When one thinks of brayering, the name Michelle Zindorf immediately comes to mind. In my opinion, no one does it better. That is why, when I found out that she would be offering her brayering workshop relatively close-by, I knew I had to attend. Michelle is an excellent instructor, and both the morning and afternoon sessions just flew by! She took us through what we needed to do step-by-step, and demonstrated each technique. We completed six cards during that time, and I learned that with brayering there is a distinct learning curve, and practice is definitely needed! And don’t you just love the trees from the Plant Hope stamp set? I was thrilled that it was one of the stamp sets we used.

In the card above, we practiced our masking techniques using Post-It Notes. A white Signo gel pen was used to delineate the cliff. The unique size of this card allows it to fit perfectly into a business size envelope!

In this card, we practiced placing the moon’s reflection into water. I would never have thought to use Melon Mambo for a water scene, yet it works for Michelle’s design. For more information about brayering, workshops, and tips, check out Michelle’s blog. I guarantee that you will be amazed! And if you have the opportunity to attend one of her classes, you will not be disappointed.

Play at the PPA
Don’t forget the Clean and Simple “Add a Pearl” challenge at Pals Paper Arts! So far the entries have been inspiring! I love seeing all of the different ways you can use pearls on a design!

One Day Left—The Bling is On Me!
Everyone knows I love to add bling to my cards! In celebration of the Holiday Mini, anyone placing a $75 on-line order (before shipping and taxes),will receive a package of Basic Pearls. On-line orders totalling $150 (before shipping and taxes), will receive a package of Basic Pearls AND Basic Rhinestones! When I receive confirmation of your on-line order, I will mail your pretties to you! This special ends September 3rd! Click Here to place your order.

Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Plant Hope (W 117042; C 120540); Inks: Tempting Turqoise (100814), Pacific Point (111837), Old Olive (102277), Always Artichoke (105219), Basic Black (101179), Melon Mambo (115656); Card Stock: Pacific Point (111350), Old Olive (100702), Marina Mist (119682), Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (121045), Melon Mambo (115320); Tools: Photo Corner Punch (119878), White Signo Gel Pen (105021), Brayer (102395), Stamping Sponges (101610), Grid Paper (102787); Glitz and Glam: Old Olive 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon (111368), Metallic Brads (119741)

It’s a “Clean and Simple Pearl” challenge at Pals Paper Arts today! Simply add a pearl, or pearls, to your clean and simple card. How easy is that! Well, for me it was a challenge, because as most of you know, I love to distress and layer and embellish. But I really did try to stay simple, and I even resisted the urge to “smooch” it! Enjoy “Snowflakes and Pearls”!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

• Experiment with color! Marina Mist and Very Vanilla create a frosty vision…just perfect for a card made with the new Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. The impressions are deep and crisp!
• Layer the labels! Very Vanilla on Very Vanilla is lovely. However, make the sentiment “pop” by layering the Very Vanilla Decorative Label over a Marina Mist one which has been cut horizontally. A little Marina Mist ink on the edges further accentuates the greeting from the Contempo Christmas stamp set.
• Put your pearls to work! A row of pearls strategically placed causes the eye to gravitate right to the word Christmas, while snowflakes are given even more depth and dimension by the Basic Pearls placed in their centers!

I hope that you enjoyed today’s card. I will be the first person to admit that some of the cards that I create are time intensive. However, this one can be created in a matter of minutes! Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think of my Simply Schach card!

Blog Candy Winner

And now for the moment you have been waiting for. (Drum roll please). The winner of this round of Blog Candy is:

#53:

Anonymous said…
I like the Bells & Boughs stamp set, Candy Cane Christmas designer paper, etc, etc. Too many to list, but I will miss the Summer Mini. Thanks for the opportunity of blog candy. I enjoyed peeking in at all your creations. Pat P. Mass.

If Pat P. Mass will Email Me an addess by midnight, Friday night, I will get the Blog Candy in the mail pronto! And if you did not win, don’t despair, there will be more on the way. I just love giving away candy!

And They Call It Puppy Love

Here is the latest Muffy the Boxer video, taken when she was 2-1/2 weeks. Such a sleepy girl! The breeder will not be updating Muffy’s videos until September 12th. I am sure that we will see a big change by then. Puppies grow so quickly! Enjoy a little puppy love!

As always, I appreciate your comments and the fact that you have taken time out of your busy day to spend a few minutes with me. And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am just an email away! Until next time..

Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Contempo Christmas (W 118734; C 120594); Inks: Marina Mist (119668); Card Stock: Marina Mist (119682), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120902—Holiday Mini), Decorative Label Punch (120907—Holiday Mini); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247)

The Holiday Mini has arrived! If you need your own paper copy, do not hesitate to email me. I will drop one in the mail for you! Until then, here is an electronic copy to browse! Happy shopping!