Mirror Image Stamping Tutorial...

 When I posted this card using Tami Mayberry's "You Go Girl" stamp for the Gina K Designs October Release Inspiration Hop, I received MANY comments by people asking how I did the "reverse image" stamping. I promised to come back and show you how it was done... but... I PLANNED to do a video tutorial.  As luck would have it... hee hee... my recorder battery was dead and I had left the charger at home. Soooo... I snapped a few pics and here is the tutorial you were asking for.  Trust me... my voice sucks on video so this is MUCH better for YOU! LOL

First... THIS is a Mirror Image Stamp.  It is what I used to create the opposite image of what the stamp was originally printed as.  Pretty simple, the instructions are right on the stamp itself.  :-)  The flip side looks like this... just plain rubber. 

To begin... I inked up the original stamp that I wanted to reverse.

Of course, I don't want the border NOR the excess ink which I managed to get around the image.  Clorox Wipes to the rescue!!  

Next... you simply stamp the image ONTO the Mirror Image Stamp itself. 

Your image will look like this when done.  I'm not concerned about the "missing" ink that shows up in the hair part of the stamp.  We'll get back to that later.  Now... you can "huff" on your stamp and place it on the paper.

Next, to be sure your image lines up correctly when stamping the proper image of the stamp, I use a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  But, if you're good at seeing exactly where your stamp will be, feel free to skip this step.

Now, you have BOTH images on your sheet.

And that missing hair section??? Easy... GREAT time for that Copic Multiliner!!!  I have never been able to get a solid image so the Multiliner really comes in handy!! And if you think some of the lines are not as solid as you like, simply retrace with the Multiliner. 

I hope that explained how to stamp a reverse image.  It's so much fun using it on animals as well.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Fall Bounty...

Today I wanted to share with you another one of Melanie Muenchinger's newest stamp sets, "Basket Additions" which I paired with her basket from the "Spring Basket" set.  This set is just perfect for just about any occasion and when I picked the fall goodies, I was thinking how perfect this would be for welcoming someone to the neighborhood or just a nice Thanksgiving card design.

My card base is Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice.  I layered on some Chocolate Brown and Sweet Corn on that and mounted my image on Kraft.  My image was stamped on White and colored with my Copic markers.  I paper pieced the ruffle using some DP.   I stamped my sentiment onto the Kraft and used my Scor Buddy along the top and bottom.  I added a few Rain Dots on either side as well.

I hope you are enjoying the Fall colors and weather... it's one of my favorite times of year but I'd rather not see what comes after it.  Ha!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

COPICS USED:

E37, E35, E33, E31, E53, E50,

YR18, YR68, R17, R14, YR65, YR61, YR31, YR24, YR21, YR15,

YR12, YR01, YR000, YG95, YG67, YG63,

YG91, YG23, Y26, Y11, Y13, Y28, Y23

Reachhhhh....

I have  a confession..... I've been hording DIGITAL STAMPS!!! *sigh*  Yes, I know... so sad.  But the worse part is... I have these adorable images that I just NEVER used and now... I have to GUESS where I got them or who they were by!!! UGH!!!  So, my goal is to start using them.  AND to start using some of the stamps I have from other companies that I have bought... horded and NEVER let them touch ink! Blek Blek!!  Just not right!  So today's adorable image... I just LOVE his hair and face... hee hee... I THINK is a Maurie Manning image from Mo's Digital Pencil.  I can't swear by it... because I can't find it on her site, but... I believe it was a freebie she gave away at one time on Facebook.  Either way... I STILL love this guy and FINALLY decided to give him some color and a home.  :-)

My card base is Pure Luxury Little Boy Blue. I layered on some Fresh Asparagus to coordinate with my DP I found in my scraps stash.  The blue DP is yet ANOTHER FREEBIE from Stamp TV digital paper pack called, Jersey Shore.  My image was stamped on Cryogen White from the Paper Temptress and colored with Copic markers.  I added another panel of the Fresh Asparagus and more DP from my stash along with a bit of ribbon/bow and some flourished crystals. 

I hope you don't horde as many stamps and images as I do.  They are much to fun to play with and I am really going to try to use what I have, for a change!!  Wish me luck!!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!  *smile*

I am entering this project in the CMC Copic Challenge Group.  See details HERE.  

COPICS USED:  

Y28, Y26, Y15, YG95, YG93, B26, B24, B21, B41, B000, Y11, Y21, E97, E00, E000, E11, RS0

Loving Art

FIRST A NOTE:  For all of you who asked about a tutorial for the mirrored image stamping I did on yesterday's Gina K Designs blog hop, I have decided to do my VERY FIRST video showing how I did this.  Pretty easy and I hope I can stand my voice recorded! LOL  Stay tuned, I'll try to have it done by Saturday.  Thanks for asking!!

Today I am sharing another one of my favorite Gilli stamps, "Painter Gilli".  Isn't she adorable all decked out in her painting hat. Hee Hee

I started with Pure Luxury Creme de Menthe card stock.  I added a layer of Lemon Drop and some DP from my stash.  My image with colored with Copic markers and I used my Oval Nestabilities and Scalloped Oval Nestabilitie to mount her to the card.  A few self-adhesive rhinestones which I colored with my Copics and a few flowers and ribbon finishes off my card. 

I really like how she came out and hope my dear friend I sent her to likes her just as much! 

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

Gina K Designs October Inspiration Hop Day 3

Well??? Have you been enjoying the inspiration hops so far??? I HAVE!!  Today we are sharing the final two new releases in this hop.  So, let's get started.... first up...

Tami Mayberry's... "You Go Girl!"...

This set IMMEDIATELY reminded me of my 9 year old daughter!!!  First... she LOVES these sentiments, "You Go Girl!" AND... "Hey, Girlfriend!" LOL   At one point she had a favorite teen show where the girls would "touch" fingers and say... "ewwww".  That was my inspiration for this card.

I used my Reverse Image stamp to do just that for this card.  I began with Pure Luxury Red Hot card stock and layered on some DP I found in my stash.  I added some Black Onyx then my image which I colored with Copic markers.  I put down a strip of Scor Tape and used my black ribbon to make a ruffle along the edge and added a small sparkley button to the top.  I LOVE how this came out and my 9 year old did as well.  :-)  Perhaps I'll save it to give her someday when she's in need of some encouragement.  Hee Hee

Next on our list... the "Free with Three" set... "Pleasant Plurals"...

For this card I began with some Pure Luxury Fresh Asparagus card stock.  I added some of the awesome DP from the Stamp TV Kit, and some Cranberry Tart card stock which I used a border punch on.  I used a piece of Wild Dandelion which I aged a bit using Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tea Dye.  I stamped my sentiment and added some self-adhesive copper nail heads.

This I plan to send to my son (actually mailed yesterday) to congratulate him on getting 1st chair in Concert Band and doing so good on his report card.  I hope he likes it!  :-)

Now hop on down the list to visit the other DT members.  Remember to leave a comment and Gina will be choosing two winners from all the comments who will each win a fabulous Gina K. Designs grab bag filled with a least a dozen individual precut images!  Enjoy the hop!

• Gina K
• Tami Mayberry illustrator You Go Girl
• Giovana Smith
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tina Gilliland (You are here!)
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Theresa Momber

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Gina K Designs October Inspiration Hop Day 2

Happy Monday!!! Are you all ready for another day of inspirational hopping???  Today the Gina K Designs' Design Team is hopping again to share even more of the October Release!!  On the agenda today...

The October Stamp TV Kit, "Wishing You Joy"...

 

My card today is one of a set of three I made... I was on a bit of  "white/snow" kick.  ;-)

I started with Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White and added some of that FABULOUS DP from the STV Kit.  LOVE all the papers in this kit and I know you will too!!  Perfect for holiday cards and warm winter wishes.  :-)  My was colored with Copic markers and I did a bit of scoring along the top and bottom using my Scor Pal.  I added a bit of pearl/ribbon to the bottom to add to the "snow/ball" scene. 

Next up...

I love this little penguin and decided he needed a few siblings. Hee Hee!  I used the star in the kit and heat embossed it using using Halogram embossing powder.  Again adding some of that awesome DP and coloring with the Copics.

And my final card in the set....

For this I used my snowflake Cuttlebug folder and some Red Hot card stock.  Again I colored with the Copics and added some self-adhesive rhinestones which I colored to match the "lights" on the house using my Copic markers. Oh and my house coloring... IS MY house!! Yes, I have a PURPLE door!!  Someone once told me you should paint your front door your favorite color and I did!! LOL (My sentiment is from the Pleasant Plurals set which we will feature tomorrow! *smile*)

Now hop on down the list and see what the other DT member have in store for you.  Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a fabulous Gina K. Designs grab bag filled with a least a dozen individual precut images! .

• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland (You're here!)
• Vicki Dutche

 Enjoy the hop and come back tomorrow for yet another day of inspirational hopping!!  Good luck and thanks for stopping by!  *smile*

Eeeeek!!! Exciting News!!!

I've been hunted!!  Hee Hee  Well... in a good way!  Today I am sharing a card that I recently put up in the Outlawz Forum.  Yep... I was asked to be a member of The Outlawz Design Team.  Woot!!!  I will be designing for their Monday challenges.  You can see all the challengers HERE. 

Today I'm sharing a card I did using the Fairytale Magnolias.  They are soo cute!!

I stamped my image on white card stock and used my Copics to color him in.  My card base is Pure Luxury Chocolate Brown.  I layered on some Tan Leather and added my DP.  My images were cut out and I used Pop Dots to mount my little Robin Hood.  :-)  My sentiment was put on white and I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tea Dye to give it a more stained look. 

I hope you join me over on The Outlawz site and enter in the challenges.  I'll be back tomorrow morning with another Inspiration Hop for Gina K Designs newest release. Be sure to stop by and leave a comment... you know Gina gives away FREE stamps!! 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

Gina K Designs October Release Inspiration Hop

Good morning!!! Did everyone have fun at the Gina K Designs October Release Party last night over on Stamp TV??? I was soooooo happy to see so many NEW faces!!!  Yayy!!!  Always fun to meet new people and find out what they enjoy!  Hope you all come back again and again!!! 

Now how about a little inspiration rom the Design Team using the new stamps?? 

First up…. Melanie Muenchinger’s, “Basket Additions”…

I had so much fun coloring all these awesome “toppers” from this set but today I’m just going to share the “crafty” topper.  I used the basket from the “Holiday Basket” set.  I colored it with my Copic markers.  I paper pieced the “fabric" overlay” part of the topper and colored the crafty goodies with Copics. 

My card base is Pure Luxury Blue Raspberry.  I layered on some Ocean Mist  and then some of that awesome plaid paper available in the Stamp TV Kit this month.  LOVE those papers!!!  I again added some Ocean Mist which I ran through my Vagabond using the Houndstooth Cuttlebug embossing folder. 

I mounted my basket of goodies using Pop Dots and then added some rhinestone swirls and a few stars. 

Ready for another NEW set????

Up next… Theresa Momber’s… “Strength and Hope”…

Theresa will be donating all her proceeds from Strength and Hope, for the first month of sales, to cancer research.

This is the card I shared last night and yesterday (just a peek).  I began my card with Pure Luxury Bubble Gum Pink.  I used my Scor Buddy to create the diamond embossing on the front.  I punched just the end of the right side of the card using a border punch.  This is a normal A2 size card but just the right edge on the card top is shorter in width.    I stamped my image on white and colored it with my Copic markers.  I added some Passionate Pink under it for a border. 

I really like how this card came out and sadly, I know it will be used by someone I know suffering from the terrible breast cancer beast. 

Enjoy the rest of the hop and remember to leave a comment on each DT member’s blog for a chance to win a FREE stamp set from Gina K valued at $24.95. 

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger illustrator Basket Additions
• Theresa Momber illustrator Strength and Hope
• AJ Otto
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Tina Gilliland  (You are here!)
• Vicki Dutcher
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  *smile*

 

You’re Invited to Gina K Designs October Release Party!!!

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs October Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from Tami Mayberry’s blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV  where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.
Here's a sneaky peak of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party.




Hee Hee… want to see the FULL card??? I promise you’ll get your chance at the party tonight!!!    Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

• When: Today, Thursday, October 20
• Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
• Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Head on over to Vicki Dutcher’s blog to see what she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for October!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Card Drive for Kids with Spina Bifida…

Join us for a Card Drive for Kids with Spina Bifida blog hop! Members of Gina K.'s Design Team have come together to host a hop where we will share with you cards we created for some very special kids! You can find more details on this special cause over at StampTV.

If you came from Stamp TV, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head on over where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop and more information on the card drive.  Here is the card I am sending to one of the awesome gals. 

My card began with something BRIGHT and CHEERFUL…. Pure Luxury Accents – Key Lime card sock!  LOVE that bright paper!    I then layered with more brights… Wild Dandelion cardstock.  My DP is from my stash.  I stamped my image from Tami Mayberry’s “Fairy Tales” set and colored with Copic markers.  I used my Oval and Scalloped Oval Nestabilities to but out my frog and added her crown with Pop Dots. My sentiment is from Melanie Muenchinger’s set, “Hip Hop Accessories”.  Though it’s hard to see here, I added a bit of glitter to the hearts on the crown and rhinestones at the crown points! 

If you’d like to participate in bringing some cheer to these awesome kids, you can send your cards to:

Giovana Smith
Card Drive for Kids
181 Perry Way
Yakima, WA 98901
 
Everyone who mails in a card for each of the children will be entered into the drawing to win a grand prize.

• Create a fun, uplifting card or cards for one or all the kids listed below (you can click on their names to read more about each of them). The card can be anything cheery, encouraging, supportive, etc.  Please DO NOT send sorry, get well or anything like that. Remember, we want to cheer them up. The kids:
  • Madison: 2 years old
  • Logan: 2 years old. (turning 3 on October 17th!!)
  • Tanner: 2 years old (turning 3 on December 15)
  • Rebekah: 9 years old
• All cards need to have a message in it for the child/family.  Please also sign your name and where you are from.  On the card envelope, write the name of the child.  Please, don't seal the envelope, as the parents might want to read the cards before the kids see them.
• Cards must be received by October 31st to be eligible for the drawing.
• Mail your card(s) to Giovana along with a piece of paper with your name, address, e-mail address and blog (if you have one). This will help a lot to contact the winner a lot faster!:

Awesome companies have donated amazing prizes for you! More than $400.00 in prizes!!

• Heartfelt Creations: 8 stamping sets + 1 Coordinated Die Set. Value: $150.00!
• Gina K. Designs: 2 StampTV Kits: Value: $70.00 (Gina will send the prize direct to the winner!)
• Unity Stamps: 10 Itty Bitty Stamps. Value: $70.00
• SP & Company: 3 Stamp Set. Value: $40.00
• Lawn Fawn Stamps: 2 Stamp Set: Value: $30.00
• Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps: 1 Stamp Set. Value: $11.00
• Spellbinders: 2 die sets!! (Not included in the picture)
• Tombow Markers: 6 packs of markers and several packs of adhesives (Not included in the picture)

Now head on over to Theresa Momber’s blog  to see what she's sharing with you today!
Thanks for participating in our hop and have a great day!!! *smile*

A Cheer for Fall!!!

It was a tad bit nippy outside last night and this morning and though I’m NOT a fan of cold weather, I couldn’t help but make this sweet Cheer Gilli image in Fall colors!  I truly feel for those girls who cheer at all the High School football games in those short skirts and bare legs, but I bet it’s a great incentive for jumping around and keeping spirits high!!

 

I started with Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice card stock and layered on some Green Apple which I ran though my Vagabond using the Hounds tooth Cuttlebug embossing folder.  My girl is colored with Copic markers and layered on top of more Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Corn card stock.  I used Pop Dots between a couple layers to give the card some dimension and added a ribbon, bow and a Prima flower to top it all off. 

 

I am having sooo much fun using my Copics and I can’t seem to get enough coloring in lately.  Thanks, Suzanne!!

 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

 

A Note to Dad…

Today I’d like to share with you a card I made especially for my dad to say not only “thank you” but to also congratulate him and wish him well on his retirement.  And, it was yet another reason to practice my Copic coloring. Hee  I’m sooooo enjoying my Copics again and even MORE now!! 

My image is from Susana’s Custom Art & Card Designs by Victoria Case, “Thinking of You”. 

My card base is Pure Luxury White  from Gina K Designs.  I layered on some Creme de Menthe and some DP from Prima.  I layered again with a bit of Ocean Mist and again more DP.  I cut my image out and mounted her with Pop Dots then added some ribbon and a Webster's Sparkler to the bow.

It as been a SUPER busy week at work!!!  Closing one corporation and opening a new DBA it just sooo much paper work!!  The new boss seems nice enough and has a positive attitude (I'm all for that!) and though I worked an extra day this week and late yesterday (then brought work home), I think next week should be a bit easier and not as rushed to get "details" in order. 

My dad and mom left on Thursday (his first REAL day of retirement) for a ten day vacation to Australia!!  When I called them at the airport, dad was upbeat and excited about his retirement.  I don't think it will take him as long to adjust as HE thought it would.  :-)  They phoned last night from California and said they had a couple hour lay-over then a TEN HOUR flight to Australia!! OMGosh I sooo could NOT do that!!! I had a bit of a struggle on a two hour flight to Las Vegas!!! UGH!!  I'm sure dad took his iPad to read his Kindle on and mom probably grabbed a good book as well.  I just hope they have a GREAT time and take lots of pics!! 

Today WE are heading to Waukee, IA for my son's high school State Band Competition.  Afterwards the band is having a huge party at a member's house then we will be done with early morning practices!!! YAYYY!!  Next up... Concert Band.  :-)

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!  *smile*

Non-Traditional Christmas

We have been having some beautiful, sunny warm weather here this last week and so I’m REALLY NOT thinking of Christmas and snow!!  But, honestly, after spending the day in 88 degree weather with my son’s high school marching band yesterday, I was truly in need of  “something” cool!!  Lucky for us all, ice cold WATER was all that was available at the time! Ha!!  Still… I’m sharing another one of the cards I made while we had our little Christmas card making day at My Studio.    I added a strip of Lemon Drop and then applied my DP to it.  I stamped my image from

For this card I didn’t have to look far to find non-traditional colors!  My DP did it all for me!!  I apologize for not remembering what paper pack it came from (I, like many other of my crafty friends, am a paper horder!!!), but when I’m back at My Studio and I find where it came from, I’ll post it for you later.
 
I started my card base with Pure Luxury Cranberry Tart which I ran through my Vagabond using the Snowflakes Cuttlebug folder.  I added a strip of Lemon Drop card stock and applied my DP to it.  My image is from Nina Brackett's set, "Winter Mittens".  I cut the mittens out using my Nested Mittens from Spellbinders.  I stamped my sentiment on more Lemon Drop and added a few self-adhesive silver nail heads to the ends.

I hope you are enjoying a few more days of nice weather before you're in need of the mittens.  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

RAIN!!!!

Today we got RAIN!!! The first time we’ve had rain in forever, or so it seems!  I just realized this morning when I was taking my son to school that he and I were alike in that we both LOVE it when it rains!  Not many people seem to, or so I hear, but I think it makes everything seem clean and fresh! 

 

Today was also a bit sad for me.  Twenty-two years ago I received a call from my father telling me.. “I want to start my own business.  How do I get started?”.  *sigh*  I have an extensive background in 1) accounting, 2) law, 3) insurance and at the time was working for the Director of Human Resources at Blue Cross and Blue shield.  So… needless to say, he came to me to figure out how to begin.  He started very small… two employees (himself included) and me.. part-time.. taking care of the books, billings, and office.  He grew… quick… and until he had a heart attack a couple years back, he worked hard and never slowed.  It didn’t take six months before I truly needed to be there full-time.  Like any job, it had it’s ups and downs.  And honestly… I NEVER thought I’d be there working alongside my dad for TWENTY-TWO years!!!  No, it wasn’t my dream, but it was his… and because of that, it was important to me. 

 

My dad is one of the toughest persons I’ve ever worked for.  But I should have known he would be.  I remember when I was a teen he gave me two pieces of advice that I never forgot and that shaped my work ethics my whole life.  His first piece of advice.. “If you’re boss wants 100%… you give him 110%.” and… secondly… “Do you best.  You can ALWAYS be replaced.” .  He never fired me and I strived to give him 110% every day.  And though my dad never said I did a good job, I will “assume” he was happy with how I handled his office. 

 

I will miss him and his work ethics and hope that the new owner has those same ethics because I am VERY proud of the company my dad built and I want nothing more than for him to continue to be proud of it as well.    I will miss him being there.

 

My card today seemed appropriate.  I’m not sick but I love these Magnolia images and well.. I did feel a bit down with all that is going on in the business.

 

My card base is Pure Luxury Innocent Pink .  I added a layer of Sweet Mango which coordinated with my DP from My Minds Eye.  I colored my image with my Copics, of course… practicing never ends.    A few crystal flourishes and a bit of ribbon and flower and my card brought a smile to my face. 

 

I hope you are having a great day and I’m going to try to keep it together when my dad meets up with me today to make my final transaction as his “financial officer” of HIS business. Wish me luck!