"Fruit of the Spirit" Blog Hop Day 3

Good Morning and welcome to Day 3 of the Layers of Color / 2 Sketches 4 You "Fruit of the Spirit" Blog Hop

I am off to work early this am and wanted to make sure my post was up, so please be patient while the other ladies get theirs up this morning.

Also playing along today:

LOC blog, Diana, Janice, Linda, Nina, and ME!

If you missed my post monday where I explained what this hop is all about, then please scroll down. And remember that Layers of Color is sponsoring the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge blog this week. So hop on over and see what you have to do to qualify to win a free stamp set!

For this project I used Fruitful Harvest and one of the new release cling art stamps - Victorian Frame.  I also used one of Layers of Color's art stencils - Belle Brocade.  Did you know that Layers of Color is a Spellbinders Preferred Partner??  LOC has some awesome images that coordinate with Labels 14 and 16.  You can check the all out HERE.

You may have noticed that the coloring on the fruit is not my style.  I cased a card made by Layers of Color owner and artist, Laura Kirste Campbell.  I just love how she blends colors together in a way I would never come up with, so I decided to give it a try.  Isn't Laura's card below gorgeous!  She combined Fruitful Harvest with Acanthus Leaves and Her Majesty's Urns.  I just love how all of Layers of Color's stamps fit so well together!

Project Details

For my card today, I went with watercoloring for my colorization.   I used Strathmore Watercolor cold press paper.  I think the main thing I look for with watercolor paper is getting one as smooth as possible.  If there is too much texture, then your image want stamp properly.  The next decision when working with watercolor is ink.  Palette and Staz-on are water-proof.  Momento is not, but might work if you heat set it.  I'm not sure.   It took several attempts for me to get a good stamped image, because of the texture.  I have started using a linolium block that I picked up at a Michaels and I'm finding it is improving my stamping because the table I work on is not level in spots.  (see photo at bottom of post). 

There are alot of different choices for watercolor techniques, from very inexpensive sets to higher end water colors in tubes.  There are watercolor crayons and pencils.  I have tried all of these and the watercolor pencils are my least favorite now that I have tried them all.  In addition, some of the inks you use for stamping can be watered down and used.  Just smear some on a piece of acetate and add a few drops of water.  Mix it together with a paint brush and you are ready to go.  Not all stamp inks blend well with the water though.  Stampin' Up does not.  But my VersaMagic and Brilliant inks by Tsukinek work well for this.  There are also shimmery options.  You can use your Glimmer Mist, Shimmerz, or H2O Watercolors.  I own and have tried all of these.  For me it just depends on what color I'm looking for and the opacity.  Today I wanted a shimmery look, so I went with my Shimmerz.  I used Pumpkin, Lilac, Golden Wheat, and Green Olive.  I needed a lighter shade green as well so I used my Sage VersaMagic ink pad. 

I begin by lightly wetting the area I'm going to be working with.  Then I start adding color.  Have a paper towel on stand by.  If the color is to dark, blot it off.  I used my finger a few times to help blend the colors.

I'm not a watercolor expert and most of what I have learned was through trying the different products and just playing.  I love the softness you can get with the watercolors and it's so much fun to try different colorization techniques.  I would love to take a class some day.

I hope you will be inspired to give it a try!  If you choose to give it a try, I would love to see your work!

For the rest of the project:

I used cuticle scissors to cut around the image.  I stamped Victorian Frame on a lilac dp by K&Company.  I used Copics, G82 and G85 to color some portions of the image.  I used Labels 14, slightly smaller to fit inside the image and slightly larger to border the image, from beige paper, and a larger one from purple paper as well.  Adhere Victorian Frame to purple border, and adhere beige smaller cut to inside on top of image.  Adhere Fruitful Harvest image on top.  I put a couple of pop dots in the center of mine.  I stenciled Belle Brocade on lilac dp. 

I created my own little ruffle border using crepe paper.  That gorgeous lace is by Webster Pages.  It came in my October Pixie Dust Shabby Chic Kit.  You can check out all the wonderful projects on the Pixie Dust Paperie Blog.  You can check out these fun kits in The Pixie Shop HERE.  Not sure who make the green velvet. 

After inking edges assemble as shown.

I'm using mine for an upcoming birthday card I needed.

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed day!



Some of the products used

My new stamp surface - Speedball Linolium, availabel at Michaels



used to apply ink with stencil 

 Shimmerz Paints

Spellbinders Labels 14



Day 2 of the Fruits of the Spirit Blog Hop

Welcome to Day #2 of the Layers of Color / 2 Sketches 4 You "Fruit of the Spirit" Blog Hop!I'm so glad you were able to stop back by and visit again today.

I have to tell you that I was up late last night finishing my project (It's 3:30am as I'm posting! slacker), so not alot of writing today.  Please be patient because some of the designers may not post til a little later this am.

 If you missed the post yesterday where I explained what this hop is all about, then please scroll down.  And remember that Layers of Color is sponsoring the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge blog this week.  So hop on over and see what you have to do to qualify to win a free stamp set!

Thank goodness for challenges or I probably would not have finished this one.  They really help to give you direction, so if you are every low on mojo, I highly recommend them!

*****************************************************************

Project Details

I used "Fruitful Harvest" from Layers of Color again today.  What a beautiful art stamp set.  I stamped it on old book paper.  I colored with my copics, then added a little shimmerz and glitter.  You can see a hint of the shine in the photo.  Before doing all that detailed trimming, I added some glue on the back to create support for those branches and leaves hanging off the side.

DP is 7 Gypsies Nottinghill 6x6 Paper pad which I think I got from Mark's Finest Papers earlier in the year.  Ribbon - May Arts.  That cute little button is from a local craft store and is by "Dress it up" - Au Jardin.  It's a cute little pack of vintage looking colored buttons.  And I'm so excited, I used my new Spellbinders die set - Lacey Circles - for the first time.  I LOVE this set!!

Here are the other participates for today's hop!

LOC, Grace, Jennie, Me

and you may want to check the blog's of 2 other DT members for their announcement of winners from yesterday's drawings:

Linda, Diana

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you tomorrow!

Layers of Color "Fruit of the Spirit" Blog Hop!

Welcome to the

Layers of Color

"Fruit of the Spirit" Designer Blog Hop!

If you got here from Linda's blog you are in the right place! If not, please start at Layers of Color blog.
The blog hop order is:
LOC blog, Diana, Grace, Jennie, Linda, ME, LOC blog

This week we have teamed up with the 2Sketches4You Challenge Blog. 

All week long, both teams will be participating in this "Fruit of the Spirit" theme.   And Layers of Color is sponsoring them this week.   Play along with this weeks sketch and you could win Fruitful Harvest art stamp set, Belle Brocade art stencil, and Botanical Swirls art stencil!!  So after you complete the "Fruit of the Spirit" blog hop head over and check out the challenge to quailify.

But wait, not so fast. 

Make sure you comment on each of the Design Team's blog today.  Laura, Layers of Color owner, has such a generous heart and is allowing each of her DT members to give away either a free art stamp set or art stencil.  Want to know which set I'm giving away??  Make sure you read to the bottom of the post!  All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog and I will draw a winner!

One of the things I LOVE about Layers of Color is their desire to share God with others.  So when ask to participate in this special hop, I was so excited.  This verse is near and dear to my heart.  When my children were small, I had a book series I used to read to them.   Each book explained each fruit of the Spirit.  I also stenciled each fruit of the Spirit along the ceiling down our hallway.  I wanted these words to be a daily reminder of what we should be living out.  Many of you may be familiar with this wonderful bible verse.  God did not leave us to wonder who we are or who we should be as His children.  This verse is just one of so many that leads us in the direction living a Godly life.  While none of us are, nor will be, perfect, this verse reminds us that if we walk in the Holy Spirit, we can exercise these characteristics.  We can experience the joy of living the life our God intends for us.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness."  Galatians 5:22-23

If any of you have questions about becoming a Christian, then please contact one of us.  Each and every member of this team would be thrilled to share with you God's great plan for salvation.

Your next stop is the Layers of Color blog.  If there is a broken link, just head back to the LOC blog for a full list.

Layers of Color has a special 30% off sale on select art stamp sets this week!!

Old World Flourish
Renaissance Hearts

Granny’s Jewelry

Birdday Party

Rise & Shine

Touch of Elegance

My give-away is "Birday Party" art stamp set.

Here are a couple of cards I have created previously using this fun set.

I used Vintage Medallion art stencil on this one as well.

Birday Party card #2

Birday Party card #2

I hope to see you again tomorrow for the continuation of the "Fruit of the Spirit" Blog Hop!

Join us on Facebook HERE.

 And don't forget to subscribe to the Layers of Color blog for Faith Art Friday, Guest Designer Wednesday, tutorials, exciting upcoming news, and unique colourful ideas! May God bless you with layers of color!

Confessions of a digi hoarder ...

They say the first step to recover is admitting you have a problem  ....  My name is Melisa and I hoard digital stamps.  It's true!  But not today ...

I used this sweet summer strawberry image from McMahon 5 Designs.

DP : red flourishes with scallop - Making Memories and background pink - Basic Grey

Spellbinders die and Fiskars deckled sissors

pearls by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)

See ya tomorrow with another Creative Belli Project and a Layers of Colors altered project!

Back to School ...

Back to school is right around the corner for some of you.  But I'm done with all that, woooowhoooo!!  When my children were in school I did my best to always support and let there teachers know how much we appreciated them, especially my son, teehee. (ADHD, need I say more).  He put many a grey hair hairs in some heads.  I keep telling him "I can't wait til YOU have children!".

This set is perfect for letting those teachers know how much you appreciate them.  And you can start with a "Welcome Back" card.  Send it in with the LONG list of class supplies, you know, the kleenex, pencils, paper, I'm surprised they don't just put toilet paper on the list, teehee.

This one is from another new release from Mark's Finest Papers.  You can check this one out on 7/16.  There will be a blog hop with lots more idea's from their fabulous DT on this day!

Have I mentioned that they host fun challenges as well every Saturday HERE.

Stamp Set : Mark's Finest Papers  Apples and Camellia

Ink : VersaFine Onyx Black

Clear embossing powder on the title

DP : it's ancient, possible 10 years old, I love it when I use something from my stash!

Cardstock probably Bazzill

Die : Spellbinders Circle and Scalloped Circles  SA114/SA124

Cuttlebug embossing folder

Border Punch : Fiskars Treading Waters

Buttons : Unknown

Ribbon : Mark's Finest Papers

Charm : Mark's Finest Papers

Technique / Tip

My apple charm came gold.  You can customize it to match your card colors with your Copic Markers.  I used R29 and YG03 on my little apple charm.

You can view more of my Back to School / Teacher Appreciation projects HERE.

2 cards for Kay

My friend Kay is in the forfront of my thoughts and prayers lately.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent a double mastectomy, and is now going through chemotherapy.   Through all of this she has been so strong, and a wonderful testimony for God.  Her faith and hope are amazing to me.  She has the best sense of humor, so, although this card would not be appropriate for just anyone, it is just right for my friend Kay.  I hope this brings a smile to her face in this very difficult time.

If you would like to join me in praying for Kay, we are praying for her white count to come up, so that she can continue in her battle. 

Stamps : FireCracker Designs by Pamela Fruit Cup

Colorization : H2O watercolors

I'm using this one for the Cupcake Craft Challenge this week : food/drinks
So this is another one I made her.  A little more appropriate.



I'm using this one for Charisma Cardz Challenge Blog.
The challenge - Spring

Stamps :  FireCracker Designs by Pamela  Easter Blessings (florals)
sentiment Impression Obsession

Thanks for stopping by!

H20 Watercolor Tutorial

Hello!  I'm back today with lots of news from FireCracker Designs by Pamela.

First of all, Pamela (owner), sent me the coolest stamp set to show off this month,

Christian Innies and Outties !  It's a sentiment set designed with coordinating phrases for the outside and inside of the card.  This is not the only set she has designed that works like this.  For my first showcase of this set, I chose this sentiment because I thought it would be so adorable with Pamela's Fruitcup set.  Ok, so I know, the last part of the sentiment was suppossed to be on the inside, but I thought it would be easier if I put it all on the outside for photographing purposes.  I promise I'll do it correctly next week, teehee.  So, at the bottom of the post I'm going to list some lengthy info on how I colored the pears.  Just in case your interested.  The short explanation is that I used Twinkling H20's.  But I am sharing some tips, so you might want to read on.  What I really want you to know is that FCD now sales Twinkling H20's.  So check them out HERE.  And Pamela has a tutorial - video HERE.    And tons of other tutorials HERE.

Twinkling H20 Technique / Tutorial

Is it even possible to make "pear jam".  I have no idea, but this all about being artistic, not realistic, teehee.  I couldn't pass up a chance to use this cute pear DP by Basic Grey.  It's part of the Nook and Pantry line.  I had so much fun coloring the pears with my twinkling H20's.  Trust me, they look WAY better in real life.  If you have never used Twinkling H20's you need to give them a try.  I'm not the best water color artist, but it was worth the practice to get this look.  I stamped a full sheet of pears on water color paper with water proof ink (I used Palette Noir).  I found the best way to get the blending that I wanted was to pre-wet the image a little.  The manufacturer recommends that you "spritz" the pot of color with water.  Here's a tip :  use and old bottle of eye drops, empty out the eye drops, fill it with water, and drop 1-2 drops in your pot.  Way easier than spritzing.  The amount of water you add depends on how thick you want your paint.  You can mix it pretty thick but then it can obliterate your stamp lines.  Mine was pretty watered down to begin with because I wanted to blend the colors.  I started out with a damp paint brush and loaded Heavnly Bamboo.  It's like a cedar green but has a slight yellow tint.  I lightly covered the entire image.  Because the image is already wet, the paint kinda spreads out.  Work fast, because I got the best shading when I was able to get all the colors on before it dried.  Then along the sides, I added watered down Cedar Wood (a dark brown with an orange tint).  This one is so dark it did take much.  My brush was damp, but now wet.   I kinda pounced it on with the brush around the sides to create some dimension.  Then I did the same with a darker green, Wild Vine, bringing it in toward the center of the pear.  Let me just say that this is not an exact process.  I had a paper towel wadded up and handy to tap over the image and used this to begin blending.  Then I layered on another coat of the Heavenly Bamboo.  If an area was to dry it would pull some of the previous color up and create lines I didn't want.  That's when I would grab that paper towel and dab it again.  Eash one seemed to be a little different, so on some I had to go back and add a little more darker green then dab again, until I got the shading I wanted.  They were fun to play with and I can't wait to do it again, now that I have a better feel for how to blend with them.  I the past I had pretty muched used them to highlight or added only one color, which is easier and beautiful as well.  But, blending these colors was very cool.  My stamp lines were no longer vivid at this point, so I used a 005 Micron to doodle over the stamp lines to restore them where needed.  I would take the time to do a step by step photo tutorial, but I didn't know if anyone was even interested.  And I'm not a real artist, just an amateur playing around with some great products, teehee.  Ok, so here is my last tip.  It has to do with orgainzing you H20's.  I store mine in a drawer.  I used those little white stickers (they are about 1/2" x 3/4")  you buy when your pricing stuff for a garage sale.  I stick them on the top of the black lid, and then paint the color over it, so I can see the colors easily when I'm picking them out of the drawer or trying to match them to my project.  You can't always tell by looking at the color in the jar what it will look like.

I hope you read something that inspires you to be creative!

If you have any questions about using H20's just shoot me an email.