Nov 24 2008
Light & Shadows in the Woods - Tutorial #151
I feel so guilty, part of my weekend was spent Christmas Shopping and creating new Workshop projects for my Beginner Brayer works in February at Marco Paper. But that’s not where the guilty part comes in. It’s the new Wii game system I purchased for my husband and I. If you have never experienced a Wii before, you have to try it. It will definitely get you up off of the couch and moving. We spent hours last night bowling and golfing. It was way to much fun. If you do own a Wii you know what I’m talking about. :) Dangerously addictive. . . . . . .. . . . . . Hmmm, I think I need to stop at the store and pick up yet another game. . . . who needs that retirement fund anyway, lol.
Anyway, let’s talk about stamping.
I showed a glimps of this great new stamp by Innovative Stamp Creations the other day and got flooded by e-mails asking where you can get it. Here is a link: http://www.innovativestampcreations.com/ischomepage.html
Don’t you just love trees! I can’t get enough of them. 
Today’s tutorial shows how to get a great light effect by using your brayer at an angle. Check it out.
Let ’s get started.
Supplies:
| Stamps: Innovative Stamp Creations “Presence of Trees” |
| Paper: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Basic Black and Baja Breeze |
| Ink: Stampin’ Up Baja Breeze & Not Quite Navy, Palette Noir Black |
| Accessories: Ribbon, Post it Notes, Brayer, Aqua Pen, White Gel Pen, Black marker, Tim Holtz Ruler, Push Pin |
Started by tearing through the sticky edge of a post it note and used it as a mask. Masked the bottom portion of a 4.5″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.
Brayered Baja Breeze ink at an angle on the unmasked portion of the card stock.
Turned the card stock upside down and brayered at an angle again leaving a light streak in the middle.
Brayered Not Quite Navy using the same angles, but did not cover the Baja Breeze ink entirely.
Removed the post it note mask.
Stamped the trees using Palette Noir Black ink.
Used a marker to extend some of the trees to the top of the card stock.
Colored the light side of the trees with a White Gel pen to make them look like they have snow stuck to them. Also added a few dots of white gel pen in the branches.
Squeezed the Baja Breeze ink pad to create a pool of ink on the lid of the stamp pad and used the ink along with an Aqua painter to create shadows of the trees on the snow area.
Closer look.
Note: your shadows should go in the same direction as your light source.
Sponged Baja Breeze ink around the entire edge of the card stock.
Sponged Not Quite Navy ink around the very outside edge of the card stock.
Attached a Baja Breeze panel to a black panel and pierced the bottom and top of them using the Tim Holtz ruler and a push pin. The ruler has little holes in it along one side to use for this purpose.
Decided to add some fun ribbon.
Here is the finished card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.
Well I hope this tutorial has inspired you to get that brayer out and use it to see what interesting light effects you can create with it.
May your day be filled with Peace and harmony.
Until my next post. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
Hugs,
Michelle
Links to all my tutorials can be found here: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/
Here is a link to my workshop calendar if you want to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar
Frequently asked questions answers: http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/
Amazing, and you make it look so easy! I love the look of the light shining through the trees and the shadows. I’ve not tried shadows, but this has inspired me. That tree stamp is really cool too! Thanks so much!
WOW! I really can see the light shining through the woods! I am amazed at every tutorial. Thanks for sharing with us! (Congrats to the blog candy winner-I’m sure you will love those stamps)
Are you my long lost Sister??? I love trees and Wii! There is a group of us that live near each other and we get together just to play Wii on nasty weather days. Michelle you do work wonders with a brayer. It is so amazing to watch a piece come to life as each picture goes by. Do not feel guilty. If you start doing that then what you do for us becomes a chore and no longer fun. Enjoy yourself and share with us when you can and want to. Thanks for your tutorials, you’re the best!
Beautiful Michelle ! I can’t wait to try this one. I ordered this stamp last week when you posted it under the orange butterfly - just HAD to have it. I should get it anyday now and I can’t wait to try this tutorial. Thank you for making us aware of this great set and for the great tutorial !
I love trees, too. Beautiful card. Thanks so much for sharing your incredible talent again. And I know what you mean about the Wii! It’s terribly addicting (almost as much as stamping)! If you think the bowling and golf are addicting, you should try the Wii Fit program. It’s so much fun, you forget you’re actually exercising! Have a wonderful day.
oh my goodness, this is so amazing, it is like a beautiful, peaceful painting, I just love it, you are so talented, thank you for your inspiration and ideas!
This card and technique is breathtaking. I love reading your tutorials but I don’t even own a brayer. This particular card is the one that will make me get a brayer and try it. I HAVE to make this. It’s so beautiful! ~Rebecca
Oh I’m so geeked! I just ordered this stamp on Saturday…I can’t wait ’til it gets here to try this fabulous tutorial out! This is just a beautiful piece, Michelle!
Oh and ah…if you get Wii Tennis….watch out for the coffee table…it’s a killer…embarrassing to tell the Doctor you’ve had a “Wii” accident too.
Your card is a very very beautiful artwork!!
Hugs,
Anja from germany
Oh it wonderful that you spoiled yourself and your DH if you don’t do it who will right? My Mom had gotten the Wii for Christmas for my boys last year and I giggle as I love to play bowling with them. I said since they will have off on Friday because of the Holiday we can play all day (I only let them play on the weekends after all our chores are done) so I can’t wait
Now about this card I do agree this set is beautiful and can’t wait to try it.. I think I have a stamp with trees somewhere that sort of look like this let see what I come up with!
what a beautiful card!! I’ll try to make a version of this card for sure. Have you tried the boxing yet on the Wii? I love it and talk about getting your work out it takes me days to recover LOL
Fabulous card! Love it. The lighting in this card is awesome. I love that stamp too. I don’t have a Wii and don’t really know much about it but having something fun to keep moving sounds good. But you said something about the reitrement fund. Are they that expensive? Yikes! Have fun with it.
Trish
If you like Wii sports you’ve got to get Wii fit! Try the ski jump it’s great fun. Back to the card - well yes I love trees as well & there are some fantastic tree stamps around. This ISC stamp is wonderful & your card is so atmospheric. Another fab creation.
Love it Michelle! But then I love everything you do! I really like the way the light bounces in this image. It is really as if it is back lit by some mysterious source. It is just beautiful the way you have the shadows come off of the trees. I love the way you use your colors — that is something that would be wonderful to learn but I think you may have to be born with it! Bravo, another wonderful piece of art.
This is beautiful, the lighting is awesome, you forever amaze me girl.
Man, you totally rock this stuff! I gasped when I saw this card. So pretty! I have a wii, so I understand how easy it is to get lost into it. We just got Outdoor Adventure, and have been playing it with our kids all week. Such a fun game system.
This scene just lights right up! It’s gorgeous!!! Thank you for the tutorial, they’re always so helpful in learning how to do this technique. TFS
I am just astounded on the realization of the card, like one is actually looking into the woods on a snowy night with a high moon making the shadows dance about. Your technique is amazing…can’t wait until tomorrows treat. Just visited the I web page and ordered 4 fantisic stamps (of course one is the tree stamp you used today) - thanks for sharing all your creative knowledge. My husband and I have been toying with the idea about buying a Wii for “our” Christmas (who needs a retirement?).
This is absolutely gorgeous… so realistic with the light shining though the trees. What you do is amazing! TFS
Wow, Michelle, you are truly amazing. This is absolutely great. You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Niki
This card is SOOOOO beautiful and yet deceptively simple with your step by step instructions. I think I may have found my Christmas card design for this year! I hope you never get tired of sharing your genius and talent with us.
On another note…I bought my college aged daughter a WII for Christmas last year and was sorely disappointed when she took it when she went back to school to share with her roommates…I was hoping she’d leave it with us…we had so much fun…!
Lovely card. Great light source you created. Thanks for the tutorial.
Wow, I do a lot of scenic stamping, this will be such a big help, thanks so much
OMGosh! Michelle, I thought I was the only “not a youngster anymore” that loved the Wii. My DH and I visit our middle son, okay we actually visit his Wii, and buy games and extra controllers for it so we all can play. Bowling is really hard work and my DH gets into the golf (but it actually was DS’s 29yo SIL that threw the controller into the ceiling fan because SHE was getting into it). It’s really funny (and kinda charming) to see the familyroom filled with players doing the guitar hero game and then my 4yo DGD dancing on a stepstool (like the dancers in the game). Talk about Kodak moment.
You are such an enabler. When I saw those trees last week, I knew I’d want them. But today’s tutorial brings the trees to the top of my “need to have it NOW” list. Oh, and I love love LOVE your special tips in your tutorial, i.e. make sure the shadows go in the same direction as the light source. hehe, gotta love your sense of humor.
This is just gorgeous! Fantastic tutuorial.
And I LOVE the ‘We Ski’ Wii game!! Totally addicting!
I think Wii boxing is a good workout, because I’m all over the place, kickboxing and everything. (What a sight I’m sure!). My opponent gives me a wide stance for fear they’ll really get knocked out.
I Love this card!…and yes…I am Loving the tree’s. You definately are an enabler…I purchased this tree stamp immediately using the link you provided..hehe…and I also bought the SU Lovely as a Tree once I saw your tutorials! Just last night while I was out driving I found myself checking out all the tree’s.. I am always in awe at what you do with your scene’s. They look so realistic, like you could actually walk right into one. Your tutorials are amazing, and filled with wonderful instruction and information. Especially for people like me and others who are not fortunate to live close enough to attend a class from you. I Thank You!
My son has the Wii system and I’ll play a few matches with him. It is really quite entertaining..
My word! Your work never ceases to amaze. Brilliant! TFS.
Chère Mme Zindorf,
C’est a couper le souffle…. tellement beau! J’ai bien ri de vos commentaires au sujet du Wii : mon fils en a un et il aime bien ça.
We have a Wii too and I’m not one for videos games normally, but if you are planning on purchasing another game, you should think about Mario Kart. It’s tons of fun! Make sure you buy the wheel accessory too. It makes it so much more realistic! Another one that is a lot of fun is called Boom Blox. It made our arms sore for several days after! Have fun and thanks for your awesome tutorials. I look forward to your blog post everyday.
You take my breath away . . .
Hugs,
Colleen
Wow….I was just thinking of asking Santa for a Wii so I could get some exercise in. I had lost 58 lbs a few years ago and am gaining some of it back from not exercising so maybe this is my answer. hmmmmmm. Anyway enough about me…great job on the wintry tree shadows…..absolutely love this and am cold from just looking at it. I expect to see my breathe anytime.
Great job Michele. You can Wii all you want as long as it doesn’t interfere with your blog. We would miss these soooo much. Great job esp. on the shadowing part. I made Christmas cards all day yesterday and need to finish them sometime today. LOL.
Another beautiful card! Thank you for inluding the link to the stamp co. I just order it and just got a brayer. Time to go practice! Any hints for a newbie to brayering since I can’t make to Ohio for one of your classes.
Thanks, Anne
I’m with ya’ on the tree thing. There are just so many possibilities…
Michelle thanks for showing us the light effects. I really like the stamp you used today, it went on my list.
Beautiful winter scene. So many possibilities.
Beautiful effect!
Ha, my kids want a WII too, but they have to wait a few years more
Nice card Michelle hopefully you don’t spend to much time WIIing because I look forward to your blog everyday to see what beautiful things you made this day!!
Warm wishes,
Jolanda from the Netherlands
Anne asked “Any hints for a newbie to brayering since I can’t make to Ohio for one of your classes.”
Anne, check out the frequently asked question section at the top of this blog. That is a good place to start.
I was just on the innovative creation website last night and when I saw the stamp I thought, “I wonder how long before this shows up in Michele’s tutorials.” I had to do a double take when I saw the card this morning! Another amazing image.
During this time of reflection and gratitude, I am thankful for your generosity and willingness to share your time and talent with us. Happy Thanksgiving.
Michelle, THANKS THANKS THANKS! For taking the time to show how you do each stamping technique! You are one fantastic teacher.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I love, love , love this card!!! Thank you for sharing!!
That is awesome!
stunning
Gorgeous Michelle! I’m loving these trees!
wow- i really love this one, i already saw the stamp when you wrote aboute “organize my stamping space”, and i thougth: this one is unbelieveble.
thank you for sharing.
johanna
I loved the stamp image and then you use the stamp to make a card that is far beyond anything I would imagine. Fantastic.
Wow oh wow! I love what you did with the light! And, therefore, the shadows. Just beautiful, as always!
This is soo pretty! I love it! This would go perfect with my painting I have on my wall by Patrick St. Germain called, ‘Winter Solace’ I love tree scenes especially winter ones, fall ones are pretty too.
You should give this as blog Candy
It is amazing how something so simple to create, can look so complicated and beautiful. You do see wonderful things with your eyes and it translates beautifully onto the paper. Fantastic card. I enjoy visiting your blog daily and probably don’t leave a comment as often as I should, but I really do turn in every weekday I am in front of a computer. Thank you for these tutorials, they give me something to look at and they inspire me to try new things.
Another awesome card! I love it!! I will definitely try to make one this weekend. You are so inspiring, Michelle. My daughter’s name is Michele and I think of you when I am talking with her. Thanks again for the insightful card.
You were the Tutorial of the Week at Card of the Week.com. You can see the original post here.
I did use a picture from your post, with links back to the site and the original post. I hope that is OK. Please feel free to email me if you need me to change anything.
I also have an “I was featured” on badge for you if you want it
Thanks again for sharing!
Very beautiful!!!
This is lovely! A person should never feel guilty in what they do. Whatever you do and when you do it is important to you. That is the main thing. :<)
I think this has to be one of my favorites that you’ve done! Love the trees, and the shadow effects are spectacular! Thanks once again for sharing your talents with the rest of us!
Not sure what magic happened today — but after months of trying I finally have been able to get to your tutuorials. My husband doesn’t understand the hours I’m sitting here reading everyting you have on line. But he is still taking me to dinner! This is a beautiful effect and I’m going to try it with my Trees Three. TFS