Distinctive Touches

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 7: Valentine Tag Topper

I can't believe that this is the last week of our Triple Play Hop! The past 7 weeks have been a blast... encouraging me to be creative and put together projects that are a bit "outside" my own crafty box... I've loved every minute of it!

 
This week we worked with the XL Die - Treat Bag Toppers by Eileen Hull.  There are three separate "toppers" along with a variety of other shapes to work with.  Of course, each one makes a GREAT little topper for a treat bag... but I saw something different for this die! 

Tag Toppers!!!  LOL

I used the smallest "topper" to create the topper for this Valentine's Day tag.  (It's hard to see under that bow... but it's there!) 

I also used some of the shapes that were included and paired them up with Verve's new set Text Objects and a light pink tag. Using Ranger's Adirondack Red Pepper ink, I stamped some words across the bottom of the tag and then stamped a large sentiment on the fancy die cut shape.  I also stamped various words on the two heart cut outs.  I lined around the edges of each die cut piece with a Copic R32 marker.  I lined the edge of the tag with self-adhesive pearl strips by Kaiser Craft and then assembled the tag using X-Press It Doubled Sided tape to adhere the elements.  I finished it up with a silver satin bow.  I can't wait to wrap up some love this Valentine's Day!

Supply List
656774 Treat Bag Toppers by Eileen Hull
Bazzill Basics Paper -Tutu Pink
Ranger Adirondack Red Peper Ink
Verve Stamps - Text Objects
Copic marker R32
X-Press It Double Sided Tape
Kaiser Craft pearls
Silver satin ribbon

You can check out more "Treat Bag Topper" inspiration by going directly to the Sizzix Blog or pop over to the next blog on our hop by clicking on the Triple Play Navigation Button below.

[ back ] [ Sizzix ] [ forward ]

 

Thank you so much for following along and checking out the Triple Play Blog Hop as we shared 7 weeks of inspiration! Please visit www.tripleplay.typepad.com for more fun ideas from Brenda Pinnick, Karen Burniston, Eileen Hull and friends. If you have enjoyed seeing all of the inspiring ideas on the blog hop, please "like" Triple Play on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Triple-Play/125068950891362.

Happy Holidays!"

A Silly Snow Globe

You know how some days you just feel the need to create?  That's how I felt yesterday... so I put aside some of my other projects and pulled out my stamping supplies. 

I happily stamped and colored away... while an idea was brewing in my mind.  I wanted to make a card that was different, unique, outside-the-box so to speak.  I cut and pasted and layered and tied.  The result? 

THIS! 

Bwaaahaaahaaa!  My spontaneous creativity flopped!  My "outside-the-box" should have been kept in the bag, my different wasn't good!  LOL 

These three guys from Whipper Snapper reminded me of a little snowy scene that you might find in a fluid-filled snow globe, so that's what I set out to create.  I ran into a few problems along the way.  While cutting the red layer (that was supposed to be my card base, I cut the top right off and ended up with two red globe shapes.  Well... that just wouldn't do, so I decided to mount one of them on a black card base... and this time I was very careful not to cut through the top... but it was pretty close.  I'll be honest and say I don't know that this card would survive being opened and closed more than once or twice. 

I wanted to create that nice shiny glass look, but UTEE tends to turn a bit amber in color, so I opted for about half a bottle of Inkssentials Glossy Accents!  yeah... there's about 5 pounds of glue layered over the image... I'm surprised it actually dried! 

And then to add that "snowy" look of a shaken (not stirred) snow globe, I added bits of diamond Stickles into the Glossy Accents as it was drying.  That part looks pretty cool actually.  I smacked it down onto the table a few times to flatten it all out and sort of integrate the Stickles a bit.  Worked like a charm!

Anyway... while it turned out NOTHING like my original (and brilliant) concept, it did make me giggle. 

Hey... did you notice anything new about my blog?  I've changed the format just a bit and now I have additional informational pages linked across the top (under the banner).  I figured it would be easier this way to present the information about my own Copic Certification Classes and the other activities I'm doing.  I've already got my first location picked out!  I just need to finalize the date and the details and we can start taking applications! 

Enjoy the rest of the day... and have a happy Friday!

Eat Up!

It's a HOT, HOT, HOT week here in Oklahoma and I'm enjoying every second of it.  The temps are supposed to be in the triple digits all week.  Sigh... love it! 

For all of you who think I never do anything but work, I just have to tell you about a fun little day-trip we took this past weekend.  A fried of ours is a member at this little "club" where members all own cabins on the river.  Most families spend the entire summer at the cabins and everyone knows everyone.  There is even a "main house" where meals are served if you don't want to spend the time cooking.  It's pretty cool.

Anyway... we tagged along and spent part of the day there on Saturday.  We arrived in time for lunch (burgers and hot dogs) and then jumped into canoes and "floated" down the river.  Along the way we hopped out (most of the river was only about knee deep) and did some fishing.  It was a blast!  After spending the afternoon floating down the river and soaking up the sun, we showered and headed out to a "cocktail hour" before dinner.  Dinner was a shrimp boil and boy... it was delish!  After a few more hours of socializing and making new friends, we headed home with full bellies and tired bodies.  It was bliss.

Of course, Sunday brought back work... and I spent some time in the studio making cards.  Here's one of my favorite ones from the bunch.  It's cute and simple. 

I've been trying to plan ahead a bit and do some holiday samples.  I can't remember who makes this stamp... but I use it every year around Thanksgiving.  I'm not a big turkey eater... I'd prefer ham... so this is right up my alley! 

I colored the image pretty simply with Copic markers.  I used my circle Nestabilities to cut out the image and mat it with the scallops.  The Happy Holidays sentiment is from SU. 

I haven't used Kraft card stock if forever... and I just love how this combination turned out.  (Kraft, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie)  I also used just a touch of Ranger's Distress Ink (Tea Stain and Marmalade) to grunge up the edges. 

A bit of paper piercing and a wide bow finish it off.  Quick and easy! 

Okay Peeps... I have to run.  I've got a card or two to work on before I head out to Tulsa for another pottery class.  (I promise to show pictures of some of my successful pots soon.)

Have a Happy Day!

Color and Texture - A Painted Canvas

Hi again... are you surprised that I'm posting two days in a row?

I got some time in during the past couple of days to do some more painting.  I don't paint people or landscapes... or anything else recognizable.  I like to do more abstract idea painting... you know, the type of stuff that nobody but the painter really gets.  LOL

I've been doing a lot of reading on creativity and doing a bunch of "soul searching" exercises and then taking those ideas into the studio.  It's been a lot of fun.  I'm learning to just sort of let go and create. 

These canvases are some of my first creativity inspired works.  I can't believe they took me WEEKS to do... and I'm not real sure they are finished yet actually. 

I started with some stiff molding paste... frosted it on in some places and tapped in on in others to create a variety of textures.  (I LOVE texture in paintings.)  Then... I just started layering!  The fist session I added four or five washes (paint thinned down to create a glaze) of blues... from light lavender to dark navy.  I added the color and blotted some of it off with a rag... leaving more color in the various textured areas. 

The second session found me adding more color with opaque layers of navy and black and white... mostly dry brushed on.  I also added some sprays with Stream and Lettuce Adirondack Colorwash Sprays from Ranger.  They were a lot of fun to use.  I spritzed some water on the canvas then to get the colorwash sprays to spread and smear a bit.  I had to spray the surface with a fixative before moving on to the next step or the colorwash sprays would continue to react with my paints.

The third session had me stamping some background patterns in white paint onto part of the canvas.  Since it's textured, the stamp didn't stamp clearly... but that is okay.  I also added scraps of painted book pages for a collaged effect.  I glued these on with Matte Medium and then added some drops and spritzes of colorwash spray again over the top. 

The last session saw me adding the pieces of metal mesh and the white cup rings.  I don't think I'm done yet... each time I look at them, I see something else to do or I feel the need to add something.  I think it's going to be some sort of text or writing...  but I'm not positive yet.  So far...each of the other layers sort of "spoke" to me and I just went with it... so I'm trying not to force the next step... if there is one. 

It was so much fun creating this piece... totally a process adventure instead of a "final product" piece... which I'm having fun with.  I'm actually thinking of offering an on-line class at My Creative Classroom this fall that takes you through the whole creative process like this... but I'm not sure there would be interest... what do you think?

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Hugs!

LOVE you...

I wanted to share a card with you today.  It's a bit different from my normal bright and vivid Copic cards, but I LOVE it! 

I was sort of sick all weekend (upset stomach and just ookie), so I spent some time curled up in front of the TV doing some coloring.  (Coloring always seems to relax me.) 

Anyway, I had been blog hopping and saw (I don't know where) a color combination that I really liked... it was Saffron, Teal, and Brown.  I picked this image with the plan of coloring it with those three colors.

Well, the you know what they say about the best laid plans.  My Saffron ended up turning into a rusty pumpkin color, and my teal turned into well... more of a turquoise.  That's okay... I worked with it. 

In the photo above, you can see the original image.  You can also see the vintage background paper that I picked to use on the card.  Ummm, they don't really work together do they?  

I decided to give a go at a technique that I taught myself with my Copics.  When I want to "tone down" an image, I use one of the grays to do it.  Here, I am looking for a warm look, so I used both W1 and W3... warm grays... to color over the image... which gives it a more subtle, muted look. 

See...

Then, since I was using patterned paper that was a bit distressed looking, I decided to go all out and distress the heck out of ALL my layers... image included.  Here you can see how I used both Tea Dye and Walnut Stain distress inks to grunge up my card stock and my image. 

Once I was done dirtying up my stash, I assembled my card.  The card stock is Real Rust and Not Quite Navy.  The rust layer is embossed with the screen texture plate and the "LOVE" is from clear stickers that I stuck on vintage patterned paper and cut out.  Overall... a pretty simple card, but I LOVE the warm feel of it.

Thanks for stopping in today. 

HUGS,

Colleen

Technique Tuesday - Polished Stone Plus!

Happy Day... Happy Day!  Hope you'e having a good one!  Just a quick post today with my technique.  I've got LOTS to get done.

Today's technique is a combination of two very simple alcohol ink techniques.  It's been awhile since I've played with my inks, so I figured it was time for some fun.  I call this the Polished Stone Plus... since it starts with the polished stone technique and then I add the drop and spread technique over it.  

You will need:

• glossy card stock
• 2-4 colors of alcohol inks
• alcohol ink blending tool
• alcohol ink blending solution

Here's how it's done:

1. Squeeze a drop of each color ink onto your blending tool.  (Did you know that you need to get the tip of the bottle down into the felt and then squeeze for about 2 seconds to get the right amount of ink?)
2. Pounce the brayer onto the glossy card stock.  Keep moving either the card stock or the blending tool so that the ink "spots" are random. 
3. Fill up the entire piece of card stock with ink
4. Now for the "Plus"part of the technique... Gently 'shake' the alcohol ink blending solution over the inked card stock.  Just give it a few shakes... like you are putting salt on some fries!  (You will notice that the ink on the surface moves and creates puddles on the paper.  COOL)
5. Lastly, take the darkest alcohol ink color and gently shake out a few drops onto the card stock also.  These spots will remain small and intact where they meet just ink and will spread and blend where they meet the blending solution. 

That's all here is to it!  Create breathtaking backgrounds in no time at all. 

Here I've stamped some flourishes in black, added a black layer and strip, and then added a quick sentiment on red.  EASY PEASY!

If you enjoy my Technique Tuesdays and want to learn even more awesome inking and stamping techniques, join my Stamptastic Techniques 101 (Beginner) or Stamptastic Techniques 102 (Intermediate) class over at My Creative Classroom.  Our spring term starts this week and there are lots of fun new classes being posted!  Head on over and check them out - and hey... bring your friends!

Happy Hugs!
colleen

Project 52 - #3: Artist Journal

Did you know that I'm an organization FREAK?  I organize my socks by color, I organize my shirts by length of sleeve, I organize my books by size, and well... I just organize! 

Since Project 52 is all about recording the events of your life, I figured this project was just the ticket!

This weekend I decided to add organization to my notes too.  You see, I have been reading a LOT of different art books lately.  I usually read a chapter or so each night after crawling into bed.  Of course, I usually find myself running across some super cool projects that I want to try out or some new techniques that I need to do.  I tell myself, "I'll have to remember that one."  ... and come morning, poof!  All those ideas are gone. 

I decided that I needed a journal.  Not one of those high-school, who's crushing on who types diaries, but a true artist journal... a place to write down ideas for projects I'd like to try, new techniques that I think are cool, quotes or readings that inspire me, and even a place to do some creative thinking.  Of course, I could have just dredged up an old spiral notebook, but you know me...  if it's for art... it's going to be "artified."  LOL

So... here is my very first "Artist Journal"  a place to keep all my artistic thoughts organized. 

I started with a chipboard journal that I pulled apart.  I frosted some texture paste onto the front and back cover and then stamped the Print Pattern (diamond) shapes into it while it was still wet.  Once it dried, I painted it with a bunch of washes from lilac to dark blue.  Then, I played with one of my FAVORITE collage type techniques.  I cut a picture from a magazine of a girl, glued it onto the cover, and then added a few layers of gesso to ALMOST cover the image.  Once it was dry, I drew in a face and added some hair.  Acrylic paints helped "flesh" her out and then I outlined her in black pen.  I tried stamping a quote on the upper left, but with the texture pattern, it didn't work, so I decided to hand write a quote... I thought it was cool to outline her with it.  It reads, "But if you have nothing at all to CREATE, then perhaps you CREATE yourself." 

Now I'm ready to fill this baby up with all the awesome ideas I stumble upon... and once this one is full, I'm definitely doing another!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Hugs,
colleen

Cow's It Going?

Just a quickie today... I'm taking a quick break from my writing to well... write!  LOL  I am in the middle of creating my materials for a new class that I'm offering this spring over at My Creative Classroom.  I am going to be teaming up with the UBER talented Kylie Hopkins to do a "scrap booking/creative writing" class.  I can't give too much away yet, but I CAN tell you that it is going to be a HUGE hit... I can feel it in my bones. 

So anyway... I took a few minutes this morning to whip up this card and I wanted to share it with you while I'm taking my break. (You'll have to excuse the greenish tinge of the white paper... I forgot to fix that in my photo editing software.)

This Whipper Snapper cow is just one of my favorite images (I know... I say that about all of them, but who can resist such a pretty cow?)  I stamped it in Adirondack black ink and colored it with my Copics.  I picked the bright greens and yellow for the colors from the grass and the bell in the image... plus, I wanted it to be bright and cheery! 

I sponged some shabby shutter distress ink onto the green layers and some scattered straw distress ink onto the yellow layers... and built it up.  I'm getting into the whole twist and tilt look with my layers.  I stamped "Cow's it going?" with my Karen Foster stamps and added a metal swirl, some brads, and a bright ribbon to finish it off.  I sure hope this brightens your day!

Thanks for stopping in today.  I'll be back tomorrow with another Thursday Throwdown!

PS - How do you like January's Blog Banner... a bit of Industrial Craft for you...

Hugs,
colleen

My Journey Starts: Project 52 - #1

Today I'll share my very first Project 52 piece with you.  (Don't know what I'm talking about?  Click HERE to read all about Project 52.)  

Remember, the idea is to record a year in our lives (one week at a time) by creating something that was inspired by an event, feeling, action, or happening for the week.  Well, I thought it was appropriate that I start with an event... since it is the start of the year.... and the start of my "artistic journey" (as I like to call it), I created this art canvas to commemorate the beginning of that journey!  Isn't it fantastic?

The process of creating this piece was a journey in and of itself... as I started with NO preconceived idea and just sort of felt my way through it.  At some point in the process, I let myself go and stopped caring about what the final product would look like.  At that point, I was creating just for the simple joy of creating... it was wonderful!

I started with a simple stretched canvas, "frosted" it with some texture paste, sprayed that with some Adirondack Color-wash Spray in Terracotta (more concentrated in some areas and lighter in others).  I then sprinkled some water onto that to give it a mottled look.  After this dried, I sprayed it with Krylon fixative (oops I forgot to spray the sides and my hands keep turning orange!).  I then collaged it with some old paper from a book that I had painted and some patterned paper that I sponged and distressed. 

To add some more texture, I heated up some beeswax and dipped some strings and yarn into it and let it cool.  I then placed the waxed fibers onto the piece and re-heated the wax to attach them.  (I felt almost like I was soldering the pieces... tee heee!)  I brushed on some heated wax, covering the area to the right of the fibers and then added some drops of red and burgundy wax also.  Once the wax cooled, I rubbed some Copper Perfect Pearls over it to give it a nice shimmer. 

I then stamped the "journey" sentiment onto the canvas.  (Here's a hint... when stamping on a textured surface, don't expect to get full coverage!)  I had to take a small paintbrush and fill in the missing parts.  I then added a few plastic fragments (three that were covered with alcohol ink - Red Pepper, and dipped in gold UTEE and one larger one that was backed with patterned paper and also dipped in gold UTEE.)  A few gold button charms finish the piece up! 

What do you think? 

I can't promise that all of my Project 52 works will be this involved... in fact, I'd bet most won't be... but I'm thrilled that this first project will start me off on my journey. 

Thanks for Stopping By!  Happy Creating!
colleen

Technique Tuesday - Bling A Bling!

Morning Peeps...  I figured it was time to put up my Holiday Banner... hope you like it!

I hear it's snowing up by some of you.  Brrrrrr, we had a few tiny flurries over the weekend, but nothing serious.   In honor of the white stuff, I made this simple card.  The image is from Whipper Snapper and it is one of my favorite winter scenes.  I like it because I can whip out a bunch of images in no time; the coloring is pretty simple.   For this sample, I used my Koh-I-Noor colored pencils and blended lightly with OMS.  The white parts aren't really just white... I shaded all of the white snowy areas with a very light blue to give it that cold feeling.  And to top it all off, I added Ice Stickles to the icy stuff dripping over the top of the word.  This card is in honor of my mom... who just found STICKLES!  And so my quick technique for today is adding a bit of bling to your cards... with Stickles.

Stickles are a glitter glue from Ranger.  They come in lots of yummy colors and now there are even new Distressed Stickles (with bigger chunks of glitter).  How do you use them?  Easy... they come in a tiny bottle (like ink refills but with a longer tip) and you just gently squeeze the bottle to apply the glitter glue anywhere you want.  Instant Bling! 

Now... there are some tips I've learned. 
#1 - The glitter is colored, but you can't use the glitter glue to actually color a complete image... (well, you CAN, but you won't get full colored coverage).  You need to color your image first and then add the glitter as an accent... it will pump up the volume on the color and add lots of sparkle.
#2 - If you are planning on embossing an image that you also want to add sparkle to, EMBOSS FIRST!  Otherwise you will end up with shinny sparkle on future embossing projects, whether you want them or not.  LOL
#3 - Add Stickles LAST...  I can't tell you how many times I've added my Stickles and then tried to draw in a stitched frame or add a stamped sentiment.  Yeah, sparkle is pretty... but not smeared all over your card!
#4 - On that same note... Don't Touch The Stickles!  I know you are impatient... and you are super excited about the blingy-bling on your card... but please... Keep Your Hands OFF!!!  At least until it is completely dry.  (And no, it's not a good idea to use your finger to test if the glob of Stickles is dry yet... leave it alone!)

There it is...  my Stickles Words of Wisdom.  If you haven't tried Stickles yet...  OMG... What are you waiting for??? 

Have a Sparkly Day!
colleen

PS - if you are really into learning some awesome new techniques, head on over to Tim Holtz's Blog... he is on Day 2 of his 12 days of Techniques... and there is a giveaway each day... he's amazing!

Santa's Lap - It's all in the details.

I have a card today that I can't wait to share!  I'm so super excited about how this turned out. 

As you know, I'm a coloring FREAK!  I love coloring in images using just about any coloring medium.  Lately though, I've been focusing on my Copic markers and my Koh-I-Noor pencils.  (Oh, and my Peerless Watercolor Papers... and my Twinkling H2o's...and acrylic paints...)  

I am just finishing up The Coloring Craze II over at My Creative Classroom and this last week's lesson is all about how to color in detailed images.  You know the ones... the Sandra Kuck and the Thomas Kinkade types.  So many people are intimidated by these - and I used to be too.  But... with lots of practice and TONS of patience, I learned how to create my own 'works of art' with these beautiful images. 

In class, I used this Santa's Lap image from The Saturday Evening Post collection over at CHF to demonstrate the technique.  I have to be honest and say that it took me more than an hour or two to color this image, but it was SO worth it!  I love how rich and vivid the results are.

I used my Copics to color it in and then I used Ranger's tea dye, antique linen, and walnut stain distress inks to give a slight distress look to each of the layers.  I pulled out some Basic Grey patterned paper and layered it with Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip card stock.  The rest is pretty self-explanatory. 

I am so thrilled with how this whole thing came together.  It obviously isn't going to be my fall-back holiday card (I would have had to start back in April to color them all)... but I may make a few more that are similar for the very special people on my list. 

Here's to a FABULOUS week.  Thanks for stopping by!
Colleen

Friday Featured Card... by TheresaCC

Good Afternoon!  I would have posted earlier, but today's card is a doosie... and it took me a while to get mine done.

I was browsing the SCS uploads yesterday and came across this gorgeous card by TheresaCC. It immediately caught my eye (and apparently lots of other eyes too).  I fell in love with the colors and the great distressing that was done on it.  After studying it for a bit, I realized that the layout was completely new to me and really was interesting.  (She has a mini-tutorial on her blog about how to make that awesome swirly border for the sentiment oval HERE.)  I decided that this was going to be my Friday Featured Card.  I didn't even go any further in the uploads.  I knew that this was the one for today!

I wasn't sure if I was inspired more by the colors (I have a color thing) or by the neat layout.  I figured that I wanted to try the layout... so off I went.  I started out by picking an image for the focal point oval.  I had the adorable Sugar Nellie knight stamp all colored with silvers, blues, and greens... and it fit perfectly, so I cut that out and prepared all my layers.  (I sponged weathered wood, china blue, and shabby shutters distress inks onto each layer of card stock.  I texturized the green layer with a screen pattern, and I mounted each layer on a piece of black card stock.) 

 I then made the big bow with silver wide organdy, thin blue grosgrain, and a piece of silver cord.  When I started putting my card together, I realized that the bow was too girlie for the knight image.  What to do, what to do???  I decided I liked the feminine look today, so I went in search of a more suitable image.  I came across this bird from my new Inkadinkadoo set and figured it would work.  I stamped it on white with black pigment ink and then sponged shabby shutters distress ink over it to cover the white.  Then, I set to work painstakingly cutting it out.  A few of the swirls at the bottom didn't survive the sharp blades, but I think it looks okay.   I fancied it up by adding some stamped swirls on the blue layer and the blue grosgrain ribbon on the left. 

If you look closely, you can see that I moved a few of the layers around a bit from Theresa's layout.  I do that a lot.  I have an original idea in mind and cut out all the pieces... and then I play around with them and move the around.  I moved the smaller blue layer off-center a bit to give me a more room for my sentiment (from Verve).

While it took me longer than I expected, I really like the results.  Thanks Theresa for inspiring me to be creative today.

Before I sign off for the weekend I just want to add a quick public service announcement (read - advertisement for my class...) LOL

My Everything Copic class starts on Monday!  Time is running out and it is filling up fast.  If you are interested in learning "EVERYTHING COPIC" hope on over to My Creative Classroom and sign up HERE.

Have a Super Duper Weekend!
Hugs,
colleen