CRAFT STAMPER - SEPTEMBER 2011

I'm in Craft Stamper again! Hurrah!

Picture copyright Craft Stamper magazine

This was a joy to make - and I'm doing a special class all about these easel cards later this year (see the Workshop Schedule).

Here are the instructions for this card:

• With cream card in portrait orientation, score in half lengthwise. 
• Turn to landscape orientation and mark from left at 10cm and 20cm along top edge. 
• Cut from top edge to fold line only, and fold all three sections down. 
• Score a diagonal line on each section, from top left (fold line) to bottom right.

• Using a paper cutter with a scallop blade, cut mats for each section:

Front: black card 9cm x 12cm; cream card 8cm x 10.5cm
Centre: black card 9cm x 13cm; text 8cm x 12cm; cream card 7cm x 11cm
Back: black card10cm x 15.5cm; cream card 8.5cm x 14cm; text 8cm x 13.5cm
Inside: black card 9.5cm x 27cm; cream 8cm x 26cm

• Stamp the images for each of the sections and punch out using a large scallop punch. 
• Layer onto the mats as shown to create decorative panels. 
• Create stoppers by stamping Amour and Paris with black Archival ink onto text paper, and mounting onto scraps of black card. 
• Fold the easel sections into position and mark onto the inner card.
• Glue the stoppers over the marks using silicone glue.
• Adhere the card sections to the easel sections (this is easiest when the flaps are folded over in position) using silicone glue so positioning can be adjusted. 
• Add paper flowers and buttons in centres. 
• Highlight the lips on the ladies and sections of La Tour Eiffel with clear Sakura Glaze pen.

Closeup front section

Closeup middle and back sections, showing stopper placement

STAMPS USED:

Paris Plate & Beret Girl (I'd tell you that they're my designs as well, but modesty forbids, lol)

I hope you have fun with this one!

STAMPENDOUS - COLOUR PENCIL TECHNIQUE VIDEO

We all love Stampendous stamps, and with some of you already creating your Christmas cards, I thought you'd like to see Fran's latest video.




Wonderful effects with a coloured pencil - it's all about the technique! You are sure to pick up some tips here... and I bet you could duplicate some of these effects with ProMarkers.

PENCILS

When choosing pencils, it's worth thinking about visiting an art shop rather than just buying a set from your local stationer's, as you can choose your colours. Flesh tones are hardly ever included in pencil sets, or metallics - but they are available. Go for Artists' Quality if you can: they are more expensive, but very highly pigmented, and worth every penny. Don't forget to buy a putty rubber (you can mould the tip to erase the finest detail and also to remove just a little colour to form highlights) and a good sharpener.

I also recommend you try using a blending pen (ProMarker, Marvy, Dove) which makes the pencil strokes blend in so beautifully, they almost disappear! It's also worth thinking about a rough cartridge, kraft or watercolour paper: these will all show up texture and pencil strokes, great for a grunge or folksy look. Team with torn corrugated card for layering.

INK PADS:

Pretty much anything goes - although if you are going to use a blending pen, I'd advise a permanent ink, eg: Ranger's Archival ink pad. The ink doesn't have to be black, either! Try dark blue, sepia or deep purple - just as effective, and more subtle.

OFF TOPIC - now I have finally got my new computer (after several crashes and a botched repair, the old one just wasn't up to the job any more) and now I'm finally getting to grips with Windows 7 (don't ask!) you're finally going to see some updates on this site.

Promise!