Sunday, April 30, 2017

My Dear Puppy Stamp Using Mermaid Markers by Jane Davenport


This is such a sweet image of a boy and his puppy. Puppy hugs are the best! It makes me miss having our own pups. I colored the image with Mermaid Markers by Jane Davenport and American Crafts. There's a mini-review in the video and some final thoughts below the step-by-step.

I dug out my Doodlebug Design paper pad "Puppy Love" to use but I had already colored the image, so many of the colors didn't really match (I need to keep reminding myself - pick paper first, then color!). I did however find the perfect piece to make an embellishment; it came on a page of labels within the pad. I also used a couple sheets from their "Gingham-Linen Rainbow Petite Prints." I think I need to order more of this pad. The colors are fantastic!

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Making the Card

1. Cut red cardstock 7 x 10 inches; fold in half to form a 5 x 7 inch card base. Cut Desert Storm cardstock to 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 inches. Cut kraft cardstock to 4 1/2 x 6 1/8. Adhere kraft to Desert Storm, centering at bottom, leaving 1/8 inch space. Adhere turquoise ribbon by wrapping around top of panel, centering in gap, folding ribbon around the sides. I used tape runner along the back of the ribbon. Adhere panel to card base.

2. Cut Doodlebug Designs Gingham-Linen Petite Prints blue/green gingham paper to 4 3/8 x 6 inches. Adhere to center of kraft.

3. Cut watercolor paper to about 4 x 4 inches. Stamp My Dear Puppy image with waterproof ink (e.g. VersaFine Onyx Black). Watercolor the image using Mermaid Markers by Jane Davenport as shown in video below.


4. Die cut image using 2nd largest square (Spellbinders, Classic Squares Large). Die cut red linen sheet from Doodlebug Designs Gingham-Linen Petite Prints using largest Fleur de Lis Squares (Spellbinders). Adhere to card base as shown. I used On Point Glue by Imagine Crafts to get into the detail areas. Use dimensional tape to adhere image to center of Fleur de Lis frame.


5. To create the embellishment, I used the Making Memories Tag Maker along with the Large Circle Rims. The one I used is about 2 inches in diameter. I didn't realize that they are no longer being made until I started writing this post. Tim Holtz and Idea-ology are coming out with a Tag Press tool that's similar but I only saw the circle rims go up to 1 1/4 inches. You can, however, still get the Making Memories tool and a variety of tag rims at a reasonable price on eBay and Esty. I just traced around the rim on the image (from Doodlebug Designs Puppy Love, label page), cut inside the traced circle so it would fit inside the rim, then used the tool to flatten it. Adhere to card where shown using dimensional tape.

6. Tie a bow using the turquoise ribbon. Adhere where shown (I used Glue Dots).


Mermaid Markers Summed Up

These markers are bright and highly pigmented! Note that the dye based inks are not lightfast, meaning you should not expose them to direct light for very long or the colors may shift and fade. If you would like to preserve your art, you could coat it with a UV filtering finish, or just scan it and print it. The water brushes perform like most other decent water brushes - they sometimes distribute too much pigment but at other times not quite enough. Experience will help in knowing when to squeeze the base for more color as well as how hard to squeeze. Once empty, the brushes my be filled with water to use as a regular water brush or they may be filled with pigmented water or other dye ink. Some examples include a few drops of a Distress Ink reinker and water, Fireworks spray, or Distress Stain (add water as desired).

I did have a slight issue with markers having a few bristles on the brush bent down. I cut them off since there were not many. The instructions mention using warm water to reshape but since they were new, I didn't want to chance ruining the tips. In the future I may try this if any need reshaping.

The colors blend and mix well. I was able to make a variety of shades with these pigments, just like watercolor. They are transparent and may be layered like watercolor as well. Don't paint next to wet colors or the colors may bleed together; instead work on one area then move to another non-adjacent area until the first has dried. Once dry, you may add layers (glazing) to darken or change the color, just don't scrub too hard or it will reactivate the layer below. The paint may be lifted (lightened) somewhat by adding water, letting it sit for a second, then applying a paper towel. The paper will likely be stained though. You will get better results on paper with sizing, such as good quality watercolor paper. The colors don't seem to granulate, probably because they are dye based.

Using the markers tip to tip can create a beautiful, smooth gradient blend. Use colors that are not too close for best results (see video). Be sure to scribble off any excess of the other color before storing. The tip may have some staining but it will perform properly (this is also typical of other water brush markers).

This markers are fairly portable and since you may mix them, you can create virtually any color not in the set. For example, they would be good to take to a crop. I wouldn't recommend them for travel by plane unless in checked baggage; you might have to throw them out at security. Even in checked baggage, they may leak due to the pressure.

Overall, I think I will enjoy using these markers most for making background papers and in places where bright colors are suited.

Supplies
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Friday, April 14, 2017

Love to Hear From You with Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor and Distress Oxide Ink


When I saw this sweet little girl, I decided I would like to color her in soft colors. I chose a very girly pink. I used the new Distress Oxide inks to color the background, giving it some texture with drops of water. I also used Wink of Stella to give her dress and hairband some sparkle, plus Glossy Accents on the jar to make it look more like glass. The stamp Love To Hear From You is by Dreamerland Crafts.

Affiliate links may be included in this post. See Notice at bottom of blog. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There is no cost to you.

Making the Card

1. Cut Neenah Desert Storm cardstock to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Fold in half to form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base.

2. Cut another piece of Desert Storm about the same size as the card front (4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches). Stamp Love To Hear From You (Dreamerland Crafts) in the center using black ink (e.g. Memento Tuxedo Black). Note: if you use a stamp positioner, I recommend leaving the stamp in place - after coloring, many of the lines became dull. I used a black Copic Multiliner to go over all the lines but it would have been much easier to just stamp over it once the coloring was done.

3. Stamp the image on masking paper (I used Post-It Tape). Be sure it is dry before cutting around the image. Hint: cut on the black line so you won't have a ghost line around the image after blending. Place mask over image (ideally you should see some of the black line) and use an ink blending tool to apply Broken China Distress Oxide Ink around the girl, but don't go below the grass line. Be sure to soften edges as you move out. Cut grass off mask and replace mask over girl. Apply Peeled Paint Distress Oxide Ink over grass areas, softening edges. Spray and splatter with water. Let sit for a short time then dab with a clean paper towel to get a blotchy texture in the background.

4. Remove mask. Use a blending stump or small paint brush to apply blue under chair between the legs (you could also have cut this area from the mask with a kraft knife before applying Broken China but I find this easier). Shield image from bottom of chair up and lightly spray the area you just applied, dab. Note: don't worry if things aren't perfect - the pencils will can that.


5. Color image with colored pencils. I used Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor, which are oil based pencils. I have the full set but I found that I would have liked more colors, especially flesh colored. It was really difficult shading her skin. The medium and dark flesh colors are really fake looking so I ended up blending a multitude of colors including brown, gray, and light violet, going over each with flesh colors. I'm still not quite satisfied but the paper was becoming saturated (shiny). I used a little Sansodor (mineral spirits) on a stump to remove the shiny spots. You can fill in any blue or green areas that didn't enough ink, such as around the blades of grass. Use a light hand and it should fill in nicely. I colored the grass in various greens to give them more depth and shadow. Use a white gel pen to add highlights as desired.

6. At this point either re-stamp the image using your positioner or go over the lines with a black pen. I used a Copic Multiliner (size .2). Optional: add Wink of Stella to her dress and headband and Glossy Accents to the jar. Once these are dry, use a stitched rectangle die to cut out the image. I used the largest Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables die for this.

7. Cut a piece of pink cardstock a little bigger than the rectangle (step 6). Mine measures 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches. Adhere to card base.

8. Stamp "Thinking of You" in embossing ink (or VersaMark) on vellum. Emboss in white (hint: heat up your heat tool before bringing it to the vellum). Cut it as a strip (longer than card front). Wrap around card front as shown and adhere on back of card - leave a little more space on the right side for the bow. Use dimensional tape to adhere to card base.

9. Double up twine or jute if necessary, then tie a bow. Adhere to card where shown.


Supplies

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Friday, April 7, 2017

Rainbow Inked Argyle Congrats Card


This argyle background die by Frantic Stamper can be used to create more than just traditional argyle patterns. For this card, I wanted a rainbow look but with a twist. After blending the rainbow colors and die cutting, I reversed the pattern for something a bit more interesting (I hope). The cheery colors make a good backdrop for this congrats card. And check out how cool the crystal sequins look.

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Making the Card

1. Cut white cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; fold in half to form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base. Cut black cardstock 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches.

2. Cut a piece of white cardstock about 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches. Using Distress Inks (or Mini Distress Inks) and an Ink Blending Tool, blend from Mustard Seed to Chipped Sapphire (the full ordered list is in the Supplies). Add clear double sided adhesive to the back.


3. Die cut with Argyle Card Panel. Be careful to leave all pieces in the die if possible. Over a craft mat - above or to the side of your work area - flip die onto the craft mat and use a die pick or tweezers to poke out all pieces taking care not to lose any (the small ones are particularly annoying).

4. Remove backing paper from the frame and place in center of black cardstock piece (cut in step 1). Orient such that the colors go opposite to the triangle and diamond pieces off to the side of your work area. Working from bottom to top, piece in triangles and diamonds.

5. Die cut 4 or 5 copies of "Congrats" from white cardstock plus one from black cardstock. Line up and glue these in a stack with the black on top to form a thick word. Use a VersaMarker to coat (or tap in VersaMark ink); emboss with Holographic embossing powder. Top with Glossy Accents. Once dry, adhere to card where shown.

6. Adhere sequins where shown.


Supplies
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Monday, April 3, 2017

Dreamerland Crafts Embrace Your Dream Adventure Awaits Card


This is my first post for the Dreamerland Crafts design team! I absolutely love their adorable stamps! This image of a sweet little boy playing with his toy plane and dreaming of adventures is so precious. I wanted it to have a soft look to it so I decided to color the image with colored pencils (Faber-Castell Polychromos) and blend the pencil using stumps and Sansodor (odorless mineral spirits). Just be sure to use this in a well ventilated room (see package warnings). Even though the Sansodor is fairly odorless, it still produces toxic fumes. I keep mine in a small glass jar with a screw lid; I just open it to dip the stump in when I need it then I immediately replace the lid (sometimes I leave it loose if I'm using it a lot).

Making the Card

1. Cut sky blue cardstock to 7 x 10 inches. Fold in half to create a 5 x 7 inch card base.

2. Stamp Embrace Your Dreams using Memento Desert Sand (or other light colored ink). Use the packaging as a guideline. Trace over the eyes, nose, mouth, and part of the patch (looking back, I think I would have preferred to trace the patch in dark brown). Color image with colored pencils, going from light to dark. Use stumps and mineral spirits (in a well ventilated area) to blend areas as you go. Layer colors by staring with a light touch, blend, then layer more in darker areas for shading.


3. Die cut image using 2nd largest stitched circle die (or whatever stitched circle die fits best).

4. Find the following papers in the listed 6x6 pads:

My Mind's Eye Come Away With Me (#6x6203) - Tickets and Adventure Awaits Banner
Teresa Collins Far and Away (FA1010) - Map of North America
Authentique Durrable (#DUR020) - Fuel Gage


5. Cut map paper to 4 3/4 x 6 inches (long side going horizontally, see photo). Adhere map paper to card base where shown. Cut tickets as shown and glue to card base. From the fuel gage paper, die cut using largest stitched circle die (one size larger than the one you used for the image). Adhere where shown. Adhere image in center using dimensional tape. Cut around Adventure Awaits banner; adhere where shown using dimensional tape.

6. Cut three different washi tapes to fit approximately in the bottom left area. Cut tails into each; adhere where shown. Double up a length of twine, thread charm and tie bow. Adhere using strong adhesive (e.g. Glue Dots).


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Sky Blue, White
  • Dreamerland Crafts Stamp: Embrace Your Dream (D17012)
  • Ink: Memento Desert Sand
  • Fine Tipped Black Pen (e.g. .05 Copic Multiliner)
  • Colored Pencils: Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 Set
  • Mineral Spirits (e.g. Sansodor) - Read Package Warnings
  • Blending Stumps (Small)
  • Patterned Cardstock 6x6 Pads: My Mind's Eye Come Away With Me (#6x6203), Teresa Collins Far and Away (FA1010), Authentique Durrable (#DUR020)
  • Dies: My Favorite Things Die-Namics STAX Dies Inside & Out Stitched Circle
  • Washi Tape: Travel/Postal Themed (I used three different ones)
  • Twine: Red/White/Blue
  • Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Adornment Souvenir (Compass Rose)
  • Dimensional Tape
  • Glue Dots
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