Inkyheart

While you were out (at CHA)

Wow.  In an effort to keep busy, and not be continually thinking about all the hot new releases at the CHA show currently going on in Chicago, I think I have been infected by the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.  I cannot seem to get it to detach from my hand!  Between cleaning the oven, the refrigerator, the bathrooms (TMI!) and ditching, trashing and pitching old cosmetics, toiletries and the like in my bedroom this morning...

Which was then followed by an afternoon of IKEA 'build it all-itis'.

And I intended to run down to my LSS this evening.

What is up with me?  Could it be that in two short weeks I'm going to be teaching at a scrapbooking convention in Pennsylvania??  Could it be that I spent last weekend demonstrating at a Stamp Expo in Hartford?  Could it be that tomorrow (or is that now today?) I'm going to attack Renaissance Art in Morris, CT to get some fantastic findings for my Christmas tag class?

Am I feeling a tad bit guilty that hubby is going out of town next week and the kids are in summer camp activities?

Nah.  But it was GREAT to have the whole family at work today, getting things stirred up around here.  Lots of schtuff to donate to the Goodwill store.  Lots of stuff to pitch.  Lots of recycling to turn in.  Monday will be a busy day.

Well, I cannot end a day without doing SOMETHING creative, so I went wild with a prompt from DesignerDigitals.com by Jesse Edwards' quote challenge.  Once their e-mail hit my inbox, I was off to find appropriate photos. That was fun!

Matties (circle) by Corina Neilsen, as well as cardboard/spiral torn paper (Illusive Collection)
Michelle Coleman (blue paper (Frosted collection)), 'bling', bracket journaling spot and floral paper is from Wonderful collection
Quote brush by Jesse Edwards.

And now I really must get some sleep.  Night all!

Spellbinders: Sunflowers

I had to wait til today to show off the fantastic Sunflower dies that Spellbinders sent me.  Here goes!

You are my SUNSHINE layout

I've layered both Sunflower 1 and Sunflower 2 to make this hybrid scrapbook layout, as well as using the Daisy Border Grand with chalk pastels on the side border.

 

The background paper is made from a picture of sunflowers in "Overlay" mode over a scratched blue background from the Frost Collection (Memory Makers), which I recolored to match Brianna's eyes.

I added a couple of digital frames from Glitz Design over her picture.

Then placed the title over a white memo pad slip (unknown author) and typed the beginning of the title in Ali's Handwriting Font (CK Media, free).

I finished the title by using the Indulgence font dies with Amaco foil for a bit of sunshine.

'Impressive' Card

And then I did a bit of emboss-only work, using the reverse stencilling technique to create this card. 

It reminds me of the letterpress look of embossing with the cut edge creating such a nice detailed emboss (rather than cutting) along with the traditional embossed areas.  I have pre-inked the die with two colors of chalk ink before running them through to make this lovely sunflower.

I used the seperate center piece on the Sunflower center as a piercing template.

I also used the largest of the Label Trio dies to highlight a word on my sentiment.  The sentiment is from 'The Good Life' set by CTMH.  The remaining horizontal and vertical lines were made by holding down any 'plate' die and embossing over the edge of it to make stripes.

Organization: Stamp Shelving

I've mentioned before how I have my stamps on these great Benno Wall Shelves ($29.99) from IKEA.  Well today, to my chagrin! I discovered that they are no longer a current product.  A new catalog launch is imminent.  So I bought the last two remaining at IKEA New Haven.

If you've read my notes before and wanted to get them - it might be too late.

But it is worth checking the shelves.  They really are great.  I use both Sterlite CD storage containers (sans lids) and CTMH stamp storage boxes as well as just let the wood mounted backgrounds sit on them.

I have to admit that even I feel capable of building something like these in the future if the need arises.  I guess that should tell you how much I like them!

Technique: Distress and Glimmer

I had the weekend to play at the Rubber Stamp & Scrap Expo as Sue and I demonstrated for Rubbernecker.  What fun!  I made a few samples to share.  They aren't finished projects as much as technique samples:

The first is a shabby chic background. 

1. I stamped a wonderful botanical image called 'Red Flower' from the Jeanne Streiff collection, with embossing ink on black cardstock and heat embossed with clear powder.
2. I dragged a Ranger Paint Dabber in Willow (green) across the surface of the image and let it dry briefly.  Over the black, it almost looks like a copper patina.
3. I buffed the paint off of the heat embossed image with a damp towel.
4. I sanded the surface of the heat embossed image to remove the shine of the embossing.  This makes it look more 'old' versus that shiny appearance.
5. I used a glimmery copper/rust mist as a paint and dry brushed around the edges to give it a bit of rust too.

Isn't that neat?  I really like what you can achieve quickly with these products.

The next tag shows a background that I've photographed two ways so you can see it more like in real life. 

1. First, I used Distress Ink in Weathered Wood, to cover the entire white tag.
2. Then I went around just the image, avoiding the center, using my Cut N Dry foam with Distress Ink in Faded Jeans.
3. And then I went around just the edges with Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.  It gives the background warmth - almost like a suntan.
4. I used the Tonic Edge Distresser to fray the edges of my tag, and just 'kissed' these with a bit of Vintage Photo as well.
5. Finally I sprayed it with a Pearled Glimmer Mist, with a nice HEAVY coating.  I allowed it to drip down the surface of the tag and react with the Distress Ink underneath.

From one angle, you see the distressed background.

From another angle, this tag shimmers like nobody's business.

It is nearly impossible for me to photograph this in a way that conveys how pretty the background is.  Please try it.  You'll like it!

The last tag, was a favorite demonstration from the weekend, and a derivative of the tag above.

1. First, I used Distress Ink in Weathered Wood, to cover the entire white tag.
2. Then I went around just the image, avoiding the center, using my Cut N Dry foam with Distress Ink in Faded Jeans.
3. And then I went around just the edges with Distress Ink in Dusty Concord.  It gives the background a wonderful mystical quality.  What a great purple! 
4. I did a technique called 'Spritz & Flick', where you spray a little water into your hand from a mini mister and then flick the droplets onto your tag.  Wait about 10 seconds and blot up excess water.  Your tag will look almost as if you splattered bleach onto it.  Distress Ink is reactive with water, so your water droplets will go through to the color of the tag underneath.  Note: you can control how much bleach out look you get by heat setting early on, or letting it keep going.  Or both!  It's up to you.

When I learned 'Spritz & Flick' from Tim Holtz, I couldn't help wondering how I could better control this reaction.  So I decided to try and stamp with water as my INK.  You may get very watery results at first.  It takes a bit of practice, but I use a mini mister to apply the water to the stamp and literally wave it up and down in the air a couple of times -- and then stamp.  I'm happy with the results about 90% of the time.  The other 10%, I just put on another contrast of Distress Ink and try again!

1. On this tag, I stamped a large harlequin image, and it was quite watery - so you can see the pooled edges.  I let it air dry.  Even though it isn't as crisp as I normally like - I decided to keep it!
2. Finally, I stamped a couple of Flourishes from the Jeanne Streiff collection, in Dusty Concord Distress Ink on the top and bottom of the tag.

I love to make entire sheets of paper like this for either scrapbook pages or cards.  It is true PLAYTIME, and anything goes.  I hope you will try them.  And please share a technique that you like too. 

What are we going to do today?

Well, it isn't posting that scrapbook page I'm dying to show you.  It is so hard to hold off - but wait til Friday!!!  There are still some surprises up Spellbinders' sleeves... :o)

And it isn't traveling to Chicago for CHA-Summer, because I simply cannot leave my family during the summertime.

And it isn't going to Six Flags waterpark / amusement park - because the weather just didn't cooperate.

So the smallest blonde one offered up some choices for us:

A couple of childrens' museums.  Check.  Swimming at the park.  Check.  In the pool I picked up at Toys R Us.  Check. 

And hmmm, what is that top choice?  Ah yes --- IKEA.  Now to be forever remembered as EYECEU.  (they have a play area).  Hmmm - I do feel like shopping!

Isn't summertime fun?

Spellbinders' Winner!!

I'm happy to say that Vicki Foreyt of Wisconsin has won the Flower Nestability die set featured on this blog!  Vicki said it best:

"Wow, I can’t believe I actually won something! That never happens to me, I’m so unlucky. I just love the Nestabilities, there are just so many different ways to use them. I’m so happy to be adding the flower shapes to my collection."

Congratulations, Vicki!!!!

Demo-ing for Rubbernecker at Expo this weekend!

I hope you will be able to stop by the Rubber Stamp and Scrap Expo this weekend in Hartford, CT.  I will be at the Rubbernecker booth, demonstrating their awesome stamps and Ranger products.  Here is a quick sample tag using the 161-09 Sand Dollar stamp, the Ranger Distress Inks in blue tones, Perfect Pearls and torn paper from Scrapperdashery.

Hope to see some local girls there!

Spellbinders Sneak Peek Contest (for this blog / die)

is open till Midnight CST!

Time's up, ladies!  No more entries will be accepted for the contest from this blog/sneak peek.

Good luck!  I cannot wait to announce the winner for my blog.  :o)

Spellbinders Pre-CHA Sneak Peek #9!

It is my privilege to show you a new Spellbinders die that will be released at the Summer CHA tradeshow in about 10 days!  At the end of this post you will find a copy of the official rules for the Spellbinders' Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek Party Drawing for the die set I am sharing with you today, and for a chance at the grand prize of a new raspberry-colored Wizard and $500 worth of Spellbinders dies!

My die to share is the S4-159 Flower, a nested flower die set. (The largest die in this set is about 4" wide. To help you better understand the size of these die cuts, the cards I have created are 5 1/2" wide by 4 1/4" tall.)

I used the largest die to cut a focal point for my card.

I inked the inside non-cutting edge of the die with a brown chalk ink before cutting/embossing my image.  This gives you a nice inked edge.  I used a chalk ink for a shabby chic look.  I first learned about this technique from Michelle Jo Klomp.  Isn't it wonderful?

Next, I used the two smaller dies in the set to cut stiffened fabric.  Note: I often pickup retired fabric sample books from my local upholstery shop.  Nothing like taking trash and making it a treasure! 

I cut two pieces of contrasting fabric in each die and then ran it through my sewing machine.  I stitch a loose square and then pull the ends of the threads to gather the fabric up for a nice three dimensional fabric flower.  Aren't they pretty!  I finished off the centers with a glittery brad from Creative Impressions.  I dipped these into Creamy Brown chalk ink which grabbed the glittered surface and softened the white color to match my color scheme.

Next, I stamped my sentiment from Autumn Leaves in a first and second generation ink to get that nice dimensional shadow.  This technique is when you stamp your image once, and then move the stamp slightly away from the original image and stamp again without re-inking the stamp.

Then, I stitched my patterned cardstock, from Webster's Pages, to my card base and inked around the eges with a lime green chalk ink that picks up the subtle color of the leaves in the patterned paper.

I assembled all of the pieces and added a couple of ribbons with the brown and green colors, which are tucked under my fabric flowers.

The second card I made uses the die in a more traditional way, with a twist!

For this card, I cut the largest flower shape using Goldenrod cardstock from Worldwin Treasures.  Then for the embossing portion, I nested the medium-sized flower inside of the largest flower and ran them both through to emboss one shape inside the other.

I then placed both dies over the shape and used them as a guide to create a stitched look with my white gel pen.

I cut and embossed the smallest flower using Light Racy Raspberry by Worldwin DoubleMates and placed a glitter brad from Creative Impressions in white to the center of the layered flower to attach the flower to my card base.

A bit of stitched ribbon and a rubon sentiment adorn the bottom edge of the finished card.

Have you enjoyed the sneak peeks so far?  The new dies are expected to ship in August.  Woo Hoo!

June 30: Thinking Inking by Debbie Olson
July 1: Created From Paper by Jennifer Ellefson
July 2: Wickedly Wonderful Creations by Wendy Weixler
July 3: Embellished Dreams by Heidi Blankenship
July 4: Simple Dreams by Ellen Hutson
July 5: Caffeinated Thoughts by Michelle Klomp
July 6: Linda's Works of Heart by Linda Duke
July 7: Mish Mash by Michelle Wooderson
[today here! on July 8: Inkyheart by Sally Lynn MacDonald]
July 9: Cookies for Breakfast by Beth Pingry
July 10: PaperFections by Sharon Harnist
July 11: Today's Creations by Holly Craft
July 12: Donya Schroeder by Donya Schroeder
July 13: Follow Your Bliss by Trudee Sauer

Now, if you already have another die-cutting machine and need to know how to use Spellbinders dies with it, check out these YouTube videos. Don't forget that you can see more new dies every day at the blogs listed below. If you want to enter the contest, be sure to read the rules below very carefully.

If you have questions regarding the contest or entries, you should e-mail Spellbinders at spellbinderseditor@yahoo.com to ask them since this is an official Spellbinders Contest. Good luck!

Drawing Information

Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each of the 14 Spellbinders Sneak Peek Blog reveals as stated in the “Rules”. This name will be drawn to receive the die being revealed on said blog. These entries must follow all rules stated below to be valid for the drawing.

Entrants visiting all 14 Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peeks Blog reveals and correctly entering their information into the 14 separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a new RASPBERRY WIZARD and a $500 retail value die package!

Rules

Any participant wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek die give away must adhere to all of the following rules:

1. Participant must click on the provided drawing link on blog to enter each individual drawing on sneak peeks between June 30 and July 13.
2. Participant must type in the subject line the name of the die or dies being revealed.
3. Participant must send their entry for this blog before 12:00 midnight Central Standard Time on July 9th.
4. Participant is only allowed to enter each of the 14 Spellbinders sneak peek blog give away drawings one time per sneak peek. Participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for grand prize entry.
5. Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for drawing.

Any participant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek Grand Prize drawing, must enter the drawing from all of the 14 blog reveals and follow all the above rules.

Please note:

*Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.

*Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.

*Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communication other than to contact the winner.

*If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage and sign up: http:\\www.spellbinders.us

Time's up, ladies!  No more entries will be accepted for the contest from this blog/sneak peek.

Just to clarify, you have until midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, July 9th), Central Standard Time to enter the Spellbinders drawing for this particular post. I know that Feedblitz sent the notice 24 hours late (as usual), but Spellbinders built an extra day into each drawing for this reason. Good luck!

My die to share is the S4-159 Flower, a nested flower die set. (The largest die in this set is about 4" wide. To help you better understand the size of these die cuts, the cards I have created are 5 1/2" wide by 4 1/4" tall.)

I used the largest die to cut a focal point for my card.

I inked the inside non-cutting edge of the die with a brown chalk ink before cutting/embossing my image.  This gives you a nice inked edge.  I used a chalk ink for a shabby chic look.  I first learned about this technique from Michelle Jo Klomp.  Isn't it wonderful?

Next, I used the two smaller dies in the set to cut stiffened fabric.  Note: I often pickup retired fabric sample books from my local upholstery shop.  Nothing like taking trash and making it a treasure! 

I cut two pieces of contrasting fabric in each die and then ran it through my sewing machine.  I stitch a loose square and then pull the ends of the threads to gather the fabric up for a nice three dimensional fabric flower.  Aren't they pretty!  I finished off the centers with a glittery brad from Creative Impressions.  I dipped these into Creamy Brown chalk ink which grabbed the glittered surface and softened the white color to match my color scheme.

Next, I stamped my sentiment from Autumn Leaves in a first and second generation ink to get that nice dimensional shadow.  This technique is when you stamp your image once, and then move the stamp slightly away from the original image and stamp again without re-inking the stamp.

Then, I stitched my patterned cardstock, from Webster's Pages, to my card base and inked around the eges with a lime green chalk ink that picks up the subtle color of the leaves in the patterned paper.

I assembled all of the pieces and added a couple of ribbons with the brown and green colors, which are tucked under my fabric flowers.

The second card I made uses the die in a more traditional way, with a twist!

For this card, I cut the largest flower shape using Goldenrod cardstock from Worldwin Treasures.  Then for the embossing portion, I nested the medium-sized flower inside of the largest flower and ran them both through to emboss one shape inside the other.

I then placed both dies over the shape and used them as a guide to create a stitched look with my white gel pen.

I cut and embossed the smallest flower using Light Racy Raspberry by Worldwin DoubleMates and placed a glitter brad from Creative Impressions in white to the center of the layered flower to attach the flower to my card base.

A bit of stitched ribbon and a rubon sentiment adorn the bottom edge of the finished card.

Have you enjoyed the sneak peeks so far?  The new dies are expected to ship in August.  Woo Hoo!

June 30: Thinking Inking by Debbie Olson
July 1: Created From Paper by Jennifer Ellefson
July 2: Wickedly Wonderful Creations by Wendy Weixler
July 3: Embellished Dreams by Heidi Blankenship
July 4: Simple Dreams by Ellen Hutson
July 5: Caffeinated Thoughts by Michelle Klomp
July 6: Linda's Works of Heart by Linda Duke
July 7: Mish Mash by Michelle Wooderson
[today here! on July 8: Inkyheart by Sally Lynn MacDonald]
July 9: Cookies for Breakfast by Beth Pingry
July 10: PaperFections by Sharon Harnist
July 11: Today's Creations by Holly Craft
July 12: Donya Schroeder by Donya Schroeder
July 13: Follow Your Bliss by Trudee Sauer

Now, if you already have another die-cutting machine and need to know how to use Spellbinders dies with it, check out these YouTube videos. Don't forget that you can see more new dies every day at the blogs listed below. If you want to enter the contest, be sure to read the rules below very carefully.

If you have questions regarding the contest or entries, you should e-mail Spellbinders at spellbinderseditor@yahoo.com to ask them since this is an official Spellbinders Contest. Good luck!

Drawing Information

Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each of the 14 Spellbinders Sneak Peek Blog reveals as stated in the “Rules”. This name will be drawn to receive the die being revealed on said blog. These entries must follow all rules stated below to be valid for the drawing.

Entrants visiting all 14 Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peeks Blog reveals and correctly entering their information into the 14 separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a new RASPBERRY WIZARD and a $500 retail value die package!

Rules

Any participant wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek die give away must adhere to all of the following rules:

1. Participant must click on the provided drawing link on blog to enter each individual drawing on sneak peeks between June 30 and July 13.
2. Participant must type in the subject line the name of the die or dies being revealed.
3. Participant must send their entry for this blog before 12:00 midnight Central Standard Time on July 9th.
4. Participant is only allowed to enter each of the 14 Spellbinders sneak peek blog give away drawings one time per sneak peek. Participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for grand prize entry.
5. Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for drawing.

Any participant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek Grand Prize drawing, must enter the drawing from all of the 14 blog reveals and follow all the above rules.

Please note:

*Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.

*Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.

*Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communication other than to contact the winner.

*If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage and sign up: http:\\www.spellbinders.us

Time's up, ladies!  No more entries will be accepted for the contest from this blog/sneak peek.

Just to clarify, you have until midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, July 9th), Central Standard Time to enter the Spellbinders drawing for this particular post. I know that Feedblitz sent the notice 24 hours late (as usual), but Spellbinders built an extra day into each drawing for this reason. Good luck!

Stay tuned!!! Sneak Peek will be posted at midnight CST...

I may even make another project before then... :o)  Meanwhile, check out Michelle Wooderson's blog for today's peek!

http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/

See you later!