. Let's see how they compare with what I am used to.

First up was using a domino. Glossy, non porous. With one or two sprays of the Extravagance Splendour, this domino was covered in a beautiful, almost candy apple red gloss. Amazing!! I was not expecting this. After I allowed it to dry completely, I found a small stamp and stamped it using the Archival Jet Black. The image was there but not dark and bold. Now this could be due to the deep red, that my ink pad needs to be re-inked, or the True Colors alcohol inks do not work the same way with the Archival as the Ranger do. More testing needs to be done. I then re-stamped the image using Versafine and it came out much better, dried very quickly and has not rubbed off. Maybe Versafine works with their inks.

Next up was using the Splendour over a stencil. I first applied True Colors' Aqua Transparente over a Crafter's Workshop stencil on glossy paper. I allowed it to dry and then used the alcohol ink sprays over it.

Look at these colors - how vibrant!!

The alcohol ink sprays adhere great. I also tried their blending solution as well as Ranger's and I was able to spread the inks nicely over the piece using the felt. The colors are beautiful and very vibrant. Love it!!

Now onto the more traditional way of using Ranger's alcohol inks. Let's see if I can take the inks from the True Colors' Splendour bottles and use them the way I would use Ranger's alcohol inks. After searching high and low for simple spray bottles or small travel size bottles (don't ask, long story), I was able to find some in Sao Paulo last week. Not having a bottle like the Ranger alcohol inks come in, I found a small travel size bottle and some eye droppers. This was going to be the best I can do under the circumstances.

First I did a sample using the Ranger alcohol inks. I applied some of the Ranger inks (Lettuce, Red Pepper, and Butterscotch) to a piece of glossy paper with the felt applicator. Then I applied some of the Ranger blending Solution and bounced the felt around again to get a lighter, more marbled effect. And then, lastly, dripped a few drops of the Ranger blending solution on the inks.

Ranger Alcohol Inks First Layer

After adding some blending solution to the felt.

After dripping some blending solution right on top.

Now for the True Colors test. Using the same glossy paper, and a new piece of felt, I put a few drops of the Splendour colors (Turquoise, Red, and Green) on the felt and bounced it around. Then I applied a few drops of their blending solution and bounced that around the paper. Okay, not the same effect, but very very close. Honestly, much closer than I thought I would achieve.

My final test to was drop some of the True Colors blending solution on the paper. It did not spread the inks as quickly as the Ranger blending solution but, after a few minutes, I was happy with the way it came out.

Yet, even after ten minutes, I noticed that the True Colors blending solution, although still working and thinning the ink, was still wet to the touch and taking a longer time to dry than I was comfortable with. Hmmm, two hours later and after two beers, still not dry.

Six hours later, after dinner, still not dry. Not going to work for me. Okay, time to try a new way.

Next test, same as above with the True Colors but trying the Ranger blending solution instead of the True Colors solution. So I applied the True Colors Splendour Alcohol inks to some glossy paper as I did with the Ranger Alcohol inks.

Then I added some of the Ranger Blending Solution to the felt and went over the paper again. Came out very nice considering I only have darker colors to work with.

Next up, I dripped some of the Ranger Blending Solution directly to the glossy paper. It worked well, dried quickly, much more quickly than the True Colors Blending Solution. It seems that if I want to use a blending solution with the True Colors inks, it will have to be a Ranger one. Slight setback, but I can work with this.

Hmmm, what else? Another product I love from the states is Viva Decor's Inka-Gold. This is a paste like substance that you can rub onto pretty much anything for a really nice metallic sheen. True Colors has a product called Patina Ecologica. I got to play a bit with it when we were in their offices but I wanted to see how it would work on grungeboard or letters. Let's see.

First up is using Inka-Gold in Steel Blue on a piece of grungeboard. Some rubbing, buffing with a paper towel, and I like.

Next up, I tried the Patina Ecologica in Lazuli, which is the closest to the same color as the Steel Blue. It is not as creamy as the Inka-Gold but also not a full liquid. It's also a water based product so clean up is very easy. I took a bit on my fingertip, rubbed it into the letter, buffed with a paper towel, and the results are just as good as the Inka-Gold. Actually, I like it better as there is a bit more of a metallic sheen to it. Almost as if there are small flakes of mica in the product. Yeah!!

Now I am curious...since it is not as creamy as the Inka-Gold, I wonder how it will work in a stencil. Let's see. I taped a Crafter's Workshop stencil over a piece of plain white cardstock. Then I brushed the Patina Ecologica over the stencil. I decided to try a brush this time instead of my finger. Removed the stencil and LOVE the results. The Patina is creamy enough to act like a stencil paste at the same as it is acting as a paint. Yeah!!

Tape stencil to white cardstock.

Brushed Patina Ecologica Lazuli over the stencil.

Removed stencil. Looks great!

Can you see the slight texture?

Well, that's it. I am really really happy with the results from my playing. I think I can use most of these products in my work and classes and am very happy that I won't have to import product from the US. Now time to see if I can make a full card with all the True Colors products. That will be the next post.

~Michael

Never Ending Candle - Day 5 - Serendipity Stamp Scene

2012-01-06T06:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the final day of my Never Ending Candle tutorials. Today I am using several of Outlines Rubber Stamp Company's Serendipity Stamps to make a scene. No bling, no crystals, no Viva, just stamping, coloring, lighting the candle, and enjoying.

Serendipity Scene Never Ending Candle

Supplies:
Candle in a glass jar or an empty glass jar
Stamps: Summer Breeze (here), Wild Flowers (here), Lilly and Layla (here), Joyful (here)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Markers: Copic Flourescents FYG1 (Yellow), FYR1 (Orange), FYG2 (Yellow Green), FB2 (Blue), FRV1 (Pink), and Tombow Marker Nos. 055 (here), 173 (here), 725 (here), and 873 (here)
Post It Notes
Double Sided Tape
White Cardstock
Viva Decor Glitter Liner Holo Iridescent (here)

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of white cardstock to fit around your jar or candle.

2. Stamp the right side of Wild Flowers and the right side of Summer Breeze on post it notes and trim.

3. Stamp the Wild Flowers image on the left side of the cardstock.

4. Adhere the post it note with the Wild Flower image over the right side of the image you just stamped. Then stamp the Summer Breeze image allowing a bit of the image to stamp on the post it note. This will allow the scene to look like it just keeps going without showing any break in the images.

Notice that in the tall flower the leaf on the left side did not fully stamp. Just take a fine line marker and drawer it in to close up the image.

5. Adhere the post it note of Summer Breeze over the right side of the image you just stamped. Now stamp Wild Flowers again allowing it to overlap just a bit. Continue alternating until the whole piece of cardstock has been stamped.

6. Stamp Lilly or Layla, whichever you want, or both, so it hovers near one of the larger flower images. Then stamp the smallest butterfly from the Joyful set a few times in the scene.

8. Color in your scene using whatever markers, pencils, or paints that you enjoy using. If you use the same markers in the same flowers across the scene, it will go faster. Use bright colors and go crazy. It's a garden!!

9. Add some stickles or Viva Decor Glitter Liner. I added some Spiced Marmalade Stickles, some Viva Glitter Liner in Holo Iridescent and Sapphire. Allow to dry.

10. Add a strip of double sided tape to one end, wrap around the glass jar and adhere the other side. Insert candle, light, and enjoy.

~Michael

True Colors Training

2012-01-05T10:14:00.000-05:00

As some of you know, my partner, Ruy and I, have a stamping/scrapping store here in the countryside of Sao Paulo, Brasil. Down the road when I am here on a more permanent basis, I want to give classes for altered books, journals, etc. Although I can import products from the States (Ranger), there are a few companies here that make almost the same product. And, if I am going to live here, I want to try and work with Brasilian companies if I can. True Colors is one of those companies. They produce artist paints, gel mediums, stencil pastes, spray colors and, what I think is the coolest - alcohol inks in a spray!!

So, after weeks of bugging Ruy to call them and see what the deal was (when I get an idea in my head I annoy him to no end), we were finally able to set up a time to go to the company and get a 3 hour training session with Luciana. What a great person to meet. Actually, everyone there was great. We sat with her for a few hours, then we started to talk about products here in the States, what I was looking to do, etc. Then she called down her boss - and her brother - Eduardo. We sat and talked some more. The 3 hour training session turned into a 5 hour meeting. It was fantastic.

At the end, they gave me some product to play with before I placed an order. Below are some pics from our day there. Now I need to go play and see how they work for me.

If you want, check out Luciana's blog here for True Colors - http://minhatruecolors.blogspot.com/

Ruy playing with paints. Scary.

Ruy using stencil paste and a stencil. He took to being artsy very fast. Yeah!!

Ruy and Luciana talking in the "classroom", which is filled with all their products and samples.

Some of Luciana's work with stencils and spray mists.

A bottle Luciana made with paints, etc. Very cool.

Some more of Luciana's samples.

My notes!!

The True Color rack filled!!! I want one.

Luciana showing a canvas bag she used stencils and paints and sprays. Amazing!!

Ahhh, my fav....alcohol inks in a spray.

Let's not talk about the apron. It needs to be altered.

Me, Luciana, and Ruy.

Cristiano who also works there. We brainstormed.

Me, Luciana, Ruy, and Eduardo, the owner.

~Michael

Never Ending Candle - Day 4 - Circle Topper

2012-01-05T06:57:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Day 4 of my Never Ending Candle tutorials. Today I am using one of Outlines amazing "Ornament Topper" stamps. But not for an ornament. I love to come up with ways to use Outlines stamps for projects - other than what they were intended for. Do ornament toppers have to be used just for ornaments? Nope. Not in my world.

Circle Topper Never Ending Candle

Supplies:
Candle in a glass jar or an empty glass jar
Stamps: Circle Topper (here)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Markers: Copic Flourescents FYG1 (Yellow), FYR1 (Orange), FYG2 (Yellow Green), FB2 (Blue), FRV1 (Pink), and R27 (Red).
Stamp Positioner - optional
Other Tools: Big Bite, Double Sided Tape, White Cardstock
Viva Pearl Pens in Yellow (here), Red (here), Kiwi (here) and Viva Glitter Line in Sapphire ()

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of white cardstock to fit around your jar or candle.

2. Stamp the Circle Topper image all over the piece of cardstock. Allow some of the images to go off the paper. If you want, use a Stamp Positioner to get the image exactly where you want it.

3. Color in the images.

4. Using a Big Bite or other long reach hole punch, punch out the center circle and the 6 small circles around the center, and the one or two full circles in each of the arms of the image. See image below - all the black holes are the holes that I punched out.

5. Use the Viva Pearl Pens or the Viva Glitter Liner Pens to add some depth and sparkle to some of the dots in each of the arms of the ornament topper.

6. Adhere a strip of double sided tape to one side of the white cardstock, wrap around the glass jar/candle holder and tape closed.

8. Place candle or tea light in jar, light, and enjoy.

Sorry, after taking numerous shots of this lit candle, this was the best of all the photos. Camera was just not cooperating tonight. But, trust me, it's gorgeous when lit.

~Michael

Never Ending Candle - Day 3 - Shiva Jewel

2012-01-04T05:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Day 3 of my Never Ending Candle tutorials. Here is another "sleeve", which slides down over a glass candle or glass jar that you put a votive or tea light candle into. As you can see, I love bright colors - and coloring in general. It calms me.

Shiva Jewel Never Ending Candle

Supplies:
Stamps: Shiva Jewel (here)
Ink: Archival Jet Black
Markers: Copic Flourescents FYG1 (Yellow), FYR1 (Orange), FYG2 (Yellow Green), FB2 (Blue), FRV1 (Pink), and R27 (Red).
Stamp Positioner

Other Tools: Big Bite, Double Sided Tape, White Cardstock
Crystals: Swarovski

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of white cardstock to fit around your jar or candle.

2. Stamp your image on your Stamp Positioner. Find the center of the cardstock, place a small dot using a pencil and, using your stamp positioner, stamp your image in the center of cardstock. continue stamping until you have stamped the images across the whole piece of cardstock.

3. Using your stamp positioner, continue stamping the image above and below the center images until the whole piece of cardstock is full. Then color in the whole thing. It's best to place the cardstock on a piece of scrap paper because the image will stamp off of the cardstock.

Notice that I color over the small circles. I am not worried about coloring in the lines as I will cover these small circles with Viva Pearl Pens or with Crystals.

4. Using your Big Bite or other hole punch, punch out the holes as seen below. This is where the light will shine through when you light the candle.

5. Now add the Crystals or Viva Pearl Pens to the areas shown in the photo below.


This is what the sleeve will look like once fully colored and all the crystals have been applied.

6. Adhere a strip of double sided tape to one side of the white cardstock, wrap around the glass jar/candle holder and tape closed.

8. Light a candle and enjoy.

~Michael

Snowflake Never Ending Candle - Day 2

2012-01-03T03:01:00.000-05:00

Today I will show you another "sleeve" to make for the Never Ending Candle. The only big difference between today's tutorial and yesterday's (here) is that today I use a piece of white cardstock in place of the vellum. The holidays may be over but it's just started to snow in many parts of the country. Why not have a Snowflake Never Ending Candle?

Snowflake Never Ending Candle

Supplies:

Stamps: Snowflake Jewel (HERE) and Flurry Small (Small Snowflake) (HERE)
Ink: Memento Danube Blue
Markers: Memento Dandelion (Yellow), Copic FYG2 (Green) and FBG2 (Blue)
Viva Pearl Pens: Blue 600 (HERE), Yellow (HERE), and Kiwi (HERE)
Other Tools: Big Bite, Double Sided Tape, White Cardstock
Crystals: Swarovski Teardrops (HERE)

Directions:

1. Cut white cardstock to the same size as the vellum you cut yesterday - the size will be based on the glass jar or candle holder that you are using.

2. As with yesterday, find the center of the cardstock, place a small dot using a pencil and, using your stamp positioner, stamp the Snowflake Jewel in the center. Continue stamping the Snowflake Jewel, using your stamp positioner, until the whole piece of cardstock is done.

3. Using the smaller Flurry Snowflake stamp, stamp above and below the line of the Snowflake Jewel images.

4. Color in the snowflakes.

5. Using the Big Bite, punch out the holes in the center of the large snowflake and around the edges, as shown.

6. Adhere the crystal teardrops. Then, using the Viva Pearl Pens, apply small dots of the blue to the large snowflakes and in the center of the smaller snowflakes that you colored blue. Then apply the yellow to the smaller yellow snowflakes and the green to the center of the smaller snowflakes you colored green. Allow to dry completely.

7. Adhere a strip of double sided tape to one side of the white cardstock, wrap around the glass jar/candle holder and tape closed.

8. Light a candle and enjoy.

~Michael

The Diamond Jewel - My Favorite Outlines Stamp

2012-01-02T08:54:00.000-05:00

Today's post consists of two tutorials using my favorite Outlines stamp - one is a candle, the other a card.

There is a running joke with the folks at Outlines - the fact that I seem to gravitate to one specific stamp of theirs for my projects. Well, it's true. I admit it publicly - I love the Diamond Jewel Stamp.

I don't really know why. I think it's the straight lines and the fact that it is so easy to trim or use with a Stamp Positioner. I never even realized how many times I had made projects with this image until Kathy pointed it out to me. This stamp was originally made for the Jewel line, to use when making jewelry. But I have always tried to use these Jewel images in other ways.

Today's two projects use the Diamond Jewel stamp. The first is, what I call, the "Never Ending Candle" and the second is a card (perfect card to give to someone with the candle - just saying). I love candles. Many candles come in beautiful, heavy, glass jars. Well, after it burns down, what do you do with the jar? Just throw it away to be recycled? Nope. I came up with an idea to recycle it myself by making a "sleeve" for the jar and reusing it over and over. The "sleeve" slides down over the glass jar. All you need to do is place a tea light or votive candle into the jar and light. At night, the light shines nicely through the holes in the design and the paper. When the candle burns down again, you can remove the sleeve, clean the glass, and use again. Or make different sleeves for different seasons or holidays.

Hope you enjoy and make this for yourself or for a gift.

The Never Ending Candle - Diamond Jewel

Supplies Used:

Diamond Jewel Stamp (D-875) - HERE.

Glass Jar - either from an old candle or check the $1 or $.99 stores near you.

Vellum - (HERE)

Stamp Positioner

Ink - Archival Jet Black

Markers Used: Tombow 725 (HERE), 245 (HERE), 443 (HERE), 946 (HERE), and a Neon Yellow from Stabilo.
Big Bite or a long reach hole punch

Note: if you do not know how your markers will look or adhere to the vellum, stamp your image on a piece of scrap vellum and test the markers to see if it gives you the results you want.

Directions:

1. Measure your glass jar/candle and cut a piece of vellum to fit around the jar. Add 1/4" to the length for the double sided tape in the back, and trim from the top so that the vellum sits just below the lip of the top of the jar. (Hint: run a piece of ribbon around the jar and cut the paper to that size).

2. Stamp your image on your Stamp Positioner. While it dries, find the center of your vellum and place a very tiny dot using a pencil. This is where you will stamp your first image - working your way out.

3. Align your Stamp Positioner with the stamped image in the center of your vellum and stamp your first image. Allow to dry and then stamp again, and again, and again - until you have filled the whole vellum up with the image.

4. After it has dried, color in your project.

5. Using your Big Bite or a long reach hole punch, punch out some of the holes on the piece of vellum. For this project I punched out 4 holes around the center circle, the 3 circles at the top and bottom, and the two large circles on the right and left of the diamond.

6. Apply a piece of double sided tape to one end of the vellum, wrap around the glass jar and adhere both sides.

7. Put a tea light or small candle into the jar, light, and enjoy.

Diamond Jewel Card

Supplies Used:

Diamond Jewel Stamp (D-875) - HERE.

White Card Stock - 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" - for card front

White Card Stock - 5" x 4" - for the inside

Colored Card Stock - 5 3/4" x 9" - folded and scored in half (here)

Stamp Positioner

Ink - Archival Jet Black

Markers Used: Tombow Marker Nos. 055 (here), 885 (here), 452 (here)
Crystals Used: 14 of Size 12, 12 of Size 16, 5 of Size 20, and 4 of the Teardrop (here) - (for EACH diamond) - the sizes and colors for all crystals can be found HERE.
Crystal Lacquer (here)

Directions:

1. Using your Stamp Positioner, stamp the Diamond Jewel image in the center, then on each side - on the 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of white card stock.

3. Color in the card front. I used Tombow Marker Nos. 055 (yellow), 885 (red) and 452 (blue). Notice that, for the blue section, I colored the whole area not worrying about going out of the lines as I will be using crystals to cover the whole section.

3. Adhere card front to the piece of color card stock which has been folded and scored. Adhere the crystals using Crystal Lacquer, if you wish, use Viva Pearl Pens (here), which will give a nice look too.

4. On your computer, type the phrase "You're a GEM of a friend." and print it on a scrap piece of white cardstock. Trim the phrase, layer it on a scrap piece of the coordinating cardstock, and trim again.

5. Put some pop dots or double sided tape on the back and adhere to the card front under the 3 stamped and bejeweled diamonds.

6. Adhere the other piece of white cardstock to the inside of your card, sign the back of the card, and send to someone that deserves it.

Check back this whole week - I will be making different "sleeves" for the Never Ending Candle and on Friday I will have another great project using the Diamond Jewel stamp again (hopefully, if I can finish it). If you have any questions about this tutorial or questions in general, feel free to email me at michaeltrent@gmail.com.

~Michael

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-29T07:07:00.000-05:00

No tutorial today. Just this New Year Card I made using an Outlines image called Flying Peace Dove (here) and some numbers from an old Stampin Up set.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year...filled with lots of Peace, Love, Joy, and Prosperity for 2012.

Check back next week - starting Monday - when i will do a week's look at something I call The Never Ending Candle.

~Michael

Snowman Scene - Outer Stair Step Card

2011-12-14T09:36:00.000-05:00

This adorable card is not as difficult to make as it seems. I took a class a few weeks ago at the Ink Pad and the teacher used this card base in one of her projects. A package of the cards can be bought from Ink Pad in NYC or online from The Paper Cut. It's called an Outer Stair Step Card. But, not having these cards with me, I did some research and found it's not as difficult to cut, score, and make my own.

For the blog post instructions on how to make an Outer Stair Step Card click HERE.

Stamps: All stamps from www.outlinesrubberstamp.com - Crooked Fence (E-23) (here) , Star Light, Star Bright (H-1123) (here), Celebrate the Season (C-452) (here), Whimsical Star Tree (F-28) (here).
Paper: White cardstock, Small piece of red cardstock 2 7/8" x 7/8"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copics: FYG2 Fluorescent Dull Yellow Green, E33 Sand, R27 Cadmium Red, FBG2 Fluorescent Dull B.G., FB2 Fluorescent Dull Blue, FYR1 Fluorescent Orange, FYG1 Fluorescent Yellow
One Crystal for center of star
Pop Dots
Glue Stick or Zig 2 Way Glue
Optional: Stamp Positioner

1. Using template below, prepare card base. For my simple step-by-step directions on making an Outer Stair Step Card, click here.

2. Stamp the Snowman (Star Light, Star Bright) as shown below. I suggest using a stamp positioner if you have one.

3. Stamp the Whimsical Star Tree 3 times, trim and color. I trimmed the stars off the tree when I cut. It's just easier. Stamp the snowman on a piece of scrap cardstock. Color and cut the large star he is holding, his scarf, and the small layer of stamps on the right side of him. Stamp the fence, color and cut out.

4. Color in the snowman on the card front.

5. Using a glue stick or a Zig 2 Way Glue, glue the first tree to the back wall of the card. Make sure you notice where the white section stops and do not add glue to the top portion of the tree.

6. Take some small pop dots and adhere them to the lower 2/3rds of the next tree. Adhere this tree so it overlaps the first tree.

7. Using a glue stick or Zig Glue, adhere the 3rd tree but to the middle layer. Then adhere the fence so it overlays the 3rd tree.

8. Adhere some small pop dots to the backs of the star, scarf, and pile of stars and adhere on top of the snowman to give a 3D effect.

9. Adhere the phrase to the small piece of red card stock and then adhere to the card front.

10. Adhere a crystal to center of star.

11. Sign card and send to someone special.

Outer Stair Step Card Template and Instructions

2011-12-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

I was informed that making this card base is a bit difficult and to just buy packages of the cards already made. But, after playing a bit, ruining a few pieces of paper, and almost losing my mind, I have figured out a simple way to make the template. I make one template to use for when I want to make additional cards.

All you need, as far as supplies, is a piece of card stock, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", a ruler or grid mat, a paper piercer or awl, an Exacto knife, a pencil, and a scoring board.

(Please note, do not write on your cards like I have done in the photos. This is just for information purposes only).

1. Cut your card stock to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".

2. Use a ruler or a grid mat, punch a small hole with a paper piercer or awl at - 1 1/4" from the bottom and 2 1/4" from the left side of card and then another small hole at - 2 1/4" down from the top and 2 1/4" from the left side of the card.

3. Line a ruler from the two punched holes and cut a line between the two holes using a sharp Exacto knife. The cut line will measure 5".

4. Turn card over and lay on a scoring board so that the wider section is at the top.

5. Score from top to cut line at 1 1/4", 2", 3", 4 1/4" (across the whole card), and at 6 1/4" to cut line.

6. Fold with mountain and valley folds as indicated in the photo below.

7. You will end up with a card base like this.

8. What I do is keep a template of the card with just the two holes punched as in No. 2, above. Then, when I want to make other cards, I just lay this template on top of a few sheets of card and punch a hole through the cards. Then just cut the line and score.

Gatefold Christmas Tree Card

2011-12-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

Supplies:

Paper: Red Card Stock, 10" by 6.5" - scored on each side at 2.5", piece of white paper or cardstock 4 1/2" x 6" for the inside, piece of white paper, 5" x 7", for the embossing folder
Stamp: Trimmed Tree J-1070 from Outlines Rubber Stamp Co. - (here)

5 x 7 Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Kassie's Brocade used in this project).
Spellbinders Flower Pot Dies - (here)
Big Kick, Big Shot, or Cuttlebug to cut and emboss
Crystals or Viva Decor Pearl Pens for the bling on the tree
Black Ink
Double sided tape
Corner rounder

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of red card stock 10" x 6 1/2". Score each side at 2 1/2" and fold. See template below.

2. Emboss a 5" x 7" piece of white card stock with the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder. Trim it to 4 1/2" x 6 1/4". Then cut that piece in half. You will have two pieces, 2 1/4" x 6 1/4" each.

3. Adhere each of these pieces, with double sided tape, to each flap of the card front, making sure to center each piece.

4. Stamp the Trimmed Tree on white card stock. I used Colorbox Black Pigment Ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Color and trim.

5. Cut tree in half with exacto knife.

6. Using your die cut machine, cut and emboss the smallest die of the Spellbinders Flower Pot set. I used a craft colored card stock. Then cut this piece in half with an Exacto knife.

7. Adhere each side of the flower pot to the lower inside corners of the card front so that it covers the red but borders the bottom of the embossed white pieces.

8. Adhere each half of the Trimmed Tree to each side of the gatefold sides so that they cover a bit of the flower pot.

9. Take the 4 1/2" x 6" piece of white paper or cardstock, round the corners, and adhere to the inside of the card.

10. Adhere crystals in various sizes and colors or use Viva Decor Pearl Pens to add bling to the tree.

"Joy" Snowflake Card

2011-12-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

Simple card to make - and I do not use any rubber stamps.

Supplies Used:
Red cardstock - 8.5" x 5.5", scored and folded in half.
Two pieces of white cardstock, 4" x 5.25"
D'Vine Swirl embossing folder by Cuttlebug
Marvy Uchida Silhouette Snowflake Punch
Capital Letters "J" and "Y" from the Round-a-Bout Sizzix Alphabet
Small pieces of red cardstock for the lettters and snowflake
6 Size 20 Crystals
Piece of red ribbon

Other Tools Required:
Big Kick, Big Shot, Cuttlebug or other die cut machine
Double Sided Tape
Quickie Glue Pen, or Zig Glue Pen
Tweezers

Instructions:

1. Adhere one of the pieces of white paper to the inside of your card with double sided tape.

2. Using your die cut machine, emboss the other white piece of paper with the D'Vine Swirl embossing folder - or any other embossing folder you wish to use. Then, using the machine, cut out the capital "J" and "Y" from the Round-a-Bout Sizzix Alphabet.

3. Using a scrap piece of red cardstock, punch the snowflake.

4. Make a bow out of your ribbon, wrap around the card front, and tape or glue down each side on the back side of the paper. Then adhere to card front using double sided tape.

5. Center the "J", the snowflake, and the "Y" and adhere to the card front using glue of your choice.

6. Adhere each of the crystals to the snowflake using glue of your choice.

7. Sign your card and send to someone special.

Bling Ornament Hanging on Tree

2011-12-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

Although this card uses plenty of bling to make it shine, it's a great card for that special someone in your life. The card stock I used on the front of the card, with the silver border, is from a box of those wedding card sets found at any local craft store. When you see these sets on clearance, pick them up and use part of the cards in your projects.

Stamps Used: Nova Star Jewel Ornament (H-1097) here and Evergreen Branch (E-188) - here - both from Outlines Rubber Stamp Co.
Paper: Red cardstock 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" scored and folded in half, 2 pieces of white cardstock 3 7/8" x 5 1/8". One piece will be for the front of the card, the other for the inside.
Inks used: Memento Tuxedo Black and Cottage Ivy
Markers Used: Tombow No. 885 (Red), Tombow 055 (Yellow), Copic FYG2 Fluorescent Dull Yellow Green
Bling: to bling this whole image, you will need 70 crystals in the following sizes - 12 Size 9, 20 Size 12, 12 Size 16, 10 Size 20, 10 Size 30, 5 Size 40, 1 Size 48. You can see all the crystals (here).
Other: Pop Dots, Scissor, Double Sided Tape, Quickie Glue

Directions:

1. Stamp Evergreen Branch with Memento Cottage Ivy at top of white card stock.

2. Stamp Nova Star Jewel Ornament image with Memento Tuxedo Black so it looks as if it is hanging off the branch.

3. Stamp Nova Star Jewel Ornament two more times.

4. Cut out the sections of the two images you will be using to layer and pop dot.

5. Color the front of the card image and the two cut out images as desired. As you can see, I only colored the edges of the center on the front image in the green since I know that this layer will be covered. And for the inside pieces, I colored over the areas that I know I will add bling or crystals since those areas will be covered.

6. Using double sided tape, adhere the card front to the red card base and the other piece of white paper to the inside of the card - to write your message on.

7. Adhere pop dots to the two parts you have cut out and then apply them to the card front. You will end up with 3 layers...the card front, the star as a layer, and then the circle layer.

8. Using Quickie Glue or any glue that will dry clear, adhere the crystals where you want them. For this card, I used crystals on the whole thing. A mixture of crystals from the USA and some from Brasil.

9. Add a holiday phrase at the bottom if you want. Sign your work on the back and send to someone that will appreciate the work you put into this!!

Here are some other pics using the same stamp in the same idea:

Mixture of Crystals and Viva Decor Pearl Pens - with a Crystal in the phrase.

Totally done with Viva Decor Pearl Pens.

NOEL Card - Outlines Rubber Stamp

2011-12-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you guys but I have a stack of 6" x 6" Christmas and holiday themed paper. Every year I seem to buy a new stack, I use one or two sheets and the rest sits around. Well here is a very simple card to make.

Supplies Used:

Stamp: Vishnu Jewel B-899 (www.outlinesrubberstamp.com).

Paper: 1 sheet of 6"x6" paper or cardstock - for card base, 1 piece of coordinating color - 5 3/4" x 2 3/4", scored at 1/8" at each side - for the front of the card, and 1 piece of white paper or cardstock - 5 3/4" x 2 3/4" - for the inside of the card.

Alphabets: Use your favorite stamps or a die cut letter. For my project I used Sizzix Sizzlits Round-a-Bout alphabet set.

Bling: 12 crystals in Size 7 (here) ,4 crystals in size 30 or 34 (here), Viva Decor Pearl Pen in Silver Chrome (here) and Gold (here)

Other/ Tools: Scoring Tool or ruler and bone folder, double sided tape, Quickie Glue, glue stick or Xyron 1.5" Sticker machine.

Instructions:

1. Using a scoring tool, score and fold the 6" x 6" paper in half. (FYI - the paper I used is from a paper pack called Christmas Brights Collection from Memory Box - but it must be several years old at this point).

2. Take a piece of coordinating card stock (for the front of card) and the white piece of paper (for the inside) and score at 1/8" on all 4 sides. Adhere the papers to the front and inside of your card.

3. Stamp your image, cut out, color, and add bling where you want. For this card I used a combination of crystals and Viva Decor Pearl Pens in Silver Chrome and Gold.

4. Stamp and cut out your letters N, E, and L or use a die cut system to cut out the necessary letters. Line them up on the card front, using stamped, colored, and blinged image as the "O" in NOEL. Adhere all letters, except for the "O", to card front using a glue stick, Xyron 1.5" sticker tool, or Zig 2 way glue. Adhere pop dots to the back of the "O" and adhere to card front.

5. Adhere the 4 large crystals to the inside of the corners where you scored.

Other ideas....

This card uses only Viva Decor Pearl Pens, no crystals.

This card uses the Wreath as the "O" and clear crystals around.

Outlines Rubber Stamp Ornament

2011-12-05T08:56:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. Lots of changes been going on in my life. No longer employed and have been in Brasil now for 3 weeks. Trying to determine if I can live here permanently, but that decision has already been made. I love it here. Anyway, the creativity flows better here. I am giving some classes here this weekend and next and, since I have to type up the directions for the folks here, I thought I would also put the projects on my blog. So, here goes.

As many of you know, I freakin love the images by Outlines Rubber Stamps and this is an ornament I made. I love this stamp as the lines are all straight lines and easy to cut with a small scissor or an Exacto knife and a ruler. As for the layers, I made this card to have 4 layers on the front and only 1 on the back. But feel free to make as many layers as you want.

Stamp: Diamond Ornament, I-159 by Outlines Rubber Stamp Company (here).

Paper: White cardstock of your choice. The heavier weight, the better.

Markers Used: Tombow Nos. 055 (Yellow), 443 (Blue), 173 (Green), 835 (Red), N15 (Black). Feel free to use any markers, pencils, etc. that you want. But, if you use Copics, make sure that you stamp the images in an ink that will work with Copics.

Bling: Crystals in No.s 5, 7, and 9 (also used some crystals from here in Brasil called Perola Lua).

Tools/Other: Tweezers, Small fine tip scissor, Pop Dots, ribbon, double sided tape or glue, Quickie Glue (or other glue and a toothpick).

Directions:

1. Stamp image 6 times on white cardstock. You will need two full images - for the front and back - and 4 other images for the layers.

2. Cut the images out. Cut two full images out for the front and back of the ornament. Because the first layer on the front will be fully covered, I cut out the center of that section to use as the top layer, as you will not be able to see the cutout section once covered. You can cut the layers any way that you want, but below is how I cut them for this ornament.

3. Color layers as desired. There will be times when you do not need to color in the full layer. If you notice, such as on the Front layer, I only colored in the sections that will be seen. The idea is to not have any white showing under the layers. If you know that a section will be fully covered by a new layer, you do not need to color that section in. If you adhere a layer and notice sections not colored in, just take your maker and color them after the layer has been applied.

4. Adhere the front to the back with double sided tape or a glue of your choice, such as Zig's two way glue, which works great. I do find that double sided tape works best. Adhere pop dots to the "back layer" and adhere to the back side of the ornament.

5. Turn ornament over and, using pop dots, adhere the Front Layer 1 to the ornament, the Front Layer 2, 3 and, finally, 4. You will end up with one side having 1 layer and the other having 4.

Front of Ornament

Back of Ornament

6. Now it's time to apply the crystals. Using a Quickie Glue stick or some clear glue and a toothpick, place a small dot of glue in the dots and, using tweezers, apply the crystals to the specific areas you choose. You can also use Stickles or glitter in place of the crystals.

Front of Ornament with all the bling.

Back of Ornament with all the bling.

7. Tie ribbon around the ornament and hang from your tree.

My First Gilli Card

2011-05-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone. I've been in Brasil again for over a week now and have found some time to make some cards.

This is my first card using a Gilli image. Last year I attended a copic certification class and I started to chat with the girl sitting next to me. Her name is Anary and it turns out that, not only was she Brasilian, but is also good friends with my friend Cindy who runs www.stampingscrapping.com - and Anary is the designer of the Gilli stamps. I think they are adorable and there are so many to choose from.

The colors I used in this card - basically blue, green and yellow, are the colors of Brasil.

I used the smallest die from the Lacey Nested Pennants and made small dots on them using the Viva Decor Pearl Pen in Kiwi and Sunny Yellow to add some dimension to the pennants.

Here I again used the Nested Pennants. I found a small Studio G stamp that said Congrats and stamped that in the center of the banner. For the scroll on the top and bottom of the pennant, I cut the large scalloped pennant and trimmed the section I wanted and glued to the back.

I colored the whole image using Tombow markers but for the pompoms and the skirt, I colored them using Sakura Glaze Pens, cut out the images and pop dotted them.

Happy Birthday to Me...

2010-12-28T19:15:00.000-05:00

WOW...what a great birthday (for presents that is). No, really, I mean this year rocked and I love everything I got and am blown away by how cool they are!! Since my birthday is on Christmas Eve, it is very hard to get into the birthday feeling. Hard to fight with Jesus but therapy has helped me overcome this situation. Just wanted to share some great presents I got...

From my BFF, Sue (her husband pays me $100 a week to be her friend...oh, did I just publicly announce that?). Well, Sue emailed me last Wednesday to tell me that she just got an email that my gift has gone Fed Ex. And it will arrive on Friday, Christmas Eve. Only problem was that my office was going to be closed that day and I was not going into the office. I assured her I would have it Monday. Then we got that 20" of snow and Fed Ex delayed it again until today. Well, I was shocked when the box arrived and it was from Scrap-Mart. I had just joked with Sue the other day that all I wanted was the Grand Calibur from Spellbinders. Had no idea why I wanted it, just that I wanted it. She actually ordered it before I told her that and she added two of the Grand's Dies!! Guess I gotta tell her husband that he only needs to pay me $90 a week.

And from Anna, the owner of The Ink Pad (NYC's only rubber stamp store), she gave me The Cinch. Now I get to use the Grand Calibur to cut cool paper and bind them with The Cinch to make custom made books.

And from Barbara at The Ink Pad (my other BFF even though she will deny even knowing me) - she got me two really really cool gifts. Both are vintage stamp sets. One was a plain one with really tiny letter and the other is a vintage comic book stamp kit. LOVE it!!!!

Thanks everyone for the Facebook birthday wishes, the cards, and the phone calls!!

NYC Snowstorm December 26/27, 2010

2010-12-27T08:29:00.001-05:00

Morning after the big snowstorm. We got about 15" of snow. Crazy.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2010-12-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, not much to post lately as I promised. But I did get to spend Christmas Eve with the fantastic Abigail Rose - not in concert - in person!! And she did a great cover of Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer. Had a better version but, as usual, Uncle Mike had the camera the wrong way!!

A Blog Post About Not Posting To The Blog

2010-10-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

August 30, 2009 - Over one year since I have posted to this blog. Crazy!! Insane!! Guess this blog post is about the fact that I have not posted to this blog - but promise to change that!!

I would love to tell you (if anyone is still even following this blog) that I had a wonderful year, traveling around the world, meeting people, taking photos, relaxing....but that would be a lie. It's just been a normal year of working too much and, I guess, just being lazy. I have made some great projects, have taken photos, written up directions...but just been too lazy to post anything.

And it's not that I have not been given little reminders of not posting - hello Sue and Heidi. I just wasn't listening.

So, with that being said, I am back....and will begin posting again.

Is anyone still following this blog? Just curious....leave me a comment.

A Week of Presents

2009-08-30T11:10:00.000-04:00

While I was in Brasil two of my friends sent me little packages.
I love gifts. Who doesn't?

This package was from my friend Marcia. She sent me beautiful ribbons, some hat pins, some rubber stamps, stamped images, a fantastic t-shirt (I love graphic t-shirts), some Pedras da Lua, and a great cake made of Fubu and coconut.

Check out her blogs here -
http://marciamattos.blogspot.com/ - this is her personal craft blog, and

http://estampandoalegria.blogspot.com/ - this is a blog that Marcia started with some friends in which they make cards for people who have cancer - to let people know that they are being thought of and to bring some color and happiness into their lives during their treatment.

This package was from my friend Carla. She is a master teacher of quilling in Brasil. The items in the photo are all used for quilling. Her husband made the template of circles. Carla is a very talented person.

Check out her blog here -
http://www.carla.prediger.nom.br/EnglishVersion.htm - in English, and
http://www.carla.prediger.nom.br/aberturaport.htm - in Portuguese.

Xmas Tree Ornament or Mandala

2009-08-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

Here is another mandala or xmas tree ornament I made today. The image is from Outlines Rubber Stamps (www.outlinesrubberstamp.com). Although Outlines has it under their ornament topper section, I consider it a Mandala. It's called Sparkle Topper.

Desk/Note Pad - Stampin Up!

2009-08-20T19:59:00.000-04:00

Wow!! Can't believe that I finally completed a project from start to finish AND put it up on my blog. Go figure. I'm in Brasil and had some time to play with stamps, papers, glue, embellishments.

It's a desk/note pad. Stamp set is from SU called Sense of Time. I wrapped a piece of cardstock with papers and then made the back side out of cardboard. Although it's not a real clock, I used some of Tim Holtz' game pieces on the clock face. I have to try to make this using a real clock.

Stamper's Quest - Search For A Trail Master

2009-07-16T21:34:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I have been part of the design team for Stamper's Quest (www.stampersquest.com) since its inception. Well our 1 year anniversary is quickly approaching. To celebrate our 1st anniversary, we're hosting a contest!! We are in search of our first ever Trail Master!! The contest will last the entire month of August, with winners of each round moving on to the next for a chance to win the position of Trail Master for 2009-2010. As Trail Master, you and your blog or website will appear on our Designer's page during your reigning year. You don't need a blog or website to enter - we want everyone to play - but this might be the perfect time to start a blog and show off your talents. Could the new Trail Master be you? You have to enter to win.

For all the details and rules, head over here and enter your creations -

http://stampersquest.com/2009/07/15/in-search-of-our-trail-master-its-a-contest/

Stamper's Quest - August Edition - Sneak Peeks

2009-07-16T21:24:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything and I really need to be more proactive with my blog.

Here are 3 sneak peeks at my next 3 projects for the August 1, 2009 edition of Stamper's Quest. So check back then at www.stampersquest.com for the full photos, detailed instructions, and a list of supplies.

Can you guess the theme for August?

Petal Belle Cafe

2009-02-28T08:59:00.000-05:00

No stamping related blog entry today. Just sharing some photos I took last night at my friend Elisa's cafe - Petal Belle - in SOHO. She was SUPPOSED to go to a dinner with me last night but had a last minute booking at the cafe. Here are just some fun shots I took of items around her cafe. I love macro photography!! Enjoy.

The pastries through the looking glass.

Birds in the window. I love this photo.

A painting done by Barbara - a friend of Elisa's. A great addition to the cafe.

The famous liege!!

Old fashioned spoons.

Ahhh, Easter M&Ms. Could life get any better?

Ahhhh, jelly beans. Life just got better!!

Announcing mini cupcakes. Delish!! You have to taste these.

Coffee!!

Real sugar.

Those mini cupcakes - again.

What could be better? Great cappuccino from Petal Belle (it really is good coffee), some gelato, and a liege. Get the liege warm and put the gelato on top. Delish.

Mojo Monday

2009-02-22T14:25:00.001-05:00

There is a blog I was recently told about - Mojo Monday - http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/. Each week they post a sketch for you to use for the week. Here is my card for this week's sketch. Hope you like.

Paper" Black textured cardstock, patterned paper is from The Angel Company (retired).

Images: 3 flowers from the Botanical Bulbs sheet (INR-024) from Stamping Sensations (www.stampingsensations.com), circle image and phrase from Circle Sampler T2691 from The Angel Company (http://trent.ismyangel.net).

Halloweenie Cards

2008-10-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

Just thought I would upload some cards I did recently for my LSS as samples - for Halloween. I really love this holiday. Love seeing the kids dress up and the smiles on their faces when they get cool candy or ... cool cards. LOL

This is such a great skeleton stamp from Hot Potatoes (http://www.hotpotatoes.com/). It's called Skeleton Pieces N580. After you stamp the image, you need to cut out each section and then put him back together again. I actually stamped the image and then enlarged it on my xerox to make him larger. Very cool image!!

This main image is from Outlines Rubber Stamps.

This image is from Stampendous (http://www.stampendous.com/) and it's called Pumpkin Plaque, V142. Would be cool to stamp on sticker paper too and adhere to a jar of candy.

2008-10-28T04:55:00.000-04:00

OK folks - 1 week to go until we elect a new President. For all the elections I have voted in, I cannot remember a more important election than this one!! With that said, and, no matter which candidate you favor, please, just VOTE!! Too many people take for granted what their vote means.

In the spirit of our election, I have stamped a few things. The image used is the Statue of Liberty from The Stampsmith (http://www.stampsmith.net/). It is a beautiful rubber stamp made from a photograph. Estelle, the owner of the Stampsmith, recently explained to me that the photo was taken by a dear friend of hers from Holland who she had met on kibbutz 25 years ago. One year her friend came to the USA and took this photo of the statue and it was made into this beautiful rubber stamp. Knowing the history behind an image just makes it more special.

This card started out as a congratulations card for someone that just took his Citizen oath - another new citizen of the USA.

The above card was done for a sketch on http://stampersquest.com/. Check them out to see other cards made with the same sketch.

This started out as a white photo frame from Michael's. I added Glimmer Mist in reds and blues, the added the stars, and matted the stamped image as a photo.

Another Great Blog Candy Contest

2008-09-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

Well, another stamp company that I love - Starving Artistamps - is having a blog candy contest. You can win some great new halloween sets they are releasing. Just head over to their blog and leave a comment. Here's a link -

http://starvingartistamps.blogspot.com/2008/09/delicious-candy-just-in-time-for.html

Good luck everyone.

Great Blog - And A Blog Give-A-Way

2008-09-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

Blogs continue to amaze me. No matter how hard I try, I cannot get myself from blog searching. I love to click on blogs and links from blogs, to other blogs. The amount of creativity flowing in the world is astonishing.

Today I fell across a pretty neat blog - Paper Imagery Designs. If you love Stampington, Character Construction, Tim Holtz, and altered art, this is the place to stop and stay for a bit. And, Lori is having a one year anniversary blog give-a-way. So if you want a chance to win some great Halloween sheets, as well as Tim Holtz' new Halloween stamps, head over to http://paperimagerydesigns.blogspot.com/ and leave her a comment.

Tomorrow I will try to post some of my favorite foreign blogs for inspiration.

Faux Suede - My First Tutorial

2008-04-06T18:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was cruising some blogs and I came across an amazing tutorial (at least to me). The blog, Out To Impress by Julie Koerber (and, trust me, she does impress), had a great tutorial on using Liquid Applique to make faux suede backgrounds or sheets of paper. Her blog, which you must check out for yourself, is http://outtoimpress.blogspot.com/.

Thank you Julie for allowing me to get this technique out to others. This is my first tutorial so I hope it's okay and understandable. Now, on to what you need to do....

Supplies you will need are a heat gun, card stock, liquid applique, and a brayer.

Next, lay your card stock on a piece of scrap paper or craft sheet and squeeze a thick line across the middle or squeeze some all over the card stock as I did.

Then, using your brayer, roll the liquid applique across the whole card stock and cover the entire surface. It will not come out perfect and you will have imperfections. I feel this just gives it more of a suede, vintage, or distressed kinda look.

Your card should end up looking like this.

Now use your heat gun to heat the liquid applique until it is set and dry. This will not take long.

This is the finished product. I hope the photo shows the texture of the card. It will look and feel like suede. It's really cool.

Below are some samples I made. I hope you like this technique, use it, and pass it on to others.

Friendship Card

2008-04-06T17:06:00.001-04:00

I call this my "friendship card". Paper used was the Hopsack Black & Fossil Square Card Overlay Kit from The Papercut (www.thepapercut.com). I love their papers, the different sizes they cut, and the colors.

Stamp flower image (G165 - KB's Silphium In A Jar from Endless Creations www.shopec.com). I colored the water and flowers with watercolor pencils, coated with a versamark pen, the heat embossed with clear embossing powder. It really makes the colors pop.

Wrap ribbon (from Michael's) around the black cardstock and adhere to front of card.

Stamp the phrase stamp (Flowers In Bloom, FS1119-D from Verses Rubber Stamps (www.versesrubberstamps.com). Use corner ticket punch (Stampin Up) and adhere to front of card - over ribbon.

2008-04-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

Here is a cute and fast card. Used the Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers A2 embossing folder (www.provocraft.com), colored in with chalks, added the phrase and adhered to cardstock.

Easter Bunnies

2008-04-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know it's after Easter, but I wanted to share some cards and puzzle cards I made for a coworker. All images are from Sparkle & Sprinkle, www.sparkleandsprinkle.com. They were so much fun to do - but a lot of masking to get them behind the fence.

2008-04-06T14:11:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since I posted anything. Hmmm. As a joke, I sent an underwear ad to my good friend Heidi. Well she told me that my project for the night was to make a card with it. This is what I came up with. LOL. Brasilian penguins in their speedos!!!

Penguin stamp - Art Impressions, M-3154

Holiday Window in 3D

2007-12-16T22:55:00.001-05:00

A coworker of mine (Rachel L.) asked me to do a card that celebrated both Hanukah and Christmas. Not that easy to do - but I like the way this turned out. On white cardstock I stamped the Fireplace 2-2057E from www.amuseartstamps.com, the menorah (company unknown), and the Xmas tree 96847-P from www.inkadinkado.com. On another piece of white cardstock I stamped the window frame (www.toomuchfunrubberstamps.com), cut it out, colored it in, covered it with acetate, and then, using long strips of double sided tape, applied it over the other image. It sits about 1/4" above the image. Then pop dotted the mice (Viva Las Vegas).

Elzybell Ornament

2007-12-16T22:51:00.001-05:00

This is a very simple card to make. The branch is Ponderosa Pine Y013 from www.stampendous.com. Then I stamped the ornament from www.outlinesrubberstamp.com - H183, cut it out, put some gold stickles around it, then stamped the mouse on the inside - Mouse Bauble H0004 from www.elzybellsna.typepad.com.

African American Woman

2007-12-16T22:39:00.000-05:00

This image of the African American woman is called Pearls II from Coronado Island Stamps (www.cistamping.com). I used gold stickles in her headpiece, a little blue chalk on her eyes, and red glitter on her fingernails and lips.

Xmas Snowglobe Cards

2007-12-16T22:27:00.000-05:00

Snowglobe images from www.judikins.com (think they are retired). The 2 girls holding the tree is Girls With Tree E0002 from Elzybells (www.elzybellsna.typepad.com), the snowflakes and star are from Holiday Snowglobe, 2425R, from www.plaidonline.com.

Snowglobe from www.judikins.com (think they are retired). Fishing Penguin, E0029, from Elzybells (www.elzybellsna.typepad.com), the snowflakes and star are from Holiday Snowglobe, 2425R, from www.plaidonline.com.

Snowglobe from www.judikins.com (think they are retired). The skating couple is from the Winter Wonderland set T2585 by The Angel Company (http://trent.ismyangel.net), the snowflakes and star are from Holiday Snowglobe, 2425R, from www.plaidonline.com.

Another India Themed Card

2007-12-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

This is another card I made using the India papers from www.doveoftheeast.com. The elephant image is from www.stampfrancisco.com. I stamped the elephant in black pigment ink, clear embossed, and then colored in using Ranger's Stickles.

Holiday Penguin

2007-11-03T15:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a cute little card I did. Stamped the penguin (Chillin Penguin, 60083, www.stampshappen.com) on white card stock. Used black sparkle glitter. Cut him out. Layered him on green cardstock, then black, then the red card. The Holiday Magic message is from The Angel Company (http://trent.ismyangel.net).

Xmas Reindeer Pig

2007-11-03T15:40:00.001-04:00

So, I have a thing for pigs. And Christmas. Here is my version of a Christmas pig. LOL. The pig image is 93909M (www.inkadinkado.com), the antlers, small bird, ornaments are from Memory Box Stamps. The message is from Hero Arts. Colored using Prisma pencils.

Hanukah Angel Card

2007-11-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

This is a Hanukah Card I made using images from Jen Lowe (http://jenlowedesigns.com/LMC/Lucy_stamps.htm). Used glitter and H2Os.

Hoppy Holidays

2007-11-02T21:34:00.001-04:00

Another cute and easy card to make. Stamp the frog from Viva Las Vegas, color with green Prisma pencils and add 2 googlie eyes from Darice. Then stamp the message, Happy Holidays from www.amuseartstamps.com. I added another googlie eye in place of the "a" so it spelled Hoppy Holidays.

Gone Fishing For Xmas

2007-11-02T21:31:00.001-04:00

Another easy card to make. Stamp the Floating Ice (E-PSH061 from www.sundayint.com) and color with glitter. I then stamped the polar bear (F-7481 Knut from www.thecatspajamasrs.com) on top of the floating ice. On another piece of white cardstock, I stamped the polar bear again and cut him out. Colored his scarf in and layered it with pop dots.

Taxiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2007-11-02T21:29:00.000-04:00

Same card as below but without the Lady Liberty stamp. This would work for any city other than New York City.

New York, New York

2007-11-02T21:26:00.000-04:00

This was such a fun and easy card to make. I stamped the Cityscape image (www.stampendous.com), masked the left side and stamped Lady Liberty (www.amuseartstamps.com) over it. Then I stamped the taxi (from American Art Stamps), cut it out and layered it on top of the cityscape using a pop dot.

Holiday Hoot

2007-10-28T22:10:00.001-04:00

This was a fun card to make. I used the branch from the Bird Sanctuary set (M4746) by Stampington - stamped it in Eden Green Stazon ink. The owl is from Impress (www.impressrubberstamps.com). Added the atlers and ornaments from the Deer to My Heart set (CL114) from Memorey Box (www.memoryboxco.com). Love, love, love their stamps. The message at the bottom I did on my computer.

Snow Covered Pine Tree

2007-10-28T22:07:00.001-04:00

This card was made using just 1 image - 96847-P by Inkadinkado. Stamped in Eden Green Stazon ink. Added Frosted Lace stickles where the snow would be. Layered it on red paper and then red paper with snowflakes on it. The "seasons greetings" message is from Hero Arts.

Day Of The Dead Card

2007-10-28T21:58:00.000-04:00

Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a very cool holiday. It is a 3 day Mexican holiday in which people honor those loved ones who have passed on. The card below consists of Ghostly Night 3218K by Penny Black (www.pennyblackinc.com) and 4 images from Viva Las Vegas. I used only black ink on white paper and layered.

Halloween Cards

2007-10-28T17:22:00.000-04:00

Below are some Halloween cards I made today. Although they are basically the same as the puzzles, these have been layered on cardstock and there is a pocket inside that the puzzle will sit in.

Halloween Puzzles

2007-10-28T16:58:00.001-04:00

Several people asked me to make a Halloween puzzle for their children. These are what I made this weekend. The craft puzzles are all 5" x 7" from http://www.inkadinkado.com/.

Witch image (Night of the Witch - 2812K) is from Penny Black (http://www.pennyblackinc.com/) and the word phrases are all from The Angel Company. All images were stamped in pigment ink and clear embossed.

This pumpkin image is from Peddler's Pack. I found it yesterday on my stamp store road trip at Kathy John's in Storrs, CT - with my good friend Sue Macken!! I stippled Pumpkin Stazon ink in the pumpkin image and Dove Gray Stazon around the image. The yellow is just a Marvy Brush Marker clear embossed. Oh, to get the yellow inside the pumpkin I cut the eyes, nose, and mouth out.

The scary tree and graveyard image (Ghostly Night - 3218K) is from Penny Black (http://www.pennyblackinc.com/) and the kid in the ghost costume is from Too Much Fun Rubber Stamps (http://www.toomuchfunrubberstamps.com/). I stamped and embossed the left image first, then stamped the kid, masked him, and stamped the right image over him/her. The background colors are all different inks that I stippled over the images.

This is the Peddler's Pack pumpkin again but this time I used an orange and yellow Marvy brush marker on the pumpkin and clear embossed. The edging is stippled Dove Gray Stazon ink.

Noel Xmas Card - Acetate

2007-09-15T21:52:00.001-04:00

This is a card I did for a swap I was in. Had to do 8 of them. Fun but time consuming. Stamped image (Holiday Pear Collage, 3429R, http://www.rubberstampede.com/) using Stazon black ink onto the smooth side of an acetate sheet. Trim. Turn over and, using alcohol inks, colored in the different areas of the image. Gold on the star and pear, some greens on the holly leaves, reds and greens over the rest. Layered on gold paper, which was layered on red cardstock, which was layered onto the card. On the front of the image I used Stickles glitter glue to highlight certain areas of the card.

Indian Card

2007-08-21T13:46:00.000-04:00

This is an indian themed card I made. The paper is from www.doveoftheeast.com. The stamp is called Painted Elephant Large from www.stampfrancisco.com. I used archival ink, watercolor crayons, added some stickles from Ranger on the flowers and the spots surrounding the flowers, and a bead in the center of each one. Layered it on the Fall Cardstock colors from DCWV.

Abigail's Picture Frame

2007-08-21T11:40:00.001-04:00

This is a photo frame I made for my niece, Abigail. She is turning "1" on September 8th!! Boy, how times flies. The frame itself is an unfinished frame from Michael's, which I painted with Ranger's daubers using Pink Sherbet and Raspberry. The stamped images are from Stampin Up's "Doodle This" and "Delight In Life" sets. I stamped them on white cardstock, colored with Lyra's Watercolor Crayons and adhered to the frame. The flourishes I stamped right over the paint. Some buttons, glitter, and a few layers of Mod Podge, and it's done.

Tree Of Life

2007-08-21T11:14:00.000-04:00

I call this card the Tree of Life. The image is from Just For Fun (http://www.jffstamps.com/). I stamped the image on white cardstock with archival black ink. Layered it on a piece of double sided sticky paper. Rubbed gold leaf flakes on the edges of the sticky paper. Adhered it to black textured cardstock by DCWV. I also cut a piece of white paper and adhered it to the inside of the card in order to write something.