Aug 19 2008
Marbled Dragonfly - Tutorial and BLOG CANDY!
Before I start the tutorial today, let’s spice things up a bit with some Blog Candy. The Blog Candy today is a brand new, current, set of Stampin’ Up Stamps “Frames with a Flourish”.
So to enter for a chance to win this great set of stamps, please leave me a comment on this post telling me your all time favorite stamp. You know, the stamp you grab when you just don’t know what to make. I have several dragonfly stamps, but that’s what I get out when I have a creative block. :) If you are getting this blog update by e-mail you will need to click this link to leave a comment on this blog post:
http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/08/19/marbled-dragonfly-tutorial-and-blog-candy/
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner on the morning of Saturday, August 23rd.
A little about today’s tutorial: I like to make my own interesting backgrounds by layering colors of ink. I try to start my backgrounds with a bright light color and work darker as I go. This creates a glow by the light color showing through.
Let’s get started! 
Supplies:
| Stamps: Technique Tuesday “BoHo Buzz” & Stampendous “Marble Texture Cube” |
| Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White & Really Rust |
| Ink: Stampin’ Up Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Basic Black & Close to Cocoa, Adirondack Willow & Lettuce |
| Accessories: Versamark pad & Marker, Aqua Painter, Lettuce marker, Sponges, fine detail clear embossing powder, heat gun |
Stamped Dragonfly on a 3.25″ x 3.25″ piece of Whisper White card stock by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then loading it with Really Rust ink before stamping it.
Heat embossed image using fine detail clear embossing powder and a heat gun.
Readied my Adirondack Willow ink pad for watercoloring by squeezing the ink pad when it is closed to create a pool of ink on the inside of the ink pad lid. This is what I will use to water color with.
Watercolored the wings and body of the dragonfly using an Aqua Painter and Willow ink.
Watercolored the edge of the wings with Lettuce ink.
Traced right on the inside edge of the wings with a Lettuce marker.
Colored over the entire dragonfly with a Versamark marker and heat embossed using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.
Used the Stampendous “TC01 Marble Texture Cube” with Willow ink and stamped all over the card stock with side “A” of the cube.
Stamped all over the card stock with side “B” of the Marble Texture cube with Close to Cocoa ink.
Using a circular motion, sponged Willow ink all of the card stock.
Sponged on some Close to Cocoa ink randomly around the card stock.
Stamped side “C” of the marble texture cube with Chocolate Chip ink in 3 places on the card stock.
Let the ink dry a moment and then wiped the embossed image off with an old rag to remove the ink from it.
Sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the outside edge of the card stock.
Starting a larger panel of Whisper White 5″ x 5″.
Rubbed the Willow ink pad directly on the White card stock in a circular motion almost covering it entirely.
Stamped side “A” of the Marble Texture cube around the sides of the card stock using Lettuce ink. Then used side “B” and stamped Chocolate Chip ink around the edges, sorry missed the photo :(.
Sponged Lettuce ink around the sides of the card stock using a circular motion.
Sponged Chocolate Chip ink in a circular motion on the inside of the card stock work outward and then sponged some of the Chocolate Chip in around the edges of the card stock.
Sponged Basic Black ink on the very edge of both panels of card stock.
Assembled card front and toned down the bottom panel of Really Rust card stock by sponging on the very edges of it with Basic Black ink.
Here is the finished card measuring 5.25″ x 5.25″.
Why don’t you give a try at making your own background paper today? I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Hope your day today is pleasant in every way.
Until my next post. . . . . .. . .
Hugs,
Michelle
Bonjour Mme Zindorf!
Oh la la! Me voilà de retour de vacances et voici ce que je trouve: superbe comme d’habitude. Mon étampe fav.? J’en ai plusieurs mais lorsque je suis bloquée j’aime bien l’effet craquelé sois comme arrière plan ou pour donner un ‘look’ campagne ou antique. Je me croise les doigts pour le concours……
Another geat tutorial. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re using an insect I find totally fascinating. I can feel the need to go off to my crafting area to see if I can come up with anything that looks remotely like this. Thanks Michelle.
I love your tutorials! I am amazed at how many stamps you have, too! When I am feeling stumped, I usually grab one of Magnolia stamps and just start coloring. By the time I am done coloring, I usually have a pretty good idea what I am going to do with it.
Hi Michelle…thanks so much for all your tutorials. I love seeing your cards and all way you put all the colours together. I think one of my all time favourite stamp sets is SU Petal Prints. I love that you can use it in so many different ways and it is always fresh looking.
Thanks for a chance to win some candy.
Being “stumpt” happens alot to me and when it does I reach for my stash of gift images sent to me by many different stamp friends. I color with markers or copics and eventually, I’ll be struck by an inspiration. Sometimes I even go to tutorials from the past. I love this creation by the way, and yet another technique to challenge us. Thanks for the inspiration!
Beautiful card Michelle. I am always amazed! My fave stamp-when I am stumped I go back to my roots. I started stamping 10+ years ago. The thing that was popular then was the PSX botanicals. Beautiful flowers that always come out nice. Great question. ~Debie
Hi there, great tutorials you have. I visit them every time!
My favourite stamp, that’s funny. That’s the cheapest stamp i ever bought from a butterfly.
I even don’t know the brand, i took it over from someone else. I am very font of this stamp, and i keep on grabbing that one!
Weird isn’t…
Marianne
I go for a Penny Black dog stamp. It just makes me smile. Something about the dog, sigh, makes me a happy stamper!
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
As always, a beautiful card today! I am continually stunned by the wonderful things I see on your blog every day! Thanks for sharing all that you share with us. The set I keep coming back to is called Priceless from SU. What a versatile set. Also, Lovely as a Tree - works for almost anything! ~chris
wow such great blog candy! great tutorials, and many inspirational ideas!thanks
Ups, I forgot to write abouit stamps:) my favoiurite stamp is christmas tree with hearts from Love grows by Autumn Leaves
I love your blog. I is the first one I go to every morning! I have 2 favorite SU sets - Watercolor Garden and All Wrapped Up.
Hi Michelle,
This is an awesome tutorial… I will totally be trying this our.
I may have to improvise here and there but WOW I love the marble technique!
SO, Here is my official comment on your blog candy today…
Today’s your birthday do-do-do-dooo….do!
Today’s your birthday do-do-do-dooo….do!
YUP! Today is MY birthday!
What a great surpise birthday gift your blog candy would be!
I would love to be the winner!
..blue skies are shining on me …nothing but blue skies do I see..
Have a day full of blue skies and happiness!
Barb
Hi Michelle,
This is an awesome tutorial… I will totally be trying this out.
I may have to improvise here and there but WOW I love the marble technique!
SO, Here is my official comment on your blog candy today…
Today’s your birthday do-do-do-dooo….do!
Today’s your birthday do-do-do-dooo….do!
YUP! Today is MY birthday!
What a great surprise birthday gift your blog candy would be!
I would love to be the winner!
..blue skies are shining on me …nothing but blue skies do I see..
Have a day full of blue skies and happiness!
Barb
i found your blog several weeks ago, and while your art is way beyond my abilities, i just love your tutorials - i’m learning
thanks for an opportunity to win some great blog candy!
I love your tutorials. I appreciate your sharing them with us! My ‘go to’ stamp set is either Roses in Winter or my new Just Rite monogram stamper. Both of them are quick and easy to use!
Hi Michelle!! First I must say that I look forward to your blog each day. You are so creative and inspiring!
One of my favorite all time sets is SU! Roses in Winter. It always makes for a nice card!
Thanks for the chance to win your blog candy! I’d be just as happy with one of your cards!
Hugs,
Joani
Another great tutorial! My favorite stamp set would be Roses in Winter. Thanks for offering blog candy!
I love dragonflies too, but my “always makes a pretty card” stamp is a “Rainforest Butterfly” collage stamp by Stampers Anonymous (SKU#798710). Butterflies can be colored in so many colors, to get out of my same color combo rut!
Wow another beautiful card. I would have to say that my favorite stamp set is Bloomin’ Beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win.
My favorite stamp set it My Favorite Things “Can Ya Dig It?”. I can make that lovely lady do just about anything to fit the theme I’m working on. Thanks for the chance at the blog candy and especially for all your lessons & inspirations.
Hi Michelle,
I’ve made some nice cards with your embossing tutorials - as I’ve showed you 
-
I adore your tutorials, and I watch your blog everyday. Although the “landscape” tutorials don’t work for me, just can’t fix it right. I’ll have to practice a lot
My favorite stamp is the butterfly. I’ve made several cards with it, and if I don’t know what card to make - especially for an elderly person - I always take that stamp out!
By the way, the stamp is a clear stamp from Artemio
Bye and many greetings from Holland
Michele, Your card is fantasic today, as always. I finally found the marble cube when i was down in Indy taking care of my daughter. I love it! My favorite set? Boy that’s hard, I would say Lovely as a tree, stardust and all nature. I do cute for the grandchildren that is fun also. I make tray favors for our local hospital so i get into all kinds of elements, they are fun to make. Thanks for the chance to win blog candy!
Sooo pretty! My favorite stamp? Geez, I quite like the little dragonfly in SU’s (retired) Unfroggettable set. It’s little buggy eyes are so cute. It always makes me smile…
What a beautiful card!! My all time favorite stamp…That’s tough! Ok, my new fresh favorite is definitely the coneflowers from Inspired by Nature! I have made tons of cards with it! And I’m using it in 2 workshops this week! Frames with a Flourish is on my wishlist…hint! Have a great day!
Gorgeous, Michelle. I love it! I don’t think there is one particular stamp I that I go to time and again, but there is one stamp set that I can always find inspiration with and that is Touch of Nature (SU). I seem to be developing the same kind of relationship with Flowers for Daisy from GinaK, but I haven’t had it long.
Another great card and learning experiance!
The first stamp set I bought was Lovely as a Tree and it is still my favorite to this date! It is so versital. Would you use it in one of your tutorials? I am in awe of your work and want to be just like you!
i think your cards are works of art! so beautiful.
my favorite set is baroque motifs because it is so versatile:)
Wow you are wonderful, your step by step details are great. My favourite is Artfully Asian, I was sad to see it retured but it will always stay in my collection.thanks for your inspiration
Eileen
Thank you so much for doing the tutorials for us in “blogland.” They are fantastic! When stumped, I usually reach for a flower set, if appropriate, or SU’s Lovely as a Tree set. I Love the blog candy set!
As always a stunning card.
Hmm favourite stamp - that’s a tough one. I think it would have to be Artfully Asian. I have always wanted to own Trees Three but alas Stampin’ Up! have not put it into the Australian Catalogue yet. I won’t give up hoping though!
Thanks.
Jayne
My favorite stamp set has to be Lovely as a Tree (SU). I’ve used it for so many different occasions. I will be more than sad when the day comes for it to go into retirement. Thanks for the chance at such awesome b-candy.
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your wonderful talent and your generosity in sharing with all of us! Currently my favorite stamp is Baroque Motifs. It always makes a really cool card.
Melanie
This is another amazingly beautiful card! Only one favourite stamp??? I have to concur with Arimacias, that would be Baroque motifs. It’s so versatile! Masculine, feminine, formal, embossed…. Well, that and any Bella stamp, they are so darn cute!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Beth Greco
Michelle, your cards are just gorgeous. I finally did a brayer card the other day and it actually turned out pretty good! Thank you. (you can see the card HERE - http://inkiefinger.blogspot.com/)
I think my newest “go to” stamp set is going to be Inspired by Nature!!
Keep inspiring us!
Sharon
Another gorgeous card, and wonderful tutorial, my favorite stamp is always my house mouse, I just love these little guys.
I love the card and I love when you use the marble block stamp, it is so neat. Lovely as a Tree and Winged Things are my go to sets of stamps. I also use my dragonfly stamp a lot and you can never go wrong with a tree! Thanks again for sharing a wonderful card with us.
Paula
Your cards are always so beautiful! The time it most take for you do the step by step has to be a lot! I love seeing that part! Thank you so much! I would have to say my favorite go to stamp is some sort of frames! I love to use them!
I think your cards are awesome!
My favorite stamp set is barogue motifs.
Beautiful as always. I think my go to stamp sets right now are Priceless or Lovely as a Tree, but I’m loving Dreams du Jour too. I’m using that quite a bit. And my all-time favorite background is Canvas.
Thanks for offering the blog candy.
Beautiful card by the way - another one I’m going to try. My all-time favorite is hard because I generally go to anything floral when I am stumped. I just bought a Big Shot and love using it to help create but I actually like the work that goes into the stamping an image and coloring it. My most recent favorite seems to be Touch of Nature and also Wanted ( I just love those sets). I use them for a lot of things but I also love my Stampscape stamps. I really love nature and the different scenes you can make especially fences. I have a thing about fences and anything vintage. I’ve been stamping for 15 years and have never grown tired of it. I have a million stamps (but not as many as you) so you must have 2 million - haha. Have a great day! Thanks for the blog chance.
I think my main problem with trying to make a Zindorfish card is that I don’t know when to stop! I want it to be perfect and of course, it never is, so I add some more…and some more….and some more…..LOL!
My favorite stamp is a retired stamp from Stampendous, about 12 years old, just a simple line drawing of a jar with a few daisies and leaves on stems. It always works, no matter how many other stamps I love! Great tutorials Michelle!
Another gorgeous card. I always tend to grab Baroque Motifs. It’s a very versatile stamp set and I like that it can be used for casual as well as elegant cards.
Hi Michelle your tutorial is amazing as always . I just love checking in each day to see what you’ve done and do love to try them .
My favorite stamp set would have to be Lovely as a Tree .
Thanks for the blog chance
I love your card! My favorite set from Stampin Up is Lovely as a tree. That set is soo stained it will not come clean anymore. I’ve made every type of card with it, birthday, anniversary, sympathy, thank you, thinking of you, etc. Thanks for the tutorial!
Oh that’s bee-yoo-tee-full! I sometimes reach for a dragonfly stamp too. But my fave has to be that grumpy ol’ lady with a smiley coffee cup and bunny slippers! She usually makes me smile even when I feel just like she looks!
Thanks for the tutorial and the chance to win blog candy. I usually grab a flower or tree stamp. If I’m in a slump I like to ink up a bunch of different images and sit and color. Cleaning off my table usually helps get me back in the mood too LOL.
Hugs, Anne
Hi Michelle. I love your dragonfly. I am glad you pulled out your marble cube again. I was halfway looking for it at our Heirloom stamp show this past weekend. This looks like a stamp that would be excellent to have. I have thought about it when you have used it in the past. My favorite go to stamp set is lovely as a tree. I just feel that set is so versatile and can be used for so many different things. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
GREAT TUTORIAL. I really like using something simple like tart and tangy.
Michelle~ I read your blog everyday, and only wish I could color and brayer like you! I’m working on it though, by working through your tutorials! I think my most favorite ever set is Lovely as a Tree; I reach for those trees whenever I have a colored piece that I think won’t work; with trees it always does! I’ve never posted a comment before, but I have always wanted Frames with a Flourish, lol!
I seem to always grab a beach scene and sea shell stamps. I guess I’m always dreaming of the ocean.
Love your blog, I check it as often as I can! My favorite stamp set…..thats a tough one. I find myself reaching for Morning Soft and Lovely as a Tree. I love to watercolor and you just can’t mess up a card with either of those sets!
Thanks for a wonderful blog!
Your card and tutorial are fabulous as usual but to throw candy on top of it. You are so generous. I have “Frames with a Flourish” on my wish list and would love to win it. Thanks for all you do, you are an inspiration.
I think my favorite would have to be Garden Whimsy from Stampin’ UP! That set is adorable and I always love using it. Thanks for the offer of Blog candy althought your inspiration should be “the blog candy everyone craves” I love your site and would not miss a day.
Thanks for the inspiration today
Debi Pippin
I love your tutorials! This is another great card! I really appreciate the info. on the background. I find backgrounds to be tricky for me. Seems that after I get my main element done, I spend more time trying to figure out the “right” background to put with it. The one stamp I go to all the time when I don’t know what to do is one of the first stamps I ever bought. It is a stamp with 3 butterflies made by Stampcraft. I bought it at Wal Mart because it was cheap and I wanted to try stamping. And the fact that I grocery shop there my hubby would just assume the check I wrote was just for food! LOL
Another great tutorial, thank you. I love you cards they are all amazing. My stamp to go to is Baroque Motifs. Thanks for the chance to win.
I guess I just have to many “favorites” stamps. Thank you for sharing your tutorials with everyone here. You have raised the brayer to a new level for sure.
Spiral Bouquet from Papertrey is one I reach for again and again. I have to keep things simple with four home-schooled kids running around, and very little time to stamp. This set fills the bill. Thanks for the beauty you share with us.
Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for all the inspiration Michelle!
Oh, and my favorite stamp, would have to be flower stamps… not very original, but they work. I love the bold ones that I don’t have to color!
When ever I don’t know what I want to stamp I usually grab in “In full bloom” from stampin up.
Love all of your work.
mamaduck
Mine is A Touch of Nature by Stampin Up……my multipurpose, all occassion all season stamp set!
Love the colors in your card, love the card!
You are amazing, to get tutorials and candy too!! Lovely as a Tree, is my all time fave and I had to be talk into getting it, go figure eh, lol
Debra
Another fabulous card and tutorial. Your tutorials are so easy to follow. When I read them I’m always saying I can do this!!!! WOW this candy is to die for. I would love to be the lucky stamper to be able to play with this set. I would give it a lovely home and feed it regularly with their favorite food….INK INK INK and more INK! (teehee) One of my favorite stamp sets that I seem to keep going to is SU Baroque Motifs. Thanks for a chance a this sweet yummy candy.
That is amazing! What a fantastic tutorial!
I think Lovely As A Tree is the classic favorite. I hope it never retires.
My all time favorite stamp set?? Geesh thats a HARD one. I have only been stamping a few years so lets see.. I like its snow time! Anything with snowman goes into my favorites!
Thanks so much for all your tutorials. Lovely as a Tree, is my all time favorite, but I have many favorites stamps set !! (excuse my english, I’m french and my english is really bad… but I try !)
Another awesome tutorial! I am always amazed by your beautiful creations…..
My go to stamp? An um flourish by purple onion designs… Love it..
Beautiful card. My favorite stamp(s) usually will have some sort of flower on it. I love the technique of coloring with markers and spritzing with water. It always gets me charged up to complete it and make some more cards. Thanks for your continuing inspiration.
Shirley L.
Roseville,CA
I love your tutorials! Your style is so unique and that is a great thing!
I always go to Pick-a-Petal when I am stumped or have lost my mojo…so many cool things can be made with what is meant to be a flower stamp!
Michelle T.
Wonderful card!
When I’m stumped, I pull out sentiment stamps and go from there. Once I choose a sentiment, that will help me choose the other stamps to use.
Thanks for all the inspiration and a chance to win blog yummies!
Deb
I LOVE watching how you create your cards! You do the most amazing things! Your cards are TRULY works of art!
As for my “go to” set - probably Priceless!
Hi Michelle, I am a newbie at stamping, but I think if I were blocked I would reach for a flower stamp and start coloring away. I could make that flower stamp over 100 different colors if I wanted to, so there’s be no hard decisions to make and I bet that would get me out of that slump.
Love, LOVE this card! This is another wonderful tutorial. Thank you so much! I still think you make this look easy.
Love your cards! They are really beautiful. I always like to use the Priceless set from stampin up!
My go-to stamp when I’m having a “creative block” is whatever YOUR using!! LOL!!! forutnately, a lot of your tutorials use either something I have or something similar, so I work off of your inspiration. So I guess I don’t really have a ‘go to’ stamp. LOL. Thanks for sharing your time and talents with us!
Not too original but if I’m stumped, I tend to run to my flower stamps and grab one of them. Works for Birthday, sympathy, thinking of you - just about anything.
Beautiful stamp set - would LOVE to have that one.
This is a great tutorial - probably my favorite ever! I’m going to have to work on this SOON!
I don’t know that I have a favorite stamp - but I have always had a thing for birds. Crows especially. I can always come up with some scenario that has a bird in it.
Love your blog and truly hope to take a class with you someday……
How funny, I was just looking in the catty at the exact stamp set, I need the circle for something I’m making for christmas presents. lol
I’m not sure I have a go to stamp, I always peruse the the samples at Split Coast Stampers gallery for ideas.
One of my favorite stamps is the bear from Stamping Up’s Button Bear - cards just come easily with him as the main image. Love your tutorials!
Debbie Schubauer
my favorite stamps are LEAVES, so many possibilities!
love your work, amazing, i need to get my brayer out
and give it a try!
I love all your created works of Art!!! You have truly inspired me!! I actually don’t have a “favorite” stamp or stamp set. One that I always reach for to help with my background IttyBitty Backgrounds set. I seem to LOVE every stamp set I see….
My all time fave is SU’s Definately Decorative Daisy.
Gorgeous work as usual Michelle. I have dragonflies, and stamps that are close to the ones you use. I feel a case coming on…
You are so generous to offer your time to us, and blog candy as well! Thank you! If I had to choose a single stamp I think it would be a daisy. Works for lots of thoughts…sympathy, anniversary, birthday, THANK YOU. So here’s a daisy to you…
Jenny
Usually when I am stumped I find I grab SU ‘Lovely as a Tree’, there is so much you can do with this set. Yet lately I have been using ‘Birds Galore’ by Inkadinadoo, as my go to set. Another get group of stamps. Thanks for the great tutorial and a chance to win.
Michelle, you are my muse. I love everything you do. My “go to” stamp is the country girl side of me — me in my little pickup truck — SU’s Loads of Love. I’ve stamped that little truck into more situations that you can imagine. It gets great mileage!
Another great card Michelle! No surprise there. When I am stumped I turn to some of my awesome bird stamps. Birds can always bring ones spirits up and when your spirits are up so is your creativity. Thank you for the opportunity to win some of your blog candy.
BettyAnn
thank you for your tutorials. I have you on “blog” feed and always enjoy your newest creation.
Warm regards,
Jody
I tend to make a lot of Thank You cards…so when I am having a creative slump I grab a set of Thank You word stamps and just stamping on different paper for awhile get the creative jucies flowing… Thanks for all of your wonderful tutorials… I finally taked my husband into putting a computer in my scrap room now I can follow along step by step… Thanks! “E”
Great work. I love dragonflies. They make for a great feel good card.
boy, there’s nothing like the smell of rubber to bring people running to your blog is there?! LOL!
Great tutorial on how to use the marbling stamp. I just love to see how you work!
I guess my favorite stamp would have to be some kind of flower. I use floral stamps all the time. Stampin Up’s Heartfelt Thanks is a good one I use a lot.
Thank you for helping me with the distress gadget Michelle. I appreciate your taking the time from your busy very busy schedule to personally send me an email.
This is an inspiring tutorial..I love the colors & I love dragon flys….they are so graceful…
thank you for sharing and caring
JoAnne Micon
Love you’re work.Not doing so good on my own.But not going to give up.Still hopeing to get to a workshop.
ooop……forgot..my all time favorite stamp is the frog stamp. I have 2 & you can do so many things with a little froggie…..Thinking of you,get well etc….I have a cat stamp that I will grab too…..
I never win anything..maybe thiswill be my lucky time
JoAnne
Good Morning Michelle,
Always a joy to see your work! I don’t really have a favorite stamp, but I can’t resist stamps with butterflies and or dragonflies. I have many from SU, I Brake For Stamps and Innovative Stamp Creations and I love them all. Your tut was a real treat for me!
Thanks for entering me!
Terry
I just love your work. My favorite set that I always turn to would be Lovely as a Tree.
Wow! I always love your work. You are an an amazing artiste! My favorite stamp set has to be “Lovely as a Tree” by Stampin’ Up! I love how versatile it is.
Wow - I am new to your blog - just found it yesterday. I have not looked around enough yet - but wow is all I can say. I am one of those who is afraid of my brayer except for the most basic of maneuvers, so I can’t wait to try out your tutorials.
My favorite stamp set is probably lovely as a tree - it works for most any occasion and makes beautiful things even when I am not feeling particularly creative…
Thanks for the opportunity to win a new set!
I would have to say my hero arts circles. I have several sizes, designs. But I love them and they have helped me when I am mentally blocked!
Today was my day, I am a dragon fly fanatic. I have 23 I have collected, however I use my stick stamp, the most using it to “mark” the back of all my cards.
Michelle
This is my first time visiting your blog … amazing card, awesome tutorial and blog-candy to boot! Fantastic! My all time favorite is SU’s Provencal. As a matter of fact, I think I’m going to try it with this tutorial! Thank you so much!
Marta
My favorite always there stamp is a Beautiful Butterfly from The Write-Impression.I’ve had it a long time and have used it for weddings to sympathy cards.
Thank you so much for your tutorials. Your step by step directions challenge me to try it myself.
When I get a creative block I will usually reach for my Stampin’ UP! French Script background stamp. It never fails me. I can always find something different to put on it and Voila! The creative process starts all over again.
Thanks for all of your fabulous tutorials, Michelle.
The stamps I use with the most confidence are my butterfly stamps. I am inspired to try your backrounds with my butterflies. Thanks for your wonderful tutorials
Just love your blog and tutorials! I guess my first and foremost favorite are swirls or flourishes (of which I have many sets). I can use them in almost any type of project. Thanks for the chance to win some great blog candy.
Sandy in Utah
All I can say is “WOW”. I came across your blog today and checked out your website and have now subscribed to it. Your tutorials are amazing - for a beginner like me they are great because even I can follow your instructions.
My favourite “go-to” stamp set is “Embrace Life” from Stampin Up. I always seem to be able to use that set for whatever card I am making. I am fairly new at stamping and have not collected many of the other manufacturers yet. However, I am getting up the nerve to start online shopping.
I look forward to staying tuned to your blog.
Thanks
My favorite set is SU! Embrace Life. I just love it and find it to be so versatile. I enjoy your blog and it is the first one I read everyday!
sandyh502001 at yahoo dot com
Hi Michelle,
I’ve heard so much about you, but I’m afraid I’ve never visited your blog. What a beautiful place to visit, so much inspiration! I will be visiting everyday now!
My 2 favorite sets are Roses in Winter (retired) and then probably Lovely as a Tree. Both are so versatile.
Also, I have this cube and put it in my garage sale this weekend. It didn’t sell, so now I think I MUST go down and put it back into my craft room!
Thank you for saving this lonely cube and inspiring so many stampers!
I just came across your website yesterday! What amazing work you do. All of your cards are absolutely stunning. My all-time favorite stamp set (at least for this week) is Baroque Motifs. This is not my typical style but I love using it on any project. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Michelle - I love your blog! I have learned so much from it. I’ve been practicing your background techniques and my cards are much improved because of your instructions. Wish I lived close enough to take a class.
Love today’s card.
Nancy
hi michelle,
your tutorials are always amazing and i had my first attempt at a brayered sky with fab results.
my all time fav stamps are lovely as a tree and a touch of nature. they are pretty much neck a neck for first place.
fingers crossed.
have you any thoughts on coming over to the UK to teach?
thanks, donna
x
Another great card! Looks like a fun and messy technique!
My favorite stamp set is SU Watercolor Garden II. I love it because it is easy and quick to add layers of colors. I use it with all 4 color families…lots of fun! My favorite current set is Embrace Life. Love the versatility…and it is a great set for tthe clear embossing technique I have learned on your blog!!
Michelle! Thank you so much for all your tutorials, and showing us how you do the brayered backgrounds. THey are spectacular!! I truly appreciate all your hard work!
My favorite stamp set I usually grab is (lately) Wanted or Carte Postale (sometimes together). I hope I win!
~Ariel
This is one I can hardly wait to try. I love the look with those colors. My all time favorite stamp is Lovely as a Tree. It is the most wonderful stamp….even you have used it. Gotta try that tutorial so have a great day.
My all time favorite stamp is Stampin’ Up’s
Lovely As A Tree. Have used it so much, I
probably should have gotten two!!
Now I need to try that stamp with one of
your techniques
Love today’s tutorial—of course, I love every one that you have done.
My all time favorite Stampin up stamp set is “In Full Bloom”.
Linda Peterson
oops - forgot to say - my favorite all time stamp is Village Christmas by CHF.
Michelle, Your posts are like a ray of sunshine to start the day. I can’t wait to see what you have done new. I am addicted to this blog. Off to the craft desk to create some sunshine of my own and of course try this card. Michelle, thankyou for sharing your gift with us we are blessed because of it. Mary S.
My all time favorite stamp set is Lovely as a Tree by SU.
I love your tutorials you are just amazing.
your tutorials are fantastic, and so creative
my all time favorite stamp set is SU always, birds seem to work for everything
come christmas season I working with Holy Triptych
Hello there! Thanks so much for sharing your art with us,I love picking flowers,it will get my flow going better than any other stamps. Thanks….Gina
Hi, Michelle-
I have two little boys and enjoy making cards for kids birthday parties. So, my favorite and most useful would be penguin set (SU). Lately, since I’ve become your fan, I love nature stamps, images of birds, animals, plants.
Lovely card, as usual… and thank you for sharing.
Olga
OOPS I forgot my favorite stamp is what ever stamp I am using at the time. My tastes change all the time. Mary S.
I recently found your gallery and I am in awe of your talent! You do such beautiful work and have inspired me to try new techniques. My all time favorite stamp set is the single stamp of the Stipple Butterfly (retired SU stamp). I’ve created so many things with that one stamp, and have used several different techniques with it. By the way, I love dragonflies too!
Thank you for sharing your creativity with others!
Dianne
I think I must own too many stamps to have a favorite! I do use my Canvas background a lot, and my little “hand stamped by” bird that goes on the back of every card. Thanks for all your great tutorials. I’ve really learned a lot!
Michelle, I just love, love, love your blog. I have it book marked and go to it EVERY day. I’m a Stampin’ Up demo, but go to your blog more than the one I should be going to! I saw Karen Barber at Convention and felt like I was ‘part’ of the family with the connection that the two of you made. (I read Karen’s blog also!) You are so sweet and giving to all of us and I truely appreciate you and your talent. Please don’t ever stop! If you ever get a chance to teach in Minneapolis, MN, let me know, I will be there with all my friends. We try hard to recreate your work, but we need lots of practice!
Hugs,
Natalie
thanks again - this is really great - you can not imagine how much courage you have given me to try new things.
My go to stamp set is a Stampin’ Up set Petal Prints - but then again since I found your site, I have bought Innovative Stamp Creations stamps and I do love Flair of Summer - then…. Stampers Anonymous Nature’s Discovery is a good one as well … so many stamps - so little time!
My favorite stamp is “Thanks a Latte”…. as I am a coffee person, for it always seems to bring laughter and a sense of fun and peace with it, especially when I enjoy my coffee with my sister!!!!
I absolutely LOVE your work… our God has indeed given you a creative spirit!!!
Enjoy your day!
Denise from PA…. soon to be from OH
Michelle,
Today’s card….simply stunning! You make it look so easy! My stumped set I think would be “Roses in Winter” set. It’s so versatile and will work with so many colors. It alwyas makes me smile when I see a card made with this set. Happy stamping!
HI MIchelle
My favorite stamps right now are florishes. I just love them. Any thing that has to do with a florish is my favorite for the time being. Thanks again for giving such great tutorials.
Oops, I forgot to say my favorite stamp set also! I was so awe struck!
Every time a new Stampin’ Up catty comes out, I find new favorites. I’m in love with the sock monkey. I do love Embrace Life set and you have made Lovely as a Tree one that I use all the time!
Wondeful things you do…
i love SU baroque motives set… always find that it makes great things!
Another beautiful creation. I seem to be drawn to Riot of Petals by SU. I believe I love to regress to childhood and color. I find nothing can pull my attention away from coloring when I’m using this stamp. Great mental therapy.
By far, Lovely As A Tree from Stampin’ Up is my “go-tp”. It is so versatile! Beautiful card (yet again).
Hi Michelle, your blog always has such interesting things on it, beyond me at the moment, but I am determined to follow your tutorials, they are so well presented. Well done, I look forward to receiving your emails with tutorials etc. My favourite stamp set is Stampin Up’s Lovely as a Tree.
Regards
Del
Thanks for the great tutorials Michelle and for all the lovely blog candy you offer, not just this one.
A friend pointed me in the direction of your blog and I’m so pleased she did because I love reading how you make your cards. I’m learning lots but sadly my attempts never look anything like yours!
My all time favourite stamps has to be the large Hydrangea stamp from Rubber Stampede because I use it all the time and I’m never at a loss for what to do with it.
My all time favorite stamp is the French Script Background stamp. I would love to win this new set from SU . . . but I’m intrigued by your background cube. Is that stamp still available? I love what you do with it! This card is amazing!! Again, thanks for sharing!
Love your card! As for my all-time favorite stamp, I’m not so sure about that, but I have one that’s my “go-to” stamp. Because I make so many birthday cards, I have a Happy Birthday sentiment from Studio G that is always out on my stamping table.
Your cards are so inspiring! I just love to read through everything when I get your blog updates. My favorite stamp? I just love flowers stamps and punches. Flowers seem to bring inspiration when I’m not feeling very creative. Although I do believe trees are close behind.
Michelle, fabulous card! I love your marbled backgrounds! I think we all have our favorites. While the newest set always grabs a place in my heart, I have to say that my all time favorite is probably Lovely as a Tree — it’s just so versatile. I think I’ve used it for every type of card from sympathy to birthday to love. This seems to be a very popular set among all your fans!
Hi Michelle, thank you for your beautiful tutorials. I really love butterflies stamps. I can’t stop buy them. So when I’m stumped, guess what? A butterfly stamp. It can be colored in so beautiful colors. I have many other stamps but butteflies….
Great card, just starting my card making journey, and you are an inspiration.
Great website, cards.
Found your website, and am going to definetly put in my favorites.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful work! My favorite stamps are ones inspired by nature, like flowers and leaves. But the stamps I use the most are probably the one I use to sign my name on the back of my cards.
Hm, favorite stamp…that’s a tough one, Michelle! I am going to have to say my most favorite is the first stamp set I bought…Heartfelt Thanks by Stampin’ Up!. I think this stamp set is so versatile…can be bold or subtle, used in any color, and in any style. Gotta love that!
Lovely card and very inspiring. My favorite stamps are the collage type, but no particular one stamp jumps out at me.
Wonderful tutorial today!!! Love the dragonfly!!! I just love your site and your creativity! My go to set right now would be SU’s Serene Spring. I have used that one alot lately! My other all time favorite would have to be Like it A Latte from SU! Thanks for all of your fantastic tutorials!!!
Thank you so much for these awesome tutorials all the time! It really encourages me to try new things. I think my all time favorite stamp set is still All Wrapped Up by Stampin Up. Thanks for the chance to with great candy that wont rought your teeth.
What an incredible card! I just signed up for one of your Austin workshops and am so excited! I have so many favorite stamps, but find myself turning to Pick a Petal often, along with Serene Sunflower. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent with all of us. You are a blessing.
Bev from Houston
There isn’t a particular stamp I go back to but I LOVE flower stamps. They are great to use as a focal point or as a background, depending on what color you use. So in a pinch I always reach for a flower stamp - lately it’s been Beautiful Blooms by PTI. Thanks for sharing!
I, too, love dragonflies (oh, and butterflies and flowers and silhouettes and….). But, I think my very favorite sets (I have two) are Lovely As A Tree and a retired set called Along The Shore. I can always pull myself out of a slump with these two sets. But after seeing the new catalog, I think I may have found a couple of NEW favorites!!!!
Your work is awesome! Thanks for your continued sharing of your talent!
You do some beautiful work - you are very inspiring to me. My favorite stamp - is an old butterfly stamp - no clue who it is by. Thanks for all the tutorials!!
I love, love, love your tutorials. I only wish I had as much creativity as you probably have just in your pinky.
As for my favorite stamp set, it’s definitely “Roses in Winter.” With a family of women who love roses, it’s been a big hit with everyone, not just me. 
Hey Michelle your works of art really inspire me. Thanks for another great tutorial and card. My favorite go to stamp was Monarch Butterfly by Stampin UP. I foolishly sold that stamp and have regreted it ever since. I would love to get my hands on that one again. TFS.
Debbie/Phx AZ
There are lots of sets that I just love…….but I have to say that when I REALLY want to get creative I pull out my “Paint Prints” stamp set. It’s an old SAB set I think…but I just love it! Keep up the good work, I love coming here to see what you’ve created
Only one all-time favorite?? I’d have to say Lovely As A Tree…autumn is my very favorite season and the set is SOOO versatile for that time of year. Bdays, anniversaries, thinking of you, Christmas….it does it all!
Thanks for all of your great ideas!! I love coming here for inspiration when I’m stuck!
“Trees Three” by Stampin’ Up is my favourite stamp set. I had to pay an inflated price to buy it on E-bay, but it has been worth it over and over again. It’s just “my style”!
Bold & Beautiful card. - Goodness it would be hard to pick an all time favorite stamp since I have so many! For me I tend to reach for (Floral) stamps a lot so I’d have to say its more a stamp category then any one particular stamp. - Ida
Your card is FAB-U-lous! I am still working on the brayer technique and will not quit till I master it! Thank you for your daily Inspiration!!There are so many wonderful stamps out there but the ones that really call to me are the nature sets with trees and leaves, like.. Lovely as a Tree! What I love about using these sets is their versatility because I can create so many different types of cards with just one stamp and cover every season just by changing the colors or techniques!
Wow, what beautiful cards you make–just discovered you! I guess my all-time favorite is a plum blossom branch made by Art Neko — such delicate lines and serene flow.
What a stunning card! I love this one as it has my favourite colour! Choc Chip!!! I think I use it on everything! as for my favourite stamp, I don’t think I can narrow it down to one. My favourite set would be Lovely as a Tree from SU, and when I am in a funk, then any of my multitude of dog stamps help me out! Looooove my dog, and anything to do with dogs!
Thanks for the blog candy offer, and although I will gracefully accept it if you were to pick me (insert Puss in Boots eyes from Shrek here!), your daily eye candy suits me well! Thanks for the inspiration!
Diane
What a great tutorial!
My go to set is Priceless. Any time I get stuck, I can just pull out that set and whip something together. It’s magic.
Hi Michelle,
I KNEW that this was going to be an awesome question, and I fully expected to see great similarities in many of the answers, so I thoughtfully considered my response before I read your other posts.
I would agree with many of your readers that SU!’s Lovely As a Tree has to be my all-time favorite. I absolutely LOVE any stamp set that is “natural” in appearance (like a Touch of Nature or Noble Deer, also SU!), especially those that double for masculine cards and scrapbook pages.
I also appreciate stamps that give visual texture, like SU!’s Weathered, Canvas, and Linen stamps.
Thank you for your excellent tutorials and the chance to win some fantastic blog candy!
Have a great day, Michelle!
When I’m in a rut I always grab SU!’s Priceless. I can always do something with it!
I just stumbled across your blog and your work is just amazing!!! Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Great dragonfly card. I love your techniques. My go to stamp set is Stampin Up In Full Bloom. I can usually think of something to do with this one.
I actually don’t have a favorite tried-and-true set. When I feel in a rut, I want to grab a set that I haven’t used in a long while! However, when I don’t know where to start, I always begin with a background stamp - I use French Script, Linen, or any polka-dot stamp. I don’t like “white space” so I fill every inch of cardstock with something and that’s why I love background stamps so much!
I grab trees..any kind, type, size of tree!
WOW! What a great prize! I’d have to say that lately I’ve grabbed for the Abundant Joy set…Other all-time favorite inspiring for me are Elegant Inspirations and Elegant Greetings, Stem Silhouettes, and Botanicals.
My favorite go-to stamp is actually two or three. I love Stampin’ Up’s Watercolor Garden…in particular the daisy in that set. I’m a daisy freak anyway and this one is a bold image which makes it easy to play with in different ways. Love your blog, Michelle. In fact, I have a whole section entitled Zindorf. Your artwork is fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
Love this latest tutorial. Just scrumptios! My go-to stamp is actually a background stamp. I love Floral…that set just rocks my world. Love to make my own patterned paper out of it!
Shawn K.
I love dragonflies and you have done a wonderful job with this one. This for sharing your skills with us.
As usual, a gorgeous card!
My all time favorite set is Embrace Life. It’s easy for me to create something with that set. But when I want to add that extra “something” to a card, I usually grab my Linen BG stamp. It adds a subtle texture that I love.
Wonderful job again, as always. I love dragonflies, but my favorite stamp is a leafless tree. I can use it for any season, just by adding leaves.
My go-to stamp has always been the Stampin Up! Butterfly. It’s a Monarch butterfly stamp and I seem to use it in everything!
I love how you use texture in your cards to highlight the image and provide depth. Beautiful card!!!
I just got a new dragonfly stamp that I haven’t even used yet!!!Now I know how I will do it. My favorite “go-to” stamp is almost always a butterfly. I have lots of them, so I just grab one.
My all time favorite is Butterfly of Happiness, the butterflies and the sentiment are the best.
I would love a chance to win the stamp set. Thank you for all your inspiring ideas.
Donna Coffman
My favorite is a set from Stampin Up called “Stipple Shells”. Its been retired for a few years, but I still adore it. When I can’t think of anything else to work with, I can always come up with ideas with that set.
Your card is amazing (as always). I love the aged look with the crackles you’ve created. I would have to say that my favorite stamp….the one that I shall never part with…. would be my Stampin Up French Script stamp. It’s the older scraipt stamp, not the current one. I use it as a background stamp for any theme, any occassion. It’s awesome! Thank you for the opportunity to play for your blog candy!
It rather depends on what kind of a mood I’m in. If I’m in a technique-y, just-want-to-play-for-awhile mood, I grab SU’s petal prints. If I’m in a just-need-to-make-something, quick and cute mood, I’ll grab an A Muse stamp for whatever holiday is coming up. Thanks for sharing the blog candy!
What a wonderful card, as always!
I tend to resort to the Alcohol inks with a butterfly image. Sometimes I cut it out and make the wings 3-D.
Keep ‘em coming.
~Kim D in FL
ohhhh great card and love the tutorial..and my favorite stamp is…hmmm I really think it is my wildlife set from rubberstamper avenue…or it is a my flutterby butterfly set from TAC or…you know I love them all..ROFL
ohhh and I hope today is my lucky day and the generator generates my number..
I love love LOVE this card! I even have the stamp to give it a try
I can’t really say that I have ‘one favorite’ stamp, but if my mind is a total blank- I will usually go to one of my floral stamps. They can be used with almost any sentiment.
*hugs*
Jami
Isn’t it awful?! I cannot think of a favorite stamp I have. I will have to watch myself a little closer…I am just coming out of an AMuse binge that lasted nearly a year. I was nuts for all things AMuse. They are loosing their appeal for me, now (thankfully). I hate to get stuck in ruts…but they are still nice and simple line drawings, usually with clever sayings that accompany the stamps. Very nice paper, too.
My favourite stamp, believe it or not, is CHF ‘Trees Backgrounder’. I just look at it and all kinds of ideas come. It’s nice of you to offer blog candy but I think you’ve got it all wrong. We should be giving you pressies. - Nimue
I just love your blog, you inspire me everytime you post a new tutorial. The stamp I grab when nothing else seems to be what I want is usually my bella stamps. I love coloring the bella’s. Thanks for a chance to win your blog candy.
Love this card! I have so many stamps its hard to pick but I would have to say its lovely as a tree for sure and anything floral. Thanks for the opportunity to win some blog candy.
Michelle
I love your tutorials!
My favorite go to stamp is Heartfelt Thanks by SU. I always seem to reach for that one when I don’t know what to stamp!
I think my all time favourite stamp is my “round” stamps by Gelatins. I love the versatility of all the circles in the set. Thanks for the opportunity for some blog candy!
Michelle,
Your dragonfly is wonderful! All your work is great, but I can see why you migrate toward the dragonfly.
My favorite set to use when I’m in a quandry….SU’s Close To Nature. I love the butterfly.
Thanks for sharing and the opportunity for blog candy.
Teresa
wow, what another great tutorial. I’m STILL trying to work out the brayered sky technique, LOL…Oh and what awesome blog candy… I have this set on my Wish List…
Hello Michelle Zindorf
I love your totorials!
Thats Artwork what you make, an i learn so many on this Blog.
Thank you.
My favorite Stamp? Its a Butterfly by Inique Boutique.
Greeting from Switzerland
Uschle
gorgeous I wonder if I could do same thing with my ladybugs.. using reds .. my favorite stamp is my ladybug by Peddlers pack but I have over 3000 ladybug stamps all different so any ladybug is my favorite =)
Great tutorial. I love trying your tutorials. Wish I could do my braying the way you do. I have tried different things and nothing works for me.
My favorite stamps is loverly as a tree or delight in life
thanks for giving me the chance to win that set.
Stampin hugs
MaryS
What a great tutorial!! I love dragonflies. My favorite stamp that I use when all else fails is a butterfly collage stamp by Stamps Happen called Page About Butterflies.
I love your tutorials! I would say that my all time fav stamp to pull out for any time or season or occasion would have to be SU Lovely As A Tree so much can be done with just that one stamp set it is just amazing!!
Love the tutorials! My “grab and make” stamp is the Hero Arts dandelion stamp. There’s so many ways to use it!
I love your cards and tutorials. Thank you so much for doing this for those of us that need a visual. You give so much inspiration. I have to say I reach for Heartfelt Thanks a lot. It seems like I can put it with any color combination and make it work.
Thanks for a chance at blog candy.
Heidi
I showed your “birds on a wire” card I cased to my stamping ladies last night, and to say the least they LOVED it. Thanks for all your inspiration and please enter me in the Blog Candy giveaway.
gjmollet at shaw dot ca
That is gorgeous. I love how it glows! I have two favourites- flowers and any of the Thomas Kinkades from CHF. BTW, I bought that Texture Cube because I saw how many great ways it can be used from your blog!
evrytime fantastic cards !!!!
My favorite stamps at the moment are from inkadinkado. but at change daily. *lol*
Your Dragonfly are perfect for my Challengeblog Inspiration, what a chance.
Thanks so much for this great inspiration.
Greetings from Germany
Alexa
Hi Michelle!
Awesome card! My favorite stamp (stamp set) to use is SU’s Cool Cat! I love the cat– it so sassy!!! Besides I’m partial to it owning five cats of my own. I was thrilled when you recently did the tutorial of that stamp set. Keep up the great work!! I can’t wait to see what you’ve posted day to day.
Adrienne
Michelle, I do look forward to your tutorials each day. You use color in wonderful ways. Your cards are always inspirational and the ideas always translate well to use with other stamps also. Since I live in a rural area and dont have access to classes I have learned a lot with your tutorials. Thanks for sharing your great talent and for the opportunity to win the blog candy also. Davi
Michelle- I love this card, and this set. I am proud owner of this set, as a result of your previous beautiful cards. However, I keep referring to the Nature’s Silhouettes I set from ISC as “my new favorite set”! I love the cards you have created with the set, especially the field of flowers stamp in the set, and it quickly became a MUST HAVE set.
Thank you for all the great inspiration.
Please add me to the list of blog candy entrants, and thanks for offering such a nice set for candy.
not very creative, but SU in In Full Bloom or Heartfelt Thanks!!!
I can always count on Lovely as a Tree. You have a great blog!
Hi, Michelle! Thank you so very much for the inspiration you provide — you have such a great eye for color and an artist’s eye for perspective! I learn so much from looking at your tutorials! (now, if I could only make mine look as good as yours!)
As for my favorites — I have to name 2.
The first is a little magic wand about 1 1/2″ long — I use that as my “signature” on the back of the cards that I make. It came from http://www.thecatspajamasrs.com/Accessories.htm
and the other favorite would have to be the SU set called “Natural Beauty”
Thanks for asking and thanks for offering the blog candy!
You rock!!
bye for now!
Sherry
Beautiful card. I love Dragonflies. They fly all over my backyard. I have a watergarden and it is beautiful with the Dragonfiles and Lilies. If I get stumped, I go to my Sky stamp from Stampscapes. I think it is the cumulous clouds. I would probably choose your marble textured cube if I had one. I tried looking for it the last time you used it but haven’t found it yet. I’ll try again. Thanks for your tutorials, they are wonderful.
Michelle, I love your tutorials and the beautiful cards that you take the time to share with all of us. My favorite set to use is SU’s Lovely as a Tree. This has got to be the most used set in my collection. I would love to add your blog candy to my collection and appreciate the opportunity. Thanks!
Wow! This another awesome card. Your tutorials are so on point! My favorite Stampin’ Up stamp is Watercolor Garden and to be quite honest, do not know if it is still current - I just love it!
Good morning
Thank you for your tutorials - I love them! My favourite stamps when going blank are my various butterfly ones - I can usually figure something with them!! - even more now I have seen all your glorious backgrounds - next purchase will be a brayer!
Maxine (in New Zealand where spring is starting to show, most reluctently)