Class is now in session!  It’s time to order the February Lesson of the Month! This month will feature the Peaceful Petals stamp set from the Occasions Catalog.  The focus of this month’s lesson will be threefold:  mixing textures and patterns;  uniting color and style; watercoloring using both Blender Pens and Aqua Painters.  Here are the three very diverse cards we will be making, each designed with specific objectives in mind:

Card #1:  Clean and Elegant 

Objectives for Card #1:

• Combining textures
• Creating elegance
• Watercoloring with Aqua Painters
• Using Blender Pens and Inks to shade

Card #2:  Fun and Retro

Objectives for Card #2:

• Using colors and patterns to create a “style”
• Watercoloring with Aqua Painters

Card #3:  Dramatic and Classic

 Objectives for Card #3:

• Using color to create a mood
• Mixing patterns effectively

This month’s lesson includes the following:

• the Peaceful Petals clear stamp set (C 133107, $20.95).  Already own this set? You may substitute any set of any value up to $20.95.  
• three completed cards (envelopes not included)
• emailed pdf project sheets which contain step-by-step instructions and photos on how to complete each card, including measurements
• item numbers for each product used
• a private link to video lessons for each one of the projects, discussing how it was created and demonstrating how to do the techniques used
• email assistance to answer any questions you may have about the cards

This is NOT a card kit. Each card is a completed card designed by me.

• You will have until 12:00 Noon (CST) on the 18th of this month to email me that you will be participating and to pay your PayPal invoice, which will be emailed to you.  My email addresses are: ann@thestampinschach.com and kimschach@msn.com. Either one is fine.  Sets will be ordered after 12:00 Noon CST on the 18th. Once I receive the set from Stampin’ Up!, I will mail it to you.  The tutorials and video links are usually emailed by the 20th of the month.
• The three cards will be mailed as I get them completed.  I create each card personally, and depending upon the number of subscribers, it does take time to complete the set.  
• There is no commitment.  You can subscribe one month, and opt out the next.  However, if you subscribe for three consecutive months, you will receive a surprise valued between $3.95 – $5.95. 

The price for all of this is only $34.95 each month!  Ready to enroll? Email me at: ann@thestampinschach.com
Until next time…

It’s Thursday, and time to play with the Pals at Pals Paper Arts!  This week’s color challenge is bright and white:  Gumball Green, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White.  I inked up the Backyard Basics set, and had fun watercoloring the Floral image using both Blender Pens and Aqua Painters.  Enjoy!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips: Watercoloring
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ inches long.

• Lovin’ the lilies! The Floral image from Backyard Basics was stamped with Jet Black StazOn onto Whisper White cardstock.  They were watercolored using both Blender Pens and Aqua Painters. Pumpkin Pie ink was used for the petals, while Gumball Green was used for the stems and leaves.  Tip:  Use Aqua Painters for the main sections, and Blender Pens for the shading! 

• Blessings! I love the 1920’s  retro-looking font of the Blessings sentiment from the Take Care stamp set.  Although I originally designed this card to be a sympathy card, it is actually very versatile, depending upon how you decorate the inside.  Since I don’t finish the interiors of my cards until they are sent, this could become: Blessings…on your birthday;  Blessings…get well soon; Blessings…I am thinking of you, and more.

• Patterns and textures!  The banners, made from Pumpkin Pie patterns from the Polka Dot Parade and Quatrefancy Designer Series Paper collections, work so well together.  United by color, the subtle pattern of the larger banner does not clash with the small banner.  Notice how the pattern of the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder coordinates with the pattern of the smaller banner, while the circle pattern of the larger banner mimics the circular focal image.  In addition, the flagged end of the sentiment ties right in with the two banners.