Coloring with pencils and gamasol

Here's a quick little tutorial on the colored pencil plus gamasol technique for coloring stamped images.

I always start by stamping my image with Memento Tuxedo Black. I do not heat set or emboss or anything special....I'm basically lazy ;)

I picked out the paper I would like to use and kept it close so I could match my colors. Don't be tempted to skip this part, trust me.
I selected 3 colors of green and colored the stem and leaves. Keep in mind where your light source is coming from and shade based on that. I used the lightest color as a base and a medium to show areas of darkness and the darkest shade on tips of the leaves and base of the leaves.

I used the same color selection process for the tulip.
Once everything was colored I used a stump dipped in gamasol (odorless mineral spirits, I use Mona Lisa brand) to blend and soften all my colors. I use one stump for each color family for ex one for greens and one for yellows.

I don't seal my image (brings us back to the lazy factor) but I've read some people do.
Anyway, it's fun you should totally try it! I know you have some Crayolas so go get them and fall in love all over again. LMAO that was super cheesy.

Strawberry Coloring

First hold your tongue to the right.....
I am not a coloring professional.  I really don't know much but I'm happy to share the few tips I have picked up along the way.  A week ago I made a card with strawberries and was asked to show how I colored them. Ask and you shall receive!

To start I stamped my image on high quality card stock; I like Papertrey Stampers Select White using Momento Tuxedo Black.  I picked the color red I wanted the berries to be and then added a lower value color and a higher value color.  So....I used R24, R27 and R46.

Working with one berry at a time I color the first berry with my lightest color R24.

Second step is to take my medium shade R27 and put down and nice wide edge.  I'm not worried about blending or anything fancy.

Next I take my darkest color and outline the berry.

My last step is to take my lightest color and blend all my lines toward the center.

I picked 2 colors for my leaves, a dark and a light YG23 and YG25.  Can you see Gracie's bite marks on YG25.  She loves my Copics.....

I always keep my paper close by so I can match the colors; it makes a HUGE difference. I follow the same process coloring all leaves with my lightest color.  Then I went back and added darker colors where the light (sun) would not be hitting.  

I hope this helped!

Tutu be continued

TuTu Wreaths are FUN! (and tutu easy)

I took a few pics while making this fun pink and green wreath yesterday.  Hopefully you will all be inspired and have pouffy tutus hanging around your house.  

I started with tulle, not the kind on the bolt but the kind on a roll.  I would imagine that tulle on the bolt would more than likely be cheaper but I wasn't into the idea of cutting it into strips.  I was able to get the tulle on a roll at HL on sale and in lots of fun colors.  I picked 3 different shades of pink and 2 shades of green for a soft predominately pink wreath.  I chose a wire wreath form mostly because it was light and on sale.  I've used foam and even a old school wooden embroidery hoop and they all work fine so use what you have.  I picked a 6 different coordinating ribbon but don't stress over that, its totally optional.

I cut the tulle into 6" strips and created small bundles.  I then cut an additional piece of tulle approx 8" long and tied it around the wreath form with a half knot.  

I placed the bundle of tulle on top of the half knot and tied the bundle in place with an another half knot.

Tie the bundle tightly and fluff up the tulle.

Push the completed bundle next to its neighbor and continue adding until you reach desired puffiness.

I filled the entire wreath form with bundles.  How many?  You just have to see how much pouf you like.  I added in some random bundles that were created from 3 strips of ribbon and tied on with a piece of tulle.  Thats it!  Its fabulous!  Go get your tulle and make one :)

Peace, love and tulle

Kari’s Purplie’s Design Team: A pinch of green

Our latest DT project was to create something green...be creative think outside the box.

I took my idea way out of the box and made this Tutu wreath :). I was walking through HL and spotted different shades of green tulle and the idea kinda took on a life of its own. I used a 4" green foam wreath form and 4 colors of green tulle. I cut the tulle in 5" strips and tied them onto the wreath form in small bundles. I'm working on another wreath today so I'll take a few more pics. Please don't over think this project! It's very simple and forgiving so use what you have on hand and try it.

Oh! Gracie might be wearing a matching tutu later today :)

Remember to visit my Design Team sisters’ blogs and share some love :)

Flower Time

Hello from Bed Rest-ville!

Yes, I'm still on bed rest.....I may get sprung from jail Tuesday.  Fingers crossed.

This week my Kari’s Purplies Design Team and Jr Team were challenged to make a single flower.  Thats it?  A single flower?? Yes, a single flower plus the 'How To's'.  This was almost too much creative freedom for me.  I started out making a fabric flower, then a crochet flower, then I did a paper flower, a wire and bead little ditty....this went on and on until I was pretty stinking frustrated. So, I made another fabric flower.  Crazy right? I took gulp of wine water and went to what I love.......paper piecing.

I started out with two great flower stamps by Martha Stweart.  I stamped the larger flower with Versamark Black ink on red card stock.  I then stamped the smaller flower twice on the same red card stock. I used my Copic R24 to add some dimension to all three images.  I cut the large flower out and set it to the side.  I cut the smaller flower out and layered it on top of the larger flower using foam adhesive.  Can we talk about foam adhesive for a second?  This stuff is expensive and the sizes never seem right for my project.  Being the thrifty chicky I am, I started trying different alternatives.  I now buy fun foam shapes when they are marked down from a holiday and apply it with my choice of dry glue.  TADA!  Love it.  So, back to my flower!  I cut the second smaller flower out but altered it by cutting away the outer edge of petals.  I attached it to my flower tower (sorry, i had to call it that) carefully lining up the image with the flower under it.  I used a fine tip glue pen and placed dots in the center and then dusted it with onyx glitter.  I love the red and black drama.  What do you think?

There are some AMAZINGLY talented women on the DT.  Remember to visit my Design Team sisters’ blogs and share some love :)

Senior Design Team:

Kari Sanchez ~ http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/

Lynne Kirsch ~ http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

Zenita Smith ~ http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com/

Susan E Bermudez ~ http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

Tina Keller ~ http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Phillips ~ http://messmuddleandfun.blogspot.com/

Kimberly Pate ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com

Junior Design Team:

Rachelle Larsen ~ http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com/

Lisa Woodward ~ http://mycraftyspaces.blogspot.com/

Jackie Lodge ~ http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

Peace, love and paper

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Bed Rest

I've been on bed rest for about 10 days now and I'm really trying to behave. While laid up I have rediscovered my love of crochet. I started with baby hats then moved to smaller faster projects. I've made tiny hearts, flowers and butterflies. Cool thing I've discovered, you can use embroidery floss for small projects and it comes it tons and tons of colors. I love it! I can match any color paper I have. Wanna see? Check it out. Email or leave me a comment if you have any questions.

Happy Valentines Day!

Sweet little Gracie was such a good sport during this little photo shoot. She's my sweet little valentine. Her mommy made her barrette of course!

A Sweet Little Hair Clip

This is my first Design Team Project for Kari’s Junior Purplies and you can find the complete Design Team projects at http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/ . Her instructions were simple – we were to do a Love project and think out of the box and yes it can be anything paper related or home decor just don't do a card...along with trying to be different!

This is my project Love project thinking outside of the box

I made this sweet little hair clip for a very special young man to give to his very first Valentine (awwwwww).  I wanted him to have something special but not too over the top so....

I used my CuttleBug and Spellbinders Heart Nesties to cut two layers of red felt.  Ive found that cutting fabric can be easily done if you layer a piece of card stock under your fabric so the die has something to 'bite into'.  I used pink DMC floss to run a blanket stitch around the two layers.  Here is a little tip on stuffing shapes; pick your starting point in a nice straight area so that closing after you stuff is user friendly. Ok, where was i?.....Stuff with some fiberfill and close with the blanket stitch.  I added the little flower but you could use another heart or anything your heart desires (lol). I stitched a hair clip to the back with the same embroidery floss and that was it.  

I made the Valentine Card and cut a small slit in the front so the clip becomes part of the card.  I brought this to work and all the other nurses were very jealous.  I might make a little stack of  heart hair clips today :)

My wonderful Junior Purplies team is:

Rachelle Larsen-http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com

Lisa Woodward-http://mycraftyspaces.blogspot.com/

Jackie Lodge- http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

Fit to be in a Tie!

Today's project came from work...literally. Yes, some may call me a thief....I try to look at it a little more loosely. I'm a borrow-er :). I just wanted to dress up our preemie boy's wardrobe. Especially with valentine's day right around the corner right? Right!

I made a freehand pattern out of some scrap cardstock. I basically wanted the tie to be twice as long as it was wide. Once I got the tie shape right I added a half circle on the top for a knot. I ironed my fabric to Wonder Under to create an appliqué. Then i traced my pattern to the Wonder Under paper backing. I cut out my tie appliqué then ironed it to my 'borrowed' tshirt. To make my tie look more realistic I folded the bottom edge of the knot appliqué and then ironed it in place.

How cute is this?!

Lost my marbles

Check this out...I made these fabulous pendants out of floral marbles.

I baked my marbles for 20 min on 350 degrees in my toaster oven. Immediately after taking them from the oven I dumped the hot marbles in ice cold water. The change in temp causes all these cool cracks to form. Science is AWESOME. I put a bead end cap and a ring on the top of each cooled marble to create a pendant.

Happy little accident

This morning I was making a thank you card for my sweet friend McKenna who was my Secret Santa at work. She left me such thoughtful gifts I wanted to give her a proper thank you.

I stamped this little Changito with Momento black and colored him with Copics to match my designer paper. Pretty cute huh? Well....I was trimming the image and cut too close the the top edge (insert colorful language here). I decided to trim around the flower and I LOVE the result! It was kind of long and boxy before I got trim happy. I think it's much more interesting now.

Embrace the imperfections in life :)

Happy+sad=me

My sweet friend and Kaila has gotten a new job! I'm excited for her and so sad for us. Kaila is our unit secretary and so much more. Each night she is security protecting us like a momma bear, electrician and pc support, she wears an ESP helmet to work and knows what I need before I can think to ask for it. She knows every one of my eye-rolls and is an expert in non-verbal communication. She just makes things run smoothly. We are all going to miss her.

I made this little framed picture for Kaila. She recently moved into a new apartment and got the most adorable puppy named Bella. I hope she knows it was made with love.