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Thought I'd pop in and leave a brief note and wish you all Happy New Year! I'm still in Washington visiting family and we're having a great time! It's been COLD (hovering right around 10 degrees) and beautiful with the frost and snow. Photos coming soon when I finally replace the batteries in my camera. *rolleyes*
Enjoy your New Year celebrations!
Cheers!
OH BY THE WAY: It was Christmas 1976 in the photos below. I was close.
Tomorrow morning I'm on a flight going up to northeastern Washington for a week to visit my family. We'll celebrate Christmas (a tad late), and my brothers birthday (a bigger tad late), and New Years! It should be a fun week!
As I was looking through some photos tonight to find photos taken at my parents house, I came across this photo of me and my Mom taken the Christmas of 1975 (I think). In this photo she's pregnant with my sister Melissa, who is 4 years younger than me. So, 1975 must be the right year. (Will have Mom validate tomorrow!)
Aren't we cute in our coordinating red velour dresses!
And here I am, same year, in front of Grandma's Christmas tree. Look at all those fancy ornaments! *wink*
Hope you had a wonderful holiday with your friends and family, and look forward to celebrating New Year's Eve in similar fashion.
Ho Ho Ho!! Merry Christmas!!
Santa found my house ... did he find yours!?
Here's wishing you a magical day.
Time for some egg nog, watching football, and catching a nap!
HO HO HO!!
I've been asked many times how I color images, so I thought I would put together a visual guide, along with some thoughts I have on coloring stamped images. The techniques I use most often are watercoloring, and Prismacolor pencil with Gamsol (a technique sometimes referred to as "magic pencil"). This post is specific to Prismacolor pencil with Gamsol. (Click here to read my tips on watercoloring, posted earlier this month.)
Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol (a brand of odorless mineral spirits) is one of my favorite ways to color stamped images. One of my favorite papers for this technique is Pearlized Shimmery White cardstock. When I'm not using Pearlized Shimmery White cardstock, I use Stampin' Up's Whisper White or Very
Vanilla cardstock. But I also find it fun to experiment on other types of
paper as well. Paper with a bit more "tooth" than Whisper White and Very Vanilla colors a bit differently than smoother papers. While it's possible to use other brands of colored pencil for this technique, Prismacolor artist colored pencils are soft but heavily pigmented, so I've found they work the best for blending.
To blend my colors, I
use inexpensive paper stumps, or tortillions. I buy all of my pencils and paper stumps at dickblick.com. Gamsol (or other brands of odorless mineral spirits) can be found at local or online artist supply stores. It typically comes in either a tin can with a pour spout, or in a glass jar, and is primarily used by oil painters. I've found that the best container to use for this technique is a small double-walled plastic jar, similar to a nail polish remover jar. I cut a regular yellow sponge to fit inside the jar, and pour the Gamsol onto the sponge until it is just saturated, but not floating or beneath the surface of the Gamsol.
I stamp my images on my paper with Black Stazon ink. Stazon
is an acid free, archival, fast drying solvent-based waterproof ink and
can be ordered through Stampin' Up, found in local craft stores, and
lots of online stores. (You might also have good success with various other inks as well, such as Memento, Palette, etc.) Then I start adding color to the places color would be the darkest - usually the
edges.
I dip my paper stump onto the Gamsol sponge and begin blending the
colors in a small circluar motion towards the center of the image, pulling
bits of color as I go. You can leave as little, or as much highlight area on an image as you'd like. By simply not adding as much color to the edges, or not pulling as much color towards the center of your image, you'll be able to have a bigger highlight area. (See my two pears card for another example of a highlight area.)
It's always better to start with LESS color and add more as you need it, than to start with too much color. But, another great thing about working with colored pencil is that you will be able to erase a bit of color, creating a highlight spot if you lay down too much color. You'll never be able to erase the color completely, but you can pull off just enough of the pigment to create a lighter colored area. I use white Hi-Polymer Erasers by Pentel for this process (which can be found at local and online craft or office supply stores).
As you color your image, you'll be able to see where you'd like to add darker shades of color in places you want to
emphasize color, or create shadows. Always start with your lightest colors and work with your darker colors sparingly once your lighter colors are in place. Gamsol tends to really make colors pop, so it is quite easy to add too much color to an image by using too dark of a color too quickly while you work. But don't be afraid to
use color! How you use color gives images life.
I hope you find these tips helpful! I'd love to know if this has helped you, and would love even more to see some of your work while you try out some of these ideas.
The flower stamp used in this project is by Whipper Snapper Designs, designed by me!
Cheers!
May you have a *magical* Christmas!
Peace and Love,
Anna, Alan & all the critters
I've been asked many times how I color images, so I thought I would put together a little visual guide, along with some thoughts I have on coloring stamped images. The techniques I use most often are watercoloring, and Prismacolor pencil with Gamsol (sometimes referred to as "magic pencil"). This post is specific to watercoloring, but I'll do another post all about Prismacolors soon!
Watercoloring is my favorite way to color stamped images. I prefer to watercolor on really good watercolor paper and not ordinary cardstock. I think the end result is rich looking, and I think it's easier to control the water and colors when good watercolor paper is used. I buy watercolor paper tablets at artist supply stores or online at dickblick.com, and cut the pages down to the sizes I want to use on my projects. I also use a good water brush (aka Aquapainter). Stampin' Up sells a great quality brush set (2 per package), but you can also find other brands just as easily which are typically sold individually in various sizes. I prefer the medium size for most card-sized projects. I bought one of my water brushes at an artist supply store in Oregon, and I purchased my other water brushes from dickblick.com.
I stamp my images on the watercolor paper with Black Stazon ink. Stazon is an acid free, archival, fast drying solvent-based waterproof ink and can be ordered through Stampin' Up, found in local craft stores, and lots of online stores. Once the image is stamped, I put a dot of Stampin' Up re-inker color in the lid of my Stampin' UP stamp pad. While I use the lids of my ink pads, you could just as easily use a small plastic watercolor palette, an old CD, or even a plastic lid. But a little ink goes a LONG way, so I use the lids of my ink pads. The drop of ink will remain useable for months and months in the closed ink pad lid. With just a damp water brush (it should not be dripping wet, or dry) I pick color from the lid and begin filling in the stamped image, starting at the place color would be the darkest - usually the edge. Allowing colors to dry completely before adding colors next to one another helps keep the colors from flowing together. But, if you'd like a blended look, add additional colors while the base colors are still damp. I use both techniques, depending on the look I'd like the finished art to have.
It's important when coloring to determine a light source direction and paint your entire image using that light source as the direction light touches your subject. It doesn't matter which direction you choose for your light, as long as you're consistent in your coloring throughout the entire project. In this image, I wanted the light to look as though it were coming through a window to the left of the vase, and fade into the color of the wall as it got closer to the vase. I almost always paint the focus image first, before painting in the
background. This helps me determine what colors to use, and where to
place saturated color areas on the background once the main image is
dry (while always keeping my light source in mind).
My last step is to add darker shades of color to places I want to emphasize shadow (or lack of light - in this example, less light from the window), which also gives a more three dimensional look to the colored piece.
For this colored image I used the following Stampin' Up re-inker colors: Old Olive (stems and leaves); Cool Caribbean, Not Quite Navy, Buckaroo Blue (vase); More Mustard, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa (flowers); So Saffron, More Mustard, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip (background). Flower stamp by Whipper Snapper Designs, designed by me!
The best advice I can give to someone looking to improve watercolor skills is practice. Find examples you like, and figure out what it is about them that makes the image interesting to you. I think you'll find that it's usually light and color and how they're used that makes an image really stand out. And my last bit of advice is don't be afraid to use color! How you use color gives images life.
I hope you find these tips helpful! I'd love to know if this has helped you, and would love even more to see some of your work while you try out some of these ideas.
Prismacolor pencil and Gamsol tips coming soon!
I love being able to offer a little something to my readers. I'm thrilled that so many of you are truly so excited about the chance of winning! Since I can't send something to each one of you, I'll continue to try and make this a place that you enjoy coming to. Thanks for all of your enthusiasm and kind words!
There are two winners for this blog candy - the first name chosen will receive the stamps shown, and a few "surprise" goodies to sweeten the prize. The second name chosen will receive a surprise blog candy package, and items sent will remain a surprise until she opens the package! Hope it's worth the wait!
I've randomly selected two names:
1. Jan Stafford
2. Shelley Davis
Ladies, I've sent you both emails - watch for my message!
To all of you, have a magical holiday!
Remember an earlier blog candy this month that was courtesy of my friend Vivian? Well, here's another set of stamps from Vivian that I've added one of my own to, to create this fun trio of stamps.
Post a comment today before midnight Central time (see reason for edit below) NOON Central time, Saturday December 23, to be considered for the drawing. I'll randomly choose someone to send these fun stamps to! Please remember to include your name! Share in the fun, and be sure to tell a friend!
Ho Ho Ho!!
Oh... I should also mention that there will also be a few "surprise" blog candy items included in your package, to make it extra sweet! Now, go post!
EDITED TO ADD: This blog candy was supposed to end Friday at midnight, but since I fell asleep last night before I could draw the blog winner and since people have been posting today (I wasn't real clear with the deadline date), I'm extending this blog candy to NOON Central time Saturday, December 23rd.
TWO WINNERS will be chosen - first winner will receive the shown stamps and extra goodies, and the second winner will receive a SURPRISE blog candy!!
Sorry for any confusion -- must have morning coffee...
A little more than a "peek", this image shows some of my images being released in January with Whipper Snapper. Have I mentioned the excitement?!
Pears are one of my favorite things. The shape of pears, the color of pears, the smell of pears, and of course the taste of pears! I just had to include a pear in the images I submitted to Whipper Snapper!
On this card, the pear is stamped twice. I colored the images with prismacolor pencils and gamsol, cut them out and layered them on black card stock for a big bang. I am tickled with my pear... I hope you like my pear too... 
PUNCHES are BACK in stock! But they won't last long...
PUNCHES in Stock:6 Giga Scalloped Oval: $20 (pictured) sold out6 Mega Scalloped Oval: $16 sold out6 Giga Scalloped Circle: $20 sold out
6 Giga Scalloped Square: $20
3 Mega Scalloped Square: $16
3 Super Jumbo Snowflake: $126 Jumbo Snowflake: $8 sold out
.
Snap-Stamps in Stock:
1 Karen Foster Snap-Stamps: 1/8" Casual Alphabet: $7.506 Karen Foster Snap-Stamps: 1/8" Casual Numbers: $3.50 sold out
Payment accepted via PayPal. Shipping charges by weight will be added to item price - I'll gladly ship internationally. Email me if you're interested in purchasing any of these items. I'll continue to update this post as items continue to be available.
I think our chickens give us the prettiest eggs! These are the eggs that we've gathered since Friday. The hens have been busy now that the weather has warmed up again. I don't think they were too thrilled with the 20-30 degree weather we had a couple of weeks ago.
Today's supposed to be 79 degrees, so I imagine that's a much better temperature for laying eggs.
The woman who works at our post office buys a dozen from me now and then, we give eggs to Alan's parents and sometimes other elderly ladies in town. It's too bad I can't offer these as blog candy - what a farm fresh treat that would be!
Pretty little things, aren't they...
I recently participated in a gift exchange with some of the SplitCoastStampers Dirty Dozen (current and alumni) girls. We had one name to give to, and JanTink had my name - HOW LUCKY FOR ME!!
Yesterday I recieved this gorgous serving plate and snowflake card. THANKS JanTink! The plate will be perfect for serving up all the yummy holiday sweets I'm making for Christmas. If you can't tell, this plate is all kinds of sparkly! She stamped snowflakes on the mulberry paper, and added sparkles to the paper before she adhered it to the plate. It's just gorgeous!!
I am just thrilled to be working as an artist for Whipper Snapper Designs. We have a big, big, HUGE-big new image release happening in January, and I am so excited! I've been working on coloring images for the new stamps, and thought I'd give a sneak peek now and then here on my blog. Here's the first of several peeks to come!
...stay tuned for others coming soon! *grin*
What better way to celebrate Friday than with Blog Candy! I love it, and hope you do too! The response to today's goodies was nothing short of phenomenal! Way to go, ladies!! I should note though, the tree stamp isn't a $1 stamp from Michael's. It's from Hobby Lobby (and wasn't $1). The Ho Ho Ho stamp is a $1 stamp from Michael's though, and a great one too! I hope the winner of these stamps finds lots of happy uses for them this holiday season.
I've drawn a winner ... Congratulations Diane McVey!
Email me your mailing address and I'll get your stamps out to you right away!
Stay tuned for more Blog Candy this month -- I happen to have a Prego lady $1 stamp lookin' for a sweet new home!
Enjoy your weekend!
Yay! It's Friday, and another GREAT day for some Blog Candy! I wanted to get these stamps posted so I can get them out in the mail and you can still have time to used them for your holiday projects. Maybe some last minute gift tags, cards, etc.
Let's make this one a quick draw. For your chance to win, post a comment to this blog entry by 9:00pm Central TODAY, and remember to include your name.
Remember to share in the holiday spirit and tell a friend! She'll love ya for it!
Ho Ho Ho!!!
Yesterday I found myself die cutting a bunch of scrap paper, and I ended up making a bunch of trees. When they were on my desk, all laying next to each other, they looked like an entire forest of evergreens. Some of the paper I cut was double sided and I thought it was fun how some of the trees looked in non-traditional tree colors.
I also experimented with die cutting some chipboard that had patterened paper glued to it. It worked great! These trees also remind me of trees you'd seen in hand appliqued quilts, so I wanted to bring in a hand-quilted look to this card. I used my fine point marker to create stitches around the trees, and up the centers. I used Stardust Stickles to create snow falling in the white sky, and added a sparkly snowflake button to the top of the red tree. I really like the home-spun look to this. Very folksy!
I found some fabriano notecards in my scrap bin that I hadn't finished (I only got as far as the pink sponged background), so I thought I'd finish them up.
I stamped the A Muse snowman over the pink area, added some extra lines so he looks like he's actually sitting on the snow-covered ground, stamped the A Muse sentiment in the corner, finished it of with some Stardust Stickles and some fabu ribbon.
For the pink area on the card, I cut an opening in another piece of cardstock the shape I wanted, creating a template. Then I placed the newly created template over my fabriano card, and sponged pink onto the fabriano notecard area. This kind of reverse-masking is fun, and I think it makes a sharp single-layer card design.
I wanted to come up with a card that is beautiful, seasonal, and yet simple enough that I could mass produce gobs of them in one evening. I think I did good! There's even Stardust Stickles on the frost to give it LOTS of sparkle! I used Shimmery White cardstock to make these cards. It's a really nice heavy weight paper that holds up well without any other layers added, and takes ink really well. The only problem is it is difficult to photograph because it is so shimmery. But it's beautiful, feels great, and I love using it!
This card uses Stazon Black for the tree branches and sentiment (and they really do look crisp black on the card, and not grey like they look here), and Bashful Blue ink for the frost on the tips of the tree branches. I colored the cardinal with markers.
I found inspiration for this card from this wrapping paper, this notecard, and this candle. I love the twiggy look of the shrub, and here in Texas cardinals can be seen in trees and along fences and fields. There was one here at the house just this week. They're beautiful, but fiesty, little birds!
The sentiment is by River City Rubber Works, I used the Stampin' Up set "Just Vine" for the branches & frost, and the cardinal is from the Stampin' Up set "It's Snow Time".
Thanks to all of you who posted a comment on the blog candy post I made yesterday. Every one of your holiday treats sound AMAZING! It's great to see the variety of goodies that you all enjoy over the holidays. Alan and I read every comment, and ooo'd and ahhhh'd all of the yummies. Thankfully this wasn't a taste test event... I'm not sure we'd be able to choose a winner!
Tonight it was up to Alan to randomly select the three winners for this weekend's blog candy, and the winners are...
1. Rose!
2. Inky Paws!
3. Rita!
Congrats ladies!
Email me your address and I'll have your stamps in the mail!
I've just received an order of punches, and they're all for sale!
Here's what I have in stock:
6 Giga Scallop Square: $20
2 Mega Scallop Square: $164 Mega Scallop Circle (pictured): $16 (sold out)
3 Super Jumbo Snowflake: $12
1 Jumbo Snowflake (nests with Super Jumbo): $8
1 Crop-a-Dile: $25
Shipping charges by weight will be added to item price - I'll gladly ship internationally. Email me if you're interested in purchasing one, or more, punches. I'll continue to update this post as items continue to be available.
Sponge daubers have been added to the store again as well! Here's a link on where I show how I use these inexpensive daubers to add ink to the edges of my projects.
I hope you all love the blog candy as much as I do! I thought it was time for another drawing. This time, three lucky winners will recieve these two stamps. I'm thrilled to be able to treat you with goodies. They might not be huge winnings, but I think they're FUN and in spirit of the holidays.
If you'd like to be entered into the drawing, post a comment to this thread by 8pm Central time tomorrow, Sunday December 10th. Three winners will be drawn at that time.
Just for fun, I'd like to know what your favorite holiday treat is - and even better, is it homemade?!
Post away, ladies! And don't forget to include your name!
Cheers!!
Edited to Add: Yes, if you want to send recipes, I'd LOVE that! Email me!
Ok girls! I want you all to make something delicious this weekend. I've started making some Christmas candies, and thought I'd share a recipe with you.
Toffee ... Mmm mmm, Delicious!
2 cups butter
2 cups white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
In a large heavy bottomed pot (I use an enamel-coated cast iron soup pot - it makes the best candies!), combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature reaches 285 degrees F (137 degrees C) on your candy thermometer. Stir occasionally to keep it from burning.
While the toffee is cooking, cover a large flat baking sheet with parchment paper. As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, quickly pour it out onto the prepared baking sheet. But you've got to make sure it reaches temperature! If it's not cooked long enough, your toffee will be a bit gritty from sugar that didn't get melted all the way. Let the toffee spead itself to a nice even layer - tapping the sheet on the counter will help level out the candy.
While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top, and let them set for a minute or two to soften. Once the chocolate chips have softened, use a spatula to spread the chocolate into a thin even layer over the toffee. Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the chocolate. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set (10-15 minutes should be plenty of time!). Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container. Or just serve it up! Yummmy!!
I promised more holiday cards today -- look at these HAPPY
snowmen! This snowman image by Inky Antics just makes me grin! The snowflakes
are by Hero Arts, and Stampin' Up.
It was nice to make cards without a lot of layers and inking and embellishments. Not even a stitch of ribbon on these! I couldn't leave off the glitter though, so these guys sparkle like happy snowmen should!
Hope you're having a HAPPY winter day!
Thought I'd share more of my holiday card designs with you. Let's see... I have 20 cards made, and only 40 more to go! *shakes head* Maybe I need to narrow down my mailing list for the year!
I also need to get on the stick about ordering (and making) my gifts! So far, I have nothing!
*gasp*
...and time is ticking, ticking, ticking...
I need to get BUSY!
I did buy a plane ticket so I can fly to see my family just after Christmas for a week. That will be fun! Here's hoping for lots of snow ... but prompt airplanes.
More holiday cards to come!
Edited to Add: This snowman stamp is from Inky Antics.
My goodness, the requests to see the wreath are overwhelming! I won't keep you all in suspense any longer - although that would be fun for me!
Had I known this wreath was going to stay in the house, I would have used fancier things on it - but this was intended for the front door, so I used things that could take some weather, and still look nice.
There are lights on the wreath as well, which makes it look really pretty at night.
I like door wreaths that have fruit on them - I used candied fruit on this one, as well as berries and grapes. While I do think it's pretty, I still think it's OK for the front door.
This is another card made with a vintage seasonal image from my Crafty Secrets booklet. And, I used more of my Stampin' Up holiday paper! (Can you believe I cut into something NEW?!)
On this card, I did a bit of sponging around the edges of all the elements. I used my trusty sponge dauber and Walnut ink by Ranger.
I think walnut ink and daubers are both must-have accessories for all stampers, especially those who dabble with vintage or shabby-chic style cards.
I also added Stardust Stickles to the holly and berries, and his hat and letter. The sparkles really add the final touch to the card.
This snowman looks like he's eatten too much holiday fudge... hmm... I like fudge...
I've always loved vintage images. I have some fun reproduction postcard images of Kewpie's that I keep tucked away in my "treasures" box. And I love the folksy-vintage crafts that are popular in the antique shops.
Imagine my excitement when I learned about Crafty Secret's line of Heartwarming Vintage Booklets, and other vintage products! Pure delight!
I made this card using one of the cuts from their Vintage Seasonal booklet. It's too bad you can't see how sparkly this card is! The fur on the kid's snow suits is dazzling with Stardust Stickles, and so are parts of the snow and distant trees. The two strands of fiber tied at the top and bottom of the image layer have whispy, sparkly fibers that I think are so fun to use on cards! Stay tuned tomorrow for another card using a different image from the same booklet!
A lot of people have asked where I've been since Friday night. Uhhh, um... well, let's see... 
I guess I've been busy ... I guess. *grin*
This weekend, Alan and I put up the Christmas tree. And since he doesn't really have any ornaments, I got to pull out all of mine and say "oh, now this one is CUTE!" and, "awww...i love this one!" and, "oh my gosh, isn't this one just the cutest?" I guess if you've lived through a Christmas with me, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about - right Ace!? Ha!
Anyway, in addition to the tree I also made a wreath for the front door. Alan says it's too nice for the front door (we use the back door), and he wants to keep it in the house. Sheesh! What about the front door!? *I see the need for another trip to the CRAFT STORE!*
What else have I been up to since Friday... hmm... *shrug* Good question.
... Maybe it's a secret!! 
11:56pm: I really enjoyed having a 24 hour Blog Candy post to celebrate December 1st. It thrills me that so many of you choose to participate. December is going to be a fun month, so I hope you continue to visit. There's a lot more giving and celebrating to do, and I'm looking forward to the fun!
Oh! it's time!
11:59: *reaches into bowl of names* ...and the winner is.... MANETTA!
oh my gosh... it's MANETTA! MANETTA!!! ... I picked your name!! For those of you who don't know, Manetta is one of my dearest friends who I've known for about 10 years! Waahhhooooo!!! Manetta!!! *Holy cow, I can't believe I picked your name!! ha!!! That's too fun!!!*
12:02am: Ok... so, because it was WAY too fun drawing a name, I'm going to draw another for a second trio of stamps! The SECOND winner is.... Renee V! (You'll receive the same stamps!)
12:05am: Tomorrow I have plans to get a tree and do some holiday shopping. Then I'll come home, enjoy some hot tea, and dig through all my treasures from the day - can't wait!
Happy December!
Happy Saturday!
Happy Winter!
Earlier this week I finished some Artist Trading Cards for a swap I'm in this month. I only needed to make 9 cards, but made 10. I wanted to put the extra card to good use, so I quickly put together this card. (The card is sitting on a sheet of Stampin' Up paper, so what you see in the background isn't actually part of the card.)
This snowman makes me HAPPY! (Snowman by Penny Black.)
I used a Sakura Stardust pen on some of the printed snowflakes to give them sparkle. The Dress It Up (Jesse James?) snowflake that's adhered to the ribbon is *really* sparkly! And, with the Stardust Stickles on the snowman and the falling snow around him, this card has some serious glitz!
Happy Winter!
It's almost time to draw the Blog Candy winner!
Tick Tock, Tick Tock...
