Video, 2 Tutorials, Blog Hop & Prizes

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!

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:

• SOA Young at Heart Release Day #1
• SOA Young at Heart Release Day #2
• SOA Young at Heart Release Day #3

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!!!

• Catherine Pooler 
• Maureen Merritt 
• Kristie Goulet 
• Heather North 
• Allison Cope 
• Laurel Beard 
• Lisa Harrolle 
• Joni Andaya 
• Nicole Picadura
• Chaitali Narla 
• Simon Hurley

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.

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?

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!

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!

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!

• 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.

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!

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