Stamping Techniques Take the Cake!

This post isn't about stamping, but rather about how stamping techniques can help you in alot of your other creative endeavors that you take on. Part of the reason I have not posted alot this week, besides the fact that we're hectically trying to get everything ready for our move, is because I spent two days working on a cake for a very dear friend's grandaughter's eight grade prom (whew! what a mouthful!). I didn't use stamps on it, but the coloring techniques that I've learned over the years helped me when dealing with the icing and food coloring. Not to mention most of the cake decorating products that I used, such as the luminescent edible powders, reminded me ALOT of the powders and products that I use almost every day in my paper arts! I went into the decorating with a pretty good idea of what I wanted based on those experiences, and although it wasn't exactly like stamping a card or embellishing a notebook, the paper crafting experiences sure did come in handy and I'm grateful that I had that knowledge to fall back on. Here are some pics of the finished Under-the Sea themed cake.

Antique Assortment

Well, the past few days have been hectic to say the least. Getting ready for a huge cross-country move is no picnic, and I haven't had a free moment to sit down and stamp. But, I thought I'd share the four card assortment that I was able to make last week. Some have seen it on my PCP blog, but here they are again. These cards were fun because I got to create anything I wanted without following any guidelines for swaps or orders, which hasn't happened in a long time for me. I used some leftover stripe-y deco paper that I had from Christmas for the color inspiration. All the rest of the paper was hand colored and texturized, so I really got to use some interesting techniques. The stamp set is from Stampin' Up and I just love it! I'll be using this one alot.

Queen of Arts

After a full blown day of stamping cards for an assortment box, I thought I'd do a little something different. I've been holding on to these fabulous deep red and black beads since, oh I don't know, a year and a half ago. I didn't really have a plan for them and then yesterday it hit me! I broke a very pretty green necklace that I had not too long ago and why not make a new one using pieces and parts!?! I've been feeling a little diva red lately...

I have some divine stamps that I ordered from The Enchanted Gallery, see the left side bar for a link, and one image is a gorgeous regal lady with a pimped out collar. Just the right size to fit in one of those rectangular metal frames used for scrapbooking. Soooooo, using my leftover beads, my awesome image, and this frame, I created a brand new stylin' necklace!

I attached the frame and beads using plain metal jewelry pins from Walmart and reused the jump rings and chain from the old necklace. I stamped the image on white cardstock, colored it using markers, watercolor crayons, and my white gel pen, and then attached it to the back of the frame facing out. Of course I had to add some bling to her crown and my word, then covered the whole piece with Crystal Effects, front and back.

Can't wait to show off my new Queen of Arts!

Artists Wanted!

Want to be featured? READ ME! I'm holding an open call for Featured Artists! Check out the side bar for more info on how you can enter to be a featured artist on Smeared and Smudged. And now I'm off to start my stamping project for the day!

First post ever! Soda Can Feather Fashionista

Alright, let's get right down to it! I'm starting this blog as a spin-off to my Smeared Ink blog that explores general stamping techniques and showcases my stamp clubs and classes. Smeared and Smudged: More from Smeared Ink is going to focus more on creativity and individual expression! And to begin, I want to feature a card that I made a while back...I call this one my "Fashionista" card. Some of my stamp club members were very interested in how I made the metal feathers, and it's so simple! Just take an old soda can and rinse it out, cut the top and base off, and flatten out the aluminum. Now you have a sheet of metal to work with. You can paint the back (outside) of the can, but since mine were flat to the card I didn't even bother. Use an oval punch and punch out three or four. Then take scissors and snip from the edge toward the middle down each side, being careful not to go through the middle, and being VERY CAREFUL not to cut yourself of the aluminum! Wear gloves if you need to! I made my cuts wavy to give it a different look, and then rubbed and wiped off black stazon to give them a worn look. The rest of the card features hand painting, torn paper, and frayed ribbon. The image is from Third Coast Rubber Stamps. Hope you enjoy it!