Look at what I have to give away for Blog Candy!  It is a brand new Stampin’ Up! Set Autumn Splendor.  This is my favorite Autumn set with it’s wonderful fine line leaves.

To enter to win this set, please leave me a comment telling me your favorite thing about Autumn.  :)  If you are getting this blog update via e-mail you will need to click on this link and then leave a comment:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2009/11/20/stampin-up-autumn-splendor-blog-candy/

I will select the winner using a random number generator on Monday, November 23, 2009.

Good Luck to all!

Before I close I have one more announcement.  I will teaching my brayer workshops in Savannah, Georgia for just one day on October 15, 2010.  To see my complete Brayer Workshop Calendar follow this link:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar/

Until my next post. . . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

Whew, today I have been cutting, stuffing, packing, etc. for my trip to Portland, Michigan in the morning.  I created all new projects for my Brayer Workshops in Portland, which always gets me very excited.  I cannot wait to show them off, lol.  My husband says I am a traitor since I will be in Michigan where the big game between rivals Ohio State and Michigan will be playing this weekend.  My husband is a big Ohio State Fan.  It is hard not to be when you live in Ohio.

Now that everything is prepared and packed into the car I can sit down and put a tutorial together for all of you that cannot get to Portland, MI.  The other night I was stamping with my Stampin’ Up! Up line Karen Barber and we used the Itty Bitty Background set, which I use to use all the time but haven’t pulled it out in at least a year.  So today I used it to create a field of Flowers. 

Let’s get started.. . . .

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

These first few photos show me stamping images with Versamark on a 4″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock so you will not be able to see the stamping until I start putting in the back ground.

The little flower stamp from the Stampin’ Up! set Season of Joy was  stamped all over the bottom of the card stock with Versamark.  Then I stamped the large dot stamp with versamark  and then the small speckle stamp with Versamark.  These two stamps are from the Stampin’ Up set Itty Bitty Backgrounds.

I heat embossed all the images with clear embossing powder and a heat gun.

Masked the sky area of the card-stock with two post it notes that have a torn edge and Brayered Always Artichoke ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Removed the post it note mask from the top of the card stock and used it to mask the bottom of the card stock. 

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink at the top of the card stock.

Ripped a mountain shape in a post it note and sponged Bordering Blue ink in the open area to create a mountain.

Added some Basic Gray ink at the top of the mountain with a sponge.

Moved the post it note and sponged Basic Gray ink to create two more mountains.

Sponged Basic Gray ink at the bottom of the card stock.

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

Sponged Basic Black ink around the edges of the card stock.

Added Very Vanilla Ribbon and Not Quite Navy Brads.

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

May your day be totally fabulous!

Until my next post. . . . . . .  .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Atlanta, Georgia

Soledad, California

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 where 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/ 

Sponges, sponges and more sponges.  If you are a stamper, you probably use them and use a lot of them.   I am currently using Stampin’ Up! sponges in my stamping.  They come in a pack of 3.  I cut each sponge into 12 pieces.  Yes, that’s right, 12 pieces!  I have seen stampers use very large chunks of sponge, like 1/4 of a whole sponge.  I find it is much easier to control the ink on a littler piece of sponge.  Granted, my fingers get inky when using the smaller pieces of sponge, but they are inky anyway, lol.

I don’t have a sponge dedicated to each ink color that I have either.  That is way too time consuming for me to keep track of, or I am just to lazy to do so, lol.  I’ll let you decide. 

I use a piece of sponge for a color and then throw it in a basket I keep at my work space. 

When I have enough inky sponges I put them in a lingerie bag and send them through the washing machine.  By themselves of course!   They will come out stained, but the color will not transfer to the next project they are used on.    This is my way of currently staying “Green” at home in regards to sponges. 

What is your sponge system?  Inspiring stampers want to know. 

Until my next post. . . .  .

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Portland, Michigan  (Only 2 beginner workshop spots left)

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

Soledad, California

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 where 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/ 

Hey there!  I’m back from Nashville, Indiana and I have hit the ground running this morning.  I woke at 3:00 a.m. and started creating this tutorial for you first thing while I got hyped up on my coffee.

Let’s get started. . . . . .

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Punched a Large Oval from Very Vanilla card stock.

Punched part of an oval from the same card stock.  See in the photo the part that was omitted from the first punch oval.  :) 

Now I have my one of my vase shapes.

Punched the Modern Label shape from Very Vanilla card stock.

Cut the bottoms off of both shapes.

Sponged Creamy Caramel ink a the left side and bottom of each vase shape.

Sponged Close to Cocoa ink at the left side and bottom of each vase shape, not covering the Creamy Caramel ink entirely.

Masked a piece of Stampin’ Up Bashful Blue Designer paper with a post it note and brayered Not Quite Navy at the bottom of the paper.

Removed the post it note mask and brayered Bordering Blue ink at the top of the Designer Paper.

Stamped the Wheat and plant with Basic Black ink.  I kept putting the vase shapes on the paper to see just where I needed to stamp the images.

Colored the wheat ends with a More Mustard marker.

Added a bit of Garden Green watercolor pencil to the plant leaves.

Added a bit of Summer Sun Water Color Pencil to the wheat ends.

Sponged Night of Navy ink at the bottom of the card stock to create shadows for my vases.

Adhered the vases.

Sponged Close to Cocoa ink around the main image panel and Not Quite Navy panel edges.

Assembled the card and here it is finished measuring 5.25″ square.

Below are some of the photos taken this past weekend in Nashville, Indiana.  You definitely want to visit this lovely town and when you do, take lots of money because there is lots of shopping to be done.  The town is filled with cute, cute shop after shop.  I made about 6 trips to my car yesterday to drop off bags of my purhcases when my arms got to full.  :)  Good thing my husband doesn’t read my blog, lol.

May your day be filled with Autumn sites, sounds, sun and cool temperatures.

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

Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Atlanta, Georgia

Soledad, California

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 where 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/ 

I noticed last Monday when I was driving to Ohio from Oklahoma that most of the leaves were off of the trees but the grass was still green in a lot of areas.   This tutorial is my interpretation of what I saw. 

Tomorrow morning I will be traveling to Nashville, Indiana to teach my brayer technique there.  Driving from location to location is so very inspiring.  I cannot wait to hit the road once again!

The Stampin’ Up Set, Branch Out is on the dormant list with Stampin’ Up! so it can still be ordered although it is not in the current catalog, item #113200. 

This is one of my longer tutorials so grab a cup of your favorite warm drink and hang out a while.

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

I wanted to do a large main image panel for this card.  Started out with a 4.75″ x 6.26″ piece of Whisper White card stock.  Masked over 1/2 of the card stock at the bottom with two large post it notes.

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink at the bottom of the unmasked area.

Brayered Bashful Blue at the top of the card stock.

Brayered Going Gray ink at the top of the card stock, not covering the Bashful Blue ink entirely.    I think I have found another great winter sky color combo. 

Using the edge of the Old Olive ink pad, streaked in some color at the bottom of the unmasked area.

Sponged some Chocolate Chip ink over the Old Olive, not covering it entirely.

Moved the post it note mask down 1/2 inch.

Streaked in some Old Olive ink in the white unmasked area with the edge of the Old Olive ink pad.

Sponged some Chocolate Chip ink at the bottom of the unmasked area.

Sponged some Basic Black ink right at the post it note edge.

Stamped the tree from the Stampin’ Up Branch Out set across the card stock using Basic Black ink.

Took the inky post it notes off of the card stock.  Turned the card stock upside down and masked the sky area of the card stock with two clean post it notes.

Brayered Apricot Appeal ink on the card stock.

Brayered Bashful Blue ink on the card stock.

Brayered Going Gray ink over the Bashful Blue ink, not covering it entirely.

Lightly sponged a bit of Old Olive ink over the Apricot Appeal ink.

Sponged on a little Chocolate Chip ink at the post it note edge.

Marked on the side of my wood block with a marker to indicate where the trunk of the tree is so when I stamp it I can line up the reflection tree trunk with the Original stamped images trunk.

Used the clear plastic sheet that came with my Stamp-a-ma-jig to mask the top of the card stock so I can still see the original stamped trees.

Stamped the reflection trees using Going Gray ink and lining the tree trunks up with the original trees that are stamped with Basic Black.

Added White Gel pen streaks in the water area.

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

Stamped the Stampin’ Up Background stamp, En Francais using Creamy Caramel ink on the left third of the card stock.

Stamped the “Grateful” sentiment from the Stampin’ Up set Falling Leaves using Chocolate Chip ink.

Added Chocolate Chip Ribbon and Bashful Blue brads.

Finished assembling card.  Here it is finished measuring 5″ x 6.5″.

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to look at what surrounds you so you can put it on paper. 

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

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Atlanta, Georgia

Soledad, California

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 where 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/ 

Today’s tutorial has been in my head for a few days.  It turned out a little more Hitchcock looking than I had intended, lol.   I have a few bird feeders around the house.  This project reminds me of what the birds look like when I have not braved the cold to fill the bird feeders.  They will just hang out in the trees waiting for me.  :)  I hope you enjoy this bright project.

Before we start the tutorial I have a couple of announcements to make.  I will be teaching my brayer workshops in these two great cities in 2010, Atlanta, Georgia on October 16-17, 2010 and Soledad, California on November 13-14, 2010.   Click this link to see where else I will be teaching:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/workshop-calendar/

  Also, I have a Blog Candy Winner!  The winner of this very cute Stampin’ Up! set, Note to Self is. . . . .. … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

Samantha who wrote “Fun blog candy! The best notes I’ve recently received are those from friends wishing me luck on a craft fair. I love my friends!”

Samantha, congratulations!  Please e-mail your address to mzindorf@aim.com within 30 days and I will send you this great set. 

Thanks to all who played along. 

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Started with a 2 7/8″ x 4 7/8″ piece of Whisper White card stock.   Using just the corner of the Summer Sun ink pad I smeared the ink on the card stock.  I kept turning the ink pad different directions so I would get a very streaked look.

Using the corner of a More Mustard ink pad I added a bit of ink, not covering the Summer Sun ink entirely.

Using a corner of a Pumpkin Pie ink pad, added a bit of ink, not covering the More Mustard ink entirely.

Using a corner of a Really Rust ink pad, added a bit of ink, not covering the Pumpkin Pie ink entirely.

Lastly added Real Red ink with the corner of the ink pad, not covering the Really Rust ink entirely.

Stamped the branch from the Stampin’ Up! set, Bird on a Branch with Basic Black ink.

Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, stamped the birds with Basic Black ink.

Layered by main image panel with Basic Black and More Mustard panels.  Sponged Real Red ink around the edges of the More Mustard Panel.

Cut two Tulipe die Cuts from Basic Black card stock using my Big Shot Machine.

Cut part of the design away.

Glued what was left of the two die cuts on each side of the main image panel.

Added Silver Brads.  Here is the finished card measuring 5.25″ square.

I hope you have some time today to get those card ideas you have rolling around in your brain down on paper. 

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

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Atlanta, Georgia

Soledad, California

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 where 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/ 

I am currently teaching in Oklahoma but I have some blog candy for you. 

If you wish to throw your hat in the ring to try to win this great Stampin’ Up! set, Note to Self,  please leave a comment telling me about a favorite note you have sent someone or someone has sent to you.  :)   If you are receiving this blog update via e-mail, you will need to click this link and then leave a comment:   http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2009/11/07/note-to-self-blog-candy/

I will select the winner using a random number generator on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Good luck to all!

Until my next post. . . . .  .

Hugs,

Michelle

I know I just returned home from Colorado a few days ago, but I’m so very excited!  Tomorrow morning (Friday) 3:00 a.m., I am hitting the road again.  This time I am heading to Moore, Oklahoma to teach my brayer workshops.  It’s a good thing that I like to drive.  :)  I hope you ladies in Moore, OK are ready to brayer!  Because here I come. . . . . .

Today’s tutorial is a chilly one.  I used three cool shades of Blue to achieve that chilly look.  You could also use cool shades of purple for this project.   :)  Did you know there are warm shades and cool shades to every color?  Take a look at your Blue ink pads that you have.  Can you guess which are warm and which are cool?   How about your red shades?  I bet you can.     Now you may not have as many ink pads as I have, because I am a bit sick.  But I bet you have a few, or maybe you have more ink than I have.  I just never know with you stampers.  :)  Hmmm, I see some empty spots I need to fill.

Oh yeah, the tutorial, sorry I got a bit off track there. 

Let’s get started. . . . . . .  .

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Starting with a 3.5″ x 5.5″ piece of Whisper White Card stock.  I masked the bottom 1/3 of the card stock with a post it note and brayered Bordering Blue ink on the unmasked area.

Brayered Not Quite Navy at the top of the card stock, not covering the Bordering Blue ink entirely.

Brayered Night of Navy ink at the top of the card stock, not covering the Not Quite Navy ink entirely.

Removed the post it note mask and brayered Bordering Blue ink at the bottom of the card stock.

Stamped the tree from the Stampin’ Up! set Branch Out with Basic Grey ink.

Ripped a couple of hills in the edge of a post it note and used it to create some mounds of snow in the scene.  This was done by sponging Bordering Blue ink at the post it note edge and then moving it and sponging again for each mound.

Sponged Basic Black ink around the edges of the card stock.  Heavier at the top.

Added White Gel pen to the tree and the mounds of snow.

Added a shadow in the tree by outlining the right sides to some of the branches and the trunk.

Ran a 4 7/8″ x 6 3/4″ Bordering Blue Panel through my Big Shot Machine using the Flourish Texture Plate.

Brayered Bordering Blue ink on the panel to bring out the dry embossing further.

Sponge Basic Black ink around the outside edges.

Used the Stampin’ Up! Ticket Corner Punch on a Whisper White Panel and on the main image panel.

Stamped a lone bird in the tree using Basic Black ink.

Punched to word windows out of Basic Black card stock.  Cut one end off of each of them.  Adhered them with glue and added a silver brads to each one.

Stamped the sentiment from the Stampin’ Up! set Many Merry Messages using Basic Black ink.

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

May your day be filled with peace and harmony.  Please wish me safe travels.

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

Hugs,
Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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 where 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 birds in this project are from the Halloween Stampin’ Up Set “Graveyard Gala”.    I try very hard not to categorize my stamps by season, holiday etc. because so many stamps in the sets can be used all through the year.  It helps me think outside of the box to have a reference sheet for each set in a binder so I can easily flip through the binder to find an image I would like to use in a scene.  For instance, I knew I wanted to put birds on the ground in this scene so I flipped through the binder to find some birds that were the right size.  When I put them in this scene they don’t look scary at all, but instead look like they are just soaking up the morning rays. 

Here is a link to a an earlier post I did on my stamp storage:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/03/14/my-stampin-up-stamp-storage-a-glimps-into-my-world-part-ii/

Let’s get started on the tutorial:

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Started out with a 3.5″ piece of Whisper White card stock and sponged So Saffron ink all over it.

Punched a 1 1/4″ circle from the sticky part of a post it note and added to the card stock.  Sponged More Mustard ink around the edge of the post it note to define the sun.  Also sponged More Mustard ink at the top and bottom of the card stock.

Sponged Creamy Caramel ink on the bottom of the card stock, not covering the More Mustard ink entirely.

Stamped the two birds using Basic Black ink.  Removed the sun mask.

Stamped the plant stamp a few times using Basic Black ink.

Using just the very edge of the ink Basic Black pad and a half of a “C” motion, (that would be the top half of the “C”) I direct to papered some grasses in the scene.  Practice this on scrap paper before trying it on your card stock.  :)  Also leave some of the background colors showing through on the ground. 

Sponged Black ink around the edge of the card stock.

Added some White gel pen highlights to the plants, tops of the birds and the grasses.

Adhered a torn piece of Stampin’ Up Designer paper to a piece of More Mustard card stock and then ran both of them through my Big Shot Die Cut machine using the Damask Texture Plate.

Brayered More Mustard ink over the top of the card stock to define the texture more and to add a bit of grunge.

Grunged the card stock up more by sponging Basic Black ink around the edges.

Assembled the card front and added small black photo corners, brads and white ribbon.

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

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to look at your holiday stamps in a different light.

May your day be golden.

Until my next post. . . . . . . .  .

Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

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 where you can order all of your must have Stampin’ Up products from me 24-7:  http://michellezindorf.stampinup.netFrequently asked questions answers:  http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/frequently-asked-questions/ 

It’s that time of year when my friend Claire shows up wanting to make Christmas cards.  Claire is my Dear, Evil, Friend that got me into stamping, but does not stamp, lol.  But that is a whole different story.  

A couple of weekends ago we got together and mass produced 40 of these cards in a day, less the time it took us to go out to lunch, gab, harass each other, tease my husband etc, etc.  :)  I always tailor the card we make each year to what Claire likes and so it varies a bit from my usual style.  Claire likes layers and do-dads.  Things she can feel on a card.  Me, I tend to not care about the do-dads, lol. 

Anyway, here is a tutorial on this years card.  The tutorial may be missing a couple of pictures.  Hard to remember to pick up the camera when you are having a tremendous amount of fun with a friend.

Supplies:

Want a free 39 page, Stampin’ Up Mini catalog?  If you are a resident of the United States,  just e-mail your mailing address to me and I will get one in the mail to you.  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 with free shipping, 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.  Also check out the Stampin’ Up specials, click this link to check it out:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michellezindorf/promotions

Started out using my Big Shot Die Cut Machine and Top Note Die.  Cut one Whisper White Top Note and one Bashful Blue Top Note.

Stamped the Greeting from the Stampin’ Up Set Snow Swirled with Real Red ink on the White Top Note.

Brayered Not Quite Navy ink at the top of the Bashful Blue Top Note.

Ran the Bashful Blue Top Note through the Big Shot Machine using the Flourish Texture Plate.

Tore the top and the bottom off of the Whisper White Top Note, discarding the middle portion.  Stacked the two tore pieces at the bottom of the Bashful Blue Top Note to create the snow.

Used a Heat Gun to dry the brayered on ink and stamped the snowflake stamp from the Stampin’ Up set Serene Snowflakes in the sky area of the Bashful Blue Top Note.

Note:  If you stamp the snowflakes before the Brayered on ink is dry your snowflakes will disappear.  Learned this the hard way, lol.

Stamped the Tree stamp from the Stampin’ Up set Patterned Pines with Old Olive ink on Whisper White Card stock.

Cut two of the trees out and adhered them to the front of the card.

Assembled Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Not Quite Navy layers, added Real Red Gingham ribbon, Not Quite Navy Photo Corner Punches and Gold Brads.  Also added three Real Red brads to each tree.   It is hard to see, but there is Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on the top of each layer of the snow.

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

Now for a giggle, I was going through a card stash I have.  You know the card stash, we all have one.  Don’t deny it, lol.

Anyhow, found this old card I created back in 2006.  I had to look way back in my Split Coast Stampers gallery to see when it was created.  Poor Santa!  The Stampin’ Up stamp set used for this is a retired set, Star Santa.  Don’t you just love looking at your old stuff.  It always makes me laugh.

May your day be filled with fond memories.

Huge Hugs,

Michelle

  Get ready for Brayer Workshops!  I am coming to:

Moore, Oklahoma

Nashville, Indiana

Portland, Michigan

2010

Dayton, Ohio at Marco Paper

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

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Rockville, Maryland

North Chili, New York (near Rochester)

New Johnsonville, Tennessee

Kenova, West Virginia

Helena, Montana

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Venice, Florida

Grinnell, Iowa

Piedmont, Alabama

Auburn, Washington (near Seattle)

Elk Grove Village, IllinoisHere 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