I had the greatest time coloring this image by Darcie. It is a rather large image, so therefore, I had to take a couple of minutes to convince myself that the simplicity of this card is okay. That really, given the image and the meaning of the image, the image can do all of the work, and I want the design of this card to not to have to compete with layers and embellishements.
The image is stamped with Marvy Dye black onto Sterling Matte Coated paper from Arvey's and colored with Copic Markers. The lone brad is placed within the image. Can you find it? This card fits the LSC174 challenge on SCS which was to use brads only, but to incorporate it into the image.
And, come to think of it, it also fits WT172 challenge, which was to use birds. This cute little penguin qualifies for that.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Polar Bear Squares
I needed a break from all of my experimentation, so I thought I'd play along with Sketch Challenge #182 on SCS. I'm geometrically challenged, so let's just say I spent more time than most getting all of these squares to line up. I do like the sketch though.
I started with the patterned paper, not the image. Usually the image propels me through a card, but I thought this particular patterned paper would look very pretty. I then selected a corresponding image, the polar bear, from a company called Mostly Creatures. I stamped the image with Marvy Dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific paper. I colored the image with Copic Markers and covered the image using a Versamark pen. I then clear embossed the image. I then took a brayer and spread Big and Juicy waterfall dye ink over the panel, and then proceeded to sponge on Colorbox Wisteria chalk ink, Colorbox Ice Blue chalk ink, Brillance Pearlescent Purple Pigment ink, and Versamagic Malted Mauve chalk ink. I took a white Pen-touch pen for the dots, and added some brads and a frosty looking ribbon.
I like this. Probably the quickest card I've ever made. Please note: I'm not rushing the season by making this card. Not wanting winter to be here at all.
I started with the patterned paper, not the image. Usually the image propels me through a card, but I thought this particular patterned paper would look very pretty. I then selected a corresponding image, the polar bear, from a company called Mostly Creatures. I stamped the image with Marvy Dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific paper. I colored the image with Copic Markers and covered the image using a Versamark pen. I then clear embossed the image. I then took a brayer and spread Big and Juicy waterfall dye ink over the panel, and then proceeded to sponge on Colorbox Wisteria chalk ink, Colorbox Ice Blue chalk ink, Brillance Pearlescent Purple Pigment ink, and Versamagic Malted Mauve chalk ink. I took a white Pen-touch pen for the dots, and added some brads and a frosty looking ribbon.
I like this. Probably the quickest card I've ever made. Please note: I'm not rushing the season by making this card. Not wanting winter to be here at all.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Splash on Georgia Pacific
Wow! What a smooth "lay down" of color, compared to the othe two papers I've tested. And, to think that I get 150 sheets of Georgia Pacific cardstock for about half the cost of these specialty marker pads...a no brainer.
Thanks for putting up with my experimentation. I like not thinking about which colors to use, as I color this very fun-to-color image, yet I'm being stretched in layout along the way. It is all good for me. Maybe not so good for you. But, maybe with these results I'm posting, you'll get a feel for the paper differences and learn what to use, depending on the look you are going for.
Still got a couple more papers to experiment with, though I want to take a break from this image and this experiement for a couple of days.
Thanks for putting up with my experimentation. I like not thinking about which colors to use, as I color this very fun-to-color image, yet I'm being stretched in layout along the way. It is all good for me. Maybe not so good for you. But, maybe with these results I'm posting, you'll get a feel for the paper differences and learn what to use, depending on the look you are going for.
Still got a couple more papers to experiment with, though I want to take a break from this image and this experiement for a couple of days.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Splash on Copic Marker Pad
This image from Outlines Rubber Stamps is really fun to color. So, rather than put my Copic Markers away, I decided to use the same exact marker colors on different paper....this time, I colored on Copic Marker Bleedproof Marker pad. Essentially, this paper is so soft, it almost looks and feels like tissue paper. Not sure I like it that much, but perhaps, this effect may be called for at some point.
I thought too, that this might be a neat design a new layout challenge for me, seeing as how layouts are not a bit too difficult for me...haha!
So , stay tuned for coloring on Georgia Pacific cardstock, as I still haven't picked up my markers from my workspace.
I thought too, that this might be a neat design a new layout challenge for me, seeing as how layouts are not a bit too difficult for me...haha!
So , stay tuned for coloring on Georgia Pacific cardstock, as I still haven't picked up my markers from my workspace.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Splash on Manga
I went to Dick Blick yesterday and picked up a Manga artist pad that was on sale. Right on the cover of the pad it read, "Recommended For Use with Copic Markers", so I decided to give it a try.
The result...this card. I colored the image that was stamped with Marvy Dye black ink with Copic Markers. It felt very different, and I'm not sure if it was a color choice, or the paper, but there was some feathering or pillage (is that a word??) of the ink. But, I do like the softness of the colors, and I'm kinda proud of the layout I came up with, so I'll call this one a success. I'm anxious to try the "Offical Copic Paper" I bought as well. Maybe later today.
The result...this card. I colored the image that was stamped with Marvy Dye black ink with Copic Markers. It felt very different, and I'm not sure if it was a color choice, or the paper, but there was some feathering or pillage (is that a word??) of the ink. But, I do like the softness of the colors, and I'm kinda proud of the layout I came up with, so I'll call this one a success. I'm anxious to try the "Offical Copic Paper" I bought as well. Maybe later today.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Doorway
So, I felt like I needed to color with my Prismacolor pencils. When I saw today's inspiration challenge of Frank Llloyd Wright's stained glass saguaro cactus, then it was confirmed that I needed to pull out his image.
This, of course, is a Terry Medaris image. I believe it was the image that I first saw of all of his work. I used his coloring method (I'm rusty), along with his sample of this image to guide my coloring. It was good practice for me. The image was stamped with black Stazon onto Bristol Smooth paper.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I haven't even made it out of my doorway (except to take Sloopy out) to do anything. But, I'm not complaining. I enjoyed working on this very much.
This, of course, is a Terry Medaris image. I believe it was the image that I first saw of all of his work. I used his coloring method (I'm rusty), along with his sample of this image to guide my coloring. It was good practice for me. The image was stamped with black Stazon onto Bristol Smooth paper.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I haven't even made it out of my doorway (except to take Sloopy out) to do anything. But, I'm not complaining. I enjoyed working on this very much.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Inspiration Ric Rac Cupcake
When I saw Beate's current inspiration challenge #18, I knew I had to play with this patterned paper that I have. Then, when I saw that the Ways to Use It Challenge #171 was to use ric rac, well then that pushed me to make the following creation.
A definite detour from my style, but you can never have enough cards in the stash, can you?
The patterned paper is doing most of the work here. The ric rac is actually a stamp from Hero Arts, stamped Fire Brick Distress ink. The cupcake is a $1 stamp from Michaels. Colored with Copic Markers.
Okay, moving on.
A definite detour from my style, but you can never have enough cards in the stash, can you?
The patterned paper is doing most of the work here. The ric rac is actually a stamp from Hero Arts, stamped Fire Brick Distress ink. The cupcake is a $1 stamp from Michaels. Colored with Copic Markers.
Okay, moving on.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
"Pit"y Me
Oh my. Sometimes dreams do come true.
I was fortunate enough to get tickets in "the pit" at Riverbend in Cincinnati for the Chicago/Doobie Brothers concert. I've seen Chicago concerts for 22 years now...have had some bad seats, some good seats, some average seats through the years...but never, ever, had seats like those in "the pit". It is a whole new show when you have seat like these. You see the bands facial expressions, the way they interact with eachother and the way they interact with those in front. Unbelievable!!!
I toughed Lee Loughane not once, but twice. And, I was one of the the lucky ones to get Jason Scheff's guitar pick. Didn't get to interact with Jimmy Pankow, my hero, as he was sort of on the other side of the stage and didn't travel much. But, I'm not complaining. This concert was an absolute dream come true.
Right now, I'm working on identifying and tagging my pictures that I took over on Flickr, if you'd like to take a look and drool. Some are not that good, especially when viewed in large, but oh well. I was living in the moment so to speak.
And, because I'm still singing tunes as I make my way through my day, I used Sketch Challenge#181 to make a card that I've had in my mind for sometime now. It uses a Penny Black stamp, stamped with Marvy Dye ink on Sterling Matte Coated paper. Colored with Copic markers (I'm glad I got my grove back on that paper). I used the Chicago song title "Feelin' Stronger Everyday" for the sentiment, and generated it via the computer.
One of the best nights of my life. Every now and then, a person needs one of them, don't you think?
I was fortunate enough to get tickets in "the pit" at Riverbend in Cincinnati for the Chicago/Doobie Brothers concert. I've seen Chicago concerts for 22 years now...have had some bad seats, some good seats, some average seats through the years...but never, ever, had seats like those in "the pit". It is a whole new show when you have seat like these. You see the bands facial expressions, the way they interact with eachother and the way they interact with those in front. Unbelievable!!!
I toughed Lee Loughane not once, but twice. And, I was one of the the lucky ones to get Jason Scheff's guitar pick. Didn't get to interact with Jimmy Pankow, my hero, as he was sort of on the other side of the stage and didn't travel much. But, I'm not complaining. This concert was an absolute dream come true.
Right now, I'm working on identifying and tagging my pictures that I took over on Flickr, if you'd like to take a look and drool. Some are not that good, especially when viewed in large, but oh well. I was living in the moment so to speak.
And, because I'm still singing tunes as I make my way through my day, I used Sketch Challenge#181 to make a card that I've had in my mind for sometime now. It uses a Penny Black stamp, stamped with Marvy Dye ink on Sterling Matte Coated paper. Colored with Copic markers (I'm glad I got my grove back on that paper). I used the Chicago song title "Feelin' Stronger Everyday" for the sentiment, and generated it via the computer.
One of the best nights of my life. Every now and then, a person needs one of them, don't you think?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Alphabet For Joan
This is a card I made for my mentor, friend, former colleague...Joan. She was my professor at one time, and then it became my honor to work alongside her. She's retiring this month, so I wanted a special card to celebrate her special career.
The Inspiration Challenge #132 on SCS this weekend had us looking through the Acacia website. Pretty cool things. A wall picture entitled "Alphabet for Life" caught my eye, and I began generating some words and phrases that would be meaningful to Joan. In no time at all, I had my list....and then, I had to figure out how to turn it into a card.
I eventually arrived at using my computer to generate the text. Stamping everything out was just too hard to plan. Doing the text on the computer was even challenging...as the spacing in between the featured letters became difficult at times. When I FINALLY got the text the way I wanted, I then had to become friends with my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig so that I could place the square image stamp by Simply Stamped around the feature letter....26 times. Joy!
Paper is Neenah Solar White (and you don't want to ask how many pieces of this precious stuff got used before I got it right). Marvy Dye black ink, Copic markers, colored cardstock, patterned paper and ribbon were also thrown about on my workspace to make this card.
Though I'm guessing this card might leave those not in the field of literacy education scratchy their head, I know that I really like it! And, I know that she'll like it! And that's what matters.
The Inspiration Challenge #132 on SCS this weekend had us looking through the Acacia website. Pretty cool things. A wall picture entitled "Alphabet for Life" caught my eye, and I began generating some words and phrases that would be meaningful to Joan. In no time at all, I had my list....and then, I had to figure out how to turn it into a card.
I eventually arrived at using my computer to generate the text. Stamping everything out was just too hard to plan. Doing the text on the computer was even challenging...as the spacing in between the featured letters became difficult at times. When I FINALLY got the text the way I wanted, I then had to become friends with my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig so that I could place the square image stamp by Simply Stamped around the feature letter....26 times. Joy!
Paper is Neenah Solar White (and you don't want to ask how many pieces of this precious stuff got used before I got it right). Marvy Dye black ink, Copic markers, colored cardstock, patterned paper and ribbon were also thrown about on my workspace to make this card.
Though I'm guessing this card might leave those not in the field of literacy education scratchy their head, I know that I really like it! And, I know that she'll like it! And that's what matters.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Masterpiece of a Father
That's right. I have the best father in the world. I know everyone feels the same way about their father...but really, I do.
He's a masterpiece. So, with that thought, I decided to use this Close To Your Heart stamp set that I bought off E-bay a couple of summers ago, to create a Father's Day card for him. I stamped and masked the images with Marvy Dye black ink onto Sterling Matte Coated paper and colored with Copic markers. Boy did I struggle with the coloring, as I haven't used this paper in a couple of months. The ink pilled, and I probably wore out the colorless blender picking up the color. Note to self: Practice more with this paper.
Anyway, I decided to actually use a picture of my dad to put on the easel...as he is the masterpiece. I got the idea from the WT170 challenge, which is to somehow incorporate a photograph into your work.
The scalloped edge was cut out by me as I don't have Nestabilities (yet), nor do I have the patience for scalloped scissors. I simply traced a part of a My Sentiments Exactly package as a pattern. Worked!
Now, on to the gift. I haven't a clue. My Dad is very hard to buy for. This card was the easy part.
He's a masterpiece. So, with that thought, I decided to use this Close To Your Heart stamp set that I bought off E-bay a couple of summers ago, to create a Father's Day card for him. I stamped and masked the images with Marvy Dye black ink onto Sterling Matte Coated paper and colored with Copic markers. Boy did I struggle with the coloring, as I haven't used this paper in a couple of months. The ink pilled, and I probably wore out the colorless blender picking up the color. Note to self: Practice more with this paper.
Anyway, I decided to actually use a picture of my dad to put on the easel...as he is the masterpiece. I got the idea from the WT170 challenge, which is to somehow incorporate a photograph into your work.
The scalloped edge was cut out by me as I don't have Nestabilities (yet), nor do I have the patience for scalloped scissors. I simply traced a part of a My Sentiments Exactly package as a pattern. Worked!
Now, on to the gift. I haven't a clue. My Dad is very hard to buy for. This card was the easy part.
Super Sipper Summer, Version 2
I shared earlier that I needed a thank you card for the other lady that contributed to my Dick Blick gift card.
So, I've been playing around with color a lot. Looking for colors that go together, and those that don't go together. I had this image colored almost completely, and then made the error of making the couch a darker green. It looked horrible!
I'm struggling with color combinations, specifically shades of color. I'm trying to use the colors I see in patterned paper that I'm attracted to, however, I still struggle. I don't really know how to verbalize the problem, though I can say that I must remind myself that mistakes are opportunities for learning. My goodness, it seems that with all of my puttering this week, I've certainly made them.
Might be fun to show all of these mistakes sometime. Maybe I'll take some pictures.
This card...no different methodology than the other card like it....Neenah Solar white, Marvy Dye ink, and Copic Markers. Stamps from Bugawumps and from Rubber Stampede.
So, I've been playing around with color a lot. Looking for colors that go together, and those that don't go together. I had this image colored almost completely, and then made the error of making the couch a darker green. It looked horrible!
I'm struggling with color combinations, specifically shades of color. I'm trying to use the colors I see in patterned paper that I'm attracted to, however, I still struggle. I don't really know how to verbalize the problem, though I can say that I must remind myself that mistakes are opportunities for learning. My goodness, it seems that with all of my puttering this week, I've certainly made them.
Might be fun to show all of these mistakes sometime. Maybe I'll take some pictures.
This card...no different methodology than the other card like it....Neenah Solar white, Marvy Dye ink, and Copic Markers. Stamps from Bugawumps and from Rubber Stampede.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Sloopy and Gracie
As I may have mentioned before, Sloopy goes to "daycare" when I work. This "daycare" is actually just a lady and her house. Last September, she offered to take care of Sloopy whenever I was at work, as she just loved Sloopy. Of course, I took her up on the offer, and because of her I didn't have to worry about Sloopy during the day.
In November, she bought herself a long-haired dachshund, because she wanted a dog 24/7, rather than just the weekday eight hours with Sloopy.
When I saw this stamp from Cowtown stamps, I knew I absolutely had to have it, because it reminded me so much of Sloopy and Gracie.
I decided to make a card for this lady to thank her for the peace of mind she gave to me over the school year. I used SCS Sketch Challenge #180's layout. Stamped the main image with Marvy Dye black on a scrap piece of white cardstock. I then proceeded to color the image with Prismacolor pencils (I tried using Copic markers on another attempt, and just couldn't get the coloring right). The tag and the paws are from an acrylic set from Hero Arts.
I know she is going to love this, as she loves both Sloopy and Gracie very much.
In November, she bought herself a long-haired dachshund, because she wanted a dog 24/7, rather than just the weekday eight hours with Sloopy.
When I saw this stamp from Cowtown stamps, I knew I absolutely had to have it, because it reminded me so much of Sloopy and Gracie.
I decided to make a card for this lady to thank her for the peace of mind she gave to me over the school year. I used SCS Sketch Challenge #180's layout. Stamped the main image with Marvy Dye black on a scrap piece of white cardstock. I then proceeded to color the image with Prismacolor pencils (I tried using Copic markers on another attempt, and just couldn't get the coloring right). The tag and the paws are from an acrylic set from Hero Arts.
I know she is going to love this, as she loves both Sloopy and Gracie very much.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Super Sipper Summer
Two of my co-workers gave me a Dick Blick Gift Certificate as a going away present. (More Copics! Woot!)
Anyway, I thought this card would be an appropriate card to send as a welcome to summer/thank you card. Sorry if you are needing to adjust your monitor, but I like the bright colors, and I just adore the main image by Bugawumps.
You know the drill....stamped with Marvy Dye black ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock. Colored with Copic markers. Bug image and sentiment are from Bugawumps, the tropical drink image is from Rubber Stampede.
I hope to crank out another card out tonight for the other co-worker.
Anyway, I thought this card would be an appropriate card to send as a welcome to summer/thank you card. Sorry if you are needing to adjust your monitor, but I like the bright colors, and I just adore the main image by Bugawumps.
You know the drill....stamped with Marvy Dye black ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock. Colored with Copic markers. Bug image and sentiment are from Bugawumps, the tropical drink image is from Rubber Stampede.
I hope to crank out another card out tonight for the other co-worker.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
An All-Star Thank You
It is so nice to have time to stamp. Of course, I'm ignoring chores around the house that need to be done...but, oh well. I deserve it.
Speaking of deserving something, this is a card I made for a student I had this year. I'm thinking he will really like to receive some mail and I want to thank him for the Applebee's gift card he gave to me. The gift card was so unexpected, and so unnecessary...though I'm sure I'll love chowing down on some nachos real soon.
In his parents' mind and in his, I taught him how to read. I love to do that....the absolute joy of my profession!
Speaking of deserving something, this is a card I made for a student I had this year. I'm thinking he will really like to receive some mail and I want to thank him for the Applebee's gift card he gave to me. The gift card was so unexpected, and so unnecessary...though I'm sure I'll love chowing down on some nachos real soon.
In his parents' mind and in his, I taught him how to read. I love to do that....the absolute joy of my profession!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Content
The word of the weekend is content. I'm so relieved that summer vacation is here. I love the thought of having almost three months off. And too, I'm excited about my Kindergarten job (I received the key to the room on Thursday).
I'm also content because I have lined up some Ohio State Football tickets for the fall. Now, mind you, the hardest part about not working at the University was saying goodbye to my tickets. However, two of my former coworkers have very graciously sold me their tickets, so I'm good to go for fall. And that, is certainly reason too for my contentedness. (Is that a word? If not, it should be).
Anyway, I thought it might be fun to create two very similar cards using Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #51, and compare my coloring with Prismacolor pencils only to Copic Markers only.
First card pictured is colored with Prismacolor pencils. I really like how the stem and leaves turned out on this one. I stamped the House Mouse image with black Stazon onto Strathmore Bristol Vellum and colored using just the colored pencils. Even did the "wash" with colored pencils too.
The second card pictured is colored with Copic Markers. Not bad, though I'm not quite going for the lemony look of the petals. Oh well. Stamped the image with Marvy Dye black ink onto Neenah Solar white paper.
Very nice and relaxing to color again. Another reason for my contentedness...and I didn't have to think much, since the sketch was provided. I did learn in the design class to not feel guilty or unoriginal for using sketches.
I'm also content because I have lined up some Ohio State Football tickets for the fall. Now, mind you, the hardest part about not working at the University was saying goodbye to my tickets. However, two of my former coworkers have very graciously sold me their tickets, so I'm good to go for fall. And that, is certainly reason too for my contentedness. (Is that a word? If not, it should be).
Anyway, I thought it might be fun to create two very similar cards using Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #51, and compare my coloring with Prismacolor pencils only to Copic Markers only.
First card pictured is colored with Prismacolor pencils. I really like how the stem and leaves turned out on this one. I stamped the House Mouse image with black Stazon onto Strathmore Bristol Vellum and colored using just the colored pencils. Even did the "wash" with colored pencils too.
The second card pictured is colored with Copic Markers. Not bad, though I'm not quite going for the lemony look of the petals. Oh well. Stamped the image with Marvy Dye black ink onto Neenah Solar white paper.
Very nice and relaxing to color again. Another reason for my contentedness...and I didn't have to think much, since the sketch was provided. I did learn in the design class to not feel guilty or unoriginal for using sketches.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
I Need Some Cards
....and this is all I have to show for the weekend. Though, I love it!
This is a card I made for a lady at work who is retiring. She and I have had an interesting working relationship, and there are times when I would have like to have said, "Take-Off" to her and I'm sure she's felt the same way sometimes towards me. Most thought I would take over her position when she did retire, which used to be my position before I left to work at the university.
But, surprise, surprise. We became sort of close this year, and I observed all of the crap that she had to endure, so I said "no thank you" and took the Kindergarten job. I couldn't be happier about this as you know, and I am pretty sure she likes our fun, nonthreatening relationship we now have. She's a breast cancer survivor to boot, and I think somehow along the line, we've both learned that life is much too short to do something that doesn't really make you happy. So, I'm hoping she'll take this whimsical card the right way.
Inside sentiment says, "and enjoy!". The main image is a Suzy Toronto image from Art Gone Wild that is just too fun to color. It feels good just to color and create again, as the inchies, onesies, and design class sort of put me out of my element for a while. The image is stamped on Neenah Solar White paper. I used Copic Markers (and will be certificed in July in Milwaukee!!!) to color once I stamped the image with Marvy Dye black. Cuttlebug, patterned paper, chalk pom-poms colored with a Copic marker were also used. The sentiment "Take-Off" is actually a magnet that came from a collection of magnetic words I received as an advertisement for investing. Hehe! The layout is from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #50.
I hope to have some more cards to post soon. I'm in major, major need of some thank you cards THIS WEEK! Stay tuned for more.
This is a card I made for a lady at work who is retiring. She and I have had an interesting working relationship, and there are times when I would have like to have said, "Take-Off" to her and I'm sure she's felt the same way sometimes towards me. Most thought I would take over her position when she did retire, which used to be my position before I left to work at the university.
But, surprise, surprise. We became sort of close this year, and I observed all of the crap that she had to endure, so I said "no thank you" and took the Kindergarten job. I couldn't be happier about this as you know, and I am pretty sure she likes our fun, nonthreatening relationship we now have. She's a breast cancer survivor to boot, and I think somehow along the line, we've both learned that life is much too short to do something that doesn't really make you happy. So, I'm hoping she'll take this whimsical card the right way.
Inside sentiment says, "and enjoy!". The main image is a Suzy Toronto image from Art Gone Wild that is just too fun to color. It feels good just to color and create again, as the inchies, onesies, and design class sort of put me out of my element for a while. The image is stamped on Neenah Solar White paper. I used Copic Markers (and will be certificed in July in Milwaukee!!!) to color once I stamped the image with Marvy Dye black. Cuttlebug, patterned paper, chalk pom-poms colored with a Copic marker were also used. The sentiment "Take-Off" is actually a magnet that came from a collection of magnetic words I received as an advertisement for investing. Hehe! The layout is from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #50.
I hope to have some more cards to post soon. I'm in major, major need of some thank you cards THIS WEEK! Stay tuned for more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
