Layers of Color Art Stamps » Tutorial

Vintage Roses Ornament Tutorial

Laura — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:15:19 +0000

Vintage Roses Ornament by Laura Kirste Campbell

This lovely paper ornament is easy and fun to make. The Spellbinder’s die templates make cutting out the shapes a breeze. Imagine all the variations of color you could use to make different styles. For a Spring theme, use a butterfly instead of the angel. See “Bees and Butterflies” in the Layers of Color boutique for many wonderful options for this project!

MATERIALS:

Paper – Ivory card stock
Stamps – Layers of Color Vintage Roses and Angelic art stamp sets
Inks – VersaFine Vintage Sepia, Prismacolor pencils PC912 Apple Green and PC1045 Metallic Purple
Spellbinders die templates – smallest Grand Scallop Circles and #1 Circles (cuts 2 1/2″ circle)
Embellishments – Acrylic bead, Feather Twine
Other – Spellbinders Grand Calibur die cut machine, scissors, glue, acrylic block for stamping

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place small circle die inside scallop circle die, center and measure, then lightly tape both die templates to card stock. This keeps them in place when running through the cutting machine.

Put through the cutting machine. Punch out the resulting scallop paper ring.

You can use the taped die templates to repeat this process.

Make a total of 6 scallop rings.

Using Vintage Roses arch stamp and Vintage Sepia ink, stamp roses along inside circle.

Notice that the stamp image isn’t on top of the scallops, but is off the edge of the inner circle edge.

Turn the ring around and stamp again creating a ring of roses.

You may have a little overlapping at the ends of the arches, but it will be covered up with color later.

Repeat stamping on all 6 rings.

Using Metallic Purple and Apple Green Prismacolor pencils, color in roses and leaves.

When coloring, use a gentle circular motion, coloring the roses lightly all over and then apply more pressure in the centers to create the feeling of depth in the flowers. Be general and quick with all the coloring, precision isn’t necessary.

Fold all 6 rings in half, with colored side to inside.

Match all scallops evenly when folding and be sure the fold creases a scallop in half as shown.

Fold all 6 rings in half with crease in center of a scallop.

With uncolored sides together, glue two rings together matching scallops and fold creases as shown.

Continue gluing all 6 rings together in the same manner.

Do not connect the first ring to the last ring, yet.

String bead onto Feather Twine. Slide to center of twine.

Position the beaded twine over the first and last rings (not glued together) .

On Ivory card stock with Vintage Sepia ink, and the winged cherub from

Angelic art stamp set, stamp two angels.

Cut out the angels and stamp the backs as well. Don’t worry about accuracy when stamping the back, this is just because the back of the wings will show a little. Slightly fold up each angel wing as shown.

Apply glue to the angel’s head and collar only. Position in the center of the circle and glue to the twine, back to back with the twine sandwiched in between the angels. Check position on the twine in relation to the rings before gluing…

Glue angels to to the twine in the center of the rings.

Then with solid sides together, glue the first and last rings together, completing the circle.

Open the rings so that they are spaced evenly.

Tie ends of Feather Twine in a small knot and hang your Vintage Roses Ornament!

Crayon Resist Technique – Linda Lucas

Laura — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:58:31 +0000

Crayon Resist Technique

by Linda Lucas

This technique is quick and easy. It is perfect for cards, tags, layouts or altered art.

MATERIALS

Layers of Color Butterfly Collector art stamp set
Layers of Color The Love Chapter art stamp set
VersaFine – Black Onyx
Distressing Ink – Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick, Walnut Stain
White Card Stock
White Crayon
Tsukineko Daubers
White Card Stock
Spritzer Bottle

METHOD:

Randomly stamp the butterfly from Butterfly Collector art stamp set with Versafine Black Onyx

Apply white crayon to any area of the image that should remain white.

Start sponging over your image with the Scattered Straw Distressing Ink – this is not precision.

Continue to sponge color with Spiced Marmalade

and finally sponge with Fired Brick until entire piece of card stock is covered

Take a paper towel and buff image – It will take the ink off your crayon marks and brighten the white.

Spray water into your hand and use your fingers to splash it onto the sponged card stock,

dab with tissues immediately and you will see the watermarks appear.

Randomly stamp the sentiment onto your project – I used Walnut Stain and The Love Chapter

It is as easy as that – the variety of colors and images are only limited by your imagination.

Here are some lovely samples using this Crayon Resist Technique:

Card by Linda Lucas using Layers of Color Vintage Roses art stamps

Altered Book by Linda Lucas featuring Layers of Color Cottage Rose cling art stamp

Tag by Linda Lucas stamped with Layers of Color Dotted Delights art stamps

Wedding Gift Bag Tutorial

Laura — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 07:12:06 +0000

Wedding Gift Bag Tutorial

by Linda Lucas

Wedding Gift Bag by Linda Lucas

YOU WILL NEED:

Paper Trimmer with scoring blade or Bone Folder
12″ x 12″ piece of patterned paper
Red Sticky Strip
Ribbon or Tulle
SU Horizontal Slot Punch
Scissors
Adhesive

Lightly score the 12″ X 12″ patterned paper at 1″ and 11″.

Fold on the score line and adhere, showing reverse side of paper.

Rotate the card stock 90 degrees, then score the 12″ side at 3 ½” and 8 ½”

Fold on score lines.

Stick the overlapping section to create a flat tube.

Score at 4 ¾”, 5″, and 5 ¼” as shown.

Fold in half, using your bone folder on the creases for crisp edges.

Fold all score lines. The center score line will be folded up toward the center of the bag.

Place a small amount of Sticky Strip at the center of the bag.

Use only a small piece or the bag will not stand as well when finished.

Adhere bag together. It should stand freely at this point.

Using the Horizontal Slot Punch, punch through just the top layer of folded paper. The punch rests inside of the pocket – I use the top of the circle as a rough guideline for getting the punched holes even.

Thread ribbon through the holes. Here a small piece of Sticky Strip was used to adhere the ribbon to itself. (see below) Finish putting the ribbon onto the first side so the handle sticks nice and flat.

Finish by decorating and embellishing the front of the bag.

The front of the bag measures 5″ X 4 3/4″ and the base is only about 1/2″ thick.

Layers of Color Sent with Love and Merci Bouquet art stamp sets

For the Tag I also used:

Spellbinders Grand Calibur
Labels 4 Nestibilitie
SU Corner Rounder
Small Hole Punch (for top of that)
SU Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder
Pink Tulle
Ranger Distressing Ink – Walnut Stain

Stenciled Scarf

Laura — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:00:50 +0000

This is a fun and easy project that will spruce up your wardrobe, or make a fabulous gift! I purchased a Rayon scarf from a second hand shop that was solid green, w/o pattern. A little craft paint and Layers of Color art stencils added the splash of decorative color! I wear it with a turquoise blouse, either around my neck or in my hair.

Materials:

Scarf
Layers of Color Natural Flourish and Belle Brocade art stencils
Acrylic craft paint (turquoise and apple green)
Fabric medium
Wedge make up sponge
Newspaper or spare paper for underneath project
Optional hairdryer

Lay down a stack of newspapers and put the scarf flat on top of the paper. Position the Natural Flourish art stencil on top of the scarf.
Mix craft paint and fabric medium according to medium instructions. I didn’t use medium on my scarf, but it will allow the paint to be less stiff.
Using the wedge make up sponge, dab a light coat of mixed paint over the art stencil. Add a second layer of paint if necessary.
Lift the scarf off of the paper and dry with a hair dryer before moving on to the next area. Don’t allow the scarf to dry on the paper or it will stick to it.
Repeat with Belle Brocade art stencil, using a portion of the stencil design.

TIPS:

It’s best to clean the stencil between applications. It’s easier to clean the stencil when the paint is wet, and you’ll be less likely to get paint seeping under the stencil. Change paper between stencil use as well.

I wore my stenciled scarf the day I made it! Try matching jeans, a bag or a hat, too! What fun!

Have a colorful and creative day,

Tissue Box – Stencil Spackling Technique

Laura — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:48:42 +0000

Natural Flourish Art Stencil Tissue Box Tutorial

This decorative tissue box is easier than it looks, just a few simple steps from basic to beautiful!

MATERIALS

Layers of Color Natural Flourish art stencil
Acrylic craft or house paint (tan and dark brown)
Paint brush
Spackling Paste (hardware store)
Flat wide knife for spreading (spackling, cheese spreader, or cake icing knife – or an old credit card)
Firm sided tissue box

I used a wooden tissue box. It would work just as well on a firm cardboard, or plastic box. You could recycle one or find one at a thrift shop. If it has a shiny surface, just rough it up with sand paper so it accepts the paint well.

Paint the entire box with 1 – 2 coats of tan colored acrylic paint. Let dry.

You’ll need Spackling Paste, Natural Flourish art stencil and a spreading tool, (cake icing knife shown).

Put the tissue box on it’s side so that the surface you’re working on is horizontal. Lay the stencil on the tissue box. Spread the Spackling Paste evenly over the stencil. You can spread it very thin for a slightly raised effect, or very thick for a heavy raised effect. A thin layer tends to make a more crisp design, thicker is more rough and will take a little longer to dry. My example has an uneven layer with thick and thin areas.

Immediately after spreading the paste, (before it dries), gently and slowly lift off the stencil.

The remaining design can be touched up with a toothpick if desired. If it doesn’t turn out well, you can quickly wipe it all off with a paper towel, clean off the stencil, and re-spread the paste. Let this dry for the amount of time listed on the Spackling Paste container. Clean off stencil with water before paste dries.

Since this project has five sides to decorate (and it’s too hard to work vertically), I had to paste three sides then let it dry. Very gently lay it down on the dry paste side so you don’t chip the design.

Add another coat of tan colored paint. Let dry.

To add an aged antique look, mix dark brown colored acrylic paint with water. I used a raisin-sized dollop of paint to 2 Tablespoons of water, mix together. Paint this on the entire surface with a paint brush, one side at a time, keeping it heavy in the crevices. You can use any color paint on the tissue box to go with your decor, but always use dark brown to achieve this antique look.

While it still wet, wipe away some of the paint with a paper towel. Let dry.

Maybe this pretty tissue box will cheer you up next time you have a cold!

Piece of Cake Tutorial

Laura — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:13:28 +0000

This Piece of Cake Tutorial has several steps, but is a easy as pie!

You can use it as a box to fill with goodies, or seal it shut and put it on a shelf as delicious eye candy.

MATERIALS

White card stock
Cake Box Template by Mirkwood Designs
Scissors
Bone Folder
Ruler
Ink pads; Versa Magic “Spring Pansy”, “Mango Madness”, “Thatched Straw” and VersaFine “Imperial Purple”
Clear acrylic block
Makeup sponge or Finger Dauber
Layers of Color Belle Brocade art stencil
Layers of Color Flutterescent art stamp set
Masking tape
Glue
Embellishments of choice (rhinestones, fancy yarn)
Additional Materials for OPTIONAL Paper Doily:
Scallop Edge decorative scissors
Layers of Color Vintage Medallion art stencil

Print Cake Box Template from Mirkwood Designs on white card stock. Cut out along solid lines. Score along dash lines with a bone folder.

My favorite tools to use with LOC art stencils are make up sponges and Tsukineko’s Finger Daubers. I use Tsukineko ink exclusively as I find them to be the highest quality archival inks in a marvelous range of desirable colors.
Add ink in a graded shade to the sides of the cake pattern. I started with Thatched Straw then added Mango Madness along one edge.

Using Layers of Color Belle Brocade art stencil, masking tape off the section of the stencil that you don’t want to use. Here I’m using only the decorative border edge. Place it over the center of the inked sides and sponge Spring Pansy over the stencil. Before removing it, also sponge Imperial Purple just along the top edge, as shown in the photo.

This will give the design graduated color.

Repeat on all three sides. Make sure that the designs all face the center triangle so that they will be facing the same direction when you fold it into a box.

Ink the triangle sections with a light touch of Mango Madness and then stencil over it with another coat of Mango Madness and Spring Pansy in the center.

Completed decorated cake box template.

Fold and glue the box together. You may choose to leave the top open to fill with goodies. In this case, you may wish to ink the inside as well before folding and adding glue.

To create the butterfly, use Flutterescent butterfly stamped and cut out twice. Notice that the paper is inked first with both yellow and orange. As shown in photograph, use both purples when inking the butterfly stamp. After cutting the butterfly out, ink the back with the lighter purple, Spring Pansy.

Decorate your piece of cake with bling and fancy yarn.

To make the paper doily, sponge both purple inks over Vintage Medallion art stencil on white card stock. Then cut it out using scallop edge decorative scissors.

Enjoy your piece of cake!

Vintage Rose Paper Shoe

Laura — Sat, 08 May 2010 08:15:53 +0000

For Mother’s Day I made this vintage style paper shoe

with hand-stamped designer paper made with Layers of Color art stamps.

Vintage Paper Shoe (6″ long from heel to toe)

Paper shoe template is designed by Ellen Hutson.

I printed the pattern on ivory cardstock. After cutting out the pattern I stamped each piece with Layers of Color Vintage Roses and Touch of Elegance stamp sets. I used Martha Stewart decorative scallop edge punch on the heel and upper toe, then distressed the edges and assembled per instructions. For Vintage Rose Designer Paper tutorial to match this project, see post below.

I placed the rose stamps across the toe like a garland. And added a wired beaded flower as an accent. Glitter would be a sparkling touch!

This vintage shoe makes a great gift container for a sachet, a small bag filled with treats, a note, or a diamond ring, I mean a special gift. You could make one for each place setting at a bridal shower! But this one is for a special mother on Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day! May you be showered with love and feel celebrated!

God Bless,

Vintage Rose Designer Paper Tutorial

Laura — Sat, 08 May 2010 08:09:52 +0000

I designed these three vintage styled papers

for the Vintage Rose Paper Shoe that I made for Mother’s Day.

Wild Rose, Elegance and Rose Garland Designer Papers

(All papers shown are standard 8 1/2″ X 11″, cut in half)

MATERIALS:

Layers of Color Art Stamps ~ Vintage Roses & Touch of Elegance
Acrylic blocks
Tsukineko Inks ~ VersaColor Ash Rose & Laurel Leaf
VersaFine Crimson Red & Spanish Moss
Ivory cardstock
Makeup Sponge Applicators
Small point paint brush

WILD ROSE DESIGNER PAPER

This designer paper is made with ivory cardstock, Layers of Color Vintage Roses art stamp set and Tsukineko ink. Ink the large solid rose with VersaColor Ash Rose, then immediately touch the edges on VersaFine Crimson Red ink pad. . .

. . .and stamp randomly all over the paper, varying the direction of the rose.

Use an old paint brush tapped on the Crimson Red ink pad to touch a deeper color on each rose center.

With VersaFine Spanish Moss and the leaf stamp, add greenery to the roses.

Notice that in some areas I inked only the leaves, or just one leaf. Stamp all leaves in various directions.

Using the medium and small solid rose stamps, fill in the blank areas between the large roses. Again, vary the direction of each rose. Notice that I didn’t use two colors this time, just Ash Rose.

Tap the center of all roses with Crimson Red ink.

It’s very pretty at this point and we could stop here.

But for all three papers to have unity, let’s add the same accent color to each one.

UseVersaColor Laurel Leaf, another soft vintage color.

Fill in the white areas using a makeup sponge applicator and gentle circular motions.

Voila! The soft watercolor look makes this Wild Rose designer paper perfect for any vintage project!

ELEGANCE DESIGNER PAPER

This designer paper is made with ivory cardstock, Layers of Color Touch of Elegance art stamp set and Tsukineko’s VersaColor Laurel Leaf ink. Starting in the center of the paper, stamp vertically, repeatedly and close together until the paper is filled. Voila! Simple, quick and lovely!

ROSE GARLAND DESIGNER PAPER

This designer paper is made with ivory cardstock, Layers of Color Vintage Roses art stamp set and Tsukineko ink. First use VersaFine Crimson Red.

This stamp set is a clear polymer which has the versatile ability to be slightly flexible. So, in this project I applied the stamp to the pad and then opened up the garland a little, widened it so that it has less of an arch. This will allow the garlands to nest easier. . .

Continue this pattern to the bottom of the paper.

Inking only a portion of the rose garland, stamp over edge all along the paper on both sides.

This is a great Toile look, and we could stop here. But let’s continue adding more color. . .

With VersaColor Ash Rose and a makeup sponge applicator, softly fill in the roses.

Touch up the leaves with VersaFine Spanish Moss.

Fill in the white spaces with VersaColor Laurel Leaf.

Fini!

May your day be blessed with layers of color,

Granny’s Jewelry Art Stamp Set

Laura — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:37:44 +0000

The artist’s story behind Granny’s Jewelry art stamp set…

Ever since my talented friend Heather made an incredibly beautiful gift for me that was decorated with costume jewelry, I’ve been looking for some to put on my artwork. She got hers at the dollar store, but my dollar store didn’t have any. And on I searched from thrift stores to E-bay. But all I could find were baubles that were much too pricey to stick to a card. Granny’s Jewelry stamp set is where I ended my search! They say that necessity is the seed of invention, (or something like that, LOL!) I spent hours researching vintage jewelry then sat down at the drawing table and created classic pieces that now I can use to adorn my cards and crafts to my heart’s content!

Today I’ll share more ideas on using this unique stamp set so you too can make your own custom sparkling trinkets!

Stamp with metallic ink, like Brilliance on black card stock and add gemstones and pearls. If the sticky doesn’t work from the back of the gems, (which is often the case) I use the tip of a pin to dab on a touch of glue, pick up the stone and place it where I want it.

Gold metallic emboss stamping on black card stock with added rhinestones or nail bling.

Two stamp designs are stamped together with silver metallic embossing powder, then pearls with flat backs and colored Stickles glitter glue is mounded up to look like a precious jewel in the centers. Stickles by Ranger is the best glitter glue for mounding and they have a large range of colors. The newest colors in their designer series are soft romantic shades. I could totally see my Grandma wearing something like this. Imagine what a beautiful touch it would be on a card for your Grandmother!

Stamped with gold metallic embossing powder on ivory card stock with varied sized flat back pearls. I also chose to cut this one out, including in between the wings and placed it on foam tape to give it “flight”.

I LOVE copper! So this one is embossed with copper metallic embossing powder and cut out. The royal purple glitter glue is Stickles and the amber jewels are stick-on rhinestones.

VersaFine Onyx Black ink with rhinestones on a metal edged tag.

The hole on this tag is decorated with Granny’s Jewelry stamped in purple hue pearlescent embossing powder then flat rhinestone stickers were placed around the design. Flat rhinestone stickers are hard to capture in photographs, but believe me, this is a delicate, sparkling and easy effect.

This remembrance ribbon stamp can be stamped with pink ink, as it is here, or yellow for remembering our American troops. This example has flat rhinestone stickers.

If you’re fresh out of gemstones, or you want a very specific color to match your project, then here’s an idea for creating treaures like this bee-jeweled ornament…Color in the jewel areas with colored marker or pencil and cover each spot with Glossy Accents. You can try other dimensional glues, but I found that this one is not runny and mounds just like a jewel would. The tri-jewels are stamped with black ink and accented with copper Stickles glitter glue.

For fun and really dazzling effects, try stamping all over with metallic ink, like Brilliance, and coloring in the spots with multiple colors of Stickles glitter glue. Stamp them in a row, or all around a curved edge for a necklace look!

You can use card sentiments like, “You’re a Gem!”, You’re One of a Kind”, You’re Dazzling Darling!” “Pearls of Wisdom for your Birthday…”, “You’re a Treasure!”,…and I’m sure you can think of many more thoughtful gems to add to your cards and layouts.

Imagine this jewelry adorning your romantic and vintage art, adding pearls of beauty to your shabby chic lovelies, putting on the glitz for your hip projects, or blessing someone special with bling.

Any questions, or if you want to share your creative ideas with Granny’s Jewelry, please let me know! Please visit the Granny’s Jewelry art gallery for more beautiful bling ideas with this stamp set.

May God sprinkle your day with jewels of joy!

Reindeer Prance

Laura — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:39:41 +0000

Reindeer Prance Card

The inspiration for this card started with Tsukineko’s tri-color Christmas themed ink pad called, Noel. It has red, gold and green on one pad! Then I was excited to discover how to create a Poinsettia with a flower stamp and a silhouette from a clear stamp!

Card Detail

I used Layers of Color Nature Walk art stamp with Noel ink to create the designer paper, I ran it through Swiss Dots dry embossing folder, and then lightly dragged the Brilliance Galaxy Gold ink pad over the top of the raised dots. I dry embossed vellum and enhanced it with the gold as well. The black/white ribbon is 7 Gypsies Gaffer tape.

To create the silhouette, I stamped Layers of Color Reindeer Waltz art stamp onto black paper, cut it out and turned it over so that it becomes a silhouette. I placed it on an oval of brown paper that was dry embossed with dots and inked over with black ink on the raised dots and along the edge.

Flower Detail

The flowers were made with Brilliance Galaxy Gold ink on red paper using Layers of Color Nature Walk art stamp. I cut them out, bent the petals and stacked them so that they created Poinsettias. The center is black Fun Flock.

Close Up

The snowflake is a cuttlebug die and the center is an upholstery tack with the nail cut off the back. I used Martha Stewart’s edge punch on black paper for the lacy edging.

I enjoyed making this card and sharing it with you today! I hope you’ve learned how to add Layers of Color to your cards!

May God bless you and your creativity this week!