Hey there everyone,  I’m back from Arkansas.  Thank you Linda Carson for hosting me while I was there.  Also thank you to the wonderful ladies that attended my workshops.  I had a great time.

I drove 12 hours to reach Arkansas. Here are a few sites that I seen along the way.  A couple of these where taken as I was doing 70 miles an hour down the Inter State, lol.  Don’t do this!

St. Louis

Maramec Springs Park in Missouri

Open Road . . .  . . . . . .

I took lots and lots of pictures, but I will not bore you with them.  Let’s get on to more important stuff like the Blog Candy winner. . . .

The random number generator selected. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .

Dawn Frost who wrote “Have fun driving for 12 hours tomorrow. I hate driving more than 2 hours at a time! My hat goes off to you. Thank you so much for a chance to win some blog candy. Have fun at your workshop.”

Congratulations Dawn, please e-mail your address to mzindorf@ aim.com and I will pop these in the mail to you.

Thanks to all 435 of you that played along!  As always I wish I had a set to send each of you.

Now on with the tutorial

Supplies:

Please don’t forget you can order your Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com if you are within the United States.  Also, please consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  We have valuable monthly meetings in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Stamped Flourish 5 times with Versamark only on a 3.25″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.  Heat embossed embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun. 

Stamped the flowers twice by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then Always Artichoke ink before stamping.

Heat embossed the flower images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.  Colored the stems and leaves with an Old Olive marker.

Colored the flowers in with a Blush Blossom marker.

Added Rose Red marker to the flowers.

Went over the flowers again with the Blush Blossom marker to blend the two colors together.

Colored over the flowers, leaves and stems with a Versamark marker and then heat embossed the images using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Brayered Baja Breeze ink on the card stock at an angle.

Brayered Not Quite Navy ink on the card stock at an angle, not covering the Baja Breeze ink entirely.

Wiped the ink off of my embossed images with an old cotton cloth.

Extended my flower stem with an Old Olive Marker.

Assembled card front and added a white punched Photo Corner, brads and pierced along each side of my white panel using a piercing tool and Stampin’ Up Mat Pack.

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

May your day be full of sweet smelling blossoms!

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Dayton, Ohio

Savannah, Georgia

Covington, Indiana

Buffalo, Minnesota

Webster, New York

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Stoughton, Wisconsin

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Broomfield, Colorado

Lynchburg, Virginia

Columbia, Missouri

Portland, Michigan

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar

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

Here is a link to all of my tutorials:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

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

I am traveling to Fort Smith, Arkansas tomorrow to teach.  Today will be spent making last minute preparations with packing, checking my car’s tire pressure etc.  Fort Smith is 12 hours from me so I will be chugging along tomorrow for quite sometime and loving every moment of it.  I am one of those people that loves to drive, especially through states I have never visited before.    I have just a few spots on Friday morning open if you would like join us, Saturday’s workshops are sold out.  You can e-mail at mzindorf@aim.com for more info. 

Anyhow, I wanted to leave you with some blog candy today.   This is a set no longer available from Stampin’ Up.    It is titled Botanical Blooms and it is a darling, darling two-step stampin set.

To throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win this set, just leave a comment on this post telling me to enter you.  If you are getting this blog update by e-mail you will need to click this link and then leave your comment:    http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2009/04/15/blog-candy-before-traveling/

I will select the winner by using a random number generator when I return on Monday, April 20th.   Good luck to everyone and have a super rest of the week.  As for you folks in Fort Smith, Arkansas get ready because here I come!!!

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Savannah, Georgia

Dayton, Ohio

Covington, Indiana

Buffalo, Minnesota

Webster, New York

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Stoughton, Wisconsin

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Broomfield, Colorado

Lynchburg, Virginia

Columbia, Missouri

Portland, Michigan

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar

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

Here is a link to all of my tutorials:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

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

Is this really tutorial number 200!  Wow, it seems like yesterday when I started this little blog of mine, but here it is 14 months, 200 tutorials later.  I have enjoyed every moment of blogging.   My readers have gown in huge numbers too.  Around 6,000 people view this blog daily, either by visiting this site or receiving it by e-mail.  I am stunned that so many of you enjoy my ramblings and projects.  Thanks for hanging out with me and encouraging me by way of comments and e-mails.  I read and savor every one of them.  I have also met so very many of you at my workshops the past few months.  What an honor that is!

Here is a link to all 200 tutorials:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/  or you can click the tab at the top of my blog.  Enjoy!

Without further ado, here is tutorial number 200!  This card was created for my Mother for Mother’s Day.

Supplies:

Please don’t forget you can order your Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com if you are within the United States.  Also, please consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  We have valuable monthly meetings in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Stamped the bird by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then Garden Green ink before stamping it on a 3″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock. 

Although in my photos my Bird looks Black it is actually Garden Green.  Please envision the bird being Garden Green through out this project, lol.

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

Stamped the branch twice by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then Brilliant Blue ink before stamping it.

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

Stamped the Flowers by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then with Bashful blue ink before stamping them.  Heat embossed the flowers with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Note:  Learn from my mistake and stamp the flowers first and then the branches if you try this tutorial.  It would look much better. 

Colored over the white centers of the flowers with a Versamark marker and then heat embossed them with clear embossing powder.  I did this to retain the white in the flowers.

Brayered Bashful Blue ink at an angle onto the top of the card stock.

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink at an angle at the bottom of the card stock.

Stamped flowers from the Pocket Silhouettes set with both Garden Green ink and Brilliant Blue ink.

Colored over the Garden Green flower heads with a Garden Green marker.

Colored over the Brilliant Blue Flower heads with a Brilliant Blue marker.

Highlighted the flower heads and the bird with a White Gel pen.

Cut out a Whisper White Top Note with my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  The cut the top note in half.

Sponged Brilliant Blue all around the main image panel and at the top and bottom of a Whisper White panel.

Assembled the card front and added Whisper White Photo Corner Punches to the left side corners.

Used a Brilliant Blue marker to go over the die cut holes around the edge of the top note die cut.  Very easy way to simulate sewing.  :) 

Added a blue button and put White Gel pen in the center of the button to make it look like it has white thread in the center.

Here is my assembled Mother’s Day card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

Well I hope this project has inspired you to stamp today.

Here is to tutorial number 200 and many, many more.

Have a awesome day! 

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Dayton, Ohio

Savannah, Georgia

Covington, Indiana

Buffalo, Minnesota

Webster, New York

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Stoughton, Wisconsin

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Broomfield, Colorado

Lynchburg, Virginia

Columbia, Missouri

Portland, Michigan

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar

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

Here is a link to all of my tutorials:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

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

Hello out there . . . .  .. .   I hope your Easter Holiday was super special yesterday.  I cooked the traditional ham and spent the day with my husband, Russ.  The Easter Bunny no longer visits my house since we have no little ones at home.  I miss working my way through a chocolate bunny with some Peeps on the side, lol.  Anyway, I got some much needed down time and feel really refreshed today.

For some odd reason I no longer have a card stash of my own to give to people, Gasp!  I know, you would think I would have tons of cards lying about, but no.  My friends and family are the most neglected people when it comes to cards.  It is like the Mechanic that has two broken down cars or the CPA that had to file an extension for his tax returns.

Well today I am going to try to start putting some cards back for personal use for special occasions.  I thought I would start with a wedding card.  It is Spring and we are invited to a wedding that is taking place next month.

Let’s get started. 

Supplies:

Please don’t forget you can order your Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com if you are within the United States.  Also, please consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  We have valuable monthly meetings in Miamisburg, Ohio.

I stamped the Cherish stamp on a 3″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White Card-stock by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then loading it with Basic Black ink before stamping.  I heat embossed the image using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Stamped the Bride and Groom by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then loading it with Basic Black ink before stamping it.  Heat embossed it using clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Cut a 2″ circle with my Curvy Cutter out of scrap card stock and used it as a mask for my moon. 

Holding the moon mask in place I sponged Baja Breeze around it making sure not to get it on the Bride and groom.

Sponged Not Quite Navy ink at the top of the card stock still holding the mask in place.

Sponged Kiwi Kiss ink at the bottom of the card stock around the Cherish image.

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

Sponge Basic Black ink all around edge of the card stock not covering the Night of Navy ink entirely.

Colored in the brides flowers with a Barely Banana marker.

Colored the grooms suit and created shadows on the bride’s veil and gown with a Cool Grey 10% Prismacolor marker.

Deepened the shadows on the bride and groom with a Cool Grey 30% marker. 

Colored the images hair in with a Creamy Caramel marker.

Decided the Kiwi Kiss ink was too yellow and bright so I sponged Baja Breeze ink over it.  Remember Yellow and Blue make green.  This is one of those times where that rule worked in my favor.

Used a ticket corner punch on my main image panel and the black card stock panel beneath it.   Added white dots to the sky area for stars and a few dots on the flourish at the bottom of the card stock to simulate flowers.

Used my Big Shot die cut machine and a texture plate to emboss the white panel.

Assembled card and added black ribbons and silver brads.

Added photo corners in black and white on the left side of the card to balance it out a bit.

Here is the finished card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.  This card is much more elegant in real life, where you can see the embossed white panel better.

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to expand your occasions card stash.

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Dayton, Ohio

Savannah, Georgia

Covington, Indiana

Buffalo, Minnesota

Webster, New York

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Stoughton, Wisconsin

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Broomfield, Colorado

Lynchburg, Virginia

Columbia, Missouri

Portland, Michigan

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar

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

Here is a link to all of my tutorials:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

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

I had a little fun with Circles this morning.  I also used a lot of red in this creation, which I never do.  It gave it a bit of Oriental feel, don’t you think?

 Let’s get right into the tutorial 

Supplies:

Please don’t forget you can order your Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com if you are within the United States.  Also, please consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  We have valuable monthly meetings in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Stamped Floral image by first loading the stamp with Versamark and then colored colored the flowers with a Real Red Marker and the leaves and branch with a Basic Black marker an then huffed on it and stamped it on a 3.5″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

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

Now that my image is heat embossed it will resist ink put over it. 

Brayered Creamy Caramel ink at an angle on the card stock.

Cut a circle from with my Curvy Cutter out of a scrap piece of card stock. 

Used the Negative piece as a mask and sponged on Riding Hood Red ink inside the masked area.

Brayered Riding Hood Ink at an angle on the card stock.

Stamped Side “A” of the Marble Texture Cube using Riding Hood Red Ink.

Stamped side “C” of the Marble Texture Cube using Close to Cocoa Ink.

Sponged Close to Cocoa ink on the right side of the card stock.

Used the cut out circle and put it over the sponged circle on the card stock and then traced around it with a Gold Gel Pen.

Used a Larger Negative Circle and traced around it to create the second gold circle.

Used a Gold Sharpie Paint Marker and went around the outside edge of the card stock.

Used a Big Shot Texture Plate on a Riding Hood Red panel and then Brayered Riding Hood Ink on it to bring out the design more on the card stock.

Extended the branch to go over to the edge of the main image panel.  Also used a white gel pen to make the dots on the flowers more predominate.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the edge of the Riding Hood Red panel.

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

May your Saturday be super fun!  I am off to play.

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

Hugs,

Michelle

Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Dayton, Ohio

Savannah, Georgia

Covington, Indiana

Buffalo, Minnesota

Webster, New York

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Stoughton, Wisconsin

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Broomfield, Colorado

Lynchburg, Virginia

Columbia, Missouri

Portland, Michigan

Here is a link to my workshop calendar where you can see all of my travel schedule and to get info on beginner and advanced Brayer workshops:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar

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

Here is a link to all of my tutorials:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-ive-written/

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