Smeared and Smudged: More From Smeared Ink is the Smeared Ink sister blog dedicated to focusing on alternative art styling and unique ways to use rubber stamps. Whether you're an altered artist, cardmaker, scrapbooker, or other crafter that uses stamps in unique and interesting designs, you are welcome here!
Happy Monday, everyone! Ok, I admit it, cheesy title. For this card I used some really cool watch gears and parts, and I positively LOVE it. It's a pretty simple trifold layout, but the circles and stripes theme and peek-a-boo window make it very elegant and fun. I even added an antique brooch closure on the side that offsets the other circles.
On the inside, I chose not to stamp any words, but a saying could easily be stamped or written on the back piece after the second fold. The stamped image featured is from Kimberly Crick at The Enchanted Gallery.
Today I felt like creating something very beautiful and very glittery, hence the following card. I received a cute little packet of goodies in the mail yesterday from Kasmello (thank you Kas!!!!!!see her blog on my blog roll) and inside there was a scrap of white lace. It was my initial inspiration for this corset card.
I tried to make the card very feminine without being annoyingly girly, so I incorporated many different textures such as the lace, glitter, and pearls. The frame was made by stamping directly into hot embossing powder and then rubbed with pearl-ex. The stamps featured are from Kimberly Crick at The Enchanted Gallery.
I apologize for the dim photos, but it was overcast skies today and I just couldn't get good lighting. I've included different angles so hopefully you can see the detail. If the sun is out tomorrow I'll try for some better pictures. Thanks for looking!
This week has been very hectic, as is every year the week before school starts, but I did manage to pull out my stamps and work on a cute little arch chipboard page for a book I want to make. I've been very dark in my projects lately, so I thought it would be nice to do something a little more colorful. I used the challenge colors on Cafe Mojo this week as inspiration, which were blues and browns. The stamp set is from Bombshell stamps and is called "Man's Ruin".
I picked up some cool little skull charms earlier this month and decided to use one to adorn the peak of the arch, and I added in his blingy crystal eyes. For coloring I used prismacolor pencils. It's a simple and cute (there's that word again!)beginning to my gothic arch book and I hope you enjoy!
I just had to let you all know, I've been asked to join the design team for Bombshell Stamps! I am uber excited! I'm looking forward to sharing some fabulous Bombshell designs and tutorials with you over the coming months. If you've never heard of Bombshell and their vintage style pinup and tattoo inspired stamp line (you poor poor thing), PLEASE let me school you! Visit them by clicking the pic below. And be sure to visit their awesome new FORUM while you're there; you'll get to chat with some pretty inspiring stampers!
In the meantime, hang tight because I'll be adding in some great new features to Smeared and Smudged in September! Be sure to become a follower if you aren't already so you'll be updated. And don't forget about blog candy, I'll be drawing the winner on the 1st!
I am not a scrapbooker.(The first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem) But, I joined a really cool scrapbooking group called Gutter Girlz and they put out a challenge that I loved. Part 1- use the words "Eat Me", part 2- use the chosen song prompt as inspiration, and part 3- use food labels. My sister's birthday just passed (on the 18th, happy b-day Tori!) so I decided to make her a present.
A little background about my sister: she is deathly afraid of zombies. I mean, irrationally afraid, she thinks about them all the time. And not just afraid of watching zombie movies, she is actually afraid that zombies will eventually kill everyone on earth and it's only a matter of time before it happens. She knows how silly it is, but still has this fear that she cannot help. During her recent pregnancy her hormones were way out of whack and she confessed to me that sometimes she was afraid to go or look outside of her house at night for fear that zombies would eat her. Those preggo hormones can really play some tricks on you!
Although I know some of you are laughing right now, as me and my other siblings and sometimes my sister do, it is in fact a very real thing for her and I wanted to empower her by giving her a little scrapbook page that she can either put in a book or frame, whatever. SO, Happy Birthday Tori!!! I hope you like it.
Too early for Christmas? I think not! Ok, here's how you win this fabulous Christmas themed Candy:
Step 1: Follow My Blog (If you're already a follower, you're ahead of the game )
Step 2: Comment on one of my Project Posts. The post that you comment on has to be about one of my projects and cannot be one of the featured artist posts. Basically, I want to know what you think of my projects, what you like/dislike about it, etc. Use the link at the bottom of each page to see older posts, too.
Step 3: Vote in my sidebar poll. I want to make Smeared and Smudged as interactive as I can, so I need your input! I'd love to hear what you think.
After you complete these three steps, you'll be entered into my drawing for the candy.
Optional: Submit to be a featured artist before Sept 1 and I'll give you 10 extra entries! See the sidebar for info.
Optional: Link to Smeared and Smudged from your blog using the button below and send me the page in a comment, you'll get 5 extra entries.
Hurry ,hurry, I'll draw for candy on Sept 1! Here are some more pics and descriptions of the CAN-DEE!
Seven spools of American Craft ribbon
Build-a-Snowman stencil templates
1 pack of metal flowers, 1 pack layered flowers, and 1 pack of 10 red long envelopes
6 small sheets of glitter reindeer paper
2 Stampin' Up! christmas stamps, snowmen and stocking tag
Huge stack of glittery die-cut presents. These are already cut, just need to be popped out. You can see one popped out below the stack.
Two unopened Stampin' Up! ink pads, Bravo Burgundy and Wild Wasabi
2-12x12 sheets of glittery frolicking reindeer paper, 2 small sheets of red star glittery paper
I know, so many posts in such a short time! I've been a busy, busy girl! So on the PCP Bombshell group, Kathi put out a challenge for us to use song lyrics on a project, which I think is totally cool. There were so many songs that I wanted to use and I listen to a wide variety of music; but when I thought of this song an idea immediately popped into my head. The song is "In This Twilight" by Nine Inch Nails, and I think you can see the lyrics clearly in the pictures. If not click on the pic and it will take you to a larger view.
I decided to make a triptych card with a jeweled latch and black and white sculpture paper for the outside. The inside features black and white distressed tiles that fade up into a sky and a bombshell butterfly that uses stamps from the Butterfly Queen Set. The wings are from Kimberly Crick.
I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and it made me want to use lyrics as inspiration again in the future. Thanks Kathi!
I really had a blast altering this lunchbox, and I have to say it may be my favorite thing I've ever stamped...or at least in the top three. It took a really REALLY long time, as far as stamping goes, about 35 hours total work time. I put alot of elements into it- I made my own papers(that snakeskin looking stuff, I'm so proud I actually made that out of paper towels!), added in three different layers of paint including a crackle finish, decoupaged the paper over the paint, used gold leafing, acetate, metal mesh, pearl-ex, glitter,...you get the idea. I love the look of different metals together so I used both copper and gold accents, I think it adds alot of style to it. The stamped images are from Kimberly Crick at The Enchanted Gallery. The last thing that I will do to this is add a velvet liner to the inside to make it as pretty as the outside.
Both my husband and my sister asked what I was going to do with it. I teased my husband and said I would carry it around as a purse...he laughed and said I could probably pull it off. My sister suggested selling it, but I don't know if I could part with it; I'm leaning more toward purse.
So, just in case you don't remember what it looked like before, here is the pic:
And now, here is what I did to it. You can click the pics for bigger images. Leave me a comment and let me know what you all think!
Round two: I have an awesome featured artist to profile this month, and her name is Sarah K. Thank you Sarah for all the hard work you put into this feature and all the outstanding projects! When Sarah submitted her entries, I was struck by her interesting use of embellishments and her cool use of color. She definitely looks at her stamping as an art, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her work! I can't wait to see more from her, and I'm sure you can't wait to see what I'm talking about, so here ya go!
Sarah Says:
“Hello, my name is Sarah Ketchum, founder of Sarahs Crazy Creations and I also run my own group called Any Stamp Will Do.
I am a mother to a beautiful, healthy two year old son who fills my life with joy, and a wife to a supportive husband that has stuck by my side and supported me and my “Card Making” passion 100%.
About 3 years ago, he told me to find a hobby; I would have never imagined that making cards and scrap booking would not only become my hobby, but became my passion in just a short couple of years. And I have developed a love for arts & crafts in general and appreciate any hand made or custom made art.
Roughly two years ago I attended my first Stampin' Up! class, and that is when I fell in love with rubber stamps, stamping, and card making. A card always puts a smile on somebody's face, and creating something that makes people happy provides personal gratification for me.
I love to try new things, and I'm always seeking to learn new tips & tricks for my next project. I am always looking for design team positions, and would like to personally thank Terra for giving me the opportunity to show off my work, and my abilities to everyone.
I am in the middle of a HUGE project which will revolutionize the stamping industry and thank God for blessing me with the ideas and guidance. I will have a booth at the C.H.A trade show next year, and hopefully can meet many of you in person. I know it is all uphill from here, and look forward to the near future.”
Sarah Shares:
"Time Flys" Card
This is a pretty sweet card that uses great coloring and cool looking layering. Sarah used a Leanne Ellis stamp from Sugar Nellies, gloss card stock from Ranger, an air can, Tim Holtz Alcohol inks (various colors that she sprayed with the air can to give it the splattered background effect). She also used a burning tool to burn the edges around the stamp, Shrinky Dink to create the little skeletons (from Bombshell stamps) and embellishments. Copic Markers were used to color in the image, a silver leafing pen for her hair, and stickles and pearls.
Bombshell Altered Clipboard:
On this piece, Sarah created an altered clipboard using Bombshell & Stampin' Up! stamps. She used a red bandana as the border and for her skirt. What I think is a neat touch is that Sarah took apart 3 skull rings and added them to the corners as embellishments.
Black and White Card
On this black and white card, Sarah went with more of an abstract/gothic/retro look and feel. She used a Leanne Ellis stamp and interesting patterns and textures to add life to the card. I love the fact that the patterns don't overwhelm each other because of the monochramatic elements (there's a big word for ya! he he).
"Life" Tarot Card
I adore the colors on this card! Sarah created a "tarot card" theme using a Fairy Arts stamp, with 3 skulls on the corners and 3 suns on the bottom border. She also added a dream catcher from a necklace. All of these give the card it's Zodiac & Tarot card feel!
"Dream" Tarot Card
Like the "Life" card, this Dream" card was fashioned after a Zodiac & Tarot theme and uses very interesting colors and layout elements.
Gnome Son
This was a little "extra" card that Sarah included in her entry that I thought needed to be featured. It is a picture of her son that she has turned into a gnome. I think the way she collaged the elements together is fabulous and I love the whymsical feel of it!
Sarah Teaches: Sarah put forth the extra effort and came up with two different tutorials for her feature, the first of which includes pics and instructions, and the second of which is an outstanding video tutorial! I for one can't wait to try some of these techniques!
Tutorial #1: BOMBSHELL TOTE BAG
Materials Used:
Black Canvas Bag Bombshell Stamps Clear Art Stamps Inkadinkao Stamp (Sun & Butterfly) Copic Markers Wet Looks Markers (Water Based) Iron on transfer paper(Art-Wear Iron-On Design Sheet) Parchment Paper Fabric Glue Jet Black Stazon ink Beads & a Pendant Iron Needle & Thread Skull Patches Dress Sticker by Jolee's boutique – which went over bombshell stamp girl 2 metal plates with word “Courage” & “Imagine” 2 skull brads
Instructions:
Step 1- Stamp your images on the Art-Wear Iron-On Design Sheet.
To stamp the images use the black stazon ink. It does not bleed.
Then use water based markers or crayons to color the images.
Step 2- Place a pillow case on a hard heat resistant area such as a wood cutting board, do not use an ironing board. Pre-iron the bag to remove any wrinkles or moisture.
Step 3- Cut the images out, and peel the backing off. (This is a bit aggravating, but easy. Peel back image slowly to prevent it from tearing.) Then you'll want to position the images FACE UP on the bag and cover them with the Parchment Paper that's included with the iron on transfer paper.
Step 4 – Pre-Heat Iron to the highest COTTON setting, do not use steam. And, make sure there is no water left in the iron. Allow to pre-heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 5- Using FIRM PRESSURE, holding the iron with both hands and applying your body weight, iron on each of the images for about 20 seconds. Make sure you lift the iron off the bag when you move to a new section. Be sure to iron all corners and edges of the sheet, then using FIRM PRESSURE iron over the entire image using an up/down and side to side motion for another 1-1/2 minutes, making sure you get all corners and edges. Allow the parchment paper to cool for 1-2 minutes then gently peel back the paper. And, NOW YOU HAVE YOUR STAMPED IMAGES ON THE BAG.
Step 6- Iron on your skull patches.
Step 7- Sew on beads at the top of the bag, and put the metal plates that have sayings on them “Courage” & “Imagine” in my case, using fabric glue.
AND YOU HAVE A NICE TOTE BAG, WHICH I MADE TO CARRY MY TAROT CARD SETS.
Tutorial #2- HEAT FIXED FIBERS PROJECT
Before you try this unusual project, be sure to read the tips that Sarah has included for using these fibers! Below you’ll find the materials list, tips, and video links. Just in case you can’t see the videos, the technique has been pasted below them. Enjoy!
MATERIALS NEEDED: Angelina Crimped “Hot Fix” Fibers (Many colors available) Jet Black Stazon Ink Stamps Parchment Paper Iron Card Stock Designer Paper Punches Embellishments Ribbon
TIPS: DO NOT USE CLEAR STAMPS! Both permanent and dye based ink work with the fibers. Dark ink shows better, and I prefer to use black Use lighter colors of fiber when using more detailed stamps Just a little bit of the fibers will work, you do not need to waste your fibers. I use an iron I only use for crafting, although I never had any residue left on the iron I would recommend you use an iron dedicated to your crafting projects.
Technique for using “Heat Fixed Fibers” It's fast and easy, Just pre-heat your iron to a medium setting, select a rubber stamp of your choice, place it on a table with the rubber side up, and cover it with black dye ink. (I used the jet black stazon ink ) Then lay fibers all over the stamp; use just a little bit, it goes a long way. Cover the stamp completely but lightly so the rubber is still visible, Now place a sheet of parchment paper over this. Iron your “sandwich” until you see your image appear, this only takes a few seconds, and you'll want to move the iron around a little until you see the image through the parchment paper. You'll see the fibers have stuck together with the image embedded in them. SLOWLY peel the image off of your stamp, loosening the edges first and then peeling upward VERY SLOWLY. It will be sort of a sheet now, with fibers loose all around the image. You can trim the fibers around the image, or leave them hanging to add effect to the design. Now all you have to do is add the image to your card by using double sided tape.
Thanks again, Sarah, for all the hard work and great projects! I look forward to working with you again. Everyone, don't miss your chance to be a featured artist on Smeared and Smudged! I'm looking for artists to feature for September and because I ran a little late this month,I'm extending the deadline till the 15th of Aug. Don't be shy, send me your entries! No need to make new projects for your entry, just send in pics that represent what you are capable of. All the details are on the sidebar. I'm looking forward to working with some interesting and talented artists!
Also, be on the lookout for some cool altered project postings soon- I've finished the vintage lunchbox and it rocks...I'll give you a few days to soak in all that Sarah has offered and then post it. Plus, I have a Bombshell challenge card that I'm working on and some Halloween ornaments (?) coming soon!
