Mojo World Map Thank You

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Zoo Review 002 Main R

Happy Monday!  Today I am taking you to Africa for our Mojo Monday challenge via the new World Map Stamp and Zoo Review Stamp Set.  The World Map background stamp was at the top of my list when the new catalog came out and its release was delayed until just recently – it’s another must have! 

I struggled for about a minute this morning and then I saw the Zoo Review set and it all fell into place.  All my Brayer 102 students will be thrilled as this set is one of the ones we use in that class.  And this card was so simple to put together.  I really like the masculine feel of it, I hope you do to.  Here is what the Mojo Sketch looked like:

       Mojo304Sketch Zoo Review 002 Main Front

Creative Tips –

  • I wanted an easy feel to this card and for the lion to be the stand out.
  • I used the #6 and #7 Circle Framelits for the circle part.  I didn’t want a 1/4” matte, so I took the #6 and used my xacto knife to cut around the outer edge.  It gave me a 1/8” border which is what I was looking for.  The #7 I ran through my Big Shot.Zoo Review 002 Main CU
  • The World Map is stamped tone on tone in Pear Pizzazz.
  • Of course the color combination came straight out of the Color Coach!
  • I added one of the Antique Brads for some texture and interest along with some paper piercing in the top corners.Zoo Review 002 Main Side
  • The Lion is the stand out of the card, so I embossed him and the greeting in Early Espresso Embossing Powder.

It’s a quick and easy card, but I love the feel.  The world map is the perfect accent and feels more like Designer Paper.  I hope you’ve enjoyed another fun Mojo Monday card!  Zoo Review 002 Main L

Filed Under: Cards, Challenges, Clean and Simple, Masculine, Mojo Monday Tagged: , , , , , ,

Starry Brayered Sky

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Plant Hope 002 Main

Have you ever had a card that you just wanted to re-do?  I made this card for my father for Christmas last year and I’ve been dying to re-do it for myself, but with a few changes.  I hope you like it’s evolution.

This card was originally my first creative scenery brayered creation after taking amazing classes on the art of brayering.  Since then, I’ve played…taught…played…taught…and played some more.  What I’ve learned is that your card is only as limited as your imagination, and with the help of pinterest and you tube – I’ve learned how to be quite imaginative!  

Plant Hope 002 Front

Creative Tips –

  • I wanted to change up the colors a bit and add a starry sky.  I kept my tree line in the center so that I could get enough sky and lake at the same time.
  • Once I added my tree images and embossed them in Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip, I used a base of Soft Sky around the bottom of my trees.  I first masked off my lake shore line and added the light Soft Sky color.   My trees have better coverage this time around because I have the new ink pads.  Last year I was still using the canvas covered ones, not the awesome foam pads.  Notice the difference!Plant Hope 002 Trees
  • Then from the top I added Tempting Turquoise, Marina Mist and Midnight Muse.  I kept the Midnight Muse to the top 1 1/2 inches.
  • For that really dark night sky I added Elegant Eggplant.  Adding that over the blue gives just the right Indigo color for a night sky without making it too dark.Plant Hope 002 Side
  • For the lake I brayered Tempting Turquoise, island Indigo and just a hint of Midnight Muse at the very edge.  You can see this is much lighter than my original.
  • I added a little earth with my Chocolate Chip marker so the shore line wasn’t too thin.  This time when I embossed my shoreline I masked the bottom so that my VersaMarker wasn’t too over zealous.  That way I avoided all the white from the first one.
  • Plant Hope 002 Water
  • I added the reflection of the tree line in Midnight Muse so that it would look realistic versus the color as in the first one.
  • I kept my water simple – not over done this time.  I also added a little Midnight Muse for shadows in the movement.  I drew a little at the water line as well, which gave it a more realistic look.  Plant Hope 002 Stars
  • For stars, I used my white gel pen and made them different diameters.  I wanted to create a north star and another not quite as large, so I went over it with a qtip and some white pigment ink.

I love the way the night sky turned out.  This card is a huge improvement over the original.  I still love both, but the night sky adds some mystery and intrigue that the original one didn’t have.  Of course the colors are a bit different too, but both are lovely!  Which one do you love?

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Plant Hope 002 Angle

Stamp Sets – Plant Hope (retired), Sweet Essentials (128315) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Chocolate Chip (102128) Ink – New Card – Soft Sky, Tempting Turquoise, Marina Mist, Midnight Muse, Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip Marker; Original Card – Midnight Muse (126860), Marina Mist (126962), Not Quite Navy (126971), Tempting Turquoise (126952), Versamark (102283), Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker (119680) Cool Tools –Brayer (102395), Stamp-a-Majig (101049), Heat Tool (129053), The Perfect Finish – Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Silver Embossing Powder

Filed Under: Brayer, Cards, Masculine, Techniques Tagged: , , , , , ,

Into the Sunset with Serene Silhouettes

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Today is about color.  I have to admit, I struggled with a project today…let’s just say that I can procrastinate with the best of them if I put my mind to it, how about you?  This is why I usually create between the hours of 5 and 9 am!  Well, if this is the result of a little procrastination every now and then, I guess it’s not that bad!  Today I focused on starting with three of the retiring colors as no other stamp set struck me with inspiration.  So it’s all about River Rock, Bashful Blue and Riding Hood Red today.

Once I knew what colors wanted, I went looking for inspiration on Pinterest and I happened to see a card with Serene Silhouettes and the rest is shall we say history.  Thankfully this stamp set isn’t going away, and I thought, humm….it’s been a few weeks since I whipped out my brayer.  I’m sure my friend and CG Crew member Amy has been wondering if my brayer got locked up in a drawer somewhere…she and I seem to text each other a new brayer project we’ve created almost every week it feels like…lol!

As I sat in front of my blank piece of 5.5” x 4.25” Whisper White paper, I thought of my Dad.  I grew up in San Francisco and we had a view of the Pacific Ocean from my house.  I’m lucky, I’ve seen my fair share of amazing sunsets over Ocean Beach.  And on a good day, you can even see the Farallon Islands in the distance.  My dad used to always tell us stories about the firemen who would dive for abalone there in the shark infested waters.  This card is paying homage to my roots back home in San Francisco, California.  The grass in the sand dunes, gorgeous blue waters, an amazing sunset and sea gulls flying around with islands in the distance.   Here’s to you Dad, I miss seeing you more often, I’m thinking of you and hope your day is filled with beauty like this!

Creative Tips –

  • I started out by stamping my main image in Versamark and then coloring it with all retiring colors – Lucky Limeade, River Rock and Riding Hood Red with Classic Ink Pads and Stampin’ Write Markers.  (They’ll be gone for good on June 3rd – if even available still)
  • I then embossed my image in Crystal Clear Embossing Powder. 
  • I repeated the grass portion of the same stamp set several times along the bottom. Serene Silhouettes 001 Bottom Angle
  • Once my stamped images were cooled and set, I masked my horizon and began to brayer my ocean in Bashful Blue.  I went across in a horizontal motion and then focused from the left and then the right in a vertical motion, leaving my middle a bit white.
  • I went over it with Tempting Turquoise to brighten it up a bit and then focused on the horizon line both with my brayer and a sponge.
  • I switched my mask and placed a sun on my paper under my mask in the area where the sun sinks into the water. 
  • I brayered the top 2/3 of my sky, in this order, with Bashful Blue, Tempting Turquoise and hit the very top with Island Indigo.
  • I layered Daffodil Delight next with my brayer from the horizon to the blue to create a little pop of yellow.  Where it met the Bashful Blue it created that pop of green that you get.  Serene Silhouettes 001 CU Sunset
  • I intensified my color with a Daffodil Delight sponge in a circular motion.
  • I added a hint of Tangerine Tango first with a brayer and then with a little sponging from the horizon.
  • My final color is Riding Hood Red just at the horizon line to add a little drama and intense orange color right at the horizon.
  • I removed all my mask and sponged a little color into my sun with Daffodil Delight and then just a hint of Tangerine Tango.
  • I lightly sponged some Daffodil Delight in the water where I left the white area.  I didn’t over do this as I didn’t want it to turn green from the Bashful Blue.  If you don’t leave enough whitish space, you will get too much green – remember yellow and blue make green.  I followed up with a hint of Tangerine Tango.Serene Silhouettes 001 Front
  • I created a mask of two islands and sponged them in using Early Espresso.
  • For my finishing touch, I used a White Gel Pen to create my seagulls & water ripples .  Finally, I used Early Espresso and a sponge to frame my card.

I hope you love this card as much as I do.  I just love sunsets, who doesn’t!  We’ve had some amazing ones here in Florida this week, maybe I just have them on the brain!  I hope your evening is filled with beauty today.  I’d love to hear from you – let me know if you whip out your brayer and give some creative scenery a try! 

Hands on Creative Scenery Classes

If you’re in the Orlando area on June 21st, I will be teaching Creative Scenery 101!  For more information on this fun class click here.  If you would like me to come to you directly, contact me – I’m up for traveling to teach these classes!  Be sure to check back here for the online version of this class later this month as well. Smile

To Shop 24/7 in the Creative Store – Click here!

Serene Silhouettes 001 Side

 

Stamp Sets – Serene Silhouettes (127324c, 132073w), Sweet Essentials (126455w, 126457c) Ink – Versamark (102283), Tempting Turquoise (126952), Island Indigo (126986), River Rock (126977), Daffodil Delight (126944), Tangerine Tango (126946), Riding Hood Red (126968), Red Riding Hood Marker (119701 – Regals Marker Collection)  Paper – Whisper White (100730), Early Espresso (119686)  Cool Tools – Stamping Sponges (101610), Brayer (102395), Blender Pen (102845), VersaMarker (retired), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Heat Tool (129053), 1” Circle Punch (119868)  Finishing Touch – White Gel Pen (105021)

Filed Under: Brayer, Cards, Creative University, Personal, Techniques Tagged: , , , , , ,

Simply Sketched Sneak Peek

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Simply Sketched 001 Main

I love making creative scenery cards with my brayer.  And what better way to give you a sneak peek into the next catalog (goes live May 31st!), than to do a creative Bermuda Scene using one of the new exclusive hostess stamp sets – Simply Sketched.

Here I used two stamps – the bird on the grass and the berry/leaf branch.  I wanted to use some of the new 2013-2014 In Colors, so I settled on a daytime Bermuda scene.  I hope you love this card as much as I do!

Simply Sketched 001 Front

Creative Tips:

  • I settled on a primary color combination – the new In Colors – Crisp Cantaloupe and Coastal Cabana.  I then pulled in Strawberry Slush (new), Pear Pizazz, Wild Wasabi, Baked Brown Sugar (new), Tempting Turquoise, Bermuda Bay, Soft Sky, Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso.Simply Sketched 001 AB
  • I began by stamping my scene in Jet Black StazOn.  I colored my scene using the Aqua Painters and the Classic Ink Pads in various colors.  I then embossed it in crystal clear so that I could brayer directly over top. Simply Sketched 001 AA
  • To create the sandy beach I used Sahara Sand.  I wanted to keep it light and Crumb Cake would have been a little too dark.  I thought a beach scene would be a nice way for the stamped images to pop on the neutral background.
  • I then brayered my water after masking off my horizon.  I used a foundation of Tempting Turquoise, then Coastal Cabana and finally Bermuda Bay. Simply Sketched 001 AC
  • For my sky, I used Soft Sky – which to my surprise was a little bluish gray, so I added a little pop of Tempting Turquoise to brighten it up.
  • I masked my islands in Early Espresso and added my water movement and foam in our Uniball White Gel Pen.  Simply Sketched 001 Side
  • One of my birds got a little thick unfortunately and there really wasn’t a way to fix it, so I have a little fat seagull…lol!
  • I usually sponge the edges in a dark color and I would have used Early Espresso if I did that, but I wanted to keep it nice and light on the Cantaloupe, so I left the edge clean.

Overall, I think the card is light and fun.  I matted my scenery onto Crisp Cantaloupe because it really gave it a Bermuda feel.  This is the type of card you would learn to make in my Creative Scenery 102 class or 200 level classes.  Be sure to sign up for my creative tips mailing list at the right to be sure you are getting the latest information about classes in the Orlando area and my online classes.   If you are interested in hosting a weekend of brayer classes in your area – be sure to contact me – I do travel!

Learn Online!

If you loved this card – be sure to check out my in depth step by step video online class for how to create scenes just like this one!  Check out brayer classes here – Brayer 101   Brayer 102  and save huge with the Bundled Classes here

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Simply Sketched 001 Angle

Stamp Sets – Simply Sketched (129672c, 129669w)  Ink –Sahara Sand (126976), Crisp Cantaloupe (131176), Strawberry Slush (131178), Baked Brown Sugar (131174), Pear Pizazz (131180), Soft Sky (131181), Cherry Cobbler (126966), Coastal Cabana (131175), Bermuda Bay (131171), Tempting Turquoise (126952), Early Espresso (126974), Jet Black StazOn (101406), Wild Wasabi (126959) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Crisp Cantaloupe (131298) Cool Tools – Brayer (102395), Stampin’ Sponges (101610), Versamarker, Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Heat Tool (129053), Aqua Painter (103954) Finishing Touch – Uniball White Gel Pen (105021)

Filed Under: Brayer, Cards, Creative University Tagged: , , , , ,

Mojo Monday Swallowtail Elegance

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I have been dying to use this stamp!  I saw the Mojo Monday sketch early this morning, and just had to get the Swallowtail background stamp out.  I knew I wanted to color it in, rather than just stamp it on a piece of colored cardstock, so I went the whole way with the card.  I have to admit, I struggled a bit with this card this morning.

Mojo278Sketch

As you can see, the sketch called for a square or circle card, I just couldn’t stay in those shapes, I tried and tried…and then finally forgave myself and pushed the height of the card up a bit.  I love the end result and I think you’ll love my process in getting to this beautiful finish.

Creative Tips:

  • I purchased the clear mount Swallowtail stamp by accident.  I forgot that this was a background stamp – those I usually like getting in wood mount because I only stamp them upside down, so why not have it’s own block each time?  I was surprised to find that I liked it on my clear block – so I saved a little money!
  • I find that it is too hard to use a stamp this large in the traditional sense.  Place your stamp up (rubber up) and lay your cardstock on top.  Use a piece of scrap paper to cover and then your hand to transfer the image to it by rubbing over your paper gently.  You’ll get a better image every time!

  • I embossed the Swallowtail stamp in Basic Black Craft Ink and Clear Embossing Powder.  I wanted to have a defined black that helped keep my coloring in its place.
  • I started out wanting to use a 3.5”x3.5” piece of Ultra Smooth Whisper White card stock, but it wasn’t large enough to show the butterfly image, so I chose a 3.5” x 4” piece instead. This caused the dilemma for me with the square size, and I just needed to push the final card size to 5.5” x 6”.  I’m going to make my own envelope using the Diagonal Simply Scored Plate. You can get this free right now during Sale-a-bration!  Click here to find out how.

  • I used my bone folder to flare the banner flags out a bit.  Be sure not to have adhesive on the exposed portion to do this.
  • To finish my card, I added a little Paper-Piercing using the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack and Stampin’ Mat. When I do this, I like to pop that panel up with Stampin’ Dimensionals so you can see the color through the pierced holes.
  • Since the Swallowtail image was so large, I wanted a good sized knot.  I chose a retired Satin Ribbon in coordinating Chocolate Chip.

I really love the end result.  I’ve really been on a brayer kick lately with my Creative University series classes coming up next month.  We’re going to feature Brayering Creative Scenery in February.  So here are a few simple brayer tips for you:

  • Be aware of how you are storing your brayer.  The roller should never rest on a flat surface (Including putting it back in the box!).  It will take on the flat shape and you will have a difficult time getting a smooth look.  If that’s happened – you may just need to splurge for another brayer – don’t worry, they’re only $12.50!
  • Most important tip I can give you – Start off your paper and end off your paper.  When you start or end on your paper, that’s when you get those harsh lines.
  • If you are having a problem with lines – check the edges of your brayer.  When you cleaned it, did you roll out the edges too?  Probably not!  Ink can build up on the edge of your roller as well.  That’s the usual culprit!

Online Brayer Class

Do you want to learn how to make creative scenery cards?  Try our Brayer 101 – Introduction to Creative Scenery online class.  You’ll learn how to master this technique using a brayer to create unbelievable scenes that will leave you feeling like an artist.  Find out more here.

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Stamp Sets – Swallowtail (129216c, 129213w), Kindness Matters (122902c,122900w)  Ink –Pool Party (126982),  Chocolate Chip (126979), Black Craft Pad (102192), Summer Starfruit Marker (2013-2014 Collection) (126856), Tangerine Tango Marker – Brights Collection (119702),  Island Indigo (126986)  Paper – Whisper White (100730), Pool Party (122924), Chocolate Chip (102128), Sycamore Street (Sale-a-bration FREE item) Cool Tools – Stamping Sponges (101610), Brayer (102395), 1” Square Punch (124094), 1” Circle Punch (119868), Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126187), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126119), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Blender Pens (102845) The Perfect Finish – Pearl Basic Jewels (119247), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon – retired

Swallowtail Stamp 129216Lnew stamp

Filed Under: Cards, Challenges, Mojo Monday Tagged: , , , , , ,

By The Tide Underwater Scene

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When I first opened up my Spring Mini Catalog – I immediately focused in on this set – By the Tide.  I have to say I was waiting to make this card.  I wanted to create an underwater scene and this card did not disappoint.  This set is super easy to use, and I just love the coral stamp.  It’s a big stamp, so I mostly only use a partial image, but I love the texture of the coral branches.  This card is loaded with tips, and techniques.

Creative Tips:

  • My concept was an underwater world.  To get that effect I started sponging Daffodil Delight in the center surrounded by Lucky Limeade.
  • I then brayered Pool Party and Tempting Turquoise adding more of the same color with a sponge as I needed it.  I finished by adding a little Marina Mist with a sponge on the edges to create a little depth of darkness.
  • Brayer Tip – be sure to start off and end off your paper.  Work lightest to darkest.  If you want to master this technique – check out my Creative University Series Brayer Class here.
  • The school of fish are stamped in Midnight Muse along with the Coral.
  • I found that it was easier to add the lead fish first and work backwards.

  • My greeting originally said Happy Birthday Wishes and is from the set Petite Pairs.  I removed the W from wishes with a blender pen – it’s perfect for that small omitting item.  I replaced it with and F from Simply Serif Mini Alphabet using a Stamp-a-Majig to perfectly place it.
  • I used the script stamp in the By the Tide set (love those kind of stamps) and free hand stamped it.  But if you are worried about lining it up just perfectly – use a Stamp-a-Majig!

  • My card is a traditional size A2 card and the creative underwater scenery is 5.5” x 2”.  I used a 1/16” white mat for the scenery to pop it off my Pool Party card base.
  • I made thirty of these cards.  I found it was easier to leave the strip in a 5.5” x 4” size, do all my sponging and brayering and then cut it in half.  Why do twice the work?!

This was a fun project that my team – The Creative Crew, made at our last Creative Gathering.  Everyone loved seeing the Magic – as they described it, happen as the underwater scene unfolded.  I hope you try it and I know you too will fall in love with underwater scenery!  If you too would love to join The Creative Crew at a Creative Gathering, or join us online, click here to find out more!

If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and you would like to learn how to create amazing scenery first hand, I’m offering a Creative University series class around Brayering Creative Scenery.  For more information, click here.

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Stamp Sets – By the Tide (129120c, 129117w), Petite Pairs (122497c,122495w) Simply Serif Mini Alphabet (126360w) Ink –Pool Party (126982),  Tempting Turquoise (126952), Daffodil Delight (126944), Lucky Limeade (126984), Marina Mist (126962), Midnight Muse (126860)  Paper – Whisper White (100730), Pool Party (122924),  Cool Tools – Stamping Sponges (101610), Brayer (102395), Stamp-a-Majig (101049)

By The Tide 129120L

Filed Under: Cards, CG Crew, Techniques Tagged: , , , , ,