Bee-utiful Day by Lesley Mackenzie

Hi All, For This months challenge of ''Birds and Bees'' I have created an Art Journal page.

 I have used Paper Artsy Acrylic Paints for the background and the following Artistic Stamper stamp sets :
Honeycomb Background and Free Bees -
Small But Beautiful Birds

Step 1:

Using a roller I applied paints to create the background. I then stamped on the green area using the Honeycomb Background stamp in green ink. I then stamped and embossed the birds in white in the sky. Using a white pencil I outlined a free hand flower.

 Step 2:
I filled in the flower with white gesso and when dry painted the flower detail. I applied the thickly to give he flower definition and texture , and blended the colours while they were still wet.

 Step 3:
I decided the background needed more white embossed birds. I also stamped and embossed in black 2 bees. I stamped and embossed  2 more bees onto white card and coloured them adding clear glitter to the wings. I cut them but only the bodies and wings then stuck them over the stamped images on the main page. I then created highlighted and doodled on the flower, gave dimension to the images by adding shadowing under the birds, bees and flower. Finally I added hand written text and a doodled border.

The stamps used this month are very versatile and if you would like to check out The Artistic Stamper Creative Challenge on Facebook you will see I created a set of 6 ATCs using distress Oxides for the backgrounds.

Roses are Red Stencil Folder by Lesley

Hello everyone, are you an avid on-line shopper like me? I really hate to waste the cardboard packaging and have decided I need to recycle more, no not in the recycle bin but try to re-use what I can. Why buy folders when you can alter one.

Artistic Stamper Stamps used:
Decay Journal Plate #1
Ivy by Lesley Matthewson
Mini Backgrounds #1 and #2
Calligraphic Mat #4

Other Materials Used:
Red and Gold Acrylic Paint
Recycled card envelope packaging
White Gesso
Black embossing ink
Gold embossing ink
Black and Gold embossing powders

Step 1
I have re-used an A4 sized cardboard envelope I received in the post to make the stencil folder. The envelope opening was on the longest side so I stuck down the envelope flap on the inside, and cut a notched section on the other side to make it easier to access and remove the stencils. 

Step 2
I gave the envelope a quick coat of gesso on both sides taking the gesso about 2" deep inside the opening as this will show . The gesso provides a good base for the acrylic paints, it doesn't have to be perfect as there are more layers to come.

Step 3

Using a roller to spread the paint  I covered the envelope on both sides with layers of gold and red, as you can see white space is still showing through, the more patchy the colours the better. If you haven't got a roller try scraping paint on using and old credit or gift card.

Step 4
Using the roller  I spread white gesso on a gelli plate (or craft mat) , I could then tap the ivy, text and Decay Journal stamps into the white paint and stamp randomly over the folder. It is very important to take time to wash your stamps immediately after use to remove the paint before it dries, otherwise they could get damaged. 

Step 5
I then stamped and embossed in gold and black to add contrast.

To finish off I added stick-on cardboard letters from my stash to the front.

Finally my stencil folder was complete and ready to be filled.

A fun and easy project that is great for decorating manila folders, box files,  recycled boxes, envelopes, packaging etc.  Why not co-ordinate all your office/craft folders. Go on give it a try, have fun!

Christmas Rose Wreath by Lesley Mackenzie

Hi all , For my monthly challenge I have created a strikingly simple 3D Christmas card in gold and white.

Artistic Stamper stamps used:
Holly Background
Dog Rose - Lesley Matthewson

Other items used:
Gold Embossing Powder
120g white card stock
Patterned Parchment Paper
6" x 6" white square card
Corrugated packing card

Step1
Trace and cut 2 circles (one inside the other) and cut out to make a ring. Peel off the top layer of the card to expose the corrugations, dry brush with white paint and dab the edges with the ink pad and emboss in gold.

Step 2

Stamp and emboss in gold the Holly Background onto the centre of the card front. Using foam pads stick the wreath on the card positioning in the centre.

Step 3

Stamp and emboss flower heads and leaves onto white card stock and cut out. I used 3 of each. Affix to the wreath using silicone glue or foam pads to create dimension.   I added a gold 'peel off'  Christmas greeting.

Just time to say Merry Christmas everyone ! Thank you for your support this year and I look forward to you joining me and seeing your creations in 2018.

Gentleman Jim - by Lesley Mackenzie

Hi all,

This months theme of 'SteamPunk' was a real challenge for me as this is not my preferred style. However once I got going I had great fun and will be doing more!
I decided to up-cycle an old CD gift box to create a man's gift box. 

The materials used:
Artistic Stamper stamps - Time and Keys and Ornate Flourish #3
Artistic Stamper stencils - Harlequin 3" x 3"
Number stencil - designer unknown
Pebeo Studio Acrylics 356 Violet Blue
DecoArt Spun Gold acrylic
DecoArt Black Gesso
DecoArt Crackle Glaze
Black StazOn ink
Black Embossing powder
Black and White Posca pens
Magazine image of man in a suit

Step 1 .
 I gave the box lid 2 coats of black gesso and then I stencilled the lid using the Violet Blue and Gold acrylics. As the box base was already gold I did not have to paint it.  When the lid was dry I gave it a coat of crackle glaze and left if to dry naturally. Once dry I painted with gold acrylic and while still wet wiped it back using a baby wipe so the gold filled the crackles only.

Step 2

  Next  I created 'Gentleman Jim'. For his body I used an image cut from a mail order catalogue and promptly cut his head off! I then  applied a coat of crackle glaze and left to dry. For the head
I stamped the smaller clock face using black StazOn. and painted the clockface with diluted silver paint, once dry I applied a coat of crackle glaze and left to dry.  For the wings I stamped a pair of the flourishes, painted with diluted gold and a coat of crackle glaze. I hand cut a top hat which I embossed black.

Step 3

Once the crackle glaze was dry I highlighted the crackle by applying and  wiping back black paint for the head and wings, and gold paint on the body. Next I glued all the elements on a piece of 150g card stock and cut out the completed image that a edged in black pen. It was then easier to glue the one image to  the box lid. To make the image pop against the dark background I outlined in white Posca pen .  I added a small clock embellishment and a band of ribbon to his hat, and a  little stamping on the background in gold for a final flourish.

I hope you enjoyed this project and if like me are new to the 'Steam Punk' style why not give it a go, it's great fun.

Pop Up Posie by Lesley

Hi Everyone,

Todays project is creating this lovely 3D pop-up jar of flowers, that will fold flat for posting.

Items used are :
Double sided patterned paper card stock for the jars
Double sided coloured card stock for the flowers and leaves
Artistic Stamper stamps -  Flower Power and Inspiration Jars
Black embossing ink and powder
Twine

1. Stamp and emboss 4 jars onto the coloured cardstock leaving space to add a tab on one side of each jar before cutting out.

3.  Cut out all 4 jars remembering to include the added tab on the right side of each jar. Using double sided tape/glue on the tabs attach each jar to the next . I find its easiest to lay them flat and fold the creases before attaching the final 2 jars to make the 3D shape.

4. Using the same patterned cardstock cut 3 strips the width of the jar allowing  0.5cm flap on each end and fold the flaps in. Attach the strips inside the jar at the top. This makes a fixing point for the flowers, stems and leaves. Its fiddly to do and I find quick grab wet glue the best for this job.

5. Stamp and emboss flowers and leaves from the plain coloured card. You will need 7 flower heads,  you can mix 'n' match the sizes and colours to suit yourself. Cut strips of the green card to make stems(I doubled up the card stock for extra strength). Attach the flowers and leaves to the stems.

6. Attach the stems to the 3 strips inside the jars, again wet glue is easiest and I fasten with a paper clip until dry to stop them moving. Vary the heights to create an arrangement and embellish as you like, I've added coloured twine to the top of the jar. The Jar will fold flat to enable you to place in an envelope.

 

Have fun, hope you enjoy making this effective card...let your creative inspiration loose!

Lesley

Valentine by Lesley MacKenzie

Hi all,

For this months  challenge I have created a Valentines card. I have to be honest and say it started life as a tag, but as I continued to work on it  was too nice not to use on a card, so in the true spirit of all crafters a ''happy accident '' turned it into a card for my Hubby (don't tell him ) .

The products used this month are:
Artistic Stamper stamps - Essential Hearts and Mini Backgrounds 2# and 3#
Distress Inks - Mermaid Lagoon, Peacock Feathers, Twisted Citron
Archival Ink - Vibrant Fuchsia
Black embossing pen, ink and powder
Glossy Accents
Crackle Accents
Sepia Accents
Black Twine
Beads
Odd gems

Step 1:  I stamp distress ink onto my work mat and spritz with water then place the tag face down and swirl into the inks

  

Step 2 - Next I splash drops of water onto the tag and mop with paper towel before drying, to create extra texture, I then stamped the 3 small hearts in black embossing ink and embossed in black . I also edged the tag with embossing ink and embossed with black embossing powder.

Step 3  - On a separate sheet of white card I stamped with the Fuchsia Archival Ink using the Mini Background stamps. I then stamped the hearts using black embossing ink and embossed them. I cut them out .

Step 4 - I fixed the hearts to the tag using foam pads. I added black twine to give the effect of tied stems. I used a different Accent medium on each if the hearts  and embellished with beads and gems. I stamped the text and embossed in black.

Step 7 - On a white 6'' x 6'' card using an embossing pen I created a border around the card and embossed in black , I mounted the tag onto the card and trimmed the excess in the corners .

The end results is crisp and clean looking, with lots of texture using vibrant colours. Hope you like, until next time Happy Valentines Day!
Lesley 

Friends Support Each Other by Lesley Mackenzie

Hi all, Happy New Year . This is my very first blog so wish me luck!

For this months challenge "Anything Goes" so here we go ...

I created a fun tag . The supplies used are; Amsterdam acrylics, Micro beads, The Artistic Stamper stencils and the following Artistic Stamper stamps :-
Birdz Set by Neil Walker
Doodle Bubble Background by Neil Walker
Dog Rose by Lesley Matthewson
Mini Backgrounds #1

Firstly I painted the base background using various shades of greens

The next step was to stencil and stamp the background using hot colours to make the colours pop

 I then stamped the bird images onto plain tissues paper using black StazOn ink. This enables a clear image to be created especially when working on uneven  backgrounds. Simply cut out the printed images and attach to the tag using Matt Medium gel.

I coloured the birds using the same palette as the background, then using 3D Gel I added micro beads to the border and grounded the birds. Next I stamped and fussy cut the flower , and to finish added words, and doodles. My final touch was to loop black and pink ribbons to the top of the tag.

Hope this inspires you and the bright and cheerful colours add a bit of sunshine to your day . See you next month, Lesley