Leaves on Fossil Rock – Tutorial #272

29 Comments October 17, 2009 zindorfstamps

Just when you think you have me pegged, I go and make something a little off the wall, lol. This is my attempt at a fossil rock with fall leaves on it. My leaves are stamped, colored, cut out, heat embossed and glued on. I know, gasp! I actually cut them out and glued them on, lol.

Anyway, I had fun creating this and hope you enjoy seeing the process. The leaf images in this project are in the Stampin’ Up! set “Autumn Splendor”, Item number 116503, $20.95. The set is in the current Holiday Mini Catalog and available until January 4, 2010. 🙂

Let’s get started.. . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Autumn Splendor and Kind & Caring Thoughts

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White and Basic Black

Ink: Stampin’ Up Basic Gray, Going Gray and Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Basic Black marker, Aqua Painter, Paper Snips, Watercolor Crayons, Versamark Pad, Clear embossing powder, Heat Gun, Old Olive Ribbon & Sponge

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog? If you are a resident of the United States, just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you. Are you inspired by this Blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. You can order from me 24-7 from this link: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com If you are within the United States. Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95 with free shipping, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you. Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team. Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Stamped large and small leaf stamps on Whisper White card stock, loading my stamp first with Versamark and then with Basic Black ink before stamping. Loaded and stamped them multiple times and then heat embossed all of them at the same time using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Note: I will be using these leaves in other projects. That is why I stamped so many. 🙂

Colored the center of the leaf with an Old Olive Stampin’ Up Watercolor Crayon.

Added More Mustard Watercolor Crayon.

Added Real Red Water Color Crayon around the edges.

Used a Stampin’ Up Aqua Painter brush filled with water and brushed over the image from the center outward to blend the colors. Note: I cleaned my Aqua Painter brush on my scrap paper frequently so the red did not take over the lighter colors.

Cut out the leaf using my paper snips. Love these little super sharp, pointy scissors. 🙂

Pressed the Versamark pad all over the cut out leaf and then heat embossed the cut out with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. Repeated this process to create a small leaf cut out also.

Sponged Going Gray ink, using a pouncing motion, all over a 4.5″ square piece of Whisper White card stock.

Stamped small and large leaves using Going Gray ink all on the card stock.

Sponged Basic Gray ink on the card stock, making sure to leave some light areas.

Added a bit of Basic Black ink with the sponge and also sponged Basic Black ink around the edges of the card stock.

Layed out my design and stamped my sentiment before gluing it all together.

Note: I stamp my sentiment before gluing the card together just in case I stamp it crooked. 🙂

Out lined parts of the Going Gray leaves with the fine end of a Basic Black marker. This helps them stand out a bit more and gives them a bit of depth.

Assembled my card and added an Old Olive Ribbon.

Here it is finished measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May you put on paper whatever comes to your mind today.

Until my next post. . . . . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Ginnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Pumpkin Patch – Tutorial #271

5 Comments October 16, 2009 zindorfstamps

I have a little Autumn scene for you today. The main set used today is a Stampin’ Up set Autumn Harvest, item number 110372, $17.95. I teamed it up with a Stampin’ Up set Baroque Motifs and used the flourish as pumpkin vines. Check it out. 🙂

Let’s get started. . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Autumn Harvest & Baroque Motifs

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Dusty Durango & Tempting Turquoise

Ink: Stampin’ UP Dusty Durango, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive & Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Markers, Sponges, Piercing Tool, Gold Brads, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Ribbon, Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Top Note Die, Versamark Pad & Marker, Clear embossing Powder, Heat Gun

Used my Big Shot Dye Cut Machine and the Top Note Die to cut out this shape with Whisper White Card stock.

Stamped the leaf from the Autumn Harvest set by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then with Basic Black ink before stamping it on the card stock. Stamped all three images loading the stamp each time with Versamark and ink. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the leaves in with a Creamy Caramel marker.

Added More Mustard marker to the leaves.

Added a bit of Real Red Marker to the center of the leaves.

Colored over the leaves, staying within the embossed lines with a Versamark marker. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the two pumpkins from the Autumn Harvest set by first loading the stamps with Versamark and then with Dusty Durango ink before stamping them. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored in the pumpkins with a More Mustard marker.

Added Pumpkin Pie Marker.

Added Real Red marker.

Colored in the Pumpkin stems with an Old Olive marker.

I wanted to brighten up the Pumpkins a bit so I colored over the pumpkins with a Summer Sun marker.

Colored over the pumpkins with a Versamark marker and heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Masked the bottom of the card stock with a post it note. Stamped the Flourish from the Stampin’ Up set Baroque Motifs by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then with Old Olive ink before stamping it. Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun. Note I kept the post it note on while heat embossing to keep the embossing powder from sticking to the residue left by the post it note.

Sponged Old Olive ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Sponged Tempting Turquoise ink at the top of the card stock.

Sponged Dusty Durango ink around the outside edge of the card stock.

Added Tempting Turquoise and Dusty Durango panels, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Ribbon and two Gold Brads. Here is the finished card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May your day be one of the happiest of your life.

Until my next post. . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida St. Louis, MissouriMechanicsville, VirginiaRaleigh, North Carolina Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Ginnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Night Time Christmas Cardinal – Tutorial #270

16 Comments October 14, 2009 zindorfstamps

Here in Ohio we have lots of Cardinals. It is our state bird, by the way. I love hearing their cheerful chirp and seeing their bright red feathers when they visit my bird feeders. Especially love seeing them in the winter when the ground is covered in snow.

Our temperatures this week are not suppose to get out of the forties. That is a bit chilly for October here. So once again my mind is thinking Winter. That is not all bad, I am getting a head start on my Christmas cards. Maybe I will get some sent this year. 🙂 Last year I did not even get my Christmas cards made. You would think with as many cards that I make that would not be a problem. . . . . . where does the time go. If I could just do without sleep entirely. .. . . . . . . .maybe, just maybe, lol.

Let’s get started.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! A Cardinal Christmas & Serene Snowflakes

Paper: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White, Bashful Blue & Basic Black

Ink: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black, Not Quite Navy & Night of Navy

Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Markers Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Real Red, Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard & Close to Cocoa, Red Ribbon, Versamark marker & Pad, Clear embossing powder, heat gun, brayer, post it note, sponge

On a 3.5″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock stamped the snowflakes from the Stampin’ Up set Serene Snowflakes with Versamark only. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the Cardinal from the Stampin’ Up set A Christmas Cardinal by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then with Basic Black ink before stamping it. Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the leaves in with an Old Olive marker in the light areas and Always Artichoke in the dark areas.

Colored the Cardinals beak with a More Mustard marker. Also colored his chest and head with the More Mustard marker. I wanted the More Mustard under the red I will put on next to warm the red up a bit.

Colored over the bird with the a Real Red marker.

Colored over the Cardinal’s back and tail with a Bravo Burgundy marker.

Now keep in mind that you will need to wipe ink off of your embossed images through out this project. I use an old cotton towel.

It is hard to see in this photo, but I colored in the stems with a Close to Cocoa marker, his feet with the More Mustard marker and the Berries with the Bravo Burgundy marker.

Colored over the image, staying within the embossed lines with a Versamark marker. Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Now that my image is completely embossed I can put in my back ground and the embossing with resist the ink.

Brayered Not Quite Navy ink from the top of the card stock to the bottom.

We can see the snowflakes now that I stamped in step one.

Brayered Night of Navy at the top of the card stock.

Tore a Post It Note and sponged Night of Navy at the post it note edge to create a hill shape.

Moved the post it note and repeated the last step to create a second hill.

Stamped the Leaf Shadow stamp from the Stampin’ Up set A Cardinal Christmas a few times using Not Quite Navy ink.

Remember, I am wiping the ink off of my embossed images each step.

Sponged Night of Navy ink around the edge of the card stock and over the stamped leaf shadows to darken the left side of the panel.

Added White Gel pen to the branch and leaves to look like snow.

Lastly, I heated my embossed images to make them shiny again. They get dual when you wipe them off a few times. Heating them brings back that shine.

Sponged Not Quite Navy around the edges of a Bashful Blue card stock panel.

Assembled my card and added some red ribbon. I kept this card layout very simple so the main image panel would be the focus.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Do you believe this is number 270!

May your day be filled with warmth and love.

Until my next post. . . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010Dayton, Ohio at Marco PaperPhoenix, ArizonaMonroe, LouisianaJacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Ginnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Spooky Cave – Tutorial #267

13 Comments October 7, 2009 zindorfstamps

Okay, I just could not go through October without using this cute skeleton stamp from the Stampin’ UP! Holiday Mini Catalog set “Twick or Tweet”. Love that little dog! This is my attempt at a cave scene. 🙂 You have got to wonder about my imagination some times, lol.

Let’s get right to the tutorial today. . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Twick or Tweet, From the Crypt, Baroque Motifs & Totally Tabs

Paper: Stampin’ UP Lovely Lilac, Old Olive and Whisper White

Ink: Stampin’ Up Going Gray, Old Olive, Basic Gray & Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin’ UP Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Brayer, Creamy Caramel marker, White Gel Pen, Tab Punch, Black ribbon, Black marker, Sponge

Brayered Old Olive ink at the top and bottom of a 4″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

Ripped a hill shape in a post it note and used it to mask the top of the card stock to create the top of the cave.

Brayered Going Gray ink over the post it note and onto the card stock from the top.

Brayered Basic Gray ink at the top of the card stock.

Sponged Basic Black ink at the the post it note edge and the sides of the card stock.

Removed post it note mask and dabbed Basic Black ink on the top of the card stock with a sponge.

Stamped the skeleton on with Basic Black ink.

Colored the dog in with a Creamy Caramel marker.

Colored in the skeleton with a white gel pen.

Stamped the Flourish stamp from the Stampin’ Up set Baroque Motifs with Basic Black ink.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the edge of the card stock.

Stamped this flourish tab stamp from the Stampin’ Up set Totally Tabs using Basic Black ink on a scrap of Lovely Lilac card stock. Punched it out using the Stampin’ Up Tab punch.

Stamped the bat from the Stampin’ Up set From the Crypt twice with Basic Black ink.

Wrote “Eeek!” on the tab and outlined the design on the bats with a white gel pen.

Assembled the card front and pierced around the edge of the top and bottom using the Stampin’ Up Mat Pack and Piercing tool.

Ran a black marker point from pierced hole to pierced hole to create a faux stitched look.

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

May your day be over flowing with fun images.

Until my next post. . . . . .

Huge Hugs!

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Ginnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Flowers & Nest – Tutorial #265

4 Comments September 29, 2009 zindorfstamps

Today’s tutorial is a little lesson on how you can heat emboss over heat embossed images to put images behind one another. This lesson is a bit long so you will want to get chocolate and coffee to make it through, lol.

I want to share a couple of things before I start the tutorial. Last weekend I had the pleasure of joining my Stampin’ Up! Up Line at an event they put together called Fall Fest. It was in New Jersey and it was WAY FUN!! Thanks to everyone, you made me feel so very welcome. 🙂

Of course, at Stampin’ Up events people bring swap cards to trade. I didn’t bring a card but instead made bookmarks. This is what I swapped. 🙂

The swaps I received in return were out of this world wonderful. Thanks to all!

I also got to teach how to create this card to everyone in attendance.

My Awesome Stampin’ Up! Down Line Team will be sent the directions for these two projects so they can share them with at their workshops.

Now on with the tutorial. . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Bloomin’ Beautiful, All Holidays, Priceless & Nature’s Nest

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue & Basic Black

Ink: Stampin’ Up Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, Basic Black & Apricot Appeal

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Markers, Versamark Marker & Pad, Clear embossing powder, heat gun, White Gel Pen & Sponges

Stamped the Sentiment from the Stampin’ Up All Holidays set by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then Bashful Blue ink before stamping it on a 4.5″ square piece of Whisper White card stock. I then heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the Flourish from the Stampin’ Up set Priceless by first loading it with Versamark and then Sahara Sand ink before stamping it. I then heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the Nest image from the Stampin’ Up set Nature’s Nest by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then Close to Cocoa ink before stamping the image. I then heat embossed the nest using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the eggs in with a Bashful Blue marker.

Added Ballet Blue ink to the eggs.

Blended the two colors together using the Bashful Blue marker again.

Colored the nest in with a Creamy Caramel marker.

Added Close To Cocoa marker to the bottom of the nest.

Colored in the leaves with an Old Olive Marker.

Colored over the nest and eggs with a Versamark marker and then heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the pot of Flowers from the Stampin’ UP set Bloomin’ Beautiful set by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then Close to Cocoa ink before stamping it. I then heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the pot in with a Bashful Blue marker.

Added Ballet Blue marker to the shadow parts of the pot.

Blended the colors on the pot together by coloring over them with the Bashful Blue marker.

Colored in the flowers with a Blush Blossom marker.

Colored in the leaves with an Old Olive Marker.

Added Pretty in Pink marker to the flowers.

Added just a touch of Positively Pink marker to the flowers.

Colored over the flowers and pot with a Versamark marker and heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Sponged Apricot Appeal ink all over the card stock using a circular motion.

Sponged Creamy Caramel ink under the nest and pot and around the edge of the card stock.

Added Close to Cocoa ink around the edge of the card stock and under the nest and pot without covering up all of the Creamy Caramel ink.

Added a touch of Basic Black ink around the edge of the card stock and under the nest and pot, not covering up all of the Close to Cocoa ink.

Time to add some white highlights.

Colored in the centers of the flowers, added touches of white to the sentiment, eggs and flourish.

Added a bit of Basic Black marker to the flourish and bottom of the flowers, flower pot and nest.

Lastly, my very wise Up Line, Karen Barber shared this tip with me. When you finish a heat embossed card, heat it for just a second with your heat gun to bring back that brilliant shine to all of your embossed images.

I finished the card off with an Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue & 2 Basic Black panels, gold brads, and a thin strip of Basic Black card stock.

Here it is finished measuring 5 3/8″ square.

May your day be filled with things that warm your heart.

Until my next post. .. . . . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Knox, Maine – I will be in Knox, Maine this Friday & Saturday (October 2 & 3). There are a couple of spot available if you want to jump in at the last moment. 🙂 Just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I can give you all the details.

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Ginnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Windy Tree – Tutorial #262 and a Blog Candy Winner!

19 Comments September 22, 2009 zindorfstamps

Happy First Day of Autumn! In the spirit of Fall here is a card using Stampin’ Up ink pads and the direct to paper technique to swipe in the background quickly. But before we get into today’s tutorial let me congratulate the lastest blog candy winner.

Congratulations Carole Philpot who wrote: “I love your blog, it has been such an inspiration to me. I have been a “technique junkie” for years of cardmaking, mostly folds, never stamped much until I signed up for your blog and now I am attempting to brayer and sponge backgrounds and stamp! Thanks for all the good tutorials”

Carole, please e-mail your mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com within 30 days and I will put this great set in the mail to you. 🙂

Thank you to everyone that played along.

Now on with this mornings Autumn themed tutorial. . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Branch Out & Baroque Motifs

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Bashful Blue & Old Olive

Ink: Stampin’ Up Basic Black, Really Rust, Old Olive, Always Artichoke & Bashful Blue

Accessories: Silver Brads, Sponge, White Gel Pen

On a 3.5″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock, smeared Bashful Blue Ink on using the short end of the ink pad.

Stamped the Flourish from the Stampin’ Up Baroque Motifs set with Bashful Blue ink.

Smeared Bashful Blue ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Smeared Old Olive ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Turned the card stock up side down and smeared Always Artichoke ink from the ground toward the sky using the edge of the ink pad.

Stamped the Stampin’ Up Branch Out sets Tree using Basic Black ink.

Stamped leaves using Old Olive and Really Rust ink on the tree and to the side of the tree.

Added White Gel Pen highlights to the Flourish to bring it a bit forward in the scene.

Sponged Old Olive ink around the outside edges of the card stock.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the outside edges of the card stock, not covering the Old Olive sponged ink entirely.

Added Whisper White, Bashful Blue and Old Olive card stock panels.

Added Silver Brads in the corners of the main image panel using a piercing tool to start the brads.

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

I just got home last night after spending the weekend in Yardley, PA teaching my brayering techniques to totally terrific groups of ladies. My drive there and back was wonderful. I found myself in some very scenic country in Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Here is one photo taken just as the sun was rising as I was driving along yesterday morning.

The traffic was a bit slow going through Philly so I was able to take this photo in bumper to bumper traffic.

May your day be smooth sailing!

Until my next post. . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Ginnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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

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

Frequently asked questions answers:

http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Going Batty – Tutorial #259

23 Comments September 9, 2009 zindorfstamps

Before I hop on a plane to head to sunny Castro Valley, California to teach this weekend I sat down to create another Halloween card. California, ready or not here I come. . . .

Autumn is my very favorite season to create cards for. I think it is all the earthy colors, browns, greens, yellows, reds etc.

Today’s tutorial uses two fun sets that are must haves for Autumn from Stampin’ Up. First there is the Stampin’ Up creepy set “From the Crypt” and then there is the Stampin’ Up set “Branched Out” with it’s wonderful naked tree that can be used any season since it has a leaf stamp and snowflake stamp included with it. Branched out is on the dormant list, but you can still order it with item number 113200. I know I am such the enabler. 🙂

Today’s card does have deep purple ribbon on it that decided to do a disappearing act when I photographed it, Spooky, lol.

Before we get going today I have an announcement to make. I have added two wonderful brayer workshop locations to my calendar. I will be teaching beginner and advanced brayer workshops in Grinnell, Iowa on August 28-29, 2010 and then Piedmont, Alabama September 11-12, 2010. Join me, won’t you for some great projects and fun. 🙂

Now on with the tutorial. . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up From the Crypt and Branch Out

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Old Olive, Lavender Lace and Basic Black

Ink: Stampin’ Up Basic Gray, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Going Gray and Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin’ Up 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, Post it Note, Sponges, Deep Purple Ribbon and Gold Brads

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog? If you are a resident of the United States, just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you. Are you inspired by this Blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. You can order from me 24-7 from this link: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com If you are within the United States. Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you. Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team. Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Using a Stampin’ Up 1 3/4″ circle punch, punched a circle from the sticky part of a post it note and used it as the mask for the moon.

Put the moon mask on a 3.5″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

Sponged Going Gray ink on the card stock with a Sponge using a pouncing motion.

Sponged Sahara Sand ink at the bottom of the card stock using a pouncing motion.

Sponged Soft Suede ink at the bottom of the card stock using a pouncing motion.

Sponged Basic Gray ink at the top of the card stock using a pouncing motion.

Sponged Basic Black ink at the very top of the card stock using a pouncing motion.

Removed the moon mask and stamped the trees at the bottom of the card stock using Basic Black ink.

Stamped the bats on using Basic Black ink.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the outside edge of the card stock.

Added some simple card stock panels in Old Olive, Lavender Lace and Basic Black, Gold Brads and a deep purple ribbon.

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

May your day be anything but creepy unless, you are creating Halloween cards. 🙂

Until my next post. . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

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

Link to my Stampin’ Up website were you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:

http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net

Frequently asked questions answers:

http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

On a Cliff – Tutorial #258

19 Comments September 8, 2009 zindorfstamps

Since there was a long Holiday weekend here in the United States I will be messed up all week, not knowing what day of the week it is. Like today, I woke up thinking it is Monday. When in fact it is Tuesday, which my husband was quick to point out when I told him the trash needed to go to the end of the driveway, smarty pants *#@)$. You cannot change the routine of this old dog without throwing me for a loop, lol.

Although I cannot blame the holiday for this, last week I stuck the dog’s bowls in the refrigerator instead of in the sink to be washed, don’t ask me why, lol. Of course, my husband was the one to discover that too. He found that really amusing. So I’m losing my mind, as long as I don’t lose my brayer, ink pads and stamps my world will be good in my opinion. 🙂

Enough of my ramblings, let’s start the tutorial already. . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Thoughts & Prayers

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Basic Black & Bashful Blue

Ink: Stampin’ Up Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy & Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: White Gel Pen, Silver Brads, Post it Notes, Stampin’ Up Ticket Corner Punch, Brayer, Stampin’ Up 1 1/4″ Circle Punch

Punched a 1 1/4″ circle from the sticky part of a Post it Note and then used it as a mask for the moon. I put the mask on a 3.5″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

Brayered Tempting Turquoise ink on the card stock, starting at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Not Quite Navy ink at the top of the card stock, not covering the Tempting Turquoise ink entirely.

Brayered a bit of Sahara Sand ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Removed the Post it note mask and stamped the tree from the Stampin’ Up set “Thoughts & Prayers” with Basic Black ink.

Ripped a cliff shape from a large Post it note.

Put the Post it note mask on the card stock and sponged Basic Black ink on the create the cliff.

Sponged in a circular motion Apricot Appeal ink over the moon.

Colored the leaves on the tree in with a White Gel Pen.

Used my Big Shot Die Cut Machine and the Dots Texture Plate on a 4 7/8″ x 6 3/8″ piece of Whisper White Card stock.

Used the Stampin’ Up Ticket Corner punch on my main image panel, a basic Black panel and a Bashful blue panel.

Assembled the panels and added white ribbon.

Used my Stampin’ Up piercing tool to start my brads. Added 4 silver brads.

Assembled the card and here it is finished measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May your day be filled with the things and people you love most. 🙂

Until my next post. . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

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-calendarLink to my Stampin’ Up website were you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.netFrequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Blowing in the Wind – Tutorial #257

18 Comments September 5, 2009 zindorfstamps

Oh, these cool mornings here in West Alexandria, Ohio have my mind thinking of an Autumn day and a walk through the wood with leaves crunching under foot while looking at clear blue skies. Autumn is my favorite time of year. Leaf images rate right up there in my favorite images to work with. Stampin’ Up came out with this new set “Autumn Splendor” in their New Holiday Mini catalog. I love the fine lines running through the leaf images and coloring them is a breeze.

But before I start this tutorial I want to tell you about two new Dynamite Stampin’ Up Demonstrators that joined the Stampin’ Up Family and my team. So if you are looking for a Stampin’ Demonstrator in or near Fort Bend, Texas contact Jody Devine at jedjem71@yahoo.com or if you are in or near Branchville, New Jersey contact Melba Beisley at mbeis07@gmail.com.

Now on with today’s tutorial. 🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up “Autumn Splendor” and “Baroque Motifs”

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White and Not Quite Navy

Ink: Stampin’ Up Dusty Durango, Bashful Blue and Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Markers Old Olive and Apricot Appeal, Versamark marker and pad, Sponge, Clear embossing powder, heat gun

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog? If you are a resident of the United States, just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you. Are you inspired by this Blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. You can order from me 24-7 from this link: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com If you are within the United States. Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you. Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team. Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

On a 4″ square piece of Whisper White card stock stamped the flourish from the Baroque Motifs set using Versamark only. Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Over Stamped the flourish with the leaf from the new Autumn Splendor set by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then loading the Stamp with Dusty Durango ink. Heat embossed the leaf image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored the leaf in with an a Stampin’ Up Apricot Appeal marker. The color will bead up on the embossed images so I wipe the images off with a paper towel after I apply each color.

Added a bit of Stampin’ Up Old Olive marker to the tips of the leaf.

Went over the leaf again with the Apricot Appeal marker to blend things a bit.

Colored over the leaf with a Versamark Marker and heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Now the magic really happens. Sponged Bashful Blue ink starting at the bottom of the card stock and working in a circular motion. I left some white paper showing at the top.

Sponged Not Quite Navy ink at the bottom of the card stock working in a circular motion and not covering all of the Bashful Blue ink up.

I assembled the main image panel with a few simple card stock panels. Here is the finished card measuring 5.25″ square.

May your day be one of peace and harmony.

Until my next post. . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, FloridaHere 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-calendarLink to my Stampin’ Up website were you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.netFrequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/

To Our Heros – Tutorial #256

19 Comments September 3, 2009 zindorfstamps

This card is dedicated to those brave men and women who are serving our Country.

Let’s get out our Stampin’ Up Markers and color a while. That is what I do when I have a ruff day. Coloring makes me relax. . . . . .Ahhhh. 🙂 I notice during my workshops when my students are coloring they get very quite. Coloring takes concentration. I think that is why it is relaxing. When you are concentrating on coloring you cannot be concentrating on anything else.

If you are like me you have the matching ink pad, marker and card stock for every Stampin’ Up color they have. It makes it so very easy to coordinate your projects.

Hang out a while with me and relax while I take you through this project.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Courage and Unmounted Wheel Hero

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White and Bravo Burgundy

Ink: Stampin’ Up Basic Black, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Apricot Appeal and Craft White

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Markers, Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip, Brayer, White Gel Pen, Not Quite Navy Brads

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog? If you are a resident of the United States, just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.

Are you inspired by this Blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. You can order from me 24-7 from this link: http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com If you are within the United States. Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you. Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team. Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink at an angle on a 4.5″ square piece of Whisper White.

Brayered Not Quite Navy ink at the same angle, not covering the Apricot Appeal ink entirely.

Stamped the Courage Stamp with Basic Black ink.

Colored The Soldier’s skin, plane, ship and suluting soldier in with Creamy Caramel marker.

Colored part of the flag with Not Quite Navy marker and then added White Gel pen to the stars and stripes on the flags.

Colored the other stripes on the flags in with a Bravo Burgundy Marker.

Colored the Soldier’s helmet and uniform in with a Close to Cocoa Marker.

Colored the water in with the Not Quite Navy Marker.

Added Chocolate Chip marker to the creases in the uniform, the goggles, bottom of the airplane and the ship.

Added Creamy Caramel to the darker places of the Soldier’s face and hands.

Note: You can shade with these markers by coloring with the same colored marker twice letting the marker dry in between the colorings.

Sponged Night of Navy ink around the edge of the card stock.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the edge of the card stock, not covering the Night of Navy ink entirely.

Stamped the unmounted Hero Wheel with Craft White ink.

If you want to know about the unmounted wheels, here is a link about it: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2009/07/28/tool-time-unmounting-wheels/

Outlined the word “Bravery” with a White Gel Pen so it would stand out more.

Assembled card front and added Not Quite Navy Brads in each corner of the main image panel.

Here is the assembled card measuring 5.25″.

Until my next post. . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)New Johnsonville, TennesseeHelena, MontanaMiddleburg Heights, OhioVenice, Florida

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

Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/