Wishing everyone of you the happiest of holidays
and all the best in the New Year
And for your New Year's resolution:
Remember to set aside some time to create crafty goodness.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Autumn Birthdays
Our family celebrates a lot of birthdays in September and October and I sometimes run short of cards (you know . . . like the shoemaker's kids not having any shoes). Here's an easy way to stay ahead of the game.
Using the power pasting technique, paste as many cards as you think you might need then add the finishing touches and assemble them as time permits. For example, paste 12 card panels using the Spider Mums (LJ892) stencil and glossy black paste. Let them dry and then put them aside with a sheet of wax paper between each panel until needed. To finish the card, reposition the stencil over the image and tape the corners to hold in place. With a dauber, apply Versamark watermark ink to the exposed paste. Using a clean paint brush, dust a layer of Metallic F/X powder (I used Peach, Plum Royal, Pink Blaze, Forestry and Kiwi) over the watermark ink in colors that will coordinate with your background paper. Remove the stencil and dust off any remaining powder with a soft cloth or brush. (A Swiffer Dry Sweeper also works well for this.) Stamp the appropriate sentiment and you're done!
We'll be using this stencil and the Molten Magic technique in Saturday's class at Memories Live On. Register on-line or call the store at 408-446-9910 to save a space in the craft room.
Happy crafting,
Liz
We'll be using this stencil and the Molten Magic technique in Saturday's class at Memories Live On. Register on-line or call the store at 408-446-9910 to save a space in the craft room.
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Fall is in the air . . .
. . . and there are some wonderful Dreamweaver Stencils to translate that feeling into card making or scrapbooking. I've chosen three for a stencil class at Memories Live On in Cupertino on Saturday, September 28 (1:00-4:00 p.m.; $25 class fee). Call the store at 408-446-9901 to register.
The new technique we'll be learning is faux ceramic tile (or window pane) and we'll re-visit the Molten Magic technique we learned a few months ago.
Remember to set aside some time to do something creative this weekend.
Until the next post, happy crafting,
Liz
The new technique we'll be learning is faux ceramic tile (or window pane) and we'll re-visit the Molten Magic technique we learned a few months ago.
Remember to set aside some time to do something creative this weekend.
Until the next post, happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, August 15, 2013
It's been a while . . .
Time does go by quickly when you get caught in the day to day activities of life. But I'm back with lots of card making and paper-crafts projects to share.
Dreamweaver Stencils is till my fave and today's card uses a new release Shasta Flower (LL3031) and the Faux Cloisonne technique. I can't share the details now, as it is a card I will be teaching at Memories Live On in Cupertino, CA on August 24. If you're interested in the class, call 408-446-9901 to register.
And don't forget to check the crafty projects the new design team has created for you. You'll find the links on the sidebar.
Until next time,
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, March 28, 2013
So Long, Farewell, Ciao . . .
. . . my time on the fabulous Dreamweaver Design Team is up. Where most teams offer a year-long adventure at best, I've been very fortunate to have worked with this amazingly talented group for two and a half years. I'll still be posting projects on a regular basis, though just not on Thursdays – that's still reserved for the Dream Team. And I'll still be teaching with the fabulous products from Dreamweaver Stencils and will post information about classes on this blog's sidebar.
For my last post, I've tried to capture on paper the very beautiful wisteria blossoms that adorn the exterior of the Filoli Estate not far from where I live. It's an amazing display and I've even taken wisteria pruning classes there in the hope that my one plant will aspire to grandeur.
Here's what you'll need:
Wisteria LG725
Translucent Embossing Paste DEPT
Palette Knife DPK
Paste Spreader LM2010
Ink (your choice)
Stencil Brushes
Removable Tape
Ribbon or other embellishment of your choice
Here's what to do:
Position stencil on card stock and apply color in light shades to wisteria blossoms only. This will create the background and give depth to the image. Clean stencil and reposition it a little higher and to the right of the wisteria blossoms you just colored. Apply ink in darker shades to blossoms and leaves. Remove stencil and clean it. Reposition stencil over blossoms and leaves and tape on all sides. Using palette knife, put some translucent paste on paste spreader and spread evenly over stencil. Remove stencil and set card aside to dry (paste will dry clear). Return unused paste to jar; wash and dry stencil, palette knife and paste spreader. Adhere card to mats. Add ribbon or other embellishment and adhere to card front.
There's still a few days left to enter this month's "Bloomin' Spring" challenge and you can find all the details and mr. linky on the Dream it Up! blog here. Be sure to visit the rest of the Dream Team blogs for more ideas and inspiration. Here are the links:
For my last post, I've tried to capture on paper the very beautiful wisteria blossoms that adorn the exterior of the Filoli Estate not far from where I live. It's an amazing display and I've even taken wisteria pruning classes there in the hope that my one plant will aspire to grandeur.
Here's what you'll need:
Wisteria LG725
Translucent Embossing Paste DEPT
Palette Knife DPK
Paste Spreader LM2010
Ink (your choice)
Stencil Brushes
Removable Tape
Ribbon or other embellishment of your choice
Here's what to do:
Position stencil on card stock and apply color in light shades to wisteria blossoms only. This will create the background and give depth to the image. Clean stencil and reposition it a little higher and to the right of the wisteria blossoms you just colored. Apply ink in darker shades to blossoms and leaves. Remove stencil and clean it. Reposition stencil over blossoms and leaves and tape on all sides. Using palette knife, put some translucent paste on paste spreader and spread evenly over stencil. Remove stencil and set card aside to dry (paste will dry clear). Return unused paste to jar; wash and dry stencil, palette knife and paste spreader. Adhere card to mats. Add ribbon or other embellishment and adhere to card front.
There's still a few days left to enter this month's "Bloomin' Spring" challenge and you can find all the details and mr. linky on the Dream it Up! blog here. Be sure to visit the rest of the Dream Team blogs for more ideas and inspiration. Here are the links:
Liz Martin (you're here)
The new team begins posting next week so be sure to stop by to see what crafty goodness they have in store for you. You can find their blog links on the Dream it Up! blog.
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Welcome, New Team Members
A warm welcome to the newest members of the Dream Team
There are so many great floral stencils to work with that this month's challenge gives me a chance to use some of my old favorites.
This is a card I made for a friend's birthday last year, though the tulips (LL377) could easily be replaced by any of the other flower stencils: iris (LL374), rose (LL375), daffodil (LL428), lilly (LL376), and sunflower (LL429).
Instructions:
Dry-emboss (I used a BigKick) the Long Tulip stencil (LL377) three times. With the stencil in place, color each image to coordinate with your patterned paper. After the ink has dried (you could use a heat tool to speed this up), fussy-cut each flower and then cut away the larger leaves from the flowers. Position the flowers as you would a bouquet and tuck the leaves in the background for depth and balance. Attach ribbon to hide the stem ends and three pearls or other embellishment of your choice. And you're done.
Be sure to hop around to the other Dream Team blogs to see what everyone's been up to. You'll find lots of ideas and inspiration to create your own project to enter into this month's challenge. You can find out all the details here, along with the mr. linky widget. Better get started!
Heidi Erickson
Lyn Bernatovich
Caroline Duncan
Stacey Rumsby
Lea Kimmel
Jessica Griffin
You'll be working with the very talented and creative returning members Cyndi Bundy, Laura Drahozal, Cherylynn Moser, Louise Healy, Terrece Siddoway and Pam Hornschu. The year ahead will be a fun-filled, roller coaster ride as you create amazing projects with the best stencils on the market. Lyn Bernatovich
Caroline Duncan
Stacey Rumsby
Lea Kimmel
Jessica Griffin
There are so many great floral stencils to work with that this month's challenge gives me a chance to use some of my old favorites.
Instructions:
Dry-emboss (I used a BigKick) the Long Tulip stencil (LL377) three times. With the stencil in place, color each image to coordinate with your patterned paper. After the ink has dried (you could use a heat tool to speed this up), fussy-cut each flower and then cut away the larger leaves from the flowers. Position the flowers as you would a bouquet and tuck the leaves in the background for depth and balance. Attach ribbon to hide the stem ends and three pearls or other embellishment of your choice. And you're done.
Be sure to hop around to the other Dream Team blogs to see what everyone's been up to. You'll find lots of ideas and inspiration to create your own project to enter into this month's challenge. You can find out all the details here, along with the mr. linky widget. Better get started!
Liz Martin (you're here)
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Spring is in the air
It's been very warm the last few days and flowers and trees are bursting with colorful blossoms and buds. While it's still early for big and colorful dahlias in the garden, this Stylized Dahlia stencil is perfect any time. And it couldn't be easier to have your own flower garden full of them.
Materials
Stylized Dahlia LG743
Picasso tool (stencil shield) LL332
Matte Black Embossing Paste DMBP
Crackle Paste CEP
Palette Knife DPK
Paste Spreader LM2010
Tsukineko Splendor Ink Pads
Instructions
Tape stencil to card stock using removable tape. Apply matte black paste with palette knife. Remove stencil and place it, along with the palette knife in a pan of water. Set the card aside to dry. Wash and dry stencil.
Reposition the clean stencil over the black paste and tape all sides with removable tape. Apply crackle paste. Remove stencil; wash and dry it and the palette knife. Set the card aside to dry.
Crackles will appear as the paste dries. If you have a warming tray, electric skillet or griddle with a temperature control, this is the perfect time to use it to speed up the drying process for the crackle paste.
When the past is dry, reposition the clean stencil over the image and color with pigment ink and a stencil brush. Use the Picasso tool, or stencil shield, for color separation on the petals and for shading on the leaves.
Mat on coordinating card stock and you have a cheery spring card to send to a special someone.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs for more fun, ideas and inspiration. And there's still time to submit your project for a chance to win a stencil of your own choosing. Get the details here, along with the mr. linky widget. Better get started!
Happy crafting,
Liz
Stylized Dahlia LG743
Picasso tool (stencil shield) LL332
Matte Black Embossing Paste DMBP
Crackle Paste CEP
Palette Knife DPK
Paste Spreader LM2010
Tsukineko Splendor Ink Pads
Instructions
Tape stencil to card stock using removable tape. Apply matte black paste with palette knife. Remove stencil and place it, along with the palette knife in a pan of water. Set the card aside to dry. Wash and dry stencil.
Reposition the clean stencil over the black paste and tape all sides with removable tape. Apply crackle paste. Remove stencil; wash and dry it and the palette knife. Set the card aside to dry.
Crackles will appear as the paste dries. If you have a warming tray, electric skillet or griddle with a temperature control, this is the perfect time to use it to speed up the drying process for the crackle paste.
When the past is dry, reposition the clean stencil over the image and color with pigment ink and a stencil brush. Use the Picasso tool, or stencil shield, for color separation on the petals and for shading on the leaves.
Mat on coordinating card stock and you have a cheery spring card to send to a special someone.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs for more fun, ideas and inspiration. And there's still time to submit your project for a chance to win a stencil of your own choosing. Get the details here, along with the mr. linky widget. Better get started!
Liz Martin (you're here)
Liz
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Is it spring yet?
Welcome to a new month and a new challenge. And what better way to celebrate the end of winter than with a challenge to "A Bloomin' Spring"? You've got until the end of the month to submit a project using Mr. Linky on the Dream it Up! blog and who knows . . . you just might be the lucky winner!
Materials
Romantic Rose LL585
Picasso tool (stencil shield) LL332
Matte Black Embossing Paste DMBP
Crackle Paste CEP
Palette Knife
Paste Spreader
What to do
Tape stencil to card stock using removable tape. Apply matte black paste with palette knife. Remove stencil and place it, along with the palette knife in a pan of water. Set the card aside to dry. Wash and dry stencil.
Reposition the clean stencil over the black paste and tape all sides with removable tape. Apply crackle paste. Remove stencil; wash and dry it and the palette knife. Set the card aside to dry.
Crackles will appear as the paste dries.
When the past is dry, reposition the clean stencil over the image and color with ink (I used Tsukineko Splendor ink pads) and a stencil brush. This is where the Picasso tool, or stencil shield, really comes in handy. By positioning it over the rosebud, it will help you keep the green of the stem from blending into the pink.
Adhere to coordinating mat, to patterned paper and, finally, to card base. Add embellishments and you have a lovely card for a birthday, anniversary or thinking of you.
For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs to see what they've been working on. Start your journey at Dream it Up! (that's where you'll find Mr. Linky) and then continue down the list.
Liz
Romantic Rose LL585
Picasso tool (stencil shield) LL332
Matte Black Embossing Paste DMBP
Crackle Paste CEP
Palette Knife
Paste Spreader
What to do
Tape stencil to card stock using removable tape. Apply matte black paste with palette knife. Remove stencil and place it, along with the palette knife in a pan of water. Set the card aside to dry. Wash and dry stencil.
Reposition the clean stencil over the black paste and tape all sides with removable tape. Apply crackle paste. Remove stencil; wash and dry it and the palette knife. Set the card aside to dry.
Crackles will appear as the paste dries.
When the past is dry, reposition the clean stencil over the image and color with ink (I used Tsukineko Splendor ink pads) and a stencil brush. This is where the Picasso tool, or stencil shield, really comes in handy. By positioning it over the rosebud, it will help you keep the green of the stem from blending into the pink.
Adhere to coordinating mat, to patterned paper and, finally, to card base. Add embellishments and you have a lovely card for a birthday, anniversary or thinking of you.
For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs to see what they've been working on. Start your journey at Dream it Up! (that's where you'll find Mr. Linky) and then continue down the list.
Liz Martin (you're here)
Happy crafting,Liz
Thursday, February 28, 2013
All About Hearts
The month of celebrating hearts, love and friendship is coming to an end and along with it our CAS Love and Friendship challenge. I hope you've submitted a project but, if not, March is just around the corner and brings with it another challenge. Stay tuned!
For our final love and friendship post, I've gone back to an old favorite, Heart Swirls (LL567) and the easy but very elegant gold leaf technique. Ready to get started?
Materials
Heart Swirls LL567
Metallic Gold Paste DGP
Palette Stamp and Stick Glue Pad GSP
Variegated Red Leaf VRL
Palette Knife DPK
Instructions
Tape your stencil to the card stock on all sides and apply the Metallic Gold paste with the palette knife. Remove the stencil and set the pasted image aside to dry. Wash and dry stencil.
Reposition the clean stencil over the image and apply glue to the open areas of the stencil with a dauber. Lightly heat with a heat tool until tacky. Apply a sheet of gold leaf and burnish with your finger. Brush image with clean stencil brush to remove extra leafing. Be sure to save the bits and pieces of gold leaf that you brush off as they can be used again in another project.
Mat on coordinating card stock, add embellishments – I chose a creamy satin ribbon – and adhere to your card base. I chose to put my sentiment inside, but you could position the heart image higher on the card front and add a sentiment below.
Be sure to stop on by the rest of the Dream Team blogs for more ideas and inspiration and be sure to leave us a note. We really do read the comments!
For our final love and friendship post, I've gone back to an old favorite, Heart Swirls (LL567) and the easy but very elegant gold leaf technique. Ready to get started?
Materials
Heart Swirls LL567
Metallic Gold Paste DGP
Palette Stamp and Stick Glue Pad GSP
Variegated Red Leaf VRL
Palette Knife DPK
Instructions
Tape your stencil to the card stock on all sides and apply the Metallic Gold paste with the palette knife. Remove the stencil and set the pasted image aside to dry. Wash and dry stencil.
Reposition the clean stencil over the image and apply glue to the open areas of the stencil with a dauber. Lightly heat with a heat tool until tacky. Apply a sheet of gold leaf and burnish with your finger. Brush image with clean stencil brush to remove extra leafing. Be sure to save the bits and pieces of gold leaf that you brush off as they can be used again in another project.
Mat on coordinating card stock, add embellishments – I chose a creamy satin ribbon – and adhere to your card base. I chose to put my sentiment inside, but you could position the heart image higher on the card front and add a sentiment below.
Be sure to stop on by the rest of the Dream Team blogs for more ideas and inspiration and be sure to leave us a note. We really do read the comments!
Liz Martin (you're here)
See you next week with a new challenge. Until then . . .
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Owl Always Love You . . .
. . . was the first thought that came to mind when I saw this adorable Open Owl (LG751) stencil. He is soooo cute!
Materials:
Open Owl Stencil
Patterned paper of your choice
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Holly Branch die
Wiggle eyes, brads or buttons
Sentiment of your choice
Here's what to do:
Trace the owl on card stock and set aside. Assemble patterned paper and trace the various parts of the owl on the back of the paper, keeping the front of the stencil (the side with the stencil number and copyright information) face down. Cut out just outside the line. If your owl is wearing a vest, cut a second body from contrasting paper and trim away the top and bottom. Adhere cut pieces to card stock and cut out. Add buttons or brads and wiggle eyes.
Die cut branch. Stamp sentiment. Adhere to patterned background paper and you're done!
Check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs to see what crafty goodness they've cooked up for you. And, there's still a week left to submit your project for this month's challenge. You can find more information here and then get busy! We can't wait to see your interpretation of this month's challenge.
Liz Martin (you're here)
And don't forget . . . there's a Design Team call going on. If Dreamweaver Stencils are front and center in your mind as they are in mine, now's the time to submit your application. Get all the details here (click on the Design Team Call 2013 under the banner).
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Hearts, Hearts and More Hearts
Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends and readers! This month's challenge, CAS Love and Friendship, is perfect for the newly released ruffled hearts and Molten Magic technique.
Here's what you'll need:
LG747 Ruffled Hearts
LS1004, You & Me
DPP Pearlescent Paste
Metallic F/X colors of your choice
DCP Metallic Gold Paste
DPK Palette Knife
LM2010 Paste Spreader
Removable tape
Small paint brush or Q-tip
Here's what to do:
Tape top of stencil to craft mat. Lift stencil and slip card stock underneath. Apply paste with paste spreader. Remove card stock and set aside. Repeat for second heart. Set stencil, palette knife and paste spreader in a pan of water. Sprinkle Metallic F/X over hearts by dipping paint brush or Q-tip into mica powder and gentle tapping over pasted image. You may have to do this several times to get the coverage you want. Heat the paste with a heat tool until bubbly. Set aside to cool.
Tape You & Me stencil to card stock and apply Metallic Gold paste. Remove stencil and set pasted image aside to dry. Wash and dry stencils, palette knife and paste spreader.
Cut out hearts and trim sentiment to desired size. Assemble on patterned paper and coordinating mat and you're done! Ready to give to that special someone.
There's still plenty of time to submit your project for this month's CAS (clean and simple) Love and Friendship challenge, so get busy! Link your crafty goodness using Mr. Linky on the Dream it Up! blog or send a photo of your project to Lynell at lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com or, if after February 13, to Louise Healy at louisehealy@sbcglobal.net). If you need a few more ideas or a bit more inspiration, check out out the rest of the Dream Team blogs, starting with Dreamweaver's blog, DREAM it UP!
LG747 Ruffled Hearts
LS1004, You & Me
DPP Pearlescent Paste
Metallic F/X colors of your choice
DCP Metallic Gold Paste
DPK Palette Knife
LM2010 Paste Spreader
Removable tape
Small paint brush or Q-tip
Here's what to do:
Tape top of stencil to craft mat. Lift stencil and slip card stock underneath. Apply paste with paste spreader. Remove card stock and set aside. Repeat for second heart. Set stencil, palette knife and paste spreader in a pan of water. Sprinkle Metallic F/X over hearts by dipping paint brush or Q-tip into mica powder and gentle tapping over pasted image. You may have to do this several times to get the coverage you want. Heat the paste with a heat tool until bubbly. Set aside to cool.
Tape You & Me stencil to card stock and apply Metallic Gold paste. Remove stencil and set pasted image aside to dry. Wash and dry stencils, palette knife and paste spreader.
Cut out hearts and trim sentiment to desired size. Assemble on patterned paper and coordinating mat and you're done! Ready to give to that special someone.
There's still plenty of time to submit your project for this month's CAS (clean and simple) Love and Friendship challenge, so get busy! Link your crafty goodness using Mr. Linky on the Dream it Up! blog or send a photo of your project to Lynell at lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com or, if after February 13, to Louise Healy at louisehealy@sbcglobal.net). If you need a few more ideas or a bit more inspiration, check out out the rest of the Dream Team blogs, starting with Dreamweaver's blog, DREAM it UP!
Liz Martin (you're here)
But wait! There's more! If you're as passionate about Dreamweaver Stencils as we are, please consider joining the team. There's a Design Team call going on this month, so check it out. You can find out more about that here (clink on the link under the banner).
See you next week,
Liz
Thursday, February 7, 2013
It's February and hearts are everywhere
The search is on for new members for the Dream Team, so get busy! You can find out more about that here (clink on the link under the banner).
This month's challenge theme is Clean and Simple Love and Friendship and
there are so many stencils to choose from. Not being able to make up
my mind, I picked two for today's post!
LM2000, Heart Swans
LM241, Happy Valentine's Day
DPP, Pearlescent Embossing Paste
FX05, Metallic F/X Goldfinch
DCP, Metallic Gold Embossing Paste
DPK, Palette Knife
LM2010, Paste Spreader
Heat Tool
Card stock and ribbon or other embellishment of your choice
The cream card stock measures 4" x 5-1/4" which fits the stencils perfectly. Tape the top of the stencil to a craft mat or other surface. Lift up the bottom of the stencil and center your card under it. Cover the bottom part of the card with scrap paper to keep it clean. Spread the Pearlescent Embossing Paste over the stencil with the palette knife. Remove the card and place the stencil in a pan of water. Sprinkle the paste with the Metallic F/X and heat with a heat tool until the paste begins to bubble. This is the Molten Magic technique.
For the sentiment, tape the bottom of the Happy Valentine's Day stencil to the craft mat or other surface. Raise the top and slide your card under the stencil. Protect the top half with scrap paper. Apply Metallic Gold Embossing Paste with the paste spreader. Remove card and set aside to dry. Wash and dry stencils, palette knife and spreader.
When the paste is dry, add your embellishment, mat on coordinating card stock and then to card base and you're done!
There's plenty of time to work on this month's challenge (link your crafty goodness using Mr. Linky on the Dream it Up! blog or send a photo of your project to Lynell at lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com or, if after February 13, to Louise Healy at louisehealy@sbcglobal.net). But before you head off to your craft space, check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs or more ideas and inspiration
Liz Martin (you're here)
See you next week,
Liz
Thursday, January 31, 2013
A Fresh Start and a New Design Team
Yes, it's true. The search for new team members is on. Click on Dream Team Call 2013 at the top of Team Leader Pam Hornschu's blog for all the details.
This post is another "fresh" stencil released at the Craft and Hobby Association trade show earlier this month. And what's better than a little French flair on a luscious double-glittered cupcake!
Ingredients
LL552 Large Cupcake
LM2014 Bonne Fete
MPDS Double Sided Mounting Paper
Ultrafine glitter of your choice (I used Glitter Ritz)
Directions
For complete instructions and more samples of the double glitter technique, see any of my posts of June 2012. When everything is glittered, mat your images on coordinating card stock. For added interest and texture, dry emboss portions of the Fireworks (LJ886) stencil on the card base and card will really come to life!
Check out the rest of the Team blogs for more fun and inspiration and be sure to check the DREAM it UP! blog on Friday to see if you're a winner in this month's challenge and to find out what's in store for February.
This post is another "fresh" stencil released at the Craft and Hobby Association trade show earlier this month. And what's better than a little French flair on a luscious double-glittered cupcake!
Ingredients
LL552 Large Cupcake
LM2014 Bonne Fete
MPDS Double Sided Mounting Paper
Ultrafine glitter of your choice (I used Glitter Ritz)
Directions
For complete instructions and more samples of the double glitter technique, see any of my posts of June 2012. When everything is glittered, mat your images on coordinating card stock. For added interest and texture, dry emboss portions of the Fireworks (LJ886) stencil on the card base and card will really come to life!
Check out the rest of the Team blogs for more fun and inspiration and be sure to check the DREAM it UP! blog on Friday to see if you're a winner in this month's challenge and to find out what's in store for February.
Liz Martin (you're here)
See you next week,
Liz
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Fresh Start Theme Continues
There's more! There's more! Continuing with last week's Fresh Start theme and the new stencils released this month is this lovely LJ924 Bride, and it's very easy to do using the Molten Magic technique.
Begin by paste embossing the stencil with Pearlescent paste using the paste spreader (LM2010). Remove the stencil and sprinkle Metallic F/X over the dress. I find this easiest to do by dipping a Qtip or paint brush into the Metallic F/X and then tapping it over the pasted portion of the image where you want to add color. Heat the colored portion with a heat tool until the paste begins to bubble. The results will be different each time and that's the fun of it! This one reminds me of the beading found on many wedding dresses. I also added a bit of color to the veil and heated that, too, with the heat gun. Set the stencil aside for the rest of the paste to dry.
Reposition the clean stencil over the image and color to bouquet with ink using a small stencil brush and the Picasso tool. I also added a touch of pink for the blush on the bride's face. Here's another fun touch: if you know the bride has a favorite color, or the colors chosen for the wedding, you can customize the card for her special day.
Now, there's still time to enter this month's Fresh Start challenge, so don't delay – you just might be a winner! Check the Dreamweaver blog, DREAM it UP! for all the details and then stop by the rest of the Design Team blogs for more fun and crafty inspiration.
Reposition the clean stencil over the image and color to bouquet with ink using a small stencil brush and the Picasso tool. I also added a touch of pink for the blush on the bride's face. Here's another fun touch: if you know the bride has a favorite color, or the colors chosen for the wedding, you can customize the card for her special day.
Now, there's still time to enter this month's Fresh Start challenge, so don't delay – you just might be a winner! Check the Dreamweaver blog, DREAM it UP! for all the details and then stop by the rest of the Design Team blogs for more fun and crafty inspiration.
Liz Martin (you're here)
See you next week,
Liz
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Several thoughts on a fresh start . . .
A fresh start can mean so many things and for me, one of the best ways to start the new year is to take in all the new products, ideas and inspiration at CHA, the Craft and Hobby Association's winter trade show. We also celebrated the release of the new Dreamweaver Stencils – and a fun way to continue with this month's Fresh Start challenge theme!
After the holidays, we all need thank you cards and here are two that are just perfect for conveying your warmest thanks with a bit of whimsy.
The Bold Thank You stencil (LG748) is perfect for the paper piecing technique. Pick out your favorite coordinating papers and trace the letters, remembering to place your stencil face down on the wrong side of your patterned paper. That is, the side of the stencil with Lynell's name and stencil number should be placed against the back of your patterned paper so that when the letters are cut out, the tracing lines won't show and all your letters will be facing the right direction. To make letter placement on the card front easier, I positioned the stencil on the card front and made faint pencil marks on the tops of each letter, so that I could recreate their position and spacing. To give a little more definition, I outlined each letter with a Micron 03 pen from Sakura.
Those of you who saw this post know how much I love the Retro Sitting Cat (LL3020) and that I always have several (OK, more than several) images pasted up and ready to go. So, when I got the Merci stencil (LS1011), I knew this would be a perfect match.
The cat is pasted with Glossy Black Embossing Paste (DGKP) and Merci is done with the double glitter technique (you can find out more about that here). Now, if you're very clever, you can glitter up the tiny beret from the (LG741) Kitty Words stencil and give this cool cat some real French flair!
That's it for today. There will be more new releases and fresh starts throughout January. For more ideas and inspiration, check out the rest of the team blogs and think a bit of your idea of a Fresh Start. There are a lot of possibilities for interpretation, so let's see what you come up with. There's plenty of time to post your project to Mr. Linky on the DREAM it UP! blog (where you will also find more information on the challenge) and you might just be a winner!
After the holidays, we all need thank you cards and here are two that are just perfect for conveying your warmest thanks with a bit of whimsy.
Those of you who saw this post know how much I love the Retro Sitting Cat (LL3020) and that I always have several (OK, more than several) images pasted up and ready to go. So, when I got the Merci stencil (LS1011), I knew this would be a perfect match.
That's it for today. There will be more new releases and fresh starts throughout January. For more ideas and inspiration, check out the rest of the team blogs and think a bit of your idea of a Fresh Start. There are a lot of possibilities for interpretation, so let's see what you come up with. There's plenty of time to post your project to Mr. Linky on the DREAM it UP! blog (where you will also find more information on the challenge) and you might just be a winner!
Liz Martin (you're here)
See you next week,
Liz
Thursday, January 10, 2013
New Year . . . Fresh Start . . .
and New Beginnings. Fresh Start, the January Dreamweaver challenge, can mean so many things: challenging yourself to try something new, looking at a familiar object and seeing it/using it in a new way, embarking on an adventure, a new career, beginning another chapter in your life . . . and for some, the announcement of the arrival of a welcomed addition to the family is definitely a new beginning.
The stencil is LL327, Baby Shoes, with the words taped over, and Metallic Copper embossing paste. Position the stencil on card stock and, with a palette knife or paste spreader, spread the copper paste over the stencil. Set the stencil, knife or spreader in a pan of water and wash. Or, why not paste several so you'll always have a pasted image ready when you need to make another card? When the paste is dry, assemble the card(s) on coordinating papers and embellish to your heart's content! It couldn't be easier
Wishing a lot of crafty fun in this fresh new year!
Happy crafting,
Liz
The stencil is LL327, Baby Shoes, with the words taped over, and Metallic Copper embossing paste. Position the stencil on card stock and, with a palette knife or paste spreader, spread the copper paste over the stencil. Set the stencil, knife or spreader in a pan of water and wash. Or, why not paste several so you'll always have a pasted image ready when you need to make another card? When the paste is dry, assemble the card(s) on coordinating papers and embellish to your heart's content! It couldn't be easier
Why not start fresh and challenge yourself to an entry in Dreamweaver's monthly challenge. You can get the details HERE. And for more ideas and inspiration on what "fresh start" means to each of us, check out the rest of the team posts, beginning with Dreamweaver's blog, DREAM it UP!
Liz Martin (you're here)
Wishing a lot of crafty fun in this fresh new year!
Happy crafting,
Liz
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Happy New Year
Welcome to another year of stenciling fun! It's a new year and a fresh start, which is also this month's challenge. And a fresh start can mean so many things – new beginnings, a clean slate, an unmarked calendar, new opportunities . . . the sky is the limit. And what better way to begin our fresh start than by wishing our Stencil Queen Lynell a very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
One interpretation of a fresh start is taking an older stencil, Damask (LJ907), which I've used a lot with the double glitter technique, and given it a new look with Pearlescent embossing paste on light colored card stock. This makes an elegant background for a variety of sentiments. For this special birthday I chose Happy Birthday (LS1010), another stencil who has seen a lot of glitter. I dry embossed it and then, with the stencil still in place, applied pigment ink with a stencil brush. The pin, originally white, was colored with a Copic marker.
Can't wait to get together at CHA next week to wish Lynell a very Happy Birthday in person, but until then, check out what the other design team members have made to celebrate this special day. Start out at the Dreamweaver blog, Dream it Up! to get the details on this month's challenge and then visit the rest of the team. We really do read and appreciate your comments. A big thank you to all who have left us some love this past year. We look forward to hearing more from you.
Wishing you a health, happiness and a lot of crafty fun in this fresh new year!
Happy crafting,
Liz
Can't wait to get together at CHA next week to wish Lynell a very Happy Birthday in person, but until then, check out what the other design team members have made to celebrate this special day. Start out at the Dreamweaver blog, Dream it Up! to get the details on this month's challenge and then visit the rest of the team. We really do read and appreciate your comments. A big thank you to all who have left us some love this past year. We look forward to hearing more from you.
Liz Martin (you're here)
Wishing you a health, happiness and a lot of crafty fun in this fresh new year!
Happy crafting,
Liz
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