Artfully Articulate

Dreamweaver Thursday Dream Scheme

2012-02-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

February is flying by and we still have had only dustings of snow. Not that I'm complaining, but it makes we wonder what March and April will bring!
Our February challenge for Dreamweaver Stencils continues and we would really love it if you would play along with our Green Theme. Be sure to check out this beautiful design from Sue Petersen that she sent Lynell to post for her, click here to see it. Thanks, Sue, for joining our fun!
My take on the "green" theme this week revolves around another kind of green, a golf green. In two weeks I'll be heading to FL to watch my daughter's college team play in several tournaments over their spring break, so I have golf on the brain right now. This card would be ideal for any golfers in your life, male or female, and is easy to reproduce.

Here are the steps:

Lay the golf ball stencil (LS35) on white cardstock that is larger than the stencil (I'm sorry to say this stencil is retired, but maybe you can find one)
Mist with Memories Mist Wheatgrass
Remove and clean the stencil, let image dry
Round corners and brush Distress Inks Frayed Burlap around the edges and lightly through the center
Run the Triangle weave stencil (LJ912) and white cardstock through a die cut machine to emboss the background (I like to think of them as woven tees!)
Use a foam applicator and Distress Inks Peeled Paint over the embossed image
Edge with Frayed Burlap and mount to the front of a card
Run the Houndstooth stencil (LJ913) and white cardstock through a die cut machine to emboss (this reminds me of divot tools)
Use a foam applicator and Distress Inks Frayed Burlap to color
Cut a 1" strip of the pattern and edge with more color
Add small brown brads near the top and bottom of the strip
Adhere it towards the left side of the card
Type "fore you!" on the computer and print on white cardstock
Apply Peeled Paint and Frayed Burlap to match the card
Use foam tape to add the golf ball and saying to the card

Can you tell I've been around golf courses a lot! This card will be perfect for several golfers I know.
But the fun doesn't stop here, be sure to check out the rest of the team blogs, just click on the names below.

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2012-02-16T02:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the third week of Dreamweaver Stencils February challenge. This month's challenge is anything GREEN (as in the color), "green" (as in reduce, reuse, recycle), or St. Patrick's Day themed. You are encouraged to play along with us throughout the month for the chance to win a wonderful prize from Dreamweaver. Just create something gorgeous (no pressure!), post it on your blog or whatever public forum you use, then go to the DREAM it UP! blog to add a link to your creation using the Mr. Linky tool. If you don't have a blog or a way to link your design, just email it to Lynell at lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com and she will post it on her blog for you. We would love to see what you have created this month!
Today I am using two of the new stencils released last month at CHA. The Open Butterfly (LG740) and Mushrooms (LL3025). I took a little liberty with the green theme, but as you can see there's still a lot of green!

To create the background

place the Mushroom stencil in the lower left corner of a piece of white cardstock (3 1/2" x 4 1/2")
Use painters tape or removable tape to mask off the large mushroom
Apply Brilliance Thyme ink with a 1/2" stencil brush all over the grass and small mushroom in the left corner only
Apply a little Brilliance Ivy ink with another 1/2" stencil brush just on the grass (use a Picasso LL332 to shield the small mushroom from the ivy color)
Use a 1/4" stencil brush to apply Brilliance Coffee Bean ink on the small mushroom cap and stem, but leave a little of the light green showing in the center of the cap
Move the stencil to the lower right corner of the piece and repeat the steps for the other small mushroom
Move the stencil back over so the mushroom from the right corner is next to the other mushroom in the left corner that you did first, and add a third small mushroom as shown
Remove the stencil and tape, clean and dry the stencil
Use the 1/2" brush and Thyme ink to sweep some green ink near the bottom of the stenciled mushrooms
Use another 1/2" brush and Memento Bahama Blue to sweep some color at the top to create the sky
Adhere to a solid green mat (3 3/4" x 4 3/4") then to the front of a green gingham check card (finished card size is 4 3/4" x 6")

To create the Crackled Butterfly:

Tape the Open butterfly stencil (LG740) to a piece of green cardstock (I used the same color as my green mat for the background) using removable tape of gentle painters tape
Apply a layer of Glossy Green Embossing Paste using the Paste spreader tool (LM2010)
Remove stencil, place in water to clean, making sure to keep your stencil flat while gently brushing with a small fingernail brush
Place the clean stencil on a piece of soft cloth (I use old t-shirts) and dry thoroughly
Let the green paste dry naturally (about 40-50 minutes) or place the pasted design on a warming tray set to the low setting (about 20 minutes)
When the green paste is dry, place the clean, dry stencil back over the green paste and tape all around the design again
Use the paste spreader to apply a coat of Crackle Embossing Paste over the green layer. You don't want to scrape too hard, or your crackle layer will be too thin
Remove and clean the stencil
Set the Crackled image aside to dry. The cracks will begin to appear within 10 minutes, but drying time is about the same as for the green
When the Crackle paste is dry, return the stencil to the design again and tape all around
Place a piece of felt on the Color Solutions applicator and apply a variety of colors to the felt (I used Iceberg, Citron, Sugar Plum and Creme Brulee) making sure to keep the drops a little separated from each other
Use a pouncing motion to apply the colors over the crackled image
Reapply more drops as needed trying to keep the colors in their original spot
Put a drop of Creme Brulee on a craft mat and use a brush pen nib to pick up the ink and apply it to the body of the butterfly
Remove the stencil (don't clean it yet, I have more to tell you!)
Let the inks dry for just a minute or two, then cut out the butterfly and adhere just at the body to the mushroom layer (so the wings flap free)

Now what about all that beautiful Color Solutions ink still on the stencil? Well, I can't stand wasting it so here's what I do:

Place the butterfly stencil on a clean paper towel (ink side up)
Use a mini mister or any fine mister bottle to spray the ink with alcohol (not the thinner or blending solution, you are not supposed to spray those!) until it is wet again
Place a clean piece of white cardstock over the wet inks and use a gentle rubbing motion across the image to transfer the wet ink to the cardstock
Cut around the image with a deckle scissors
Use the 1/2" brush and Memento Bahama Blue ink to sweep some color around all the edges
Mount into another beautiful card!

I know this has been a lot of steps, but none of them really take very long, and the results are definitely worth it. I hope you've enjoyed today's creations and will spend a little more time checking out what the rest of the team has created for you today.

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,
Louise

February Dreamweaver Challenge

2012-02-09T03:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this week's Dreamweaver Stencil Thursday Challenge. The Dream Team has been given the challenge this month to create either St. Patrick's Day cards or "green themed" cards. You are always welcome to play along with us as many times as you would like during the month. Last month EVERYONE won a prize because we only had a few people join our challenge. Here are the two stencils that will be given away at the end of the February challenge.

Both the Cherry Blossom Crest (LL490) and the Long Lilies (LL542) are so beautiful! Just go to Lynell's blog, DREAM it UP!, and add your link in Mr. Linky, then leave a comment.
Last week I shared a "green" card with you using recycled materials, so this week I decided to switch to the St. Patrick's Day theme of the challenge. Here's what I created:

It is very easy, which is good because I usually make about 30 cards (I come from a very large family!). I started by taping the Clover stencil (LS58) to white cardstock with painters tape. Turn it over to the back and dry emboss it using a stylus, I did the edge of the stencil as well. Turn it back over and remove the stencil from the paper. When I did this the tape stuck a little and pulled up some of my paper, but I decided to go ahead and color it anyway. I used a 1/2" stencil brush and Brilliance Thyme ink to sweep color over the design from all four sides (Striae technique). I really liked how the torn part of the paper came out, it looks like there is mulberry paper behind the image! I put the Clover back on then added the Cathederal Windows small stencil over that and used the brush to add more ink to create a design on the clover. The strip at the bottom was just white cardstock colored with the Thyme ink through the Cathederal Windows stencil.

Now check out the rest of team blogs to see what they created this week!

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,

Louise

Dreamweaver February Challenge

2012-02-02T02:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, I can't believe CHA is over and it's February already! I'm sorry I didn't post from the convention, but the hotel's network was down the whole time we were there, can you believe that! But we had SOOOOO much fun and the Dream Team finally got to meet in person (all but poor Terrece, we missed you and hope you will be at the next show). We had a team dinner, and a little workshop to prepare us for what was going to happen on Monday during the Dreamweaver class. We had 50 people in class on Monday to learn all about embossing on metal, and working with the new Color Solution inks. I think everyone had a good time, I know I did! Here's a photo of Rebecca and Jennifer (they work for Lynell) getting the booth ready on Sunday morning.

We had a demo table to show various techniques, a make and take table where anyone who wanted could make a cute little teacup card using embossed metal and the Color Solutions inks. Magdalena Muldoon from MercArt USA joined us too, and demonstrated lots of techniques using stencils with metals. She is such an incredible artist!

But now it's time to get back to our Dreamweaver Stencils February challenge. This month the team is doing St. Patrick's Day/Green cards, meaning they can have either theme. I'm just not quite ready for St. Patrick's Day yet, and am crashing fast now that I'm home, so I decided to share a "green" card with you today. A while back Lynell released a stencil called Go Green (LX7000). This is something I created to represent a "green" card. You know the three R's right? Reduce, reuse, recycle (or something like that!).

This card was made from a page of a glossy Travel magazine that I was going to put in the recycle bin. I just tore out a pretty scenic page, embossed it with my Big Shot and the Go Green stencil, and gently sanded it. You have to be careful because the magazine paper isn't as heavy as cardstock. Adhere the sanded image to the front of a card. I found another picture that worked with the background and mounted that on a blue mat and attached it to the front of my card. Voila! a "green card". (ok so this might be stretching the rules more than a little, but hey, rules are meant to be broken!) Here's another card I did with this stencil.

Now check out the rest of team blogs to see if they followed the rules or not!

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,

Louise

Final Sneak Peek

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-06:00

Well, the big show is finally here! I'm in Anaheim a little early to enjoy a day with my son who lives in the area, so it is an extra special trip! Here's my last sneak peek of the new Dreamweaver Stencils CHA release. It has been fun sharing these beautiful designs with you this week.
So for one last hurrah here's my design for today using Retro Standing Cat (LL3021), Kitty Words (LG741), and Pinwheel Checkerboard (LX7013). Enjoy!

Until Monday....

Happy creating,
Louise

Sneak Peeks Day 4!

2012-01-26T02:00:00.000-06:00

Are you loving all the beautiful samples the Dream Team has come up with for the new stencils, I know I am! What a talented group. Keep watching to see what else we will be creating for the upcoming February Dreamweaver Stencils challenge.
Before I leave for the show, I wanted to share a card I created today. After I finished it, I realized that the center flowers form a little heart, so just by changing the sentiment you could change it to a Valentine's card, or a wedding or anniversary card too.

This card features the fabulous Art Nouveau Flourish (LJ919) stenciled in each corner (just be sure to clean it before you flip it over to do the other corner), and six flowers from the Flower Quatrefoil stencil (LX7010). Three stenciled as flowers and three stenciled green for leaves. The new little thank you (LS1009) just nestled perfectly above the flowers.
Here are the links to the other team member blogs, enjoy the journey!

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Even though I'll be out at the show by then, I'll still have one last sneak peek for you tomorrow. I'll try to post some pictures from the show on Monday, so stay tuned!

Happy creating,
Louise

Sneak Peeks Day 3

2012-01-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, this week is flying by. I've been busy, busy, busy creating more samples with the beautiful new stencils from Dreamweaver Stencils. It has been so much fun and it will be great to finally meet up with the other team members at CHA to get more great ideas! Be sure to let your local store know you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of these fabulous designs!
Today I am featuring the new Tall Poppy stencil (LL3023). It have a retro feel to it , and lends itself well to many techniques. This one uses the Stampee Foils (purple and green), black Fun Flock, and crystal glitter. The new thank you stencil (LS1009) was the perfect finishing touch. The Tall Poppy will be the featured stencil in my upcoming class at Stampology Chicago on February 18.

Speaking of upcoming classes, here are the cards we will be doing at The Cottage Stamper on February 7th. This class is featuring two stencils, LM136 Water Lily, and LS1006 Sm THANKS, both yours to take home after the class.

I hope you have the time to stop over at the rest of the team blogs to see more sneak peeks. We just love being able to share our ideas with you and always welcome your comments!

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,
Louise

Dreamweaver Sneak Peeks Day 2

2012-01-24T02:00:00.000-06:00

I hope day 1 of our Dreamweaver Stencils sneak peeks got you excited for more great designs. Don't forget we will be posting new images everyday this week leading up to CHA. I can hardly wait to be there, it is so inspirational and really gets your creative juices flowing!
Today I want to share the beautiful new Cherry Blossom shape (LL3024). It is absolutely stunning!
Hope you like it.

As always, hop on over to the rest of the team blogs for more great peeks.

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Have you finished your design for the contest yet? You still have until the end of the month to join our January challenge for the chance to win a great prize. Just click on the DREAM it UP! link in the list above.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Let the peeks begin!

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

As we promised last week, the Dream Team has put together some sneak peeks for you of the new stencils being released next week by Dreamweaver Stencils at CHA in Anaheim California. Follow the list below to hop to each blog and see some of the fabulous new designs. We will be posting something new each day this week so you will get a chance to see the 17, YES 17!! new designs.
Today I am excited to share the new Mushrooms stencil (LL3025). It is just adorable, and looks great in a variety of techniques. Here are a few ways I used it:

Did you wonder how I got the pattern on the purple mushrooms? Well that's another great new background stencil called Pinwheel Checkerboard (LX7013). And the big dots on the middle mushrooms are from the new Big Dots (LX7011) stencil (you'll see that again this week!). AND...that great new Paisleys (LX7009) background is fabulous too!! So you really got to see FOUR of the new stencils. Stayed tuned each day this week for more SNEAK PEEKS!
Now check out the rest of team blogs:

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu

Laura Drahozal

Wendy Jordan

Terrece Siddoway

Kristi Van Doren

Georgia Sommers

Lee Kellogg

Liz Martin

Cyndi Bundy

Cherylynn Moser

Jessie Hurley

Last but not least, remember, there is still time to enter your creation in this month's contest over at Mr. Linky on the DREAM it UP! blog. Just create a Valentine's card hopefully using Dreamweaver Stencil products (but that is not a requirement) and add a link to your card. You have until the end of the month, and you can enter multiple creations so your chances get better and better!

Happy Creating,
Louise

Love is in the air

2012-01-19T03:00:00.000-06:00

Here we are at week three of the Dreamweaver Stencils January Valentine challenge and the Dream Team is excited to bring you more great ideas for Valentine's Day cards. Don't forget you have a little more time to enter your creations in this month's contest at the DREAM it UP! blog to win a great prize.
Starting next week our team will be sharing some sneak peeks of the beautiful new stencil designs that will be released at CHA at the end of January. They are fabulous and you'll love what the team has created with them.
Here's what I created for this week, I hope you enjoy it.

This is one of my favorite techniques, it is easy and gives a beautiful pastel look to your design. I started by taping the Heart whimsy stencil (LL599) on white cardstock, then used small stencil brushes to color the image using Brilliance Rocket Red ink and Brilliance Thyme ink. After coloring, I gently wiped off the stencil before applying the Regular Embossing Paste (matte white) over the image. After removing the stencil, I sprinkled the whole thing with Crystal glitter. When the paste was dry, I mounted it on a green mat and mounted it with foam tape to the front of matching card.

Be sure to check out the other team member blogs for more great creations. Just click on their names below.

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,
Louise

More Valentines...

2012-01-12T03:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the continuation of Dreamweaver Stencils' January challenge. During the month of January, the Dream Team has been given the challenge of creating Valentines Day themed cards. If you missed last week's posts, be sure to browse back through the various designer's blogs to see those beautiful creations too. Dreamweaver is also sponsoring a contest for you to participate in throughout the month, click here for instructions of how to submit your creation and possibly win a great prize.
We automatically think "red" when Valentines Day is mentioned so this week I decided to create a Valentines Day card in a non-traditional color scheme. Here's what I created:

Start by taping the Heart background stencil (LJ833) on white cardstock with removable tape. Use the Paste Spreader (LM2010) to apply Glossy Blue Embossing Paste across the design. Remove the stencil and immediately sprinkle the wet paste with Crystal glitter. Set the glittered image aside to dry, clean and dry your stencil. Next tape the Lovebirds heart stencil (LL3011) to white cardstock and apply Glossy Blue Embossing Paste across the design. Remove the stencil and sprinkle the image with Art Glitter Ice Ultrafine glitter. Set the Lovebirds aside to dry, clean and dry your stencil.
When both images are dry, adhere the Heart background to blue mat and add a white ribbon near the bottom. Adhere that layer to a white card. Use a craft knife to carefully scrape some of the glitter off of parts of the birds to reveal the blue paste again. Punch the corners with a ticket punch, edge with a blue marker, and adhere to the card with foam mounting tape. A very easy card that definitely suits the occasion.
Supplies: LJ833, LM2010, LL3011, Glossy Blue Embossing Paste, Crystal glitter, Ice glitter, blue marker, ticket corner punch, foam tape, white and blue cardstock, white ribbon

Be sure to check out all this weeks creations by clicking on each designers name below

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

Happy Creating,

Louise

New Year, New Challenges....

2012-01-05T02:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the first posting of the Dreamweaver Stencils' Dream Team 2012 ! We're changing things up a bit for this year, and YOU can help. The first Thursday of every month will feature our new challenge and will extend through the entire month. This means that YOU have ALL month to play along with the one challenge, as many times as you want. Sometimes it will be a color challenge, sometimes a theme, and sometimes a technique. We are hoping that an entire month will give you plenty of time to be inspired, create, and link to the Dream It Up! blog . Each month we are offering TWO prizes...one for the most creative version of the challenge (does not have to be Dreamweaver Stencils ' product, but we sure are happy when it is!), and the second for the best use of Dreamweaver Stencils ' product in the challenge. This could be stencils (of course), Embossing Pastes , Metallic F/X , the new Color Solutions , etc., anything you find on the Dreamweaver Stencils' web site , or in your local store. Don't know where your local store is? The list can be found on the web site . Not near any of the stores listed? There is also an online site to purchase from, Stencil with Style !
For the month of January, we challenge you to create something for Valentine's Day! You have until January 31st, 11:59 PM EST, to post and link your creation(s) to the Dream It Up! Blog Mr. Linky. The winners will be announced February 2nd, along with the February challenge.
Here is my first creation for this month's challenge:

This simple technique is very versatile and looks great with any stencil. I started by taping the Swooshy Heart stencil (LL3010) to white cardstock. Put a small amount of Pearlescent Embossing Paste in a container and mix in a little Pixie Blush F/X powder (FX09). Apply the pink paste to the heart stencil, remove and clean the stencil. When the paste is dry, layer it on coordinating cardstock. But don't forget the inside of the card, that needs to look beautiful too! Here's what I did to create a Valentine's card, but by changing the inside, this could easily be made into a wedding, anniversary or birthday card.

The Large flourish stencil (LJ896) was stenciled in the corner with a 1/4" stencil brush and Brilliance Coral ink. The You & Me stencil (LS1004) was also stenciled with the Coral ink, and a little Brilliance Coffee Bean at the edges. Layer the saying to match the outside layers.

SUPPLIES: LL3010, Pearlescent Embossing Paste, Metallic F/X powder Pixie Blush, , LJ896, LS1004, Brilliance Inks Coral and Coffee Bean, 1/4" stencil brushes, White, pink, dark brown, and patterned cardstock, foam mounting tape.

We'll post new ideas each week based on the monthly challenge, so be sure to check back regularly to see what else we've created, but for now please visit the rest of our fabulous team listed here:

DREAM it UP!

Pam Hornschu
Laura Drahozal
Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway
Kristi Van Doren
Georgia Sommers
Lee Kellogg
Liz Martin
Cyndi Bundy
Cherylynn Moser
Jessie Hurley

We hope you'll enjoy our new format and will be inspired to play along each month. Don't forget that Dreamweaver Stencils will be releasing some great new stencils at CHA at the end of January, we can hardly wait to share them with you!

Please notice my new Class Schedule listing on the top right side of my blog. It will list all my upcoming classes with links to the store websites.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Ringing in the New Year!

2011-12-29T02:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas is over, the cookies are almost gone, the kids have headed home, mountains of towels and sheets have been washed, the house is almost back to normal, wow how I miss it all! I just love having my family home for the holidays. But now it's time to ring in the New Year, so that's the theme I used to create this week's design for the Thursday Dream Scheme free challenge from Dreamweaver Stencils.
Enjoy:

I started by taping the Vertical Bells (LL497) to blue cardstock and applying Metallic Silver Embossing Paste (DSP). After removing the stencil, sprinkle the wet paste with Crystal glitter. While the paste is drying, emboss another piece of blue cardstock with Swirls (LJ863) through a die cut machine. Remove the cardstock and gently sand the design so the image shows. Layer the dark blue pieces on metallic silver pieces and mount them on a dark blue card.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in 2012! Thank you for your support this past year. I can't tell you how much it means to me to read your supportive comments. Keep watching for some changes coming in the new year. I'll be adding Twitter and Facebook links to make it easier to follow our great team whenever you have a minute. We've also welcomed our new team members, so be sure to stop at their blogs for even more great ideas.
Here's our new list of members, just click on their names to hop to their blogs:

Watch the DREAM it UP! blog for monthly opportunities to win some great prizes too!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 3 days away! It has been a wonderful week with all of my kids home for the holidays. With them spread all over the country, it is fabulous to have everyone together for 10 days. However, it definitely means that I don't get quite as much time in my craft room.
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme was a burgundy and gold challenge. I took a little liberty with this one and used one of my favorite cards from a Christmas past. I hope you enjoy it.

This was very simple. Apply black matte paste on a metallic shimmer cardstock over the Partridge in a Pear Tree stencil (LG695). Let it dry about 10 minutes then brush with metallic FX powders to color the image. Mount on decorative papers, and tada! a beautiful card in no time at all. Can you see my burgundy and gold? The pot is burgundy and the background is gold, that counts, doesn't it!
Be sure to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog to see another great creation, then to the other designer blogs for even more. Stay tuned for the announcement of our new team members starting in January.
I hope you have a wonder Christmas with family and friends.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Vintage Christmas

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this week's Dream Scheme Thursday sponsored by Dreamweaver Stencils. This week we were given the challenge of using a specific sketch with a Vintage Christmas theme. Sounded easy enough right? Ha, there's a reason they call them challenges! Although I had several ideas for Vintage Christmas, they did not fit the sketch challenge very well. But I have to say, I'm pretty happy with what I finally designed.
The sketch looked like this:

Here's my version of Vintage Christmas using the sketch (well, all the elements of the sketch anyway!):

I started by taping the vertical ornament stencil (LL468) to white cardstock and applying Glossy Red Embossing Paste. After removing the stencil I sprinkled Crystal glitter on three ornaments, and Metallic FX Kimono Red on three, then set those aside to dry.
The Long Merry Christmas (LL557) stencil was paste embossed using Metallic Gold Embossing Paste and set aside to dry.
I wanted to have some small holly leaves at the tops of the ornaments so I used the new Color Solution Alcohol Inks (Pine Bough, Citron, Gold Star) on a piece of felt along with a few drops of cleaning solution and pounced it over vellum. It dries pretty fast so I was able to keep creating by laying the 3 Xmas icons stencil (LL469) on the now green vellum and use an Extra Fine Black Sharpie to trace the small holly leaves several times. Cut them all apart, but put them in a little container until you're ready for them or they magically disappear!
By this point my pasted images were dry and ready to assemble. Buff the ornaments that had the FX powder on them to get the excess off, then cut the ornaments out to get three sets. I used a gold Krylon pen on the edges and the "caps" of the ornaments. The gold stripe paper behind the ornaments was left over from a previous project using Memories Mist Gold on the Plaid maker stencil (LX 7002).
To assemble, cut three pieces of striped paper and three black mats for behind them. Attach two ornaments to each striped piece using foam mounting tape behind the ornaments. Place another piece of foam mounting tape at the top and apply a group of holly leaves in a cluster (you may need to use some additional adhesive once the foam is covered. Attach a small red bow to each as a finishing touch. Mount the three sets of ornaments toward the left side of the card (5" x 7") staggering them slightly. Cut apart the Merry Christmas leaving the holly attached to each piece. Use a COPIC marker to color the holly and berries. Mount the words on black cardstock with foam mounting tape, and trim around the image leaving a small black border all the way around. Add additional holly leaves between the words to cover the black. Use red stickles for berries. Adhere it on the right side of the card. There you have it -- Vintage Christmas.
I hope you have time to check out all the team blogs for more beautiful samples of Vintage Christmas using Dreamweaver Stencils great products. Be sure to check out the DREAM it UP! blog too, and play along with the fun if you can.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas...no snow yet, but decorations are up, presents are almost all purchased, parties have begun...I just love the Christmas season, it is so inspiring.
Today's Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme Thursday challenge is designer's choice (a free week). Like almost everyone in the crafting industry, I love to follow Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas blogs, and yesterday's tag (Day 7 click here to see it) was my inspiration for my post today. Sharing concepts is what blogging is all about, and then creating your interpretation of the concept. Sounds complicated, but it really isn't!
Today's post isn't for the faint hearted, this one was a little work, but I love how it turned out.

Supplies: Dreamweaver Glossy Black Embossing Paste, Dreamweaver Glossy Green Embossing Paste, Dreamweaver Stencils LJ863 & LM254, LJ896 & LM134, LL3005, Stampers Anonymous TH Joyful Song CMS119, Dreamweaver Metallic F/X Gold Dust, Palette Stamp & Stick, Xmas Red Stickles, VersaFine Onyx Black ink, Distress Ink Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, 1/2" stencil brushes, cream cardstock, dark green cardstock, blending foam, finger dauber

Here we go:

Cut a piece of cream cardstock 5" x 7"
Lay the Swirls stencil (LJ863) along two edges, and use a 1/2" stencil brush and Tea dye ink to color the image
Move the stencil, matching up the design, and continue adding color until the swirls fill the card
Clean and dry the swirls stencil
Randomly stamp the music image from the Joyful Song set using Versafine Onyx Black ink
Tape the angel with dove stencil (LM254) in the upper right corner and emboss using Glossy Black Embossing Paste (tape off the dove so it does not get pasted)
Remove and clean the angel stencil, and let the angel dry
Power paste the Holly and swirls stencil (LL3005) on dark green cardstock with Glossy Green Embossing Paste three times so you'll end up with nine holly leaves
Remove and clean the holly stencil after the last pasting
Set the holly aside to dry
Tape the Large flourish stencil (LJ896) to a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of cream cardstock and stencil with a 1/2" brush using the black ink
Remove and clean the flourish stencil
Tape the Merry Christmas stencil (LM134) toward the lower right side of the flourish
Apply Glossy Black Embossing Paste to the Merry Christmas
Remove and clean the stencil, let image dry well
When the angel is dry, use blending foam and Distress Ink vintage photo to rouge deeper color around the edge of the card
Apply Stamp and Stick to the angel using a finger dauber
Let the glue sit for a minute to get tacky, then use your finger to rub a little Gold Dust FX powder on the angel
Add a star charm in the upper left corner
When the holly are all dry, cut out all the leaves so you have nine individual holly leaves
Apply Stamp and Stick to each leaf and let sit until tacky
Apply Gold Dust FX powder to each leaf using your finger to spread it around
Cut around the flourish and Merry Christmas to form an interesting shape, making sure it will fit the card front
Use the blending foam and Distress Ink vintage photo to add color around the edge of the design
Determine the placement of the saying and holly leaves before attaching them
Use foam mounting tape behind the Merry Christmas to add some dimension
Adhere the holly leaves around, using double sided tape, or tacky glue
Adhere the design to the front of an A7 card
Apply your "berries" using the Xmas Red Stickles, let dry well

I hope you enjoyed my interpretation of Tim's Day 7 tag and that it will inspire you to apply any techniques you learn to your stencils. They truly are so versatile.
Don't forget to check out the DREAM it UP! blog to see what Lynell has dreamed up this week, and the rest of the team too!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, the countdown to Christmas officially starts today! Only 23 shopping days left to find all the right things that you know they'll love. I love giving presents to family and friends, I even love giving presents to people I barely know, it just makes me happy to make someones day. Needless to say, I tend to go a little overboard at Christmas, but someone has to keep the economy moving!
This week the Dreamweaver Stencil design team was given a colorway challenge for our Dream Scheme Thursday. We had to use silver and turquoise with the stencils and supplies of our choice. With Christmas right around the corner, I decided to make a quick and easy card that would be easy to make in larger quantities.. Here's what I created for this week's challenge:

This was created using the Gothic snowflake stencil (LL396) and the double glitter technique. The simple version is: soap the back of the stencil brushing away any flakes of soap in the openings; apply a square of double sided mounting paper to a larger square of silver mirror paper; remove the release paper from the mounting paper and place the stencil soap side down onto the sticky surface; tap the stencil in place especially along all of the small bridges; apply ultrafine opaque silver glitter, pressing it down with a piece of the release paper; tap off the excess glitter then use a brush to clean any glitter on the stencil; turn the stencil face down on a clean paper towel and gently pull the paper off the stencil (be sure to hold the stencil flat with your free hand); apply ultrafine opaque Ice glitter to the background, pressing down firmly with release paper; tap off all excess. The image is very pretty at this point, and you could stop there and mount it onto a card, but it wasn't popping as much as I wanted, so I place the stencil back over the glittered image, taped the edges, and applied Dreamweaver Metallic Silver Embossing Paste over the snowflake, removed the stencil and sprinkled the wet paste with the silver glitter again. This gave it a little more dimension. Here's a close up of the finished image:

Glitter is hard to photograph, but I hope you can see what I'm talking about! While the silver paste was drying, I put glue on a white 3" embellishment pin from Dreamweaver and sprinkled it with the same Ice glitter that is in the background of the snowflake. You only need a thin coat of glue to hold the glitter and it dries in just a couple of minutes. I made a square card from silver mirror cardstock, added a layer of beautiful Hanko washi cardstock (Seafoam, but I think it is pretty "turquoisy"!). When the snowflake was dry, I mounted it to the front of the card with foam tape, added a silver bow and the glittered pin for a beautiful holiday card, or even a winter birthday card. One last thing, I put a turquoise gem in the center of the snowflake as a finishing touch.
Hope you've enjoyed this week's design. For more great Silver and Turquoise creations, stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog and the rest of the team blogs listed at the side.
Happy Creating (and shopping!),
Louise

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I know that I have a lot to be thankful for this year. My kids, my wonderfully supportive husband, family and great friends to name just a few. Every day I remind myself not to complain because I don't have anything to complain about when I hear and see what others around me are going through. Today I am with family and friends enjoying good company and good food, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, relax and enjoy it because Friday starts the mad rush to Christmas!
This week's Dream Scheme Thursday, sponsored by Dreamweaver Stencils, has a "Thanksgiving Day" theme (no big surprise there!). Here is the card I sent to family and friends this year:

Luckily, I still had a couple of jars of Dreamweaver Matte Orange Embossing Paste left in my stash, but even if you don't, it is simple to mix the yellow and a little red embossing paste to make a lovely shade of orange. The stencil is LJ832 Cornucopia from Dreamweaver Stencils. To create the pasted image, use removable tape to tape the stencil to cream colored cardstock, then use the new paste spreader (LM2010) to apply the orange paste. Remove and clean the stencil. Let the paste dry for about 10 minutes before using a small, soft brush to apply Metallic FX powders to parts of the design.They give a little shimmer to the image and just a soft touch of color to set off the pumpkins. The cornucopia is layered on two pieces of kraft cardstock that were sprayed with Memories Mist Iridescent Spray (MM28) to give it a matching shimmer. Layer the image onto an orange cardstock embellished with some green ribbon, attach it all to a 5" x 7" base card that has a nice saying stamped inside and it's complete!
If you love working with stencils too, or have always wanted to work more with them, think about joining our Dreamweaver Stencils design team. It is challenging and fun, and you get to work with all the great Dreamweaver products! If you'd like to know the details about joining our team click HERE. It is a wonderful, supportive group who love sharing ideas with whoever will listen! Good luck.
I hope you have time to hop over to the DREAM it UP! blog for more inspiration, then on to all the other designer's blogs too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

The air was crisp and cold today, winter is defiantly creeping up on us. But the sun was bright and still warm, trying to hold winter at bay just a little bit longer! Thanksgiving is only a week away, then before we know it Christmas is here! So much to do, so little time...but somehow it all works out.
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is a sketch challenge created by fellow team member Wendy Jordan. Here's what she came up with for us:

This is what I created from the sketch:

The small fern frond stencil (LM2006) is so beautiful and creates a peaceful focal point for your card. For this one I used Glossy Green Embossing Paste on kraft cardstock. When it was almost dry, I gently brushed Metallic F/X Amber Glow (FX02) over the frond. When completely dry, I tore the edges around the design. The other two layers of kraft cardstock were sprayed with Memories Mist Iridescent spray to create a shimmer to match the shimmer of the FX powder. The three brads are antique paper fasteners I found on one of my journeys, I only found three boxes so I rarely use them because I really like them! Do you have things like that, you buy them because you like them, but then you can't make yourself use them because you don't want them to be gone! I have a whole room full of things like that!

Be sure to check out the creations at the other designer's blogs, as well as the DREAM it UP! blog for more inspiration.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme! If this is your first visit, thanks for joining us! Every Thursday the Dreamweaver Design Team posts creations using the beautiful products from Dreamweaver Stencils. Sometimes we are given a challenge (usually either sketch challenges or color challenges), and sometimes we are free to create whatever we choose. This week is a free design week, so be sure to check out all the wonderful ideas from the whole team.
Lynell recently released some beautiful new stencils that are 6" x 6" and were inspired by Hawaiian quilt patterns. Check them all out by clicking on this link. Aren't they fabulous! This week I am sharing with you a piece of framed art that I created using the Torch Ginger (LX7008) stencil.

The technique was simple. Tape the stencil to a piece of white linen cardstock (6" x 6"). Use stencil brushes, the Picasso (LL332), and Brilliance Inks to color the design. Remove the stencil, clean and dry it, then tape it back over the colored image. Apply Dreamweaver Translucent Embossing Paste (DEPT) over the image using the Paste Spreader (LM2010). This new tool is just perfect for these large stencils! Remove the stencil, clean and dry it, always making sure you keep your stencil flat while you wash and dry it. While the paste was drying, I cut my other layers: a small black layer to edge my design (6 1/4" x 6 1/4"); a lighter green layer to compliment the image (7 1/4" x 7 1/4"); another small layer of black (7 1/2" x 7 1/2"); a dark green layer (8 1/2" x 8 1/2"); and a final layer of black (8 3/4" x 8 3/4"). The white mat around the image came with the black frame (10" x 10"), so I used it as my final layer. I removed the glass from the frame before adding my artwork (the translucent paste will protect the image). This could be a great gift for those quilters in your life (or just for you!).

My schedule for the next few weeks is:
Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 1:00 pm Stampology Chicago - Dreamweaver Class
Thursday, December 1, 2011 - 6:30 pm The Cottage Stamper - Dreamweaver Class
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - 12:30 pm and 6:00 pm The Cottage Stamper - Christmas Mirror
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - 12:30 pm The Cottage Stamper - Dreamweaver Class (repeat of 12/1)

Hope to see you in a class if you are in the area.
Now head over to the DREAM it UP! blog for more inspiration, then off to the other team members to see what they came up with this week!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

WOW! It's hard to believe it's November already. The weather here has been incredibly mild and sunny, which has been just delightful, but it really makes you wonder what's in store for winter! Hope everyone in the northeast is surviving the snow storm and that your electricity is back!
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge came to us from fellow team member Deborah March. We were given a colorway this week to use black and white. I knew right away the look I wanted to create, then it was a matter of finding just the right stencil. Here's what I came up with this week:

Glossy Black and Glossy White Embossing Pastes were the obvious choice for my project, and the Crested Mum stencil (LL582) worked out great for the focal point image. Simply paste emboss the image on a square piece of black cardstock using the Glossy White EP, then on a square piece of white cardstock using the Glossy Black EP. When both images are completely dry cut each image in quarters, but try to make sure you cut both colors the same way. Cut two black and two white squares that are 1/4" larger than the image pieces. Adhere each piece of the Crested Mum to the opposite color matte, aligning the image so only two sides have a border. Tape them down to a slightly larger square white cardstock, then trim each side to even them all up. Go around the edge with a black marker. Emboss two pieces of white cardstock through a die cut machine using the Herringbone stencil (LJ914). Trim along one side of each Herringbone image to fit the front of a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" card. Use black ribbon to cover the seam. Cut a black and a white square mat to center on the card, then use foam tape to mount the Crested Mum to the center of the card. This technique actually gives you the images for two cards, which is always great.
Black and white images are so crisp and clean, and great for many occasions. Be sure to check out more black and white ideas at the DREAM it UP! blog and at the other team member blogs. Take special note of Lynell's posting for new Dream Team Members, click here to go directly to that post for all the info on how to join this great team.
Here's another sample using the same technique, but only cutting the images in half:

I'll be teaching at Stampology Chicago on Saturday, November 12th. Click here to see the samples and class information.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dreamweaver Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Thursday Dream Scheme sponsored by Dreamweaver Stencils. This week the Dream Team has been given a sketch challenge created by fellow team member Kim Parkinson. Here's the sketch

And here's what I came up with for the sketch:

I just love the new backgrounds, they add such texture and dimension to your creations. They emboss great through a personal die cut machine, which I did with the Opto Checkerboard (LJ915) and Triangle Weave (LJ912) stencils. After embossing, use a 1/2" stencil brush to add color to the embossed designs. The Hot Air Balloon (LL3003) was paste embossed with Dreamweaver Embossing Paste (white matte paste) on a small checkered patterned cardstock. When the paste dries, put the stencil back over the paste and use small stencil brushes to color the balloon. Cut out the balloon, mount it onto black cardstock using foam tape then cut out around the balloon. Cut the backgrounds into strips and mount on black cardstock then on checkered cardstock that matches the balloon. Add the balloon to finish it off. Lots of patterns, lots of color, but they create a fun, upbeat card.
Enjoy more creations at the other designers' blogs and at the DREAM it UP! blog too!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge. This week is designer's choice, allowing us to any stencils and products. Halloween is right around the corner and I haven't even started my cards yet, so I thought I better come up with something appropriate that would be easy too! Isn't that what we are always looking for every time we need to make cards! Here's what I came up with this week:

I had to get a little creative with my stencil choices. The background was easy, the Spider web (LJ816) on black paper using White Glossy Embossing Paste (DGWP) and sprinkled with Crystal glitter on the wet paste after the stencil was removed. Let the paste dry, trim to the edge of the web, and mount on an orange card base. The jack-o-lantern would have been easy too, if only I had the jack o lantern stencil (LL531)! But, I don't have that YET, so I looked at what I did have and chose the Fall borders (LJ874) stencil instead. The pumpkin was a nice shape and size, so I taped off the leaves that I didn't want to use at the top of the pumpkin and the small ones on the lower right to create the perfect image. I used Matte Yellow Embossing Paste(DMYP) and a small amount of Glossy Red Embossing Paste (DGRP) mixed together to create a great orange color just right for my pumpkin (about 1 Tbsp yellow plus about 1/2 tsp red). I paste embossed one pumpkin on acetate and one on white because I wasn't quite sure what look I was going for yet. I had plenty of paste so I kept pasting more images until I ran out of orange paste. The paste goes a long way, so don't mix up too much at a time. The paste on acetate takes much longer to dry than the one on paper.
While those were drying, I looked through my stencils to see what I had that would help me create my jack-o-lantern look. The Small fern frond (LM2006) stencil was just the thing! I simply chose the size of the frond I needed and taped off the others, here's what it looked like:

Once the orange paste on the white cardstock was dry, I put the pumpkin stencil back over the dry paste and put the "mouth" stencil over that. Black ink and a stencil brush made it easy to add the mouth to the pumpkin. I used a super fine point Sharpie to add the eyes and nose, plus put some detail on the stem and leaves. It was still a little stark, so I used a piece of foam to rouge a little black around and on the image. Edge the white cardstock with a black marker, mounted it onto a piece of orange cardstock (also edged with black) and used foam tape to mount it onto the web background. A simple Happy Halloween sentiment stamped inside will complete the card.
The acetate image was almost dry when I added some Metallic F/X Kiwi (FX10) to the leaves and a little Cocoa (FX18) to the stem. When it was completely dry, I added the face the same way as the other one. I trimmed around the image and used foam tape hidden behind the pasted areas to mount the jack-o-lantern to the web background. Then I really wished that I had Lynell's great Spider (LS28) stencil, but I don't so I use a black spider button that I had instead.
I had a lot of fun creating these Halloween cards for you, I hope you've enjoyed them. Just remember, try to look at your stencils different ways, you might be surprised by what you see!
This is a busy weekend for me, I'm leaving tomorrow for St. Louis where I'll be teaching 4 classes at Checkered Cottage. It should be a lot of fun (exhausting, but fun) and I can hardly wait to get there! If you're in the area, stop by to say hello and to visit the Dreamweaver Stencil Trunk Show they are hosting in conjunction with my classes.
You definately want to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog for information on how to join our great design team. Lynell has all the details for you. She has been posting Pink and Black images every day this past week so be sure to take the time to look back at them, they are fabulous!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Wow is it Thursday already!! Each week is flying by so fast. We have been having absolutely glorious weather here in northern Illinois. Every day is sunny and warm with just a little cool breeze to keep you comfortable. Aaaahhh, we are going to miss this very soon!
Halloween is my second favorite holiday (Christmas being the first) so I found a little time this week to get out my fall and Halloween decorations. The colors of fall are so beautiful and warm and fit into my decor just beautifully. So it may seem a little out of season to learn that our colorway challenge for this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme was to use Pink and Black! They are a stunning combination, but for me bring more romantic thoughts to mind than ghosts and goblins! Here's what I created for this week's challenge:

The new Cameo stencil (LL3017) and Damask background (LJ907) immediately came to mind when I got this challenge. I knew exactly what I would create (I love week's like this!). To create my card I followed these simple steps:

Emboss LJ907 Damask on a rose colored cardstock (I used my BigShot)
Use a 3/4" stencil brush and Memento Rose Bud ink to sweep color over the embossed damask design
Trim to 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
Use a piece of foam to darken around the edge of the damask
Cut a matching piece of rose colored cardstock to 2 3/4" x 3"
Tape the cameo stencil to the cardstock and apply Glossy Black Embossing Paste (DJKP)
Remove and clean the stencil, set the cameo image aside to dry or use a warming tray on the lowest setting to speed the drying process
Cut a piece of light pink cardstock to create a card base for a 4 3/4" x 6" card
Ink the edges with the foam and Rose Bud ink
Cut a piece of black cardstock 4" x 5 1/4" and adhere the Damask layer to it with double sided tape
Wrap a black ribbon around the Damask layer the tie a bow
Adhere the Damask layer to the front of the card
Cut a piece of black cardstock 2 7/8" x 3 1/8"
When the cameo image is dry, use the foam and Rose Bud ink to rouge some color around the paste, but try not to get any inside the image
Adhere the Cameo to the small black layer
Use foam tape to mount the Cameo onto the Damask background
Color a Dreamweaver 3" white Embellishment Pin with a COPIC marker to match your design
Insert the pin through the ribbon and catch the tip in the layers of cardstock

Ta da! a beautiful card to send to a dear friend for any or no occassion, just because.
What can you come up with for our pink and black challenge? If you would like to share your creation with us, you can use the Mister Linky tool over at the DREAM it UP! blog or email it to Lynell at lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com and she will post it for you. We love to see what everyone is creating out there!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dreamweaver Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

October has come in like a lamb here in northern Illinois. We have had several beautiful, sunny, warm fall days in a row. I've even opened the windows again it's been so nice outside! But we know it won't last long at this time of year. The mums are planted and blooming in a wonderful array of fall colors, the trees are spectacular, and I've been collecting acorns whenever I'm out walking for my fall table.
But with fall comes the reality that Christmas is not far behind and I better start thinking about Christmas cards. This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is designer's choice so I'm sharing two cards using the new Nativity (LL3019) stencil released this summer. It is perfect for holiday card making when you are looking for a design that is beautiful but easy to make in large quantities! Here they are:

The first card uses the Matte Black Embossing Paste with Metallic F/X powders applied after the paste dried. To do this, put the clean, dry stencil back over the dry paste and use a finger dauber to apply Stamp 'n Stick glue over the dry black paste. Remove the stencil and use a soft brush to apply the F/X powders on the glue.
The second card is the Metallic Gold Embossing Paste with Metallic F/X powders applied after the paste had dried for about 15-20 minutes. The paste is not completely dry yet so you have to be careful when applying the powders. The effect is very subtle, but eye-catching up close. I purposely took the middle picture with a flash to get the reflection of the powders. It's hard to capture properly, but looks very pretty in person.
Beautiful background papers always add the finishing touch. Good quality papers will make all the difference when putting together your final design.
Stop over to the DREAM it UP! blog for more inspiration, then on to the rest of the team blogs.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme. This week we have been given a sketch challenge to create our designs. Here's what the sketch looks like:

And here's what I created from it:

October is right around the corner and Halloween will be here before we know it, so I chose to create a "Fall-o-ween" card. The colors of Halloween, but more of a fall theme for the image rather than a jack-o-lantern. The dotted paper is from my left over collection of A Muse papers. I edge the pieces with black COPIC marker to make them stand out from the card front better. The pumpkin is from LL515 Pumpkins stencils. There are three pumpkins on the stencil, so I just taped off the other two pumpkins and paste embossed the single small pumpkin with Matte Black Embossing Paste. After I removed the stencil, I sprinkled the image with fine black glitter. The pumpkin is matted on a black layer then adhered to the front of the card with foam mounting tape. A little black ric rak down the side finished it off! Simple and fun!
Hope you've enjoyed today's challenge. Look for more great ideas on the other team members blogs by clicking on their names on the left side of my blog, but first check out the DREAM it UP! blog to see what Lynell has come up with for the challenge.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Fall is in the air!

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

There is defiantly a chill in the evening now, but I love this time of year! Bright, sunny days and crisp, clear nights, fall is a beautiful season! The trees here in northern IL have started to turn colors and the days are getting shorter and shorter (it's the one part of fall that I don't like). Fall is all about colors. The beautiful shades of reds, oranges, golds, browns and greens, with a little purple here and there, blend together into a gorgeous collage everywhere you look!

This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is a designer's choice week, so I just had to use some of those great fall colors when I created this week. Here's what I came up with for you:

I know you don't normally associate a fern with fall, but this beautiful Sm fern frond (LM2006) stencil just seemed perfect for the serene feel I was going for on this project. The backgrounds were done with alcohol inks on glossy cardstock, the fern was paste embossed with Glossy Black Embossing Paste, edged with a black marker and it was all layered onto a black card. VERY easy!

Check out more great ideas on the Dream Team blogs, just click on their names on the left side of my blog, Click here for the DREAM it UP! blog.

If you are in the Chicagoland area here's my upcoming schedule:

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 - 10am - 12n Dreamweaver Demo and Trunk Show at Stampology Chicago
Saturday, Sept 24, 2011 - 1pm - 3pm Zentangle Class at Stampology Chicago
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 - 12:30pm - 3:00 pm Dreamweaver Mirror Class at The Cottage Stamper
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm Dreamweaver Mirror Class at The Cottage Stamper
Thursday, Sept 29, 2011 - 6:30 pm - 8:30pm Dreamweaver Demo and Trunk Show at Stampology Chicago
and if you're feeling adventurous, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 - 12n - 3pm Dreamweaver Demo at Artist and Display in Milwaukee for National Card Making Day.

Hope to see some of you there!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we definitely are having fall weather here now. The trees aren't changing yet, but I know they will be soon. I was in northern Minnesota this weekend and it was absolutely gorgeous weather, high 80's during the day, 60's at night. We were southwest of the boundary waters fire, so we didn't get the smoke, that headed east.
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is a colorway challenge given to us by fellow team member Lee Kellogg. We had to use gray and lime green in our creation this week. I chose the Ginger Jar (LG626) stencil with the Fan Pattern (LJ813) as the overlay. Here's what I came up with:

Instructions:

Dry emboss the jar on white linen cardstock, by hand or with a machine
With the stencil still over the embossed jar, use a 3/4" brush to add gray around the edges and top of the jar (I used Versafine Smokey Gray)
Leave the jar stencil in place and tape off the cover of the jar with removable tape
Put the Fan Pattern stencil on top of the jar stencil and tape in place
Mix a small amount of Kiwi Metallic F/X (FX10) in a small amount of Glossy White Embossing Paste and apply over the jar using the new Paste Spreader (LM2010)
Remove and clean both stencils
When the paste has dried for 10 or 15 minutes, use a soft paint brush to apply more of the Kiwi Metallic F/X powder on the Fan pattern, this gives it a much shinier finish
Place the Fan Pattern stencil on a piece of gray cardstock and stencil with the large brush and Versafine Smokey Gray all around the edges of the card (it's easy to move the stencil and line back up the pattern as you go around the card)
Cut three 1/4" x 4 3/4" strips of lime green paper, and adhere them near the bottom of the card
Layer the Ginger jar on a piece of gray cardstock, then on lime green
Adhere to the background layer and you're finished!

Hope this inspires you to create your own lime green/gray card this week! Check out all the other great ideas on the team's blogs, and don't miss the DREAM it UP! blog too!

Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

We had a great time last week hopping with our friends from the UK. If you missed the fun, you can still go back and look at all the great creations. Lynell posted a complete list of links on her blog at the beginning of the fun. Click here to go back and check them all out! If you joined in the fun, be sure to check the list of winners posted on Lynell's blog too, just click here.
Now on to this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge. This is a designers choice week so we got to choose whatever we wanted to share with you. This gives us a chance to share some creations that don't fit into a specific challenge. Lynell came out with some great stencils this summer at CHA, and the new Stockings by the fire (LG739) stencil really bursts with Christmas spirit! Here's one of my cards using it:

There are a few steps involved, but none of them are difficult, and it turns out sooooo sweet! Here we go:

Use removable tape to tape the stencil to white cardstock
Apply Glossy Red Embossing Paste (DGRP) using the new Paste Spreader (LM2010)
Remove the stencil and let the red paste dry
Clean and dry your stencil
Use removable tape to mask off the bottom of the stockings and the two side "irons"
Tape the stencil back over the dry red paste and use a regular palette knife to apply Glossy White Embossing Paste (DGWP) to the top of the stockings, then use the knife to tap on the paste and give it a little texture (like you would to frosting)
Clean your palette knife and apply Crackle Embossing Paste (CEP) to the fire and logs area
Remove the stencil, remove all tape from it before washing and drying it
When those pastes are dry, put the clean, dry stencil back over the design and use small stencil brushes to add color to the fire and logs and the side irons
Carefully sprinkle the side irons with embossing powder while the ink is still wet, then heat set the embossing powder.
If you got white paste on the little stocking hangers, you can use an X-acto knife to scrape the white off so they are red again
Mount on decorative paper for a great holiday card.

Hope you've enjoyed this week's creation. Don't forget to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog for more great ideas, and then hop over to the other designer's blogs too. Have a great week.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Winner of Blog Hop goodies!

2011-09-04T18:08:00.001-05:00

SherylH was kind enough to relinquish one of her prizes, so I redid Fridays selection and came up with:
scrappybetty said...
I have this stencil and never thought to use it like you did. Thanks for showing 3 ways to use the same stencil. Wonderful ideas.
September 2, 2011 9:37 AM

So scrappybetty congratulations! Just send your address information to Lynell at the email listed below to receive your prize.
We all used http://www.random.org/ to select the winners for each day's post based on the number of comments we received. I'm happy to announce that my new best friend must be SherylH because she came up BOTH times on my postings!!! Congratulations SherylH!! Just send your address to Lynell at Dreamweaver Stencils and she will send your winnings! Her email address is: lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com

Day 5 of the HOP!

2011-09-02T00:01:00.008-05:00

WE HAVE A WINNER FOR TODAY's POST!! it is SherylH AGAIN!! who wrote:
SherylH said...

I enjoyed all three of your projects but the framed picture is gorgeous. The use of the Jungle leaves and flourish make a fantastic mat for the eye-popping lotus.
September 2, 2011 2:27 PM
Thanks Sheryl for your kind words, I gave the framed art to my son and his wife this weekend and they just loved it!!
Email Lynell your snail mail address to: lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com and she will send your your blog winnings.

Boy this week is flying by. Hope you've enjoyed our first Dreamweaver Stencils/Woodware Craft combination blog hop. We have had a wonderful time sharing our ideas for additional ways to create with your stencils. But we're not finished yet! Keep hopping today and tomorrow for even more creative ideas to add to your list! Today's hop started with Francoise at: http://www.francoisecollection.blogspot.com/ If you missed her's, hop back there so you don't miss any of the fun!

When I teach a Dreamweaver class, I usually use one stencil and teach three different techniques to use with that stencil. It helps to see a stencil used several ways so you don't get in a rut and keep using it the same way all the time. So I thought I would use the same approach for today's post. The focal point of my three designs uses LG720 - Lotus flower.

First as a piece of jewelry:

This was so much fun. I used Grungepaper and put a light coat of white acrylic paint on it. Then I stained it with Distress Stains Spun Sugar and Fired Brick and let it dry. Place the stencil on the colored surface and use a Black Micron pen to outline the petals. I did five different sizes. The largest layer uses all the petals except the very outside row, I thought it might seem too big if I started with that row. The next layer starts one row in from the previous size, then two rows in,then one, and the smallest layer is the center. Cut them all out, ink the edges a little and assemble using hot glue. I used my finger to wipe on some Worn Lipstick Distress Stickles on the outside layer and a little in the middle, just to give it a little sparkle. The leaves are from LG625 - Flower and leaves stencil and are also on grungepaper that I stained with Peeled Paint Distress Stain.. They are attached with hot glue. Add a pin back, and voila a beautiful pin to adorn a blouse, scarf or purse (or really anything!).

Second as a piece of art:

Here's how I did it. Tape the stencil to a square of white cardstock and apply Matte Yellow Embossing Paste, remove and clean the stencil and let the paste dry. Place the clean, dry stencil back over the dry yellow paste and use small stencil brushes to apply inks (I used Brilliance Orange and Rocket Red). Remove the stencil and sprinkle with clear embossing powder, tap off all excess powder and heat set. Return the stencil to the design and apply a second coat of ink on top of the first. Remove stencil, and sprinkle with embossing powder again and heat set. The mat came with the frame and had a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" opening. I stenciled LJ825 - Jungle leaves all around the edge using a 1/2" brush and Brilliance Thyme ink, but I kept it on the light side. After that I decided the the corner swirls we've been seeing all week are so beautiful that I would add one as an accent in one corner, so I chose LJ896 - Flourish and embossed it with Matte Black Embossing Paste. I trimmed the Lotus flower layer to 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" and mounted it onto a 5" x 5" square of black cardstock, this gave me some "wiggle" room when I centered it in the opening of the decorated mat. I think the black frame really sets off the design and now I have a beautiful piece of art hanging in my craft room!

Last but not least, the third design is a greeting card, because that is what we "normally" do with our stencils right?

For this I used 1/2" stencil brushes, this not only puts the color down a little faster when you don't have to be really precise, it also keeps the color a little lighter. I stenciled on the front of a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square card using Brilliance Sunflower Yellow, Coral, and Lime. You can see I only used the Lime to add a few "leaves" here and there. I put the stencil and a square of white cardstock through my Big Shot to emboss the image. Leaving the stencil over the image, I used the large stencil brush to add color to the flower. After removing the stencil, I brushed a little color in along each edge, sweeping in from the edge to the center. That was adhered to a 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" piece of lime green cardstock, and then mounted with foam mounting tape to the front of the card.

Well now you have it, three very different ways to use one stencil. Hope you've enjoyed today's post. I had so much fun creating these projects for this hop. Leave me a comment for a chance to win a stencil then hop on over to the next stop
Lynell's blog at DREAM it UP! to continue your Hop Across the Pond!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Day 4 of Dreamweaver Stencils Hop Across the Pond!

2011-09-01T00:01:00.019-05:00

WE HAVE A WINNER FOR TODAY's POST!! it is SherylH who wrote:

SherylH said...

Very nice -- love all the new background stencils.
September 1, 2011 7:13 PM

Thanks Sheryl for your kind words, it is always fun and rewarding to receive all the comments about our work!
Email Lynell your snail mail address to: lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com and she will send your your blog winnings.

Woodware Craft Collection design team to bring you innovative ways to use our wonderful Dreamweaver stencils and supplies all week long! Woodware is Dreamweaver Stencils' exclusive distributor in the UK. By the end of the week, you'll have seen stencils used in inspirational ways you just couldn't have imagined, and you'll see that, although our stencils are wonderful for paper crafting, they have SO MANY other uses too! We'll have several posts a day for you, from Monday August 29th to Saturday September 3rd. At the end of our celebration, each designer will randomly select a winner from all blog comments to receive a free Dreamweaver stencil. We are looking forward to sweet comments from you and we will send blog candy your direction. We look forward to you partying along with us! Go to the DREAM it UP! blog if you get lost, the whole schedule is listed there.

You should have hopped here from Laura at: http://www.rememberinglifesmoments.blogspot.com/, if not, "hop" back over there for more inspiration.
Today's project was inspired by all the new background stencils that Dreamweaver recently released at Summer 2011 CHA. I fell in love with them all, so how could I choose just one to work with!! I wanted to come up with a project that would show off several of the new designs, plus incorporate some embossed metal to promote the MercArt Metal that Dreamweaver now supplies. Here's what I did:

Though it is a little time consuming, it's really the original concept that takes the time, once you know what you want to do it comes together pretty fast. Here are some close ups of the squares and embellishments:

The basic steps are:

Emboss each of the four background stencils on a piece of white cardstock (emboss 2 of each design in order to get the 8 squares of each that you need)
Use a 1/2" or 3/4" stencil brush to color each pattern whatever colors you want, any inks will work, I used Ranger Distress Inks . By using a larger brush the color goes on pretty fast. Remember to start off the edge and sweep the color in towards the center
Trim around the edge of the design, then cut four 1 1/2" squares out of each piece of colored paper
Adhere the embossed patterns to piece of 1 1/2" chipboard, then use a piece of foam to add more color around the edges
You should have 8 squares of each pattern with each pattern being a different color
Adhere them to a 10" x 10" black mirror (I got it at IKEA) in a pretty pattern. The black between the squares really makes them stand out
The butterflies were done with Dreamweaver stencils Heliconia Butterfly stencil (LM257) and small piece of colored aluminum. I used a Big Shot to run the metal and stencil through to emboss it, sanded the raised aluminum then colored them with alcohol inks.
The butterflies were cut out then mounted using foam mounting tape
The Tall Vase stencil (LM196) was first paste embossed with Glossy Blue Embossing Paste
After the blue paste was dry, I put the stencil back over the paste and applied Dreamweaver's Crackle Embossing Paste
If you've never used the Crackle Paste, you are in for a treat. It crackles on its own as it dries and is white so any color you want can be applied with stencil brushes after it dries. Sometimes I hurry the process a little by heating towards the end, but you won't get as small of cracks if you do that
I cut out the crackled and colored vase, adhered it to black cardstock and cut that out leaving a small black edge around the whole vase
Use a guillotine cutter to cut some black strips and tape some to the back of the vase
Mount the vase onto the squares at the lower left using foam mounting tape

These make great gifts for any occasion and you can customize the colors and embellishments to your own home decor. I'll be teaching this in a class at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles IL on September 27th, and at Checkered Cottage in Kirkwood MO on October 22nd. Call either store to sign up.
Here's a list of the supplies used:
Stencils:
LJ912 - Triangle Weave
LJ913 - Houndstooth
LJ914 - Herringbone
LJ915 - Opto Checkerboard
LM257 - Heliconia Butterfly
LM196 - Tall Vase
Embossing Paste:
Glossy Blue - DGBP
Crackle - CEP
Tools:
1/2" natural handle brush - NHB-1/2"
Palette Knife - DPK
Wide Palette Knife - WDPK

All this, and LOTS more can be found HERE and in the UK HERE.

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free stencil. Then hop on over to the final stop of the day at Wendy's blog. Just click on the link below:
Wendy at: http://www.papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/

Thanks for hopping with us today, I hope you've enjoyed everything so far, but don't forget we have two more days to go full of great ideas and prizes!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dreamweaver and Woodware Craft Blog Hop!!

2011-08-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the great HOP that started today over at the DREAM it UP! blog! Great ideas and lots of opportunity to win prizes! Click on the link above to hop over to Lynell's blog to start your journey of inspiration!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-08-25T06:00:00.011-05:00

Another week has flown by, my daughter is finishing up her first week of college! When did this happen!! But, she is happy and excited so I guess I can handle it!
This week at the Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme we have a free week. These are great because we create so many things that we don't always get the chance to share if we have a specific challenge. Here are a couple of cards using new stencils that were released at CHA this summer:

This card couldn't be easier. Tape the new Silhouette stencil (LL3017) to navy blue cardstock, apply Pearlescent Embossing Paste, let it dry, and mount it on coordinating papers to create a wonderful card.
Here's a bonus for the week. It's not to early to be working on Christmas cards and Dreamweaver released some beautiful new designs, this is one of them:

This was done using the new Holiday Greeting stencil (LJ917) and the cloisonne technique. Tape the stencil to white cardstock and apply Matte Yellow Embossing Paste. Let the paste dry, then place the clean dry stencil back over the paste and use small stencil brushes to apply pigment inks to the paste. Remove the stencil and sprinkle with clear embossing powder, heat to set. If you would like the color to be deeper, put the stencil back over the design, add more color, and repeat the steps to emboss.
Hope you've enjoyed these ideas, don't forget to check out the DREAM it UP! blog and the other designer's blogs too!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-08-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge is a colorway given to us by fellow team member Wendy Jordan. The challenge was to use red, ivory, and kraft together in our creations. This turned out to be very challenging to me today, you know how some days nothing you create really gets you excited, but then when you look at them a little while later they don't look so bad after all! After I finished the challenge for today, I realized that I used the same stencil as last week, I guess that means I really like it! Here's my card for the challenge:

Very simple. Pearlescent paste on kraft cardstock, sprinkled with Fauna Ultrafine glitter. Layer it up, and you're finished. I love easy cards.
Be sure to stop by the DREAM it UP! blog and the other team members for more creative ideas.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-08-11T06:00:00.039-05:00

It's Thursday already and time for our Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge. This week is designer's choice so I'm am sharing a card I made using the new Skates stencil (LL3016) and one of the new background stencils (LJ913). Here it is:

The blue metal from MercArt is just perfect for this. It gives it a silvery, icy look for a beautiful winter card. To start I cut a piece of blue metal so it was larger than my skate stencil. Then I placed the stencil on the blue side of the metal and taped it in place. Turn the whole thing over to the back and use a large paper stump to rub over the design until you can see the image pretty well. I then took a nylon tip embossing tool for metal and refined the design around all the edges. Use the paper stump to smooth out the larger openings. Remove the stencil and place the design blue side up on top of the background stencil. Use the paper stump to rub the metal into the stencil openings creating a debossed image of the background. Sand the skates and background with a fine sanding block and refining with a fiberglass brush to really clean the blue off the skates. Use the paper stump to smooth the background flat again. Place the image on a piece of suede (blue side down) and roll a decorative embossing wheel around the edges to create a border. Use strong double sided adhesive to mount the metal onto a metallic silver mat, then on blue. Pop onto a card front with foam tape, and embellish with silver brads.

Hope you've enjoyed today's card and are inspired to try some metal embossing of your own. It is fun and beautiful! Here are a couple of other metal projects I've done.

Don't forget to check out the DREAM it UP! blog as well as the other designer's blogs, just click on their names listed down the left side of my blog.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-08-04T06:00:00.003-05:00

Time for another Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme. This week we were given a sketch challenge to follow. Here it is:

And here is what I created:
Sorry this sample had to be removed. Watch for great samples of Zentangling with stencils in Design Originals upcoming Zentangle book.

The balloon stencil was outlined with a Micron pen then the Zentangle technique was used to "fill" the balloon. Mount the balloon on a black mat. The background patterns were created by embossing four of the new background stencils on white paper with my Big Shot. I used a large stencil brush to add color to each background and cut them to the needed size and mounted them on a black mat. Use foam mounting tape to add the balloon to the backgrounds.
These new backgrounds are wonderful and so versatile! You'll be seeing a lot of them in the future.
Now check out the other team member blogs and don't miss the DREAM it UP! blog as well.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-07-28T06:00:00.007-05:00

It's hard to believe that it's the end of July already! My daughter will be leaving for college in less than 3 weeks!! We are squeezing in one more family trip before then. My husbands family celebrates "Christmas in July" up at a lake in northern Minnesota. We cram all the annual celebrations into one long weekend at the lake. This year we have 3 graduations, a 60th birthday, a 1st birthday, plus Thanksgiving and Christmas to celebrate! It's a wild and crazy weekend, but we wouldn't miss for the world. It is so wonderful to have everyone together and we don't have to worry about blizzards, tornadoes, maybe, but not snow.
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme Thursday is a designer's choice. The card I'm sharing shows off two of Lynell's brand new stencils that were just released at CHA Summer last week. All of the new stencils are wonderful, and I'm sure all the design team will be trying to feature them in the next several weeks. Here's what I came up with for this week:

Isn't that new butterfly stencil (LJ916) INCREDIBLE! And see that fun background behind it (LJ915), that's one of several new background stencils that were also released last week. I have been having a ball working with all the new patterns and designs. This one is a little more complex than you might think at first glance. Did you notice the shimmery design on the butterfly? That is done with Stampee Crafts Transparent Holographic Stampee Foils. The background stencil was put through my Big Shot with white cardstock, then I used a large stencil brush (1") to brush a little color around the edge and mounted that on decorative cardstock. The butterfly was also embossed through the Big Shot with white cardstock. With the stencil still in place over the embossed design, use small stencil brushes to color the butterfly. I use Brilliance inks, which are pigment inks so they stay wet a little longer than a dye ink, but just to be sure the whole image was still wet I took a finger dabber and tapped VersaMark over the colored image. Remove the stencil and sprinkle with Stuck on You bonding powder from Stampee Craft, tapping off the excess. Heat emboss. Cut a piece of the Holographic Foil big enough to fit over the image and lay it foil side down over the butterfly. Place the butterfly in a paper folder (a piece of printer paper folded in half is perfect) and send it through a laminator (pre-heat it). When it comes out the other side, open the folder, quickly peel the foil off the image and VOILA! the transparent holographic pattern sticks to the embossed areas. Cut out the butterfly, ink the edge with a matching marker or the edge of an ink pad, add some wire antennae, and mount onto the background. It's not hard. You can get an inexpensive laminator at the big warehouse stores for less than $20.
Hope you've enjoyed today's design. Be sure to check out the DREAM it UP! blog for another fabulous design, and of course, all the other designer's blogs too.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme. This week we were given a colorway challenge submitted by ME! We are doing monochromatic projects. Here's an example of what monochromatic means:

And here's my card:

This very easy to do. Simply lay your stencil on colored cardstock and spray with a coordinating color of Memories Mists sprays. Remove the stencil and let the image dry. Mount onto a mat in a darker hue and adhere to coordinating background paper. Embellish with a ribbon and hat pin colored to match.
Stay tuned next week for a look at some of the new stencil being released this week at CHA. You're going to love them!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-07-14T06:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to another Dream Scheme Thursday challenge sponsored by Dreamweaver Stencils. This week the design team was given a sketch challenge. Here's what it looks like:

I used Dreamweaver's wonderful Bird of Paradise stencil (LR503). This stencil is a nice size to work with and looks great in a variety of techniques. Here's what I came up with today:

Start by taping the stencil to white cardstock, stencil with small brushes and pigment inks (I, of course used Brilliance Inks, they are so beautiful), making your color fairly dark. Remove and clean the stencil. Replace the clean, dry stencil back over the colored image, tape in place and apply Regular Embossing Paste (matte white), remove the stencil and immediately sprinkle with crystal glitter. As the paste dries, it absorbs some of the pigment ink for a beautiful pastel image. Deckle the edge when the paste is dry (about20 minutes) and mount on decorative papers. I know a lot of people relate orange and black to Halloween, but I just love these two colors together, they are so striking!
Stop over to the DREAM it UP! blog for another great creation, then on to the rest of the design team blogs for even more inspiration!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-07-07T16:43:00.001-05:00

Better late than never as the saying goes!! The fourth threw my week off by a day. I was teaching a class today at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles, IL when one of my students commented how the first thing she does every Thursday is get her cup of coffee and then logon to check out what is new on our Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme. She said she just loved my "fireworks"! Well, I was more than a little embarrassed to have to tell her that post was from Saturday and that I had forgotten to do my post for today! Oh well, that's life.
This week was a free theme so I wanted to share one of the great designs we did at our workshop a couple of weeks ago. Our focus was working with Mercart metal and Dreamweaver Stencils. Here's one of the pieces we created at the workshop:

We ran a piece of black metal through a Big Shot using the Bare Trees (LJ849) stencil (be sure the black side is toward the stencil). Turn the metal over and sand the black off the raised tree areas. Apply a variety of colors of alcohol ink to the exposed silver area of the metal for a beautiful effect. Mount on coordinating papers and embellish. So easy, so pretty!
Hope you've enjoyed today's creation and will give it a try with one of your stencils. Now check out the DREAM it UP! blog (which happens to be featuring this same stencil) and the other designers as well.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Fourth of July Blog Hop!

2011-07-02T08:00:00.009-05:00

Welcome to our Fourth of July Blog Hop. You should have reached me from Kerry's blog, but if you've gotten lost along the way, no problem, the complete list is below.
Here's what I came up with for you:

I thought for sure that I knew exactly where my Dreamweaver Stencils fireworks stencil (LJ886) was, but alas I could not find it! So I started flipping through my stencils to come up with something that would work and I found my Spider Mum (LJ892) stencil instead! I used painters tape to block off the areas of the stencil that I did not want to use, then positioned the two flowers at an angle on white paper. I carefully pasted one with the Glossy Red Embossing Paste, then the other with Glossy Blue Embossing Paste, removed the stencil and sprinkled red glitter on the red paste and blue glitter on the blue paste. While those were drying, I cleaned and dried the stencil so it would be ready to use on the third "fireworks". The background papers are from Rusty Pickle a couple of years ago.
After the paste was dry, I flipped the stencil to the opposite side I used the first time, taped off the areas I didn't need, and positioned just one mum as my other firework, again using Glossy Blue Paste and blue glitter. When that one was dry, I used Distress Inks (Antique Linen, Old Paper, and Fired Brick) to age the white background so it would blend better with my other papers. Put it all together and they really do look like fireworks! (OK, maybe you have to use a little imagination, or squint your eyes a bit, but I think they worked!). Don't forget to leave me a comment for a chance to win a prize. Then hop on over to Liz's blog for another great idea.

Stop by the following blogs for lots of inspiration, ideas, and fun! Leave a comment on each by 6 pm EST Tuesday, July 5th for a chance to win some great prizes. Winners will be drawn at random from the various blogs. Here's the list:

Taylor -- http://taylorusry.blogspot.com
Cyndi -- http://scrappychickcyndi.blogspot.com
Alison -- http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Berenice -- http://karbersweetescape.blogspot.com
Mary -- http://softangelkisses.blogspot.com
Janelle -- http://rainpuddlesdesign.blogspot.com
Erin -- http://stamptillucramp.blogspot.com
Maria -- http://riacreations.blogspot.com
Jennifer -- http://just4funcrafts.blogspot.com
Pam -- http://1pamperedstamper.blogspot.com
Angelique -- http://scrapping-angel.blogspot.com
Sandie -- http://sandieshores.blogspot.com
Wendy P -- http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com
Suzi -- http://mrsweyremaster.blogspot.com
Kathy -- http://pixieduststudio.blogspot.com
Beth -- http://inkyfingersrule.blogspot.com
Wendy J -- http://papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com
Kimme -- http://kimme-thelifeofaprincess.blogspot.com
Kerry -- http://kerryischilling.blogspot.com
Louise - http://www.artfullyarticulate.blogspot.com/
Liz -- http://www.blackcatsstudios.blogspot.com/
Laura - http://www.rememberinglifesmoments.blogspot.com
Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the hop!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Schemes

2011-06-30T06:00:00.005-05:00

Well we got back from vacation on Sunday afternoon. Two weddings, a graduation party, and a week in hot and humid Florida visiting Mickey and friends all in 10 days! You're right, that wasn't a vacation, but it sure was fun! Now back to designing.
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is a colorway challenge given to us by fellow team member Laura. We had to use the colors purple and yellow as the main focus of our design. Here's what I came up with:

Simply dry emboss the Black Eyed Susan (LJ902) stencil using a machine or by hand on white paper. With the stencil over the embossed design, use small stencil brushes to add color to the design (I used Brilliance Yellow, Orange, Thyme, Ivy, and Chocolate). Mount on a dark purple mat, then on a larger yellow mat. Use foam tape to mount to a dark purple card front. Add a yellow ribbon with a couple of additional ties and mount to the front of a card. As you can see, it looks great either as a vertical card or a horizontal card, which ever you prefer. As a finishing touch, I put glue in the centers of the flowers and sprinkled loose tea on the glue to give the flower centers dimension and texture.
Be sure to check out the other great purple and yellow designs created by the rest of the Design Team, and don't forget to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog for more inspiration.
Several members of our design team will be participating in a Fourth of July blog hop starting on July 2nd, so be sure to check back for more great ideas and some prizes!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-06-23T06:00:00.007-05:00

While you're browsing the great creations from this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme, I'll be visiting Minnie and Mickey and the wonderful land of Disney with my family! This week is designer's choice so I decided to share one of my favorite older stencils, Dreamweaver's Dragon (LJ844). He makes up into fabulous cards for those dragon lovers you know (I have two sons who loved D&D, still do). Here he is done with the faux cloisonne technique:

To start, tape the dragon stencil to black paper and apply Yellow Matte Embossing Paste. Remove and clean the stencil and let the paste dry. Place the clean, dry stencil back over the dry paste and use small stencil brushes and pigment inks to color the dragon. Remove the stencil and sprinkle Ultra-Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE) over the image, heat carefully. Let the image cool, place the stencil back over the design and add more color where desired. Sprinkle with regular Embossing Powder and carefully heat set the whole image. Mount on coordinating papers and embellish as desired.
Hope you enjoy this design too! Don't forget to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog and then to the other designer's blogs for more great ideas.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-06-16T06:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme Thursday challenge. This week's sketch challenge was brought to us by fellow Dream Team member Deborah March. Here's a copy of the sketch:

Here's my take on the sketch:

Cut a circle out of decorative paper and tape the Dreamweaver Dragonfly stencil (LM193) to the circle. Apply black embossing paste over the stencil, remove and clean the stencil. Let the paste dry about 10 or 15 minutes then use a soft paint brush to add Metallic F/X powders over the paste (I used Navajo Sky, Purple Satin, and Kiwi). Let dry completely, then use a Micron 03 black pen to add "veins" on the wings. Cut a slightly larger circle mat for behind the dragonfly and mount on coordinating papers. Add a sentiment for the appropriate occasion and send it off to the lucky recipient!
Check out the other Dream Team member blogs and the DREAM it UP! blog for more great interpretations of this fun sketch.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Schemes

2011-06-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe but it's Thursday already! Time for our Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge of the week. We have another designer's choice this week so I thought I'd share this sweet, summery little notecard with you.

It just has that hot summer day feel doesn't it. Try this easy technique while you enjoy some air conditioning on these 100 degree days, it very simple. Tape your stencil (I used Dreamweaver's LL582 Mum crest stencil) to white paper and use small stencil brushes to add color to the design. I used a pretty heavy coat of Brilliance Rocket Red and Thyme for this. Remove and clean the stencil then tape it back over the stenciled image and put a coat of Translucent Embossing Paste over it. Remove the stencil and immediately sprinkle the wet paste with crystal glitter. Set it aside to dry, then mount into a great notecard that you can use for any occasion. Try it, you'll like it!
Check out the DREAM it UP! blog and all the other great designs on the Dream Team blogs. We love hearing from everyone and use the Mr. Linky on Lynell's blog to share your work with us.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-06-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

Time for another Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme Thursday. This week's challenge is from Dream Team member Pam Hornschu and is a colorway challenge of Lavender and Gray. There are many shades of these two colors so the possibilities are many! Here's what I've created this week:

This is very easy to do. Simply paste emboss the Peacock (LG730) stencil on lavender paper with the Metallic Silver Paste. With the stencil still on the wet paste, sprinkle the peacock with Purple Satin Metallic F/X powder (FX14). Use a soft brush to VERY GENTLY brush the powder over the peacock image avoiding the flourish areas. Remove and clean the stencil and let the pasted image dry thoroughly. Use a sort brush and a swifter cloth to remove excess powder from the image. Mount on grey and lavender layers and embellish with a ribbon. This would be a great birthday, anniversary or wedding card.

Don't forget to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog to see what Lynell came up with this week, then check out the other team member blogs too.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-05-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme. This week is another designer's choice so I've decided to share three cards that we recently did in a class at Stampology Chicago. We created three great cards using the Necktie stencil (LG735), just in time for Father's Day or a birthday for your favorite someone. Here they are:

For this card, dry emboss the necktie stencil on white cardstock, and again on a decorative stripe. Lightly sand the embossed edges of the tie on the decorative paper and cut out the necktie. Use a coordinating color marker along the edge of the paper to hide the white cut edge. Mount the cut tie on the white embossed layer, then on to a black mat. Create a center fold card and add strips of matching decorative paper to each side. Attach the tie layer to the left side of the card.

Paste emboss the necktie on tan washi cardstock using Glossy Black Embossing Paste. With the stencil still in place, use a soft paintbrush to sprinkle Metallic F/X powders (Gold Dust and Moonstone) randomly over the wet paste. Remove and clean the stencil, let the paste dry, buff the extra powder of with a Swifter cloth, and mount on decorative paper.

And finally, use Translucent Embossing Paste on decorative cardstock with the necktie. Remove and clean the stencil, let the paste dry, cut out the tie, edge with a coordinating marker. Dry emboss the necktie on white cardstock. Mount the pasted tie on the white tie, then on a small black layer. Add black "photo corners" and a pearl gem as a tie tack. Adhere matching paper to the front of card, then use foam mounting tape to add the tie layer. Three easy cards that can be done in a variety of colors and patterns.
Be sure to check out the DREAM it UP! blog for several great ideas from the team, as well as the team member blogs. It's easy, just click on their names on the left side of my blog.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-05-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge. This week's challenge was given to us by fellow Dream Team member Deborah March. It is a sketch shape challenge open to our interpretation of course! Here's her sketch:

And here's my take on the sketch:

I decided to use just one arch along with the just re-released Cathedral Windows (LJ808) stencil. I printed a copy of the arch design, cut it out and traced it on white linen cardstock and cut the arch on the cardstock. Then dry embossed the Cathedral Window pattern on the white linen. I used a Brillance Pearlescent Beige ink pad to swipe color over the raised design, then a large stencil brush to brush a little additional color in the background. Using a larger stencil brush softens the color so it looks lighter. The background paper is kraft colored cardstock with the same Cathedral Window design stenciled with Brilliance Coffee Bean ink. Before layering the original arch layer was placed on black cardstock and trimmed to create a small black mat around the arch. Tie a black ribbon around it, then adhere to the kraft cardstock layer. The "Blessings" sentiment is from the new Rainy Days Sayings (LG738) stenciled on matching cardstock in the Beige ink, edged with a black marker the applied using foam tape. The felt flowers are from Creative Impressions and add the final touch.
See what you can do with this challenging design, then hop over to the DREAM it UP! blog to share it with the group or just for more great ideas. Don't forget to check out the other designer's blogs too!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-05-13T19:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme Thursday challenge! This week is another designer's choice, so I am sharing a design I did for Lynell using the new Maple Branch (LJ906) stencil. It is a beautiful stencil that will be great for many occasions. Here's my design:

This was done using the double glitter technique. It's easy to do if you know the steps. Start by cutting a piece of cardstock the same size as the stencil. Cut a piece of the Dreamweaver Double-sided mounting paper the same size as the cardstock. Adhere the mounting paper to the cardstock, burnish it well. Remove the second piece of release paper to expose the sticky paper, set aside. Soap the back of your stencil with Dreamweaver's Coconut Soap, brushing away all flakes that cling to the openings, and any big flakes on the stencil itself. Carefully place the stencil soap side down onto the sticky paper and press gently all around the stencil. Sprinkle the entire image with Art Glitter microfine Rock Moss glitter and tap off all excess glitter. With the stencil still in place, use small stencil brushes and inks to add additional color to the leaves and branches. Don't forget to use your Picasso (LL332) to help create some veins in the leaves. Place the glittered image face down on a clean paper towel and gently peel off the sticky paper from the stencil, being careful to keep the stencil flat on your work surface. Sprinkle the background with Crystal ultrafine glitter, and mount on a card.
Be sure to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog for more great ideas, and the other designer's blogs too! Thanks for stopping by today, see you next week!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Missing Dream Scheme

2011-05-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

Some of you may have heard that Blogger land lost a bunch of posts from yesterday. Soooo I will try to recreate my Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme post from yesterday today!! Did you get all that? Here we go... this week was designer's choice so I chose the beautiful new Japanese Maple Branch stencil (LJ906). Here's what I did:

This was done with the double glitter technique. Soap the back of the stencil and brush away any big flakes. Apply double sided mounting paper to a piece of cardstock and remove the second piece of release paper to expose the sticky paper. Place the stencil, soap side down, on the sticky paper and press into place. Sprinkle ArtGlitter Microfine Rock Moss glitter on the whole image. Tap off as much excess glitter as you can before using stencil brushes and inks to add more color where you want it. Place the image glitter side down on a clean piece of paper and gently pull the image off the stencil, making sure the stencil stays flat. Sprinkle the background with Crystal glitter and mount into a beautiful card.
I'm not sure if anyone else has restored their designs yet, but there are still plenty of other good ideas on the other designer's blogs and on the DREAM it UP! blog, so be sure to check them out!
Happy Creating,
Louise (again)

Dreamweaver Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-05-05T07:59:00.001-05:00

Every week I'm so amazed that it is Thursday already! Sorry I'm a little late posting today, this week has been another full of many of those "last" activities in my daughter's senior year. Tomorrow is Prom, I can feel the tears starting already!
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Scheme Thursday challenge is a colorway challenge using orange and blue given to us by fellow Dream Team member Georgia. These two complimentary colors really make a design pop. Here's my design for this fun challenge.

Sorry the image got a little dark. It is very simple. Paste emboss the floral heart (LG712) with Glossy Blue Embossing Paste and let the paste dry. Trim the image close to the design on all sides, mount on an orange mat, then a larger light orange mat. Add a pretty ribbon, mount on decorative background paper attached to the front of a card and you're finished in no time at all. Like I said, very easy.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Hop on over to the other designer's blogs and to the DREAM it UP! blog for more great orange and blue ideas.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Dreamweaver Class

2011-05-03T14:40:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the class samples I promised to post for my upcoming Dreamweaver Stencils class at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles, IL. We'll be using the Tall Vase stencil on three different cards using different techniques on each. The stencil is yours to take home at the end of class to create more great cards. Give Nancy or her staff a call to join us on Tuesday, May 10th.

Hope to see you in class!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Schemes

2011-04-28T06:00:00.006-05:00

Another week has flown by again! Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. This week our Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme Challenge is Designer's Choice Last week Lynell and Pam both showed a technique called Zentangle that they learned at a recent trade show. I was so intrigued by their work that I decided to give it a try this week. I started with two small stencils thinking that it would be easier than trying a larger design. It was so much fun that I can hardly wait to try it in a class.
Here's what I've managed to create so far with this fun technique:

Sorry I had to remove the pictures, but watch for them in the upcoming book from Design Originals on Zentangling techniques.

Check back this week to see samples of my two upcoming classes, May 10th at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles, Illinois, and May 14th at Stampology Chicago. Click on the store names to go to their websites for more class information.
Stop over to the other team member's blogs for more great ideas, and to the DREAM it UP! blog too!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-04-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

Time for another great Thursday Dream Schemes from Dreamweaver Stencils. This week we were given a sketch challenge from fellow Dream Team Member Lee Kellogg. Here's her sketch:

And here's my interpretation of the sketch:

This reminds me of that old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". I hope that's true because I've developed one of those annoying spring colds and I'm hoping it's a quick one! This is an easy card that would be great for a lot of different occasions, but especially good for an end-of-the-year thank you note to those favorite teachers out there! I used LS81, Small Apple, stencil and Glossy Red Embossing Paste on white cardstock. With the stencil still in place, I sprinkled some Ivy Garden, FX11, on the leaf and stem, and Kimono Red, FX15, on the apple. I used a soft brush to GENTLY swipe the powder over the entire image. Let it dry completely, deckle the edges, then mount on coordinating papers using the sketch challenge as your guide. A quick and easy design, but very eye-catching.

Now hop (it is almost Easter after all) on over to the DREAM it UP! blog for another great idea, then on to the design team blogs for even more ideas. Have a wonderful Easter.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Dream Scheme Thursday

2011-04-14T06:00:00.018-05:00

This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is designer's choice. These are always fun, but definately challenging to come up with new ideas. This Flower in bottle (LL566) stencil has always been one of my favorites.

For this card I started by dry embossing the image (use a light box and stylus, or your die cut machine) on white linen cardstock. Leave the stencil in place and use small stencil brushes to add color. With the vase stencil still in place, add the Violets stencil (LS5) over the vase and add color to the violets. Add a little green mear the bottom of the vase to give it a "shadow" . Layer on various shades of green paper and add embellishments.
Don't forget to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog for another great idea, then over to the rest of the Dream Team blogs.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Butterfly Bookmark

2011-04-07T06:00:00.009-05:00

This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme is a challenge given us by fellow Dream Team member Kristi. It's a colorway challenge using teal and yellow. These two colors really compliment each other and made me think of sunshine, warmer weather, and spring!
This week I chose to use two different butterfly stencils, LL518, Vertical Butterflies, and LM257, Heliconia butterfly , and an initial stencil, LS H, to create a bookmark card for this challenge.

I used stencil brushes and Brilliance Sunflower Yellow and Rust with the Vertical butterfly stencil around the outer edge of the base yellow card, and on a piece of white cardstock. Edge the white cardstock with the Rust ink then layer onto yellow cardstock also edged with Rust. Stencil the "H" near the bottom with Rust, then coat with a layer of Matte Yellow Embossing Paste. When the paste dries, dab with Stamp 'n' Stick and coat with Metallic F/X Glacier. Punch a hole near the top and add a ribbon.

The teal layer has a 1" wide slit cut across the center for the bookmark to slip through and is edged with a COPIC marker (BG72). Use foam tape to raise the teal layer for more dimension. The Heliconia butterfly was paste embossed on a piece of the teal paper using Matte Yellow Embossing Paste, and Art Glitter Bananan sprinkled on the wet paste. A little Rust was added on top after the paste dried. Cut it out leaving a small edge of teal and mount it on the teal layer.

This design can be personalized by changing the initial. The initial stencils are wonderful for creating sets of stationery or notecards for friends and family.

Don't forget to hop over to the DREAM it UP! blog for another great idea, then the other team member blogs listed down the left side of my blog.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-03-31T06:00:00.016-05:00

Welcome to another Dreamweaver Stencils Thursdays Dream Scheme! This week was a designers choice so I am sharing these ATC's I created for an ATC club that I belong to at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles, Illinois. Don't know what an ATC is? Well you are in for lots of fun and challenges!

ATC stands for Artist Trading Card and can be a way for artists to exchange ideas and information with each other. Everyone loves to get new ideas right! ATC's have just one rule, the finished size of the ATC must be 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". Usually a group chooses a monthly theme, and you meet once a month to exchange the cards with the group. Our group chooses a whole year of themes at a time so you can be creating ahead of schedule (like that ever happens!) Everyone is free to interpret the theme using whatever products and techniques they choose. It is a lot of fun to see what you can create in such a small space! Better yet, they are easy to store using sports card page protectors and a 3-ring binder.

Stencils are great to use on ATCs. Here are three examples of ATCs I have done using Dreamweaver Stencils:

The Chameleon, LM186, was done for a "Green & Gold" theme. He was so easy, Metallic Gold Embossing Paste on dark green cardstock, then layered onto a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of brushed metallic gold cardstock. I thought the little red brad for the eye was a nice finishing touch.

The glittered trees were for a "Winter Wonderland" theme. I didn't have a stencil small enough, so I used a small part of the Bare Trees, LJ849, stencil. Pearlescent Paste on white linen cardstock, sprinkled with Crystal glitter while the paste was still wet. After it dried, I wrapped a 1/4" white sheer ribbon around it and tied a knot, then mounted it on silver mirror paper.

The clover ATC was for a "Clover/Shamrock" theme and is similar to my St. Patrick's Day card but scaled down to sizes appropriate for an ATC. For the Clover stencil, LS58, I used Glossy Green Embossing Paste on white cardstock, sprinkled with Rock Moss Microfine Glitter while the paste was still wet. After it dried, I cut out around the clover leaving about 1/16" of white paper around the image. Color the edge with a green COPIC marker to make the image stand out more. The shamrock vine was a stamp I had and the green gingham is from A Muse Artstamps (sadly, no longer available except through home shows).

We tend to always use a certain stamp or stencil the same way over and over again until we get tired of it and stop using it. What a waste of all our great products! Think outside of the box to make other creations besides cards and scrapbook layouts. It is amazing what you can create in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. We're hindered only in finding enough time to try it all!

Be sure to check out all the other great ideas this week starting with the DREAM it UP! blog and all the other Dream Team members too.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-03-24T06:00:00.020-05:00

Here we are at another Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday's Dream Scheme. This week we have a sketch challenge designed by me. This design challenges you to create a card with a center opening rather than the standard side opening. Here's the sketch I challenged our Dream Team with:

And here's what I created for the challenge:

Can't you just feel that warm summer breeze! I just love this Flamingo stencil (LM182) from Dreamweaver! First, use stencil brushes and pigment inks to color the design. Clean your stencil, place it back over the design and apply Regular Embossing Paste (Matte White). Remove the stencil and sprinkle with Crystal Glitter. Let the paste dry, while it dries it will draw some of the pigment ink into the paste creating a pastel effect. Place the stencil back over the dry paste and add a little more color if you want the color a little brighter. To create this card I started with white cardstock cut 7" x 10". Score in 2 1/2" from each side and use a bone folder to crease the flaps really well. Add decorative paper to each flap. Ticket punch the corners of the flamingo layer and mount on a coordinating piece of cardstock. Adhere the flamingo to the left flap of the card For the grass at the bottom, I used a QuickKutz Grass die cut. But the fun is just beginning, the inside is just as much fun as the outside! Open the flaps on the front of the card to this:

Stencil the "Happy" part of the Happy Birthday stencil (LM150) first, clean the stencil, then stencil the "Birthday" below that. Stencil a Flamingo on each flap of the inside of the card. Your Picasso stencil (LL332) will help you keep your colors where they belong, especially the black for the eye.
Hope you've enjoyed this week's challenge, give it a try. Now check out the DREAM it UP! blog for another great idea along with all the Dream Team blogs, just click on their names down the left side of my blog.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday's Dream Scheme challenge. This week is a designer's choice, but of course, most of us will use a St. Patrick's Day theme. I love any excuse to send cards to family and friends, but with a last name of "Healy", I have to send cards for this special day! I don't send out quite as many as I do for other holidays, but it's always fun to come up with a green card.
This year I kept it very simple, using Dreamweaver's Clover (LS58) stencil, green embossing paste, glitter, and a COPIC marker for edging. Here's my card:

I was lucky enough to still have some of Dreamweaver's Green Glossy Paste, but if you don't, you can add a green acrylic paint to the translucent paste for the same affect. After I took off the stencil, I sprinkled the wet paste with Moss Green Ultrafine Glitter, then let it dry thoroughly. I wanted it to really pop off the white cardstock so I used a lighter green marker to edge around the clover image. Mount it on green gingham edge with the same marker and use foam tape to pop that off the card. This is a small card (4bar size) and is stamped on the inside with "have a lucky day" (A Muse Artstamps). The May Arts ribbon was the finishing touch. Here's a close up of the clover:

Now it's time to leap on over to the DREAM it UP! blog to check out the great design that Lynell came up with for this week's challenge. To see all the Dream Team samples, click on their names along the left side of my blog.

Hope you have a "lucky" day today too!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Hello!

2011-03-10T06:00:00.003-06:00

Thanks for joining us for another Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme. This week we were given a color challenge from Dream Team member Kim. We had to work with blue, brown and cream. These three colors are so pretty together. Here's what I did for the challenge.

I chose to use Dreamweaver's Tall Vase stencil (LM196) as a starting point. Dry emboss the vase on cream cardstock, leave the stencil in place and brush some color around the edges of the embossed vase. I used two colors of blue (Brilliance Sky Blue and Mediterranean Blue). With the vase stencil still on the embossed image, I added the Tree of Life stencil (LG690) over the vase, taped it down and applied Regular Embossing Paste (matte white) just on the part over the vase. Remove and clean both stencils. When the paste is dry, place the vase stencil, then the tree stencil back over the design and brush brown ink (Brilliance Chocolate) over the paste. Use a craft knife to cut a small slit across the top of the vase and a guillotine cutter to cut some fine strips of brown paper for the branches in the vase. Use a larger stencil brush to rouge some brown ink around the edge of the background. The "hello" stencil (LS96) was stenciled with the same two blues as the vase. Mount the vase layer onto brown cardstock, then two shades of blue.

Here's a close up of the vase:

I hope you've enjoyed today's challenge. Be sure to stop over at the DREAM it UP! blog and the other Dream Team member blogs to see what they came up with for this fun challenge! You are always welcome to play along on the DREAM it UP! blog.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Spring is in the Air!

2011-03-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

The days are getting longer,

The sun is getting stronger,

It won't be much longer,

'Til spring is here at last!

I can't help myself! I really need it to be spring! So when this week's Thursday Dream Scheme from Dreamweaver Stencils was Designer's Choice, I knew I had to show something springy. This is a card I recently created for a Lunch Card Exchange Club I go to each month. It gives me hope that nice weather is right around the corner.

I started with Dreamweaver Stencils LM257, Heliconia Butterfly, on the inside of one of their Long Oval White Window cards. Tape the stencil in the upper right corner making sure it is centered in the window. Use small stencil brushes to add color to the butterfly. I used several different Brilliance Inks to create a little shading on the wings. Let that dry well, or use a heat tool to set the ink. Place a piece of vellum (cut the size of the front of the card) over the stenciled butterfly. Place your clean, dry stencil back over the image (on top of the vellum), then shift it just a little up and to either side. Tape the stencil in place and spread Regular Embossing Paste (Matte White) over the stencil. Remove the stencil and carefully sprinkle the paste with crystal glitter. Let dry. Adhere the vellum piece to the inside front of the card so the pasted butterfly shows through the window with the colored butterfly behind it. Add a pretty ribbon, and maybe some pearl strips around the window (several of the ones I did for club had pearl strips around the opening and it was very pretty, but I ran out). When your lucky recipient opens the card, they'll see a beautiful, glittery butterfly on the outside, and a lovely, springy butterfly on the inside. Give it a try, it's easy!
Check out the DREAM it UP! blog, as well as all the other Dream Team blogs for more inspirational samples!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Class on Sunday, March 6th

2011-02-28T10:27:00.000-06:00

This Sunday, March 6th, I will be teaching a Dreamweaver Stencils class at Stampology Chicago using the beautiful new Owl on Oak stencil (LL3014). We'll be creating three cards using three different techniques and you get to keep the stencil. Give Donna or her staff at Stampology a call to register for class. Hope to see you on Sunday.
Here are the cards:

Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-02-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

It's time for another Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge! This week we were given a great sketch challenge from fellow Dream Team member Terrece. Sketch challenges are always fun and you'll be able to see lots of creative interpretations of this sketch on all the other team members blogs too. The DREAM it UP! blog will have another great version of this as well.

This is the sketch we were given:

and here is what I created.

This is the Grape Cluster stencil (LL568) from Dreamweaver Stencils. It works great for many techniques, but today I kept it simple. Tape the stencil to green cardstock and apply the Matte Black Embossing Paste (DMBP). Remove and clean your stencil. Allow the paste to dry for about 10 or 15 minutes, then use a small soft brush to gently apply Metallic F/X powders to the grapes and leaves. Let the paste dry completely. Use a black Micron pen to add some fine lines to the leaves for that finishing touch. They are hard to see in the picture, but those veins really give the leaves dimension. I mounted the green square on a small black mat, then on a larger purple mat. The background paper looks like crumpled paper and had veins of purple running through it so I just add some Distress Dusty Concord around the edges to tie it all together. The four strips are from the same purple paper that I used for the mat, they are 1/4" wide. The finished card is 5" x 7" (A7) because by the time you layer up the grapes it gets a little large for an A2 size card. I used a black COPIC marker on the edges of all the purple paper and around the outside edge of the card. I have found that this really helps each layer to stand out more and gives the edge of the card a more finished look.

Hope you try to create something from this challenge, it's a great layout for lots of different images.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Upcoming Class

2011-02-21T18:03:00.004-06:00

Aren't these little owls wonderful! They are called Owl Pair (LL3013) and are part of the new release from Dreamweaver Stencils. We'll be working with this great stencil in my class at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles, IL on March 15th. If you're in the area, give Nancy at The Cottage Stamper a call to sign up to be part of the fun!

Check back on Thursday for more great samples from the Dream Team, we'll be sharing our creations based on a sketch challenge we've been given.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Valentine's Day Hop, it was so much fun! Tracey was the lucky winner from my blog. Congratulations Tracey!

Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-02-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wow!! What a week! The Valentine Blog Hop was a blast with over 40 participants and lots of "hoppers"! If you haven't had time to check out all the great ideas, you have until 6:00 pm today to leave some comments to be eligible to win some great prizes. Click here to find out the details See my previous posting for my entry into the hop.

Today is Thursday, so you know what that means...another challenge from Dreamweaver Stencils! This weeks challenge is a designer's choice, so in keeping with the whole February/Valentine/Love theme that we've had going, I chose another beautiful heart design.

This is Dreamweaver Stencils' Floral Heart (LG712), just perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, a special someone...well you get the idea! I used Dreamweaver Embossing Paste (DEP basic white matte) on yellow cardstock. After the paste was dry (about 20-30 minutes or less on a warming tray), I put the clean stencil back over the dry paste and used small stencil brushes to add color to the flowers and foliage, pretty much any ink will work. Ticket punch the corners, mount it on coordinating layers, add a ribbon and gem to finish the design. This design works particularly well for a square card, but looks wonderful as a standard A2 size as well.

The rest of the Dream Team would love for you to click over to their blogs too. Just click on their names down the left side of my blog, and don't forget the DREAM it UP! blog! If you sign up as a follower on Lynell's blog by 6:00 pm EST tonight, you're eligible to win an additional prize!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Happy Valentines's Day!

2011-02-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

Exciting news today! Dreamweaver Stencils is a sponsor for a Virtual Valentine's Day Blog Hop. There are over 40 participants just waiting for you to leave them a little "love" comment! If you do, you'll have the chance to win some great prizes from the various sponsors.
The hop starts over at Taylor Usry's blog where you'll find a complete list of participating designers who just love sharing ideas with you! It's quite an impressive list, but don't worry, you have until Thursday, February 17th at 6:00 pm EST to leave a comment on the various blogs. Taylor will use random.org to select the winners from the various blogs and all winners will be announced on Friday. This is a great way to get new ideas and inspiration from all these talented artists! You probably reached my blog from fellow Dream Team member Laura's blog, if not, check it out then hop back here to continue the fun!

We are, of course, posting ideas with a Valentine/Love theme. The card I chose for the hop is one of my favorites from the new Dreamweaver Stencils designs that were just released at CHA. I've shown a similar card before, but this one just has such a romantic feel to it, that I couldn't resist using it for this hop.

It's very easy. Run the Small Damask (LJ907) stencil and white cardstock through your Big Shot (or any personal die cut machine) then trim it around the edge of the embossed design. Round the corners, use a 1/2" or 3/4" stencil brush to sweep Brilliance Beige ink from the edge toward the center, making sure you keep turning the design until all four sides have been done. Do the same technique using the new Tole Heart (LL3010). Mount the damask layer onto dark brown cardstock, and use foam mounting tape to layer the heart on the background. Add a beautiful wide red ribbon for the finishing touch. Who could ever doubt that you love them if you gave them this beautiful card!
So, keep hopping to Dream Team member Wendy's blog for more great ideas! Go to Taylor Usry's blog for the complete list, but don't forget to check all the Dream Team blogs as well as the DREAM it UP! blog.

Happy Creating,
Louise

Thursday Dream Scheme

2011-02-10T07:54:00.004-06:00

Well, it has stopped snowing, but baby it's cold out there! It was -17 degrees F when we got up this morning! The sun is glistening on the blanket of snow luring you into thinking it would be a beautiful morning for a walk...then you walk out to get the paper and WHAM!!! the cold hits you in the face. But sitting inside it truly is a beautiful day, I love any day the sun shines.

It's time for the Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge again. This week's challenge was given by Terrece and is a Valentine's Day colourway challenge of pink and brown. I love these two colors together, they are a perfect match. My interpretation brings in a little yellow and blue too, but the main focus is pink and brown.

This technique is called "Joseph's Coat". It is easy and fun. I chose LM148 Birdhouse stencil because it has detail, but some nice open spaces too that let the pattern of the paper come through. Choose a patterned paper, stripes or small patterns work the best. Tape your stencil on the paper and use Translucent Embossing Paste over the image. When it is dry, rub a dark ink over the whole image using a 1/2" stencil brush to help get the color into the lines, this takes patience to get a nice coat of ink. Don't worry about the ink on the paste, it will come off. and don't worry if it looks awful at this point, it's supposed to look like that! After you have enough ink, place the clean stencil back over the pasted design and use a damp paper towel (just barely damp) to wipe the ink off the paste, keep turning to a clean spot on the paper towel until you have the whole image cleaned off. Remove the stencil and cut out your image leaving a little edge around the design. When you cut your background paper (that matches the paper your image is on), try to cut it so you will be able to line up the designs on the image and background. You can't always to that, but it looks really great when it works! I usually use foam tape on the back of the image to make it pop out. Now click on over to the DREAM it UP! blog and the other Dream Team blogs to see what they've come up with for this fun challenge!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Good Morning!

2011-02-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning we awoke to a winter wonderland! All the dire predictions for the Chicagoland area came true as the blizzard swept through our town. Our side of the street got the big drifts, which made it a challenge to even get out of the garage to start shoveling! Our poor little snow blower got quite the workout. Normally it can handle the small snowfalls we get throughout the winter, but this was quite a bit deeper than it is used to handling. You could almost hear it saying "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!" (remember "The Little Engine that Could")!! It took several hours and some help from a neighbor, but we have a cleared driveway. Oh well, it is winter.

This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Scheme challenge was a designer's choice so I wanted to share this great new stencil design that was just released at CHA. It's the new Rooster (LG732) design from Dreamweaver Stencils and you can just see that he is crowing with delight at the break of a new day!

There are so many great ways to use this new design. For this one, I used several different colors of inks and small stencil brushes to apply color to the image on white cardstock. I used the Picasso stencil (LL332) to help on small areas. After cleaning the stencil, tape it back over the stenciled image using painters tape and apply Translucent Embossing Paste. Let it dry, then mount it on decorative papers for a wonderful all occasion card.

Stay tuned for lots more samples with the new designs. Don't forget to click over to the DREAM it UP! blog to see more great samples, and, of course, check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs as well!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Thursday's Dream Scheme

2011-01-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

"Wait!" you say, "it's only Wednesday." You're right, of course. This week we are starting our Thursday Dream Scheme challenge on Wednesday because Dreamweaver Stencils is sponsoring this week's Cardabilities weekly sketch challenge. The Dream Team was challenged to combine the sketch challenge from Cardabilities with our challenge of the week which was a colorway challenge using turquoise, dark brown, kraft or neutral.
Here's the sketch challenge from Cardabilities:

Here's my take on our combined challenges:

This is part of the darling new Owl Pair (LL3013) stencil being released this week at CHA. I punched the circle out of Kraft cardstock first, then taped the stencil down so just the smaller owl was on the circle. Applied Matte Black Embossing Paste, removed the stencil and let the paste sit for about 10 minutes. Using a soft paint brush, I pick up small amounts of Dreamweaver's Metallic F/X powders and "colored" on the black paste (I used Cocoa, Gold Dust, Amber Glow, and Kiwi), except the eyes, I left those black. "Hoot" is from the new Bird song (LG734) stencil. Again, Matte Black EP on Kraft cardstock, colored with Cocoa F/X when almost dry. The design across the top of the card was done with the Petals Background stencil (LJ899), a 1/2" stencil brush and Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate ink. Everyone knows I don't like the white edges that show when you cut some papers, so I used a COPIC Sketch marker (E27 Africano) to color the edge of the turquoise background paper, the Kraft strip across the center of the card, the small scalloped circle and the Hoot. Highlight the Petals Background with some turquoise gems, pop the little owl with foam tape and you've got a great card to send for any occasion!

Now it's your turn! Click on over to the Cardabilities blog for all the details, and don't forget to check out all the Dream Team creations by clicking on their names down the left side of my blog. As always, don't forget to check out the DREAM it UP! blog too!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Pretty in Pink

2011-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another Thursday's Dream Scheme challenge from Dreamweaver Stencils. This week is Designer's Choice, so I chose the beautiful new Tole Heart (LL3010) as my focal point for this pretty card. But wait!! Is that ANOTHER beautiful new stencil in the background??? It certainly is! It is the new Small Damask (LJ907) stencil that will be released at CHA next week. Isn't it fabulous!

This card is done with the strie (sorry I can't seem to get that accent mark over the e!) technique. Start with white cardstock (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") embossed by running the stencil and paper through your favorite personal die cut machine or by hand embossing with a light box and stylus. Trim to the edge of the embossed area all around the design and use a corner rounder on all the corners. Use a 1/2" or 3/4" stencil brush to "sweep" color in from one side, turn the design to the next side and sweep in more color. Keep turning and sweeping until you get all four sides complete. I keep sweeping and turning until I get enough color to my liking.
For the heart, I added some color with the same sweeping motion, then cut it out before adding more color so the edges got colored too. I adhered it to the background with foam mounting tape for added dimension. Rounding the corners of the base card softens the look of the whole design, and, of course, an elegant satin ribbon provides a wonderful finishing touch. Don't forget a pretty pearl gem at the top of the heart.
Thanks for joining us for another Thursday's Dream Scheme. I hope you are getting excited about all the new designs that will be coming your way very soon. I can't wait to start teaching with some of these great designs.
Click on over to the DREAM it UP! blog for more great ideas, Lynell is truly inspirational. Then click on the other designer's names on the left side of my blog for even more great ideas.

Happy creating,
Louise

Another Dreamweaver Class

2011-01-19T08:16:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone. Here are the samples from my upcoming class at Stampology Chicago. We'll be using the beautiful new Tole Heart (LL3010) from Dreamweaver Stencils. Class is on Saturday, January 22nd at 1:00 pm, so give Donna a call to register. We learn three great techniques using various Dreamweaver products including embossing paste and Metallic F/X mica powders. Hope to see you there!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Sneek Peek!

2011-01-18T08:59:00.004-06:00

The Dream Team is so excited! We can finally start "sneak peeks" of the new Dreamweaver Stencils designs! You are going to LOVE them! Today I want to share the new Owl Pair (LL3013). Aren't they adorable! I stenciled the background with the Ginko Bough stencil (LJ893). The owls were stenciled with color, then Translucent Embossing Paste put over them. You can just hear them hoooting to each other!

More sneak peeks coming soon and don't forget to check back on Thursday for our weekly Thursday's Dream Scheme challenge!

Happy Creating,
Louise

Hello!

2011-01-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hello there! It's hard to believe another week has passed and it's time for another Thursday's Dream Scheme challenge. This week the Dreamweaver Stencils design team was given a sketch challenge by team member Deborah. Here's what it looks like...

...and here's my take on it.

How would you like this little guy to welcome you home on your screen door! This friendly critter is Dreamweaver Stencils LM2004, and the "hello" sentiment is LS96.

I used the Matte Yellow Embossing Paste as the base layer for both stencils. When the paste is dry, put your clean stencil back over the yellow paste and use small stencil brushes with pigment ink to color the design. My Picasso stencil (LL332) was essential for keeping the colors where they belonged. After applying the ink, remove the stencil and sprinkle the ink with Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). Carefully heat the UTEE to give great dimension to the images. I thought the black and white gingham looked like a screen in the background. This could be a great card for a young boy, or someone you know who lives in the tropics!

Don't forget to check out all the team member blogs for more creative renditions of this sketch challenge. Just click on each team member's name in the list on the left side of my blog. And you won't want to miss the DREAM it UP! blog for a chance to participate in the fun!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Upcoming Class

2011-01-11T11:11:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone. Well, it is a beautiful, snowy day here in Illinois on this special 1-11-11 day! We already have a couple of inches and it is supposed to snow the rest of the day. It's lovely if you don't have to go anywhere but I sure hope we don't get 11 inches!
Today I want to tell you about an upcoming class using one of the new Dreamweaver Stencils images called Lovebirds Heart (LL3011). On Tuesday, January 18, 2011, I will be teaching at The Cottage Stamper in St. Charles, IL. Check out their website for times and cost. If you are in the area, we would love to have you join us for a couple of hours, but you do have to call and register.

The class is designed to use one stencil three different ways to demonstrate the versatility of stencils. We use a variety of products to create three beautiful cards. The stencil is yours to take home after the class so you can be inspired to try these designs again, or come up with your own ideas.

Hope to see you in class.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Positive-Negative

2011-01-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to another Thursday's Dream Schemes challenge! This week the Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Team was given another designer's choice, which led to my title of "Positive-Negative". You know the feeling...sometimes what you're creating is "positive" (you love it), but sometimes it can be a "negative" if you don't like what you made! Lucky for you, I can show you how to make even your negatives positive!

This beautiful Pear (LL563 Lg Pear) stencil is perfect for using the Memories Mist sprays that Dreamweaver sells. The process is a little messy, but the results make it well worthwhile. I created a "spray box" by taking a copy paper box and removing one of the long sides creating a three-sided box. Whenever I use the sprays I like to start with a clean piece of white paper in the bottom of the box (usually I cut an 8 1/2" x 11" in half to get two pieces 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"). Then center the paper you are spraying on the white paper, and center the stencil on that. Hold the bottle as upright as possible when you spray (aim towards the back of the box) so that the mist goes straight out them falls gently onto your design. By controlling your aim, you can somewhat control where you spray, but this is by no means an exact process! When you add a second color, try not to overlap your spray areas too much or it can get a little muddy looking. I started with a light coat of Mango Lemonade (yellow), added some Orange Juice and just a hint of Strawberry Daiquiri near the bottom of the pear, then finish off with Wheatgrass near the top of the pear. Now carefully lift your stencil off and behold a beautiful pear!

But we're not done yet! That was the positive image, but look at all that wonderful spray still sitting on the top of your stencil. I can't bear to waste things, so I take another piece of cardstock and carefully press on the ink that collected on the stencil. Lift it off to see the "negative" of what you just created. Two beautiful images every time you spray!

BUT WAIT!! We're still not finished! That piece of paper that you put in the bottom of the box is too beautiful to throw away. It will become the background paper for the front of our card! If you trim it right it will match up with your design perfectly. Cut a little mat for your image to help hide the white area where your sprayed paper sat. I left the background and the pear with just the spray so you could get a clear idea of how it works, but once the sprays are dry (just a couple of minutes) you could stencil another stencil in the background, or an overlay on the pear. Not sure what that means? Just wait...I'll show you another day!

Here's the negative of the spraying. As you can see, it too could be mounted into another beautiful card.

Just a note, the colors in these photos are darker than they actually are on the card. Hope you've enjoyed today's lesson. The possibilities with your stencils are endless!
As always, don't forget to check out the DREAM it UP! blog as well as the other designers blogs.

Happy New Year and Happy Creating,
Louise

Love in the New Year!

2010-12-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

How did this happen????? Where did the last few months of 2010 go??? Where did all of 2010 go?? I really thought that after we sold our business that I would be a woman of leisure, but that hasn't happened. Between teaching classes, golf outings with my daughter, college searches, family trips, helping injured family members and joining the Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Team, I seem to have kept myself busy! How did I ever have time to run a store? Oh well, it's been a fun year.

Here we are at another Dream Schemes Thursday Challenge. This week's theme was "Love in the New Year", which , of course, gets you thinking about Valentine's Day that is right around the corner! This darling new Lovevirds Heart stencil (LL3011) from Dreamweaver Stencils is the perfect image for our challenge this week. I've paired it with one of Dreamweaver's older background stencils LJ833. This card moves away from the traditional red and pink of Valentine's Day to a beautiful combination of Glossy Blue Embossing Paste and Wisteria Ultrafine Glitter (very pale purple). Photos never do justice to glittery cards, but hopefully you get the picture! The shimmer ribbon adds to the over all sparkle of the card.

How did I do it...easy! Tape down your stencil on white linen cardstock, apply Glossy Blue Embossing Paste, remove your stencil and immediately sprinkle with the glitter. The larger palette knife works great on the background stencil.

Here's a close up of the new Lovebirds Heart stencil. The detail in it is just wonderful, and makes it easy to use.

Don't forget to hop on over to all the other Dream Team blogs. Just click on the team member names on the left side of my blog, and the DREAM it UP! blog too!

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe New Year!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T06:00:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe it's almost Christmas! So much has been happening lately, that it is easy to forget why we celebrate this glorious season. This card was inspired by one of my very favorite Christmas carols. Can you guess which one?
This week's Dreamweaver Stencils Thursday Dream Schemes was Designer's Choice, so I wanted to share this beautiful angel stencil with you and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The angel is Dreamweaver's LJ871 and uses the Pearlescent Embossing Paste on white cardstock. After it is dry, cut it out and mount it on beautiful background paper, add some pearl gems to the halo and across the card to compliment the pearl finish of the paste. So easy!

D0n't forget to stop by all the designer's blogs to check out more great ideas, and, as always, hop on over to the DREAM it UP! blog.

Merry, merry Christmas,
Louise

Thursday's Dream Schemes

2010-12-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it's Thursday already! The weeks seem to fly by, but especially so at this busy time of year. But it is so important to take the time for friends and family. That's why this card is so perfect! It is simple, fast and a beautiful way to pay homage to this glorious season. The colors are fit for royalty.

Our Dream Team challenge this week was to create using the Glossy Blue Embossing Paste. I used two Dreamweaver Stencils (LM2007 Hallelujah, LL554 Nativity Scene), Glossy Blue Embossing Paste, and Metallic F/X powder Purple Satin FX14.

Here's how its done:

Tape both stencils to white cardstock, butting the edges together. This will take a little extra tape to make sure all the seams are covered. Apply the Glossy Blue paste and sprinkle with the Purple Satin F/X powder but don't cover up all the blue paste. Remove your stencil, let it dry, then polish away the excess powder with a soft cloth. You end up with a blue and purple marble affect. Here's a close up to help you see what I'm talking about:

You can do each stencil separately if you prefer, but I'm always looking for shortcuts! Hope this inspires you to try this on your own. Truly it couldn't be easier.

Don't forget to stop by the other Dream Team blogs too. They are all filled with "Blue-tiful" creations. Just click on their names on the left hand side of my blog. And, of course, you won't want to miss the DREAM it UP! blog.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Any Occasion

2010-12-13T11:57:00.005-06:00

This is one of those designs that can truly be used for any occasion. Make several of them at a time, leave the inside blank, and then pull one out when you need a last minute card for virtually Any Occasion! Here's how it's done:

Tape Dreamweaver Stencils LG625, to dark brown paper
Apply Glossy White Embossing Paste
Remove stencil and immediately sprinkle with Crystal Glitter
Let dry and cut out image along the right side of the design only
Mount into a beautiful card!

Another simple creations with wonderful results. Don't forget to stop back on Thursday for our Thursday's Dream Scheme ideas. This week we have been challenged by Lynell to create with the Glossy Blue Embossing Paste, so the results should be Blue-tiful!

Happy Creating,
Louise

Black and Gold

2010-12-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

As promised, here is another wonderful idea for Dreamweaver Stencils LG625 stencil. I just love the beautiful washi papers by Hanko Designs, and the black and gold branches running through this beautiful paper were my inspiration for this combination. The cut edges on each side of the flower just seemed to blend perfectly into the oriental theme. While this looks a little more complicated than my Christmas design, it is not. This card is a standard A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") perfect for any occasion. Here are the steps:

Tape your stencil to white cardstock (3 1/2" x 4 1/2")
Apply Glossy Black Embossing Paste
While the stencil is still on, use a small brush to pick up some Metallic F/X Gold Dust powder and tap the brush over the black paste so the powder falls randomly over the design. Keep doing this until you have as much gold powder on as you think looks nice
Remove and clean the stencil
When the paste is dry, use a 3/4" stencil brush to brush off any excess powder
Measure in 1" from the bottom right corner and make a little mark. Do the same at the top right.
Place a ruler over the design at the two marks and use a pencil to draw a light line from the bottom or top along the ruler until you reach paste.
Cut away all the white paper along the right side following the paste outline (be sure to leave a little white edge)
From the new bottom right corner, measure over 1 1/2" and make a mark, do the same at the top
Now cut away the extra white on the left side of the design
Cut a piece of black cardstock 1 5/8" x 4 5/8" and adhere it to the cut out flower
The decorative washi paper was 2" x 5", with a black mat of 2 1/8" x 5 1/8"

A nice black mat under a colored layer always helps the layer really stand out. Hope you'll give this a try. The Metallic F/X powders can be sprinkled on, mixed it, or brushed on to any of the paste products...Mix 'n' Match!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Thursday's Dream Schemes

2010-12-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Here it is, the card you've been waiting to see! This week's challenge was Designer's Choice. We could use whatever stencil, products, and layout we chose. I love the versatility of this particular stencil. It is Dreamweaver Stencils LG625. Isn't it gorgeous. I believe Lynell calls it a peony, but I say it is whatever you want it to be depending how you use it. Today, I want it to be a Christmas flower! This is an amazingly simple card. Here we go:

Tape the stencil to white or light colored cardstock
Use stencil brushes to add color to the design (I only used Brilliance Rocket Red, Thyme, and just a touch of Ivy)
Clean and dry your stencil and tape it over the colored design
Apply Translucent Embossing Paste
Remove and clean your stencil, and let the paste dry
Mount on coordinating layers and beautiful background paper

That's it, I told you it was easy! This is a 5" x 7" finished card, perfect for the Christmas season. Check back on Saturday for another simple idea for this great stencil.

Don't forget to check out all the other designer's blogs by clicking on their names on the left hand side. And of course, you won't want to miss the DREAM it UP! blog as well.

Happy Creating,

Louise

Is it Thursday already????

2010-12-07T08:46:00.002-06:00

Not quite, but here's a little sneak peak of the card I'll be posting on our Thursday's Dream Scheme challenge this week. Be sure to check out the DREAM it UP! blog for chances to participate, and of course all the other team blogs. See you Thursday!

"Thursday's Dream Schemes"

2010-12-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to "Thursday's Dream Schemes"! This week the Dream Team was given a sketch challenge to use for inspiration. For those who aren't familiar with a sketch challenge, it means we are given the basic layout for the card and are free to use any colors, papers, images we want to create a card in the format provided. Here is this week's sketch

As you can see, it just provides the basics for you to use as inspiration for your design. I'm still trying to design my Christmas card so I chose a simple Christmas design for this week.

I started with Bo-Bunny's beautiful Noel Holly paper for my background. The reverse side of the holly paper is just as gorgeous, so I used that to paste emboss the Dreamweaver Stencils Holly Flourish (LG731) with Glossy Red Embossing Paste and set that aside to dry. The reverse side has some areas with pine boughs which worked perfectly to use for the Season's Greetings (LS91) sentiment also done in Glossy Red Embossing Paste. When both pieces were dry, I put the clean stencil back over the red paste and used a sponge dauber to apply Palette Stamp and Stick to the surface of the paste. I then used a small paint brush to apply Dreamweaver's Metallic F/X Rose Berry (F/X 08) over the image. This helped to take away some of the brightness of the red paste so the image matched the Holly Paper better. Next time, I think I will put the powder in the paste before I apply it, so I can control the color even more. The dark green layer is also from Bo-Bunny, it is Noel Stripe using the reverse side. Use the Tonic Dual Corner Punch to punch the ticket corners on all the layers. I don't like white edges of paper showing, so I used a COPIC marker to edge all my layers (G29 Pine Tree Green). Adhere the Holly Swirl to the dark green layer, then to the background holly paper. Add a ribbon down the right side and adhere to the front of your card. Use foam mounting tape to apply the sentiment to the left side of the card front. Very simple, but elegant.
Don't forget to visit the other Dream Team members today to see all the beautiful projects. Just click on their names on the left side of the blog. And don't forget to stop by every Thursday for more great ideas from the Dream Team.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is here already! I love the tradition of this day. No worries about what to make because it is always exactly the same! Once in a while we'll add a new dish to see if it's worthy of the day. Some are, some aren't. One we kept is a cranberry, apple oatmeal casserole that fits in perfectly and is ideal for breakfast the next day. We use my Mother's recipe for bread stuffing (simple but delicious), and my husband's Mother's recipe for wild rice casserole. Other than that, its the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes and corn. Talk about carb loading! But of course, the best part of the day is being with family and friends.

Another great tradition is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year the Dream Team is hosting our own version of a Thanksgiving Parade with a parade of Christmas card "floats". Lynell has challenged us to create Christmas themed cards in non-traditional colors. So be sure to visit all the Dream Team blogs to get lots of great ideas.

I decided to create an Advent card, which is actually very traditional, but uses colors you would not normally choose for a Christmas card.

I started by taping the Candle Trio stencil (LM119) to white paper, then used small stencil brushes and Distress Inks to stencil color into the openings of the stencils. Mustard Seed on the flames with a little brush of Fired Brick near the base of the flames: Victorian Velvet and Worn Lipstick on the center candle and bow: Dusty Concord on the purple candles; Pine Needles on the holly leaves; and Fired Brick on the berries and to highlight the bow. Remove and clean the stencil and tape it back over the colored image. Apply Translucent Embossing Paste over the image, remove stencil and sprinkle the wet paste with crystal glitter. Let dry. Mount onto a layer of dark purple paper cut 1/4" larger than your white layer.

This close up of the candles shows how your colors will really shine through the Translucent paste and glitter when the paste dries clear.

The pink candle in an Advent Wreath represents Joy, so that's the word I chose to describe this beautiful season. While the candles are drying, take a larger piece of pink paper and center the word Joy near the bottom using the Love & Joy stencil (LG693). When you tape it to the paper, make sure you tape over any opening in the stencil that may get in the way (this is very easy). Apply Glossy White Embossing Paste over the Joy, remove the stencil and sprinkle the wet paste with crystal glitter.

When everything is dry, mount the layers together for a beautiful card that pays homage to the season without being red and green.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and don't forget to finish "watching" our Dreamweaver Parade! Just click on the links below for the other team members "floats".

and last but not least Dream it UP!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Thanksgiving Day Parade

2010-11-21T14:25:00.005-06:00

Well, we're in the final countdown to Thanksgiving Day. The Dream Team is putting together our own version of a Thanksgiving Day Parade that you won't want to miss. Stop by on Thursday to see beautiful design after beautiful design as you "float" through all the Dream Team blogs viewing our tribute to our favorite Dreamweaver Stencils Christmas designs.
Then continue to check back every Thursday for our "Thursday's Dream Schemes" and more wonderful Dreamweaver samples.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Class Cards

2010-11-12T08:57:00.003-06:00

I never tire of working with the beautiful stencils from Dreamweaver Stencils. Here are the cards we'll be making at my next class at The Cottage Stamper, in St. Charles, IL on December 7th. This is stencil LG625, Flowers and Leaves, and as you can see, it is amazing how different it looks depending on the technique. I'll have more details on these after the class.
Happy Creating,
Louise

Bow Challenge

2010-11-01T13:28:00.006-05:00

Do you love the look of a nice bow on a card, but just can't seem to get yours to sit right? You're not alone, many people have trouble with bows. Today, Lynell Harlow of Dreamweaver Stencils challenged the Dream Team to help fellow crafters beat the challenge of bow making!
I follow the following 12 step program:

One: Start by placing a small amount of adhesive in the center of the back of a piece of cardstock.

Two: Using a piece of ribbon between 18" and 24", attach the center of the ribbon to the adhesive (so an equal amount of ribbon comes off both sides).

Three: Turn the cardstock over with the ends of the ribbon coming out both sides.

Four: Place the left end over the right side of the ribbon and then down behind it so the end of the left ribbon is now coming out from under the right side.

Five: Pull the ends tight and perpendicular (up and down).

Six: Place a glue dot under the twist in the ribbon to help hod the ribbon in place while you do the loops.

Seven: With your right hand bring the bottom ribbon up to form the first loop.

Eight: With your left hand, bring the top ribbon over your loop.

Nine: Push the ribbon behind the first loop and back through opening you made.

Ten: Push it through until you have your second loop.

Eleven: Pull each loop to tighten the center knot.

Twelve: Adjust the size of the loops by pulling on the tails, and re-tighten by pulling the loops again. You may need to do this a few times to get the loops the right size. Trim the ends.
I know it seems like a lot of steps, but it is really a pretty easy process. Practice with ribbon that is about 1" wide, then use smaller or larger ribbon once you understand the process. If you make your bows this way you will always have a nice center knot and both ends will lay nicely.
Good luck!

Happy Creating,

Louise

Upcoming Class

2010-10-21T19:31:00.003-05:00

Crackle Paste

Shadow Technique

Glitter Technique

Isn't this a beautiful stencil! This great Holly Sprig (LL3005) is another wonderful Dreamweaver Stencils design. We'll be featuring this stencil in my class at Stampology Chicago on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 1:00 pm. As usual, I will teach three techniques with one stencil to feature the versatility of these easy-to-use products. So if you are in the Chicagoland area, give Donna at Stampology a call to register for this fun class. The great thing about Dreamweaver classes is that it doesn't matter if you've never used a stencil before, you will create three beautiful cards and the stencil is yours to take home, so you can keep on creating!

For a chance to win some Dreamweaver Stencils, my fellow Dream Team member Wendy Jordan is hosting a Dreamweaver Challenge on her blog, Paper Therapy. Just click on the link to learn how you could win some great stencils.

Happy creating,

Louise

Autumn Days

2010-10-15T16:39:00.003-05:00

It has been another beautiful fall day here in Illinois. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, the leaves are falling....aahhhh... who could ask for more. Autumn is my favorite time of year, except for the shorter days! Here's another card using the beautiful fall borders stencil (LJ874) from Dreamweaver Stencils with the Autumn Stencil (LM295). Paste the pumpkin corner with Black Matte Embossing Paste and let it dry for about 10 minutes. Carefully place the Autumn stencil in the upper right corner and paste that with the Black Matte as well. When dry place the pumpkin corner back on the black paste and use a soft brush to brush on Metallic F/X powders (I used Ivy Garden, Amber Glow, and Cocoa). Do the same with the Autumn stencil. Mount the image on black linen, then on to a 5" x 7" card and embellish with buttons. Sigh with happiness at your beautiful creation!
Happy Creating,
Louise

Class Samples

2010-10-07T09:03:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted more samples yet this week. My daughter was in play offs for girls golf this week. She placed 5th in her regional out of 73 girls!! On to sectionals next week. I've also been busy this week teaching at The Cottage Stamper, in St. Charles, IL. If you ever get the chance, stop in, they have a wonderful selection of the latest and greatest stamps and stencils, plus lots of other great products. Here are the cards we did in class this week.

This is the new coiled tree stencil from Dreamweaver Stencils (LG729). The first card used the Metallic Copper Embossing Paste, let that dry, then apply Stamp and Stick Glue with a finger dauber. The glue has to sit for a few minutes to get tacky, then apply a sheet of gold leaf, using a 3/4" stencil brush to pounce the leaf onto the paste. Don't forget to save the gold leaf scraps!

The blue card uses Glossy White Embossing Paste with Metallic F/X Navajo Blue powder mixed directly into the paste before pasting over the stencil. Let dry and embellish as desired.

The shadow technique used on the last card is one of my favorites. Tape your stencil down to the paper and use a small stencil brush to add your color (I used Brilliance Thyme and Galaxy Gold). Clean your stencil and place it directly back over the image. Move the stencil up and to the right about 1/16" to 1/8". Tape your stencil down and use the White Matte Embossing Paste over the image, remove the stencil and immediately sprinkle the paste with Crystal glitter.

Fun easy cards, but don't forget...the right papers and embellishments are what really finish the card.

Happy Creating,
Louise

And the winner is.....

2010-10-04T08:23:00.009-05:00

Congratulations Maggie! You were the lucky random comment on my blog and will win that beautiful Black-eyed Susan stencil, the glossy red paste AND the Pink Poppy Metallic F/X!!!! Just go to the DREAM it UP! site for instructions on how to receive your prize!

Thank you to everyone who left comments for our first ever Dreamweaver Stencils Blog Hop. It was a lot of fun and we really appreciated all of your positive feedback. It inspires us to keep creating with these wonderful products. Congratulations to all the winners!

Maggie said...
Louise, these are just amazing! You make me almost excited that it's fall. The Black-eyed Susans are gorgeous. You do amazing work and I am so happy that I live near you and can take your classes. I like the Black-eyed Susan stencil and the Branch and Berries, glossy red paste, and Pink Poppy metallic F/X. (fingers crossed)
October 2, 2010 5:29 PM

Happy Creating,
Louise

Autumn in the AIr!

2010-10-02T00:05:00.003-05:00

Day two of the Dreamweaver Stencils blog hop! Hopefully you hopped to the four blogs in yesterday's hop and left your comments for those fabulous creations! Today you should be hopping here from Liz's blog.
Do you recognize the image above from my sneak peek? It is Dreamweaver's beautiful Fall boarders stencil (LJ874) and the new Thanks stencil (LS1006) used to create a simple fall thank you note. The pumpkin corner was pasted with White Matte Embossing Paste. When the paste dries, you place your clean stencil back over the paste and use small stencil brushes to add color on top of the paste. Don't forget to use an edge of your Picasso (LL332) to add the veins on the leaves. Details count! Place the thanks stencil above the pumpkin and use a stencil brush to color that. Cut the edge with a deckle scissors, edge with a brown marker and mount into a great card. Supplies: White Matte Paste, Brilliance Inks - Sunflower Yellow, Pearlescent Orange, Rocket Red, Pearlescent Thyme, Pearlescent Ivy, Pearlescent Chocolate, COPIC Africano (E27), natural linen cardstock, fern green cardstock.

I love how versatile the Dreamweaver Stencils are when you are creating. In my classes we use one stencil and learn three techniques, otherwise we tend to keep using it the same way every time we pull that stencil out. This card highlights the other corner of the Fall boarders stencil, the beautiful oak leaves corner as well as the Autumn stencil (LM295). Again I simply used the white matte paste on the leaves, let it dry and put the stencil back on to color it (same Brilliance inks as on the first card). When coloring the acorns, I used openings in the Picasso to help keep that dark brown ink off the leaves. Don't forget the veins in the leaves too! After I colored the leaves, I used Memories Mists Bright Gold over the paper (even over the colored leaves). It gives a wonderful gold shimmer to the whole background. Stencil the Autumn with the Pearlescent Chocolate, and use that small stencil brush to sweep in some brown on all the edges. Mount that on dark brown cardstock, add a ribbon and one of Dreamweaver's new Embellishment Pins (I used a gold one and colored it to match my design with a COPIC marker, YR07). Mount that onto a burnt orange cardstock for another beautiful fall creation!

Last, but not least, this card uses both corners along with the Autumn stencil to really give that look of Indian Summer! This card is a little more work, but is worth the effort. Paste one of the corners with the white matte embossing paste and let it dry. Then paste the other corner with the white paste. Color with the Brilliance inks and stencil brushes using the Picasso to help with the details. Stencil the word Autumn in a "rainbow" of colors to match the rest of the design. Use a large stencil brush (at least the 3/4" brush) to brush brown in around the edges and into the background. I like to use a really large brush to do this, a No. 12. Most craft stores have these. Mount on brown and rust for another beautiful design.

Three stencils, one paste, endless possibilities! I will be posting some other ideas with these stencils next week so be sure to stop back and see some other techniques using these.

To purchase these wonderful products, you can find a retail store near you by going to Dreamweaver's Where to Buy page.

Don't forget to leave a comment here for another chance for a prize. Just link to the Dreamweaver Stencils site, choose your favorite stencil, paste and F/X powder, and tell me why you chose those. I will be selecting a random winner on Monday, October 4, 2010 from everyone who leaves me a comment. I'm the last hop of the day, but you can start again tomorrow at the DREAM it UP! blog for another inspirational day and more chances to win!

Official Blog Hop Info

We want you to have the chance to win your favorite stencil, embossing paste and Metallic F/X powder. For each comment you post along the hop, you need to choose a stencil, paste and powder you like best, identify it to us, tell us why it's your favorite and how you think you might use it. Be sure to comment on each blog along the hop!

Blog Candy - How to get it!

For each comment on the different blogs, you need to choose a different stencil, paste and Metallic F/X color...in case you win more than once! At the end of the three days, each member of the Dream Team will choose a random entry to win and post it on their blog by midnight of Monday, October 4.

Another Opportunity to win!

In addition to commenting on each designer's blog, you have another opportunity to win by becoming a follower on the DREAM it UP! blog. After you become a follower, leave a comment on that blog saying you have done that. With eleven designers and this, you have TWENTY-TWO chances to WIN!!! All winners will be selected by Random.org and posted on each designer's blog by midnight Monday, October 4.

Blog Hop Schedule

It is not imperative to follow this schedule, but different designers will be posting their creations on different days, so take one last look on Sunday to make sure you've taken advantage of all your opportunities to win blog candy! Here's the schedule

Friday, October 1st

Saturday, October 2nd

Laura

Lee

Liz

Louise (you're here!)

Sunday, October 3rd

Pam

Terrece

Wendy

Happy Creating,

Louise

Sneak Peek!!!

2010-10-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

The Dreamweaver Stencils Blog Hop starts today! Hop on over to DREAM it UP! to get all the details and start hopping! My hop is Saturday, October 2nd and this little sneak peek will have to do until then. But don't miss out on today's participants for four chances to win PRIZES!!!!!!!!!! Check out these DREAM TEAM blogs, but be sure to leave a comment so you are eligible for all the great prizes!!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Deborah

Georgia

Kim

Kristi

Have fun on the hop and Happy Creating,

Louise