Blog Hop, Prizes, and lots of inspiration!

Written by 472 Comments

Welcome back my friend – it’s the fifth day of sharing great creativity with you and we’re going out with a bang! Yup…it’s a uber talented line up for the Blog Hop and *gasp* there are prizes!!! In addition to all that goodness – I have two projects for you today and a video! But first – I chose these cards – and more importantly their sayings because that’s how I feel about you – my blog readers! So enjoy this post, all the creative goodness and thanks for Making me Smile, you all are just awesome! 🙂 🙂

SOA April 2016

Just in case you were trapped under something heavy the past four days and couldn’t get to a computer to see all the creative goodness – whew…I hope you’re okay…Stamp of Approval is a curated collection put together by my friend Catherine Pooler. Tomorrow’s collection – yup – tomorrow, is called Beautiful World. This collection has gorgeous stamps and dies by Gina K, CAS-ual Fridays, SugarPea Designs and the debut of Catherine Pooler Designs. It’s a very cool collection.

I wasn’t sure when I first saw it, then when I laid it all out in front of me and I started sketching I literally couldn’t stop. (See my Day One post – link at the bottom for my sketches) And I have been creating for weeks. The ideas just keep coming – it is seriously that easy to stamp with!

But to find out how to get it, you want to be on the wait list – because first – StampNation members will get the sales link, then the wait list finds out, and if you’re not on one of those two places – the -public won’t find out until the day after. You may think – that’s okay, I’ll wait…but the first SOA Collection literally sold out in a few hours! So if you’ve liked what you’ve seen from myself and all the amazing, talented designers – get on the wait list at the very least – I’d hate for you to miss out. Click Here for more detailed information on that

win win win

GIVEAWAY – Okay…let’s get to the good stuff – prizes….yup – you guessed it! Someone will win the entire Stamp of Approval – Beautiful World Collection! Not bad, huh? Just stop along the hop and leave comments along the way – don’t forget Catherine’s! The more you stop, the more entries you’ll have! *Entries close on THURSDAY at 9AM EST. The winner will be announced that morning. If you already bought a box, then you will be refunded! How cool is that!

And now….are you ready for some creative inspiration?!!!

Beautiful World Blog Hop Creations – Day Five

Project One

To say thank you to you all, I wanted to showcase something elegant and SUPER simple. Now put your imagination caps on and envision matching Wedding invites, or an Anniversary celebration – Tea invitations, you name it. I LOVE this stamp! And did you see some of the cool coloring my team mates have done with it? I mean really!!! If you love Copics, then make sure you see some of the past features (Links at the bottom).

Simple and classic silver on Navy – you can NEVER go wrong. Little things like a pop of white at the top and bottom (that’s the card base) – easy to print on, and less $ than colored card stock. When mass producing you have to think of these things. Simple triple wrapped silver cord – you can buy that stuff cheap! It’s timeless and a classic, don’t you agree?

Elegant Silver Flourish

So thank you for always stopping by and commenting. Visiting my YouTube channel and being a subscriber and student. From the bottom of my heart – Thank You!

Project Two

And for the grand finale one of my favorite projects from the week. I wish I could take credit for the design of this card, but my good friend Kylie Purtell came up with it. When I saw her version, I just had to add the rainbow colors and it was screaming for that awesome butterfly from Beautiful World by Gina K. Add those killer greetings from All about YOU by CAS-ual Fridays and it’s sheer perfection.

Here’s a super short video on how I created this card – plus a little trip down memory lane from the past five days at the end!

Click Here to watch in HD on YouTube

Let’s chat about those greetings by CAS-ual Fridays for a second. If you love versatility – then I highly encourage stamp sets where you can build your own greetings. I love that you can mix and match stuff, and the Riesling font (one of my favs for years) paired with that bold is just awesome! It’s a super cute card – isn’t it?
SOA Rainbow Butterflies

Thanks for coming back each and every day over the past five days – in all we’ve had 11 projects on The Creative Grove alone! But don’t just stop here – my fellow Dream Team sistahs are super creative and talented, be sure to check out all their creations as well, Catherine has had five solid days of videos and tons of projects PLUS we have several creative and very inspiring additions from all over Blog-land!

SO….check out all this goodness, be sure to leave me a comment – you wouldn’t want to miss out on prizes, would you?!!! And I certainly hope to see you again either here, on the e-letter or over at my YouTube channel again!

* Note that Kathy Racoosin (After me in the hop) is traveling today and we had a slight change in the line up! Be sure to go directly to Kelly Latevola after her, just click on both names here and you’re all set!

Catherine Pooler
Maureen Merritt
Kristie Goulet
Heather North
Allison Cope
Laurel Beard
Lisa Harrolle
Ingrid Blackburn – That’s me! You are HERE
Kathy Racoosin Quick…Hop HERE next!
Kelly Latevola 
Beth Silaika

And when you’re all done hopping – seriously you don’t want to miss out on this talented line up… if you missed the first four feature days loaded with projects….check them out here:

Day One            Day Two               Day Three            Day Four

Happy Hopping – Keep those fingers inky –

Signature

[optin_box style=”12″ alignment=”center” email_field=”email” email_default=”Enter your email address” email_order=”2″ integration_type=”aweber” double_optin=”Y” list=”3846012″ name_field=”name” name_default=”Enter your first name” name_order=”1″ name_required=”Y” opm_packages=””][optin_box_field name=”headline”]Learn more with our exclusive FREE video series:[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”paragraph”]PHA+UGx1cyB5b3XigJlsbCBiZSBhZGRlZCB0byBteTxzdHJvbmc+IEZSRUU8L3N0cm9uZz4gQ3JlYXRpdmUgVGlwcyBFLWxldHRlci4gRnJvbSB0aW1lIHRvIHRpbWUgeW914oCZbGwgZ2V0IGV4Y2x1c2l2ZSBwcm9qZWN0cywgdmlkZW9zICZhbXA7IHRoZSAxMiBEYXlzIG9mIENocmlzdG1hcyBzZXJpZXMuPC9wPgo=[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”privacy”]We value your privacy and would never spam you[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”top_color”]undefined[/optin_box_field][optin_box_button type=”0″ button_below=”Y”]Get Instant Access![/optin_box_button] [/optin_box]

Filed Under: Clean and Simple, Flowers, Stamp of Approval, Uncategorized, Videos Tagged: , , ,

It’s a Beautiful World

Written by 29 Comments

I’ll admit, I’ve been in a little creative funk lately. It happens to the best of us. I was able to create, it just wasn’t flowing like it normally did. Enter the Beautiful World Collection by Stamp of Approval. I’m serious…I was struggling and then I decided to do what has always worked for me in the past – sit down and sketch.

Okay – I lost some of you, well, to let you in on my little process – I’ve always been a sketcher. And this new stamp collection opened the flood gates for me – literally…I even have three projects and a video  for you today!

Here’s a peek at what I was able to quickly come up with in just 60 minutes with the stamp and die sets laid out in front of me:

Card Sketches

So sit back and get set to take a creative ride with me over the next five days – what?!! Yes, you read that right…be sure to stop back every day 9:00 AM eastern time for a creative journey into the new Stamp of Approval collection – Beautiful World. Don’t you just LOVE that name!

Every day I will showcase a few new projects for you from this easy to use stamp collection curated by my friend Catherine Pooler. Catherine worked together with some of the industries top stamp companies – CAS-ual Fridays, GinaK, & SugarPea Designs to create an amazing collection of stamps and dies showcasing a Beautiful World.  You’ve got to be on the wait list to find out when it goes on sale on April 20th!

To see all the products in action before it goes on sale, just stop by my friend Catherine’s blog every day leading up to the 20th. She’ll showcase each piece so you can see them in action ahead of time.

PLUS...there are feature days from a whole team of designers that are super creative. Catherine will link to everyone’s features from her blog (as will I), and on April 19th there’s a blog hop with prizes.

Did I also mention there’s a Project Guide with many, many, many cards with step by step instructions for you as well! An instant library of projects so you’re all set and ready to create.

Stamp of Approval Beautiful World

And as if that wasn’t enough…I’m going to highlight each stamp and die set for you too- not in quite as much detail as Catherine will, but I’ll have a full range of CAS, technique and even a few mixed media pieces over the next five days. So, are you on the wait list yet? Get on the wait list HERE to find out when it’s available

Now… let’s get our fingers inky and started with some CAS inspiration for today. Here Are a few cards that showcase three items in the collection: 2Yous dies & All About You stamp set by CAS-ual Fridays, and the Geobuilders Stamp Set by CP herself!

Beautiful World Projects – Day One

Project One

Here is one of my favorites. We have a little word play going on in the background. This card is great for anyone, but I thought with father’s day coming up, this would be a perfect card for my dad – telling him all the things I love about him.

You’ll want to emboss all the words with Pewter powder on black card stock and cut it down. Next pop it up with a little deep red and added a few matching hearts at the bottom – also part of the dies – love that! The fun scripty You die was perfect for this card – simple white for the ultimate contrast between black and white and you’re all set!

All about You CAS-ual Fridays

Project Two

Next up we have another square card. This is also a great go to clean and simple card with potential for just about ANY greeting – love that!  Did you see that the underneath piece is actually a technique? I know it looks crazy simple, but there’s a little technique involved. Here’ s a video to show you exactly what I did to give this little beauty a fun pop. Make sure you’re subscribed  to my YouTube channel to see all the videos as they go live!

Click here to watch on YouTube in HD

Here you see the negative of the die showcased to let the colorful and shimmery pink piece shinning through (hard to see in the photo, but check the video out later for a great look).

I love the thickness of this die – it’s perfect for projects where you want to use the negative image, or make a statement with the positive. This is the other You in the 2 Yous die set. You can use patterned paper, colored card stock or whip up some cool technique piece to showcase underneath like I did. Stamp your sentiment on top and add a few sequins. Quick, and great if you have little technique pieces like this in a basket like me hanging around!

Negative image Die Cuts

Project Three

This is a super quick card for anyone – especially a man! I LOVE this greeting – it’s perfect for so many reasons. We’re playing here with one of the awesome images from the Geobuilders stamp set in addition to the two sets we used above. To see more – definitely see Maureen’s post from today- she showcased a few of the other images in this stamp set. I have links  of all the other designers at the end.

You’ll want to line up the chevron stamp – yes, it’s a single chevron, so think of the possibilities – they’re endless! You’ll want to stamp from the top down so you can see and line it up a bit easier. Keep it tone on tone with the Kraft card stock and then stamp one in a different color to pop up for some contrast. I used a navy color. To give it a little more punch, you can also emboss your greeting and single chevron in Clear like here. It helps to really make it stand out with a glossy shine on your card.

Neutral Geobuilders

I admit, this card kinda makes me think of star trek a little (the popped up chevron)…any trekkies out there? I’m a HUGE Next Generation fan. Okay…I’m getting off topic…lol – let me know what you think in the comments of the three projects and if you’re a trekkie like me!

Stop by these blogs to see more inspiration:

Now, go check out the other projects, subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t to see the Video when it goes live this afternoon and then it’s your turn to get your fingers inky. See you tomorrow with more creative goodness –

Signature

[optin_box style=”12″ alignment=”center” email_field=”email” email_default=”Enter your email address” email_order=”2″ integration_type=”aweber” double_optin=”Y” list=”3846012″ name_field=”name” name_default=”Enter your first name” name_order=”1″ name_required=”Y” opm_packages=””][optin_box_field name=”headline”]Learn more with our exclusive FREE video series:[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”paragraph”]PHA+UGx1cyB5b3XigJlsbCBiZSBhZGRlZCB0byBteTxzdHJvbmc+IEZSRUU8L3N0cm9uZz4gQ3JlYXRpdmUgVGlwcyBFLWxldHRlci4gRnJvbSB0aW1lIHRvIHRpbWUgeW914oCZbGwgZ2V0IGV4Y2x1c2l2ZSBwcm9qZWN0cywgdmlkZW9zICZhbXA7IHRoZSAxMiBEYXlzIG9mIENocmlzdG1hcyBzZXJpZXMuPC9wPgo=[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”privacy”][/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”top_color”]undefined[/optin_box_field][optin_box_button type=”0″ button_below=”Y”]Get Instant Access![/optin_box_button] [/optin_box]

Filed Under: Clean and Simple, Distress Ink, Stamp of Approval, Uncategorized, Videos Tagged: , ,

Video, 2 Tutorials, Blog Hop & Prizes

Written by 4 Comments

Gelli-Plate-Monoprinting-tutorials

I have all sorts of goodness for you today! Towards the bottom of this über long post, I have two – yes TWO tutorials for you – one in video form and another after.

First I wanted to tell you about an exclusive collection of stamping stuff just coming available – yup…it’s brand spankin new – not on the market yet! There’s a blog hop filled with awesome projects – great to inspire you this morning, plus at the bottom, I have a new video for you and more crafty goodness!

Normally I would be participating alongside these great card makers for a great blog hop showcasing the new Stamp of Approval collection – Young at Heart. But alas, customs has benched me. They’ve kept my supplies – secretly I think they’re having too much fun making birthday cards and have decided to keep all the fun for themselves! Not to worry, I still have all the information you need, plus I have some fun inspiration for you too!

SOA Feb 2016

Stamp of Approval (SOA) is an exclusive box of Stamps, Dies and Stencils designed by Catherine Pooler and some of your favorite stamp companies. Available quarterly, and only till they sell out – and let me be the first to tell you, it’s quick – the first SOA sold out in hours!

This year, StampNation celebrated it’s 5th Birthday, so naturally a box about birthdays makes sense – it’s called the Young at Heart Collection. I would think that birthday cards are probably the #1 card type made – so I’m sure you’ll find something in it for you. But don’t think just birthdays – after seeing the products myself in the videos, I have all sorts of ideas for non-birthday cards too! Here are some links to the three videos highlighting product from the box:

The stamps, dies and stencils designed for this collection are first only available through the SOA box. They will eventually be released by their stamp companies sometime later in 2016/2017, so this is your chance to get your hands on some great products before everyone else – I’m all about that! 🙂

Here’s how it works – you have to be on the waitlist to get the information and link about when the box goes on sale! And it goes quick. If you are a StampNation member – you’ll get the link an hour before the public on February 3rd! This box has products by CAS-ual Fridays, Sugar Pea Designs and Winnie & Walter – three of the hottest stamp companies out there today!!

And to give you some incredible inspiration, hop along with this talented blog hop. Be sure to leave a comment on everyone’s blog – Catherine is giving away two boxes!! And not to worry, if you purchase one and end up a winner – you’ll be reimbursed. The boxes are stuffed with over $100 worth of brand new product…that’s a pretty awesome prize!!!

Neutral Tone Stenciling Video Tutorial

So, are you on creative inspiration overload yet? I hope not, because I have some crafty goodness to share with you too! The other day I released a new video on my YouTube channel. It’s a great birthday card that is quick, easy and has some great neutral tones in it – perfect for a masculine card. Here it is:

Watch video on YouTube

It’s a pretty straight forward card and the stencil really is the star here.

Masculine Birthday Stencil 004

Don’t you just love that stencil from Hero Arts! I love all the neutral tones. It’s simple, and kind of reminds me of New Mexico/Arizona a bit. What do you think?

Masculine Birthday Stencil 002

 

I’ve been playing around with stencils for the past month on overdrive. Mostly because I’ve been creating content for the Stencil Class over at StampNation that’s been going on for the past 2 1/2 weeks!

CSM 14

You may remember my Gelli Plate creation from last month, well, I filmed a video for the stencil class at SN and put up many more samples.

Gelli Plate Monoprinting in Layers Tutorial

Here’s a new one for you though. I have been having SO much fun with my Gelli Plate – it’s an amazing tool that really allows my inner artist to break out. Do you have one, or are you thinking about getting one? Let me know in the comments below!

Gelli-Plate-Monoprinting-1-001

Working with a gelli arts printing plate has been truly an eye opening experience. While I won’t say I’m and expert, I have learned a ton along the way! For instance, paper and paint do matter. You want a paint that will give you time to work, acrylics dry so quickly, the longer your paint remains open, the more flexibility you have. And when you’re new to something like this – that’s key. That doesn’t mean you can’t use your cheap acrylics, just work quickly!

Gelli-Plate-Monoprinting-1-002

  • For this project, I started by layering on some Phthalo Blue. I cleared my brayer of any paint and promptly brayered some back off. leaving only some around the edge and a little in the center.
  • The key to creating a monoprint in layers on your Gelli Plate, is to allow the layers to dry inbetween.
  • Next you’ll want to add another color – I chose Cobalt Blue. Repeat the process pulling up a lot of the blue.
  • Add your stencil – I added the Tula stencil by Memory Box. Pull a positive print to use on another project. That leaves a lot open space.
  • Finally, add your lightest color – I chose Ochre for a contrast.
  • I pulled the entire print up at this point. The Ochre allowed the dried layers enough moisture to pull the print up in it’s entirety. If your paint isn’t open enough, this can be a frustrating process and you won’t pull up all your colors. Sometimes that can look cool, other times it can just be frustrating. You’ll find that sweet spot for yourself.

Gelli-Plate-Monoprinting-1-003

The interesting thing with this print is that in some spots the blue and yellow blended to form a slight green – that only gives this a more worn and aged look. The background naturally is the star, so keep the rest of the card simple. I added the Handlettered Thanks die by WPlus9 and a few Rhinestones.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed these couple of projects – can you tell I have stenciling on the brain? Be sure to check out the new SOA box, or hop on over the StampNation and check it out along with the free stenciling class. I have a few videos in lessons #5 & #14.

See you next time, till then, keep those fingers inky!

Signature

[optin_box style=”2″ alignment=”center” email_field=”email” email_default=”Enter your email address” email_order=”2″ integration_type=”aweber” double_optin=”Y” list=”3846012″ name_field=”name” name_default=”Enter your first name” name_order=”1″ name_required=”Y”][optin_box_field name=”headline”]Learn with our exclusive FREE video series[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”paragraph”]PHA+R2V0IHRoZSBmcmVlIENyZWF0aXZlIFRpcHMgRS1sZXR0ZXIgYW5kIGxlYXJuIHdpdGggc3Vic2NyaWJlciBleGNsdXNpdmUgdmlkZW8gYW5kIHBpY3RvcmlhbCBjb250ZW50LsKgPGVtPjxzdHJvbmc+SW5jbHVkaW5nwqA8L3N0cm9uZz48L2VtPm91ciB5ZWFybHkgMTIgRGF5cyBvZiBDaHJpc3RtYXMgc2VyaWVzITwvcD4K[/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”privacy”][/optin_box_field][optin_box_field name=”top_color”]undefined[/optin_box_field][optin_box_button type=”0″ button_below=”Y”]Send me exclusive tips now![/optin_box_button] [/optin_box]

Filed Under: Masculine, Mixed Media, Techniques, Uncategorized, Videos Tagged: , , , , ,
« Previous Page