Happy Little Black Bird – Tutorial #397

81 Comments

 

Well, well, well, I’m approaching another tutorial milestone here on Freedom to Create.   I hope you are still with me and enjoying the tutorials as I make my way to the 400th tutorial!   Where does the time go.  I could swear I just started this blog yesterday.   How about cheering me on by leaving a comment on this post telling me things you would like to see used or done in one of my tutorials?  Let me hear from you, my cyber friends!  If you are receiving this post via e-mail CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT.

Let’s get started. . . . .  .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Punch Potpourri and Season of Friendship
Paper: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White, More Mustard, Old Olive, Marina Mist and Basic Black
Ink: Stampin’ Up! Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, More Mustard, So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Always Artichoke & Early Espresso
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Markers – Basic Black, So Saffron & More Mustard, White Gel Pen, Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Black Brads, Bird Punch
Techniques: Direct to Paper

  My Stampin’ Up customers that order $50 in Stampin’ Up merchandise will receive this handmade card though March 31, 2011.

Don’t forget it is Sale-a-bration time at Stampin’ Up.  Receive a free Sale-a-bration set for each $50 in merchandise purchased.   Click HERE to place an order.   Your order will be shipped directly to your door step from Stampin’ Up!

The Stampin’ Up USA Idea book and Catalog is here.   For your copy, please send a check for $9.95 to Michelle Zindorf, P.O. Box 116, West Alexandria, OH 45381 or send it via paypal to mzindorf@aim.com USA only.     My current customers will receive a new Occasions Mini Catalog automatically from me.   Not a current customer and want a free copy of the new Occasions Mini Catalog ?  E-mail your mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  )  Are you getting inspiration from this blog?   One way you can help support it is to order your Stampin’ Up products through me.   Click HERE to place an order.    Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator , receive a 20% discount on product and earn instant income on orders?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business or become a Hobby Demo just for the discount.  Click HERE for more information.

I love creating direct to paper projects using the Stampin’ Spots Ink pads.  They are so very easy to control for this type of work.

On a 4 3/8″ Square piece of Whisper White card stock, smeared the edge of the Bashful Blue ink spot across the card stock.

Smeared Certainly Celery ink across the card stock.

Smeared Old Olive ink across the card stock.

Smeared Baja Breeze ink across the card stock.

Smeared Marina Mist ink across the card stock from the right side only.

Smeared So Saffron ink across the card stock from the left side only.

Smeared More Mustard ink across the top of the card stock from the left side only.

Smeared Crumb Cake ink across the card stock at the bottom of the green area.

Stamped the branch twice using Early Espresso ink.

Stamped the leaves using Always Artichoke ink.

Stamped the bird using Basic Black ink on a separate piece of Whisper White card stock and then punched it out using the bird punch.

Adhered the bird to the card stock and added White Gel Pen highlights to the leaves and branches.

Added Basic Black marker shadows under the leaves and branches.

Added an Old Olive panel, Basic Black panel and a More Mustard panel.  Added Old Olive Striped Grosgrain ribbon and Basic Black brads.

I felt the card was a little out of balance so I added a strip of More Mustard and Marina Mist card stock under the ribbon.  Also added two leave punches from Old Olive card stock.

Added Basic Black and More Mustard marker to the punched leaves.

Added More Mustard marker to some of the leaves and to the bottom of the bird’s belly.  Also added So Saffron Marker to the bird’s belly.

Here is the completed card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May your day be filled with all of the people and things that you love.

Until my next post. . . .  . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

   Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to the following locations, click the location name for more information.  

Houston, Texas  

Wichita, Kansas  

Syracuse (Bridgeport), New York  

St. Peters, Missouri  

La Porte, Indiana  

Orlando (Davenport), Florida  

St. Cloud, Minnesota  

Colorado Springs, Colorado  

Ottumwa, Iowa  

Owings Mills, Maryland (Baltimore Area) 

Cleveland (Euclid), Ohio  

Staley , North Carolina (South of Greensboro)  

Monroe, Connecticut  

Sturgis, South Dakota  

Leesburg, Florida  

Montreal, Wisconsin  

Savannah, Georgia  

Lincoln, Illinois  

Jefferson, Louisiana (New Orleans Area)  

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar   

Don’t see a workshop in your State?  Interested in hosting the workshops in your area in 2012?   Click HERE to get hostess information.  

Link to my Stampin’ Up website where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net

81 thoughts on “Happy Little Black Bird – Tutorial #397”

  1. Charly

    *LOVE* your tutorials! Your tutorials have significantly influenced my style, if I have one.

    I especially love your Direct-To-Paper pieces, since they are so artistic.

    I look forward to 400 more tutorials!

    Like

    Reply
  2. Paula

    Hi Michelle,
    You truly are amazing, this card is so great I want to try it and every time I case one of your cards and give it to someone they go crazy over it, they (the cards) are so unique and pretty. I would like to see you use Tart & Tangy, or Baroque Motifs. or anything with Circle Circus. Thanks for all you do. Way to go on your 400 tutorials, just a couple more. hip hip hooray.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Melissa Carr

    I am ALWAYS inspired by your tutorials! Thank you SO VERY much for showing us how to create works of art with your step by step photo’s and instructions! Makes me feel good when I’m able to give someone a piece of art! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your beautiful work and dedication!

    Like

    Reply
  4. Jackie Wright

    Michelle, I LOVE your tutorials – so inspiring! Congrats on doing so many, it truly is a milestone. Do you ever work with the Watercolor Wonder crayons? I’d love to see how you use those. Thanks for everything!

    Like

    Reply
  5. Ruby

    Congratulations on your upcoming milestone, I will have to go back and look at your first tutorials. But I guess you’re looking for the future so how about using the Sew Suite and the Button, button stamp sets from the Ocassions mini. Of course I’m always in awe of your creations,anything you use is great with me, but you asked! Tks for sharing!

    Like

    Reply
  6. Rita S

    Michelle, I think your tutorials are great! I only found your blog 3 months ago, but I have looked at every one of your tutorials. I have even shared your blog with 6 or 7 of my scrapbooking friends, and we are all branching out into card making! Everyone loves the cards I do, and I don’t want to give any of them away, tee hee. Thanks for a GREAT job on showing us how-to!

    Like

    Reply
  7. Pansy Fryman

    Particularly like the sky on this one…….. I’m not much on birds but would enjoy seeing more ideas/techniques for western looking cards. I made one with lightning and cactus after attending your workshop–came home and goggled for ideas like you suggested—but would love seeing your take using sets like broncbuster and wanted.

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  8. mandy schneider

    Love everything about your blog..I do wish that people would leave you beautiful comments besides when you offer blog candy….Congratulations on all your accomplishments with your blog and SU.. I thank you for showing your awesome work to all of us 🙂
    Mandy

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    Reply
  9. cat

    While I have always admired your work with a brayer, I am amazed at the direct to paper effects you can accomplish by just swiping a stamping spot across the cardstock. I would vote for more direct to paper techniques in your next 100 techniques 😉
    cat

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  10. Eileen

    Michelle –

    Another masterpiece. You have a special gift, and that is the brayer! You see and create what others can only dream about. Now, it is ink spots! There is no end to your brilliance, only the willingness to share your talent. Thank you so much! We are all blessed to have you among us.

    Like

    Reply
  11. Wendy Gorton

    Every time you use that bird, I tell myself I have to start using it more. It looks so dang cute in your creations! I love everything you do, Michelle, but I do find the direct-to-paper to be my favorite. Bravo my friend!

    Wendy

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    Reply
  12. Deb Jones

    I always always check out your tutorials at least weekly. Keep them coming you are such an inspiration. Someday I will be in one of your workshops.
    Healthy wishes,
    Deb

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    Reply
  13. Mary Hansen

    Well, I personally read each and every one of your tutorials/blog entries. Your artwork is such a great inspiration to me, Mickey, mostly because it helps me look at everyday scenes and “translate” them into inked scenes! Plus, you’re just so stinkin’ talented that I’m always blown away by your creations =^) Thanks so much for continuing to share your creative soul!

    Like

    Reply
  16. Glitter Girl

    I was introduced to your site by a friend a few weeks ago. Picking a favorite is next to impossible. I love your nature scenes and I love them all! I have learned plenty about using a brayer or a spot color to create the image of a landscape. It has brought a new dimension to my own card making.

    Thank you and congradulations on getting to 400 hundred!

    Like

    Reply
  17. Sherry

    I am truly inspired by your great tutorials. I’d love to see some “scenery” cards that we can give to the men in our lives. Congratulations on 400 tutorials! I love how you photograph each set. Please keep going.

    Like

    Reply
  21. Cheri

    Michelle, I really want to thank you for all of these great designs. You have inspired me and changed the way I make cards. I try to make a Michelle-type card at least once a month. Sometimes I CASE them, but many times I don’t have the stamps, so I use the inspiration. I hunt everyday to see if you have added a new addition to your blog, and when you do, it makes my day. Thanks so much for sharing your prodigious talent with us. Most people are fond of Mickey D’s, but my affection is for Mickey Z’s.

    Best Wishes,

    Cheri

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    Reply
  22. Niki Winchell

    Michelle,
    It’s hard to say what I’d like to see more of–everything pretty well covers it! I like when you use stamps in unexpected ways, or only portions of a stamp. Gives me a new way to look at that stamp, something I hadn’t thought about.

    I also like seeing your direct to paper methods, like today’s tutorial. Mine still look like I dropped my ink pad, then smeared it around on the paper.

    Thanks for sharing so generously, I read all your tutorials!

    Niki

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    Reply
  23. paula nersesian

    It doesn’t matter what you do…..it’s always wonderful and fun to look at and try the technique. Thank you for sharing your artistic gift with all of us in cyber space.

    Can’t wait to learn something new with you in Houston.

    Peace be with you,
    Paula

    Like

    Reply
  25. Marg

    I love your tutorials. I have used quite a few of them to make my own cards. I always get such compliments also. Thank you for allowing us to learn some of the techniques that you use. Don’t stop! I learn something from all of them.

    Like

    Reply
  26. Carolyn S

    I have enjoyed each one of your tutorials — great variety.

    I would like to see you use more pastel colors along with the dark contrasting ones. Perhaps I’m just wanting spring with the bright colors of tulips and daffodils. I’m tired of drab winter.

    400 — that’s remarkable, Michelle.

    Like

    Reply
  27. sarita

    congrats on your 400th blog – and what great cards you have shown us how to make..your talent is remarkable..i don’t have any ideas – but just wanted to say congrats!!!

    Like

    Reply
  28. Cathy

    Michele,

    You make ME look great!! You have taught me so much with your tutorials. Each time I am amazed at your creativity. I have used some of your techniques in my classes and my club is just awstruck!! Of course I give you the credit, and encourage each of them to visit your website. My family and friends are truly blessed by receiving cards I’ve created using your ideas….

    I think you cover ALL the bases!

    Thanks for all you give to us!!

    Cathy

    Like

    Reply
  29. Laura

    Hi Michelle!

    I just found out about you and your work – and I am LOVING it!!!! That little bird sure is cute! And I Like how you did the leaves, and the background, just everything!!!! Thank you for sharing your talent. 400? I have some catching up to do! lolol

    justme,
    laura

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    Reply
  30. Lori

    Michelle:
    To add to everyone else’s post; your tutorials are AWESOME! I try to read each and everyone of them and when I need to make a card for a specific occasion I go back through your tutorials to see if you’ve covered that topic :).

    I like all your cards, but am especially drawn to your scenic/nature cards. I’d love to see more water and/or wildlife scenic cards. I’m partial to the beginning and ending of the day scenes too.

    Oh, and your brayer technique is my FAVORITE.

    Thank you for sharing, and congratulations on your 400th!
    ~Lori

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    Reply
  31. Leslie

    I would like to see more direct to paper and I love your western cards and would love to see you do more of them!
    Dig out the Stampin’ Up set with the bench and boots too! The one card you made with it was gorgeous, but we must have more of that set!
    You’re amazing and a superstar for sharing with us!

    Like

    Reply
  32. Beverly Bishop

    Michelle, you are such a caring, sharing, devoted friend to all of us. We can only thank you for your teaching commitment! EVERYTHING…whether it’s my style type or not is beautiful and so appreciated.

    Like

    Reply
  33. Pam

    I loved the cowboy boot after your trip here to Tucson. More Southwest is always welcome!!
    I would love to see what you would do with the new SU little girl in the set called Easter Blossoms.

    You are a true inspiration. Keep it up . . . 400 is just the beginning!!!

    Like

    Reply
  34. linda patti

    i just noticed the number of tutorials, before i read your post, and was thinking WOW-that’s a huge amt of tutorials. you need to put them together in a BOOK and get it published!!
    no suggestions for future tutorials, but look forward to the inspiration you send out with every project!

    Like

    Reply
  36. Jane T in NW Louisiana

    You show us a variety of wonderful cards and techniques. I say just keep on keeping on. Congratulations on reaching 400 tutorials.

    Like

    Reply
  37. PatM

    CONGRATULATIONS ON #400!! I haven’t seen them all, but love what I see and appreciate you sharing your creative talents with us! I just started my journey with SU and enjoy seeing how you use their products in your artwork. Your work with a brayer or ink pads is fascinating and I hope I can use those techniques by following your tutorials. Your sunrises and sunsets are absolutely beautiful and my heart looks to the mountains and the sea for peace and tranquility. Anything you share is a blessing to us!

    Like

    Reply
  39. Lisa Thompson

    you’ve given us yet another inspiring creation, michelle! i’ve said it before, thank you for all the hard work in putting your blogs together….there are many steps involved and it takes quite a bit of time. you inspire so many people. i agree with linda patti above who says you need to publish your work as a book…i would buy it! i love all your creations. i would love to see what you do with the new sweet summer set…i don’t think you’ve used it on a tutorial yet, but i can only imagine how awesome your creation with it would be! hugs, lisa

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    Reply
  40. Phyllis Jachowski

    So appreciate the tutorials, thank you….I’m filing them away one by one.
    The sky reminds me of the winter, icy contrails with sunset here near the French/German border. There’s a full moon here tonight, following a sunny day.
    Hoping to include a workshop this year.
    Phyllis
    Ramstein AFB, Germany

    Like

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  41. Vicki Milyard

    I am new to your site and am loving what I see, went to the Library to copy some since I only have dial up and is slow. Would love to see what you you do for boys birthday cards that don’t use anything like the extreme sets, Many boys in the family – young nephews. Have you ever done anything with birthday sets? cupcakes, baloons, clowns, ect.

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  43. Lucy

    Hi Mickey, so glad one day I found your blog. I’ve seen all the tutorials and tried a lot, although my direct to paper does not look anyway like yours, its just some childish rub-on. I prefer your brayering, especially with p.ex. upsy daisy or nature scenery with the wolf or deer…. But I love all your artwork. Thanks for sharing and please, continue!

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  44. Vicki Milyard

    Had to add another comment – I have been trying to do the direct to cdstock method using the big stamp pads, not easy do you have a suggestion? I don not have the spots and can’t afford right now. Also how do you get the brilliant color on the sunrise and sunsets in the center of the card and not so much at the edge with the brayer? Any help would be appreciated you aren’t scheduled to be in the Brookville, Oh area anytime soon. Thanks

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  46. Marion Wilkinson

    Michelle,
    I love all your tutorials, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your works of art. You truly are an inspiration to us all. There is no particular set I would like to see, since I love them all. Congrats on the 400th and may you have another 400.

    Like

    Reply
  47. Sandy Knecht

    Fabulous card! Congratulations for such a milestone. Nothing in particular for me except I like scenic stamping. It’s always good for you to use new stamps because if you show they will buy. I do miss seeing your work from companies past but understand you have no choice.

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    Reply
  48. Cindy Segersten

    Re Subject Search — since I am “all things dog,” of course what I would love are scenes with dogs. Thanks so much for sharing your time and imagination with all of us. Cindy

    Like

    Reply
  49. Lucy

    Oh, so silly, as I love trees, maybe you could show us again some artwork with Lovely as aa tree, or Branch out, or….. any kind of trees maybe?

    Like

    Reply
  50. tammy fletcher

    I am simply in awe of your talent. I read your blog everyday but have yet to try the techniques, they just seem beyond me…thanks for sharing.

    Like

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