Distinctive Touches

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

Technique Tuesday - Collage Stamping

What a difference a day can make!  Yesterday it was a balmy 65...and this morning it is a chilly 18!  It seems like a perfect morning to curl back up under the covers.

Today I have a card to share (and a technique) that will brighten up your day no matter how cold it is outside. 

You all know that I LOVE to color in my lined image stamps, but sometimes it's nice to get back to the basics of stamping.   THIS card does just that!  With just a few simple steps, I've made a collaged and layered card that looks much more detailed than it is.  

Here's how to do collage stamping...

1.  Pick a main image for your card/project.  It can be a photo, stamped image, transfer... here I'm using a Homespun Cotton Scrap from Crafty Secrets with the sunflower and bluebird.

2.  Pick three or four stamps that will work well together and work with your main image.  (I like background stamps and used By Definition, French Script, Print Pattern.  I also picked a few different flourish stamps.)

3.  Start by stamping one of the images onto a piece of card stock.  Try to stamp crooked or on only half the paper.  Use a light color.

4.  Stamp a second image onto the same piece of card stock.  Again, try not to be perfect.  Stamp only part of the image and don't cover up the entire first image.  Use a medium/light color.

5.  Stamp a third image onto the same piece of card stock.  (Do you see a pattern here?  LOL)  Again, only add a small portion of this image and leave the other stamped images visible.  Use a dark color. 

6.  Use this same process on at least three layers for your project.  On each layer, use the same set of stamps and colors, but mix them up in different ways.  You may decide to only use two or three images on a layer instead of three or four. 

7.  Once you have your layers "collaged" you can start assembling them.  I start by matting each layer with one or two different colors.  I like to play around with my layout before gluing anything down.  Start building from the back with the largest layer and move towards the front, overlapping the layers in areas. 

8.  Add any embellishments and/or sentiments to finish the piece off.

Voila... A beautifully collaged card that LOOKS difficult... but isn't!

Thanks for stopping in today.  Have a WONDERFUL one!

colleen

Technique Tuesday - Super Simple

Guess what happened last night?  We had a HUGE thunder storm... the whole shebang... thunder, lightening, wind, driving rain... all night long!  I guess just south of us there were tornado warnings!  Who would have thought that we would be having a "spring" storm in the middle of December?  They predicted snow for today... but since it's still in the 60's, I'm thinking not... (well, I'm hoping not!)

 Anyway... I want to share a super simple card with you today.  Since we are all so crazy busy this time of year, sometimes simple is the way to go.  I actually made this card with pieces from my scrap basket.  All I had to do was assemble it and add a bit of ink. I always think white card bases make for snappy looking simple cards, so I started with that.  Then I added a dark green layer for contrast.  That layer had been run though my Big Shot with the Textile Cuttebug embossing folder.  Then, I added the last layer... I had also embossed this white piece with the fancy heart folder.  I ticket punched the corners of each (just too add a bit of shape) and stamped a sentiment on the bottom of the white embossed layer.  After assembling it and popping the smaller white layer up for dimension, I decided it needed just a bit of something.  I wanted to keep it simple... with no real embellishments, so I decided to make the embossing stand out on the white piece.  I used the brush tip of my SU markers and carefully added ink to the raised design.  That really made it pop!

Voila... a super simple card that packs a lot of punch.

Here are some tips for "keeping it simple"

1. Simple cards don't have to be boring - add "fancy" by embossing or inking.
2. Limit or eliminate embellishments.
3. Keep the layers to a minimum.
4. Make sure all of your layers are lined up perfectly!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I send you all Warm Winter Wishes! 

Hugs,
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!

Technique Tuesday - Painting with Pearls

Since I had so much fun playing with my Perfect Pearls last week, I wanted to bring them out again and show another cool technique with them.  It's super easy and takes just a few minutes to do.  Whether you are a pro painter or not, you can create beautiful images with Painted Pearls.

Here's how I used the technique on this card:

I stamped my image (vintage Santa) onto some black card stock and then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder.  Once that was cooled, I added a small amount of Perfect Pearl (the color) to some water to make a think paint.  I then used a brush to brush the shimmery water onto the embossed card stock.  The embossed areas actually resist the paint while the black card stock soaks it in... leaving a gorgeous painted image.  You can use lots of different colors to paint in your image... I just wanted a monotone look, so I used the pearl color alone.  Just blot the extra Perfect Pearl paint off the embossed areas and you are done.  Easy as pie!

I finished my card by layering the image on black and silver card stock.  I stamped French Script on the upper portion of the silver and added some silver Stickles and a silver thread.  This is one of those techniques that is easy... but looks pretty fancy!  I wish you could see it IRL... so much shimmer!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'll see you back tomorrow!
colleen

Technique Tuesday - Using Perfect Pearls

Boy-oh-boy... it's going to be one BUSY week!  And I can't wait for all of the fun and exciting things I get to do.

I have been helping out the new president for Habitat for Humanity get things organized.  You all know me... the Organizational Queen!  Well, we found out that there were binders upon binders of manuals hidden in boxes, in cupboards, in closets, and in file cabinets at the office... some up to 20 years old!  No wonder no one has the same information about the committees!  So, we are going through and tossing the old.. and ordering all new ones.  But of course, we have to go through all the old ones and pull the worksheets and tracking sheets that the chair people have added throughout the years.  What a dusty job!  On top of that, we are just gearing up for our annual Chocolate Fest... our big fund raising event.  So I'm sure I'll be out knocking door-to-door looking for participants and donations for that soon.

There's lots of other fun stuff this week, but you didn't come here to hear me ramble on about my hectic days... you came for TECHNIQUES!  

Today's technique is one that is so super simple... yet yields such magnificent results.  I LOVE it!  There are a bunch of different names out there for it... but I'll just call it Popping Pearls.  Isn't it gorgeous? 

 It's easy... just take some clear embossing ink, stamp an image... and then brush on Perfect Pearls!  The mica powder sticks to the embossing ink and the image suddenly appears... in all it's shimmery glory!  I like to use a bunch of different colors of Perfect Pearls... I just dab my brush into the container, tap it onto the inked card stock and then wipe the brush on my pants (that would be why my jeans are blingy!)  I then add another color and another.  Once I'm done tapping on all the color, I take a fluffy brush and gently brush the excess powder away.  Voila... an image that shimmers and sparkles yet is soft and subtle. 

I needed a quick card for a friend who was going in for surgery this week so I whipped this card up.  With this technique.. it took all of two minutes!  How awesome is that?

Okay... I'm off and running.  I have class this afternoon and then a board meeting tonight.  I'll see you again tomorrow... I hope you'll stop back in!

Hugs,
colleen

PS - I still have not figured out what is wrong with the Goggle feed for some of you.  I added a whole new button for goggle and it works for me on another computer... so that might help.  I also took the whole RSS FEED off completely as it seemed to always link my old site.  So... hopefully you can get your Goggle Reader to work now with the new button.  You may have to delete your subscription and add it again... who knows.

Technique Tuesday - Faux Burning

Wanna see another really col technique?  Of course you do... that's why you're here!

Today I want to share a technique that is soooo easy.  If you like the look of vintage photos (a bit beat up, torn, and possibly burned), you will love the Faux Burning technique. 

I started by taking some vanilla card stock and creating a tag.  I then burnished on all sorts of distress inks.  (Tea Dye, Scattered Straw, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, and Soot)  I added the lighter colors to the whole tag (leaving the center bright) and then added the darker colors to the sides.  To create the burned look, I pulled the card stock across the top of the Soot ink pad until there was a bead of ink along the edge.  I then took my foam blending tool and made quick pulls towards the center.  This drags the black color in random patterns along the edge...giving it the start of the burned appearance.

Once I ink up the edges, I then use a distressing tool to tear up and bend the edges a bit.  This step really helps give it that burned... some parts are missing... look.  I then add more soot distress ink along the edges to cover up the exposed tag edges. 

Then... stamp an image!  I used this Tin Can Mail stamp from Inkadinkado.  I wanted to keep the "dark" look so I stamped it in Soot also.  Once the image was dry, I added a bow with organdy ribbon and printed a name on it.  I have this grand idea to dress my Christmas table with old, vintage, black and cream stuff.  (Who needs the traditional red and green?) 

I thought these would make great place tags.  Or... if I got really energetic, I could make up a bunch with different images and do a "distressed tree" this year.  Hhhhmmmmm, I better get on that... Christmas is only a month and a half away!

Hugs to all!

colleen

Technique Tuesday - Painted Beeswax

Today I want to share with you one of the projects that I made using a technique I learned from Suze at Ranger U.  Part of her class dealt with using Beeswax in the melting pot.  Now... I've never used beeswax before... wasn't really interested... until I saw the cool things it could do! 

Like this!!!  OMG... how awesome are these?  I made them for my mother for her birthday.  Guess how I made them... come one... guess!  They're NAPKINS!!!  Yup, that's right... good o'l paper napkins!  I was at HL and found these gorgeous festive napkins and knew immediately that I wanted to try my new beeswax technique with them.  (Got THAT clever idea from the Melt Pot Queen herself!) 

I pulled the layers of the napkins apart, applied Claudine's new multi medium to some canvas, smoothed the napkins onto the canvas, and then folded and tucked the corners and edges around to the back where I applied more multi medium to hold them tight. 

Once the covered canvases dried, I heated up some beeswax and got an old brush ready.  I quickly (wow... that stuff cools pretty darn fast) painted on layers of beeswax... focusing mostly on the edges and sides of the canvas.  I applied it right over the napkin... sealing it in and giving it an awesome texture!  Once that cooled, I put some gold metallic alcohol ink onto my applicator and pounced around the edges and along the sides to sort of give it a gilded look.  I also spruced up some fall leaves, some buttons, and a metal sentiment with the gold ink.  I painted a grunge board swish with my gold paint dauber, applied more gel medium, and then sprinkled some Beadazzle Beads over it. 

I think the whole thing is just yummy!  I can't believe how easy it is to use Beeswax for this neat home decor project.  it would work work just about anything... your favorite fabric, napkins, patterned paper... your own drawing or painting.  Ohhhh the possibilities are endless! 

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll see you tomorrow.

Colleen

Technique Tuesday - Distress Paint Collage

I learned SO much at Ranger U... it will take me MONTHS to process all of the awesome new techniques that were covered.  Some of them I already knew, but most were completely new to me... like this one.  On one of the days we spent with Tim we covered "everything distressed" and man... Tim knows distressed!

This one turned out to be one of my favorite techniques.  Not only because it uses multiple products, but because it uses inks, stamps, AND paints... and you all know I love my paints.  But this paint is different... this paint is DISTRESSED!  Yup... slap it on... let it dry... and voila... crackled, distressed paint!  Amazing. 

Here's how to make a Distressed Paint Collage:

1.  Take a tag or sheet of neutral cardstock and ink it up!  I am using some Cut and Dry foam to apply a variety of distressed inks.  (The cut and dry is WAY better than the scrubby old sponges I used to use.)  Just go nuts...add a few colors on as the base.  Notice that I leave my center a bit lighter.

2.  If you want... stamp a background lightly over the inked cardstock. 

3.  Grab some of that Distress Paint and slap a swatch on to one side (or the top or the bottom) of your paper.  Try to get it thick in one spot and thinner as it gets to the edges... that way you will have different size crackles.  Let this dry... be patient!  (Once the paint STARTS to crackle... you can help it along with a heat gun if you just can't wait!)

3. Stamp an image.  Part of the image should cover the painted surface. (You can do this before adding more inks to the background or after... since you are using Distressed Inks, they will blend a bit if you stamp your image before... which is the effect I wanted for this dragonfly image... you know.. to make it look like the wings were moving.)

4.  Take a damp towel (the inky binky) and wipe over the paint... this will remove the inked image... making it look as if the stamped image is hiding behind the painted section... WAY cool!  Try not to get the rest of the image wet as the inks will smear.

5.  Continue adding distressed inks and grunge it up!  You can add walnut ink over the paint and really rub it in... that way it gets in all the cracks and makes it really vintage and distressed!

6.  Add any additional images and/or layers you want to create your collage.  If you want images to show up in front of the painted layer, just leave it on... don't wipe it off.

How cool is that?  I NEVER would have thought I needed more paint... but ohhhhh, I NEED these!  Who wants to wait EONS for real weathered paint when BAM... you can get it in a matter of minutes? 

Here is the tag that I made.  I LOVE it!  I have to be honest though, the very first time I did this... during the class, I messed up and smeared the stamped image and then sort of muddied the colors and just made a general mess of things.  This is probably my 5th time now doing this technique... and it gets better each time!  So have at it... practice and play!

Hope you enjoyed this technique.  Come back tomorrow for details about Suze, Claudine, Tim and my day one at Ranger!

Hugs,

Colleen