Kassi's Creations

tutorial sneak peek...

2012-02-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hello all my wonderful friends! I've got a little sneak peek for you today!

I did a lot of playing with my new Picket Fence Distress stain on this to alter this beautifully colorful background into something a little softer. It's actually a lot of fun to work with. (and yes, it is a lot different from my whitewash... both are fabulously fun to work with though.) I also used clear Deliquesce (from CI) and Distress ink to create some fabulous resist swirls.

So... here's the sneak peek... this Saturday's CI tutorial is all about how to make a fabulously different paper. Yup... we're going to make a very textured paper that is flexible, and tons of fun! We'll be making the butterfly you see on this card, but so much can be done with this paper!!!

Are you excited yet? I know I am!

See you then!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: Prima, kraft

Stamps: Stampendous "Hydrangea", Fancy Pants "Pollen Dust", Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18" & "Cupcake Wishes", Inkadinkado "Letter"

Ink: VersaMark, Distress (Picket Fence stain, Frayed Burlap, Victorian Velvet, Walnut Stain), All Purpose ink (Blue Bayou, Celadon)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Paint (Autumn Wheat), Deliquesce (Clear, Black), Metallic Inspirations (Fuchsia)

Others: ribbon, tissue paper, string

bright and cheerful...

2012-02-22T19:32:00.004-08:00

Hello all my fabulous friends!

You know, there is something about being sick that makes you realize just how wonderful it is to not be sick. LOL!

In light of that, a bright cheerful card seemed to be in order.

The orange background was done of kraft paper. I started by stamping the swirls with VersaMark and heat embossing with clear embossing powder. I then painted over it with colored gesso. After that was dry, I used an iron to melt off the embossing... It doesn't come off perfectly, so you are left with a distressed look... I'm loving this technique! For a little more color variation, I also streaked some Picket Fence Distress Stain over the top.

The window is cut directly through the front of the card. I then lined up the stamped image on the inside so it would match up.

The image was stamped on watercolor paper, and colored using distress inks and water. When watercoloring with distress inks (or any watercolor things), using watercolor paper makes a huge difference. It makes blending SO much easier, and it doesn't buckle or peel.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: white, kraft, watercolor

Ink: VersaMark, Distress (Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick, Brushed Corduroy, Walnut Stain, Dried Marigold, Dusty Concord, Stormy Sky, Peeled Paint, Picket Fence), Powder Puff (Mocha Mama), Archival (Coffee), MarkIt (Tuxedo Black)

Stamps: Inkadinkado "Sketch Flourishes", Glitz "Distressing", Penny Black "Touch of Whimsy", TPC Studio "Woodland Whimsy"

Dies: Spellbinders "Labels 18"

Others: embossing powder, rhinestones

a key to the cage...

2012-02-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

Hello my wonderful friends!

I hope you have all been having a fabulous week.

I probably should be doing inventory right now, but instead, I thought I'd share a quick project with you. =)

I have a jar sitting in my studio window that is filled with keys. Some of the keys are to cars and houses that are no longer mine... other, we collected from my grandparents home when we were getting ready to sell. Most I have no idea what they go to. It's fun to give them a new purpose in my crafting...

This card was really an experiment with visual layering. The clock was done with a mask and gesso. I then layered a bunch of different stamps from a bunch of different companies. I don't usually layer all these stamps like this, and I wanted to give it a try. It's really fun to not have to worry about if the image stamped perfectly or if everything is perfectly straight... The angles and imperfections add to the overall look. A great way to just play with a variety of stamps.

I also had some fun with the charms. The birdcage is the same stamp that you can see on the right side of the card. I stamped it on clear Polyshrink plastic with StazOn ink, then I sponged on some Fairy Dust CI paint on the back. After I just cut and shrunk. It's a great way to make custom charms that match your stamped image. (just don't forget to punch a hole for the jump ring before you shrink!).

For the key, I did a base coat in gesso, then I mixed several CI paint colors together to match the color of my card. A jump ring and safety pin attach it to the card. (and yes, it is completely free to dangle. I did however used red liner tape to make sure my raffia was very secure!)

Well, I guess I should go get busy with what I'm supposed to be doing. LOL!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: white cardstock, kraft

Ink: StazOn (Timber Brown), Archival (Coffee), Distress (Weathered Wood, Gathered Twigs, Frayed Burlap, Picket Fence)

Stamps: Inkadinkado "Letter", Basic Grey "Swirlies" & "Aviary", Tim Holtz "Nature Elements" & "Odds and Ends", Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Fairy Dust, Mocha Latte, Sky Blue, Winter Frost

Other: Tim Holtz mask, Perfect Pearls, Polyshrink, raffia, jump rings, safety pin, gesso

gesso, meet shimmer...

2012-02-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my fabulous friends!

I love gesso. There, I admitted it... (isn't that the first step???). I have been having so much fun the last week or so with gesso. I guess I don't use it like it is technically "supposed" to be used, but really, what fun is it to stick to the rules? LOL!

I've been playing with several techniques, and I thought I would share one with you today... For those of you who know me well, I love to stock up on white things and alter them to the colors that I want them... Well, paper is no different for me. You can get a cheap pack of white cardstock at an office supply type store and alter away without breaking the bank! (For those of you who know paper, I do realize that there are major differences in qualities of paper, and that the cheap stuff isn't high quality, but it works just fine for this.)

That being said... remember yesterday's card?

Here's how to do the background I used...

Step 1: Scoop out some gesso onto a mixing tray (or what ever you want to mix it in).

*gesso can be found in the fine arts section of craft stores... in with the canvases, oil paints, etc*

Step 2: Here is where we break the rules of what is "supposed to be used". Technically acrylic gesso is supposed to be tinted with acrylic paint. So, instead we're going to color it with Creative Inspirations paint. =) Add some paint, and stir. Add more if needed to get the desired color. This works best if you start with a darkish CI color. Because you are mixing the paint into an opaque white, the color will end up lighter.

Step 3: Paint your cardstock. If you don't want any streaks of white to show through, you will need to do more than one coat. I don't mind the distressed look of one coat... after all, we'll be distressing it more in a minute.

Step 4: Let cardstock dry completely. Yes, you can use a heat gun to speed this up. It is important that it is completely dry though. You will notice that it dries a little darker than it looks when wet. It has a nice chalky finish, but very little, if any shimmer. (and since we used CI paints not only for the color, but the shimmer, we need to fix that!)

Step 5: With a sanding block or disposable nail file, sand the surface. The more you sand, the more distressed the final paper will look, but the more shimmer you'll have. You are in control of how much you do!

Step 6: Wipe off all the paint dust with a slightly damp rag. You can see at this point if you need more sanding or not.

And look, you can see the shimmer! It is a lot more subtle than if you just painted the CI paints directly on, so it is a great way to get a little bling without overdoing it.

Here's how I used the background you just saw me make...

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: white cardstock

Stamps: TPC Studio "Secret Garden Collage", Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18" & "Small Fancy Labels 3"

Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink (Picket Fence, Aged Mahogany, Seedless Preserves), Archival (Jet Black), MarkIt (Plumtastic Purple)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Plum, Deliquesce Clear

Dies: Spellbinders "Labels 18"

Other: ribbon, gesso

black button dilemma...

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day (for those of you who celebrate it), and happy Tuesday (to all those who don't).

For a long time, I have loved the oversized swirl stamps (like Fancy Pants makes), because of how versatile they are. They work well with small projects like cards, and large things like scrapbook LO. It's not easy to find the large scale stamps though...

However, I recently came across Stampendous Jumbo flower stamps and I think I'm in love! I need to get me more of these!

This card features the "Hydrangea" stamp... I love how big it is! And it's scale is wonderful for LOs!

This is something fun I've been playing with... It is a mixture of gesso and Creative Inspirations Paint. You have to work with it somewhat to get the shimmer to show, but you end up with a soft matte finish (kinda like a chalkboard) with a subtle shimmer that is beautiful! (and really great to stamp on!!!)

Isn't it funny how you can have a huge stash of something yet you never seem to have what you need? I went through my stash of buttons but couldn't come up with 3 buttons that were the same size, shape, and color to work with this card. So, I went to plan B and made some. I used the Martha Stewart button punch on some clear Polyshrink plastic (also known as Shrinky Dink plastic). Once they were heated and shrunk, I painted the back with some CI paint. Perfect!

ok, I should go get something highly productive done (LOL!)...have a wonderful day everyone!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: white cardstock

Ink: Archival (Jet Black), Memento (London Fog), Colorbox (Frost White), VersaMark

Stamps: Stampendous "Hydrangea", Basic Grey (Swirly), Inkadinkado "Letter", Fancy Pants "Pollen Dust"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Rose Quartz, Coal

Other: Martha Stewart button punch, Polyshrink, Websters Pages flower, ribbon, gesso, embossing powder, gesso

IBS feb release day...

2012-02-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping release day party blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, I'm glad to see you again!

Today is the official release day for the February stamp sets and new flowers! I'm so excited! Make sure you stop by all the dt blogs for tons of inspiration, the go shopping here!

*I have lots of projects to share, and since I know you've got lots of blogs to hop through, I won't overload you with a bunch of close ups or in depth descriptions of techniques.. if you have any questions, just ask in the comments or send me an email. =) *

First up we have this...

Doing masculine cards can be tough for me... However, I think these stamps work nicely for it, don't you? The phrase is from the new Inspired by Stamping "Cupcake Wishes". As much as I personally love the swirly fonts, it is nice to have some greetings that are a little less frilly. The frame is from the new Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18". And do you recognize the balloons? They are cut out hot air balloons (minus the baskets) from "The Sky's the Limit".

Next...

This small gift tag is the perfect size to slip inside a gift bag. I stamped the frame from the Inspired by Stamping "Small Fancy Labels 3" set right on the folded edge of the cardstock. I then fussy cut it out to form a shaped card. The phrase is part of a stamp from the new Inspired by Stamping "Friends" set. And the flower... I'm thrilled to say will be carried by Inspired by Stamping.... You can get just the "Dark Pink Flowers" or you can get a mixed bag of these cute roses in various colors!

and moving on...

Another sample using the amazing new Inspired by Stamping "Sweet Aviary" set. I love the vine and the birds! They make such cute borders! The phrase (which works perfectly, don't you think?) is from "The Sky's the Limit"

and finally...

This is a post-it note holder. It opens up and has a 3x3 post-it note pad inside. Isn't the phrase perfect for this? =) The phrase is from the new Inspired by Stamping "Friends" set, and the cute little underscore design is from the new Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18"

Wow! Awesome stamps and flowers being released this month! Don't forget to visit the other team members' blogs for more sneak peeks!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Susie Moore

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used today

Paper: white cardstock, SEI, Coredinations, Basic Grey, Little Yellow Bicycle, kraft

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Friends", "Sweet Aviary", "Small Fancy Labels 3", "Fancy Labels 18", "Cupcake Wishes", "The Sky's the Limit"

Ink: Memento, All Purpose, Distress, VersaMark, Archival

Dies: Spellbinders "Labels 18"

IBS flowers: Dark Pink flowers

Others: gesso, Tim Holtz mask, ribbon, glitter, rub-on, string, Perfect Pearls, Fiskars punch

IBS feb sneak peeks #2...

2012-02-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, I'm glad to see you again!

Today and tomorrow, the DT for Inspired by Stamping have created fabulous sneak peek projects to get you all excited and inspired. Saturday we'll have our release day party and announce all of the fabulous new sets and flowers... YAY!!!! (Since I was only given some of them to work with, you'll want to hop through all the blogs to get a sneak peek at them all!)

First up...

This polka dotted purple card features the new Inspired by Stamping "Cupcake Wishes" (phrase), and "Fancy Labels 18" (frame). I love the phrase! The font is beautiful, don't you think? (don't mind the imperfect stamping on this one... it is a very textured background, the stamp is perfect!)

Next...

This vintage-y beauty features the new Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18" (the frame and the border), and an old favorite "Butterfly Wings" (the phrase). I love the border stamp on this. It can be stamped continuously, and you can stamp it back to back like I did here for a different look! I love stamps that can be used in so many ways!

Moving on...

Simple and bright... just thing thing to cheer someone up... and the phrase... sweet and beautiful! It is from the new Inspired by Stamping "Friends" set. These stamps are great! This is stamped on canvas, and it still stamps beautifully!

Ok... next up...

I love the new Inspired by Stamping "Sweet Aviary"! Aren't those branches beautiful??? And the birds and cages.... *sigh* it's fabulous! The phrase is from "Butterfly Wings", but everything else on this card is "Sweet Aviary". Lovely!

And finally (for today...)

Simply elegant... The tag is embossed with silver embossing powder using the new Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18", and the phrase from "The Sky's the Limit". I then used the matching Spellbinders "Labels 18" die to cut it. Quick and easy, but takes your gift wrapping to a whole new level! And that rose on the bow? You guessed it... Inspired by stamping will be carrying them! BEAUTIFUL! It's called "Shabby Pink Flower"

Don't forget to visit the other team members' blogs for more sneak peeks!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Susie Moore

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used today...

Paper: white cardstock, kraft, tissue paper, chipboard, Coredinations

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18", "Small Fancy Labels 3", Sweet Aviary", Cupcake Wishes", "Friends", "Butterfly Wings", "The Sky's the Limit'

Ink: Archival, Colorbox, VersaMark, Distress, All Purpose, StazOn

Dies: Spellbinders "Rose Creations"

IBS flowers: White Curly Flowers, Medium Daisies, Medium Puff Daisies

Other: ProvoCraft "Forest Branches" embossing folder, embossing powder, gesso, ribbon, coffee filter, Stickles, Perfect Pearls, modeling paste, string

Supplies Used today...

Paper: white cardstock, tissue paper, Coredinations, DCWV, kraft

Stamps: "Cupcake Wishes", "Fancy Labels 18", "Small Fancy Labels 3", "Sweet Aviary", "Friends", "Butterfly Wings"

Ink: Distress, All Purpose, VersaMark, MarkIt, StazOn

Creative Inspirations Paint: Burgundy, Silver Frost, Mellow Yellow, Ivory, Antique Silver

Dies: Spellbinders "Labels 18", "Rose Creations"

IBS Flowers: Shabby Pink Flowers

Other: acrylic paint, gesso, modeling paste, embossing powder, Perfect Pearls, ribbon, clay, rhinestones, tiny attachers, canvas, whitewash

IBS feb sneak peek #1...

2012-02-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, I'm glad to see you again!

First up we have this...

This card features the new Inspired by Stamping "Friends"(the phrase), "Small Fancy Labels 3" (the frame), and "Fancy Labels 18" (the very hard to see in the photo edging on the top). You may notice that the stamp "thinking of you" is actually all on one line... but who says you have to stamp it that way? Just ink up one part, stamp, clean the stamp, then repeat with the rest of the stamp. Simple!
Like the flower? Yeah, so do I! And great news... Inspired by Stamping will be carrying them!!! Yay! They are called Large White Curly Flowers and you get 5 for $1.99.

Next...

This bright b-day card features the new Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18" (the frame and the bottom border), "Sweet Aviary" (the birds), and an old favorite "The Sky's the Limit" (the phrase).
"Fancy Labels 18" is designed to fit the Spellbinders "Labels 18" die set. Fabulous, huh! However, you will notice that you don't have to have the die to enjoy this set! I only used the die as a mask for this card.

Moving right along we have...

This pink beauty features the new Inspired by Stamping "Cupcake Wishes" (the phrase) and "Fancy Labels 18" (the frame and the corners). Isn't that a fabulous phrase for so many different occasions? Love it!

Up next...

Love the background??? It was stamped using the new Inspired by Stamping "Sweet Aviary". The tree branch makes a great "off the page" kind of stamp for the edges of things. The phrase is from an older Inspired by Stamping set "Butterfly Wings".

And finally (for today...)

The blue tag and phrase is from the new Inspired by Stamping "Small Fancy Labels 3". This set is designed to fit the Spellbinders "Labels 3" dies... Don't have them? Honestly, neither do I. The simple shape is easy to fussy cut after you've stamped! The butterfly is from "Butterfly Wings".

The flowers on this card are also new ones that will be available through Inspired by Stamping. The are the "Medium Daisies" (inked and folded in fourths), and "Medium Puffy Daisies" (inked and cut apart for leaves).

Wow! Awesome stamps and flowers being released this month! Don't forget to visit the other team members' blogs for more sneak peeks!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Susie Moore

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used today...

Paper: white cardstock, kraft, tissue paper, chipboard, Coredinations

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Fancy Labels 18", "Small Fancy Labels 3", Sweet Aviary", Cupcake Wishes", "Friends", "Butterfly Wings", "The Sky's the Limit'

Ink: Archival, Colorbox, VersaMark, Distress, All Purpose, StazOn

Dies: Spellbinders "Rose Creations"

IBS flowers: White Curly Flowers, Medium Daisies, Medium Puff Daisies

Other: ProvoCraft "Forest Branches" embossing folder, embossing powder, gesso, ribbon, coffee filter, Stickles, Perfect Pearls, modeling paste, string

hydrangea...

2012-02-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to think that I'm cursed... Wednesday I went around a corner too fast and got a lovely bruise on my arm. Thursday I caught my shoe on the edge of the stair and got a lovely bruise on my shin. Today, I dropped the heavy multi-platform from my new Big Shot on my foot and now have a lovely bruise there....

Yesterday was wonderful though...

The sun was shining, I was feeling good, I got my house cleaned, and I got a bunch of stuff done in my studio. It has been a while since I've had such a productive day. It was fabulous!

Here's the only project I can show you right now... (the rest are for DT things and you'll see them soon!)

While at JoAnns last week, I saw this jumbo stamp by Stampendous, and fell in love! Isn't it beautiful!!! There are more jumbo flower stamps that I want, but I picked this one up to start with. This card was just screaming for me to keep it simple. I stamped the image with Distress ink, then used a waterbrush to blend in some Distress ink in the centers of the flowers.

The pearls are Viva Decor Pearl Pen. When I first got the Pearl Pen, I wasn't too impressed... however, I figured out that it was due to user error, and I'm loving it now. =)

Well, I guess I either need to get back to work or go soak in the sun outside... Huh.. tough choice. =)

Here's to hoping that next week will be a lot less painful! =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: kraft, white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Shabby Shutters, Brushed Corduroy)

Stamps: Stampendous "Hydrangea", 3 Bugs in a Rug "Flower Patch"

Other: Viva Decor Pearl Pen, raffia

aged...

2012-01-31T03:11:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone!

As you all know, I have written tons of tutorials for Creative Inspirations Paint... Because of my need to continually have new and interesting ways to use the paint, I get to play a lot and consider it time well spent. =)

Not all of my ideas work the first time, or the second time.... and sometimes not at all. (although the most frustrating are the things I do by accident then can't figure out how to recreate!) A fair number of my experiments never actually make it into a finished project, but this one did. Although it didn't make the cut for my tutorial, I still love how it turned out.

There is so much texture on this baby and it is even more fabulous IRL! A texture was actually what I was playing with for my tutorial, but it didn't end up working how I was envisioning it... I'll have to keep working on it.

Isn't that just the cutest birthday greeting! And it fit perfectly on the Tim Holtz ticket.

Well, off to bed with me I think... since it is 3 am...lol!

Enjoy!

Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: white cardstock, kraft

Ink: Archival (Jet Black), VersaMark, StazOn (Jet Black) Distress Ink (Gathered Twigs, Victorian Velvet, Crushed Olive, Pumice Stone)

Stamps: Tattered Angels "Tattered Traveler Clock", Tim Holtz "Odds and Ends", Fiskars "Aged to Perfection"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Antique Silver

Dies: Tim Holtz "Ticket Strip"

Other: embossing powder, Crackle Accents, ribbon, whitewash, snap, pin, flower

cracking up...

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello all my fabulous friends!

I have recently fallen in love with one of the best painting tools I have ever found... FINGERS. Remember way back when you were a kid and dipping your fingers in pots of color and spreading it around was considered perfectly normal? Well, I don't know why we grow out of it... it is a very effective way of doing things, and it's FUN!

I use my fingers most for antiquing and grunging things up...

So, who's ready to get your fingers messy?

What you need:

paper/chipboard

Crackle Accents (by Ranger)

contrasting colors of CI paint

Step 1: paint your paper or chipboard with Creative Inspirations paint using your favorite technique....

*I used Rustic Red, and Silver Frost*

Step 2: squeeze on some Crackle Accents.

Step 3: spread the Crackle Accents with your finger to cover desired area. The thicker you spread it, the larger the cracks, likewise, the thinner the spread the smaller the cracks will be.

(make sure to wash your hands while the Crackle Accents is still wet... it's a pain to get off otherwise!)

Step 4: As tempting it may be to speed the drying with a heat gun, DON'T. Set it aside to dry naturally. When it is completely dry, you will see the surface covered with cracks. Very fun! You can stop here, but for a more dramatic effect, grab a contrasting color (darker works better)

*I'm using Coal*

Step 5: Once again get those fingers messy and rub the CI paint into the cracks. Your fingers really work best for this! The CI paints clean up with a just a little water, so no worries.

Ste 6: Use a damp rag to wipe off all the extra paint that isn't in the cracks.

Isn't that fabulous??? The shimmer of the CI paints gives a fun twist to the grunge look.

Enjoy!

~Kassi

baby bear...

2012-01-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been so MIA this week.. I've been fighting a migraine. *grrrr*

However, I am very happy to be here today to share a special card for a very special person... (For the parent of the person this was made for, I know you read my blog, so just act surprised when you see it. It's better in person anyway. lol)

It has been a while since I've done a baby card, and I had so much fun with it!

This ADORABLE image is from Penny Black "Make a Wish" stamp set and painted with Distress inks and a water brush.

The texture is modeling paste (colored with CI paint), clear embossing powder, and pressed through a circular plastic canvas. I then painted over the whole thing with a tinted whitewash. The clear embossing powder resists the whitewash, while any areas the powder missed gets tinted. It's kind of a messy look, but I love it!

The ribbon was also colored using Creative Inspirations Paint. I love how easy it is to alter white ribbon to match anything!

Ok... off to get busy with some more exciting projects!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Coredinations, watercolor paper, white cardstock

Ink: Archival (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Victorian Velvet, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Iced Spruce, Pine Needles, Evergreen Bough, Fired Brick)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Sky Blue

Stamps: Penny Black "Make a Wish"

Dies: Quicktuz "Nesting Circles

Other: Modeling paste, whitewash, embossing powder, ribbon

butterfly bubbles...

2012-01-23T00:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Well, after spending last week house bound due to the snow and ice, it will be nice to venture into the city to see if the real world still exists. LOL!

While the weather has made travel difficult, it has given me time in my studio, which is good since I was given a list a few days ago by a family member requesting a bunch of cards for Feb. birthdays and such.

I've been playing with some of my favorite mediums that have been neglected lately, so I thought I would also dig out one of my favorite techniques that I haven't used lately... So here's to bubble wrap!

(I wrote the tutorial a while ago, so if you missed it, here's the link.)

Instead of stamping with CI paints like I did in the tutorial, I used white acrylic paint. While the paint was still wet, I dumped on some white embossing powder and heat set. I then used Green Olive CI to paint the background. The acrylic paint and embossing powder acts as a fabulous resist.

The edges were done by running the edge of the cardstock through an edge distresser, then rubbing on Antique Silver with my finger. I have recently fallen in love with this. Not only do I get my fingers messy, the edges have an almost gilded look. Fabulous!

Another favorite, the butterfly from Inspired by Stamping "Butterfly Wings" set... Stamped on thin plastic and cut out twice. The bottom layer is colored using Alcohol inks.

Notice the tulle? Doesn't it look like a butterfly net? And such great texture! (Man, I love texture!!!)

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Coredinations, Recollections clear plastic, white cardstock

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Butterfly Wings"

Ink: StazOn (Jet Black), Alcohol ink (Wild Plum)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Green Olive, Antique Silver

Other: acrylic paint, embossing powder, rhinestones, string, tulle

a touch of red..

2012-01-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hello all my fabulous friends!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Ready for a little more Valentine inspiration?

This card is again a lovely mix of textures... With layers of gesso, inks, papers and ribbon.

The first layer is gesso and embossing powder with a stencil, then inks, more gesso, and more inks...The texture is a lot better IRL.

I have fallen in love with Tim Holtz "Ticket Strip" die and the coordinating stamp set "Odds and Ends"... This ticket was made from the packaging of a My Mind's Eye paper pack. Why waste a fabulous pattern on a glossy card stock? lol

ok, it's late, I should get to bed. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Use

Paper: Die Cuts with a View, My Mind's Eye, white cardstock

Ink: All Purpose Ink (Red Delicious), Smooch Spritz (Cherry Ice), StazOn (Jet Black) Mark-it (Tuxedo Black)

Stamps: Tim Holtz "Odds and Ends"

Dies: Tim Holtz "Ticket Strip"

Other: flowers, faux pearls, ribbon, embossing powder

sleep deprived, but happy...

2012-01-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I had good intentions of having a post up yesterday, but I found myself, instead, spending most of the day in a horizontal position trying to pretend I don't exist, and therefor my migraine didn't exist either. Pretending I don't exist really doesn't make the headache go away, but I had to do something with my time...

An interesting thing about my migraines is that although I am physically, and emotionally drained after they are over, and you would think I would be able to crawl into bed and sleep for 24 hours straight, it kinda does the opposite... it really messes with my sleep patterns.

(yes, I'm rambling, but hey, I'm exhausted!)

So, while every other rational and normal human was asleep at unspeakably early hours of the morning, I was busy with this...

This is such a hands-on card! So many layers and yummy textures! One of those "get your hands good and messy" mixed media projects that I love.. It was blissful happiness dipping my fingers in paint and just creating!

The hot air balloon was done in layers. The bottom layer is a patterned paper that I fussy cut the balloon out of. Next come a sheet of clear plastic that I stamped the balloon on with StazOn ink. This gives me all the fine details of the ropes without covering up the background between them. On top of that is a layer of Crackle Accents by Ranger. Isn't that an awesome effect!!!

And the actual background... my favorite part! I started by making a stencil using my Cricut and Gypsy. After that, it's layers of modeling paste, gesso, embossing powder, inks, and Creative Inspirations Paints. I rubbed on the CI paint with my fingers to really highlight the texture.

I'm definitely going to be making more of these backgrounds! So much fun!

Well, enough of me yapping. LOL

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Teress Collins, My Minds Eye, Recollections clear plastic, white cardstock

Ink: All Purpose ink (Blue Bayou, Sky Mist), Distress ink (Pumice Stone), StazOn (Jet Black), Archival (Jet Black), VersaMark

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "The Sky's the Limit", Tim Holtz "Odds and Ends"

Creative Inspirations: Antique Silver, Denium

Cricut: Storybook

Dies: Tim Holtz "Ticket Strip"

Other: modeling paste, embossing powder, gesso, Crackle Accents, Perfect Pearls, string

IBS January release day party...

2012-01-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, thank you so much for your support!!!

Well, today is the big release day! Have you checked out all the fabulous new sets?!! If not, click here. To order, click here.

And make sure to visit all the blogs today for more fabulous inspiration!

The first stamp I used from the set "Touched by an Angel" is fairly obvious... I stamped it on the back of some velvet flocked paper and fussy cut it... (I actually ended up doing that several times before I was happy with color combos...yeah, it would be nice if I was better at planning things out, but then I guess I would miss the creative journey. lol!)

However, did you spot the second stamp I used?

Probably not because it is hard to see... I love the little details though! I stamped the hearts over and over on tissue paper strips with clear embossing ink. I then heat embossed them and painted over them with a mix of glaze, Distress re-inker, and Perfect pearls. I then layered all the tissue strips for a ruffly background.

Ok... funny story with this one... I was trying to do this when the power was out. I sponged on a layer of Ivory Creative Inspirations Paint for the white background, but it's not so easy to see cream on white by candle light. LOL! I figured I had just wasted the paper because it wasn't looking all that good, so I started playing with the paper and candle flame... (can we say pyro?) When the power finally came back on, I looked at the paper and was surprised that you can still see the shimmer on the charred areas! I decided to use it in my project after all. =)

*note: please be careful when playing with fire. I did have water at my finger tips, as well as a non-flamable surface to work on.

Be sure to visit the other DT blogs to see more fabulous projects made with the newly released stamp sets!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Susie Moore

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: White cardstock, tissue paper, velvet paper

Ink: VersaMark, Distress ink (Victorian Velvet, Walnut Stain), Alcohol ink (Cranberry, Shell Pink)

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Touched by an Angel"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Ivory

Other: embossing powder, ribbon, clasp, feathers, Perfect Pearls, glaze

IBS January sneak peek #2...

2012-01-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, I'm glad to see you again!

Don't forget that I only have 1 of the soon to be released sets, so make sure you hop through all the blogs to see all the sneak peeks! Also, tomorrow is the big release day party! You'll be finally be able to see all the fabulous stamps in each of the yummy sets!

Isn't this little guy sweet? I did a couple different layers of embossing powders here for lots of fabulously vintage-y texture. It looks so much better IRL than I could capture in a photo!

Want to know something cool? This entire card was made out of cheap white cardstock!

The background for this card was also made using a single stamp from this set. I stamped the phrase over and over with clear embossing ink. then covered it with clear embossing powder. I applied layers of Distress ink, then used an iron and a scrap of paper to melt off all the embossing powder. Because these are clear stamps, I was then able stamp directly over one of the ghost images to highlight the saying in black. Don't you love it when your stamps can do more than one thing!

Be sure to visit the other DT blogs to see more fabulous projects made with the soon to be released stamp sets!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Susie Moore

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Iced Spruce, Gathered Twigs, Mahogany), VersaMark, Perfect Medium

Stamps: Inspired By Stamping "Touched by an Angel"

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Ovals"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Tan

Other: embossing powder, ribbon, nail heads

IBS January sneak peek #1...

2012-01-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, I'm glad to see you again!

Today and tomorrow, the DT for Inspired by Stamping have created fabulous sneak peek projects to get you all excited and inspired. Saturday we'll have our release day party and announce all of the fabulous new sets! (Since I was only given 1 to work with, you'll want to hop through all the blogs to get a sneak peek at them all!)

Here's a close up of 2 of the stamps from my set.. the phrase (which I love!), and the cute little hearts. I stamped the hearts in a color that was just slightly darker than the paper, then covered them in a thin layer of Crackle Accents (by Ranger) to give them a crackled and aged look while keeping the tone-on-tone.

I used my favorite trick of colorizing white things by painted the tulle, and dyeing the ribbons. After all, any little girl as cutely dressed as this one needs ribbons and bows!

The flowers were cut out of old book paper, then painted with various colors of Creative Inspirations paint for a fabulous shimmery color!

Recognize this stamp? It's from the last release "The Sky's the Limit". It fit perfectly in this little ticket that I cut out of some patterned paper. I love how all the sets from Inspired by Stamping work so well together!

Be sure to visit the other DT blogs to see more fabulous projects made with the soon to be released stamp sets!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Susie Moore

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Die Cuts With a View, old book pages, white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Brushed Corduroy, Antique Linen), StazOn (Jet Black, Archival (Jet Black), Alcohol ink (Ginger, Gold Additive), All Purpose Ink (Sand), VersaMark

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Touched By an Angel", "Butterfly Wings", & "The Sky's the Limit"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Fairy Dust, Tan, Chocolate, Autumn Wheat

Dies: EKSuccess punches, Quickutz flowers

Cricut: Accents Essentials, Serenade

Other: Perfect Pearls, Crackle Accents, faux pearls, tulle, ribbon, coffee filter, embossing powder

a little treat...

2012-01-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Today I have a quick and simple Valentines Day gift...

Simply fill a small bag with goodies and add a topper for a handmade feel!

These make great party favors or sweet treats for friends!

For my topper, I used canvas as my background. I stamped and heat embossed the swirl onto the canvas, then sprayed on Distress ink (fill a small mister with water and reinker). The embossed area will resist the ink leaving a fantastic design! I then die cut and stamped a ticket using Tim Holtz die and stamp. (isn't it adorable???).

The pin holding the ticket is a regular quilter's pin that I altered. Simply roll the head in clear embossing ink, then dip in embossing powder. Heat it up, and you have a beautiful custom pin! (If you want to put something on the end to keep it in place, you can pick up clear plastic earring backs in the beading section of craft stores. )

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the first day of January Sneak Peeks for Inspired by Stamping!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Die Cuts with a View, white cardstock

Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black), VersaMark, Distress Ink (Victorian Velvet, Tattered Rose)

Stamps: Tim Holtz "Odds and Ends", Basic Grey "Swirlie"

Dies: Tim Holtz "Ticket Strip", Martha Stewart Butterfly punch

Other: Glossy Accents, Perfect Pearls, string, canvas, pin, embossing powder

love you deer...

2012-01-10T01:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday!

It's getting that time of year when we need to start thinking of Valentine's Day cards... I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, but for those who are, I've got some projects to share this week. =)

I was asked to create some fun cards for the little ones in my family, so this is the first one... It's been a while since I have used the Cindy Loo Cricut cart, and I thought it would be perfect for a light hearted cute Valentine's Day card.

the hearts were stamped with a background grid pattern by Kaisercraft, then painted with Creative Inspirations Paint "Rustic Red". I love how easy it is to alter plain white cardstock and make it a perfect personalized addition to any project!

I'll be back tomorrow with more fun stuff!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: My Minds Eye, Bazzill, kraft, white cardstock

Ink: Powder Puff (Midnight Confession, Mocha Mama), MarkIt (Tuxedo Black), Archival (Coffee), VersaMark

Stamps: Kaisercraft "Grid", 3 Bugs in a Rug "Flower Patch", Basic Grey "Swirlie"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Rustic Red

Cricut: Cindy Loo, Calligraphy Collection

Other: Doodlebug flocking, acrylic paint, embossing powder

the art of mess making...

2012-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

There is something wonderfully freeing and fun about getting messy... I mean sticky, gooey, can't touch anything without sharing the love messy! If you haven't done it recently, I highly recommend it. =)

Here's my get messy project...

String art is nothing new... In fact it goes way back, and I've been meaning to give it a go for a while now. I finally pulled out the supplies and got messy. Let's just say I'm addicted! I've already convinced my Mom that she "needs" a bunch of these added to her front room decor. =)

I plan on doing a full tutorial (cuz you know how much I LOVE sharing the "how-tos" of my art!!!), but I want to experiment with a few ideas first so I can bring the best things into the tutorial. I'm so excited!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

sending sunshine...

2012-01-06T12:28:00.001-08:00

I had power last night! However, more storms are headed my way, so we'll see what the next few nights have in store for me. =)

In honor of the rain here, I've pulled out one of my favorite rain images from Crafter's Companions...

This cute little rainy girl was colored in using distress inks and a water brush.. the orange is Ripe Persimmon, and the purple is Seedless Preserves.. both from the fall seasonal stack.. aren't they yummy?

The background was double embossed.. first dry embossed then heat embossed.. I was trying an experiment, and although it didn't come out exactly how I envisioned it, I still like it.

This is the greeting inside the card. The sun (American Crafts) was stamped with Sunshine Creative Inspirations Paint, and the saying is from Inspired By Stamping "The Sky's The Limit" set that just came out last month.

Well, off to go check if my string is dry yet...

Enjoy!
~Kassi

Supplies Used
Paper: White Cardstock, Watercolor paper, Bazzill
Ink: Archival Ink (Jet Black), StazOn (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Ripe Persimmon, Seedless Preserves, Gathered Twigs, Frayed Burlap, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Shabby Shutters, Pumice Stone, Victorian Velvet, Tattered Rose)
Stamps: Crafter's Companion "After the Rain", American Crafts "Laughter", Inspired By Stamping "The Sky's The Limit"
Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Ovals" & "Nesting Circles"
Creative Inspirations Paint: Sunshine
Other: Provo Craft "Polka Dots" embossing folder, embossing powder, faux pearls, Glossy Accents, string

candlelight...

2012-01-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well, last night the wind took our power out for the second time this week...

I had just decided to spend some good solid time in my studio and get several projects done when everything went dark. Figures. lol!

So after gathering up candles, matches, and flashlights, I decided to try the old fashioned way of crafting... by candlelight.

As much fun as I had, I must say I wasn't overly productive. I guess we'll see if we have power tonight or not. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

a little mud...

2012-01-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year every one!

How about a little humor to start the year out?

Little Mr. Doodles here was riding his trike when he decided to take a little shortcut. He cut the corner and found himself stuck in the mud... When he got off his trike, he did a fabulous butt plant in the super squishy mud. He really didn't want his photo taken, but his mom couldn't resist snapping a few. =)

The sign post was cut out of grunge paper on my Cricut. I wasn't so sure exactly how well it would really work, but it cut beautifully! A little ink and embossing powder gives it texture and color. I typed up the journaling and printed it on a transparency and layered in between the layers of grunge paper.

Ok, between the wind and the rain outside, I've had some light flickering... Guess I should hop off the computer for a while. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: My Minds Eye, DCWV, Coredinations, Grunge Paper, acetate, white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Weathered Wood, Fired Brick, Antique Linen, Walnut Stain, Brushed Corduroy, Iced Spruce, Soot Black), Alcohol Ink (Ginger, Cranberry), Memento (Tuxedo), Powder Puff (Midnight)

Stamps: Inspired By Stamping "The Sky's the Limit"

Cricut: Christmas, Alphalicious

Other: embossing powder, eyelets, rhinestones, acrylic paint, string

a new year's gift...

2011-12-31T00:30:00.000-08:00

It's been a while! I've had a wonderful holiday with my family, and I'm excited to be back in my art studio and getting back to blogging!

So, who's ready for 2012? (wow, really??? YIKES!)

As my gift to you, I wanted to share not just one technique today, but several! How's that for fun?

ewww... I just realized there is something sticky on my computer screen... yuck!

(Sorry, I'm getting sidetracked..)

Ok, back to the creativenesses...

First up, we have tissue ribbon...

For those of you who haven't been around here long enough, I LOVE altering white things with CI paints. It's SO much easier than storing a billion colors of everything just to realize that you still don't have the right color! Another thing about me is that I love using everyday things that are both inexpensive and easy to find. So let's start today with that tissue paper you may have laying around after wrapping those Christmas gifts.

Step 1: Cut tissue paper into strips (it is easies to just leave it folded like it comes in the package and cut through all the layers. They are thin, so you shouldn't have a problem.) You can use scissors, decorative edged scissors, or a paper trimmer. The width is up to you and what you want to use it for. I think I cut mine at 1-1.5 inches.

Step 2: Tape your strip down to a non-stick craft sheet.

(I promise this makes it SO much easier!)

Step 3: Paint your tissue strip with your choice of Creative Inspirations Paint. The tissue does get soft when wet, so be careful so it doesn't rip.

Step 4: If you want, you can stamp your tissue strip too. I like using small background textures for this, but be creative!

Once it is completely dry (including the ink) carefully remove it from the craft sheet. The tape won't come off of the tissue, so you will need to tear or cut it off, so if you are doing a specific length, keep that in mind.

Now that you have this fabulous tissue strip, what can you do with it? Well, you can use it as a border strip, you can pleat it, you can do all sorts of stuff with it... Here's a couple of my favorite ways...

First up, the ruffled rosette...

Step 1: Score a 1x12 inch strip of paper evert 1/4 inch. Scoreboards really help with this, but you can do it without. You can also buy dies that cut the strip and score it for you...

Step 2: Run a thin strip of dry adhesive along one edge of you paper, and attach your tissue strip, gathering slightly as you go.

Step 3: Fan fold your strip.

Step 4: glue ends together so you have a circle.

Step 5: put a circle of hot glue on your craft mat, and force your ring to gather and lay flat on the glue with the paper on the inside. Once cool, you can add brad or other decorative element to the center to cover the hole and glue.

Another favorite way to use the tissue strips is by making flowers with them....

Step 1: Gather the first little bit of the strip along one edge, and pinch.

Step 2: Continue gathering the edge into a circle. Keep the center pinched tight. Continue gathering and turning until the flower is as full as you like...

(I promise the hardest part is just getting it going. Once you've got it going, it's quick easy!)

Step 3: Staple the center. I like using Tim Holtz tiny attacher because the staple is... well, tiny.

Step 4: Fluff the layers and add some ink around the edges for definition.

Step 5: Add a center to cover the staple.

Well, if you're still with me, you are awesome! I know this is a long post, but I have one more technique to share... This one starring the new Deliquesce embossing powders we carry here at CI.

Step 1: Cover paper with plastic canvas (or any other stencil type thing you wish) and use a palette knife to spread on some modeling paste (also known as texture paste depending on the brand). You can carefully make sure each square is filled perfectly, or you can just randomly smear some paste on and let it be imperfect.

Step 2: Carefully remove your plastic canvas. Don't let it slide, you want it to lift straight off. You may need to persuade it a bit though.

Step 3: Cover it completely with Deliquesce powder. I'm using the Gold Crystals (which may well be my favorite one!)

Be sure to do this over a scratch paper so you can pour the excess back in the jar for future use.

Step 4: Shake off the excess, and heat. The heat will not only melt the powder, it will cause the paste to bubble. This give you FABULOUS texture!!!

Isn't that a fun background???

Someone even asked me if I had glued on a bunch of tiny gems... LOL! I may be crazy enough to do that, but this is SO much simpler! =)

Happy new year every one! May it be one full of happiness and wonder!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

happy holidays...

2011-12-23T00:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

I'll be back soon with more crafty goodness, but for the moment, I've got family in town. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

transferred...

2011-12-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

Looking for a way to use up some of your favorite scraps? How about making them into transparencies?

Here is a simple transfer technique using clear packing tape... you know, that big roll of clear tape you had to buy to mail your Christmas packages? Go grab it, and let's get creating!

Step 1: stick a strip of clear packing tape onto your patterned paper, and burnish. (rub your finger over it to make sure it is smooth and firmly stuck to your paper)

Step 2: Let your tape and paper strip soak in warm water for a few minutes.

Step 3: Using the pad of your finger, rub the paper off the tape. (Don't scrape it off, or you will scratch your transferred image)

you want to make sure you get off all the paper pulp. This can take some time... just keep working with it... You can see in the image above that there is still pulp to rub off.

Step 4: Place tape sticky side up on a paper towel, and let air dry. (don't pat it with the paper towel, or you will get paper towel fuzz stuck to the tape and have to scrub it again... yes, me and my genius self did that. LOL)

Step 5: When your tape is completely dry, you'll find that the tape is sticky again. So, of course, you've got to dump glitter on it, right? =)

Step 6: place a piece of paper over your tape and glitter mess, and rub. This will help get the glitter nice and stuck on the tape.

Uncover your tape, shake off the extra glitter, and you have a beautiful tape transparency of your patterned paper! Attach with a dry adhesive glitter side down for a shiny image with the glitter trapped underneath (yay for no loose glitter falling off!)

These tapes are fabulous little accents for detailed projects as well as simple ones! And they are such a fun way to breath new life into those old scraps!

For this little tag, I simply attached a strip near the edge, sent it through my sewing machine (yup, it went through just fine), stamped the sentiment and added some bling. Quick yet festive!

And it's so sparkly!

(if you don't want the sparkle look, just don't put glitter on it. You can use the stick of the tape to adhere it to your project instead.)

You can also do this with printed embellishments, images and photos... Just make sure that you either print them with a laser printer, or go to a copy store and have them make a copy for you.

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Basic Grey, white cardstock

Ink: StazOn (Jet Black)

Stamps: Inkadinkado "Holiday Filigree"

Creative Inspirations: Jeweled Inspirations (Siam)

Other: glitter, packing tape

quick tag...

2011-12-20T00:49:00.000-08:00

Well, as usual, I've found myself in need of last minute Christmas things...

So, here is a super quick gift tag...

I was able to make a bunch of these fairly quickly. The slowest part was waiting for the crackle accent to dry.

The ornament was made by first layering strips of tissue tape on a scrap of white cardstock. I then die cut some circles. After covering them with Crackle Accents, I set them aside to dry. While they were drying, I put a strip of foil tape on another scrap of cardstock, and cut the tops out. A jump ring makes a quick loop for the top. Once dry (well, ok, I was too impatient to wait for them to be completely dry), I attached them to very simple tags. It give it a vintage-y feel.

Well, off to get more stuff done before family gets here. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Walnut Stain)

Stamps: SEI "Mimosa"

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Circles"

Other: string, jumpring, Crackle Accents, tissue tape, foil tape

textured...

2011-12-17T01:53:00.000-08:00

For those of you who hopped around with the CI team yesterday, I hope you had lots of fun and were inspired! For those of you who may have missed it, you still have some time to complete the hop and be entered for the prize pack drawing! Start HERE. You have until Sunday Dec. 18 at 6pm eastern time to enter! Good luck!

Now, for today's project... It's been a while since I played with modeling paste. I pulled it out to work on an up coming tutorial, and had so much fun with it that I just kept creating. =)

The textured background was made with modeling paste and embossing powder. I used some plastic canvas as a stencil for the paste, then covered it with embossing powder. When you heat it, the embossing powder melts, and the paste bubbles... you get a lot of really neat texture!

I wanted my greeting to match the card, so I die cut a white oval and covered it with several layers of the same embossing powder I used for the background. While the powders were still hot, I pressed my inked greeting onto it... Because I stamped it while the things were hot, the greeting is slightly debossed. I love the look!

Well, I probably should be getting busy doing something highly productive... I can't believe how close Christmas is!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Coredinations, white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Iced Spruce, Brushed Corduroy), StazOn (Jet Black), Archival Ink (Coffee), VersaMark

Stamps: TPC Studio "Secret Garden Collage"

Creative Inspirations Paint: Fairy Dust

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Ovals"

Other: embossing powder, modeling paste, tulle, foam mounting squares

CI holiday hop...

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Creative Inspirations Paint Holiday Blog Hop!

If you came here from Gini's blog, then you're in the right place. If you just started on my blog, jump on over to the CI blog so you can collect all the clues. You don't want to miss out on any wonderful inspiration (and your chance at a prize)!

I wanted to really showcase the fabulous shimmer of these paints by keeping my card sweet and simple.

I sponged Ivory CI paint over the whole piece of white cardstock to give it a beautiful shimmer. I love simple it is to get an amazingly elegant look!

One of my favorite ways to use the CI paint is to alter white things. (that way I only have to keep a bunch of white things on hand, instead of trying to buy every color of everything!). The silk flowers and the ribbon were both originally white, but they became a beautiful bright red when I painted them with Garnet CI paint! Perfect for the Christmas season!

Check out the amazing shimmer on that background!

For a little extra texture, I added some larger glitter to the petals of the flowers... However you can still see the beautiful shimmer of the paint behind!

Remember to collect all the letters from each of our blogs for your chance to win the fabulous prize package! My letter is... E

Ok... your next stop is Kendra!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Coredinations, white cardstock

Ink: Archival Ink (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Antique Linen, Forest Moss)

Stamps: Martha Stewart "Patterns", Studio G greeting

Creative Inspirations: Garnet, Ivory

Other: ribbon, silk flowers, glitter, faux pearls

simple color...

2011-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you spend hours working on a project, then decide you really don't like how it looks after all? Yeah... that was me yesterday.

I do, however, have a simple project to share with you today. I was doing some more playing with my watercolor crayons...

I love the watercolor look, and how easy it is to apply different colors to a single image, and it is super easy! Just lightly mist your stamp, color, then lightly mist again, and you're ready to stamp! Now I just "need" to get me more colors of crayons! I feel like a kid who wants the biggest pack of crayons on the shelf. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Paper: Shabby Princess "Festival" digi paper, kraft, white cardstock
Stamps: Glitz "Distressing", "Natures Elements"
Ink: Powder Puff "Mocha Mama"
Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Ovals"
Others: Watercolor crayons, Perfect Pearls, string

chalkboards...

2011-12-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

The other day, while at JoAnns, I saw something that caught my eye...

It's a chalkboard cardstock by Die Cuts with a View...

It is a double sided cardstock with a chalkboard like finish that is very slightly textured. As you can see, the pack contains several colors.

Now, of course, I had to try it!

The first thing I did with it was simply test out how the products I use all the time work on this new surface... I thought I'd share my findings with all of you.

*no one is paying (in money or product) me to write this, I went out to the store and found it and wanted to share. =)*

I chose to work with the black to get a good sense of how light colors work on it...

First up we have a Perfect Pearl mist... On regular white cardstock you get an even coverage of shimmer. On the chalkboard paper, you will notice you get pools of shimmer. I like the effect, but if you are looking for an over all even shimmer, the mist isn't the way to go with this.

Adding shimmer can be done though! Here is a look at 5 colors of Creative Inspirations paint on both white cardstock and the chalkboard. You can see that even the dark Sapphire color shows up beautifully! And the shimmer is fabulous! It does take longer for the paint to dry on the chalkboard. You can use a heat gun to speed up the drying time though.

Speaking of paint... here is white acrylic paint on the bottom and my whitewash on the top. (I left the middle blank for comparison.) They both work beautifully!

On to inks....I didn't bother trying dye inks with this because of their translucent nature, they just don't work on dark backgrounds. I still need to test them on a lighter color chalkboard paper...

Here is a sample of Colorbox pigment inks... I LOVE how beautifully the Frost White shows up! The other colors look great too. (again because of the dark background I'm using, I stayed with lights and brights... on the lighter chalkboard colors you could use the darks.)

And Colorbox chalk inks... (sorry, I forgot to stamp the white paper with the blue ink..) As you can see, some colors work, some just don't work very well... The Orchid Pastel (pink) is amazing though, isn't it!

I had to try out embossing powders... and let me just say they are beautiful! The chalkboard paper just seems to make all of the colors more intense and beautiful! You really notice the difference with the gold. I also like how you can still see the black well, and you can even see the clear one as a fabulous ghost image!

I love the look of dry embossing... This paper did fabulously! The embossing is crisp, and you can gently sand off the raised area for a bright white core. It is a beautiful contrast! Be aware, that deep embossing may cause the surface to "crack" slightly right around the raised edges. You can see that a little at the very top of my image... tiny cracks of white are showing on the edges of the circles. However, a lot of papers will do that, and it doesn't bother me too much.

I also tried it with punches, and found that it was very easy to punch, and the cuts came out looking great!

And, of course, since it is call Chalkboard paper, I had to try chalk.. the chalk wrote on it very smoothly... and YES, you can erase it, just like a chalkboard. =)

Well, as you can tell, I'm enjoying my new chalkboard paper. I'm sure you'll see it pop up in projects in the future.

Enjoy!

~Kassi

masculine...

2011-12-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Have you guys been following Tim Holtz 12 tags? If not, check it out on his blog. Its like taking 12 workshops from him for free!

Anyway, one of his tags (day 9) inspired this project. The whole thing is loaded with embossing powder!

I've known for a long time that my card stash is sadly lacking in the masculine area. So, Tim inspired me to use this double embossed texture for a masculine card. You may recognize that balloon stamp as the one I showcased last week... I promise I'm not trying to over do the balloons, it just fit so well with the compass. =)

The balloon is mounted on chipboard, and some of the clouds are glued on with foam dots for dimension. For a fun touch, I attached the needle of the compass with a smashed brad so it spins. I made the needle out of grunge paper to so it can withstand people (ok, mostly me...) playing with it.

The texture is made by first stamping the images with distress ink on white cardstock. I then covered them with clear embossing powder. After heat embossing, I applied a nice layer of distress ink over the whole piece. I covered this with clear embossing powder too, but instead of just gently shaking the extra powder off, I flicked a bunch off. After heating it, I rubbed Walnut Stain distress ink into the texture. Tim does a great job describing it here

This card is totally grungy, and I had a ton of fun making it!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: White cardstock, Watercolor paper, Chipboard, Grunge Paper

Ink: VersaMark, StazOn (Jet Black), Archival Ink (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Stormy Sky, Pumice Stone, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Antique Linen)

Stamps: Tattered Angels "Tattered Compass", Inspired by Stamping "The Sky's the Limit", Basic Grey "Swirlie"

Other: Perfect Pearls, embossing powder, canvas, rivit, brads

IBS balloon release day party...

2011-12-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired By Stamping December 2011 release day party, welcome! If you enjoy what you see, I hope to see you here more! For those of you who visit me often, I'm so glad to see you here again! Thanks for you support!

The day is finally here where you get to see the whole stamp set I have been working with! Check it out HERE, and you can buy it HERE!

By now you have seen many FABULOUS creations by all the members of the DT... Today I want to share with you a slightly different way of looking at this stamp set. (after all, I love things that can be muli-purposed!)

Let's take a little closer look at those...

Recognize anything?

Yup, the flowers are made up of BALLOONS!

Pretty fun, huh! I'll share a step-by-step at the end of this post for those of you interested in the how-to of it. =)

I hope you have enjoyed our sneak peeks and our party! Don't for get to visit the other DT blogs for more inspiration!

Also, stop by the Inspired By Stamping blog, and you can order this set HERE, and for a very limited time, you can get free shipping by putting BALLOONS in as the online code... Hurry, this offer is only good today and tomorrow!

(scroll down past the supply list for the tutorial!)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: My Minds Eye, Little Yellow Bicycle, white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Walnut Stain, Victorian Velvet, Peeled Paint, Brushed Corduroy, Tumbled Glass, Scattered Straw), MarkIt (Honey Brown), Zig (Pure Brown)

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "The Sky's the Limit", "Butterfly Wings"

Dies: Spellbinders "Label Six"

Other: buttons, faux pearls, string

---------------

Ok.... lets talk balloon flowers!

The first thing you need to notice about this stamp set, is that the balloons are not all the same size... So, you'll need to choose 2 balloons, one bigger than the other, for this technique.

Step 1: Stamp 5 balloons large balloons, and 5 small balloons. Then cut out just the balloon part. You won't need the basket for this. I leave just a little border around the edge. You can then distress and ink the edges if you want.

Step 2: Glue a small balloon on top of every big balloon. Don't put any adhesive too close to the edge of you balloon so you can have more dimension later.

*For added color, add some ink starting at the bottom of the balloon and going up about half way....(you'll see what I mean in a later step)

Step 3: Pinch the just the bottom of the balloon in half and gently roll the widest parts of the balloon to the back.

Step 4: Keeping the bottom pinched, roll the top of the balloon back too... You may need to work it a little, but it is paper, and will do this.

Step 5: Cut a small circle of paper (doesn't have to be perfect, you won't see it. Cover with a strong adhesive, and arrange you petals.

*Notice the ink on the inside... I went back and added that after I had done all my folding, then had to refold all the petals. =)

Step 6: Add a button or jewel to the center to hide the circle and glue.

You can add more shape and dimension by rolling the edges of the smaller balloons away from the larger ones....

Don't forget the leaves though!

Step 7: Stamp and cut out another balloon (any size and pattern). Distress and ink edges as desired.

Step 8: Instead of pinching the bottom of the balloon, pinch the TOP of the balloon, and ad a little glue to hold it in place.

You can now add your leaves to your flowers, and get creating!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

IBS balloons sneak peek (2)...

2011-12-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you stopping by for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome. To those who stop by often, I'm so glad to see you again!

Well, are you ready for more inspiration and sneak peeks? Let's get going then!

My project today features a sentiment stamp from the new IBS set that will be released tomorrow (yay!)

I used my whitewashing technique, tinted with Faded Jeans Distress Reinker (you can find instructions HERE) for both the box and the tag. I heat embossed the sentiment on the tag before whitewashing so I would resist the wash and show up beautifully!

I got the pillow box template HERE. It is a fabulous size to fill with candies, small gifts, or even a gift card!

I whitewashed my box, then ran it though my Cuttlebug with the Polka Dots embossing folder. After, I sanded the raised areas to reveal the kraft core.

The flowers were cut from plain white cardstock and painted with Denium Creative Inspirations Paint for color and shimmer.

Don't forget to check out all the other DT blogs for more great projects!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Lesley Croghan

Susie Moore

Also... don't forget to check back at the Inspired by Stamping blog and leave some blog love there... just sayin' =)

Enjoy!

Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: white cardstock, kraft

Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink (Faded Jeans, Vintage Photo)

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "The Sky's the Limit"

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Oval Scallops"

Cricut: Preserves (the flowers)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Denium

Other: Provo Craft "Polka Dots" embossing folder, lace, beads, embossing powder, whitewash

IBS balloon sneak peek (1)...

2011-12-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

For those of you joining me today for the Inspired by Stamping sneak peek blog hop, welcome! To my usual visitors, I'm glad to see you again!

My project today features a lot of fussy cutting... however, it isn't nearly as tough as it sounds! The hot air balloon was stamped first on the card, then on a piece of chipboard covered with patterned paper. It was simple and quick to cut just the balloon and layer it on top of the first image.

The clouds were also simple, and I do them in batches. I stamped a bunch of clouds on a scrap of watercolor paper with VersaMark ink. I then heat embossed them with white embossing powder. I used Distress ink and an ink blending tool to quickly color all the embossed clouds. To get some color variations and some shimmer, I then sprayed them with tons of Perfect Pearl water. Distress ink does some pretty cool stuff when you add water! Once dry, I cut them all out. I didn't know for sure how many I would be using for this project (I don't do so well with the whole "planning ahead" thing), so, I just made a bunch and keep the extras in a baggie labeled with the color for use on another project.

I think the cloud may just be my favorite stamp from this whole set...

For some added dimension, I tucked one cloud behind the paper pieced balloon, and adhered the front two with foam squares. This is a great way to add dimension to your project without adding too much bulk.

Be sure to visit the other DT blogs to see more fabulous projects made with this fun new stamp set!

Kassi Hulet (you are here)

Kim Score

Lesley Croghan

Susie Moore

Are you excited yet? Want more? Click HERE and leave some blog love for a chance to win this stamp set!!!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: My Minds Eye, white cardstock, watercolor paper, chipboard

Ink: VersaMark, Memento (Tuxedo Black), Distress Ink (Iced Spruce, Victorian Velvet, Gathered Twigs)

Stamps: Inspired By Stamping "The Sky's the Limit"

Other: Perfect Pearls, embossing powder

shell candle...

2011-12-07T14:37:00.001-08:00

Have you ever gone on vacation and collected shells, then get home and have no idea what to do with them? How about making candles!

Simply melt your wax (I used beeswax and aromatherapy oils), place a wick in the shell, and pour some wax in.... For a little added touch, I ran some glue around the edge of the shell and dipped in if glitter. They are fabulous accent pieces and would look adorable on a picnic table!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

color magic...

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

I spent my whole life living in northern Utah. This will be my first Christmas living somewhere where it's too warm for a white Christmas. We are barely dipping below freezing at night, and I'm outside during the day with just a jacket... I'm not a huge fan of cold, but I always loved waking up Christmas morning to a fresh layer of snow...

Instead, I'm making Christmas cards with snowflakes...

I was so inspired by Tim Holtz 12 tags day 5... He used alcohol inks, then stamped with Archival ink. When you quickly dab off the Archival ink, it takes off the alcohol ink too, leaving a ghosted image. It is fabulous! I knew I had to break out my alcohol inks and clear craft plastic and get to work!

I started out doing the same technique, but my snowflakes just weren't turning out well... They just got lost in the color. (I think I need to use bolder stamps)... Since it just wasn't working, I was considering scrapping the idea and doing something else, when an idea hit me, and I had to give it a try!

It worked really well!

Wanna know what I did? If so, read on....

For the first part, you'll need your non porous surface (I'm using craft plastic by Recollections), Alcohol inks (I've got Cranberry, Salmon, and Sandal), and an ink applicator (make sure you are using FELT pads!).

Step 1: Load up your felt as you normally do...

Step 2: Dab the alcohol ink onto your non porous surface (again, like you usually do.)

After a few layers, you will get something like this...

Now, here's where the magic happens!

Step 3: Fill a mini mister with Alcohol Blending Solution.

Step 4: Very lightly spritz the blending solution onto the INKED side of your surface...

Stand back and watch it do it's thing! You can spritz as much or as little as you want to get different effects... try holding the mister closer or farther away...

WARNING: playing with alcohol inks and blending solution is highly addictive. It can even lead to thoughts such as "I should ink EVERYTHING!" and "I need EVERY color!" This is normal, and you have been warned. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used (for card)

Paper: Recollections craft plastic, white cardstock

Ink: Adirondack Alcohol Ink (Steam, Purple Twilight, Aqua, Blending Solution), StazOn (Jet Black)

Stamps: Inkadinkado "Snowflakes"

Other: ribbon, rhinestones, feathers

clean up act...

2011-12-05T12:00:00.001-08:00

As I sat down in my studio today to start working on some DT projects, I realize that I was not only almost out of stamp cleaner, but I was also almost out of my reserve cleaner....

If you go to the store to buy stamp cleaner, you will find a whole slew of different kinds... you have ones for your water based inks, your solvent inks, your clear stamps... the list goes on. I never knew what to get, so I always just used water. After all, most clear stamps just say to use warm tap water and a gentle liquid soap. However, it's not very convenient to always be rushing to the sink, and try to keep stamps from going down the drain. (yes, I have almost lost small stamps that way!)

So, I found this recipe, and it works well for me. (it was a while ago that I found it, so I don't know what blog I got it from... SORRY!)

Stamp Cleaner

2 cups distilled water

2 Tbsp rose water

1 Tbsp Baby Magic body wash

Here's what I do....

I washed out a half gallon milk jug (yay for repurposing!), and use it to mix a double batch of cleaner.

(a funnel makes this SO much easier!)

Put in 2 cups distilled water (distilled water will last longer without growing anything, and is said to be better for archival purposes. It's cheap at most food stores). I then add 4 Tbsp rose water (this can be a little pricey because you get it at health food stores, but it lasts a long time. The rose water is supposed to condition rubber stamps to keep them from drying out, thus extending their life.) Then add the 2 Tbsp Baby Magic hair/body wash. (this acts as your gentle liquid soap, and seems to work with most types of ink.) After that, pour the remaining 2 cups distilled water through your funnel to help wash the baby wash through (its kinda thick stuff). Shake up your jug. You can then pour transfer some into a cheap spray bottle (like the 99 cent travel size) and keep it with your stamps. The rest of the jug can be stored in an out of the way corner of your craft room ready to refill your spray bottle as needed. My double batch lasted me a year, and I stamp A LOT!

Be sure to label your stamp cleaner jug so no one drinks it or uses it for something else. I also have the recipe written on the jug for easy reference.

You can spray this on to a stamp scrubbie, or you can spray it onto cut up, worn out towels and scrub that way. (again, yay for repurposing!)

This cleaner won't keep inks from staining your stamps, but it will clean them. I use this will all kinds of inks and paints on both rubber and clear stamps... It works for me. =)

(however, I have found that nothing beats running warm tap water over the back your stamps when they stop clinging to your blocks... )

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Whitewashing....

2011-12-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

I was asked how I did yesterday's background, so I wanted to take some time today and share... However, while shooting the tutorial, I kept getting all these ideas, so I'll also share a whole bunch of variations and ideas too. =)

*a little background... From the moment I read the announcement of Tim Holtz "Picket Fence Distress Stain, I was in love. I wanted it. However, I haven't seen it in any stores within a 2 hr drive, and I haven't ordered it online yet, so I figured out this technique to make do. I have no idea how the end results compare to the Distress Stain, but that is where I got this idea from.*

I call this Whitewashing...

Step 1: In a re-closable container, mix your whitewash. I use a combination of CHEAP white acrylic paint, and Faux Finish Glaze Base. (I find it near the cheap acrylic paints.) I say to use the cheap kind because they tend to be thinner, which is good for this. I don't have an exact ratio because I think it depends on the paint you are using and the end result you want... start with a 1:1 ratio and test it out. If it is too transparent, add more paint. If it is too opaque, add more glaze base.

*note: you don't have to use white paint. This would work with other colors, but I like to make a large batch of white.. I'll show you what I do for color in a minute.*

Step 2: Stamp your background onto kraft paper. Use a permanent ink that is waterproof. I prefer Ranger Archival Inks. They dry fast and won't smear.

Step 3: Pick up some whitewash with a makeup wedge, and pounce it a couple times to get a thin, even amount on the wedge.

Step 4: Swipe your loaded makeup wedge across your paper. Keep your layers thin. You can always add more later if you want a more opaque look.

Allow to dry, and you are ready to go. Colored inks will show up more vividly when applied over the white (that is what I did yesterday on my card)

OK.. ready for more?

Extra 1

Resist:

After you stamp your background, stamp another image with clear embossing ink, then heat emboss with clear embossing powder. When you apply your whitewash over it, the embossed image will pop!

Extra 2

Color:

I told you I would tell you about color. I just make a large batch of white, then when I want color, I scoop the desired amount of wash onto a plastic dish and mix in some reinker. Here I have added 1 drop of Chipped Sapphire Distress reinker.

You can see the difference between plain kraft, whitewashed kraft, and tinted whitewash on kraft. So many possibilities!

Extra 3

Kraft Core:

Try dry embossing on your whitewashed or tinted kraft paper. Then run an emery board of sand paper gently over the raised areas. You now have a "kraft core" showing through!

Extra 4

Tinted White:

Try doing a tinted wash over white cardstock...This one is a really light tint of Shabby Shutters Distress Ink. If you want a darker tint, just add more reinker.

Extra 5:

White Core

Same as concept as #3 kraft core... except use white cardstock and a tinted wash.

Extra 6:

Tone it Down!

Got a busy/bright/dark paper that you want to tone down? Whitewash it! You can still see the pattern, but it isn't so overwhelming. I actually used 2 layers of wash was for this sample.

This is such a versatile technique! Give it a try and let me know what you think. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

quickie...

2011-12-02T23:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Saturday!

I'll keep this post short and sweet... Here's my card inspired by Tim's 12 Tags day 2

This ended up being a rather quick card I was determined to get this done after a fabulous day of Christmas shopping. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: kraft

Ink: Archival (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Pine Bough, Frayed Burlap), VersaMark

Stamps: Prima "Sheet Music", Inkadinkado "Holiday Filigree

Creative Inspirations: Garnet, Metallic Inspirations (Red)

Other: embossing powder, raffia, acrylic paint

joy...

2011-12-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just have to be different.

I wasn't feeling very inspired to finish up my last few Christmas cards, so I decided that I needed to change things up a bit. Two easy ways of doing that is changing your color scheme (it is amazing how much a different color changes the look and feel of things), and try a new (or perhaps an old neglected) technique.

Although these are not your traditional Christmas colors, they feel very winery and fun to me. They make me happy. =)

As for the technique, I decided to play along with Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas. I really don't need more tags laying around right now, but I do need cards. So, I'm using the inspiration I get from Tim to make a few last minute cards. Since these cards need to fit in the mail, I can't get too bulky, so I'll have to pick and choose what things I take from his tags to my cards.

That said, Tim shares how to do the double embossed background on Tag 1.

I also liked his glittered letters, but I HATE loose glitter falling all over. My solution is encase the glitter. I use a liquid adhesive to cover the letter, then cover with glitter. I also press the glitter down just like Tim says to. However, after my glue has dried, I seal the glitter in with a layer of Glossy Accents. It gives dimension and assures me the recipient will not have an envelope full of loose glitter. =)

You should check out Tim's blog over the next 11 days.. even if you don't want to play along, he is full of great ideas and encourages you to look at thinks a little differently and have fun.

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Coredinations, kraft

Ink: Colorbox Archival (Frosted Plum), Distress Ink (Black Soot, Vintage Photo), VersaMark

Other: Glossy Accents, Perfect Pearls, Provo Craft embossing folder (Snowflakes), Debbie Mum chipboard alphas, embossing powder, glitter

silver and purple...

2011-12-01T02:52:00.001-08:00

Happy December!

(where has the year gone???)

This fun photo just screamed for tilted layers and a little whimsy. I pulled the color scheme directly from the photo. The main colors being tones of gray with just a touch of purple shades. It was a different color scheme than I would normally use, but it was a fun palette to work with.

I talked about this in an earlier post, but... The crown was made by using the negative parts of a die cut as a mask. I used acrylic paint first, then a brushed on a little glue and some glitter. The purple circles are the thin Metallic Accents that you can get here.

The silver dots were one of my "brilliant" 3 am ideas... I used my hole punch to punch out a ton of circles from a red liner tape sheet. I then used some rub on foil. It took forever. Next time, I'll just use glue dots. =)

The butterflies are punched out of a very thin metal sheet by Making Memories (I think). It worked beautifully with the purple and silver color scheme, and if you look close, you can see a little silver butterfly on a shoe in the corner of the photo.

Once again, it is WAY too late for me to be up, so I guess I should get to bed. LOL

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: My Minds Eye, Coredinations

Ink: Distress Ink (Black Soot), StazOn (Jet Black), VersaMark, Colorbox pigment (Frost White)

Stamps: Hampton Arts "Artsy Edges", Inkadinkado "Letter" & "Doodle Alphabet", Clear Dollar Stamps "Thumbkins"

Dies/punches: EKSucess, Martha Stewart

Cricut: Car Decals

Creative Inspirations Paint: Metallic Inspirations (Matte Purple)

Other: Perfect Pearls, glitter, acrylic paint, foil, metal, red liner tape

shell ornaments...

2011-11-30T11:16:00.001-08:00

Deck the halls with trees of sea shells....

December is almost here... with it brings Christmas music, family traditions, and Christmas trees. I love seeing graceful trees full of tiny twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments! I am excited to say, that I spent some time last night to put up a tree in my apartment and fill it full of white lights (I'm a bit of an old style girl... I love plain white lights!). I plan on covering my tree with only shells and silver bells. I also made another batch of shell ornaments, so I also spent time last night making another batch of shells so I will have enough.

I shared a finished ornament a few days ago, but I wanted to share exactly how I make them today.

Step 1: Using pliers, twist a length of wire into a small circle with a twisted stem, as seen above.

Step 2: Attach your wire circle to your shell using hot glue. This creates the place for you to add your hook, so it will be the top of the ornament.

Step 3: Mix 2 parts Mod Podge to 1 part water. I use an old embossing powder jar so I can make a large pot and save it for the next time.

Step 4: Using a soft bristle paint brush, apply a thin layer of glue mixture to the shell. If you want the natural color of the shell to show through, make sure there are no puddles of glue as that will make the glitter too thick. Just keep it thin.

Step 5: Cover your shell with glitter. Because we have already attached the metal ring, you have a perfect little hand hold. (when shaking excess glitter off your shell, make sure to shack it OUT of the shell too!)

Step 6: Allow your shells to dry completely.

Step 7: While your shells are drying, tie a bunch of bows. Because I have a bunch of different size shells, I have tied bows with a couple sizes of ribbon as well as simple string.

Step 8: When your bows are made and your shells are dry, use hot glue to attach your bow(s) to cover any exposed glue where the metal circle is attached. I also like to glue little pearls or rhinestones to the centers of the bows for the finishing touch.

I would show you my tree all covered with shells, but I have yet to find my hooks, so my tree is still shell-less. =( I may just have to go to the store and buy new ones...

Enjoy!

~Kassi

backstage...

2011-11-29T03:20:00.001-08:00

I'll be honest... the last week or so, I have been in a creative "writers block". I've felt like every time I sit down in my studio I end up staring off into space with no inspiration, or giving up and playing on the computer. Highly un-productive. It's been SO frustrating!

I am happy to say that this morning, I seem to have had a break through! Apparently all it take is meds and caffeine (for the migraine), left-over cherry pie (for the meds), and staying up until after 3 am (because of the meds). =)

I don't have a finished project to share today, but I thought I would give you a backstage glimpse into my creative process...

First up we have the "if at first you don't succeed, rework it!" part. I had die cut a crown for this LO, but I ended up not liking the colors. Instead of just cutting it out with different paper, I decided to paint one of the colors (after I had glued the pieces together...). Yeah... didn't work so well. Let's just say I'm a kinda sloppy painter.... So, again, instead of just cutting a new one... I decided to scrap the whole "die cut" idea, and instead turn the negative cuts from the crown into a mask and just paint the thing on!

It actually worked out well... I ended up doing a coat of white acrylic, then dry brushing glue on and sprinkling the thing with glitter. I like it.

The next thing you will notice when in my studio, is that I am a total "improv artist" as they say in theatre. I am horrible at pre-planning a LO. I have good intentions... I select the papers and embellies I want to use, and I sometimes even have a general idea of how I want it to look. However, when it comes time to making the LO, I usually end up ditching most (if not all) of my "pre-planned" ideas and doing something else on the fly. I just try different things until I like the basics, then I embellish as needed.

Because of this "improv" system, I end up changing my mind a lot. (and a lot of times it is AFTER I've glued things down...) So, you may notice masking is my friend!

Next up... I like details. These "details" often include an amazing amount of time. However, at 2:30 am, one's brain can start thinking that crazy, time consuming ideas are exactly what the project needs. Hence me punching TONS of tiny circles out of red liner tape to make random foiled polka dots. (why I couldn't just find a foiled paper, use embossing powder and stamps, or wait until tomorrow and go buy glue dots like any normal person, I have no idea. But, there you go.)

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this crazy backstage glimpse. I probably should go to bed now. =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

(and, just in case you are wondering....yes, I talk to in-adament objects while crafting, but I hear you don't need to worry until they talk back...)

watercolor cards...

2011-11-28T12:18:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday-after-Thankgiving!

I have been happily enjoying leftover turkey sandwiches this past week end... I think those might just be the best part of Thanksgiving dinner. =)

I have also been finishing up on the large collection of "simple" cards my sister requested for Christmas....

These cards are all blank on the inside making them perfect for any occasion! They were also a lot of fun to make. I felt like I was back in kindergarten making crayon shaving pictures. =)

The colorful backgrounds were made from coffee filters. I love how they can withstand heat and water! Makes them the perfect surface for this technique.

I first saturated the coffee filter with a mixture of water and Perfect Pearls (for shimmer). I then took my watercolor crayons and shaved of thin bits with a craft knife. I did this right over my wet filter so they would land randomly. When they hit the water, they started dissolving and wicking in random ways. When I was happy with the amount of color on there, I gave a few more squirts of water to dissolve any remaining clumps, then dried it with my heat gun. The crayons have such vibrant pigments!

I used my watercolor crayons and shimmer water fir the stamped images. I first VERY lightly misted the stamp, then colored directly on the stamp with my watercolor crayons. I then added another light mist or two to dissolve the crayon, and stamped... It isn't a perfect impression, but it has a fabulous watercolor look! A few faux pearls for dimension, and a sting bow, and they're ready to go!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: Paper Studio, white cardstock

Stamps: Tim Holtz "Natures Elements"

Ink: All Purpose Ink (Rose Pink, Cerulean Blue, Burgundy, Autumn Leaf, Peony Purple, Ash Rose)

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Ovals"

Other: Coffee Filters, Watercolor Crayons, Perfect Pearls, faux pearls, string

fabric resist...

2011-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone!

I hope you are survived the mad rush of Black Friday... I decided not to do the shopping scene this year.

I know I said that I was not going to be writing for Creative Inspirations, but they asked if I would do one tutorial a month, and since I love the paint and writing tutorials, I said I would... So, here I am...

Today I want to share a fun twist on the old resist =)

Heres what you need:

Chipboard shape

Creative Inspirations Paint

white on white fabric*

water

dry adhesive

scissors

cotton swab

*white on white fabric is a white cotton fabric with a white design printed on it. It's faint, but you can sorta see the flower design on the fabric in this photo. I don't know what they use to print the design, but it works as a resist!

Step 1: cover one side of your chipboard shape with your dry adhesive.

Step 2: firmly press your white on white fabric over your adhesive. This will act as a stabilizer for your fabric.

Step 3: trim away excess fabric. I like to leave a leave a little over hang for a tattered look (see next step)

Step 4: If you want a tattered look, use your fingernails to fray the edges of the fabric... If you are having troubles fraying it, try making a few snips with your scissors and pulling strings from there.

If you don't want it tattered, just trim off all over hanging fabric.

Step 5: water down some Creative Inspirations Paint. You can add water right in the jar (CI paints are water based, so adding water won't hurt them, just thin them... However, I like to do my mixing on a non-stick craft sheet so I can keep the rest of the paint a little thicker.

Step 6: paint your fabric. Because you thinned it down, it should spread on easily and it won't make the frayed edges too stiff.

Step 7: dip one end of your cotton swab in water and gently rub the CI paint off the design. Don't over-do the rubbing as you can rub off the sparkle, just gently go over the design.

Once it's dry, it's ready to use!

I love the combination of shimmer and texture!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: Chipboard, white cardstock, kraft

Stamps: TPC Studio "Faithful Expressions"

Ink: Distress Ink (Walnut Stain), Memento (Tuxedo Black), MarkIt (Tuxedo Black)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Rustic Red, Mocha Latte

Cricut: Gypsy Wandering

Other: Fabric, button, string

turning gears...

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Does this make my mouth look big?

This kid cracks me up with what he will do for the camera... Here, he is smashing his mouth into a magnifying glass. Why? No idea. =)

I used my Cricut to cut out a bunch of gears from chipboard with Accents Essentials. (I think they are supposed to be flowers, but I like them better for gears.)

I covered them with VersaMark, then 2-3 layers of UTEE (ultra thick embossing enamel). I then did a very thin layer of silver embossing powder. The silver floated on top of the UTEE, giving it a some what distressed look. To add even more texture, I sprinkled on some UTEE and let it partially melt. As it melted, it pushed the floating silver away, leaving little dots of clear. However, if you try to melt it all the way, it will just mix with the silver and you lose the effect.

I also pressed a rubber stamp into the hot embossing powder to leave a script image. I sponged on black acrylic paint, and then wiped it off leaving behind the paint in all the little indentations. This really brings out the texture!

Ok.. lights are flickering... this storm may knock out our power yet.. guess I should get off the internet.

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: My Minds Eye, Coredinations, Bazzill, chipboard

Stamps: Inkadinkado "Letter", Clear ARt Stamps "Frame It"

Ink: VersaMark, StazOn (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Black Soot), Memento (Tuxedo Black), MarkIt (Stone Grey), All Purpose Ink (Cool Gray)

Cricut: Accents Essentials

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Circles"

Other: Glossy Accents, UTEE, embossing powder, brads, acrylic paint, acrylic, string

berry mousy

2011-11-22T12:18:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting here watching the rain fall, and the river across the street, and I find that I am very thankful for a warm dry house, and the fact that my house is uphill from the river... =)

I have been busy worrying about getting Christmas cards made, but I had to take some time to focus on birthday cards since there are 2 family b-days in Dec...

I love this image from Penny Black!

I used watercolor crayons to paint the image. I have fallen in love with watercolor crayons over the past summer... They are easy to use, and very portable. I often stamp a bunch of images on watercolor paper and just take them and my crayons and water brush where ever I'm going.. I can paint when I have a second, and there is very little to clean up when I have to stop.

This floating mouse was stamped twice.. The first time, directly onto the card, the second time on a separate piece of paper. I then colored the second one and added flocking to the dandelion puff. I then cut out the mouse and the dandelion puff and attached them over the first image using pop dots ... Because the image was stamped on the card, I didn't have to worry about fussy cutting the stem or tail..

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: Coredinations, kraft, watercolr paper

Ink: Archival Ink (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Walnut Stain), VersaMark

Stamps: Glitz "Distressing", Penny Black "Make a Wish"

Other: Doodlebug flocking, embossing powder, Recollections faux pearls, string

chalk it up...

2011-11-21T11:20:00.001-08:00

Well, It's Monday morning, and I am sitting here in my studio in front of the fireplace, and trying to force myself to be productive... It's one of those days that I could easily lose myself in a good book or a heart wrenching chick-flick...*sigh*

Oh well, losing myself in creative studio time isn't such a bad idea either!

Not long ago, I decided to pull out a long neglected scrapbook medium and try to bring it back into use... What medium? Chalk. I have a bunch of scrapbook chalks from a couple different brands, and they have been sitting in a drawer for ages...

So, I pulled them out and began playing with chalk and stencils...

Well, I guess you can say I now remember why they are sitting in a drawer neglected... I don't know if they are too old (does chalk get too old?), if they just aren't a high quality chalk, or maybe it's user error, but I really don't like working with them... They didn't spread well, and they seemed too hard... Maybe I'm just used to working with artist grade chalks, but I was disappointed... I've been reading about some other chalks (PanPastels) and they sound more like what I was expecting in chalks.... anyone know anything about them? I might have to get my hands on some and try them out.

I couldn't, however, let all my hard effort go to waste, so here's a quick card...

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: My Minds Eye, white cardstock

Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink (Vintage Photo, Black Soot)

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Ovals"

Other: brass stencil, embossing powder, string, rhinestones

trim the (beach) tree...

2011-11-18T23:08:00.001-08:00

A few weeks after the summer tourism calmed down, but it was still warm, I learned a new beach combing skill... I always thought you just walk up and down the beach. That's how I have always done it... However, after talking to some people who have been doing it a long time, they taught me that the best shells are found in the water before they hit the rocks of the beach.

There had been some stormy weather, and the water was high with some strong currents, so a lot of shells had been stirred up. They told me to wade out in the water and snag the shells as the waves bring them in. You can tell the empty ones because they just roll around in the water.

So... I waded out thigh deep (I didn't dare get any deeper with the waves and currents), and watched as the waves rolled in and stirred up the sand. I would then shoot my hand (up to my shoulder at times) into the water and snag the beautiful shells as they swirled in the water. (don't worry, I ALWAYS throw back ones with live animals living in them!!!)

Well, that day, I got a HUGE haul of shells that were in really good condition since they hadn't been bashed against the rocks. I had to do something with them, so I decided that Christmas ornaments would be perfect!

I've been making these like crazy this year. I water down some Mod Podge, brush on a VERY thin layer, then dip it in a bowl of glitter. They then have to dry. I'll be honest, that is the only part that takes a long time. While drying, I twist wire into a circle with a tail (it looks kinda like a magnifying glass), and tie a bunch of little bows. For this one I used ribbon and twine. I then use hot glue to attach the wire in the top of the shell, and glue the bows over the wire to hide the glue. I also added a little pearl to the center of the bow... These are super simple, yet SO elegant! I can't wait to decorate a tree with a whole ton of these beauties!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

snow...

2011-11-17T11:43:00.001-08:00

Well, after quite a bit of rain and wind last night, our trees are looking pretty bare... They are even throwing around the dreaded "S" word on the radio (SNOW)...

Guess it could be worse... snow is pretty. =)

Do you realize that December is creeping up on us REALLY fast???? I've been working on Christmas cards like crazy the last while!

This one uses a very basic resist technique... THe snowflakes were stamped randomly on white paper with VersaMark. I then heat embossed them with a clear pearl embossing powder. After they cooled, I sponged on a whole tone of the new limited edition "Iced Spruce" Distress ink..I love this color! To add sparkle, I then added a wash of Creative Inspirations Paint "Fairy Dust". The ink and paint wipe right off the embossed areas with a slightly damp rag.

I then used Archival ink to stamp the snowman onto a scrap of white cardstock. I coated the snow part of him with CI "Fairy Dust", then went in with distress inks to add color and shadows. Pumice Stone Distress ink is great for warm shadows, but Iced Spruce is perfect for the cool shadows! I then cut him out... the arms were too thin to cut out well, so I just cut them off. Instead, I painted some string with Chocolate CI and threaded it through little slits where the arms should be... It adds some great character!

Finally, the snowman was attached using pop dots for just a little added dimension.

A little sewing and distressing of the edges, rhinestones for pop, and it was ready to attach to a kraft card base... Tie it up with a little string, and it's good to go!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: kraft, white cardstock

Ink: VersaMark, Archival (Coffee), Distress Ink (Victorian Velvet, Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Gathered Twigs, Iced Spruce, Rusty Hinge)

Stamps: Inkadinkado "Snowflakes", Great Impressions snowman

Creative Inspirations Paint: Fairy Dust, Chocolate

Other: rhinestones, string, embossing powder, glossy accents

perfectly blue...

2011-11-16T00:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know how people do it...

I hear all these tales about people planning out their pages before they do them, going to crops with just the papers and embellishments they need... I can't do it! Every time I try selecting the things I'm going to use on a layout before hand, I end up doing something totally different and using few if any of the original things selected.... I guess I'm just stuck crafting in my studio with everything at my disposal... LOL!

When I first started working with this photo, I was going to use a bunch of pink papers... Since the photo is slightly tinted pink, it all looked very nice in a monochromatic way... However, it just never quite felt right... After my shopping trip for boy paper, I was thumbing through my new My Minds Eye "Completely Boy" pack and found this beautiful soft blue paper with distressed flowers in the corners.... I couldn't see me ever using that with my rough and tumble nephew, so I started playing with it for this photo... it gave such an nice contrast to the photo, that I totally scrapped the monochrome pink idea and went with this... I love how it turned out!

The butterflies were made in 2 parts. (yes, I've been doing this butterfly from Inspired by Stamping a lot... What can I say? I love it!) The bottom part was stamped on mulberry paper with pigment ink, then embossed with a clear pearl embossing powder. I then hand cut them out. The top layer was stamped with StazOn ink on a clear craft plastic. I then hand cut that out. I knotted some twine around the bottom butterfly leaving the tails at the top. I added some Glossy Accents to the body of the butterfly and attached the top butterfly to the bottom butterfly... A few rhinestones add extra dimension and bling... (although it sounds really time consuming and complex, it is actually really simple, and quick! And the clear embossing on the mulberry looks so delicate for butterfly wings!!!)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used:

Paper: My Minds Eye, Copic Illustration paper, Recollections craft plastic, Mulberry paper, acetate

Ink: Archival Ink (Coffee), All Purpose Ink (Truffle, Cherry Pink), Colorbox Pigment (Pink, Chestnut Roan, Shabby Pink), StazOn (Timber Brown), VersaMark, MarkIt (Misty Blue)

Stamps: Inspired By Stamping "Butterfly Wings", Fancy Pants "In My Words" & "Pollen Dust", Inkadinkado "Letter"

Cricut: Home Decor

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Circles"

Other: twine, embossing powder rhinestones, button

wonder...

2011-11-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked into a child's eyes and wished you knew what was going on in their head? That is what this picture reminds me of...

Look at them blue eyes! *sigh* He's gonna steal hearts when he's older!

I have been trying to do better at journaling, so I made some tags just for that purpose. They are cut from white cardstock using the Stamped Cricut cartridge, then colored with Distress ink. For intense color, I just rubbed the ink pad directly on the tag... the orange is Spiced Marmalade, and the blue green is Evergreen Bough (one of the winter seasonal set.. LOVE this color!) For journaling, I have fallen in love with the Clear Art Stamps "Frame It" set... it has simple lines in both a square and a circle, then it has designs you can use to embellish, but you can also just use the lines. I love it!

I wanted to add some tiny paperclips, but I didn't have any. So... I made some paper paperclips... I used the Fabulous Finds Cricut cartridge, then added several layers of silver embossing powder. They came out so cute!

I need to go print more photos so I can do more LOs... =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: My Minds Eye, white cardstock

Stamps: Clear Art "Frame It", Stampendous "Sunflower"

Ink: Distress Ink (Spiced Marmalade, Evergreen Bough), Colorbox Pigment (Frost White), Archival Ink (Jet Black), VersaMark

Cricut: Stamped, Fabulous Finds, Calligraphy Collection

Other: EK Success border punch, Perfect Pearls, Tiny Attatcher, embossing powder, rhinestones, ribbon

clearly simply...

2011-11-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

Another quick card set for my sister... these ones are blank....

The outside is make using craft plastic (similar to what clear stamps come on) folded as a normal card. Inside that is a smaller card made from kraft cardstock that I stamped with an large sea shell stamp from Tattered Angels. I punched a hole through the top layer of plastic and the top layer of the kraft cardstock so I could wrap the ribbon around the card and secure it in place through the hole. This helps keep the inside kraft card in place without showing any adhesive. I also added a tiny glue dot under the ribbon for added security.

I love the look of the clear plastic... it makes it look so elegant without taking a lot of time. (perfect for the holidays!)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: kraft

Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)

Stamps: Tattered Angels "Sea Side"

Others: Recollections craft plastic, ribbon

curls...

2011-11-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

Ok... Not sure what I'm going to do with an altered coin envelope, but It was fun anyway. =)

I was actually playing with curling satin ribbons, and I wanted to use them on a project....

Lots of distressing, a little sewing, and some baking went into this one.

The butterfly is stamped with Iced Spruce Distress ink (winter seasonal set), then the outline was embossed with gold. The ribbon was wrapped around a dowel and baked at 250 for about 15 minutes.. isn't it fun?

Anyway, have a great weekend!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Bazzill, K&Co, My Minds Eye, white cardstock

Ink: Distress Ink (Iced Spruce, Frayed Burlap), VersaMark, Memento (Tuxedo Black)

Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Butterfly Wings"

Other: EKSuccess border punch, ribbon, embossing powder, coin envelope

bright and bubbly...

2011-11-11T22:07:00.001-08:00

It's the weekend! Yay!

Today has been a very rainy day, so I'm in the mood for bit of bright and bubbly...

This LO was an eye opener for me... As I was looking through my sizable stack of papers, I found that I have very little in the basic brights... My nephew is getting old enough that the soft colors just don't fit him anymore... and he is far too energetic for the distress/vintage papers that make up most of my stash. After this revelation, how could I not justify going to the store to buy paper? =)

All these circles were cut using Nesting Circle dies by Quickutz. I chose several lightly patterned papers and just cut tons of sizes. Once I had a pile of circles, I just started playing. After gluing things down, I outlined all the circles in dot with a fine tip marker. I also highlighted random circles with stamps and white paint.

I also had some fun with photoshop... Normally I would stamp on the photography, but I decided to play with photoshop to get some different effects. I love splotchy distressed mark... makes it look like the photo got wet at the beach. =)

I had so much fun working with the brights! I can't wait to do more.

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies Used

Paper: Die Cuts with a View, Provo Craft

Ink: Colorbox Pigment (Frost White, Black), Markit (Tuxedo Black)

Stamps: Studio G, Clear Dollar Stamps "Thumbkins", Clear art stamps "Halloween" & "Frame It", Fancy Pants "On a Whimsy" & "Delight", Inspired by Stamping "Butterfly Wings"

Cricut: Stretch Your Imagination

Dies: Quickutz "Nesting Circles"

Other: acrylic paint

soar...

2011-11-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

There is something about watching kids play in the sand that is inspiring!

Funny story about this LO.... I usually design my LOs on magnetic boards, then glue things down once I have everything how I like it... I knew that the yellow paper needed to be glued down to the 12x12 cardstock no matter what because it wasn't a full 12x12 sheet of patterned paper... Me, being the highly intelligent person that I am, realized AFTER I had arranged all those little butterflies that I hadn't glued my base together... SO, I had to brush off all my carefully placed butterflies so I could glue my base together without smashing the butterflies. After that, I had to re-arrange all my butterflies so I could glue them down. Highly frustrating at the time, but funny now. =) Guess I should think things through a little better....

These butterflies are have been punched out of patterned papers using the Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Only the bodies of each butterfly is glued down to allow the wings to lift. I also randomly adhered some of the butterflies with foam dots for added variety. I then used a toothpick to apply Stickles to the bodies of each of the butterflies.

Because I cut the word "soar" out of the same paper as the swirl, and I wanted the title to stand out, I applied a layer of Glossy Accents over the word. It is a simple yet effective way to make certain elements pop. I love that stuff! =)

Enjoy!

~Kassi

Supplies used:

Paper: Coredinations, Michelle Coleman "Wild Sorbet" digi paper

Ink: StazOn (Jet Black), Distress Ink (Wild Honey)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Fairy Dust

Cricut: Home Decor, Calligraphy Collection

Other: Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Stickles, Glossy Accents

covered in fabric...

2011-11-09T02:45:00.000-08:00

Recently I was asked how I make my fabric covers for my mini albums, so I thought I'd put together a tutorial for all those who are curious. =)

What you need: Mod Podge (I prefer Matte finish, but Glossy works too), sponge brush, and fabric. To get an idea of how much fabric you need, wrap it loosely around your mini album then add a few inches... it doesn't hurt to have extra fabric, but it's bad not to have enough!

*I have always used regular cotton fabric, so I'm not sure how well this works with other kinds of fabrics.*

Step 1: Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back side of your fabric.

Step 2: Allow at least 20 minutes to dry. (it may take longer if you are in a humid climate... just let it dry completely.)

Step 3: Flip your fabric over and apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front of your fabric.

Step 4: Allow at least 20 minutes drying time (or how ever long it takes to dry completely.)

Step 5: Repeat steps 2&3 until you have 5-6 layers on the front of your fabric. The back side only needs the one layer.

*If you want some shimmer, you can mix in some Perfect Pearls or Pearl Ex powders to your last layer of Mod Podge*

Step 6: If you want a smooth finish, use a sanding block to gently sand your Mod Podged fabric. (you only need to sand the front side)

Step 7: Use a damp clot the wipe your fabric. This removes any dust particles from the sanding.

Step 8: Use a strong adhesive to attach your fabric to the covers of your mini album. I use red liner tape around the outside edges, then my ATG gun to fill in between the red tape.

Step 9: Trim off the excess fabric.

Although it takes time to do, it really is simple, and well worth the effort!

Enjoy!

~Kassi

butterfly thanks....

2011-11-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

November is a time for gratitude...

I made a set of 12 (3 of each color) for the card collection I'm giving my sister for Christmas. Again, they are simple, but that is the way she likes them, and it does make it a lot faster to make a lot of cards!

This butterfly is actually 2 stamps from the Inspired by Stamping "Butterfly Wing" set. The first layer I stamped with Distress ink, then I heat embossed the second image over top. The combo of these two stamps is becoming one of my favorite butterfly images!

I fussy cut the butterfly out so I could make the wings pop. I didn't even try to cut out the antennas, instead I added a couple strands of metallic embroidery floss under the body when gluing it to the card. it gives them movement and texture, and is super easy!

enjoy!
~Kassi

Supplies Used:
Paper: Bazzill, Coredinations, white cardstock
Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink
Stamps: Inspired by Stamping "Butterfly Wings", Inkadinkado "Sketchy Flourishes"
Creative Inspirations Paint: Pumpkin, Fairy Dust, Lavender, Sky Blue
Dies: Spellbinders "Label Six"
Other: embossing powder, embroidery floss, rhinestones, ribbon