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!
Before I get to my Thrilling Thursday projects, I'd like to thank everyone who posted comments on my Bombshell Hump Day Hop post! The video was really fun to make and I don't think it came out half bad. Right now I'd like to share with you a very special countdown, David Letterman style!
TOP 6 THINGS I LEARNED FROM WATCHING MY OWN TUTORIAL:
Number 6 Tilting your head to the side while you talk is totally cool!..
Number 5 Technology is not my friend...
Number 4 "Um" is a real word in my world...
Number 3 Never make video sections longer than 9.95 minutes long if you plan on uploading to YouTube...
Number 2 Filming a video on the same day that you plan on hacking up a lung is never a good idea...
...and the Number 1 thing I learned from watching my own tutorial is... Eyelets and Brads are two separate things no matter how many times you use their names interchangeably.
If you can't laugh at yourself, right? Anyways, now on to today's post.
Sarah K, Miss September over at Bombshell Stamps, issued the September monthly challenge last week. The challenge is to make a project inspired by a movie. I already made one card inspired by the movie Rock N' Rolla, but thought I'd show a little more love for this challenge on Thrilling Thursday!
For these two card, I chose the movie Coraline. If you haven't seen it, it's a MUST SEE! Not just a kids movie! There is a scene in the movie where Coraline's neighbors, who happen to be ex-burlesque/vaudeville performers, put on a little show. They are respectively dressed as a mermaid and a pearl in a clam. To portray this, I decided to use several stamps from different Bombshell sets, including "Retro Cowgirls", "Mermaid Anchor","Mermaid Treasure", and "Homeward Bound".
My original plan was to add red curtains on either side of the cards, but cards are only so big! So rather than crowd, I decided against it. I tried to make the backgrounds and waves look like hand-painted sets, and I think they came out pretty cool! I'd love to hear what you all think, so feel free to leave me a comment. You can upload your own challenge entry by visiting the Bombshell Stamps forum just click the link above. See you tomorrow!
And once again we're off! Welcome to the Bombshell Hump Day Hop! Just in case you missed the details last week, myself and the other Bombshell Design Team Members are bringing you a fabulous hop each and every Wednesday! If you leave comments on our projects, you're automatically entered to win a fa-bo prize from Bombshell Stamps!
Here's how it works: Start at any of the Bombshell Design Team Member Blogs and take a peek at their Hump Day project. Leave them a comment and tell them what you think about it! Then follow the links to the other DT member blogs and leave them comments. The more comments you make, the more entries you will have to win a great prize from at the end of the month!
This week I decided to go all out and bring you a Neverending Card video tutorial! Unfortunately, I'm getting over a sore throat and was loosing my voice, so I had to stop the video a couple of times to recoupe. And since this is my first video tutorial, I also learned that youtube will not host long videos. But all in all, I think it still turned out great. I hope you enjoy the project.
When you're done viewing, leave me a comment and let me know what you think. And be sure to hop over to the other gals' blogs and leave them a comment too, the more you comment, the more chances you have to win!
SOUND PROBLEM IS FIXED(I HOPE!) Unfortunately I had to cut a minute or two from the end of the first video in order to get it hosted right, so I will try to explain the steps in between the videos, very easy so there should be no problem. Sorry for the technical difficulties! I hope you still enjoy the tutorial.
* Attach your large squares to the two center squares on your base using adhesive of your choice, centering them from top to bottom and lining up the inner edges against the opening in the middle of the card.
* Attach your smaller rectangles of deco paper using adhesive, to the small rectangle areas across the top and bottom of your card. Be sure the side edges line up with your center squares to make it even.
*Matt your smaller red circles (the one with your saying stamped on them) onto a larger circle using adhesive, then attach these to the center of your large squares. Easy! Now you're ready for the Part 2 video!
Thanks for watching! Here are some pics of the project, you can click them to see a more detailed image.
Check out my step-by-step on making Flaming Hot Decorative Paper HERE
Never-ending Card Measurements: Card Base: 6" x 3", score 1.5" from each end Large Squares(Mats): 2.75" x 2.75" Large Squares(Inner): 2.5" x 2.5" Side and Top Rectangles: 2.27" x 1.5" Corner Squares: 1.25" square punch
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!
Well, it took longer than anticipated but here it is! The first featured artist for Smeared and Smudged is (drumroll!!!!!!!!!!) Kelli Green who lives in Newport News, VA. Kelli has some great looking, and interesting, projects that I love! She has a very diverse selection of items to share. so without further adeu...
Kelli Says: "I am a stay at home mom of 2. A Navy wife, and an avid stamper. I was introduced to rubber stamping about 7 years ago and fell in love. At first I only stamped cards because that is what I thought you had to do. Then I started seeing other things that were being stamped and thought to myself…oh I can do that, or I wonder if it will work on this. So I started experimenting and oh the things I came up with, although I will admit, I had help on some of them. So I guess you could say I am hooked. "
Kelli Shares:
Distressed Heart Card
Beautiful!
Halloween Card
This fabulous Halloween card uses Stampin' Up! cardstock, patterned paper and figures from Little Yellow Bicycle. It is called a Full front Tri-fold Card!
All I ReallyWant Tag
Kelli shares that this sassy tag uses chipboard, Stampin' Up! watercolor pencils, microbeads from pennywisearts.com, O'So sticky sheets, hemp twine and mini clips. The charm is from walmart several years ago... and, of course, the Butterfly Queen stamp set from Bombshell Stamps. I especially love the reason why this tag was made- a gift tag for her husband! I think that says it all. Lucky guy.
Bombshell Angel
This Bombshell girl uses Stampin' Up! cardstock, Bombshell Stamps Butterfly Queen, and wing stickers from Making Memories. What an interesting way to use stickers! I personally have never gotten into them, but seeing the way these are layered behind the stamped image makes me rethink my opinion. This looks awesome!
Altered Skull Notebook
Like I said before, Kelli offered a variety of projects in her submission, and I love the simplicity and cool theme of this notebook. I'd make one in a heartbeat for my tween, who is very much into the skull thing right now. Athough you can't see it well in the picture, I can imagine the texture that the microbeads made on the surface of the book. The Altered Notebook was made using a crayon resist technique. Kelli used glossy white cardstock, white crayon, a spiral journal from Michael's $ spot, Tim Holtz Distress ink, Stazon ink, and Microbeads from Pennywisearts.com.
Kelli Teaches: As a featured designer, Kelli was asked to make a tutorial for one of her projects, and she came up with an awesome one! I can't wait to try this myself!
Emboss/Reverse Etch Picture Frame Tutorial
"Here is a list of the things you will need:
Versamark ink pad
stamp(s) of choice (my choice is Bombshell Stamps Butterfly Queen) heating gun and clear embossing powder
basic tools
etching cream( I used Armour Etch)
embossing buddy
contact paper(mine is from Walmart)
picture frame any size with glass NOT plastic!
window cleaner
cardstock color of choice or patterned paper for background(I used Stampin' Up! Pacific Point cardstock)
embellishments.
Step One: Take glass out of the frame and clean thoroughly with glass cleaner.
Step Two: Rub embossing buddy over cleaned frame in the area where you are stamping.
Step Three: With Versamark, stamp your image. Be very careful that your stamp does not slide when doing this.
Step Four: Emboss with clear embossing powder. (When you use the etching cream in the next step the embossed image will not etch.) After finished embossing, use contact paper to mark off glass where you do not want the cream to go. ( I used a 8x10 frame so I masked off a 6 1/2 " section!) Step Five: Use etching cream according to package directions. (Mine says leave on for 1 minute. Some need more time!)
Step Six: Clean with water making sure to rub all of the embossed image off, that way you have a clear image. I used my fingernail, but a non-abrasive scrubbing tool will work. Make sure to clean off all your finger prints when done!!
Step Seven: Decorate card stock background (if using). I used the butterflies from the Bombshell stamp set. Attach your picture. Decorate the outside of your frame any way you choose. I chose to emboss in silver the words "My Bombshell" and used crystal flowers in shades of blue. Blue is my daughters favorite color and she picked the colors out since this is a picture of her. "
Thank you so much, Kelli, for that tutorial and for sharing all of your projects! You can visit Kelli on her blog by clicking the pic below:
I will be featuring a new designer each month, so if you are interested in having your own spot on Smeared and Smudged, check out the sidebar for more info on how to submit your projects!
