Are you in the Fog today? I am, lol.  This is a photo I snap this morning.  It is a scene we see often out in the country where I live.  Fog, fog, fog, I love it when I don’t have to drive in it.  :) 

Barn look familiar?  It is the barn in my blog banner.  I painted the pastel painting a few years ago and although the painting was sold I still use it as my banner. 

Anyway, the fog made me want to create a foggy type scene today in my tutorial.

Sometimes I feel like I am in a rut so today I picked up some nontraditional colors to create my scene with.  I also kept pulling out stamp sets.  I used four Stampin’ Up sets, using one image out of each, lol. 

By using all of those stamps I must have been making up for taking the day off yesterday.  I was feeling a bit burned out so I took the day off completely “Mental Health Day”.   My Husband, Russ got to hang out with me too.  He proclaimed the day “No Fretting Thursday”. Which meant we agreed to not talk about work or home improvements not completed.  We also spent the day hopping from on Garage sale to another.  It was great!

So today I am back and refreshed, but have loads of things to do to prepare for my Dayton, Ohio Workshops tomorrow.  I will be teaching at Marcos Paper, which I am always excited about doing.  If you have not been to Marcos before, you must make the trip if you can.  The store is a little piece of heaven for us stampers.   Here is a link to their website if you want to check out all the great things they have going on there or to register for my workshops:  http://www.marcopaper.com/.   For those of you who will be attending the workshops tomorrow, I have some really fun and exciting projects for you.  All new projects and kit for you Advanced Students. :)  There are a couple of spots available if you want to register, call Marco’s at 1-888-433-5239.  FYI, from the looks of my calendar I may not make it back to Marco’s for months. 

I also have a new workshop location to add to my calendar.  I will be teaching my brayer workshops in the Boise area of Meridian, Idaho on April 24-25, 2010, Woohoo!!  If interested in information/registration, please e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com.

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

Supplies:

 Are you inspired by this Blog?  One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me.   You can order from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com  If you are within the United States.  Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  Through August 31 you can become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator for as little as $85 with the mini kit.  Also Stampin’ Up is now having a weekly special, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Stamped the Tree from the Stampin’ Up set “Thoughts & Prayers” by first loading the stamp with Versamark, then Pink Pirquette and then tapped on some black ink ont he trunk before stamping the image on a 3.5″ x 4.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock.

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

Loaded Bordering Blue ink only on the tree part of the “Lovely As a Tree” stamp, omitting the ground area of the stamp.   Stamped it twice at the top of the card stock.

Sponged Bordering Blue ink a the top of the card stock.

Sponged Rose Red ink at the top of the tree.

Sponged Pink Pirquette ink below the Bordering Blue ink.

Sponged Rose Red ink below the Pink Pirquette ink.

Sponged Bordering Blue ink at the base of the large tree to create a shadow.

Stamped the bench from the new Stampin’ Up set “Pendant Park” twice with Basic Black ink.

Masked the top of the card stock with a post it note and sponged Bordering Blue ink at the base of the benches to create a shadow for them.

Used the Speckle stamp and Rose Red ink to added the speckles at the bottom of the card stock.

Sponged a bit of Bravo Burgundy ink at the bottom of the card stock and the very top of the tree.

Added White Gel Pen highlight to the tree, squirrels and benches.

Sponged Basic Black ink all around the edge of the card stock.

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

Brayered Bordering Blue ink over the embossed panel to bring out the texture more.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the outside edges of the Bordering Blue and Pink Pirquette panels.

Used my piercing tool to start my holes for the four silver brads.

Added a thin strip of black card stock to the Bordering Blue panel and then pierced holes down the center of it. 

Used my white gel pen again to create the faux stitching on the card by dragging my pen from one pierced hole to the next, stopping in each hole with the pen.

Here is the complete card measuring 5.5″ square.

May your day be filled with nothing but clear skies!

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Dayton, Ohio

Columbia, Missouri

Lynchburg, Virginia

Greenwood, Indiana

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Boise area of Meridian, Idaho

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENT, ANNOUNCEMENT, I have added a few terrific cities to my Brayer Workshop travels.  I will be teaching in:

St. Louis, Missouri on February 26-27, 2010 (call the Ink spot at 314-822-5544 for more information/registration)

Riverside, (Southern) California on May 1-2, 2010 (e-mail mzindorf@aim.com for more information/registration)

Helena, Montana on July 24-25, 2010 (e-mail mzindorf@aim.com for more information/registration)

Middleburg Heights, Ohio on July 31, 2010 (one day only) (e-mail mzindorf@aim.com for more information/registration)

Venice, Florida on August 7-8, 2010 (e-mail mzindorf@aim.com for more information/registration)

Here is a link to my workshop calendar if you wish to check out all my Brayer Workshop locations:

http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar/

Now about today’s tutorial, this card was created this morning for my Mother who has a birthday today.  Nothing like waiting until the last moment to get the card done, lol.  Anyway, I wanted to give her a very bright and cheerful card.  I believe I succeeded. 

Let’s get started. . . .  .

Supplies:

Are you inspired by this Blog?  One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me.   You can order from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com  If you are within the United States.  Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  Through August 31 you can become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator for as little as $85 with the mini kit.  Also Stampin’ Up is now having a weekly special, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotionsStarted with a piece of Whisper White card stock cut to 4″ x 5.5″ and a 2.5″ circle cut out of card stock using Circle Scissors.

I stamped the petals from the Stampin’ Up set “Pick a Petal” by first loading my stamp with Versamark, Crushed Curry ink and tapped the tip of the petal in Tangerine Tango ink before stamping it on the card stock.  I repeated stamping and loading my stamp each time in between stamping.

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

Colored over all the petals with a Versamark marker and heat embossed the images again with clear embossing powder and a heat gun to protect the white dots on the petals.

Sponged Crushed Curry ink in the center of the flower.

Used a piece of card stock that has a 3″ circle cut out of it to mask my main image panel and sponged Tangerine Tango ink around the inside edge.

Sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the inside edge of the mask, not covering the Tangerine Tango ink entirely.

Removed the mask and sponged Chocolate Chip ink in the center of the flower.

Sponged Tempting Turquoise ink around the flower petals.

Using my Stamp a ma jig for place, stamped the word Bloom from the Stampin’ Up set “Bloomin’ Beautiful” in the center of the flower using Chocolate Chip ink.

Created a shadow by outlining the right sides of the petals with a Tempting Turquoise marker.

Sponged Tangerine Tango ink around the outside edge of the card stock.

Added some ribbon, Tempting Turquoise brads and assembled my card front.

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

May your day be bright and cheerful!

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Dayton, Ohio

Columbia, Missouri

Lynchburg, Virginia

Greenwood, Indiana

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

St. Louis, Missouri

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Riverside, California (Southern California)

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

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

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

Oh, how I love to take stamps that are out of season and use them on a card that is timeless.  This Cardinal is from a Stampin’ Up set “A Cardinal Christmas” and as you can see you can use this set year around.

I also tried out my new Big Shot Die “Tulipe”.  I only used part of the die cut.  This Die has a few different design pieces that can be used by themselves or together for the full design.

FYI, I have updated my sales page with stamp sets I am selling.  Here is a link:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/things-for-sale/

Let’s get started on the tutorial.

Supplies:

Are you inspired by this Blog?  One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me.   You can order from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com  If you are within the United States.  Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  Through August 31 you can become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator for as little as $85 with the mini kit.  Also Stampin’ Up is now having a weekly special, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Stamped the Cardinal on a 3.5″ x 5″ piece of Very Vanilla card stock by first loading my stamp with Versamark and then with Basic Black Dye ink before stamping it.

If you have Black pigment ink you do not need the Versamark. 

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

Note:  I only own and use clear embossing powder.  If you use clear embossing powder you can emboss in any color in which you have ink.  :)  Saves money and space.

Colored the bird’s beak with a Goldenrod Prismacolor Marker.

Colored the bird in with a Cherry Prismacolor Marker.

Colored the darker parts of the bird with a Mahogany Red Prismacolor Marker.

Colored the leaves in with a Khaki Prismacolor Marker.

Colored the Berries in with the Mahogany Red Prismacolor Marker.

Colored the birds feet with a Cool Grey 50% Prismacolor Marker.

Colored over the image, staying in the embossed lines, with a Versamark Marker.

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

Now that my image has been heat embossed it will resist the ink that is stamped over it.

Stamped the Leaf stamp twice with Sahara Sand ink.

Sponged Sahara Sand ink around the outside edge of the card stock and behind the Sahara Sand Leaves.

Stamped the leaf stamp again using Basic Black ink.

Used a Sharpie Metallic Gold Paint Marker on the edge of the card stock.

Note:  Hold the marker half on the card stock and half on the scrap paper and then pull the marker straight down the edge of the card stock.  No ruler needed.

Used a Stampin’ Up Sizzix Texture Plate on a Sahara Sand card stock panel using my Big Shot.

Brayered Sahara Sand ink over the texturized panel to bring out the texture better.

Used the Sharpie Metallic Gold Marker on the edge of both the Sahara Sand and Black panels.

Used the Tulipe Big Shot Die and ran it through twice with Black card stock.

Only used part of the design on the finished card.

Added the Die cuts and 4 Gold Brads, using my piercing tool to start my brads.

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

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to look at your holiday stamps in a different light.  I just might get more use out of them.

May your day be filled with love and happiness.

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Dayton, Ohio

Columbia, Missouri

Lynchburg, Virginia

Greenwood, Indiana

Castro Valley, California

Yardley, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Knox, Maine

Akron, Ohio

Broomfield, Colorado

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Phoenix, Arizona

Monroe, Louisiana

Jacksonville, Florida

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Raleigh, North Carolina

Colleyville, Texas

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Salem, Oregon

Wheaton, Illinois

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

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

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

The winner of the Retired Stampin’ Up Set Touch of Nature is . . .  . . Drumroll please. .  . . .. . . . . . .

Tanya A.  who wrote “Oh my gosh! You give out the best blog candy ever!!! My fingers are crossed…please be me, please be me! I love this set!”

Tanya, Congratulations on winning!  Please e-mail you mailing address to mzindorf@aim.com within 30 days and I will send this set right out to you.

Huge Hugs to everyone that played along.

Michelle

I realize this is my third post today, lol.  Two tutorials and blog candy to boot.  I must really like my Blog Readers!

This is of course, for the boys!

Supplies:

Are you inspired by this Blog?  One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me.   You can order from me 24-7 from this link:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.net or e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com  If you are within the United States.  Want a copy of the brand new 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up Catalog for $9.95, just e-mail me at mzindorf@aim.com and I will get one in the mail to you.  Want to become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and earn instant income?  Consider being part of my Stampin’ Up Team.  Through August 31 you can become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator for as little as $85 with the mini kit.  Also Stampin’ Up is now having a weekly special, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

On a 3″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock brayered Summer Sun ink at the bottom.

Brayered Perfect Plum ink at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Elegant Eggplant ink at the top not covering the Perfect Plum ink entirely.

Brayered Pumpkin Pie ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Used a 4.5″ card stock circle to mask the card stock.

Sponged Basic Black ink at the bottom of the card stock where it is not masked.

Used my Stamp A Ma Jig for placement and Stamped the Skateboarder with Basic Black ink.

Cut 3 panels, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie & Elegant Eggplant.  Stamped the Sanded Background Stamp on each one.  The Pumpkin Pie Panel and Eggplant panels were stamped in Elegant Eggplant ink and the Summer Sun Panel was stamped in Pumpkin pie ink.

Sponged Black around the edges of the panels to smudge them up a bit.

Assembled my card front and added a couple of brads to enhance the wheels of the skateboard.  Here is the finished card measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

Be back on Monday.

Until my next post. . . . .  . .

Hugs,

Michelle