Friday, December 12, 2014

White Stamping

I'm participating in the Craft Stamper Magazine's Make It Take It Challenge for December. The requirement is to stamp in white. I thought it would be fun to do a "chalkboard" card. This is a fun technique that's been around for a while, although I've just recently tried it. I always seem to get on the trend bandwagon late!

Here's my card:

"Chalkboard" Santa


I used a stamp set I've had for a long time from Stampin' Up! called "Christmas is Here". Before stamping, I prepped my cardstock (plain smooth black) with antistatic powder to help prevent embossing powder from getting all over. I stamped the image and saying using Hero Art's Unicorn White pigment ink. Then I poured white embossing powder over it and heat set it. After it cooled a little, I had some fun coloring the design with colored pencils. Then I used a foam pad dabbed with the white pigment ink to smear "chalk" over the surface of the stamped panel. As a final touch, I used a ruler to draw lines with a white pencil around the perimeter. I mounted the panel to some festive striped paper and then mounted it to a top-folding white card base.

It's been fun to do some experimenting with this technique lately. It's quick and easy  - I did quite a few gift tags for Christmas presents, too, with smaller and simpler designs.

I hope you are enjoying this special time of year!

Immi

Monday, December 8, 2014

Christmas Decorating


Mantel in the Family Room

Lately most of my creative energies have gone into decorating our home for Christmas. It's a lot of work, but I really enjoy the finished product! I usually get going right after Thanksgiving and it takes me 2-3 days. Here are some glimpses of Christmas around here...

Baker's Rack 

Vintage Dresser in the Dining Room

Coffee Table (the Fostoria bowls belonged to my grandparents)


Kitchen (the "tree" is my mom's old jelly strainer)

Top of Piano in Living Room


(Mostly) Vintage Ornaments

I hope you enjoyed this little tour!

Immi

ps - Can you guess what I like to collect???