December 23, 2013

Peace, Love, and Magic

A wish for peace...
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and lots of love...
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and may the magic of the season be in your heart.
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Thank you for all of your visits and support.
It means so much to me.  
See you in 2014!

December 20, 2013

Studio Sessions: Memento Luxe Inks, 4 of 4

It's our final day of Studio Sessions--well for now, anyways. I know I'll be back in the studio with my blogging buddy, Elizabeth, very soon!
Studio Sessions
It's been a TREAT to feature the following and I know I will be continuing to reach for these inks lots in the future.
studio sessions featuringm luxe
Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Memento Luxe Ink
Additional Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Inspiration on their FACEBOOK PAGE
For my final project, I used the rich pigment ink for a mixed media project.  Because the ink is archival and very "juicy," I was able to complete this 12 x 4 inch canvas using only paper, gel medium, and my inks! No paints required!
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Here are a few stepped-out photos to show you my process.
First, I adhered an old piece of sheet music I purchased at second hand store randomly to my canvas using gel medium. I then pressed my Wedding Dress ink pad all over the canvas.  This brightened up the old, yellowed paper.  
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I die cut several pieces of cardstock using Penny Black Creative Dies, Leaves.  I inked these die cuts using the Memento Luxe Inks.  Once dry, I adhered them to my canvas using gel medium.  The word "love" was part of the title on the sheet music.
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I then inked the background using the inks.  Toffee Crunch ink gave the piece a vintage feel.
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Next, I added dimension around the die cuts using a Fantastix and Tuxedo Black Ink.
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Before the background inking was dry, I placed a stencil over the piece and randomly removed ink using a baby wipe.
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Finally, a bit of stamping and even more inking to the edges finish off the piece.
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Here are a couple close-ups of the detail I was able to achieve simply using Memento Luxe inks with die cuts, canvas, and stamps.
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Now it's time to see what Elizabeth has designed today.  
I can't think of a better way to start the weekend full of inspiration!
Studio Sessions
Thanks for your visits this week, my friends!

December 19, 2013

Studio Sessions: Memento Luxe Inks, 3 of 4

Studio Sessions

studio sessions featuringm luxe
Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Memento Luxe Ink
Additional Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Inspiration on their FACEBOOK PAGE

While yesterday I used my inks to create a background, today I used them for some delicate, detail stamping.
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I began with a white ATC-sized Inchie Arts Art Square.  The surface of the matboard squares are very similiar to a hot press watercolor paper so they work great with the "wetness" of the Luxe Inks.
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To create this ATC I used the striking blue colors of Memento Luxe Ink: Bahama Blue, Danube Blue, and Nautical Blue.  Blue's can be tricky, but I LOVE these!  I inked my stamp (Lace Trims by Penny Black) and alternated colors, stamping vertically across the Art Square. Once dry, I added just a touch of Teal Zeal Memento Ink using an ink blusher, in order to tone down the white background of the Art Square.  Finally, I inked my die cut (Penny Black Love Buds) using Danube Blue Memento Luxe Ink and added it to my ATC using dimensional foam.  Twine (May Arts) and a pearl pull the design together.
Now, after seeing Elizabeth's pillowcases yesterday, I can't even imagine what she's designed today in her studio... let's go check it out!
click here
And if you're looking for additional Inchie Arts inspiration, visit their their BLOG and FACEBOOK page. 

December 18, 2013

Studio Sessions: Memento Luxe Inks, 2 of 4

Did you see Elizabeth's card yesterday? What an infusion of rich color!
Thanks for joining us today for project 2 of 4.
Studio Sessions
studio sessions featuringm luxe
Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Memento Luxe Ink
Additional Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Inspiration on their FACEBOOK PAGE
Instead of applying the Memento Inks to my stamps today, I applied them directly to an Inchie Arts Art Square to create an artsy background. I love that these inks are so versatile and can be used to create backgrounds, too!  
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I started with a white Inchie Arts ATC Art Square. This was perfect for this technique so I could add lots and lots of water without any warping. And I found the rich Memento Luxe Inks just danced on the surface.
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How To
1. Press Memento Luxe inks directly onto the surface of the Art Square. Start with your lighter colors. I used Lilac Posies, Morocco, and Sweet Plum.
2. Before ink dries, mist the Art Square with water. "Tilt" the Art Square to help the colors blend together.  Allow to air dry or speed up the process using a heat tool.
3. Stamp with Penny Black Flamboyant using VersaMark ink and sprinkle with white embossing powder. Heat to set.
4. Add twine (May Arts) and sentiment (Penny Black).
Now you know what to do next... :)
Studio Sessions

And if you're looking for additional Inchie Arts inspiration, visit their their BLOG and FACEBOOK page. (And come back here tomorrow for another ATC!)

December 17, 2013

Studio Sessions: Memento Luxe Inks, 1 of 4

Are you ready?
Studio Sessions
We've both been playing with these lovelies in the studio...
studio sessions featuringm luxe
Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Memento Luxe Ink
Additional Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko Inspiration on their FACEBOOK PAGE

Amidst all of the Christmas madness, I really enjoyed creating something with a springy feel.
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Creating this card was actually quite simple using the luscious Memento Luxe Inks.  They are sooo juicy. I love how well they stamp with rubber, cling, and transparent sets.  I simply inked up my stamps and layered them onto white cardstock.  (All stamps by Penny Black)  The colors of ink used were: Love Letter, Morocco, and Lilac Posies.  To finish things off, I stamped my sentiment using VersaFine Onyx Black ink.  Oh, and those dots... I stamped them using the Memento Luxe Ink and the eraser on my pencil!
Now, remember, the fun continues....
Studio Sessions
I'm headed there myself!

December 16, 2013

Studio Sessions: Memento Luxe Inks

I've been hanging out in the studio again...
Studio Sessions
Join me and my creative pal, Elizabeth Allan, all this week for 4 projects each featuring the oh-so-juicy (and oh-so-wonderful) Memento Luxe inks.
studio sessions featuringm luxe
The fun begins tomorrow.  
I'm on pins and needles to see what Elizabeth has designed!

December 13, 2013

Stamping Study Hall: Creative Color, Day 6

Wow! I can't believe that today is the last day of class!
class one Creative Color

Day 6
The techniques featured on today's card include: creating additional colors with the Colorless Blender, using greys to shade, and "grounding" your images.
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(Watch directly on YouTube HERE.)
Supplies
Touch Twin Markers: BR97, 0; WG1, WG2, WG3, WG6; R2, R15; G55, G58; B143;
Penny Black Stamp(s): 40-082 Merriment, 40-250 Jolly Chant
Inks: Memento Espresso Truffle, Memento Luxe Love Letter, Ranger Archival Vermillion
Other: May Arts Jute, Pearl, Inchie Arts White ATC Art Square
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Thank you so much for joining me the last two weeks for Stamping Study Hall: Creative Color. I look forward to putting together more free online classes in the future! Your visits, feedback, and encouragement mean so much to me.  See you on Monday with another fun event... HHHmmm, what could it be? :)
And as always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via email and/or Facebook. I find those avenues the easiest for responding to questions and comments.

December 11, 2013

Stamping Study Hall Creative Color, Day 5

class one Creative Color
So for today's card I took a break from Christmas. I hope you don't mind!
Day 5

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(Watch directly on YouTube HERE.)
Supplies
Touch Twin Markers: R2, R15, R16; R10, R16, R140; BG57, B66, Y34; WG1
Penny Black Stamp(s): 30-155 Blooming Garden, 3859H Corner Piece, 30-207 From the Heart
Inks: Ranger Archival (Saffron, Pale Ochre), Distress (Brushed Corduroy), Memento Espresso Truffle, Versafine Onyx Black
Other: Pearls, Fiskars Butterfly Punch, Spellbinders Circle Die
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Questions? Comments? Please feel free to contact me via email and/or Facebook. I find those avenues the easiest for responding to questions and comments.
Thanks for visiting today.
See you on Friday for Day 6 of Stamping Study Hall: Creative Color!!

December 10, 2013

Ellen Hutson 12 Tags of Christmas...

Wow! I couldn't be more honored to be participating in Ellen Hutson's 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Touch event!! Just for you, here's a peek at my tag...
Ellen Hutson 12 Tags of Christmas
Be sure to visit the Ellen Hutson CLASSroom for the full reveal and photo tutorial HERE.  
And if you're needing to stock up on any of your stamping and mixed media supplies, I highly recommend Ellen Hutson's online store. It's my first stop for my online craft shopping. :)



December 9, 2013

Stamping Study Hall Creative Color: Day 4

Hi, my friends! Welcome to Week 2 of...
class one Creative Color
I love the wide variety of Penny Black stamps in my stash so today I wanted to share my Touch Twin marker choices for coloring in a few characters.
Day 4
I created a set of tags for you today.  I often stamp several tags at once so that when I am in the mood to color, I can just sit down and start right away without having to worry about image choice and stamping.
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Here are the details for each.
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Touch Twin Markers: Y42, Y41, Y49; BR99, BR92, BR95, BR103; YR31, YR32, Y34, Y36; YR132, YR133, R140; R3, R13, R10 R16
Penny Black Stamp(s): 30-195 Winter Delight
Penny Black Creative Dies:  Love & Joy
Inks: Memento Espresso Truffle
Other: Ribbon by Ribbons Unlimited, May Arts Jute
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Touch Twin Markers: YR132, YR139, R28; BR97, BR93; R2, R15, R16; G58, B143; Y31, Y32, Y44, Y36; CG0.5, CG1, R136; YR26
Penny Black Stamp(s): 30-187 Love at Christmas
Inks: Memento Espresso Truffle
Other: SRM Stickers #55002 Christmas, Ribbon by Ribbons Unlimited, May Arts Jute
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Touch Twin Markers: Y34, Y35, Y36; R3, R22, R140; BR92, BR95, BR103; YR132,YR133, R28; Y42, Y41, Y49; PB144, WG1
Penny Black Stamp(s):4197K Christmas in a Cup
Penny Black Creative Dies: Love & Joy
Inks: Memento Espresso Truffle
Other:  Ribbon by Ribbons Unlimited, May Arts Jute
I will see you on Wednesday with a NEW VIDEO.  And I just might pop by tomorrow with an exciting post... hint, hint. :)  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via email and/or Facebook. I find those avenues the easiest for responding to questions and comments.

December 6, 2013

Stamping Study Hall: Creative Color, Day 3

Happy Friday, my friends!
class one Creative Color
I LOVEEE color and am excited about today's topic...
Day 3
When I find a really bold color combo, especially one I haven't used very often, I like to color my die cuts to create my card.  By adding bold color to dies, I am able to move them around and try them with lots of backgrounds until I find just the right one.  I've done just that on today's card.  Here's my inspiration photo:
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And my card...
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Enjoy!

(Watch directly on YouTube HERE.)
Here's an *extra* card for ya, featuring a very bold combo, especially for a Christmas card.
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Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via email and/or Facebook. I find those avenues the easiest for responding to questions and comments.
SUPPLIES
Card 1
Touch Twin Markers: Y41, GY48, Y49; R2, RP86, R16
Penny Black Stamp(s): 40-162 Crystal Pattern, 30-079 Christmas with Mimi
Penny Black Creative Dies: 51-016 Dancing Leaves, 51-015 Snowflake Trio, Tagged
Inks: Memento Luxe (Lilac Posies),  Palette (French Lilac, Claret), Ranger Archival Black
Other: Pearls, May Arts Hemp Jute
Card 2
Touch Twin Markers: B143, B68; RP87; PB72; P81; WG1, WG2, WG3; BR93, BR97, YR21, YR31, YR23 R140
Penny Black Stamp(s): 4340K Antique Noel
Penny Black Creative Dies: 51-019 Holly Berries
Inks: Memento Espresso Truffle, Distress (Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs), Palette (Lavender Sachet)
Other: May Arts Jute, Pearl