Blue Essence Inspired – Tutorial

dsc03517.JPG

Last night I decided to challenge myself and use a fairly complicated piece of art as inspiration.  The original art was created by Megan Aroon and it’s titled Blue Essence.

  

Isn’t it beautiful!

My card doesn’t even come close, but it was a learning experience.

Here is tutorial #40.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Trees Three & Simply Circles
Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Cool Caribbean, Basic Black and More Mustard
Ink: Stampin’ Up More Mustard, Really Rust, Cool Caribbean, Basic Black, Real Red and Brilliant Blue, Broken China Distress Ink, Adirondack Butterscot, Aqua & Hazelnut
Accessories: Brads, Versamark Pad & Marker, Circle Punch, Exacto Knife, Sponges, Post it Notes, Cuttebug Embossing Folder, Clear embossing powder and heat gun

dsc03518.JPG

Stamped trees on Whisper White card stock by first loading stamp with Versamark and the loading it with black ink before stamping.

dsc03485.JPG

Heat embossed image with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

dsc03486.JPG

I used a glass mat and Exacto knife to cut a curved portion from the post it notes.   I then stuck them to the card stock for a mask for the sky area.

dsc03487.JPG

Sponged Cool Caribbean ink on un-masked area.

dsc03488.JPG

Sponged Brilliant Blue ink just at the edge of the post it note.

dsc03489.JPG

Moved the mask down some and sponged Brilliant Blue ink again right at the post it note masked edge to create another line of Brilliant Blue.

dsc03491.JPG

Moved the post it note masks again so I could create the small hill at the right side.  Sponged Cool Caribbean ink on the open area.

dsc03492.JPG

dsc03493.JPG

Sponged Brilliant Blue ink at the edge of the top post it note.

dsc03494.JPG

Moved the post it note mask down a little and put in a second line of Brilliant Blue ink.

dsc03495.JPG

Removed post it notes and went over hills with a Versamark marker and then heat embossed using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

dsc03497.JPG

dsc03498.JPG

Cut a circle from the middle of a post it note with a 1 1/4″ circle punch.  Placed mask where I wanted the sun to be and sponged More Mustard ink on using a circular motion.

dsc03499.JPG

dsc03501.JPG

Sponged Really Rust ink around edge of sun using a circular motion.

dsc03502.JPG

Removed post it note mask and went over the sun with a Versamark marker and heat embossed using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

dsc03503.JPG

dsc03504.JPG

Stamped Dots on sky area by first loading stamp with Versamark, Soft Sky ink and stamping off one time on my scrap paper before stamping on the card stock.  After stamping all of the dots, heat embossed them with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

dsc03505.JPG

dsc03506.JPG

Randomly in the sky area, applied Real Red ink using direct to paper technique and only using a corner of the stamp pad.  Note:  the corner of the stamp pad makes those little “V” markers.

dsc03507.JPG

Using same technique, applied Hazelnut ink to sky area.

dsc03508.JPG

Using same technique, applied Aqua ink to sky area.

dsc03509.JPG

Using same technique, applied Butterscotch ink to sky area.

dsc03510.JPG.

Using same technique, applied Broken China ink to sky area.

dsc03511.JPG

Using same technique, applied Brilliant Blue ink to sky area.

dsc03512.JPG

Wiped ink from embossed images with a paper towel.

dsc03513.JPG

Assembled card after using a cuttlebug embossing folder on the More Mustard panel.  Here you have it, the complete card.

dsc03517.JPG

This is the 40th tutorial I’ve posted to this blog.  Do you want more or is 40 enough?  Encouragement is greatly appreciated by way of comments, especially during gardening season when I should be weeding, lol.

I hope you find a piece of art today that inspires you and makes you want to recreate it.  It’s such a great learning tool!

Until tomorrow. . . . . .

128 thoughts on “Blue Essence Inspired – Tutorial

  1. Lilann's avatar Lilann

    Just wanted to let you know that you are the reason I can now brayer successfully. I would love it if you did a tutorial every day. I have learned so much from you.

    Like

  2. Kathy's avatar Kathy

    Guess your husband will have to weed. We saw him shoveling snow, so maybe weeding is a possibility for him, too? Just kidding..sort of! The card is B-eau-ti-ful!!!! It has a very magical, enchanting feel to it. So pretty! I too am addicted to your blog. You bring joy to my day! The tutorials have taught me so much, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing what I can do with the lessons you’ve taught. Your step by step is so appreciated. You are so talented and so generous with sharing your creations and your techniques. I have no idea how you keep up this pace of turning out so many tutorials. Whatever works best for you going forward will be greatly appreciated. Sniff..sniff…please don’t give up on the tutorials all together!

    Like

  3. Lisa Foster's avatar Lisa Foster

    OK, I’m starting to have too many favorites!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!!!
    Please don’t give up the tutorials…I NEEEEEEEED them! LOL.
    Seriously though…and I speak for all of us…We love & appreciate all that you do! Thank You so much…so how ’bout it? 40 more? Pretty Please?

    Like

  4. Sue (suen)'s avatar Sue (suen)

    This is so wonderful! I love the piece you created and the layout with the embossed layer! The dark layer framing the upper and left side of the main piece is really cool! Thanks for all the time you spend making the tutorials!

    Like

  5. Sue Ann Frese's avatar Sue Ann Frese

    Please, do more. I have just discovered your website and I love it. When I look at your cards, I think how did she do that. Then following your tutorial, the process unfolds. Great ART.

    Like

  6. Shelly Schmidt's avatar Shelly Schmidt

    Michelle- I sunscribe to your blog so I get a daily fix- please- More, More, More- I may go into withdrawal if you don’t keep it up. The week you were on vacation seemed like a month!!! Anyway, isn’t outside work for boys??? LOL I am just kidding!!! Your work is beautiful, and it is just wonderful how you have chosen to share. You are very creative, and have a wonderful eye for color!!! Thanks again for sharing your talent! I look forward to your next creation!!!!

    Like

  7. jane kennedy's avatar jane kennedy

    Please don’t stop your tutorials. I am drawn to your artwork and have learned more from your “recipes” than from any other stamper/artist…and I work with Kittie. Even she knows that I love your style best of all.

    Dont’ stop…tho I must ask why you were up at 3AM…why is it I think you work in some sort of community drug program? Is sleep not required?

    Like

  8. I LOVE your tutorials, but I understand that everyone needs balance in their life…so just know that we love your work, your tutorials, but we understand if you need to take time to devote to other aspects of your life. Take care and thanks for the 40 tutorials!

    Like

  9. yvonne w.'s avatar yvonne w.

    I agree with the woman who said “this is the best blog to learn new techniques! Your tutorials are so easy to understand and I’ve learned a wealth of information from all your hard work!” If you were to stop I would have to give up stamping. You wouldn’t want that would you:)

    Like

  10. Eileen M's avatar Eileen M

    Another adoring fan who would come to pull your weeds if I lived closer! Then I could stand by while you made another fabulous work of art. But please post only as you have the time and keep some balance in your life- we all struggle with that. I know we will all look forward to seeing what you create, and want this to be fun and inspiring for you, too, not something you “have” to do!
    This card is just jaw-dropping gorgeous, but you have made it look easy-peasy! I may have to try this one, too!
    One question- did you switch to the Adirondack inks for a specific reason? Better corners? I have ordered a few, so could do this if the color are right.
    Thanks for your marvelous tutorials!

    Like

  11. Sandy W.'s avatar Sandy W.

    Another thought… these tutorials could lead to a future book! What you do is so unique – and you have a talent for tutorials.

    Like

  12. HB's avatar HB

    OH NO! 40 is soooo not enough! I was just thinking that you should publish a book! It would FLY off the shelves!
    This work of art is absolutely gorgeous!!!!
    HB

    Like

  13. karen m's avatar karen m

    Michelle, I can only say WOW WOW!!!. after viewing your card then the painting WOW!!!. I shared your blog with my friend. she loves color art stamping and scrapbooking and one look at your site and she is hooked just like I am. Each day after work I gather my supplies come to your blog study your tutorial and begin to create as you have instructed. your tutorials are the best. not only do you have a gift for art you also have a gift to teach. thank you for sharing with us. Surely 40 is the beginning, kind of like the tip of the iceberg. Please continue to create and share your gift. You are a blessing!!!!

    Like

  14. Michelle, your art is truly amazing to me! I missed your tutorials while you were gone, (not saying this to make you feel guilty about taking a break.) I hope you will continue your tutorials, even though it is tough competing with gardening! ;D I love to watch your process and your honesty is so encouraging! I feel that I don’t have a naturally creative bone in my body, but I can learn to create. Thank you for all the work you put into your tutorials. {{{Hugs}}}

    Like

  15. Brenda's avatar Brenda

    I can see the original work of art in yours.. you did an awesome job using it as your inspiration. Because of you, I have dug my 12 yr old brayer out of its box and have started using it. If you are able, and enjoy putting all this work into your tutorials, please keep doing so. Your artwork is incredible and the generosity of your tutorials are very inspiring. I enjoy visiting every day to see what you have come up with. Keep up the good work, but dont let those weeds get the better of you hehe.

    Like

  16. Kristie's avatar Kristie

    Please don’t stop the tutorials – I have learned so much from them and get so much inspiration from your amazing work! I’m sure everyone would understand if you didn’t do one every day, but please, please, please don’t make us all suffer withdrawal from our Michelle addiction!

    PS If you did publish a book I know heaps of ladies here in Australia who would definitely buy it for sure!

    Like

  17. Laura M's avatar Laura M

    Please don’t stop — Your work is beautiful, creative and so original. No one does what you do and you are an inspiration. I am determined to master the brayer and the sponge!

    Like

  18. Please do not stop posting your art works. They are totally fabulous and inspiring. If you find it hard to do it every day, well, I for one would be content with one per week (hehehe, she doesn’t ask much does she lol!).

    I have told people about your blog, and you are linked on my blog http://www.mystampingplace.blogspot.com

    I think your work is totally awesome.

    Thanks!!!

    Deanne
    (Sydney, Australia)
    xxxx

    Like

  19. Cami's avatar Cami

    Michelle,

    I am always in awe of your beautiful work. You are so talented and I wish I had just a touch of your talent! Please do not stop posting . . . I look forward to your just about daily art lessons. So inspiring and sometimes I wonder how your mind works to “see” the world in a different form through your colors and techniques. Please continue with your excellent work.

    Like

  20. Debbie McKelvey's avatar Debbie McKelvey

    Just gorgeous as always. No, don’t stop I love how you show us how you get to the finished product. You inspire others to want to try, even though we know we may not achieve the exact look. Thanks for sharing with us when you could be weeding instead! LOL

    Like

  21. Please don’t stop the tutorials. I love your work and how well you explain it all step by step (and with pics too…) With the step by step instructions you have shown me colour combos etc. that I would have never have thought looked so good together or have even thought to use.

    Like

  22. Ruth's avatar Ruth

    I love your tutorials, they are my favourite cards ever and I can follow along in how to make them. Thanks so much for your hard work.

    Like

  23. Kerry's avatar Kerry

    I agree with Sandy W. I would definately buy a book of your tutorials. You have taken stamping to a true art form. I am just in awe of what you do!
    Kerry

    Like

  24. Glitter Queen's avatar Glitter Queen

    I truly enjoy your beautiful creations and the time you spend with your tutorials. I am a picture person and find your tutorials the best out there. My day is not complete without seeing one of your masterpieces.

    Like

  25. Okay – I’m just going to describe what happened when I opened this post, just like every time you post!!

    (exclamation) OOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
    (hand slapped over my heart)
    OMG!
    WOW!
    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
    *sigh*

    This is SO STUNNING!!! And THANK YOU for the tutorial!!! This has a “starry night” feel to it which I love, and I think u know I dig blue!! 🙂 TFS you insanely talented woman!!

    Lydia
    http://www.understandblue.blogspot.com

    Like

  26. Barb (GrandmaUpNorth)'s avatar Barb (GrandmaUpNorth)

    Please add my vote to the rest – don’t stop! I know it must be hard to come up with tutorials all the time, but the truly are an inspiration to us mere mortals! I love your work, and check it out daily! Thank you for all you do. You are awesome!

    Like

  27. Ami Cook's avatar Ami Cook

    I know you have read the comments and realize we all want you to continue but I must add mine anyway 🙂 I just found your blog a couple weeks ago and you have truly inspired me. I can’t wait for your blog to come each day, you make things look so simple and your tutorials are so step by step that it’s not intimidating. Please continue the great work.

    Like

  28. Rochelle Getzler's avatar Rochelle Getzler

    Wonderful Brilliant Michelle,
    I, too, just recently discovered your blog. I am totally in awe of your creativity!
    I always admire what is best about human beings; the ability some people have to
    develop their art to the maximum. The great composers, athletes, authors, all share their finely-honed skills with us. And now you do, too!
    Thanks so much for sharing your techniques with us! Please don’t stop! Your creations are as enriching to the soul as a Beethoven sonata!
    Thanks and very best wishes,
    Rochelle

    Like

  29. Karen's avatar Karen

    I love your tutorials! I have learned a lot from them, and have attempted to recreate some of your cards- with varying results! I still have a lot to learn from you.
    I’m amazed that you post so often- it’s wonderful! You must have so many creative ideas floating around in your head. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!

    Like

  30. Martie (Dayton)'s avatar Martie (Dayton)

    Please don’t stop. I have found no other blog with this much information and inspiration – and I only found you several weeks ago. Have made a list of the Adironrack dyes I need. Have had Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol for years BUT never tried dipping the pencil right into the Gamsol. I learn something every day. Thanks you so much for all the time and effort you put into your blog. I think you can tell from all the previous comments how much it is appreciated. And then to find out we are ‘almost’ neighbors. Do you ever do classes anyplace in the area?

    Like

  31. Terry's avatar Terry

    Michelle!!! No, no, no. Do not give up tutorials – weeding maybe – BUT not the tutorials. lol
    Let’s make a deal…..garden/weed one day and tutorials the next. Oh, take a day of rest to keep the genius juices flowing. You are allowed.
    This card is so fantastic – everyone before me has used every word I could possible think of. This is definitely one to be tried and mastered.
    THANK YOU!!
    I know I’m shouting. I just can’t help it!!!!

    Like

  32. To be honest when I opened my email this morning this about blew me away. This is a piece of art. I wish I could get this in my real mailbox & hang it on my wall.

    I’ve tried before to replicate your techniques & failed miserably. I can only say that I will try once again b/c this is absolutly GORGEOUS!!

    AND please do not stop with the tutorials because it hasn’t been that long ago that I found your blog & I love reading them.

    Like

  33. Becky's avatar Becky

    40, you are just beginning. Every morning I look forward to see your work, I buy my inks by them to practice the beauty that you create. It is like Christmas every day waiting and anticipating to see your next piece, please do not stop. Though I have just starting stamping a few months ago and it is taking me time to Accumulate inks I only have done one piece, but plan on trying every one of them until I am comfortable to fly on my own imagination. I too have seen many blogs, but I am down to only one, YOURS.
    Every day I wait to see what you will do and every day I am so amazed at your gift. It is like allowing some one to see a beautiful picture and then take it away, it would be so empty for us.
    Becky

    Like

  34. 40 is definately not enough! How many comments do you need to make you keep going? I’ll leave one but if you need more I’d be happy to oblige.
    This card is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little “v” technique – genius!!!
    Don’t stop now -you’re on a roll!

    Like

  35. Sherley's avatar Sherley

    I truly enjoy receiving, your posts. Your work is amazing — very original. You also have the knack for explaining things in terms that are easy to understand…breaking down the instructions into digestible steps with great photos to support. Pls don’t stop…on the contrary. Thanks for the great ideas!

    Like

  36. Wendy's avatar Wendy

    Michelle, thank you for your wonderful tutorials. They are absolutely fantastic and I learn more with every one. I know we all have obligations to meet besides stamping (gasp!), but you have a gift of not only being able to create works of art, but also to teach your techniques. We all benefit from it, and I’m sorry I’ve been lax in giving encouragement and thanks. In other words, more please.

    Like

  37. Lee-Anne's avatar Lee-Anne

    Michelle, please keep those tutorials coming! You have wonderful sense of style and I love all your wonderful pieces of art! Thank you so much for providing such great inspiration!!!

    Like

Leave a comment