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!
During the month of June, we hosted our very first Smeared Ink Guest Design Team Member, Jennifer Willis. She has been amazing, presenting a fabulous watercolor challenge on our forum, and sharing some pretty wicked stamped projects. Jennifer has been a member of the S&S forum since last September, and since that time has amazed us with her contest entries and beautiful art. Here's alittle bit more about Jennifer.
"I live in North Dakota and am a SAHM with two beautiful little girls. I have been involved in paper art and crafts for many years off and on. I enjoy rubber stamping, creating collage art, scrap booking, ATCs and more. I design for Stampers Quest, Sweet Pea Stamps, Faerie Song and Auntie Amy's Stamps."
Visit Jennifer on her BLOG to view all her fabulous projects!! Be sure to leave some love for her and a big thanks for being our Guest DT for June!
If you tuned in last Friday, you know that each week I will be featuring a different Smeared and Smudged Design Team member. Today I'd like to introduce you to Jean. Read her story in her own words, visit her website, and take a look at all these awesome projects!!! Also feel free to leave some love!
My name is Gloria Jean and I use the nickname Jean. I am a baby boomer. Love black clothes and crosses. My eyes tend to move toward the glitter and artsy side of the clothes style but, can be seen in animal print pants and those must have eight inch hot pink shoes or lime green. My hair is flame red and eyes as green as emeralds. I do not follow trends and can never be seen in an outfit twice. I like who I am and always have; I am a self made woman.
I have 4 children and often wonder how someone can have two boys and two girls as different as night and day. But, they accent each other nicely. They grew their wings and knew where they were going and are all doing exactly what they wanted to do in their lives. I am a very proud mother.
I am a nurse and have a degree in liberal studies, A B.S. in mental health and human services. A stamp appraiser, book binder, oral communication major, and a psychology major, data input expert, writer, as well as a poet.
All about me as an artist: I am a chameleon who designes in a variety of styles. One moment I can produce victorian and artsy and then dark and on the edge. Self taught and educated in public schools with the best art programs available; I use my imagination, human emotions and take down all the fences we seem to put up as an artist. I carry no baggage, What you see is just what you get from me.
I am serious about my art and continue to study each day about different ways to express yourself. If at first you don't get the rough draft all you have to do is take another look and hopefully you'll get it this time.
I love everything about what I do in my life. I am a very happy person. Love to share my experiences and teach anyone who is willing to listen. I am often asked for advice from others who view my work. I repeat over and over these words.....If you see the circle in front of you the way you drew it on your own paper, then believe in yourself. Draw that circle your way.
I work with all mediums but my favorite is acrylic painting. There is something special about painting something and then painting over the whole canvas and starting clean and fresh.
I would like to share with everyone that the mouse traps I designed have been selected by Eric Lamoine who is the owner of "WISP Magazine" to be published in February 2010. And I will be working with Eric and the team scouting for new talent that will be published in Wisp. I am blessed!
Favorite Statement:
"I have a dream and I am not ever going to give it up. It may not be the same
dream I had 25 years ago but it's just as important because it's all mine!"
If you'd like to see even more of Jean's, and all the other DT members art, head on over to the Smeared and Smudged forum and join in the fun! Also, be sure to check out a very special post tomorrow here on Smeared and Smudged; I'll be revealing another sneak peek of the New Smeared Ink Stamp Line! 'Til then.
Since I'm sick and haven't creating anything the past few days, I decided to share an awesome blog with you! Erika over at Taylord Concepts is a very talented and creative artist who I "met " through the Bombshell Stamps Design Team (she was Ms December and featured on our last hop!) and I am now getting to know her better over on the S&S forum. I've had the priveledge of looking around her blog and seeing some of her photo uploads on the forum and all I can say is WOW! Talent abounds from her!
She definitely has a style that meshes well with Smeared and Smudged, so I urge you if you like this style of stamping, give her a little visit! Today Erika posted a huge blog-iversary blog candy that you should take a look at, but don't forget to visit her other posts as well... it's well worth taking the time to have a looksie!
Do you have a different way of looking at things when it comes to rubber stamping? Smeared and Smudged is looking for a few "dark" Design Team Members. Smeared and Smudged is a growing Ning group that focuses on alternative, vintage, gothic, and out-of-the-norm rubber stamp art.
*You must have an active blog. *You must be or become a member of the Smeared and Smudged Ning Group. *DT requirements will be to design three cards and one altered item per month, and post those designs on both your blog and the Smeared and Smudged Ning Group. Every project must use a rubber stamp image somewhere. *Each DT member will be assigned a group from Smeared and Smudged. One of your monthly cards must follow the requirements of that group and be posted in that group. The groups will rotate. To view some of the groups available, please visit Smeared and Smudged on Ning. * You must actively participate in The Vent group on Smeared and Smudged. A minimum requirement is three posts a week.
Benefits of Smeared and Smudged Design Team:
• Your blog will be featured on both the S&S Ning Group and blog. • You will receive one goodie package from me each month that you can use on your projects. It is not required that you use these items, and the items will vary. • You can use any supplies you like on your projects. • You get to network with other wicked awesome stampers who share the same love for out-of-the-norm stamping. • You get to sport a really cool S&S Button on your blog.
To Apply, please email the following information to zaharstudio@gmail.com
Name Email Blog URL Pictures of three cards and one altered item that best represent your style of stamping. Why you would like to be a DT Member for Smeared and Smudged.
Deadline for Submissions is Friday, November 27, 2009 Winners will be contacted by Monday, November 30. DT term will run for four months starting December 1, 2009
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!
