Fun with ink and gelpens

Supplies: 4x4 coaster, leftover white cardstock from which a Nestabilities was cut out, Posh Inkabilities reinkers, Ranger Tim Holtz distress inks, Glimmer Mists, stipple brushes and sponges, Ranger Inksentials white gel pen, Inkadinkado dancer stamp, misc. unknown flourish stamps, QK Sophisticate tiny clear alpha stamps, Sakura Gelly Roll pen, Stazon inks, heat gun

It's not every day that I have as much fun creating something as I did this. I knew 2 things when I began -- that I needed to make a 4x4 Dance-themed chunky page, and that I wanted to use the white cardstock saved from last week when I diecut a Nestability frame from it.

I had seen someone in my Technique Junkies group do a card using the Bandana Technique that morning and thought, okay, let's check that out. Still had my Posh reinkers out and incorporated them and my Glimmer Mists into the mix.

This technique forced me to use and use and use my white gel pen, and I discovered that I've been giving up on it too soon. It doesn't flow that well unless it gets a very good long workout, but then look out Lois! So, if your white gel pen acts like it's clogged or shy, take a dark piece of construction paper and just do some doodling...for about 5 solid minutes. If it still works, it will be primed up nicely by then. I also keep a little piece of paper towel in my other hand and "pinch" the pen tip with it to keep it clear of anything it might pick up from what I'm drawing on.

Rock star

An ATC for my weekly mingle group using the Tye Dye Wax Resist technique from Technique Junkies, using Posh Inkabilites reinkers, wax paper and Epson glossy photo paper. Inkadinkado stamp and 7Gypisies vellum alpha stickers.

Color fetish

Yes, I must confess...I think I have a color fetish. And, I have no plans to lose it.

I could probably color as a full-time job as long as my fingers, thumbs and hands would cooperate. It would certainly qualify as one of my dream jobs. I've always loved to do it and probably always will. I think being able to color digital stamps is why I'm developing a fondness for them. And Designed2Delight digital stamps are definitely delighting me.

Here's a birthday card I made using the latest D2D challenge stamp called "In Bloom". It's perfect for any Spring event. After the winter most of us have had, those blooms are a welcome sight especially for those still dealing with snow.

This time I added the birthday sentiment in my editing software before printing the image. Then, I used two coloring techniques that I learned from my Technique Junkies membership: Pencils Over Markers and Wisped Frames. Wish I could explain more, provide more details as to the processes, but the techniques are proprietory.

This is my 4th card to use a TJ technique, but I'm just now getting

comfortable enough to mention it. I know, how silly of me, but it was all a bit overwhelming at first learning my way around. Now, though, I'm like a fire's been lit underneath me. There are sooooo many coool technique tutorials and I want to do them all now.

In addition to the TJ techniques on this card, I also used the sketch from the Sweet Stop Saturdays for this week:

As you can see, didn't follow it to the letter, but I was definitely inspired by it.

The papers are DCWV slabbers, and the image was colored with Prismacolor pencils and Copic markers (the Pencils Over Markers technique). The edge of the image was sponged with Ancient Page Sandalwood dye ink (the Wisped Frames technique) while it was still sitting in the Spellbinders Nestie dye. I also got some good instruction over at Stamp TV ning where Gina K. has some excellent video tutes, one of which is called Nestabilities Highlighting. In that one, Gina K. shows how to ink the edges and leave that cool outer (white) rim.

I've ordered some Opal-colored iridescent Easter grass / shredded gift bag fill and am looking forward to it arriving. Yep, it's for a card technique -- seriously. It's called "Oh-So-Fru-Fru". A few other strange supplies on my list are spray starch, Future Floor Wax and L.A. Colors nail polish. So, stay tuned. You never know what weird stuff makes up a great art technique!