World Of Michael Trent

The first few StenDoodle projects that I made were done on a full sheet of watercolor paper.  I loved how this large piece, filled with colors and textures, just popped.  And I loved having a piece of "ART" for my wall.  Well, one day someone commented that the piece I made would be a great note card, which, of course, got my mind going..... So, today, I am here to show you how to have the best of both worlds.  A piece of "ART" to be framed or hung on the wall or placed on a shelf, together with a set of cards using the same design.   This project uses Pam Carriker's Heart stencil.  When I saw this stencil at The Ink Pad, I knew I had to have it.  It is the perfect stencil to use with the StenDoodle technique due to the large area inside the heart in which to work.  And, when her Wing stencil gets out of customs, it will go perfect with this stencil too. Materials Used: Pam Carriker's Heart Stencil by StencilGirl (9" x 12...

Good morning everyone!!  It's very early here in Brasil but I wanted to make an exciting announcement..... StencilGirl Products has asked me to become part of their Creative Team!!  And, of course, I said YES!!   Yesterday was my first Guest Artist spot on their blog and I was really hoping that it would generate some buzz and get nice comments - just so that they would ask me to come back again.  To be asked to join the Creative Team was totally unexpected and a huge surprise for me!  I am working out the details with them but, since I am on another continent, in a different time zone, and have responsibilities with our store, it looks like I might do a once a month project with my StenDoodle technique.  How does "StenDoodling With Michael" sound?  LOL. Just want to thank everyone for coming to my blog, commenting on my work, and embracing this new technique.  I have a lot more projects in my head to share and hope you all conti...

Hello everyone!!  Today is a sort of continuation of my Guest Artist spot, on StencilGirl's Blog yesterday.  If you have not seen the post, check out HERE .  Today, is not a long tutorial, just a short one, to show another way to use the stencil in yesterday's post.   Below is another card I made using the same stencil as yesterday, Terri Stegmiller's Heart Flower 6 stencil.  As you can see, I left out the flower part of the stencil and, using different colors, made it a bit more of a masculine card.   I also love how this card came out - with the fish looking as if they are in a tank, with pipes going down into the heart with water.  Although it was not intentional, I think it turned out fun looking!!  And I love the little fish!!    Stencils Used In This Project : Heart Flower 6 Geomaze Stencil  Aiden's School Stencil (fish) Eddy Rose 6   Squared On 6 (the pipes)   Diamonds Small 6   ...

Good morning everyone.  I am very excited to announce that I am the Guest Artist on StencilGirl's blog today - Stencil Girl Talks.  Hope you have a chance to stop by and check it out. Click HERE to be taken right to the post. Also, make sure to stop by my own blog (this blog) tomorrow through Saturday for 3 more projects using StencilGirl stencils and my StenDoodle technique.  Beijos e Abracos (Hugs and Kisses) ~Michael

Hey everyone.  This is the 2nd part to yesterday's post ( HERE ) -  showing another way to make a nice card using the template you cut, one stencil, and some rubber stamps.  Hope you like....  Additional Supplies Used that were not used in yesterday's post: Express Yourself Stamp Set from Impression Obsession (WP22) Flourishes V:1 by Autumn Leaves/Rhonna Farrer (retired set) Red Pearl Pen by Viva Decor Black Archival Ink or other waterproof ink Clear block 1.  Lay the template on top of the watercolor paper and trace the outline of the heart with a pencil, then with a permanent marker, then erase the pencil lines.  2.  Lay the Circles Ray 6 stencil in the center of the heart, trace with pencil, then with permanent marker, then erase pencil marks.  3. Pull out 6 words from the stamp set, adhere them one by one to the clear block and stamp in different rays of the stencil.   Stamp center with love/lif...

Have you ever thought to use one of your dies as a stencil?  I never did.  Until last week when something unexpected happened and it turned into a new technique for me.  I wanted to make a Valentine's Day card using the Silverdale Heart die from Memory Box.  I was expecting to get the design of the die on the card front but ended up with a solid heart on the card front and the design I liked as a separate piece.  Looking at this piece on my table, I saw a stencil....and viola...a new technique.  And, I can even "Stendoodle" with it!  And now you can too. Materials used: Silverdale Heart die by Memory Box   Stencil Girl Stencils - Journal Texture #2 , Mini Downward Stairs , and Circle Rays 6 Manila folder or cereal box (at least one piece should be 4" x 5 1/2") Zig Chisel Tip glue  Artist/sketch pencil and eraser Permanent Marker Piece of watercolor paper - 4" x 5 1/2" Gel medium Brush Craft Sheet ...

Hello everyone.  Cool news....I am very excited to let you guys know that I am going to be the guest artist for Stencil Girl Stencils on their blog , on January 29th!!!  I will introducing my Stendoodle technique using a bunch of their stencils.  This is my first time doing something for Stencil Girl - but hopefully, not my last. Here is a little sneak peak at a portion of the project -  Sneak Peak using Terri Stegmiller's Heart Flower 6 stencil. Then, on January 30th and 31st, if you stop by this blog, I will have two more projects showcasing my Stendoodle with Stencil Girl stencils..... Sneak Peak using Terri Stegmiller's Heart Flower 6 stencil - but with a twist. Sneak Peak using Pam Carriker's amazing Heart Stencil. I hope you guys stop by their blog and show me some love!!  Beijos e Abracos (Hugs and Kisses)  ~Michael

Just a funny photo I took the other day.  Well, not really funny, kind of pathetic if you ask me.  The sign says "Don't throw garbage on the road."  Considering that there are no homes or businesses near this sign, Brasilians are dumping garbage near the sign as a joke.  Funny?  Not to me.

I am not really one for resolutions but I have made one for 2014 - to post more often to this blog.  This past week I have been very busy trying to finish some projects for Stencil Girl Stencils.  I will be their guest blogger on January 29th.  While working on the project, I took this photo, which I think is really cool, and just wanted to share.   Color Pencil Shavings