Apr 28 2008
Blue Essence Inspired - Tutorial
Last night I decided to challenge myself and use a fairly complicated piece of art as inspiration. The original art was created by Megan Aroon and it’s titled Blue Essence.
Isn’t it beautiful!
My card doesn’t even come close, but it was a learning experience.
Here is tutorial #40.
Supplies:
| Stamps: Stampin’ Up Trees Three & Simply Circles |
| Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Cool Caribbean, Basic Black and More Mustard |
| Ink: Stampin’ Up More Mustard, Really Rust, Cool Caribbean, Basic Black, Real Red and Brilliant Blue, Broken China Distress Ink, Adirondack Butterscot, Aqua & Hazelnut |
| Accessories: Brads, Versamark Pad & Marker, Circle Punch, Exacto Knife, Sponges, Post it Notes, Cuttebug Embossing Folder, Clear embossing powder and heat gun |
Stamped trees on Whisper White card stock by first loading stamp with Versamark and the loading it with black ink before stamping.
Heat embossed image with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.
I used a glass mat and Exacto knife to cut a curved portion from the post it notes. I then stuck them to the card stock for a mask for the sky area.
Sponged Cool Caribbean ink on un-masked area.
Sponged Brilliant Blue ink just at the edge of the post it note.
Moved the mask down some and sponged Brilliant Blue ink again right at the post it note masked edge to create another line of Brilliant Blue.
Moved the post it note masks again so I could create the small hill at the right side. Sponged Cool Caribbean ink on the open area.
Sponged Brilliant Blue ink at the edge of the top post it note.
Moved the post it note mask down a little and put in a second line of Brilliant Blue ink.
Removed post it notes and went over hills with a Versamark marker and then heat embossed using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.
Cut a circle from the middle of a post it note with a 1 1/4″ circle punch. Placed mask where I wanted the sun to be and sponged More Mustard ink on using a circular motion.
Sponged Really Rust ink around edge of sun using a circular motion.
Removed post it note mask and went over the sun with a Versamark marker and heat embossed using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.
Stamped Dots on sky area by first loading stamp with Versamark, Soft Sky ink and stamping off one time on my scrap paper before stamping on the card stock. After stamping all of the dots, heat embossed them with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.
Randomly in the sky area, applied Real Red ink using direct to paper technique and only using a corner of the stamp pad. Note: the corner of the stamp pad makes those little “V” markers.
Using same technique, applied Hazelnut ink to sky area.
Using same technique, applied Aqua ink to sky area.
Using same technique, applied Butterscotch ink to sky area.
.
Using same technique, applied Broken China ink to sky area.
Using same technique, applied Brilliant Blue ink to sky area.
Wiped ink from embossed images with a paper towel.
Assembled card after using a cuttlebug embossing folder on the More Mustard panel. Here you have it, the complete card.
This is the 40th tutorial I’ve posted to this blog. Do you want more or is 40 enough? Encouragement is greatly appreciated by way of comments, especially during gardening season when I should be weeding, lol.
I hope you find a piece of art today that inspires you and makes you want to recreate it. It’s such a great learning tool!
Until tomorrow. . . . . .
40 is not enough! Did you stop after 40 stamps or 40 ink pads??? NO you kept going!!! Granted at the end of a work week 40 hours is more than enough but that’s different. Every day it’s like a little present. People look forward to your genius. Your tutorials are great.
wow! wow! wow! That is just amazing. I really liked your tutorial as when I first saw the end product, I thought there is no way I could make this card. But your instructions are fantastic and I am definitely going to try it now!
Do no stop! I am in love with your techniques. I have just finished going through the archives and want more…greedy little thing, aren’t I?
Michelle,
Please, Please don’t stop. You don’t have to post everyday. I look forward to your posts so much. I have learned so much from your detailed tutorials. I get up early each morning and make a cup of tea and sit down to read through all the blogs I subscribe to, but I always save yours for last. Want to know why? because it is like the dessert after dinner. In fact I almost cancelled all the other blogs after yours started because although their creations are nice, yours are spectacular. If you haven’t posted when I check in the morning I check back all day waiting for your newest creation. I have been stamping for almost 8 years but had never used Post it Notes or a Brayer. I feel so inspired when I look at your work that It makes me want to try to take my stamping to the next level. While I will never be as talented as you I feel like you have so much to teach us. I understand how life can put so much pressure on us to allocate our time wisely but believe me when I say there are many of us that would be devasted if you stop the tutorials. I had admired your work in SCS for a long time and was so excited when you began to blog. If we have to we will drive to you and do the weeding so that you can have more time for those of us who “need you”. LOL. Aren’t weeds like dust? They just never stop.
Linda
Just one word: WOooooooooooooW…..!
Just discoverd your blog and you amaze me wit all the gorgeous creations you have here, so please don’t stop;-)
xx, Inge.
Michelle,
Please don’t stop!!! I wake up in the morning, turn my computer on, make my coffee and sit down at the computer to look at what you have for us. Just love your cards!!!
It would be sad for you to stop, you bring so much joy to people with the beautiful cards and tutorials you give all of us. You touch more people than you know. Keep going pleaseeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
NO!!!!!!!!! Your tutorials are wonderful and have opened my eyes to a new world of stampin.
I would understand if posting a new tutorial every day might be too much (but I do love it!), but please don’t stop all together!
I do the same thing as Bessey does. You are my early morning.
I hope you choose not to stop teaching us. We would miss you dearly.
I so look forward to your daily post. Thanks for opening our eyes to the world of art. That is really whart your cards are is art.
Stop at 40? No Way! This is the best blog to learn new techniques! Your tutorials are so easy to understand and I’ve learned a wealth of information from all your hard work! TFS!
Wow! Beautiful card! I love to see your tutorials. You are such an artist! Thanks for sharing. Keep the tutorials coming!
i only just discovered your blog - i love your tutorials! even bought a versamark pen just so i could try some… thanks for the inspiration!
More, more, more!! I check your site every morning! I was going through withdrawals while you were away!
I could never even attempt what you do here…failure wouldn’t adequately describe the result…but I love seeing how you work through it and looking at your art!!!
Thanks for being so generous and sharing so opening…and PLEASE don’t stop!!!
Mary L.
Please don’t stop, although I always wonder how you manage to come up with these fabulous tutorials every single day. I certainly hope you are teaching classes and making lots of money at it!
Wow, wow, wow Michelle! This one takes my breath away. It looks like stained glass! You absolutely must let your garden go to weeds! (okay, just kidding) Your blog and tutorials are wonderful and appreciated! When you were gone on vacation and you didn’t post, my days were just not the same! Please keep them coming!
Please keep those tutorials coming! And thank you for your kind comments when I case one of your creations. It makes me feel wonderful. I appreciate your time you take making such clear directions and the visuals are excellent.
Gosh Michelle, I so would like to see you continue. I love looking step by step at your work and going back to the top to take a second look at the finished so I can see the detail of each step in the finished project. I don’t want you to burn out from it, because it must take longer, but if you are still okay, then I say keep them coming!
I got so caught up in the idea that you might stop the tutorials, that I nearly forgot to comment on your beautiful creation. It is just lovely and you do the artist inspired piece total justice with your work.
Please, don’t stop your tutorials! I don’t comment a lot, but I *do* ooh and aah over your work all the time. Amazing stuff!!!
noway don’t stop now i just got here. bessy showed me the site and i check you out every morning your the first thing i do in the morning. your the one person that i’ve found that shows us step by step , this is so helpfull. bessy and i do lots of scraping and cards together we try something new everytime we get together.
keep those cards coming ……..
cathy steward / Jay Maine
Michelle ,Your work is amazing please don’t stop posting your tutorials ,I look forward each morning to checking your blog to see what you have created today . I have learned a lot for your tutorials and like others comments you have taken stamping to another level . Please, please continue !
Well, everyone above said what I would say. Your work & techniques are totally unique. No one else that I know of is creating cards using “art” with stamps and ink like you. Certainly take the time you need to garden and enjoy whatever you like to do and don’t feel like you have to post every day, but when you feel like making a card, please show us how you do it!! I think it looks like you have a true following of brayer & post-it-note lovers! Beautiful work!
This is beautiful!! Please don’t stop with the tutorials, they are WONDERFUL!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork, you are truly inspiring!!
I just discovered you a week ago and you and I love your tutorials!!!! Please keep them coming… Your work is gorgeous…
What I love most is you use ‘basic’ ingredients to create wonderful art… things we can all get our hands on (and most likely already have!) without a huge expense!!!
Please keep them coming!!!!
This is stunning! You are such an artist!
love it - puh-leeze keep em coming - you are an artist and i love learning from you - your use of supplies and stamps have made me see things in a new way - perspective is hard to show much less photograph and word and you do both fantastically - i look forward to your blog every morning! thanks -
You did a fabulous job recreating the artwork… your work is amazing!
Thanks for the tutorials - they have really inspired me to try new techniques!
*GASP* Stop????? Please don’t stop!!! Whenever I used to see your cards on SCS before your blog started, I always wondered how you did things and I wanted to be able to watch you work. Now I can see the step-by-step process and I love “watching” you. You are an amazing talent and a fantastic teacher and oh so generous with your time and talent. I can only imagine the amount of work your tutorials take, but please keep them coming. Just don’t feel you have to do so many! We’ll all be here waiting patiently for more of our Michelle Zindorf fix each day. I really appreciate everything you’ve done. Please keep up the wonderful tutorials.
With genuine admiration and appreciation,
Trish
Pure selfishness here, but I would love to see more. Your cards and tutorials are beyond amazing; they are beautiful art. I know your weeds are calling (I, too love to flower garden), but please don’t stop posting. I will be happy to see just your lovely creations as I know the tutorials must take an immense amount of time to produce. Thank you so very much for sharing your fabulous work.
I was so excited when you started blogging because I would see your vibrant color created art in the gallery at SCS and always wonder, “how in the world did she do that?”. I look at many, many cards and I can almost always figure out how to do it but for some reason your cards always stump me. I love how you can make magic with a brayer, sponge and some ink. Stunning and amazing! Thanks for sharing with us.
I do especially love when you make cards based on other art like your entry today. So inspiring! What an interesting piece to recreate- I love the contrast between slick swirly blue and the background on the original. I wonder if alcohol inks would give that same effect or even shaving cream technique. Hmm, wish I had time to play today!
I have to agree with everyone else. Your tutorials are incredible, and I hope you continue to share your incredible talent.
Wow! I can tell by the comments you all are reading my tutorials. So very glad to hear it. Makes it easier to give tutorial making high priority.
I’ll keep them coming the best I can,
Big Hugs to all of you!
Michelle
All i can say is thank you thank you thank you for taking your time to share this card and how to and all cards past— and to come i hope! I printed out all the pages just so i could give the technique a try. Diana
I am gobsmacked with your talent. Please don’t stop!
Oh, Michelle….I just found your blog, too! I love your tutorials! I’ve had my yahoo bookmarks on my home page for years now, but until I found yours I’d never put a blog on the list. I guess I was thinking there’d be too many for the bookmarks to be useful. The second I hit yours though, I knocked off one of the bookmarks and put you in there, lol! I am a creature of habit, and in a short time I’ve settled into the routine of opening your blog when I sit down to my 2nd cup of coffee, lol….
You are such a marvelous talent! I hope you can continue providing us tutorials, although I certainly understand the lure of weeding….(snort!), lol!
Hugs,
Betsy
This is just FABULOUS!! It has an essence of Van Gogh’ s “Starry Night” I just LOVE it and I’m going to have to give this tutorial a try. You did a great job explaining it. TFS
Please don’t STOP I look forward to your cards always. I wish I could live in your craft room [as stated before] If every day is too much, then every other day or so but please I have learn so much, is there are thing we could do for you?
More please! Can’t speak for everyone but I’m learning a lot by these and I just found you a few days ago!!
Amazingly gorgeous! Your work is just beautiful- thank you so much for showing us how to acheive the same look. I knew I had versamark and a versamarker for a reason! Now I know what to do with it. Keep up the beautiful art work.
NO NO NO please don’t stop. I know all about being busy, so if you can’t post every day thats ok just do when you can find time. I will be heartbroken if I can’t read your tutorials they are wonderful. I got up the nerve to post a card that I cased from your tutorial, nothing like yours but I was happy with it. You bring so much to your followers, and we appreciate you sooooo much. Have a great day!
KS.stamper
Michelle,
You are truly an inspiration. What I appreciate about you and your blog is your willingness to share your art and to share Michelle. Your lack of pretensiouness is refreshing. Thank you for all the time and effort that goes into your tutorials. I know you enjoy the art work but I also understand the time involved in photographing, writing and posting the tutorial.
40 cards and tutorials are not enough. I truly enjoy reading and looking at your blog. It is the best relaxation except for working at my own table. From my heart…THANK YOU!
Donna Billingsley
I would have to find a Zindorf Tutorial Anonymous group to join as I am addicted! But then I have no desire to give up this addiction. More please…..
WOW!
Just WOW!
Not just “reading” your tutorials - ABSORBING them! I don’t comment often because I feel very repetitive - but then I suppose if you are the maker of the card - perhaps “stunning” never gets old! But for sure, your blog is my first stop when I hit the computer - even when you were away and you told us when you would come back I checked every day - just in case! I will do whatever it takes to keep you out of your garden and chained to your stamp table
You just tell me what I need to do! Also, if we could see more pictures of your gorgeous doggie that would be okay too! - the other notgidget trish
Michelle, your card is absolutely stunning. Breathtaking. Bravo. Thank you for linking up your inspiration. That art is awesome, and through reading your tutorial, you have given me the strength to try CASE’ng. You never cease to amaze me. Earlier this morning, I even purchased a new brayer because I want to do better work (I got gesso all over my old brayer and it has lumps and bumps). The selfish Beth says, “don’t stop the tutorials”, but the giving Beth says, “do what you can, when you can.” I post weekly tutorials and had enough. I can’t imagine what it is like to go through all those steps with your camera, each and every day. Thanks for your hard work. I do love to see your daily work.
YOu are the sunshine in my day! YOu have no idea how much I look forward to what you are creating and your super talent! Keep on amazing us!
Elizabeth
Wow; I’m a 1st-time visitor & will definitely bookmark your site to visit again. I’m amazed at your clever creations!!! Yes, you should definitely do more tuts!!! Keep ‘em comin’!!!
Holy Smokes! This is one amazing piece of artwork! This is my first visit but not my last! Please hire someone to pull those weeds!
I’ve only seen a couple of your tutorials because I just found your site. You do amazing work. I personally want more. I have learned much from you! Thank you. On the other hand, one has to garden to grow the flowers to find inspiration there, too. It is all a slippery slope, my friend!
Another totally unbelievably *awesome* tutorial!! Please don’t stop - I can’t get enough of them!! And you absolutely did justice to that painting!! Your artistic eye and ability to translate techniques into stamping are inspiring!
Fabulous tutorial - your card is a work of art! In the short time I have been coming to your blog, I have come to love your tutorials. Your techniques are fascinating to me as a new stamper, and even though I can’t aspire to do half what you do, I love to see you doing it! So when you have time to fit them in, please continue with the tutorials.
more, more, more plllllllzzzzzzzz!
Just wanted to let you know that you are the reason I can now brayer successfully. I would love it if you did a tutorial every day. I have learned so much from you.
Don’t stop, I so look forward to your tutorials. They have taught me so much about stamping.
Abandon the weeds! More tutorials! I love them. Thanks for sharing.
Guess your husband will have to weed. We saw him shoveling snow, so maybe weeding is a possibility for him, too? Just kidding..sort of! The card is B-eau-ti-ful!!!! It has a very magical, enchanting feel to it. So pretty! I too am addicted to your blog. You bring joy to my day! The tutorials have taught me so much, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing what I can do with the lessons you’ve taught. Your step by step is so appreciated. You are so talented and so generous with sharing your creations and your techniques. I have no idea how you keep up this pace of turning out so many tutorials. Whatever works best for you going forward will be greatly appreciated. Sniff..sniff…please don’t give up on the tutorials all together!
OK, I’m starting to have too many favorites!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!!!
Please don’t give up the tutorials…I NEEEEEEEED them! LOL.
Seriously though…and I speak for all of us…We love & appreciate all that you do! Thank You so much…so how ’bout it? 40 more? Pretty Please?
This is so wonderful! I love the piece you created and the layout with the embossed layer! The dark layer framing the upper and left side of the main piece is really cool! Thanks for all the time you spend making the tutorials!
Please, do more. I have just discovered your website and I love it. When I look at your cards, I think how did she do that. Then following your tutorial, the process unfolds. Great ART.
Michelle- I sunscribe to your blog so I get a daily fix- please- More, More, More- I may go into withdrawal if you don’t keep it up. The week you were on vacation seemed like a month!!! Anyway, isn’t outside work for boys??? LOL I am just kidding!!! Your work is beautiful, and it is just wonderful how you have chosen to share. You are very creative, and have a wonderful eye for color!!! Thanks again for sharing your talent! I look forward to your next creation!!!!
Please don’t stop your tutorials. I am drawn to your artwork and have learned more from your “recipes” than from any other stamper/artist…and I work with Kittie. Even she knows that I love your style best of all.
Dont’ stop…tho I must ask why you were up at 3AM…why is it I think you work in some sort of community drug program? Is sleep not required?
I LOVE your tutorials, but I understand that everyone needs balance in their life…so just know that we love your work, your tutorials, but we understand if you need to take time to devote to other aspects of your life. Take care and thanks for the 40 tutorials!
I agree with the woman who said “this is the best blog to learn new techniques! Your tutorials are so easy to understand and I’ve learned a wealth of information from all your hard work!” If you were to stop I would have to give up stamping. You wouldn’t want that would you:)
PLEASE continue the tutorials!! What you come up with is so inspiring and informative.
This card is amazing…!
Another adoring fan who would come to pull your weeds if I lived closer! Then I could stand by while you made another fabulous work of art. But please post only as you have the time and keep some balance in your life- we all struggle with that. I know we will all look forward to seeing what you create, and want this to be fun and inspiring for you, too, not something you “have” to do!
This card is just jaw-dropping gorgeous, but you have made it look easy-peasy! I may have to try this one, too!
One question- did you switch to the Adirondack inks for a specific reason? Better corners? I have ordered a few, so could do this if the color are right.
Thanks for your marvelous tutorials!
Another thought… these tutorials could lead to a future book! What you do is so unique - and you have a talent for tutorials.
Eileen asked “did you switch to the Adirondack inks for a specific reason? Better corners?”
Eileen, I only think about color when I select an ink pad.
OH NO! 40 is soooo not enough! I was just thinking that you should publish a book! It would FLY off the shelves!
This work of art is absolutely gorgeous!!!!
HB
Michelle, I can only say WOW WOW!!!. after viewing your card then the painting WOW!!!. I shared your blog with my friend. she loves color art stamping and scrapbooking and one look at your site and she is hooked just like I am. Each day after work I gather my supplies come to your blog study your tutorial and begin to create as you have instructed. your tutorials are the best. not only do you have a gift for art you also have a gift to teach. thank you for sharing with us. Surely 40 is the beginning, kind of like the tip of the iceberg. Please continue to create and share your gift. You are a blessing!!!!
Really lovely! I enjoy all your work and the tutorials are excellent. Please don’t stop now.
Michelle, your art is truly amazing to me! I missed your tutorials while you were gone, (not saying this to make you feel guilty about taking a break.) I hope you will continue your tutorials, even though it is tough competing with gardening! ;D I love to watch your process and your honesty is so encouraging! I feel that I don’t have a naturally creative bone in my body, but I can learn to create. Thank you for all the work you put into your tutorials. {{{Hugs}}}
I can see the original work of art in yours.. you did an awesome job using it as your inspiration. Because of you, I have dug my 12 yr old brayer out of its box and have started using it. If you are able, and enjoy putting all this work into your tutorials, please keep doing so. Your artwork is incredible and the generosity of your tutorials are very inspiring. I enjoy visiting every day to see what you have come up with. Keep up the good work, but dont let those weeds get the better of you hehe.
Please don’t stop the tutorials - I have learned so much from them and get so much inspiration from your amazing work! I’m sure everyone would understand if you didn’t do one every day, but please, please, please don’t make us all suffer withdrawal from our Michelle addiction!
PS If you did publish a book I know heaps of ladies here in Australia who would definitely buy it for sure!
Please don’t stop — Your work is beautiful, creative and so original. No one does what you do and you are an inspiration. I am determined to master the brayer and the sponge!
Please do not stop posting your art works. They are totally fabulous and inspiring. If you find it hard to do it every day, well, I for one would be content with one per week (hehehe, she doesn’t ask much does she lol!).
I have told people about your blog, and you are linked on my blog http://www.mystampingplace.blogspot.com
I think your work is totally awesome.
Thanks!!!
Deanne
(Sydney, Australia)
xxxx
Michelle,
I am always in awe of your beautiful work. You are so talented and I wish I had just a touch of your talent! Please do not stop posting . . . I look forward to your just about daily art lessons. So inspiring and sometimes I wonder how your mind works to “see” the world in a different form through your colors and techniques. Please continue with your excellent work.
Just gorgeous as always. No, don’t stop I love how you show us how you get to the finished product. You inspire others to want to try, even though we know we may not achieve the exact look. Thanks for sharing with us when you could be weeding instead! LOL
Fabulous tutorial. Love the modern art look - a refreshing change from all the ’shabby chic’ cards.
-mary
Please don’t stop the tutorials. I love your work and how well you explain it all step by step (and with pics too…) With the step by step instructions you have shown me colour combos etc. that I would have never have thought looked so good together or have even thought to use.
I love your tutorials, they are my favourite cards ever and I can follow along in how to make them. Thanks so much for your hard work.
I agree with Sandy W. I would definately buy a book of your tutorials. You have taken stamping to a true art form. I am just in awe of what you do!
Kerry
fabulous Michelle!
I truly enjoy your beautiful creations and the time you spend with your tutorials. I am a picture person and find your tutorials the best out there. My day is not complete without seeing one of your masterpieces.
Okay - I’m just going to describe what happened when I opened this post, just like every time you post!!
(exclamation) OOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(hand slapped over my heart)
OMG!
WOW!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
*sigh*
This is SO STUNNING!!! And THANK YOU for the tutorial!!! This has a “starry night” feel to it which I love, and I think u know I dig blue!!
TFS you insanely talented woman!!
Lydia
http://www.understandblue.blogspot.com
Please add my vote to the rest - don’t stop! I know it must be hard to come up with tutorials all the time, but the truly are an inspiration to us mere mortals! I love your work, and check it out daily! Thank you for all you do. You are awesome!
OMG!!! This is too awesome!!! I wanna be you when I grow up!!!
I know you have read the comments and realize we all want you to continue but I must add mine anyway
I just found your blog a couple weeks ago and you have truly inspired me. I can’t wait for your blog to come each day, you make things look so simple and your tutorials are so step by step that it’s not intimidating. Please continue the great work.
Wonderful Brilliant Michelle,
I, too, just recently discovered your blog. I am totally in awe of your creativity!
I always admire what is best about human beings; the ability some people have to
develop their art to the maximum. The great composers, athletes, authors, all share their finely-honed skills with us. And now you do, too!
Thanks so much for sharing your techniques with us! Please don’t stop! Your creations are as enriching to the soul as a Beethoven sonata!
Thanks and very best wishes,
Rochelle
I love your tutorials! I have learned a lot from them, and have attempted to recreate some of your cards- with varying results! I still have a lot to learn from you.
I’m amazed that you post so often- it’s wonderful! You must have so many creative ideas floating around in your head. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!
More, more, more, and more….we want more….perhaps you can squeeze it in while you tend to the garden..hehe
Sonya
Please don’t stop. I have found no other blog with this much information and inspiration - and I only found you several weeks ago. Have made a list of the Adironrack dyes I need. Have had Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol for years BUT never tried dipping the pencil right into the Gamsol. I learn something every day. Thanks you so much for all the time and effort you put into your blog. I think you can tell from all the previous comments how much it is appreciated. And then to find out we are ‘almost’ neighbors. Do you ever do classes anyplace in the area?
Michelle!!! No, no, no. Do not give up tutorials - weeding maybe - BUT not the tutorials. lol
Let’s make a deal…..garden/weed one day and tutorials the next. Oh, take a day of rest to keep the genius juices flowing. You are allowed.
This card is so fantastic - everyone before me has used every word I could possible think of. This is definitely one to be tried and mastered.
THANK YOU!!
I know I’m shouting. I just can’t help it!!!!
To be honest when I opened my email this morning this about blew me away. This is a piece of art. I wish I could get this in my real mailbox & hang it on my wall.
I’ve tried before to replicate your techniques & failed miserably. I can only say that I will try once again b/c this is absolutly GORGEOUS!!
AND please do not stop with the tutorials because it hasn’t been that long ago that I found your blog & I love reading them.
Martie asked “Do you ever do classes anyplace in the area?”
Martie, I don’t do classes, but come on out to the house and stamp a while!
Keep them coming! I would never have any idea how to make these cards without your (perfect) instructions .
Kate
40, you are just beginning. Every morning I look forward to see your work, I buy my inks by them to practice the beauty that you create. It is like Christmas every day waiting and anticipating to see your next piece, please do not stop. Though I have just starting stamping a few months ago and it is taking me time to Accumulate inks I only have done one piece, but plan on trying every one of them until I am comfortable to fly on my own imagination. I too have seen many blogs, but I am down to only one, YOURS.
Every day I wait to see what you will do and every day I am so amazed at your gift. It is like allowing some one to see a beautiful picture and then take it away, it would be so empty for us.
Becky
40 is definately not enough! How many comments do you need to make you keep going? I’ll leave one but if you need more I’d be happy to oblige.
This card is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little “v” technique - genius!!!
Don’t stop now -you’re on a roll!
I truly enjoy receiving, your posts. Your work is amazing — very original. You also have the knack for explaining things in terms that are easy to understand…breaking down the instructions into digestible steps with great photos to support. Pls don’t stop…on the contrary. Thanks for the great ideas!
Michelle, thank you for your wonderful tutorials. They are absolutely fantastic and I learn more with every one. I know we all have obligations to meet besides stamping (gasp!), but you have a gift of not only being able to create works of art, but also to teach your techniques. We all benefit from it, and I’m sorry I’ve been lax in giving encouragement and thanks. In other words, more please.
Michelle, please keep those tutorials coming! You have wonderful sense of style and I love all your wonderful pieces of art! Thank you so much for providing such great inspiration!!!
Your work is wonderful. Please, continue to share it with us!!!!!! x x x x
Wow! Great tutuorial again. Please do not tease us so….yes we all want more. Please continue…your tutorials are fantastic and your talent is an inspiration to us all. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Retired Heather
This is absolutely breath taking. They both are the card and the painting. Please do not stop your tutorials….I absolutely look forward to them everyday. You have way to much talent to be outside weeding when you can be inside creating beautiful art. Thanks for sharing your award winning talent.
don’t say it’s so, michelle! get inspired by your garden and get right back here! you’re just beginning at 40, you know! thanx for the regular source of inspiration.
later, alligator!
- SueB
Thank you so much for all of these fantastic tutorials. I cannot thank you enough for all of your efforts. I love each and every one of them and am trying to work my way through all 40! The tips about sponges and brayering are invaluable.
Now for a question. Is a “glass mat” really glass like a piece of glass with the edges ground off so you don’t cut yourself or is it something else?
The artwork that you used for inspiration is incredible and so is your card… I love your tutorials but I also know that they must take you a long time… So mix it up… give us cards only and card with tutorials and SKIP the weeds… They’ll just grow back!!!
Weeds, schmeeds. Stamping is waaaay more fun! Plus, don’t you think you’d get tired of listening to us whine & cry? lol
Keep those tutorials coming - pretty please with sugar on top?
So Im commentor #107, and I can barely think of what to say because your card is amazing, , Im speechless about it! You are brilliant, and keep doing the tutes! Please!!
Vee asked “Is a “glass mat” really glass like a piece of glass with the edges ground off so you don’t cut yourself or is it something else?”
Vee, it really is glass and it is by EK Success. I bought mine at Wal-mart.
Michelle,
I just found your blog and PLEASE don’t stop your tutorials. Not only are they fantaastic but your projects are amazing, beautiful, incredible, gorgeous, wow I need more adjectives. But please don’t stop you do amazing work and I’ll be back a whole lot more. Thanks for the inspiration!
Cheryl
Please don’t stop. Your work inspires me and I have yet to master the brayer. This ia wonderful piece. QP
You are such an inspiration. You can’t stop! If this is taking it’s tole on you, just slow down and don’t do one every day. We understand. We would truly miss seeing your designs and we learn from your tutorials. I haven’t had time to get my brayer out but I sure want to.
Oh the pressures of deciding between what you need to do and what you like/want to do!! I generally fail this test and I have the backyard full of weeds to prove it!
Maybe you have a nice neighbor boy who would be willing to do it for you for a little $ or maybe your wonderful husband or sons could be convinced to help out with the weeding?!? Whatever you do, please keep the cards and tutorials coming! Your work has truly inspired me and helped me find an outlet for my artistic aspirations! I’ve been dabbling in stamping and papercrafting for the last couple of years, but finding SCS and ultimately your work has greatly increased my interest and motivation to create more things. If only I could find a way to pay to the bills that allowed me to have more time to do all this!
Thanks so much for all the time, effort and creativity you put into your creations and for being willing to share them with the world!
Mahalo nui loa and aloha, Kim
Michelle. Thanks for the answer on the glass mat and the source info. I appreciate your tutorials so much. My stamping is much improved everytime I attempt one of your tutorials.
Happiness and Light
Veee
Oh! I forgot. I agree with KAT. Mix it up. Those tutorials must take forever so give us creations and a weekly tutorial. I can’t keep up with them all when you do one everyday. LOL Take pity on us and give us time to work it out before the next one. I hate not doing every single one of them.
Wow Michelle- you got a “few” comments here when you mentioned stopping……it’s so true what they say though, your work is truly inspirational, and then when you show us how to get from here to there, wow!!! WOW!!! All those magical steps, it’s like you BUILD your cards……they are just awesome!!
I loved this tutorial and your creativity. Keep the tutorials coming….don’t stop at 40!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your artwork and great instructions.
More, more, more!! PLEASE! I loooove your tutorials! You make your amazing works of art look simple (if time consuming) to do. I can’t thank you enough for guiding us through your process!!!
Wonderful Michelle, as I told you before, I’m completely addict to your artwork and your tutorials. You’re the very best artist in stamping and surely with you paintings.
Since I found your blog, I told all my Stampin ‘up friends in Montreal about you, so maybe you don’t know but you have a lot of them watching you.
Thank you for sharing your artwork and time working on tutorials.
Louise
You are so kind to share all your work with us - all of it is so stunning, and immediately I think I could never do it, but you even tell us how to do it (and make it look pretty easy, too!) - I can’t believe your generosity in sharing all your creativity with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Michelle, I am so very glad I subscribed to your “Freedom in Creating” newsletter! I am truely amazed at all of your wonderful art work and your generosity in sharing with everyone. I am looking forward to trying someXXX ALL of your techniques. I do not know where you find the time. I am a gardener also and I know how art and gardening fill my soul, I cannot live with out either one, but I also know how much time both take, not to mention all of the ‘other’ things that go along with living. Now I’m off to explore your site. Thank you again for sharing. gail
I just found your stuff today after reading Kathy’s blog. I love your work and sent it on to some artist friends I am sure they will love, it. Also sent it on to stamper friends. Your tutorials are so easy to follow please keep up the good and very helpful work! I would have seen a card like this before, and never dreamed I could create it, but with your tutorial maybe I could kind of get some where close maybe????
Love It!
Heather Schlatter
Mommy to 3 6 and under
SU Demo
Very Very Part time RN on a Labor and Delivery Unit
Love your work looking at it always inspire me especially now, I could really need it I recently lost my mother and sister had a double funeral in March, 08, I enjoy looking at your work it is helping me to get back into stamping again but I still have good day and bad so don’t stop now, your beautiful work does help in more ways then one. You have lift my spirit and is encourageing me through your work of Art, to go on. Sincerly Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Earline
This is magnificent! Your tutorials are such a wonderful source of inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your talents.
I was reading through all the responses to your tutorials wondering if 40 is enough? Doesn’t life start after 40?? I like Linda Collins’ response about coming to pull your weeds. I might camp out and pull weeds in the morning and create with you in the afternoon. haha. I have just found your blog and have to say that your tutorials are so well thought out so that anyone can follow them. Thank you for that. Please continue (I haven’t looked to see if there is already is a 4). If you do not continue, I thank you for all the work you put into the 40 you have here.
Holy cow!!!!! Just found your blog and looked through all your awesome cards, this one is by far my favorite - wow! Keep ‘em up!!! You are a goddess!
40 isn’t enough…your work is awesome!!