Dreamy Raccoon – Tutorial #309

19 Comments March 1, 2010 zindorfstamps

Hello there, I am back from the fabulous City of St. Louis, Missouri.

Although I love to travel, it means I have to leave my stamping room behind for a while. I think I go into withdrawal, lol. Creating keeps a sense of balance in my life and it is hard to explain to non-crafting people. But I have a feeling that you may just understand what I am talking about.

On my last post I left you guessing where I was by showing you pictures of “Lincoln Log Cabin and Farm” in Greenup, Illinois. It is the last home of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother. I am totally amazed at how many people guessed right, in fact, nobody guessed wrong. I’m glad a lot of you enjoyed seeing the photos. It was my pleasure to share them with you. If you are in Illinois or visiting Illinois I highly recommend stopping there and taking in a bit of the 1800’s way of life. Here is a link if you wish to view a few of the photos I took: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2010/02/26/where-on-earth/

Now that I am home for a few days, I am ready to share a tutorial with you. I don’t normally gravitate to cartoony stamps, but how cute is this little raccoon from the Stampin’ Up set “Under the Stars”. I paired it up with the Upsy Daisy set that is also by Stampin’ Up.

Let’s get started. . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ UP! Under the Stars and Upsy Daisy

Paper: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black, Really Rust, Old Olive and Whisper White

Ink: Stampin’ Up Basic Black, Old Olive, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue and Brilliant Blue

Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Sponges, Hearts & Brackets Die, Big Shot Machine, Old Olive Brads, Really Rust and Sahara Sand Markers, Versamark Marker and pad, White Gel Pen, Brayer and Post it notes

Don’t forget to request your copy of the new Stampin’ Up Occasions mini catalog and Sale-a-bration mini. Just e-mail me your address and I will be glad to send you a set for free. The new Occasions mini catalog can also be viewed on-line here: http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/OccasionsMini10_US.pdfThe New Sale-a-Bration Mini Catalog can also be viewed on-line here:http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/SAB_10_US.pdfAre you getting inspired and enjoying this blog. One way you can help support it is to order 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. Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business

Stamped the raccoon by loading the stamp with Versamark and then Basic Black ink before stamping it on a 4″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Colored in the raccoon with a Sahara Sand marker.

Let the image dry and then shadowed his belly and the bottom of his feet and tail with the same Sahara Sand marker.

Colored over the image with a Versamark marker and then heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. Now my image is protected and I can brayer ink over it.

Brayered Bashful Blue ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Brilliant Blue ink at the top of the card stock, not covering the Bashful Blue ink entirely.

Wiped the ink off of my embossed image using an old cotton towel.

Mask the top of the card stock, leaving a bit of the raccoon showing below the mask and sponged in a bit of Old Olive ink to start the making of the little cliff for the raccoon to sit on.

Ripped a post it note to use as a mask to define the side of the cliff. Sponged Sahara Sand ink on.

Removed the bottom mask and sponged a bit of Basic Gray ink at the right side and bottom of the cliff.

Stamped the Upsy Daisy stamp using Old Olive ink.

Colored the flower petals with a Really Rust marker.

Added white gel pen highlights to the flower petals and the raccoon’s eyes.

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

Cut two “}” out of Really Rust card stock using the Hearts & Brackets Die and my Big Shot Machine.

Assembled the card and added a few Old Olive brads. Here is the finished card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May your day today be filled with joy!

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Mechanicsville, Virginia (Sold Out)

Raleigh, North Carolina (Sold Out)

Colleyville, Texas (Sold Out)

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 (Huntington), West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama (Near GA border close to Cedartown)

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

North Liberty, Indiana

Saledad, California

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/

Warm Day In the Field – Tutorial #307

43 Comments February 17, 2010 zindorfstamps

I am getting a slow start today. I started out drinking my coffee in front of the dining room window where I can see the birds at my bird feeders. Next thing I know I have my camera in hand taking photos, for about 2 hours, of all my little feathered friends. I knew I had been taking photos for some time since my arms are tired from holding up my camera with a telephoto lens, which is very heavy. I need to edit the photos and hopefully there is something there worth sharing with you and to use as reference in my paintings. Long story short, Since I got a late start today, I decided to use the new Stampin’ Up Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch (item #117191) and Stampin’ Up Inspired by Nature Stamp Set (item #111656) that I had used in a winter scene on my last tutorial, since they were still out on my desk. Today’s tutorial is using all warm colors to get an entirely different look. Don’t you just love supplies you can use in a bunch of different ways. 🙂

Let’s get started. . . . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Inspired by Nature

Paper: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black, Whisper White, Really Rust and Apricot Appeal

Ink: Stampin’ Up! Really Rust, Basic Black, Bravo Burgundy and Apricot Appeal

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Sponge, Brayer, Top Note Die, Big Shot Machine, Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch

Using my Big Shot Die Cut Machine and the Top Note Die, cut a Top Note out of Whisper White card stock.

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink at the top of the panel.

Brayered Really Rust ink at the top of the panel, not covering the Apricot Appeal ink entirely.

Brayered Bravo Burgundy ink at the very top of the panel.

Stamped the Inspired by Nature Grass stamp using Basic Black ink. I paid close attention to where the bent piece of grass would be in the scene.

Sponged Basic Black ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Punched the Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch twice out of Basic Black card stock.

Cut a 4.75″ x 6.25″ panel out of Apricot Appeal and Brayered Really Rust at the top of it.

Layered the main image panel with an Apricot Appeal Panel, and then a Really Rust Panel. Cut 4, 1″ squares from Basic Black card stock and adhered them to the back side of the corners of the Really Rust Panel so that about 1/8″ of the squares showed on the from side of the panel.

Assembled the card and adhered the birds on the front. Here is the finished card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

May you have some time to enjoy nature today. Even if it is just from a window. 🙂

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

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Jacksonville, Florida (Sold Out)

St. Louis, Missouri (Sold Out)

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina (Sold Out)

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 (Huntington), West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama (Near GA border close to Cedartown)

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

North Liberty, Indiana

Saledad, California

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/

Will He Make It? – Tutorial #305 and Blog Candy!

407 Comments February 12, 2010 zindorfstamps

Baby it’s cold outside. . . . . So I am still hold up in my nice warm cozy house. Although, I do have to venture out today to pick up some groceries and to check my P.O. Box in town, brrrrrrr. Before I bundle up, I want to share this card that I put together this morning. It features one of the Extreme stamps from Stampin’ Up!, Extreme Dirt Bike to be exact. 🙂

At the bottom of this post you will find a few pictures of the view from my kitchen window very early this morning. Too darn cold to step out to take pictures, lol.

Before we get started on the tutorial though, how about a bit of sugar free blog candy! Yeah!!!!

All you need to do to throw your hat in the ring to try to win this Stampin’ Up! set Winter Post is leave a comment here on this blog post telling me to enter you. If you are getting this blog update via e-mail, please click this link and then leave your comment at the bottom of the Blog Post: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2010/02/12/will-he-make-it-tutorial-305/

Please no e-mail entries. 😦

I will select the winner via random number generator on Monday, February 15, 2010. Good luck everyone! Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter.

Now let’s get started on the tutorial. . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Extreme Dirt Bike and Sanded Background Stamp

Paper: Stampin’ Up! Whisper White, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise and Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Stampin’ Up! Summer Sun, Really Rust, Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:Stampin’ Up! Sponges, Brayer, Basic Black marker, Star Punch, Label Punch, Gold Brads, Post it notes and Brayer

Don’t forget to request your copy of the new Stampin’ Up Occasions mini catalog and Sale-a-bration mini. Just e-mail me your address and I will be glad to send you a set for free. The new Occasions mini catalog can also be viewed on-line here: http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/OccasionsMini10_US.pdfThe New Sale-a-Bration Mini Catalog can also be viewed on-line here:http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/SAB_10_US.pdfAre you getting inspired and enjoying this blog. One way you can help support it is to order 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. Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own businessBrayered Summer Sun ink at the top of a 4.5″ x 6″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

Brayered Pumpkin Pie ink at an angle on both the right and left top corners.

Tore a post it note and used it as a mask to sponge in a hill with Summer Sun ink.

Moved the post it note down a little and sponged in another hill using Pumpkin Pie ink.

Flipped the post it note over and moved it down a bit and sponged in a hill using Really Rust ink.

Stamped the Biker using Basic Black ink.

Sponged in some cliffs using Basic Black ink.

Added some dots behind the back tire with a Basic Black marker.

Stamped the Sanded Background stamp over the entire panel using Pumpkin Pie ink.

Cropped the left side of the panel and then cut the right side of the panel in to slices.

Punched the label punch out of Pumpkin Pie (2) and Basic Black (1) card stock. Punched a star out of Tempting Turquoise (2) card stock.

Cut the left ends off of the Pumpkin pie pieces and the both ends off of the black label.

Grunged them up a bit with a sponge and Basic Black ink.

Assembled the card front and added silver brads, a few more dots behind the front tire with a Basic Black marker and then Grunged the whole card front using Basic Black ink and a sponged around all the edges.

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

This is the end of the tutorial. Enjoy!

Now this is what it looked like early this morning from my kitchen window. I love that we have views of farms but don’t have to work one. 🙂 Yep, the barn you see in the first photo is the one you see at the top of my blog that I painted in the Fall.

Stay Warm and drink some hot chocolate with marsh-mellows!

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

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Jacksonville, Florida (One beginner spot open)

St. Louis, Missouri (Sold Out)

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina (Sold Out)

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 (Huntington), West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama (Near GA border close to Cedartown)

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

North Liberty, Indiana

Saledad, California

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/

In the Mountains – Tutorial #304

59 Comments February 10, 2010 zindorfstamps

Good morning 🙂 I am kinda snowed in, not really, but there is a whole heck of a lot of snow out there, lol. We probably got a 1 1/2 feet, but with the drifting we get out here in the country it seems like 15 feet. I’m not complaining because I have a wonderful husband that clears the driveway and walks so I can teeter out to my van if I want to go some where. Since I just drove for 14 hours to get home from Louisiana on Monday, I’m just not inclined to venture out.

Instead, I decided to get caught up on some paper work and then stamp a little. This is what I came up with this morning. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed staying snug and warm in my stamp room making it.

Let’s get started. . . . . . . . .

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Of the Earth (Hostess Set) and En Francais Background Stamp

Paper: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black, Whisper White, Apricot Appeal and Almost Amethyst

Ink: Stampin’ Up! Apricot Appeal, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Close to Cocoa, Almost Amethyst and Lavender Lace

Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Cutter Kit, 1/2″ circle Punch, Brayer, Sponges, Silver Brads, White Gel Pen, Basic Black marker, Piercing Tools and Post it Notes

Don’t forget to request your copy of the new Stampin’ Up Occasions mini catalog and Sale-a-bration mini. Just e-mail me your address and I will be glad to send you a set for free.

The new Occasions mini catalog can also be viewed on-line here: http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/OccasionsMini10_US.pdf

The New Sale-a-Bration Mini Catalog can also be viewed on-line here:http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/SAB_10_US.pdf

Are you getting inspired and enjoying this blog. One way you can help support it is to order 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.

Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income? Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team and start your own business.

Punched from a 1/2″ circle from the sticky part of a post it note and used it as a mask for the moon. Put the mask on a 4.5″ square piece of Whisper White card stock.

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Lavender Lace ink at the top of the card stock, not covering the Apricot Appeal ink entirely.

Brayered a little bit of Elegant Eggplant ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Almost Amethyst ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Tore a mountain shape in a post it note and sponged on some Lavender Lace ink to create a mountain.

Sponged some Elegant Eggplant ink right at the post it note edge to darken the top of the mountain.

Moved the post it note and sponged on some Almost Amethyst ink to create some mountains in the background.

Moved the Post it note again and sponged on Elegant Eggplant to create another mountain.

Tore the edge of another post it note and used it to put some slight hills in the middle ground with Almost Amethyst ink.

Moved the post it note again and sponge Lavender Lace ink.

Moved the post it note down again and sponged on Elegant Eggplant ink.

Removed the post it note masks.

Stamped the Flower stamp from the Stampin’ Up! set Of the Earth 4 times loading the flower head of the stamp with Elegant Eggplant and the stem of the stamp with Basic Black ink before stamping it each time.

Stamped some more of the flowers using Basic Black ink only.

Colored the Butterfly on the stamp with a Basic Black marker and then huffed on the stamp and stamped it.

Added some highlights on the flower heads and butterfly with a White Gel Pen.

Underlined the Eggplant Flower heads with a Basic Black marker to create some depth in the flowers.

Tore a couple of chunks out of the corners of a post it note and masked the middle of the main image panel. Brayered Almost Amethyst ink over the entire card stock.

Removed the post it note mask and distressed the edges with the Stampin’ Up Cutter kit.

Sponged Close to Cocoa ink on the distress edges.

Stamped the Stampin’ Up! Stamp En Francais on the left side of the main image panel lightly using Elegant Eggplant ink.

Added Basic Black, Apricot Appeal and Almost Amethyst panels, Silver Brads and Basic Black large photo corner punches.

Assembled the card and here it is completed measuring 5.5″ square.

May you experience only love and joy today.

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

Jacksonville, Florida (Sold Out)

St. Louis, Missouri (Sold Out)

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina (Sold Out)

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 (Huntington), West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama (Near GA border close to Cedartown)

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

North Liberty, Indiana

Saledad, California

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/

Winter Pine – Tutorial #284 and a Blog Candy Winner

11 Comments December 7, 2009 zindorfstamps

We have a few flurries in my area today so it put me in the mood for another chilly card. I love these 3 Stampin’ Up! blue ink colors together, Brilliant Blue, Tempting Turquoise and Night of Navy. They remind me of northern lights. But before we get into the tutorial I have a Blog Candy winner to announce.

The Blog Candy Winner is. . . . . . . . . . . .

csalt47, who wrote “Oh please please please pick me! I love this set. (Wish I were on your down line team — what a pretty card).”

csalt47 e-mail your address to mzindorf@aim.com within the next 30 days and I will pop this great set in the mail to you. Congratulations!

Thanks to all who played along. Maybe next week it will be you!

Now let’s get started on this tutorial. 🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Season of Joy, Serene Snowflakes

Paper: Stampin’ Up! Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black and Whisper White

Ink: Stampin’ Up! Brilliant Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Night of Navy, Craft White

Accessories: Stampin’ Up! Basic Black marker, White Gel pen, Piercing Tools, Sponges, Paper Snips, Versamark Pad, Clear embossing powder, Heat Gun and Post it notes

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 on a 4″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock the tree from the Stampin’ Up! set Season of Joy using Versamark.

Stamped the snowflakes from the Stampin’ Up! set Serene Snowflakes using Versamark.

Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Cut two “upside down” hills in a post it note and used it to mask the snow area in the scene.

Sponged Tempting Turquoise ink in the middle of the card stock.

Sponged Brilliant Blue ink around the Tempting Turquoise ink, not covering the Tempting Turquoise ink entirely.

Sponged Night of Navy ink around the Brilliant Blue ink, not covering the Brilliant Blue ink entirely.

Removed the post it note mask and wiped the ink from the embossed images using a soft cotton towel. You can use a paper towel for this also.

Added a Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White and Basic Black panels.

Using my piercing tools, added some piercings to the bottom of the card stock.

Added White Gel pen dots in the sky area and dashes around the star on the tree.

Masked along side of one hill using a post it note. Stamped the flourish from the Stampin’ Up! set Season of Joy using White Craft ink.

Added Basic Black marker outline to the left side of the tree, hill and to the flouish. Also added a bit of white gel pen highlights to the flourish.

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

I hope you are tucked away in a cozy place today. 🙂

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

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops! I am coming to:

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 (Huntington), West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama (Near GA border close to Cedartown)

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

North Liberty, Indiana

Saledad, California

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/

Direct Trendy Trees – Totorial #254

9 Comments August 30, 2009 zindorfstamps

Happy Sunday! Sunday is usually my chill out day. A day when I just put my feet up and relax. Today however, I felt I should give you fine readers a tutorial since I have been busy prepping for my September brayer workshops and yesterday I was in Greenwood, Indiana teaching some super fun ladies at Sharon’s Crop Studio. That being said, I have not had the time in the past few days to sit down and create.

I put together this Autumn card using Stampin’ Up Classic Ink pads using the direct to paper method for the background. This card also highlights the Stampin’ Up Trendy Tree set and two new sets that are in the new Stampin’ Up Holiday Mini Catalog, Autumn Splendor and Grateful Greets, must have sets!

On a side note, e-mail me your address if you want a free copy of the new Stampin’ Up Mini Catalog and you reside in the USA, mzindorf@aim.com.

I created this card the other day and got a few e-mails asking me why I had used the Tim Holtz Distress ink pads instead of using Stampin’ Up ink pads.

Below is a picture of the Stampin’ Up ink pad on the left and the Tim Holtz Distress ink pads on the right. There is a really big, big difference in how much the pad is raised above the pad base with the Distress ink pads. So that is why when I do a direct to paper project and I want to smear the ink directly on the card stock using the ink pad, I will reach for my Distress ink pads. They are much easier to use because of how much the pad is raised off of the base.

Don’t get me wrong you can do the same method with the Stampin’ Up ink pads because the pad is raised off the base a bit. Todays tutorial demonstrates it. 🙂

Okay, let’s get started on today’s tutorial “Direct Trendy Trees”.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Trendy Trees, Autumn Splendor & Grateful Greetings

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal & Always Artichoke

Ink: Stampin’ Up Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip and Basic Black

Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-Jig, Stampin’ Up Markers Always Artichoke & Basic Black, Paper Snips, Versamark pad and marker, sponge

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. Through August 31 you can become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator for as little as $85 with the mini kit. Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotionsStamped the tree leaves on a 3″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then loading my stamp with Pumpkin Pie ink before stamping it. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.Sponged Apricot Appeal ink in the center of the leaves and then colored over the sponged ink with a Veramark marker and heat embossed the images again using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the Leaves 4 more times by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then Always Artichoke ink before stamping them. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Sponged Pumpkin Pie ink in the middle of the leaves and colored over the sponged ink with a Versmark marker and heat embossed the images with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the Trunks by first loading my stamp with Versamark and Close to Cocoa ink before stamping them. Heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Smeared Certainly Celery ink on the card stock using the edge of the Stamp pad.

Smeared Always Artichoke ink at the bottom of the card stock using the edge of the ink pad.

Smeared Close to Cocoa ink at the top and bottom of the card stock using the edge of the ink pad. Used the corner of the Close to Cocoa pad to smear a shadow under each tree trunk.

Outlined the right sides of the tree trunk with a Basic Black marker.

Sponged Black ink around the edge of the card stock.

Stamped the leaf from the Stampin Up “Autumn Splendor” set by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then with Pumpkin pie ink before stamping it on a scrap of Whisper White card stock. Heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Smeared Apricot Appeal ink over the embossed leaf using the edge of the ink pad.

Smeared on some Always Artichoke ink on the leaf using the edge of the ink pad.

Colored the stem and a few veins of the leaf in with an Always Artichoke marker.

Cut out the leaf with a pair of Stampin’ Up Paper Snips, love these little sharp scissor by the way. 🙂

Assembled my card and stamped the greeting using a Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and Basic Black ink.

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

Hey it is now time for me to relax and put my feet up, right after I answer my e-mails, check my P.O. Box, update my accounting paperwork for my business, do some laundry, feed the dogs and the bird, make some breakfast, do the dishes etc, etc. . . . . . . . . . Thank goodness it is not Monday! Sigh. .. .

May your Sunday be one of rest and relaxation.

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, MissouriMechanicsville, VirginiaRaleigh, North CarolinaColleyville, TexasColorado Springs, ColoradoBoise 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

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/

Birds on a Wire – Tutorial

47 Comments July 21, 2008 zindorfstamps

The idea of birds sitting on a wire has been rattling around in my head for some time. This morning it finally made it to paper.

Here is the tutorial. 🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Spring Solitude & Lovely as a Tree

Paper: Stampin’ Up Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss & Whisper White

Ink: Stampin’ Up Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive and Basic Black

Accessories: Ruler, Fine point black marker, Old Olive marker, White Gel Pen, Stampin’ Up Piercing Tools, Sponge & Brayer

Brayered Baja Breeze ink at the top 2/3rds of a 3.5″ x 8″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

Brayered Kiwi Kiss ink on the bottom 1/4th of the card stock.

Made a line across the card stock with a fine point black marker and a ruler.

Stamped birds with Basic Black ink. I also extended their legs with a fine point black marker so they would reach the black line.

Inked only the trees, with Basic Black ink, on the tree stamp to omit the ground part of the stamp. Stamp it twice.

Used a white Gel pen to make the eye and wing of the birds more prominent.

Sponged Old Olive ink on the trees.

Made dots with a white gel pen on the left side of the trees to create highlights and show light direction.

Sponged a shadow under the trees with Old Olive ink that is slanting toward the right side.

Made dots on the right side of the trees with an Old Olive marker.

Assembled card front and pierced a line at the bottom of the card stock.

Added two silver brads and here is the completed card measuring 9″ x 4″.

On a personal note, I had a great time over the weekend playing, playing and playing some more with my beautiful Grand Daughter. Here she is pictured with my Husband, Russ being silly.

Hope your day is filled with snack time and smiles!

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Pond Life MZ Style – Tutorial

45 Comments July 11, 2008 zindorfstamps

I use stamps from all different companies these days. My piece today uses Papertreyink.com stamps “Pond Life”.

I use to be stickily a Stampin’ Up girl, but too many fabulous companies have popped up that need my money, lol. Really, I just can’t resist a great stamp set when I see it. This is one set I just had to have. So we are going on a little trip to the pond today with this tutorial. Grab a cup of your favorite coffee, tea or soda and follow along.

Let’s get started. 🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Paper Trey Ink “Pond Life” , Stampin’ Up Canvas BG

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Blush Blossom and Cool Caribbean

Ink: Stampin’ Up More Mustard, Adirondack Terra Cotta, Peach Bellini, Salmon, Aqua, Lettuce, Ginger, Stream

Accessories: Stampin’ Up Markers Blush Blossom, Going Gray, Barely Banana, More Mustard, Faber Castell Black fine tip marker, White Gel pen, Sponges, Versamark pad and marker, Clear embossing powder, heat gun, Copper Brads

Stamped Water lily with Salmon ink on a 3.75″ x 3.75″ piece of Whisper White Card stock.

Add some Blush Blossom marker to the bottom of the images.

Added Barely Banana marker to the center tip of the images.

Colored over the images with a Versamark Marker.

Heat embossed the images with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

This set has these great stems in them. Since these stamps are unmounted you can take this stem and bend it when you stick it on the mount. Nice to make different shaped stems and grasses. It looks funny to have straight grasses. 🙂

Stamped stems by first loading stamp with Versamark and then More Mustard ink before stamping.

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

Stamped lily pads, by first loading the stamp with Versamark, then Lettuce ink and then added some More Mustard marker to the edges of the stamp before stamping.

Heat embossed with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Sponged on Peach Bellini ink.

Sponged on Aqua Ink.

Sponged on Terra Cotta ink.

Sponged on Stream ink.

Added some more lily pads with Lettuce ink, but stamped off once on my scrap paper before stamping on the card stock (also known as a second generation stamping).

Added some more stems with Lettuce ink.

Stamp the Cat tail head stamp with Ginger ink.

Added a shadow under some of the lily pads and lilies with a Going Grey marker.

Added a fine line of black marker under the lilies to really give them dimension.

Added Ginger ink to the bottom left corner of the card stock.

Stamp some more lily pads with Lettuce ink.

Added some hand drawn grasses with a black marker and put a fine line of black marker down the right side of the cattails.

Added White Gel pen highlights to a few of the grasses, tops of the lilies and tops of the cattails.

Stamped Canvas background stamp on a 5 1/8″ x 5 1/8″ piece of Cool Caribbean card stock with Aqua ink.

Stamped Canvas background stamp on a 4.75″ x 2″ piece of Blush Blossom card stock with Salmon ink.

Sponged Stream ink on the top right corner of the Cool Caribbean card stock panel.

Sponged Ginger ink on the bottom left corner of the Blush Blossom panel.

Assembled card and added Copper Brads.

Here it is finished measuring 5.25″ x 5.25″.

Hope your day if filled with the wonderful sounds of lapping water and frogs croaking. 🙂

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Michelle

Toile Blossoms Scene – Tutorial

80 Comments July 9, 2008 zindorfstamps

Today’s piece is dedicated to all the Stampin’ Up stamp hoarders. Now you know who you are, a few of you have even asked me to use some of my old, but loved stamps in projects. I was a hobby demo so I never felt the need to get rid of my old stamps when new ones came out. So I have around 300 Stampin’ Up sets, that is what is left after weeding out sets that weren’t my style. We won’t talk about my unmounted stamp collections in this same post. You all will think I’m a stamp junkie or something, lol.

Let me hear about your stamp collections/addiction in the comments section of this post. If you are getting this by e-mail update, click this link to leave me your comment:

http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/07/09/toil-blossoms-scene-tutorial/

I know I’m not the only one that will chose new stamps over new shoes, let me hear from you. 🙂

Anyway, I have used Stampin’ Up sets “Toile Blossoms” & “Lovely as a Tree” in today’s piece.

Let’s get started on the tutorial. 🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ UP Toile Blossoms & Lovely as a Tree

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Not Quite Navy and Soft Sky

Ink: Stampin’ Up Soft Sky, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black & Old Olive, Palette Noir Black

Accessories: Piercing Tools, Prismacolor Markers, Going Gray marker, White Gel Pen, Black marker, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponges, Brayer, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Versamark Marker, Gold Brads

Stamped Toile Blossom images on a piece of 5″ x 5″ Whisper White card stock with Palette Noir Black ink.

Colored the center of the flower petals with a Prismacolor Deco Pink marker.

Added just a little Prismacolor Magenta marker to the flower petal centers.

Colored the leaves with a Prismacolor Chartreuse marker.

Colored the shadow (dark side) of the leaves with a Prismacolor Light Olive Green marker.

Colored over the leaves and flowers with a Versamark marker.

Note: Be careful to color the white parts first and then the colored parts so the color doesn’t smear onto the white part of your image. You can clean the tip of your Versamark marker my coloring on scrap paper for a second.

Heat emboss the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Brayered Soft Sky ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Not Quite Navy ink at the very top of the card stock, not covering the Soft Sky ink entirely.

Stamped Tree image with Palette Noir Black ink.

Sponged More Mustard ink on the bottom of the card stock.

Note: The embossed images resist the ink. Just wipe the ink off the images with a paper towel.

Sponged Old Olive ink at the bottom of the card stock using a swiping motion from the bottom let corner toward the top right. This was done to simulate grasses. Also, sponged Old Olive Green ink in the leaf area of the tree.

Added just a bit of Black ink to the very bottom of the card stock.

Colored the tree trunk with a Going Gray Marker and added some grasses at the base of the tree with a Prismacolor Light Olive Green marker.

Sponged a bit of Basic Black ink on the right side of the leaf area of the tree and just a faint hint of black under the tree for a shadow.

Added White highlights (specks) on the left side of the leaf area of the tree with a white gel pen.

Sponged heavily some Not Quite Navy ink at the top of the card stock to give the sky some interest.

Used a black fine line marker and traced along the bottom side of the flowers and leaves to create the look of a shadow. Also colored along the right side of the tree trunk with the black marker.

Used the ticket corner punch on the main image panel and the Not Quite Navy panel.

Used my piercing tools and a fine tip black marker to do some faux stitching all the way around the card stock.

Added some gold brads and here is the completed card measuring 5.25″ x 5.25″.

Hope your day is filled with blooming flower gardens and shade trees.

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Michelle

Chickadee in the Woods – Tutorial

378 Comments July 3, 2008 zindorfstamps

Here it is Thursday already! Wow, the older I get the faster time flies. Am I the only one that feels this way?

Anyway, today I got back to nature with the Stampin’ Up’s Set “Touch of Nature”. I love this little Chickadee. Isn’t he the cutest little bird? I have Chickadees all over my yard. They are such happy little souls. I can’t help but smile when I see and hear them.

Also, today I’m giving BLOG CANDY! Anyone miss out on the Studio G Series 8 stamps? I have 12 packs here just waiting for some lucky stamper.

Well here is your chance to get them. All you need to do to enter is leave me a comment here on this post. If you are getting this blog update by e-mail and you wish to comment, please click this link that will take you to my blog so you can comment for a chance to win these stamps: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/07/03/chickadee-in-the-woods-tutorial/

I’ll use a random number generator to pick a number on Saturday morning, July 5th.

Ready for the tutorial? Let’s get started 🙂

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin’ Up Touch of Nature

Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Basic Black, Old Olive & Bordering Blue

Ink: Stampin’ Up Bordering Blue, Old Olive & Blue Bayou, Palette Noir Black

Accessories: Prismacolor Markers, White Gel Pen, Versamark Marker, Clear embossing Powder, Sponge, heat tool, Black maker

Stamped the bird with Palette Noir Black ink on a piece of 3.5″ x 5″ Whisper White card stock. I’m using the Palette ink because it doesn’t smear with the Solvent based Prismacolor markers.

Colored the bottom of the birds belly with a Buff marker.

Extended the limb to the edge of the card stock with a Fabe Castell black marker.

Colored the birds head, very bottom of the belly and back with a Cool Grey 30% marker.

Colored the dark parts of the leaves with a Light Olive Green marker.

Colored the Branch with a Buff colored marker.

Added some Cool Grey 80% colored marker to the dark parts of the birds head and back.

Added a bit more Buff marker to the birds belly.

Colored over the bird with a Versamark marker, being very careful to stay within the lines.

Heat embossed using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Sponged Bordering Blue ink in a pouncing motion all over the card stock. I want it to look splotchy.

Stamped leaves by first loading my stamp with Old Olive ink and then misting the stamp a tiny bit so it would look a bit out of focus when I stamp it. Note: I tried this out on scrap paper first to see how much misting to do for the effect I wanted.