The Next Step

A Fond Farewell

2010-01-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

The last 8 months have been quite a journey...We had no idea that our little technique blog would attract so many wonderfully talented artists. We are still amazed at the incredible response! Thank you very much for your sweet comments, support and kindnesses. We have truly enjoyed getting to know you and seeing how our tutorials have influenced and inspired your art. It is an honor that you would devote your precious freetime to reading our blog and to playing along with our challenges. You are all so amazing.

A new year is all about change and after a great deal of thought, a little flip-flopping, and a lot of time discussing, we've decided to discountinue The Next Step. Running a blog takes a lot of work and dedication and unfortunately, our busy schedules do not permit us to devote the time that we feel is necessary. We've enjoyed every minute creating together, but Lucy, Gayle and I know that it is time to shut the TNS door and open new ones in our artistic lives.

Probably the hardest part of this decision is the fact that we might lose touch with you. So please, come visit our personal blogs for continued tutorials and inspiration. We hope to see you there.

Here's what each of us will be doing...

Tricia Peever

Tricia's theme for 2010 will be balance and focus in all areas of her life because she considers this to be her greatest weakness. As far as scrapbooking goes, she will continue her DT position on ScrapMuse and is hoping to do some Etsy stuff. She will also be collaborating with a potter friend and hoping to do some really cool stuff there. She has sincerely loved this blog as a reader and as part of the DT. You can visit Tricia on her personal blog.

Jamie Dougherty

Jamie will continue to design gorgeous projects for Tattered Angels, These Are a Few of My Favorite Things, and ScrapGal You can visit her on her personal blog.

Gayle Martin

Gayle can be found designing for Shimmerz, Urban Swank and publishing her gorgeousness in Somerset Memories, Somerset Home and Sew Somerset. You can visit her on her personal blog.

Lucy Edson

Lucy will be creating beautiful work for the Shimmerz Education team and Webster's Pages. She will also continue publishing in Somerset Memories, Scrapbook Trends, Sew Somerset and Somerset Holidays & Celebrations. You can visit her on her personal blog.

Bethany Kartchner

Bethany designs for the Shimmerz Education team, My Little Shoebox and The Scrap Review. She will continue publishing in Somerset Memories, Scrapbook Trends and others. You can visit her on her personal blog where she will be posting video tutorials and other fun creative tidbits.

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

Thank you again for following us on this wonderful journey in our lives. I hope that we can continue to inspire and promote a love of experimenting with new techniques in your creative spirits.

Happy Creating!

xoxo

Lucy and Bethany

A Million Memories

2009-12-30T16:32:00.005-05:00

Last month I totally forgot to thank our sponsor, A Million Memories for providing the RAK! I know! Terrible! I think my brain was in holiday mode and everything that was not about wrapping gifts, buying gifts and making cookies (and eating a few too) was lost somewhere in space.

Here's a big thank you to Michelle Quinn from A Million Memories for providing November's RAK!

Because we love Michelle and her gorgeous kits, I thought that I'd post both November's and December's kit for you. Beware! You are going to fall in love!

December Kit: Antique Flea Market

November kit: Pretty Little Pieces

I told you! They are beautiful!

You have to check out AMM's site here too. The design team is amazingly talented and they even have free classes for you. Cool, huh?

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

How to Use Copic Markers to change and Color Clear elements.

2009-12-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

Copics are becoming so popular in the paper craft industry. We all want them but we aren't quite sure how and why to use them. Here is one purpose for them that you may not of thought of.

Copic markers are alcohol based so they become somewhat permanent on slick surfaces, like Ranger Alcohol ink. You can use these on clear overlays, acrylic embellishments, and make amazing cards on regular paper.

Here is an idea to use with clear elements and stamps. First, use your Stazon inkpad and stamp an image on the back of the piece. Make sure it is a stamp that will not be affected by mirroring the image. (Something with letters won't work.)

Then flip over the piece and on the front you can color it in with the Copics. When using them this way, use your darker colors first then your lighter colors. If you are using Copics on paper usually you will use light to dark.

You can use this piece on a card or layout.

You can use them freely to accent a die cut shape.

I started with a dark brown and covered the entire piece.

As it dries take a lighter Copic and highlight as if there were feathers on the piece. These are so fun to blend with and easy to use. If you make a mistake use a blender pen or if you don't have one use rubbing alcohol and wipe it clean.

You can also use these on overlays. I took a Prima overlay and colored it in with the Copics.

Thank you for coming to The Next Step. I hope you find these tips and ideas useful and can't wait to see what you create.

Jamie :)

Painting Techniques with Peggy Shenkels

2009-12-13T19:06:00.017-05:00

The Next Step would like to introduce our December Guest Artist: Peggy Shenkels!

Peggy Shenkels is an amazing artist and mother who currently designs for Kreatorville Kraft (along with her talented daughter!) and Forward Progress Now. We are so lucky to have Peggy guesting for us this month as her painting techniques are absolutely astounding. You can get to know her better via her blo g.

The main thing I want to show with this project is that you don’t have to be a painter, or know anything about using the right products, to create a beautiful painted background for your scrapping projects.

I started doing this because when my kids are painting or colouring, they like me to play along. Now I love to paint, but I hate just painting for the sake of it… I need a project. This is how the idea to create a scrapbooking background was born.

Now I already told you I know nothing about painting, and I must admit I lack the skills and the imagination to create a painting or a drawing from scratch. I need an example to copy. I’m lucky in that way that I can draw (copy) almost anything, as long as I have an example. In this project I drew some birds I found in a children’s reading book … they came out pretty good, well, at least you can tell they are birds LOL, but don’t ask me to draw a bird without an example … I wouldn’t be able to. So, you don’t have to able to draw for these projects either, you can just copy them. This is even easier when you take images from the net, because then you’re able to change the size to your liking. This, by the way, is also a great way to make your own embellies or create your very own stitching templates … just google “colouring pages” followed by the item you want to use, and you have the most simple images to create images/templates … easy!

Technique

I needed a neutral image as a background for the cover of my “book of me” album. The most important thing when choosing an image is that you feel confident that you will be able to recreate it. In my eyes it should also have some connection with the picture you want to scrap or with the atmosphere you want to create.

I started out by cutting an 8x8 piece of cardboard and distressing it. I then applied a coat of gesso, both because I wanted a white background and because I was planning on using water colouring paints, and I needed to create a more appropriate surface than plain cardboard. (which without the gesso would have absorbed too much of the paint to get a pretty result)

Although I was planning on using water colouring paints as I wanted a really soft result, a more romantic feel to it in stead of really bright colours, I did use acrylic paint to paint the sky. I did this because I didn’t have the right blue, and I was too lazy to try and create the right colour by mixing, when I had just the right colour of acrylic paint handy.

In order to get a soft result when using acrylic paints, it’s important to use lots of water. I started out by applying a coat of acrylic paint with a very wet brush. From there on, I only added water, pulling the already applied paint downwards by using the water. This is really easy, just try it. Just remember not to use too much paint in the beginning … it is easier to add some more paint than it is to remove it.

Instead of adding white to give the impression of clouds, I took a paper towel and dabbed over the painted surface while it was still wet, allowing some of the earlier applied white gesso to reappear.

Once you're happy with the background (if you even need one …), it’s time to draw your image. In my case this was a bit tricky, because of the corrugated background, but the most important thing I’ve learned when drawing is this: it is possible to erase pencil lines on a painted background!!! Just don’t press to hard on your pencil, and erasing shouldn’t give you any problems… a fact which usually makes me very happy!

Now start painting the drawn image. Look at my photo (especially at the pink flowers), this is anything but perfect! Don’t worry too much about staying inside the lines … for me this was nearly impossible because my brush wasn’t thin enough. Don’t stress, this can be camouflaged later on.

A nice tip to give the impression of knowing what you’re doing is applying several coats, several shades of the same colour. An easy way to do this with water colouring paint is applying the paint, cleaning out the brush in some water, and slightly go over some of the painted parts with a dryer brush. The brush will now absorb some of that paint (and water). This is a nice way to create shades. Be careful, this only works while the paint is still wet, so don’t give it any time to dry, or the colours won’t blend anymore! It also works best on special water colouring paper, but you can use this technique on plain cardstock as well.

Of course you can also work the other way around, first applying the paint and later on adding some more paint in the areas you want to darken … I find this doesn’t give the same effect though, and I’m guessing this is probably something for more experienced painters as well.

I told you not to stress too much when not painting within the lines … this photo shows why. You can easily draw the attention away from any imperfections by outlining the image with a regular black marker. For me, the work just doesn’t seem finished without this last step.

Though I liked what I had so far, something was still missing. Though I initially intended to leave the bottom half of my page white with just my pic and title, I decided against it and repeated the steps I did with photos 3 and 4, this time with a lime green colour.

I searched for another image in my children’s book, and found one I loved because of the red colours.

Now I immediately saw this image had too many details for me to draw, but I figured I could make it work by simply drawing the main features of the image. I started out by painting the bottom border of the page with a darker shade of green, representing the grass. Notice how I avoided all details, I just kind of smeared the paint, again using a lot of water, randomly across the bottom, going up and down with my brush, not making clean lines but just going with the flow. Once that had dried, I drew the flowers, using acrylic paint this time, because I really wanted these colours to pop a bit, as they were going to frame my pic and also as they had to cover the green background.

By only painting the flowers, the painting had a sort of a childlike look. Again, I tried to camouflage this by outlining the painted images with my black marker, this time adding a few extra lines where I thought necessary (the difference in colour is due to the light (time) when the pic was taken).

You could say that the background was finished on photo 13, but due to my love for clean lines and some structure, I decided to add a border with a black marker, again to give it a more finished look.

The final project, after having added the pic and the title.

Thank you again Peggy for sharing your wonderful talent with us!

November's RAK Winner

2009-12-13T12:02:00.001-05:00

This month was another wonderful month of beautiful reader submissions! Wow! We are constantly amazed by all of your talents! Thank you so much for playing along with us!

Here are the projects...

Taryn

Taryn was so creative that she submitted two projects. Aren't they beautiful? Those flowers are just divine!

Stacy's background is really amazing, isn't it?

Irit Shalom made a beautiful mini-album here. Here's a picture of my favorite spread.

Carolyn altered this gorgeous jar. That bird is sooo up my alley! :)

This month's RAK winner is Stacy! Your sewing is gorgeous! I love how you took Van Gogh's art and made it your own. Wonderful work! Email me at kartchnerfamily@cox.net with your addy and we'll get your A Million Memories kit to you! Congratulations!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Permission to Play with Cheese Cloth

2009-11-30T01:38:00.020-05:00

Have you ever played with cheese cloth? Have you aver used it on your scrapbook pages? I think it is a fun addition to scrapbook pages and the best part is it can be dyes to accent the colors on the page.

I love dying,painting,coloring and adding pigment to cheese cloth so that I can add it to scrapbook pages or incorporating it in art work. You can do something as simple as glue it on top of paper, mix it with gesso, paint it so that it actually becomes a part of the art medium. It can be a soft flow able art form or actually have structure and design. It can be as varied as your imagination will allow you to be.

You now have permission to play...

Here is a small list of some supplies that you may want to put together to begin your project.

Supplies-
1.Cheese Cloth (I purchased mine from Walmart in the fabric section)
2.Dyes or colorant to color the cheese cloth. Try product that you have on hand.

For my projects I used -
Luminarte paints and Luminare Fabric Paints
You could also use Rit dye
3. Zip lock bag (sandwich size) I add the colorant and a few drops of water to the inside of the bags and mix the solutions. You can then add the cheese cloth. If you need to add additional water or paint you can add it directly to the bag. As you are sealing the bag remove most of the air from the bag. You can then squeeze and push the fabric and paint around in the bag. Once you have the fabric colored the way you want you can remove it from the bag and lay it out on to paper towels to dry.

1. Cut cheese cloth fabric into lengths that will fit in the zip lock bags. You may want to experiment with mixing colors or adding color so start with small pieces.

2. If you are using powdered dyes or concentrated paints, put a small amount of paint in the zip lock bag and add water.

3. Close the bag and mix the paint until you have the color that you want and it is partially or fully diluted. The fabric will absorb most of the liquid when you place it in the zip lock bag. It may be necessary to add additional water to the zip lock bag and squish around the mixture.

4. You can allow the fabric to sit in the dye for a few minutes, hours or longer if you want. Before I remove the fabric from the bag I try and squeeze some of the liquid from the fabric. You can do this by pulling the fabric to the top of the bag and squeezing it while it is still in the bag.

5. I then lay the cheese cloth out on paper towels to dry. This allows the dyes to pool in areas and create striated color, which I consider desirable. I allowed my fabrics to air dry but you could speed drying by using a heat gun or hair dryer.

This is what your my bags looked like with the cloth and dye inside the bags. It is not necessary to have the paint or dye all one color. I actually like the colors to have a little variety. Once the fabrics have dried I store them for use at a later date. They can be used in scrapbook pages or alter art projects.

I used the finished products on some of my scrapbook pages as a layering element. It is fun to to try and use it to simulate water or other organic elements in nature. Try using it for a beach page and add small shells in to the gauze for visual interest and dimension.

You will need to start with a small bulb of fabric in the center. You do this by creating a loop and leaving the loop up like a bulb. Next you will wrapping the left over section around that loop. I try and hold it all in my hand like a bow. If you are not comfortable doing that you can tack it down with a needle and thread or glue each turn.

This is what you are going to do

Create the loop, twist the fabric lightly and wrap loosely around the edge of the loop . Twist loosely again and add your next petal. Continue this routine until you Your are going to continue to turn the fabric section each time you wrap. This will create the petals of your flower. Once you have finished the desired sized of your flower you will need to glue it together or stitch it together so that it will hold it's shape.

On this page I created some floral clusters from some of the pink and peach cloth.

This is another page that I used a small piece of fabric along the bottom of the page for a more contemporary look.

I also included a piece of cloth under the photos.

By selecting a small branch or floral stem and choosing some relevant colors you simulate moss on a tree and have a nice masculine package decoration.

I used the same floral elements as a package decoration on this package.

This is a small ornament that I made for my mom. These people are my mother's sister's and brother, so I know she will appreciate it. I have a piece of gauze under the glass.

Have a GREAT Holiday Season, play often, take lots of photos ( note to self... take photos of self) photograph people, food, presents, toys, family weather.

Welcome Jeanet Kuiper

2009-11-29T09:11:00.000-05:00

We would like to welcome the fabulously creative Jeanet Kuiper who is our guest artist this month! We are thrilled to have her!

I'm Jeanet Kuiper from the Netherlands, 40 years young, living together with the love of my life for 17 years now...we've got a 9 year old son, Levi.
Dusty,our doggie and Flappie our rabbit make our little family complete...
Started scrapping 4 years ago and I totally love it, it's such a various hobby with lots and lots of different materials to use and techniques to try...it's never boring...so love to create! And I have met such beautiful new friends with this hobby...wonderful!
Guess my style is a bit shabby with lots of layering and use of paint, ink and stamps.Love to try out different techniques...

I'm so honored to be this months guest designer at The Next Step...love this blog..so many different and unique techniques!

Materials

-White paper, not too thin, watercolor paper or cardstock

-Glue

-Acrylic paint

-Tape

-Scraps of paper, old book paper or magazine paper, torn or straight what you like

-Paint rollers, and a paint board, or you can use a cutting board and even a thick clear overlay sheet,

-Stamps

-Gesso

Directions

Step 1

Glue down your paper scraps and tape onto the background

Step 2

Paint very slightly over your paper with the paint roller, making sure your paint roller is totally covered with paint.

Step 3

Repeat step 2 with another color, it’s pretty when the previous color shines through.

And repeat again with one more color.

Don’t use to many colors three is just OK. But it’s whatever you like.

Step 4

Now you can stamp on the background anyway you want.

Step 5

Apply gesso with a credit card, working from top to bottom. If you used to much gesso, simply wipe it off with a baby wipe, but don’t wait too long or the gesso will dry.

Now you have made your own background and you can use it for whatever you want. Use it for cards or art journals or on a layout.

Put on embellishments and photos or images...use more stamps and embossing.

You can make your background glossy with gel medium.

I hope that your creative juices are flowing as much as mine after reading Jeanet's fun technique! Thanks Jeanet for sharing your amazing talent with us!

Even a Paper Bag Can Be Beautiful

2009-11-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

The humble paper bag is a wonderfully inexpensive, forgiving media. Yes, you heard me right. Paper bags deserve a lot more respect than they've been given. They can really rise to a challenge!

The background on Trouble is a paper bag from the kitchen.

Materials: brown paper bag; 7 Gypsies paper and brads; vintage lace; silver embossing powder; Versamark pad; my own mists; house from www.scrapartist.com; Making Memories glitter; leaf stamp from Harmonie; Prima flower; Maya Road metal flower; Bazzil cardstock; Heidi Swapp crown stamp; Judikins silver embossing powder; My Little Shoebox letter sticker; American Crafts Thickers; Hambly yellow dot overlay; Autumn Leaves rubons; mushroom, apple are unknown manufacturers

Here are a few close-ups so you can see detail.

Materials

Paper bag
Versamark pad (you can use any ink pad that stays wet enough for heat embossing)
Embossing powder (I used silver)
Mists

Directions

1. Take a paper bag and cut off the bottom. Then cut it down the seam so you can get it to lay flat.
2. Scrunch it up into a ball.
3. Smooth it out (leaving it pretty scrunched still) and spray various colors of mist on it.
4. Repeat #2-3 until you like it.
5. Take your Versamark pad and wipe in on the areas that are sticking up. (I was pretty heavy handed so I got broad swaths of silver.)
5. Pour embossing powder onto the ink. Remove excess.
6. Emboss with your heat gun.
7. Smooth out your bag and use it on a layout, altered project, or card.

That's it! Pretty easy! Have fun with this technique!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

October's RAK Winner

2009-11-19T11:17:00.009-05:00

We had some beautiful projects in October! All of you are so talented!

Michelle LaPoint Rydell

Thank you to each of you who played along with our Tricks for Treats theme! By random choice, our winner is...

Becky Porter!

Yeah! Congratulations! Email me (kartchnerfamily@cox.net) your address and we'll get a copy of Sherry Steveson's book out to you right away!

Eggshell Mosaics

2009-11-15T21:55:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, Shelley Fletcher, an amazing gourd artist, told me about using eggshells in mosaics. Apparently, this technique has been around a long time in gourd art circles. When I saw one of her examples, I knew that it should be introduced to the mixed-media and paper art community. It is really fun, practically mistake-free and cheap-o. What more can you ask for in a technique? Oh, and the results are beautiful. That's probably important too, huh?

Materials: My Little Shoebox pattern paper, Shimmerz spritz and blingz; text, Prima stamp and flower; Colorbox ink; Stampington girl image; Making Memories paint; muslin; Maya Road lace; unknown manufacturer of blue ribbon; Stampin' Up dragonfly wings stamp; white seed beads; white felt; DMC embroidery floss; machine and thread

Do you see that heart in the center? It is made up of a mosaic of painted eggshells. Here's a close-up for you to see all the detail.

Let's get started!

Materials for Mosaic

eggshells
acrylic paint (I used Making Memories)
Shimmerz Blingz (optional)
pattern paper (optional) (I used My Little Shoebox)
chipboard shape (I used a heart from Basic Grey)
Any clear drying glue (I used Mod Podge)

Technique

1. Have scrambled or fried eggs for breakfast. Save the shells in a bowl of water until you have time to focus on them.

2. Take the eggshells out of your water bowl and remove the membrane on the inside. The best way to do this is by scraping the inside of the shell with your fingernail and peeling it out. Do your best not to break the shell into a million pieces. It is a lot easier to paint a large piece of shell than 263 small pieces.

I thought that hard-boiling the eggs might allow me to skip the unpleasant task of scraping membrane, but it only lead to smaller pieces of shell. Experiment failed.

Perhaps you are thinking of skipping the removing membrane step? Don't. Your shell won't break properly and you'll be frustrated during the mosaic part. You'll be glad you did this later. Really.

3. Allow your shells to dry. They are pretty fragile without their membrane so carry them like little baby birds to your work station.

4. Paint your shells with acrylic paint. Paint more shell pieces than you think you'll use. This way you won't run out in the middle of mosaic-ing. Yes, that is a word.

5. (Optional, but very cool addition) Once your acrylic paint has dried, add a little bling with some glitter paint. (I used Hi Ho Silver Blingz by Shimmerz.) If you don't have Blingz, try adding a bit of glitter to your initial acrylic paint and let me know how it works.

6. While your bling coat is drying, prepare your chipboard. Either paint it or adhere pattern paper to it. (I used My Little Shoebox paper.) This will be your "grout" so choose a color that coordinates with your shell color.

7. Now comes the fun part! Break off a piece of shell and adhere it to your chipboard using any glue that will dry clear. I used Mod Podge. (I need to buy stock in Mod Podge.) What I did was I used my finger to smear glue on my chipboard, then I placed shells on top of it. Work in a small area so your glue doesn't dry before you can place your shell down. Because eggshells are circular and your chipboard is flat, your shells will stick up a little bit. I just smooshed them down with my finger. This was very satisfying (it made a nice crunch). Make sure you do your smashing when your glue is still wet.

8. Repeat until you've filled in the entire shape. Don't worry if your spaces between shell fragments are different. This is part of the interest of a mosaic.

9. Use your mosaic in your artwork. Wouldn't it look great as an embellishment on a layout?

Ideas for Further Exploration

1. If you have naturally cool colored eggs like blue or brown. You totally rock and probably don't need to paint them.

2. You can paint with an acrylic wash after you complete your mosaic (instead of before) for a totally different effect.

3. You could probably also spray with mist after you complete your mosaic. I'm not sure how the shell will take the spray so let me know.

4. Once you complete your mosaic, you can take a tooth pick, dip it in paint and doodle on your pieces.

5. What about alcohol inks? Why don't you give those a try too?

I hope that you enjoyed this technique. It is a fun one for experimenting. I'd love to see what you do with this idea. Part of the fun of The Next Step is seeing how each of you take a technique and make it your own. It is so satisfying to me as a teacher. And so creatively stimulating! Oftentimes, I'll see something that someone has done with one of my techniques and spin it into my own work. Creativity is a circle.

If you participate in our Into the Kitchen theme this month, you are eligible to win a kit from A Million Memories! How cool is that? I think that I might enter to win...giggle. Do you think the other designers would notice? Just leave us a comment on any post this month with a link to your work and you could win! It's that easy! You have until the last day of November to qualify.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

We Need Your Input

2009-11-11T22:16:00.005-05:00

Calling all Next Step fans!

We are currently scheduling tutorials for the next year and we would like to know what you'd like to see. Is there a technique that you've always wanted to learn how to do? Is there a product that you'd like to see demonstrated? Do you have any suggestions that would make this site even more exciting?

We would love to hear from you!

Please email Bethany at kartchnerfamily@cox.net.

Thank you!

And just because we love you and appreciate all of your help, here's a sneak peek of next week's tutorial by me, Bethany. (I know...I know...I'm just too generous for words. (giggle))

Also, I'd like you to know that our very own Miss Lucy will be chatting it up at 9pm EST on November 12th at InspireMe. If you aren't already a member of InspireMe, all you need to do is register (it's free).

She'll be talking about her awesome Christmas shadowbox project. You can find instructions here. Here's a little sneaky peek.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Mixed Media Video Tutorial

2009-11-09T01:54:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone, Lucy here, with something new this week.....The Next Step's FIRST video tutorial!! My project for the 'From the Kitchen' theme. In case you were wondering this isn't the original project - it's the sample - I ended up liking it better and will finish the large piece later and share it.

And Part 2:

My 'From the Kitchen' supplies: tea towel, fruit, mesh bag, coffee grounds
Additional supplies: acrylic paint, cotton batting, cardstock, chipboard letters, thread

And some close-ups of my project:

Thanks and I can't wait to see your projects 'from the kitchen'! I'll be back later this week with last month's RAK winner - see you then!
Lucy

Bringing your Crafts To The Kitchen

2009-11-02T00:03:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone. This is Jamie, here to bring you a new way to get more out of your Alcohol Inks and those old Mason Jars in the cupboard. You know we all have the jars stashed away "Hoping" to make some jam , or canned peaches. LOL

Materials you'll need are:
Mason Jars
Various Alcohol Inks (Ranger Inks)
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Applicator
Can of Compressed Air
Clear Spray Paint
And various trims and tags

1. To start apply three to five drops of alcohol ink on the applicator. You'll need more of course for a larger surface. Dab the color onto the glass.

Color-Meadow

2. Once your first layer dries, add a contrasting color. I added it on this jar to look like leaves. Color-Bottle

3. Next take a coupe of drops of a alcohol ink and drip it onto the glass. With the can of Air blow the ink into different directions. If you don't have a can of air you can blow it yourself. On this design it gives the look of branches.

4. After you are done applying your colors spray the glass with a clear lacquer. This will seal the Alcohol ink to the glass.
5. Add embellishments as desired.

Tips and Tricks:
You need to work in a quicker fashion when working with alcohol inks. They dry quickly . If it does dry you can add mixative to it to liquefy it.
If you want more of a marbled look. drip the alcohol ink directly onto the glass.
If you have a large surface, drip the alcohol on the glass and then spread/dab it with the applicator.
You can leave the glass unsealed, that way you can change your look as often as you like.

They make beautiful candle holders as well.

Thank You for reading this tutorial. I can't wait to see the creations and ideas that made by reading this. And don't forget to link them here for all to see. :)

Hugs
Jamie

Pencil Lines Collaborative

2009-10-23T18:21:00.008-04:00

This week, The Next Step designers teamed up with the Pencil Lines designers to fill you with loads of Tricks with Treats inspiration. Pencil Lines is a blog all about using sketches to expand your artistic horizons, get you outside your box, and lift you out of scrappers block and to help you get more layouts done. It is about thinking outside your normal processes to create something wonderful.

Each of us worked with this sketch by the talented Anna Bowkis while incorporating this month's theme: Tricks with Treats.

Pencil Lines Design Team

Anna Bowkis

Ania Lexander

Carina Lindolm

Michelle Filo

Sue Deacon

Tracie Hudson

Yuko Motoyama

The Next Step Design Team

We'd like to thank the Pencil Lines team for working with us this month! Pencil Lines posts a new sketch along with the beautiful work of the awesome design team every Sunday. Be sure to check them out!

Also, don't forget that our RAK this month is a copy of Sherry Steveson's newest book, The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook. All you need to do is make a project using the Tricks for Treats Theme and leave us a link on any post in October.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Chocolate + Chipboard = Delish

2009-10-20T22:57:00.003-04:00

I am totally in the mood for chocolate, aren't you? It is just so creamy and delish and those wrappers are amazing for art. We've given you quite a few ideas for chocolate foil, but our tips wouldn't be complete without including a little chipboard.

The gold embellishments in Dance are Rolo wrappers. They are a fantastic color!

Materials: all papers are My Little Shoebox; Judikins stamp; vintage text, lace, buttons, Maya Road bird and flowers; MM paint; American Crafts pen; machine and thread; foil from Rolos

This is what I did to make my bird.

1. Take a chipboard bird (Maya Road) and cover it with white glue. Elmer's works so does Mod Podge or PVA.

2. Tear pieces of foil into the size you desire. (I like to tear it so there is a more organic feel.)

3. Place foil on gluey bird. Voila! That's it!

Easy. And the results are really pretty.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Faux Reverse Applique

2009-10-19T13:34:00.010-04:00

Hey, Lucy here...with another Tricks with Treats idea, using chocolate foil wrappers - oh, no....you have to eat more chocolate! That's the kind of crafting I like. ;)

From my quilting days, I learned to do reverse applique and applied this technique to paper. Super easy and adds a really neat look. Step 1 - Cut or punch circles from your paper and distress the edges of the circle from the backside so that the edge curls toward the front of the paper. And eat some chocolate and save the wrappers.

Step 2 - Run a fine bead of glue around the edges of the circle, on the back of the paper and apply the crumpled foil wrapper.

Step 3 - You could also stitch around the edge or add a little inking to darken the foil to accent the crumpling.

And a close-up of the finished 'faux applique'.

Thanks and happy tricks with treats! Can't wait to see your tricks!
Lucy

Welcome Jamie Dougherty

2009-10-15T10:05:00.002-04:00

We are thrilled to announce that Jamie Dougherty is joining the design team at The Next Step! She is an amazing artist and we are over-the-top excited that she has agreed to share her talent with us!

Hello my name is Jamie Dougherty, I also go by jaylynn on line. I have grown up and now raise my family in Southern, CA. I have been married for 9 years to my dear husband and we have two wonderful children. They are the inspiration for my scrapbooks. I have always been involved in some aspect of art whether it be pottery, fine arts, paper crafts, and/or sewing. I enjoy trying new techniques and new ideas or bringing back old ideas with a new twist.

Halloween Embellishments

2009-10-11T19:00:00.005-04:00

Sherry Steveson provided us with this fun idea for jazzing up our stickers by using stamps and embossing powder. Thanks Sherry!

"I am so excited to share my challenge for you this month. Naturally when I think of October, I think of Halloween. Since I am the author of When Life Gives You Lemons; turning sour photos into sweet pages, I felt it would only be appropriate to dig out some of those older Halloween photos that weren't QUITE perfect. I also wanted to add a few embellishment tricks for this page inspired by my other book; The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook so you would take it upon yourself to scrap a LEMON photo using my sticker idea."

"As you can see in my photo, my youngest son (in the middle) isn't looking into the camera. On top of that, can you see that color scheme between those three? Red, blue, purple AND a Halloween theme where everything is naturally orange and black. I decided to pull those three colors out of the photo and use them as the basis of my page. Black and white would be my neutral colors."

"I wanted to take those stickers and dress them up so I stamped them with a crackle stamp and versamark ink. Then I embossed the edges and the stamped portion. Then I popped them up on pop dots. The result is an enhanced sticker that works perfectly with my page. The result is a page that really showcases my lemon photo and dresses up cardstock stickers."

We'd love to see what you can do to jazz up your stickers and scrap your Halloween pics and/or incorporate something sweet in your project. Just leave us a link any time before midnight on October 31st to be eligible for this month's RAK: The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook by Sherry Steveson.

Also, don't forget that you can also still qualify for last month's RAK by submitting a project using foil of some kind.

We can't wait to see your projects!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Foiled Butterflies

2009-10-08T01:15:00.000-04:00

Hi, Lucy, here - with just a quick tutorial on how I created the butterflies on my layout for our Tricks with Treats theme this month.

You will need the following supplies:
Foil candy wrappers - I usually have a few of these laying around. hehehe
glossy gel medium - I used Liquitex gloss varnish
cardstock for a base
paper punch - not something that is extremely intricate as the result is a little thick

Step 1. Gather your supplies. I always use an old paintbrush to apply the gel medium.

Step 2. Coat the cardstock with gel medium. Tear the candy wrappers and glue them down, overlapping slightly and coating each piece with the gel-medium. I used glossy to let the metallic finish shine through.

Step 3. Cover entire cardstock background with foils and cover the surface with a final coat of gel medium and let dry completely before punching your desired shape.

It is that simple!

I scattered the butterflies throughout my layout for a spark of shine.

Hope you all have a great weekend - I'm looking forward to seeing your ideas using treats this month.

Lucy

Tricks With Treats on ScrapStreet

2009-10-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

Since October is a time that is filled with sugar and sweets, our theme this month is

TRICKS WITH TREATS

Our challenge, should you choose to accept it...is to make a project using treats of some kind. This can be actual candy, candy packaging, faux candy, whatever your creative brain comes up with as long as it is sweet.

The Next Step designers each worked with this theme for a really sweet article in October's ScrapStreet.

You can read all about us here. Stacey Michaud did a great job. You've got to check it out!

Here are the projects that were featured.

Bethany Kartchner made a mini-album using the pink plastic 6-feet-of-bubblegum package.

Background: Last May, I took the children to a special art exhibit at our local Botanical Museum. While we were there, I had each child pick his/her favorite sculpture and we took a picture of the two of us in front of it. I wanted to create a mini album to remember this special day. I decorated the outside of the gum container and made 8 little disks (about 2 inches in diameter) to fit inside. I have 5 children so on one side of 5 disks are pictures of each child with me. On the other side, I included the child's age and a list of his/her current obsessions. Two disks are pictures of sculptures and 1 disk is journaling. This was a very quick project that will be such a lovely keepsake for the years to come!

Supplies:
Papers, letter stickers, and transparencies: My Little Shoebox; Paint: Delta; Stamp: Prima; Ink: Black StazOn; Adhesive: Mod Podge; Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts.

Here is a close-up of the cover.

A close-up of one of the journaling spots. I cut circles out of cardstock, stamped them with a Prima journaling circle and StazOn ink. I cut the numbers out of My Little Shoebox pattern paper, adhered them and wrote my journaling around it.

Gayle Martin did a gorgeous job with this chunky layered layout. I just want to eat one of her faux candies!

Supplies: Papers: Webster's Pages, K & Company, Alphabet: American Crafts, Die-Cuts: EK Success, Paint: Delta, Ribbon: May Arts, Michael's, Other: bags, candy boxes.

This is what she had to say about her project.

"The page I created for tricks for treats centers around candy, one of my favorite food groups! I thought it would be fun to create different forms of candies to use on the actual scrapbook page.

For the large lollipop I cut a circle of foam and then filled in with multi colored yarn. Apply glue to the foam form as you wrap the yarn. Start in the center of the foam circle and wrap in a circle until you have covered the entire form. Add a stick for the handle, wrap with cellophane and add a bow.

For the round candies I punched circle and added cardboard in the center of the two circles. Again wrap the candy with plastic wrap and tie the ends with ribbon.

Candy can be used for most holiday lay outs or just a fun embellishment."

Tricia Peever made the coolest Trick or Treat Skully Jar using a plastic jar that housed gummy worms.

Supplies: Cardstock: Core'dinations, Rub-Ons, Skulls, Googly Eyes, RIP stamp: Dollarama, Ribbon: Kaisercraft, Dollarama, Glossy Accents: Ranger, Button: Doodlebug Designs, Other: cardboard, gesso.

Can you get any cuter?

And last, but certainly not least is Lucy Edson with this gorgeous layout.

Supplies: Papers, Chipboard, Journal Sticker, Brad: Sassafras Lass, Transparency, Rub-Ons: Hambly Studios, Bingo Card: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Alphabet: BasicGrey, Doodlebug Design, Letter Sickers: Carolee's Creations, Pink Paislee, Glitter: Shimmerz, Other: foil candy wrappers, thread, kraft paper.

A few close-ups.

This is what Lucy had to say.

"I used foil chocolate wrappers as my treat. These were collaged onto cardstock with gel medium. When dry, I punched the wrappers into shapes with a butterfly punch. I have some step-by-step photos to do a mini tutorial for you all later this week."

Okay, ladies, we hope to see your sweet creations this month. Just leave us a comment along with a link to your project and you could win a really sweeeet RAK from Sherry Steveson!

Also, don't forget about the Foiling Challenge that is open until the end of October too!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Need More Misting and Foiling Ideas?

2009-10-02T00:16:00.002-04:00

I came across some really cool videos a few days ago on misting. They can be found at Harmonie's website. Check out the one on Mists Smooshing. I've never seen anything like it!

Lucy came across this video on foiling on the Stampington website.

Enjoy!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Welcome To Sherry Steveson

2009-10-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

We are thrilled to welcome the talented Sherry Steveson, author of two fabulous books and scrapbooker extraordinaire to The Next Step. She is not only guesting for us, but she is also providing October's RAK! It is a copy of her newest book: The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook. You can read a review of it here on The Scrap Review.

Sherry Steveson has been passionate about scrapbooking for over ten years. Finding a hobby that merged her love for photography with her gift of writing, all wrapped up in a creative outlet was the catalyst for a life long devotion. Her work has been published in many of the major scrapbook magazines and idea books and always brings a thrill to her family when they see their faces on the pages of those publications, and she is the author of When Life Gives You Lemons and the recently released The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook (Memory Makers Books). She has also found her calling in the world of teaching scrapbooking to others. Sherry currently maintains a blog at www.sherrysteveson.typepad.com . When she isn’t writing, scrapbooking or teaching, she has a very full schedule with her three children and husband’s landscape business and training to run a marathon.

Welcome Sherry!

Somerset Memories and Gayle

2009-09-30T01:38:00.001-04:00

I hope that you've received the newest copy of Somerset Memories because our sweet Gayle Martin is on almost every page! We are so excited for her!

Congratulations Gayle!

The Basics: UTEE

2009-09-25T22:42:00.005-04:00

What is UTEE?

UTEE is short for Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel. It is similar to embossing powder in that it comes in granule form, sticks to a surface and melts when exposed to heat. However, UTEE differs in that the granule is a lot bigger so the melt covers more space.

You can layer UTEE to make a very interesting surface, add other materials to it and even stamp in it. Just be careful because hot UTEE is really hot and will burn you. (Not that I have any experience in that area. hahaha)

It comes in many different colors from red to metallics.

Can I see UTEE in action?

Yes! You can! I found two videos that demonstrate its properties quite nicely.

UTEE Part 1

UTEE Part 2

Where can I find UTEE?

Scrapbook.com is having a sale right now.
2Peas also carries it.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Embossing with Aluminum Foil

2009-09-20T23:00:00.003-04:00

Recently, I've become enamored with metal. I've been reading about metal in mixed-media books, incorporating metal foil from candy wrappers on my layouts, and wrapping wire around my altered projects. When I had some used aluminum foil a few weeks ago that normally would end up in the trash, I looked at it with new eyes. I suddenly saw potential.

That potential blossomed into the following project: The Queen of Hearts. (Measures 4 x 6 inches)

It may look complicated, but it really isn't. It is just a series of many simple steps.

Materials

Used aluminum foil (the kind you use in the kitchen)
Stylus (a ballpoint pen works too as long as you are careful)
Foam core (or a giving surface. I used the pad that comes with Inque Boutique stamps)
Alcohol inks, blending solution and applicator tool (for a quick tutorial on alcohol inks please go here.)
1 piece of 4x6 cardstock (I used a cranberry color)
Various papers, fabric scraps, pieces of lace, dresden wings
Brads (I used 7 Gypsies)
Fine gauge wire
Seed beeds
Small metal key (7 Gypsies)
Heidi Swapp red chipboard heart and crown stamp
Fine art glitter (silver)
Black Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (also known as UTEE)
Golden Matte Medium (to adhere the UTEE to the metal and the heart)
Black Distress ink (Ranger)
Fine grit sandpaper (to distress the heart)
template for the shape of the tag (I used the waste from some Sassafras chipboard tags)
transparency (from Office Supply store)
Black and Olive StazOn ink
Flowery corner stamp (I used Prima)
Gold Glimmer Mist
Tacky glue

Directions

For your convenience, I've divided the directions into three sections: Making an Embossed Foil Tag, Using UTEE and Embellishing.

Making an Embossed Foil Tag

1. Smooth out your aluminum foil. Lay it right side down on your Foam core and place your template over it. Trace the outline of your tag using a stylus. To make the stylus move smoothly, rub the oils from your fingers onto the tip.

2. Place your heart upside-down onto the tag and trace around it with your stylus. (Right now, you are working on the wrong side.) If you want a little fancier look, make dots with your stylus around the initial heart outline. (You can see the effect on the picture just below this one)

3. Add swirls, lines, circles, whatever you desire to the negative space. See below.

4. Now, flip your foil over so that instead of indentations, your markings are raised. From now on, we will be working on the right side.

5. Here comes the fun part! Painting your foil using alcohol inks. You will need a few colors, blending solution and the applicator including a felt pad. These are the three colors that I chose.

A close-up of my painting.

6. The technique that I used is simple. It has three steps.

a. Place a few drops of blending solution onto the felt pad on the applicator.
b. Drop the alcohol ink directly onto the foil surface.
c. Blend the drop on the foil using the applicator. (See the next two pictures.)

If you don't like the hard rectangular outlines, just add a bit more blending solution and pat them away.

7. Cut out your tag using basic scissors. Do not cut right on your embossed line. Cut a few millimeters from the edge like I did. This gives you enough room to add a nice border.

8. If you'd like, you can lightly ink the raised portions on the foil tag using black distress ink. This makes the embossed portions stand out a bit more.

Using UTEE

9. Using a small paintbrush or even a Q-tip, brush matte medium onto the edges of your tag. Sprinkle black UTEE onto the wet matte medium. Melt the UTEE using a heat gun. Repeat as necessary.

(I got so involved at this point in the project, that I forgot to take pictures so I will demonstrate how to use UTEE on the red heart.)

10. I sanded the edges of the red chipboard heart, added some silver glitter and inked the edges using black distress ink. (Unfortunately, this blurry picture is the only one I took of my heart before I added UTEE.)

You can see the UTEE before it is melted on the picture below.

And now, the look after the UTEE has been heated and melted. You can see that I added a few extra drops of black UTEE to the tag. At first, this was accidental as I dribbled some matte medium, but I liked it so much that I did it on purpose later.

Embellishing

11. Stamp onto transparency using black StazOn and crown stamp. Cut it out.

12. String seed beads and mini key onto wire. Wrap wire around heart. Adhere heart to foil tag using tacky glue.

13. On piece of text, stamp using Olive StazOn and flowered corner stamp. Once the ink has dried, spray with gold Glimmer Mist.

13. Sew the text page onto your background cardstock. Sew on your fabric, sequin waste, lace, whatever you desire.

13. Add brads and other embellishments as desired.

14. Adhere foil tag to piece using Tacky glue.

Here is a close-up so you can see the fine details.

I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial! I would love to see your projects using foil. Please leave me a comment so I can visit your gallery or blog.

Remember there will be a RAK sent to the most creative use of foil. I know I haven't given you a lot of time this month, so I'll extend the due date to the end of October. Just make sure that you leave a comment with your foil project on this post so I don't get too confused with the two month overlap. (I'm highly confusable, you know...)

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

August RAK Winner

2009-09-18T13:14:00.006-04:00

It was another very difficult decision! All of your projects are beautiful! Thank you so much for playing along with us.

Our August RAK Winner is Jeanet with this gorgeous project.

We love the combination of colors and elements. What a fun layout! Thanks Jeanet. Please email us with your addy so we can get a RAK out to you.

Don't forget to share your projects with us to qualify for a chance to win the September RAK!

Just so you know, I posted an article on The Scrap Review today on Alcohol Inks. If you've always wanted to give them a try, but been too scared, this tutorial is for you.

On Monday, I'll be sharing a technique using foil. See you then!

August Slide Show and RAK winner

2009-09-16T10:32:00.001-04:00

Wow! Where has September gone? I meant to get this up weeks ago!

Here are the August projects! Enjoy!

We will announce the RAK winner on Friday.

Dimensional Flowers Tutorial

2009-09-12T22:40:00.002-04:00

Here is another absolutely fabulous tutorial from the newest member of our team, Tricia Peever!

Making your own beautiful flowers is so much easier than you would believe (until you read this tutorial that is). After you learn how to do this, you may reconsider ever buying the expensive, fancy ones again.

Supplies:

-paper, cardstock or lighter stuff, can be patterned or solid, whichever you prefer

-glue; I prefer hot glue as it dries immediately

- scissors

- Glimmer Mist or water (optional)

-Flower centers (optional); could be a brad, stamens, anything you like

-a plastic craft mat or plastic barrier of any sort, if you will be using glimmer mist

Instructions:

1. For this step, I use my cricut to cut out a bunch of flowers in whatever size I want. For this project, I cut 2”, 1.5” and 1” flowers to make three different sizes of flowers. If you don’t have a cricut, do not worry. You can hand-cut your flowers. I would just either hand draw and then trace a flower or find an appropriate flower from your stash to trace. Alternatively, you could use any existing flowers that you already have to save yourself the cutting. Cut at least 4 layers per flower. You can do even more to make even fuller flowers. For this tutorial I used 4 layers per flower.

2. Once you have your flowers ready, place them on top of your plastic sheet (if you will be adding glimmer mist or water). Spray the flowers lightly until they are dampened. This can be done with either glimmer mist or with water. Mainly, the purpose in dampening them is so that they are easier to manipulate and easier to give them texture. They take on a more realistic petal look if you do it with damp paper. It can also be done dry, which also yields beautiful results, just different. The point of spraying them on the plastic is not only to protect your surface, but also to minimize waste of the glimmer mist (you will see how in a moment).

3. Once the flowers are dampened, take your first flower and squeeze it together from the center. It should sort of resemble a rose bud.

At this point, it adds beautiful and realistic detail to dip the tips of the petals into any remaining glimmer mist that is on your sheet still. It looks especially good if the glimmer mist is a deeper shade than that of your paper.

4. Now, you should trim the tip off (the part where you squeezed) in order to give it a flat base to place into the next flower.

5. Put some glue on the part where you just trimmed and then nestle this bud into center of your next flower layer. Do this with all of your layers until it is as full as you desire. Keep in mind what type of project you will be using your finished flower for as they can get pretty thick.

6. Once you are satisfied with the bulk of your flower, you can then play around with the petals of your flower to give them the look you are after. If they are really damp, I suggest letting them dry a bit before you pull them apart too much as they will rip really easily. At this point you can really experiment with the look of your flower. You can open it up a lot or just a little bit, you can make all of the petals turn in or turn out. These are just a few examples. Make sure to experiment, you will love all of the looks that you can come up with, with this simple technique.

Here are some examples of these flowers that I have used on layouts:

These little flowers were made with four layers each and were .75”.

This one was done dry and has about 7 or 8 layers also of different sizes.

This one was also done dry with about 8 or 9 layers.

Here are a bunch of flowers made damp and made with lots and lots of layers.

I don't know about you, but I'm totally inspired to go and make some beautiful flowers!

We'd love to see your homemade flowers so don't forget to upload pictures of them!

Welcome Tricia Peever

2009-09-08T23:44:00.005-04:00

Drumroll please....

We are thrilled to announce the Tricia Peever will be joining the design team at The Next Step! We are wowed by her talent and know that you'll love her style as much as we do.

You can see more of her work in her gallery.

You can get to know her better on her blog.

Tricia has another tutorial coming up on Monday on dimensional flowers. It is seriously show-stopping. You won't want to miss it!

Have You Seen Lucy?

2009-09-07T00:00:00.004-04:00

Our uber-talented Miss Lucy has recently been spotted in Somerset Holidays and Celebrations! She chats all about it here on her blog.

As if that isn't enough, she's got a free class starting on Tuesday at A Million Memories. She's going to teach us how to make this delicious shabby chic frame.

All you have to do is register at A Million Memories and the class is free! I'll see you there!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend everyone!

Using Your Cricut to Make Re-usable Masks

2009-08-31T13:08:00.004-04:00

We are thrilled that Tricia Peever agreed to be our guest designer this month! She has such a fun, cheery style that we know that you'll love what she's done for us.

My name is Tricia Peever and I live in rural Ottawa, with David, my husband of 5 years, Owen, 4 ½, Ella, 2 ½ and our not-so-smart-but-oh-so-gentle Yellow Lab Barney.

I started becoming interested in scrapbooking after our son was born and even started collecting supplies but did not start actually scrapbooking until February of 2008. Once I started, a full-on obsession was born. My favourite part about it is how not only does it provide beautiful documentation of my family’s memories, but it also has allowed me to discover and develop a part of myself that I wasn’t sure was there anymore.

I am always trying to recruit new people into the scrapbooking world because of the joy that I know it will bring into their lives. But I always warn people about the “dark” side of scrapbooking; the steadily decreasing desire to do housework and laundry, the incessant shopping, the obsessing, the hoarding...did I mention the shopping?

I find it hard to describe my style because it is always evolving, just like me. I can say that I love to create layouts with lots of texture and dimension, layering. I use a lot of black and I LOVE bright and saturated colours.

My faves are: Paint, Black and white pens, Sewing, Cricut, My camera

I am excited to share that I will be joining the Design Team at Scrapmuse, a monthly kit club, in September. In the meantime, you can see more of my work if you visit my BLOG

Using Your Cricut to Make Re-Usable Masks

Supply List: Cricut, Uncut stencil sheet, Spray Adhesive, Masking medium of your choice

Step 1 – Rounding up your supplies

You will need to get some uncut stencil sheets; I got a pack of three 8'x10" sheets for about $2.50 CDN at Walmart. I am thinking that if you are in a bind, that you could probably get away with using transparencies or sheers as an alternative or any sort of flexible acrylic.

Step 2 – The cricut

Set your cricut to the appropriate blade depth for your material that you are using. It is also probably a good idea to cut it on a lower speed.

Step 3 – Pick your image

Select an image from your cricut library to use as your masking shape. I used my Sure Cuts A Lot Software to create my own shape (super easy process, for a detailed tutorial on how to create and cut your own shapes in SCAL, see my BLOG)

Step 4 – Cut the Mask

Cut the shape to which ever shape you feel is appropriate. I would recommend not selecting an image with too intricate a design (more chance of leak through, harder to remove, more chan
ce of making a mistake)

Step 5 – Spray Adhesive

Shake your spray adhesive according to the can instructions. Spray a light, even coat on one side of the mask and leave to dry.

The can instructs you to wait 3 – 5 minutes for a temporary adhesion, but I highly recommend giving it more like 15 – 20 minutes until it is a fair bit less tacky. It will be tacky enough and will save you hassles of it getting too stuck to your paper.

Step 6 – Apply Mask

After letting the adhesive dry, place it where you want it on your paper, make sure to rub your palm around it with even pressure to ensure that the edges are sealed for a crisp masked image. It is very important that you only apply your mask when the paper is completely dry, or you could make quite the mess of your paper.

If you do run into problems with your mask getting stuck to the paper or the paper getting damp and ripping while you try to get it off (like I did, when I discovered that you don't want to do it to damp paper), then you can use a heat gun on low (or maybe a blow-dryer on high) and aim it at the back of the page. This will both dry the page and melt the adhesive, allowing you to remove the mask. You may not avoid ALL damage but it will most certainly save the day (did for me).

Step 7 – Apply the Medium

Now, with the mask applied, choose whichever medium you are going to use and apply. After I misted mine, I wiped off the excess before attempting to take the mask off.

If your paper is really saturated, I recommend using caution when removing the mask or alternatively giving it some time to dry or using a heat gun to speed up the process.

You can keep it as simple as you want or you can layer the masks to create more unique designs.

For my layout I did another mask on top of the first one and I used ink as the medium.

Here is my final product. The ripped out part on the bottom left of my layout was from overzealous mask removal which ultimately resulted in paper removal and mask removal.

Thank you so much Tricia! We appreciate all your hard work! You rock!

Happy Creating!

Changes

2009-08-28T17:31:00.003-04:00

We've decided to change things up a bit here at The Next Step and we want you, our followers to be aware of what we've decided to do.

Whilst posting a tutorial every week is really fun, our other responsibilities are calling to us with very loud and sometimes very whiny voices. Because of this, we have decided to slow-down a bit so that we can have more time to spend with our families, with our art and thinking up new exciting ideas. (Those things take a lot of time, you know...)

Our new plan is that each month one of the designers will take the lead and she will be in charge. She will provide you with a tutorial based on the month's theme. Fabulous Guest Designers will also provide you with tutorials each month. We will therefore be posting every other week, instead of weekly.

We are excited for the changes and hope that you are too!

September's theme will be Arg! Foiled Again! and Bethany will be the lead designer.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Title Misting

2009-08-23T22:02:00.001-04:00

And now we turn the time over to Mia Caniza for her awesome tutorial!

I've gotten a lot of compliments on some layouts that I've done where I used alphabet stickers as a mask for the title and sometimes even created a double title with them. Here is a quick and easy tutorial how to create a title using misting and masking.

Materials:
-Your working layout (by this I mean a layout that you've been working on up until the point where you are ready to mist)
-Alphabet Stickers
-Chipboard Alphabets
-Mists (a few colors, I used Maya Mists for this tutorial)
-Craft sheet

1) Before you mist, make sure you know exactly where you want to put your pictures. I often mark them with a light pencil. For this page, I wanted to mist the background around the pictures. I used two colors of mists, one a flat pink and the other an iridescent pearl. By mixing the two, I gave a shimmer to the mist but also gave it an airy feel, sort of like the spun sugar that the little girl is eating.

2) Once the mist was dry, I placed the alpha stickers and chipboard alpha I used for the words "I" and "candy!" on my page, making sure it was not going to be underneath the pictures.

3) I then misted the letters with a pink mist. Make sure you remove the pictures before you mist. Also make sure the pictures are not glued down or are near the area where you are misting, unless you are fine with a bit of mist over your photo. When the mist has dried, remove the alphabets. You shouldn't have a problem with the chipboard alphabets since those aren't glued down but be careful when removing the stickers so they do not rip the paper underneath.

4) I then took another alpha sticker in a different font and used it for a mask. I overlapped the letters on this one to make it seem like the word was connected.

5) I then misted with a brown mist and when dry I carefully removed the stickers. As a final touch I outlined the masked title with a black pen.

6) I added the last part of the title but didn't use the alpha as a mask so as to give it a different dimension.

7) Continue building your layout until you are done with it. Here is what I came up with:

Here are a few close-ups. You can see the dimension on the title.

A close-up of the flower.

Here are more examples of using misting and masks for your titles.

On this layout, I used Cosmo Cricket's Blackboard Alphabet as a mask. Since it didn't fit the page, I split the word. After misting I layered the word "dreams" using another alpha over the misted title.

For this layout, I had to make a list so I placed numbers going down the page randomly as a mask and misted. After removing the mask number stickers, I layered numbers over the misted numbers for a double image.

I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial on using those spare alphabets you have lying around for masks & misting. Can't wait to see what you do!

Thank you Mia for your excellent work! We are thrilled that you joined us this month. You can see more of Mia's work on her blog.

Misting Around

2009-08-17T07:52:00.005-04:00

Good morning, ladies! Lucy, here - sorry we are having some technical issues with Mia and will be sharing her tutorial when available. Please excuse the lack of prep on my part, my brain is still on vacation after a week at the beach. ;)

Thought I would share one of my quick and easy ways of masking that always gives me good results - these are some layouts I did for A Million Memories recently when we were sponsored by Lily Bee papers this line is called French Couture if you like it.

I pulled out an ancient Making Memories chipboard word 'LOVE' and just lay it on my patterned paper and used a couple of colors of mists - greens and some turquoise - concentrating mostly from the lower right corner and spraying at a slight angle to have it lighter at the top and after the mist dried I outlined the word with a black pen. The hearts were randomly stitched down with black zig-zag and straight stitching. Oh, and a little about the photo treatment - a couple of texture layers and then a photo frame.

Here I did some turquoise misting on the kraft background first and then lay the scallop chipboard frame down in the corner and outlined it - messily on purpose. Then painted inside the lines with white acrylic paint - the layer over the paint is fabric for some softness and texture. Then just the additional layers and embellishments.

And some visuals to get you started looking at your scrapping supplies with new eyes:

Ok, now it's your turn - share your favorite masking ideas with us!

Thanks and have a great week!

Lucy

Welcome Mia Caniza

2009-08-13T17:18:00.005-04:00

The Next Step would like to welcome our very first Guest Artist, Mia Caniza! We are thrilled that she is joining us this month.

Hi, I’m Mia from the Philippines. I’m 30 years old and I discovered scrapbooking in 2006 while looking for a unique gift for a family member. I thoroughly embraced this hobby, which by now has become a way of life for me, as it allows me to be creative in my everyday life. I was naturally drawn to scrapbooking from my background in art history, architecture and interior design. I love patterned paper, bling, flowers, mists, among other things. I would say that my style, although always evolving, is always colorful and detailed. I love to embellish so you will often see several layers on my pages. I am honored to be guest designing this month for The Next Step!

Mia's tutorial will be posted on Monday. You're going to love it!

Using Masks to Alter Old Book Covers

2009-08-10T01:43:00.010-04:00

Altering Old books allow you to exercise all of your creative energies. You can remove all of the interiors of the book, parts of the book or simply paint over the pages. There will be growth opportunities with this sort of project as you will see with my book.

For this project I decided to alter an old book that was at my house. You can easily complete this with any book that you have or can pick up at a garage sale or salvage store.

My plan was to create two book using the new Graphic 45 papers. The first collection I used was the Rennisance collection for the smaller of the two books. The second book was created from the Domestic Goddess collection.

For the Renaissance collection I want the photo to be recessed so that the flowers in the lady's arms could be a 3 dimensional element. I started by determining the photo that I wanted to use in the cut out framed area on the front of the book. The next thing I did was measure the frame size draw the lines on the book cover with a ruler and a pen. This would allow me to more easily cut out this portion with an xacto knife. I used mu ruler as a guide to ensure a nice straight cut with my knife. It is also important to put a mat inside of the book to prevent your knife from cutting thru multiple pages as you cut out the frame in the cover.

Once your have completed this step you will paint the entire outside of your book with Gesso.

Once the Gesso has dried you can begin the process of stamping and masking the book cover. I randomly stamped images on the book cover of the book with different stamps using Stazon Ink. Once the inks had dried I spritzed paints over the top to give the book and aged look.

Next I put a mask on the book cover and spray paints over the mask to create the image that I wanted. Unfortunately the Gesso started popping and lifting off the cover of the book because of the excess moisture. The main problem was the book cover was not porous and did not allow the gesso to absorb in to the book. This could have been prevented by lightly sanding the cover of the book to allow the gesso to permeate the board of the book. If you look at this cover closely you will see that I added lace to the book cover. This was one of the recovery methods I used on this book when the Gesso peeled up. In the area that peeled I added Gesso heavily to cover the peels and place lace near the frame edge to secure it all to the book and disguise the rough edges.

Most of the original spritzed and splattered paints remained on the book cover. I then went back and re applied the mask to the book. This allowed me to redefine the masked area and give it a more detailed look. I accomplished this detail by using a makeup sponge.I dabbed the sponge along the edge of a black Stazon pad. The make up sponge then became my applicator as I stippled the black ink over the the mask. This gave me the more defined look that I wanted for this particular project

This book had a fabric cover so I started this project by brushing a light coat of Gesso on the cover. I then stamped images with black Stazon ink. Because I had chosen a book with a fabric cover this time I felt more confident using misting sprays. For this project I used a Heidi Swapp mask and Spritzed Lumiere paints over the top to get the beautiful pink color on the bottom of the book.

This is a close up of the paint that was sprayed over the mask, I like how the mist has created a variety of shades and depth of color around the mask.

I hope you will give this technique a try!!! Masking is a great techniques to try with your friends or even your children.

A cute way to use an old book would be to remove the entire contents of the book and tie folded pages in the book.The ribbon bows could be tied along the spine of the book and you could add pages as you want.

Have FUN post your projects!!

Your Stitching Results - July RAK winners

2009-08-06T08:40:00.000-04:00

We so enjoyed looking at your stitching examples this month!! It is so exciting to see you stepping outside of your box and trying new techniques!

Take a look at this month's projects:

And the RAK goes to: Marit - Remember this month our wonderful sponsor GCD Studios is also sponsoring our winner - so Marit - email me and I'll put you in touch with GCD Studios so you can get your prize package!

Marit's use of stitching to shade the figures on her journal pages is fabulous and inspired me!! Congratulations!

Thank you all so much for sharing your work with us!

*********

And some Congratulations are in order for our sweet Bethany! She has 2 fabulous pubs this month that I think will inspire you! A feature in Green Craft by Somerset and a layout in Creating Keepsakes - check out the pics on her blog: here! Congrats, Beth! We are so excited to celebrate with you!!!

We will see you on Monday with Gayle's project on Masking and Misting - I saw a peek earlier this week and let me say ----WOW!!!

Lucy

Reflecting on Masking

2009-08-03T08:09:00.000-04:00

Happy August Everyone! It seems like the summer has simply flown by for me and for most of you from what I have heard. First, Thank you for a your wonderful projects last month! They are so incredible and creative - I just love sewing. I know it was a little more challenging for some of you that didn't have sewing machines. So, we thought this month we would focus on something very popular right now: Masking and misting....really, you can make it as simple or complex as you like. Can't wait to see this month's projects! We have 2 special guests this month that I will be introducing later, I am so excited!

My take on the technique is masking a mirror and painting with spray paint to leave the reveal of the mirror to shine through. With a little additional painted and stamped details you have a beautiful piece of home decor to decorate your home! Here is my project:

A couple of notes about the supplies:

Mirror -This is a mirror like used to sit candles on, available at most stores.
Spray paint -the brand I used here is Krylon - bonnet blue. I liked the short can so I can get more colors.
Masks - There are many available or you can make your own - for a clean, neat edge make sure the edges are completely attached to the surface. The bird and branch are by Heidi Swapp. Others I like are Tim Holtz, if you cut your own or use a piece of lace or something like that you can spray it with some temporary spray adhesive first (just make sure you can get the adhesive off the mirror easily without scraping the paint) That is why I like the self-adhesive masks. Or a self-adhesive stencil would work, too. When you spray these just know they will always have paint on one side - I don't care - but, I don't want to use my Tattered Angels screens for this.

This is not totally necessary, but I liked the beveled edged - you could scrape it with a kraft knife after you finish but it might not be as smooth. Taping it off would work if it was a square. This is a product used by watercolor artists and is like a liquid rubber resist that rubs off when dry. Don't use a good brush to appy this one.

Light coats are REALLY IMPORTANT!!!

Ok, so what if you get a bug in the wet paint, or a smudge or two (like I did). First I tried to incorporate the mistakes into the design - the lines around the clouds I traced with a paint pen - bug spots might become a flower or bling. A mis-placed word (well - that didn't go so neatly - but you can carefully re-spray over part - I masked off the mirror areas and sprayed really lightly.

Ideas for Finishing Details: liquid pearls to outline, or you could use adhesive pearls, add some sparkle with crystals, hand paint some details if you have a steady hand, rub-ons, clear stamps, acrylic words or tags.

This would also be adorable done in a more whimsical design for a child's room - maybe with their name or I thought about embellishing the side by running a floral vine along one edge.

Hope you enjoy this month's techniques and I'll be back this week with the winners of the RAKs from July! Thanks for playing along with us!

Lucy

Thank you, GCD!

2009-07-31T09:11:00.004-04:00

We wanted to send out a BIG 'thank you' to GCD Studios for sponsoring us this month and share a few more projects we created with their products.

Gayle made this adorable banner for her house - isn't it cute!

And this layout with stitching and layered circles.

I created a couple cards with some stiching and handmade flowers with some of my leftover scraps.

Gayle and I had a wonderful time at CHA and actually met some fans of The Next Step! Of course, we had to get a picture - Gayle, Lucy, Danielle Holsapple and Erin Yamabe. Thanks, ladies!!

I was excited to see lots of altered projects in a lot of the manufactures booths and some mixed media techniques - it is looking good for us mixed media lovers! I just posted some of my personal faves from CHA on my blog.

Back with more on Monday - the beginning of a new month and a new technique! See you then!

Lucy

Needle Case

2009-07-27T11:04:00.002-04:00

Just a little final project this month for you all that I made for the American Crafts design team call. A fun little mini book of sewing quotes for needle storage.

I stitched and layered batting (or you could use felt) over one side of each of the interior pages for needle or pin storage. It is only attached at the top so you can easily get them out.

I stitched down the sides of some pages as a decorative accent.

Hand stitches and buttons add a dimensional touch.

The view from the top:

I hope you have enjoyed the stitching ideas this month, we have enjoyed yours! I know Gayle and I are ready for Beth to get back from vacation, she is the one who keeps us straight. ;) Next month is going to be fun and we have a special guest in store!

Oh, by the way....guess where Gayle and I are today?!? CHA!!!! Tell you all about it on Monday, I've been REFLECTING on our newest project!

Lucy

Detail Stitching By Hand

2009-07-19T23:17:00.019-04:00

I heard several of you say you do not have a sewing machine, so I would like to show you a couple of techniques to give the illusion of sewing on your pages. With a needle and plain thread you can create the same linear element with one stitch. Sound easy enough? Let me show you what I am talking about.

First you will see a finished page with the sewing complete. The next shots are close ups of the page to show you the long stitched in red and how they are completed. The final photo shows 3 french knots. They are the OOO's to the X on the left side of the page.

This page has a combination of machine sewing ( the black stitches) and hand stitching (the red thread). The stitching with the red thread is literally bringing the thread up thru the paper at one point and pushing it back thru the paper at the second point. you should have one continuous thread along the top of your page. You could also use string, jute, yarn, or what ever you choose. I was at an antique store last week and medium sized gift bag bag full of crochet threads and small crochet flowers for five dollars. The red thread on this page is crochet thread.

Here is the crochet thread and what it looks like. You should be able to find this at Walmart or you could use yarn, or embroidery floss.

There are numerous other options for hand sewing on your pages, that are not really time consuming and will give your pages that hand made look that you desire.

I will show you a very simple technique that you may have learned as a child using yarns. This will also be demonstrated using crochet threads since they are thicker and more visible. I started by creating a star pattern with pink thread and will weave the pattern with red thread so that you can see the steps more easily. Once you have created the x pattern on the paper and one more cross to the x-. You will then thread your needle with thread or ribbon and weave over and under the x pattern on the paper. After a couple of times around the x pattern I alternated the over and under pattern to give it more texture. Continue weaving over and under until you have the width that you desire. You go all the way to the edge it will create a flower pattern.

On both of these techniques, it is helpful if you plan where your stitches will be and puncture the paper at those points for easier more precise sewing.

The next technique is creating the leaf. You will push the needle with thread thru the back of the paper and create a loop on the top of the paper. Holding the loop with your thumb push the needle tip back thru the paper right next to the original spot that you started from. Hold the loop open with your thumb and push the needle up on the inside of the loop and then stitch over the loop to hold it in to position.

I have a couple of pages that I added hand stitching to give you some ideas. These are just basic stitches. The first "Your Smile " has a running stitch around the page that is actually string so that you can see it better on the lay out. You of course could use a more delicate material for this technique. I chose the string to coordinate with the bulky vintage lace I used. These are all tiny details that can be completed while watching the children play or your favorite television program.

The second page I stitched X's in the corners of the circle to attach the piece to the page. Again these are just tiny details that add a little extra to your page.

Later this week I will post instructions for a hand stitched butterfly using ribbon to create the body.

Have a great week and summer!- Gayle

Doodling with your Sewing Machine

2009-07-13T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics

Even if you aren't an expert seamstress, you can certainly add sewing to your paper projects. If you can sew a somewhat straight line, you can sew on paper. The following projects all involve lines. You'll be amazed at what you can do going from point A to point B.

In Look What I Can Do Mom, I sewed lines with white thread on a white background. I varied the lengths of the lines and I used both a straight stitch as well as a zig-zag stitch. The result is very subtle, as you can see.

Here is a close-up.

Matierals: Bazzil cardstock; My Little Shoebox papers, machine and thread, Sharpie pen, prismacolor pencils

In Hey Hey Hey, I sewed again using white thread on the background. This time, I followed the lines in the pattern paper. Another subtle way to add texture.

A close-up.

Materials: American crafts pattern paper, Thickers, metal flower accent; Heidi Swapp tape, large photo corner and corner stamp; machine and thread; Bazzil cardstock; Paper Studio as well as vintage buttons; Paint chip from hardware store; rick-rack, staples; My Little Shoebox mini letters; Imaginesce bling flower; Prima bling swirls; unknown manufacturer of the green star paper; Judikins embossing powder; vintage lace; vellum

Now look what happens when I do the same type of thing only using black thread on a white background. The effect of this stitching is anything but subtle. In fact, it moves from a minor role to a major element in the design.

I Am Boy was made using supplies from GCD Studios, our sponsor this month. Here's a close-up.

Materials: Bazzil cardstock, machine and thread, pattern paper is GCD Studios, Sharpie pen; Delta paint; 3L Mounting Squares

In Blessed and Lucky, I sewed lines that originate in the center and radiate outward like a star. I did this so I could fluff up the edges of the circle pattern paper (American Crafts) providing dimension to my layout.

Materials: All pp is American Crafts; American Crafts Thickers; American Crafts slick writer; MM paint; Paper Studio buttons; Prismacolor colored pencils; thread and machine; masking tape.

One of my favorite ways to incorporate straight line stitching is in borders. I did this in Blessed and Lucky (above) as well as in the following examples.

In Smitten, I sewed around the pink paper (My Little Shoebox) twice using a combination of straight and zig-zag stitches.

A close-up.

Materials: My Little Shoebox papers, letter stickers and chipboard letters, Prima bling; Maya road chipboard, flowers, buttons and ribbons; text; Judikins embossing powder; cheesecloth; cardboard; machine and thread; sheet music

I did the same type of thing in Ballerina, only I switched from straight to zig-zag stitching on the same line.

A close-up makes this technique really obvious.

Materials: 12x12 cardboard from packaging; doily; watercolor paper; Making Memories paint, KI Memories paper; American Crafts thickers; Prima bling; Heidi Swapp large photo corner; gesso; machine and thread; various papers from my stash; lace; Imaginesce bling flower; paint chip; sheet music; tulle bow from a gift package; Ranger distress inks; Making Memories paper punched into tag; vintage buttons; Prima flower; JudiKins stamp; 7 Gypsies brad; charcoal pencil, mod podge

The Next Step
(for the slightly more advanced)

It's no secret. I love to doodle. I'm constantly fiddling around with my pen and paper. It is only natural then that I would try to do the same thing with a machine and thread.

Now, before you panic because you don't know how to free motion stitch, I have a major confession...ready?...I don't either. Everything that I do with my machine is with the regular presser foot. Someday I'll try free-motion stitching, but not today.

In Secrets, I added texture to my otherwise very flat layout by stitching circles and filling them in with a wash.

Here is a close-up of my stitching. In order to add a bit more interest, I added some sequins. As I sewed, I just shoved them under my presser foot (using the tips of my scissors to reach into that small space) and slowly went over them. Unfortunately, it is pretty hard to see them because they're clear.

Materials: Bazzil cardstock, American Crafts pen, sequins, black paint, machine and thread

In I Am Boy (see above) I stitched around ROAR in my title after I painted in the letter spaces using a semi-dry brush. This, combined with the texture of the cardstock makes the letters appear a little weathered.

Materials: Bazzil cardstock, machine and thread, pattern paper is GCD Studios, delta paint, Sharpie pen

TIPS For Sewing on Paper

1. When sewing circles or letters, use a small stitch and go very slowly. Sometimes on tight areas I don't even use the foot pedal. I just crank with my hand.

2. In order to prevent your thread from coming loose, either tie the ends or tape the ends on the back of your layout. I use invisible tape or masking tape (which ever one the sweeties haven't stolen for a craft project.)

3. Once you use a needle for paper, do not use it on fabric. Needles used on paper quickly become dull. A dull needle can cause your fabric to run. (I know this from experience.)

4. When sewing shapes like circles or letters, use a pencil to lightly sketch out where you want to go. You can easily erase the pencil marks when you have finished. This is especially helpful when sewing circles.

5. When sewing papers, I usually adhere things using a dab of Mod Podge (liquid adhesive). This way everything stays in place. Just don't sew when your adhesive is still wet. It can gum up your bobbin and needle. On a related note, don't sew over glue dots or foam Thickers. It isn't pretty. (Not that I have any experience in that arena...giggle) If you do gum up your needle/bobbin, Lucy suggests using a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean it up.

I can't wait to see your projects incorporating sewing on paper! I will have limited computer access for a few weeks. (Sadly, we must part for a bit...) but as soon as I am able, I will respond to any questions that you may have as well as comment on your beautiful projects.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

June Winners

2009-07-10T00:08:00.007-04:00

Thank you all so much for sharing your projects with us for June - Altering Your Paper. We had such a difficult time choosing the most creative project! Take a look at what we had to choose from:

We are pleased to announce that the Most Creative RAK goes to:

Stacy! With her gorgeous layout and creative way of altering her paper with jewels!!

Random RAK: Glenda - I love her misted background and the art journal feel to her page!

And my personal RAK this month goes to Tricia - I love her creative way of making her own paper and Tricia has really been spreading the word about The Next Step! Thanks, Tricia!

Thank you, ladies!! Seeing our ideas in your interpretations is so rewarding and I appreciate each and every one of you for your time and support!

Questions:

Michelle asked about using my stitching technique for hand sewing.

You could use any machine stitching idea and translate it into handwork. The bobbin stitching is actually supposed to look more like hand stitching because you are able to use much heavier threads than normal with a sewing machine. So, just buy some pearl cotton or embroidery thread and try out some crazy quilt stitches. I would love to see what you come up with. I did a lot of hand stitching on this layout for an example:

This is me and my dad - cute, huh?

Also, you are all so good to me! I can't tell you how much it means to read your kind words and compliments about my new design team positions! Thank you!

See you on Monday with Beth's take on doodle stitching. :D

Lucy

Congratulations Lucy

2009-07-08T00:35:00.002-04:00

Our sweet Lucy is quite a scrapping star.

First, she was asked to be on the Webster's Pages design team!

As if that wasn't enough, she was also invited to be on the Scrapping the Music design team!

We are very excited for her and so very proud too.

Congratulations!

Bobbin Work

2009-07-06T00:13:00.005-04:00

Happy July, everyone! The summer is simply flying by and this month I am excited to announce that we are focusing on sewing as our monthly technique. I hope that we inspire you to try stitching in a new way!

I began sewing at 12, quilting at 18 and started art quilting and mixed media about 6 years ago, so sewing has always been part of my art so, the transition to stitching on my layouts was the next step. A few years ago I was making some purses with crazy quilt panels and started using bobbin work for the decorative stitching after reading a book by Barbara Randel - Crazy Quilting with Attitude. I started thinking about using it for paper to add dimension and heavier stitching than traditional stitching. I have had several requests for a tutorial on how I do bobbin work so here it is!

On this layout, I have used bobbin stitching on the navy mat under the main photo and normal stitching on the background and outline stitching. I am going to assume that you know how to do straight stitching on your machine. The background paper is simply stitched in rows of decorative stitches - using different threads for contrast.

These paper are from this months sponsor, GCD Studios - Thank you so much, GCD!!

What is bobbin work? There are many beautiful decorative threads that would be too large to go through the eye of the needle on your machine so by winding them onto the bobbin and bypassing the bobbin tension you can stitch from the backside of the paper, so the back side of the stitch will be on top, when you are finished.

Here are some step-by-step photos to show you how to get started.

If you have a drop in bobbin these are the steps:

For a side loading bobbin, follow these steps:

Now that your bobbin in loaded, just a couple of tips before stitching:

The best stitches are a basic straight stitch, zig-zag and some decorative stitches (if you have them on your machine) are a feather stitch, daisy stitch. Satin stitches or very heavy patterns don't work well because the threads build up too much and can lock up under the machine. I have created a sampler that I use - I wrote the stitch length and width by it and use it for a reference.

I wanted to show you some other layouts were I have used bobbin stitching or decorative sewing to give some alternative ideas for this technique.

Here the fuchsia stitching is bobbin work done in a feather stitch. I marked from the backside the border on the paper so I would know where to stitch. The paper was wet and crumpled first and then I free motion stitched the background for some additional texture.

I created rows of background stitching here as I did on the main sample, only I put a piece of burlap over the background first. My machine had some trouble grabbing the paper so I put a paper towel underneath to give the feed dogs something to grip.

The bobbin work on this sample is the border on the top of the page and also around the fabric patches, once again, I marked the corners on the back to guide my stitching.

I will be posting the slide show and winners from last months technique, Altering your Paper, later this week. We had so many wonderful entries and I thank you all for continuing to support us and your wonderful comments!!

I'll be checking to see if you have any questions about my stitching ideas and answer any questions, until then have a great week!

Lucy

Welcome GCD Studios

2009-07-02T15:51:00.005-04:00

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our July sponsor, GCD Studios!

We are thrilled to partner up with such a great company this month and we know that you will love their products as much as we do. They have so many different lines that it is almost overwhelming to look at their catalog!

This month's Most Creative Use of the Technique RAK will be provided by GCD Studios. Thank you for your generosity!

Here is a sneak peek of a project using their Rocket's Red Glare line.

You can learn more about GCD Studios by visiting their blog.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend everyone!

Heat Gun Questions

2009-06-30T16:32:00.006-04:00

Hello all! I hope that everyone is ready to start another month! Was June as speedy for you as it was for me? Man, my life is just flying by...

I had a few questions regarding Heat Guns and I thought that I'd answer them. Dalovely Damanda (isn't that name just so much fun?) asked if she could use her hair dryer instead of a heat gun. I'm not sure if it would work and I don't have a decent hair dryer to test it out. My gut feeling is that it wouldn't get hot enough, but I'd love to hear of your results!

UPDATE: According to Dalovely Damanda, a hair dryer works! Yeah! She added some hairspray to the water to give it more stiffness and her results are beautiful. You can see them here.

And Jessica, my sweet sister, asked if I ever burned my fingers. When I used my heat gun, I usually hold the paper in place with my exacto knife or my metal paper pick or even a pencil. That way I save my lovely fingers from a visit to the ER. (giggle)

Because of the upcoming U.S. holiday, we'll be posting sometime next week with the winner of our two RAKS. You have a few more hours to get your projects in to qualify! Good luck!

Here is a little sneak peek for what we have in store for you in July...Lucy and our new technique are up on Monday. See you then!

Ruffled Flowers Tutorial

2009-06-28T22:00:00.000-04:00

Summer flowers with their beautiful colors and striking shapes are so inspirational. On Because of You, I wanted my flowers to be dimensional just like those that grow in the garden.

Here's a close-up.

Materials: American Crafts pattern paper, Bazzil cardstock, My Little Shoebox letter stickers, Fontwerks stamp, sharpie pen, buttons and machine and thread

This is what I did:

After cutting out flowers from pattern paper in three different sizes, I sprayed them with water until they were really wet. Then I lifted the edges so that they pointed upward. Next, I quickly dried the flowers using my heat gun. (This is the key.) While the flowers dried I continued to mess with the edges until I had the look I desired. Once they were dry, I adhered the biggest flower directly to my cardstock with a liquid adhesive. I took the other three flowers and adhered them together using a liquid adhesive. I took that three layered flower and adhered it to the one already on my cardstock using a pop dot. This gave it great dimension. Pretty simple, but the results are fantastic.

One variation is to use colored mists instead of plain water. As long as you dry the paper quickly, the flower will retain its dimensional shape.

Make sure you get your projects completed for this month! Just leave us a comment in any June post before July 1st and you are eligible for one of two gorgeous RAKS.

Next Monday, Lucy is up with her first tutorial. She'll be covering a technique that I used on my Because of You layout. (Just a little teaser.)

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Digital Approach

2009-06-24T16:08:00.005-04:00

I made this hybrid layout to show how you can easily add digital elements to your work.

Another idea for altering your papers is to print over your patterned paper with a digital mask or layer. I use Photo Shop Elements 5.0 for my photo editing and hybrid scrapbooking, but this will work with any digital software. I don't have a wide format printer either, so don't let that stop you. I just cut down my patterned paper to 8 1/2 x 11 to run it through my printer, then you can just add this to your next project.

Step 1 - Start your editing program and open the digital file you want to use as your print onto your paper. For this sample I used a photo mask from French Laundry by Sande Kreiger. Depending on how you organize your digital files, the usual process is File, Open, (search for the file you want) and Open. You can see the file open in the screen shot below.

Step 2 - How to open a blank canvas to work on. In PSE go to, File, New, Blank File, when you select Blank File an option screen will come up. This helps me to resize (by selecting 'View' then 'Grid') and also if you are printing over a photo you can layer everything on a blank canvas to print it out. I always use a blank canvas to print multi-photos - so I can just drag and drop and resize to get the most from my photo paper.

Step 3 - Select your Blank Screen options. Under Preset, select Letter (if this is the size you want to print on). The size should now show 8 1/2 x 11 - make sure the Resolution is 300, Color Mode - RGB Color, and Background Color - White. Click Ok. A blank screen should show up.

Step 4 - Rotate your screen - if needed. Go to Image, Rotate, 90' left. Your screen should now be a landscape view. (this is not a necessary step, I just like to see it like I am planning to use it) Like this:

Step 5 - Move the digital file onto the Blank Screen. Click and drag your digital file from the photo bin (at the bottom) onto the Blank Screen. Then click and resize the file by dragging the corners, to fill most of the Blank Screen (the Move tool needs to be selected to move and resize). Just remember what your margins are on your printer and adjust to that. It should look something like this: (When I printed my sample I decided I wanted my digital layer to be a little smaller to help frame my photo so my sample wasn't printed as large as this.)

Step 6 - Print - Now you are ready to print your image. First load your pattered paper that you have cut to size, then go to File, Print and when you see the Print Properties it should have the following options selected: Print Size - Actual Size (8.50"x11"), Then click Print. Go through your normal print options - for the type of paper you are printing on and quality and print.

After printing I trimmed to the edges of my digital frame and layered it under my photo on my layout. And now it is a hybrid layout! Hope these directions make sense. I am far from a computer expert and it took me a while to learn how to use PSE but it is an amazing program and I love it now. There are many great free tips online for using Photo Shop so just look around if you want to learn more.

Have a great rest of your week and weekend. Beth has one last thing to share before the month is out on Monday, so see you then.

Lucy

What's Up for Grabs this Month?

2009-06-22T07:30:00.006-04:00

Sorry I am running late with the digital tutorial this month, just have to finish my sample with it and it's ready to go for a little later this week. Thanks for being patient. Anyone else having a busy summer? ;-)

Thought I would share the RAKs we put together for this month, for those of you who are still thinking about trying out the paper altering technique. There is fabric, lace, trims, handmade items and all kinds of goodies just for you! I have been so excited and inspired to see what you have come up with so far this month! Some incredible ideas! Don't forget, I am also going to throw in some of the papers I altered to another participant!

And a little something I did a while ago that goes along with our theme - only this time using paper scraps. I just collaged them onto a lightweight piece of chipboard with light gel medium, coating both sides of the paper and when dry, over painted with acrylic paint and foam stamps. So, another way to alter some papers you might not normally use.

Can't wait to see the rest of your projects altering your old papers and I'll catch you with my digital altering later this week! Want a hint of what is coming next month? It will have you in stitches. hehe

Lucy

Attaching Fibers

2009-06-20T18:53:00.003-04:00

I hope that you are having a lovely Father's Day Weekend! I know that I'm a bit behind, but I wanted to answer Georgann's question based on this layout.

She asked how I attached the fibers and the answer is quite simple. I used staples every 4 (or so) inches. You cannot see them because the threads from the fibers are pointing every which way, but that's all I did! In fact, my stapler is one of my favorite tools. I love the look of a couple of staples on the side of a picture block or a strip of pattern paper.

Thank you for all of your kind comments and wonderful support. This blog has been such a joy and we are grateful that each of you have joined with us in this journey.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Altering Your Pattern

2009-06-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Altering, that word just makes me happy - to make something unique or change it's use: I believe that is what every artist strives to do. With this month's challenge of altering your paper, let's just say it's been a good month! I tried to work with some older papers in my stash to see what I could create - I think this could keep many of us busy for a long time. hehe

It has been wonderful to see your ideas so far for altering your papers! Keep up the good work!

My first samples worked well in this layout - I wanted to have an organic feel to go along with the gardening theme. You can see the samples later in this post.

Of course, not really sure how each paper would turn out, I didn't get enough photos of the process so, I duplicated it on another paper for my step-by-step.
What do you think of the text on the photos? Is it distracting? Or does it work for you? These papers were from an old K&Co pad I bought when I first started scrapping. Do you remember Chocolate Neapolitan? I used it for several of my samples. (sorry for the red paint in the background on these pics - I was using a piece of freezer paper to protect my surface.)

I later added some gesso splatters - it adds a bit more contrast. On my layout using white cardstock and teal paint - I spritzed it with some gold glimmer mist after the paint was dry.

I love to use mists to alter my papers - Gayle talked about how she makes her own in her post earlier this month - I do mine the same way, except I don't add as much hairspray, I am sensitive to odors - even if it is unscented and I add dye ink from re-inkers to punch up the colors on some of them. We are going to have more on that coming soon.

I love this photo and created this for a challenge from Sassafras Lass. I was so thrilled to see they showed it on their blog on Friday!

Here is how I altered the paper under the photo:

I pressed this with my iron and it got really stiff - I guess the hairspray? So then, I wet it a bit and crumpled it to end up with this:

Now, just some samples I made for this tutorial:

And to close with a special challenge from me - post a picture of a paper you altered using any of the techniques this month and I'll send you: my before and after samples as a RAK - you have until the end of the month, so get altering! This is separate from the monthly RAKs. :-)

I've come up with an idea for altering paper using some simple digital tools that I'll share later this month so stay tuned.

Lucy

Making Your Mark on Pattern Paper

2009-06-07T23:31:00.010-04:00

Are you an artist who likes to personalize your pattern paper? Do you like to take something that everyone else has and make it unique? Perhaps you have a very strong sense of style and you just aren't satisfied with your pattern paper until you make your special mark. If so, I think that you'll find some marvelous ideas here. (At least I hope so!)

For my first layout, I took this basic paper by Luxe. It is a perfect background paper.

I journaled on it.

Next, I added some color to the letter spaces using my trusty colored pencils. Markers would work fine too. The orange is paint. I added that so that my picture block would stand out more.

Then, I went a little crazy with the paint, markers and do-dads.

Here are a few close-ups so you can see what I did in more detail.

To make the swirls, I used a pencil to make my basic shape. Next, I painted using gesso (white). I like to use gesso because it gives me great coverage. Regular white paint (the cheap-o brand) just doesn't provide the same coverage in only 2 layers. Once the gesso dried, I used a black marker to make the stripes and the border. Colored pencils make up the shadowing.

The dots were made by using large sequin waste (the strip of metallic paper that is left when the machine punches out sequins) as a mask. You can find this in specialty scrapbook stores or online for very cheap.

For my second layout, I took a piece of basic striped paper that I had in my stash for ages. There is nothing wrong with this paper, it just needed a little something extra. (I apologize for the quality of my picture. It is a little dark in my studio at night when inspiration strikes.)

I did some more doodling. Some stamping (Luxe border stamps) and some coloring (yes, using colored pencils.)

Here is a close-up so you can see what I did in more detail.

And my final project. You can see how the background paper adds so much pizazz now.

Here is a close-up of my star. It was made using Basic Grey chipboard as the base. I painted it with a thick layer of gesso. While the gesso was still wet, I used a random toy to "stamp" the outline of a circle. Once it had dried, the circle outline that I stamped was a in a valley. (I hope that I'm making sense here.) I punched circles out of an old atlas page and placed them inside my circles. I added a bit of charcoal pencil to the valley to make it more obvious. This technique just adds a little extra dimension to your project.

I free-handed the journaling using my Sharpie pen and colored pencils. Something that I find adds a wonderful touch to my journaling is to add subtle shadowing to my letters. Can you see the light grey shadow on the right of each letter?

Sometimes it is difficult to get your shadowing right. A trick that I discovered is to place a lamp on one side of your work space. (Mine is always on my left side.) Then imagine your lamp shining on your letters. Where does the light hit? Where would the shadows be? Practice a bit and you will become quite adept at this. Because colored pencils are so forgiving, I find them ideal for this type of thing. If you are interested in improving your handwriting, I found Heidi Swapp's Love Your Handwriting to be a great help. That, and tons and tons of practice. I'm constantly writing on little scraps of paper.

Here are a few more ideas for personalizing your pattern paper.

1. Take your pen and outline random shapes like I did here in Dog Play.

Do you see the darker green spots outlined in black? They add a little bit more interest and tie in the black background and elements.

I did the same thing in My Favorite Time. I outlined the dots around my main picture block so that your eye would be drawn in more.

2. Cut your pattern paper into different shapes as I did in Daydreamer.

On the same note, cut out elements of your pattern paper and arrange them in an interesting way. I did this in Blessed and Lucky and B-Gurl.

Don't forget the power of layering your pattern papers. A little piece of paper can go a long way when it is layered.

3. If in doubt, distress it. Sometimes your pattern paper is a little too bright. If this is the case, use your Ranger Distress inks (or any ink pad for that matter) to tone it down. The green star paper on the right of my picture in Wish was too bright until I crumpled it up and applied black ink to it with a sponge.

Another way to distress paper is to crumple it up and sand the mountains using a fine-grit sandpaper. I did this to the heart in I Simply Adore You.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the Comments Section and I will happily answer them later this week.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

May Winners

2009-06-05T15:51:00.005-04:00

Before I announce our May RAK winners, I have to tell all of you how amazing your projects were this month. All of you deserve to win something, but since that would be crazy busy and slightly expensiv-o, we had to choose. And we had such a time of it! Whew.

So without further ado, our Most Creative Use of the Technique RAK goes to Joan, who submitted this beautiful layout. She stamped those leaves and painted them with watercolors. They are so incredibly life-like that I can't believe it. Don't they look like they just fell off the maple tree? Thank you Joan for sharing your talent with us.

There was another gorgeous layout that completely floored us. Peggy's free-hand drawing and painting is out-of-this-world amazing. (She doesn't own any stamps so she drew instead.) So we are sending her a small RAK too because...well...wow.

Our Random RAK goes to Michelle who was so inspired that she created not just one, not just two, but 4 beautiful projects. Thank you Michelle for your amazing creativity.

Finally, the extra RAK just for commenting goes to Georgann. Congrats!

All of you lovely winning ladies, please email us using the email on the sidebar. We will need your addresses so we can send out your packages!

Again, a great big thank you for all of your support. For sharing your talent with us. For making this site such a joy.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

May Entries - Painting Over Stamps

2009-06-04T09:11:00.004-04:00

These all look so wonderful together!!! We love all of your projects, it was such a pleasure playing with you all this month! If you don't see your project, please let me know.

Be back tomorrow to announce the RAK winners! See you then. :)

Lucy

ReCreating, ReInvEnting and REdesigning Paper

2009-06-01T00:29:00.011-04:00

May has been an wonderful month for The Next Step and there have been some amazing projects posted to our month long challenges. It has been so much fun to see the different ways that each of you have found to be creative with your stamps. We will be reviewing all of your submissions and will post the winners at the end of this week. Check back on Friday for the results. Congratulations to all of you for playing along with our challenge and stretching your creative wings.

This month we want to see more of you get involved and show us your projects. If your children are out of school for the summer, get them involved and let them create some projects. Show us what you all created, we want to see your redesigned papers.

Now for some new inspiration that will hopefully get your creative minds going. We have great things planned for you in June and our challenge will hopefully have you sorting through your stash of papers.

We know you have them ... those papers that you have looked at over and over and thought…

What was I thinking when I bought this paper???

I will NEVER use this color, design, pattern or You fill in the blank______

Why do they have to put so many sheets of the same paper in the combo packs?

…..Or as in the case of some of mine.

That stuff has GOT TO BE 10 years old by now, maybe they will reprint an anniversary version and it will be back in style.

Well this is your month to disguise those awful reminders.

So you first mission is to find some papers that you know you will never use in their current state. Once you have them out, you are going to use some of your paints, sprays, fabric, and left over rub ons to totally change the look of them.

My first contestant was a beige paper that I bought about 4 years ago while visiting my sister in Ohio. Some how the muted toned garden paper never worked its way in to my projects.I started by spraying the paper with some of my paint misters and gave it a yellow orange peach glow. The paper was pretty but needed a little more contrast so I painted black acrylic paint on bubble wrap and stamped it on the page.

If you do not have spray bottles of paints, here is a home made preparation that is inexpensive and gives your paper a beautiful color.

Unsweetened Kool Aid (about 20 cents a pack)
Tiny spray bottle (travel cosmetic section - WalMart 97 cents)
pour a small amount of kool aid in the bottle
add 1/3 hairspray and 2/3 water to the bottle

The hair spray helps it allow the paint to dry quicker and acts as a fixative. You can leave out the hair spray if you wish. You can also soak papers or tags in this mixture and get a beautiful dyed paper.

This months RAK will include a spray bottle with Luminarte Powder to make your own mister.

I then cut out some flowers from a graphic black and white left over piece of paper and misted it with yellow spray paint.

On this page all of the products are over 4 years old except for the flowers. I feel pretty happy with the results of this page.

My next project was to alter a piece of paper with black paint. I mixed a little black acrylic paint with hair spray in a small bottle. I then spritzed it on the paper for a splattered abstract effect.

To add a little detail I tool some random large stitches in the corners. This is a great way to add sewing to a page with very little work. Simply stitch through the paper and then go back through the paper with you needle approximately 3-4 inches away. Tie off the ends of the thread and tape them down on the back of the paper.

I next stamped a border for the outer edge of the photo and then ended up putting a matte around the edge of the photo.

To finish off the page I used left over number rub ons to alter the paper.

These are just a couple of techniques that you can use to alter your paper. I will post creative uses for your scrap papers on Friday June 5th.

Most important of all we will show case the winning projects for the month of May.

Product Spotlight: Black Charcoal Pencils

2009-05-25T15:47:00.014-04:00

For our last week in May, I thought that I'd chat a bit about a product that I recently discovered. The Black Charcoal Pencil. I can't tell you how cool this thing is! You can find them at an office supply store in the art section for very little money. I think I paid less than $3.00 for a package of 3. You can use them for sketching (which may be their primary use) but I like to use them for shading.

I used a charcoal pencil on this art journal page titled 5 In My Heart to add depth and to make certain elements pop off the page.

Do you see the shadows around the circles that I punched out of text? And around the bird? I outlined them very lightly with a charcoal pencil. Then I took my finger and blended until I had the look that I wanted.

You can see that I also did this around my heart.

When using a charcoal pencil, start with a light touch. You can always add more, but it isn't always easy to remove it. If you accidentally add too much, try a baby wipe.
Those are also great to have on hand to wash off your black fingers when you finish your creative session.

Here's a better picture of the circles. When you use your finger to blend the charcoal pencil, make sure that you blend in the shape you desire. For example, if you want a circle shape, have your finger move in a circle. Or if you want a straight line, move your finger in a straight line.

If you want to make sure that there is no rub-off, you'll need to apply a fixative. However, in small doses (like here) no fixative is necessary. (Personally, I've never used one.)

Materials List: Dictionary page, sharpie pen, charcoal pencil, colored pencils, Luxe paper, K&Co paper, Golden Pumice Gel, Making Memories paints, Tinkering ink stickers and rip strips, Karen Foster jewel brad

So, when you use your stamps as a guide for painting, you can add shading with your charcoal pencil. This will add so much dimension and will really elevate your art to a new level. Have fun with that!

Thank you for sharing all of your projects with us. We absolutely love them! All of you are so amazingly creative! We've seen gorgeous mixed-media projects as well as excellent scrapbook pages. Isn't it wonderful to combine the two worlds? Remember, you have until the very last day of the month to complete your projects and to be eligible for the Random RAK and the Most Creative Use of Technique RAK. Of course, you've already commented in last week's post to be eligible for the extra RAK this month...right?

We've noticed that there has been a bit of confusion regarding the technique that we've been sharing. Each month we focus on one basic technique. For example, this month we focused on using stamps as a guide for painting. You will notice that each designer took that simple idea and made it her own. Because each of us is so different in style, it may appear that we are introducing a different technique, but we aren't! So please don't feel like you are behind if you don't complete a project each week. This is meant to be an inspiration for you, not a stress.

I hope that you are as excited as I am for next week's brand new technique tutorial! Here's a sneak peek of what we have in store for you!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Want to see the RAKs???

2009-05-22T15:27:00.004-04:00

I know we have been talking about the RAKs we were going to give out each month so, I thought you might like to take a peek at what we are offering! Gayle came over to my house this morning and between the two of us this is the result from our stash- and this is after pulling out the first 3 RAKs! lol I guess you can see we have a few more months covered.

Part of our focus is to use what you have and make it look fresh and new - mixing new and old papers with custom embellishments is one of my favorite ways to do this.

Here is what we put together - each one will be custom designed by us or Beth and these all include: coordinating papers, fabrics, trims, embellishments, handmade flowers. I am working on some hand-painted scrim and muslin to add in the next kits, too. You can click on the pic for a closer look.

And just to see if anyone is paying attention - just comment on this post and we will draw a name for a 3rd RAK this month to celebrate our wonderful beginning!

Come on, you know you want one! Just play along by the end of the month for your chance to win!!

And your questions -

Smita asked: I can't find anything similar to Stazon here in India. We get only the usual pigment-based stamps and these don't work with anything other than paper... Can you suggest any substitute? Can I use the normal ink to stamp and then paint over with Acrylic paint?

You can use any type of ink if you are stamping on paper or fabric to paint over it - but it might bleed with the paint so use a coordinating color. If you are wanting to stamp onto a transparency, you can try a pigment ink and heat set it. You will be painting on the back side so it should be fine - I would test the ink on a scrap first.

Denise asked: Question for u Lucy, I was thinking about this technique this morning and I was wondering if stamping with paint instead of ink would have the same outcome or effect as painting over the stamped image?

I think stamping with paint would work just fine, as long as you are not using a fine detail stamp. Just watch out not to ruin your stamps by leaving paint to dry on them. Your design won't be as crisp but that could give even more of a handpainted look. I'll be eager to see your results. :)

Another question that I was asked is this only for scrapbookers?

Absolutely not!! We want to see any project you create using the technique - be it layouts, cards, journal pages, any type of mixed media.

Also wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!! to Bethany for being asked to join the My Little Shoebox design team! Yay, Beth!! We are so happy for you!

We'll see you Monday with a few tips and ideas!! Keep the projects coming!

Lucy

A Graphic Approach

2009-05-18T03:42:00.002-04:00

Wow!! The response from our readers has been so wonderful and somewhat unexpected to me. I am, of course, delighted! :) When we talked about starting this blog, I thought we might have a few followers and comments, but this is incredible! Thank you so much for your interest in our ideas and I hope we can continue to inspire!

I wanted to use a more graphic image for my painting and create a silhouette. My process pretty simple - I am not a great painter by any stretch of the imagination but this gives me courage to try it more often.

Supplies: a strong graphic stamp, stazon ink, acrylic paint and a fine smaller brush

1. The stamp I used is a damask by Inkadinkadoo, inked with black stazon ink - that is my most used ink pad by far - well worth the money and will stamp on anything - glass, metal, plastic, paper - and it doesn't bleed so is perfect for my painting technique.

I stamped the damask 3 times to give the image more impact and I like working in odd numbers. If the image is not perfect that is fine - as you will covering it with paint.

2. Paint over the stamped image - as you can see I didn't try to keep all of the details - I just wanted the main shape and made it imperfect for a more freehand look. Black acrylic paint by Plaid. You do want a nice thick paint for this - I did go back over a couple of areas after it dried to fill in a bit more and smooth a couple of lines.

3. My finished paper, ready to start layering- I didn't paint over the stamp where I knew I was placing the photo - just for the sake of time.

Another angle of my layout - I added some fabric and stitching to soften the graphic paper and stamped images.

Another idea is using a transparency to stamp an image on to get the outline for your painting guide. I have also done this with photos - it is really fun. If you print your image be sure to not try to paint on the ink side - it will bleed with an ink jet printer.

You will need: Stazon ink, transparency, stamp, acrylic paint - a note about transparencies - for this I just used an overhead type - but you can use a piece of plastic packaging or the ink-jet type is fine, too.

1. Ink your stamp (Autumn Leaves) - this needs to be solvent ink - I used an acrylic stamp but any type is fine. Just be careful not to slide the stamp - it is easy to blur the image on the plastic. I repeated the bird 3 times.

2. You want to notice what parts of the image will be on the top - because each layer of paint will go over the last and you will do the details first. In this case - the beak and the wing were painted first with orange acrylic paint. I usually buy Folk Art or a similar acrylic paint - they are readily available and inexpensive.

3. Let the orange paint dry then add the second layer - here I painted in the body of the bird with yellow acrylic paint. You would continue with any additional layers based on your image.

This is how the birds looked from the top after painting.

And my card, using the painted transparency.

Once again - thanks for your comments and I am loving your projects! Thanks for sharing them with us! Be sure to post a link to be entered for the RAKs!! Also, I am going to create a slide show of the entries so email me your project, too at crafty75@gmail.com. Thanks!!

Lucy

Answers to your Questions

2009-05-11T16:29:00.004-04:00

Portfolio Water Soluble oil pastels are made by Crayola, and mine came from an office supply store. You also can buy them on line from-

www.dickblick.com
www.misterart.com

Another option available is Cray Pas Junior Artist oil pastels in the art section of Michael's and probably Hobby Lobby. I really like them and the colors are very vibrant 48 colors(for about $10 save your coupons). They are not water soluble.

The other thing you may want to look at are
Talens Transparent Watercolors ( you will need a good brush)
Derwent Watercolor pencils

Both are available at Michaels, probably at Joann's and Hobby Lobby.
Save your coupons and take your friends or as my sister does take the children shopping with coupons. After all the Portfolio and Cray Pas are advertised as children and student products. Your children may actually use them if you let them.

Have fun..... try new things.... be creative and less critical (words to self).
It's all good!!

Let me know if you can not find the products and I will see what I can do to help you.

The bird stamp is Penny Black- Chic-A-dee Blossoms and it is sooooo cute in person.
Bought it at

Thanks again!
Gayle

Painting using Stamps as a guide- Technique Two

2009-05-10T20:15:00.020-04:00

Hello and welcome to The Next Step Challenge blog.
This is our second week posting challenges using stamps and paint.

If this is your second week with us, thanks for coming back to visit - The Next Step Challenge blog!

If is your first week with us we are glad you came by to visit. You can still get in on the challenge and there are two RAK's up for grabs. One for participation and one for the best contribution. We hope you will check back with us every Monday for new inspiration. Can not wait to see what you create.

Bethany's challenge last week was to use stamps and paints in your projects. I decided to take the challenge in a new direction that will hopefully get your creative mind going. I find that some times when I am creating projects and scrapbook pages I am looking for embellishments to use on my pages.

I love embellishment and every day there are more and more options available that I love. I thought it would be fun to see how many ways I could create embellishments using the same stamps. Of course a variety of paint products will be involved in the entire process. Let the FUN begin!

Materials for these project are:

StazON Black stamp pad
Acrylic paints
Martha Stewart Butterfly Stamps
Luminart Pigment paints
Water colors
Portfolio Water soluble Oil pastels

InstructionsFirst you will need to stamp your image on a sturdy piece of white paper. I used watercolor paper for this project. For stamping (the smooth texture cold pressed works best) water color paper works best. The stamp set that I used is the Martha Stuart butterfly stamps.

I used StazOn black in for one of the images and black acrylic paint to stamp the image. You can use what ever product that you have. I painted over the black lines with acrylic paint to give it more definition.

These first images were painted with water colors and then cut out of the paper.

The second set of butterflies were painted colored with Portfolio water soluable oil pastels. The color is a little more vivid and oil pastels are blendable.

This is a layout that I completed and used a butterfly that was painted with Luminarte pigment paints. Again I stamped the image in Black StazOn ink (most butterflies have black edges.

You can also creat 3-D butterfly elements by putting two of the same imaged back to back.

Next I use the same techiques to create the birds on this lay out. I stamped the image in a light brown and painted the images in I used water color pencils and oil pastels. I finished off with a black fine point ink pen outlining the images to provide definition to the birds.

While I had the paints out I decided to use some on my scrapbook pages and this is the results of that adventure. I actually stamped directly on the page with acrylic paints.

The stamping technique I tried was using foam stamps and acrylic paints. I applied the stamp directly to the scrapbook page. You can apply the stamped images before you create the scrapbook page or you can add it after the page is completed.

I put this page together and then decided it was lacking something. My pages are usually very busy, but on this page I was going for a more minimal approach. Keeping in mind basic designs, I stamped on the upper left corner, on the right side of the page and the bottom. This is the finished product.

The products I used are acrylic paints and foam stamps. If you do not have foam stamps experiment with items around your house.

If you have any questions of comments feel free to post your questions and i will reply.

Q&A with Bethany

2009-05-06T16:34:00.013-04:00

Good Wednesday everyone! I had a couple of questions regarding this month's tutorial and thought that I'd answer them here.

Peggy asked "I don't have any stamps like that ... Can I just draw something instead and colour that in?"

Of course Peggy! Most scrappers/artists don't feel comfortable drawing free-hand which is why I came up with this tutorial. But, if you do, feel free! I've seen your work and it is amazing. I'm sure that you can do it!

Don't forget that Lucy and Gayle will be showing us what they did with this technique in the next few weeks. What they did will blow you away. You'll see that ANY stamp will work. I promise. Check back on Monday!

MyStyle asked: "the Judikins stamp is something i want to get so where do i find it?"

I checked into this because I bought this stamp ages and ages ago. (Like 12 years ago.) Luckily, it is still in print! Yeah! It is the Artist Signature stamp #2333J. You can find it in the Treasures catalog at JudiKin's website. It is a wooden mounted stamp. If you cannot locate a store that carries it, there are other companies who make script stamps. I believe that Stampin' Up! carries a few. (It's been awhile since I perused their catalog though.) If you know of others, please leave a comment for MyStyle who, by the way, is quite the fisherman-woman.

Any more questions? Just leave a comment.

Have a wonderful day. I seriously can't wait to see your projects. So start creating people!

xoxo
Bethany

edited by Lucy to add - Michelle asked about adding a blinkie to her blog - here is the code to add it to your sidebar if you wish! In blogger, go to layout and add an HTML gadget and copy this link into the box and save it.

Here is the image link:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3476546847_1bf3ae5ac4.jpg

Email me if you have any questions! Thanks! :)

Technique 1: Painting Using Stamps as a Guide

2009-05-03T21:17:00.003-04:00

Release the Inner Renoir

Most of us aren’t professional painters. In fact, I’d bet that the idea of painting an image scares many mixed-media and scrapbook artists. We normally use prefabricated pattern papers and ephemera in our work. However, I believe that a little bitty Renoir resides in each of us. We just need to let him out. The technique that I’m going to teach you today is extremely easy, but the results are amazing. You’ll feel like a professional painter and your work will look professional too. Are you ready?

We are going to use your stamps (as in rubber, acrylic or foam) as a guide in painting. Because you are stamping with a very light-colored ink, the stamped image will “disappear” under your painting. Not only that, but because the shading is done already on the stamp, you have automatic guidelines for beautiful, life-like results.

The flowers on this piece were done using this simple technique.

Materials List

1. A stamp or stamps. Any kind will do. If you are planning on water-coloring, an outline stamp with shading is best.

2. Acrylic paints and paintbrushes (small heads are best for small detailed work.)

3. A cup of water. (I use a disposable plastic cup. When I’m working I don’t like to halt my mojo to wash out brushes so I just dump them into a cup of water to wait for me to finish. Sometimes this is days later. What can I say? I’m forgetful.)

4. An ink pad. I like Ranger distress ink tea dye. If you don’t have an ink pad, use a marker to “draw” on your stamp. If you’d prefer an obvious outline around your image, use a dark colored ink. StazOn works well.

5. I like having baby wipes and paper towels around when I’m painting. That way when the phone rings, I can wipe up my hands and answer it. Or I can use them to clean my stamp, or to wipe up any spills. I also find them very effective in removing painting errors and in blotting.

6. I like to add detail and shading with colored pencils or Portfolio brand water-soluble oil pastels. You can find both at any office supply store in the art section. They are very inexpensive.

7. Paper or fabric or whatever you want as your background.

Basic Directions

1. Test your ink pad to make sure that the color will not bleed when you start painting (unless you want it to.) StazOn and Ranger Distress Ink pads are great.

2. Ink up your stamp. (In my examples below I used Inque Boutique's Doodle Flower.)

(The image on the left is stamped with Ranger Distress tea dye. The one on the right is stamped with brown StazOn.)

3. Stamp your image onto your paper.

4. Using your acrylic paints, paint in the image.

(I find that I get better results when my brushstrokes follow the pattern of growth. For example, when painting flowers, move from the center of the flower outward. When painting animals, go from front to back.)

I accidentally flipped the paper on this picture. The flower on the right is now the Ranger tea-dye one. The one with the obvious outline is the StazOn one. Hope I didn't confuse you!

5. If you’d like to add shading, follow the guides on your stamp. You can use paint, water-soluble oil pastels, markers, colored pencils, whatever.

6. Once your paint has dried, you can go back with your colored pencils or your water-soluble oil pastels to add more shading or more interest.

8. If you’d like, you can use a charcoal pencil (non-blended on the left) or a colored pencil (right flower) to add a border to your image.

9. Voila! You’re done!

Here is a close-up of the project.

For this project, I stamped the flowers using brown StazOn and a Basic Grey flower stamp. I painted them first using cream acrylic. Then I used a light pink. I added a little yellow in the centers using a yellow colored pencil.

And the entire project again.

Taking The Next Step: More Advanced Techniques

I took this technique one step further and decided to paint using an acrylic wash on fabric.

Here's a close-up of the tulip so you can see the shading.

(This mini-art quilt measures about 5x7 inches.)

Here is what I did.

1. I stamped the tulip (Magenta stamp) on muslin using Ranger Distress ink (tea dye).

2. I painted the tulip using very watered down Making Memories acrylic paints. The Ranger Distress ink that I used bled when I applied water. However, I loved the small amount of brown that it added to my water-coloring. I also liked how the stamped image disappeared and all you see is my painting. It appears that I did it free-hand.

When you paint on fabric, place something absorbent underneath (like a paper towel). This helps keep the paints in place. I blotted using paper towels once I finished applying the color.

3. I stamped the script (JudiKins) using brown StazOn ink (It didn’t bleed at all even when I applied copious amounts of water to the fabric.)

4. I added shading to my tulip using water-soluble oil pastels. (I used the stamp as a guide.) I used my finger to blend.

5. To make the quilt, I took my painted-tulip-piece of muslin and sandwiched a piece of tan felt behind it. Another piece of muslin makes up the back. So you have tulip muslin on top, tan felt in the middle and blank muslin on back.

6. I sewed using white thread around my painted tulip. Sewed on my vellum-printed Sunshine piece and my buttons. Sewed around the edges of the piece and sewed on two pieces of vintage lace.

7. I wrote on the tag and tied it to the pin.

TIPS:

1. You can fake the look of water-colors while using basic inexpensive acrylic paint. (Economy lead to this discovery. I don’t own any watercolor paints, just acrylic.) Just dip your brush into water, load it with a small amount of paint, dip it into water again, and then paint on your surface. If you need more color, add more paint. Too much color? Add more water.

2. If you hate what you’ve done with your paints and want to start over, wipe it with a baby wipe. Usually it will come right off paper even if it is dry. If you are working on fabric, baby wipes are useless. Unless you’re working on a layer of gesso. (Pretty much anything will wipe off of gesso. I know this from experience.) Don’t know what gesso is? We’ll talk more about it in a few months.

We would love to see your projects incorporating this technique! Simply leave us a comment any time in May with a link to your work. Don't forget that there are 2 RAKs up for grabs!

If you have any questions about this technique or the products I used, please ask them in the comments section. We will answer them throughout the month.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Welcome to The Next Step

2009-04-27T08:57:00.022-04:00

Hi, and welcome to The Next Step! We are so glad you stopped by to join us today! We wanted to introduce ourselves and let you know a little about us and why we created this technique challenge blog.

If you are anything like us, you already have a HUGE stash of supplies. In The Next Step we want you to use and repurpose what you already have to create new art! This isn't about the latest and greatest - it's how to make something old look new and incorporate it into your work. To breathe new life into some of the simple supplies you already have or can pick up anywhere. Many of us are trying to find ways to recycle and conserve our resources, so we will have tips for that every month.

We hope that you will be inspired by our take on the techniques and ideas and try them for yourselves. We can't wait to see your results!

Our first tutorial will be unveiled on Monday, May 4th. You're going to love it! Here is a little peek of our May projects!

The Next Step Designers

Lucy Edson

Hi, I am Lucy Edson, a scrapbooker and mixed media artist. The Next Step has been a dream of mine for the past year or so. I love to incorporate mixed media techniques into my work and have often been asked 'how did you do that'? I love to share and teach creative ideas. I have noticed a big trend in scrapbooking is adding mixed media techniques for a handmade and artistic look.

I have been creating most of my life starting with sewing when I was 12 and moving to quilting and fabric art. This evolved into stained glass and mosaic then paint and mixed media. A couple of years ago, I really got into photography and I began scrapbooking photos of my daughter and about our life. I have been very fortunate to have worked on several design teams and had my work published. I am so excited to be collaborating with my other teammates here and feel we have some fabulous ideas to share! I can't wait to see your creations!

Bethany Kartchner

Hi! I'm Bethany Kartchner and I'm thrilled to be a part of The Next Step! I love teaching and I love art so a combination of the two is a little slice of heaven! A bit about me…I was born in the Chicagoland area, but now happily (when it isn’t 115 degrees Fahrenheit) reside in Phoenix, Arizona with my dear husband, sweet 5 children, and 2 smelly (but wonderful) dogs. I have a serious weakness for hot chocolate, Holly Hobby, vintage lace, buttons and art supplies. Thanks to my amazingly creative mother, I have experience in varied artsy pursuits like stamping, both dry and heat embossing, scrapbooking, painting, mini-book crafting, altering, card-making, photography, soldering, jewelry making, embroidery, cross-stitch, bookbinding and sewing clothing and soft toys. I'm willing to try just about anything...artsy that is. I have been blessed to have been published and to have worked on both kit company design teams as well as manufacturer teams. I hope that you'll join us each week as we stretch our creativity by making art together! The only time you fail is when you don't try.

Gayle Martin

Hi, I am Gayle Martin and I have always loved to play with paint, clay, fabric, fibers and different art medium this has been a life long passion. I have always had a love for photography and the darkroom, but a few years ago I switched to digital photography and Photoshop editing. I have had adventures in dollmaking porcelain and cloth, metal jewerly, stained glass, painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, sewing, and way too many other to list.

About a year or so ago Lucy and I started talking about a forum or company that we could pool our creative talents in to and The next Step is the place we have arrived. The three of us have extensive teaching and class room experience and love sharing our knowledge. For me the fun is getting other people involved in my passions and helping them finding their creative avenues, I love sharing new ideas.

I have long had a passion for old things, with a history ot tell. I collect vintage books, fabric, buttons, lace, silk fabric, dolls, furniture dishes and love incorporating them in to my home and projects. Most of the things I make a destin to be a gift to some one

I went to college for Interior Design but have almost always worked as a manager (unrelated to interior design). I have been married for a very long time and have 3 children and six dogs who call our yard and fields home.

I love to find unique and unexpected uses for common objects. I've been scrapping for over 15 years and have always loved creating. I have been lucky to have my work published in several magazines, on line publication as well as working for a monthly kit club. I'm excited about being part of The Next Step and look forward to seeing your work!