More Nature!

I know, I know, I use way too many nature and botanical stamps.  I just can't help myself.  I made these cards for a friend, now I just need to find time to see her.  I think we need to have some french press coffee at my favorite place, The Good Cherry.  MMMMMM.  Hope you enjoy the cards.

And the inside...

 Number 2 (with a little Flower Soft on the cattails)

And the inside...

Watercolors with re-inkers- A Tutorial

I had so much fun painting last weekend.  When I saw these stamps, I knew that they had to be mine. They remind me of the view I live with every day and could not live without.  It is truly magnificent here in Virginia.  I used stamps from Close to my Heart and re-inkers and Aquapainters from Stampin' Up. The best part of watercoloring is that it is forgiving...If you make a mistake you can minimize it with more water or just layer another color on top.   I hope you enjoy the pics and the tutorial.

Step 1:  Heat emboss an image onto 140 lb cold press watercolor paper.  This paper is very thick and absorbent and in my opinion, the best for this technique.  Lighter weight papers will curl with this much water. 

Step 2:  Prepare re-inkers by placing 2-3 drops of re-inker in a palette with some water.  For a darker and richer color, use the re-inker alone.  Use an Aquapainter to paint.  It will provide additional water which allows for increased spreading.

Step 3:  Begin with the lightest color first.  Apply color lightly, you can always add more later.

Step 4:  Continue adding colors until you are satisfied with the look.  If you get color in an area that you do not want it, you can remove it with using extra water from your Aquapainter and a short flicking motion.  To get the colors to run together, work in areas adjacent to one another.  Let each color dry shortly between applications so that a depth of color will be achieved. 

Step 5:  You can add shimmer with one of my new favorite things, Twinkling H2O’s.  They are like regular watercolors, except they have an extra pearly finish when dried.



Step 6:  Continue adding color until you are satisfied with the results.



Step 7: Add random squiggles with a white gel pen so that it emulates sun shining on the picture.  Finish the card as you wish.

Cherish the Day and a Tutorial

Here's a simple card inspired by an article in the month's Cardmaker Magazine.  They showed how to make a super-easy pinwheel that you find on so many trendy cards right now.  I just had to pass the trick along since I thought it was so clever.  This would make an awesome card for a class.  Hmmmmm....

Here are the steps along with photos:

Step 1:  Punch out a scalloped square.  I used SU's 1 1/2" square punch.

 Step 2:  Cut into the square on the four corners about half-way. 

Step 3:  Fold each half-corner into the middle, leaving the other piece flat.

Step 4:  Place a glue dot or small amount of adhesive in the middle to hold down the flaps.

Step 5:  Add a button or brad to finish it off and hide the middle.  TA-DAH. Easy-peasy!

Soda Gusher

Just a quick post today to say "Whew....the Science Fair project is officially D O N E."  James and his best friend, Zachary, have been working on this project for months.  It required planning, writing and exploding stuff (the best part).  Then, I kicked in and helped them organize their data on a tri-fold board.  Steve showed them how to make graphs on Microsoft and then all of it was printed out.  Then I got to take out my trusty old (and I do mean old---I got it the month they came out) Cricut and got to work.  I am so thankful for this little machine---it really made the difference in the presentation.   The boys cut, positioned and pasted it all down and the end result is fabulous.  The trifold is a giant scrapbook page.  I hope they get an "A".  They certainly worked hard on their project. 

 

Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow

Being married for 12 years (almost) to a Pittsburgh Steelers fan is always interesting.  I know that, without a doubt, every game will be spent watching and yelling at the television.  I am also aware that the season starts in July (training)  and ends (hopefully) with a SuperBowl win.  {Alas, not this year.}  The intrigue surrounding the arcane rules of rating draft picks are beyond me. It must have something to do with missing a "Y" chromosome.  Songs are even written about the Steelers.  My hubby introduced me to the latest locker room tune, "Black and Yellow".  And it is stuck in my head.  Day and Night.  It's a great song, but it is wearing on my last nerve.   

Consequently, when the latest challenge issued by a good friend (Black, white and one other color) this is the direction I went.  I had a million ideas in my head, but this is the one that finally climbed out.  It was really hard for me to limit myself to just one color---and graphic is really not my style.  However, I have found that when I am being stretched beyond my limits that is when I grow.  Hence, some growth in a new direction.  And I think I like it.  (Even if I am still singing that dang song)

Supplies
Stamps: CTMH Treasure Life, K and Co swirls
Paper:  SU Whisper White, Basic Black, Summer Sun, Day and Night DSP
Ink: SU Summer Sun Craft, Black Staz-on
Accessories:  Big Shot, embossing folder and dies, Clear embossing powder, baker's twine-Martha Stewart, Buttons-SU, Punches-SU