Stencil Inspiration, Distress Inks, and Mini Blending Tools

Here's some stencil inspiration for those of you participating in our Monthly Challenge on our Facebook Creative Community Page.  If you're not participating, you should!  We give away lots of fun stuff and share all kinds of creative projects.

I used the NEW Tim Holtz Mini Blending Tools and Distress Ink to create this fun pattern.  I wasn't sure I really wanted one more tool sitting on my craft table.  So, I originally declined to add this cute little tool to my bag of supplies.  Well, I wanted to try the fun technique below, and couldn't get the larger tool to work.  I kept getting hard lines, and it wasn't small enough to really control where I applied the color.  Needless to say, I now have a Mini Ink Blending Tool.  They are wonderful for working with stencils!

I used Picked Raspberry, Spiced Marmalade, and Squeezed Lemonade Distress Inks to get this effect.  First, I layered my stencil on top of my Mixed Media paper from Strathmore (my favorite for these techniques) and applied the Picked Raspberry in a circle pattern as shown below.  Then, I added Spiced Marmalade (in circles) between each of the Picked Raspberry circles.  Finally, I blended Squeezed Lemonade in all the empty areas softening the edges of the circles.

I removed the stencil, and then misted the paper with water.  I held my spray bottle  at least 18 inches above my paper and sprayed it a couple of times.  I let the water drops sit on the paper for a moment.  Then I dried it with my heat tool.  I love that effect!

I trimmed the paper so that the black card base showed on each side.  Added my sentiment.  It's from the Simply Fabulous Sayings set from MFT Stamps.  For the final touches, I added enamel dots and some clear Wink of Stella to the edges of the black cardstock.  It's hard to see in this image, but it shimmery!

FREE Friday "Make and Take"

Join us on Friday!  We're playing with Gelatos and making this unique, die cut, Mother's Day card.  FREE "Make and Take" is available between 5PM and 7PM, while supplies last.

Ghosting Technique with Stencils and Distress Ink

Here's some stencil inspiration for those of you participating in our Creative Community Stencil Challenge this month.  Want to participate?  You can find the group HERE.

I used the "ghosting" technique I use with the Dylusions Sprays to get this effect.  Only, this time, I used the Tim Holtz Distress Inks.

I applied the inks to my Mixed Media cardstock from Strathmore.  I used the Distress Ink pens, but you could use the ink pads with the blending tools also.  Both products work.  I then used my water brush to get the inks wet and moving on the paper.  I use quite a bit of water.  I like the puddles and blending  that occur with a heavier application of water (the purple is a result of the blue and red blending together).

Allow the paper to dry.  You can speed this process up using your heat tool.

Once the paper is dry, mist your stencil with water.  Place it onto your inked paper, water side down.  You want the wet portion of the stencil to touch the ink.  Let the stencil set for a few seconds before removing it.  Then, let the water sit for a few seconds on top of your paper.  Place a dry paper towel over the top of your paper to pick up the excess water (and the ink).  Don't rub.  Just place the towel down, and pick it up. The results should be the fun ghosting (or faux bleaching) technique shown below.

I finished the card with some enamel dots and some clear, Wink of Stella pen applied to the edges of the blue cardstock.

Additional Supplies Used:
Simply Fabulous Sayings from MFT Stamps
Enamel dots
Stencil from Crafters Workshop
Distress Inks - Broken China and Festive Berries
Wink of Stella brush pen (clear)

Art Journal Inspiration

Here's some Friday, Art Journal inspiration to "kick off" your weekend.  I used quite a few different stencils, since that is our Creative Challenge this month.

Hope you enjoy.

I created lots of layers using stencils, tissue, and stamps.  I loved how it looked and really didn't want to do anything else to the pages.  But I had to stick with my original plan.  I drew three flowers with my black Montana paint marker and then divided the page in half.  I blacked out the bottom half.  Yikes.  I was really nervous doing that.  I then applied white paint to the top half using the same technique.  I used a thinner layer of white paint than I did with the black paint.  I just couldn't cover everything up.  So I left some of the layers visible through the white paint.

I added some teal and white paint along the edge of the black paint.  Sprayed it with some water and let it drip.  I repeated the same process to the top with yellow paint and dripped in the opposite direction.  To finish it, I added more pen work to the flowers with the pink, orange, and black Montana markers.

Here's a close up of all those stencils.

What's New Wednesday (Thursday)

I know, it's Thursday...we are a day behind in our "What's New Wednesday" post.  We had two huge orders to check in, price, and display.  So, needless to say, we were very busy yesterday.

Big news this week is our class schedule.  Yippee!  New summer classes and a Summer Workshop.  Be sure to visit the links for class details!

By The Sea Folio Album

Collect your beach photos and memorabilia in this beautifully, detailed, album.  Created by Mary, using Graphic 45's "By the Sea" collection and Tim Hotlz new Folio Album.  Class details can be found HERE.

Interactive Card Class (Additional Date)
This class filled up so quickly, we are adding a second date!

Amaze your friends when you give them these fun, interactive cards.  Class includes four, fun, interactive cards (two shown below).  Class details can be found HERE.

Family Legacy Configurations Box

Class details can be found HERE.

Copic Markers- Coloring Clothes and Grass

Class details can be found HERE.

 

Copic Markers- Coloring Black and White

Class details can be found HERE.

 

Elizabeth Crafts Class

Learn techniques for using Elizabeth Crafts peels, mylar, and ultra-fine glitter.  Class details can be found HERE.

Summer Workshop!!

Join us for a full day of creating!!  We'll help you create 16 cards/projects, provide lunch, and include the Avery Elle stamp set "Bright Days" for your to keep.  Don't delay, this workshop was posted on our Facebook page earlier in the week. It is almost full!!!  Details can be found HERE.

Join us on Friday, between 5PM and 7PM for our FREE "Make and Take".  Available, while supplies last.

Fun projects you may have missed this week:

1.  Find our Sunflower Sweetheart Card HERE.
2.  Fun card using Avery Elle's "Bright Days" stamp set, can be found HERE.
3.  Lots of fun inspiration can be found on our Pinterest Boards.  Visit this LINK to view our boards.  Be sure to click on the FOLLOW button to follow all of our pins.
4.  Do you follow us on Instagram?  You can find us on instagram @doodlbugswa.  Post something you've made on instagram and tag @doodlebugswa in the comments.  We'd love to see what you're making.

Stencil Inspiration

Here's a quick and easy, single layered card using stencils!  I used the polka dots stencil from Crafters Workshop and some fun Distress Ink colors to create this festive card.

I stamped "HAPPY" using Avery Elle's Alpha stamp set and black dye ink.  I then colored the letters using my Copic markers.

Enjoy!

Avery Elle Bright Days Stamp

Here's a card made with the Avery Elle stamp set we'll be using in our Summer Workshop.  This stamp set is included in the cost of the workshop.  No more having to share stamps during the event.  The set is yours to use for the day.  Then, take it home after the workshop so you can recreate the fun projects you made.

We'll be creating a similar project during the workshop, along with 15 other cards/projects.  Don't miss the fun.  You can find more information on our Summer Workshop HERE.

Additional Supplies Used:
Celebrate Die-namics die from MFT Stamps
Enamel Dots