Clearly iStamp

Shirt and Tie Cards Using TIES FOR HIM Digital Image

Good Tuesday Tutorial Morning to you. Lisa here...it is my week to bring you an inspiring tutorial...I hope. With Father's Day and Graduation time coming up I will show you ideas for using my new digital image

TIES FOR HIM

First I'll start with today's tutorial for making this shirt and tie graduation card.  And thank you to Susan Roberts for the card dimensions!

I was inspired by Kris's fantastic version. After seeing hers...I just had to do a tutorial on it.

Shirt and Tie Grad card by Design Team Member Kris Chirhart

Start with a 4 1/4 x 11 piece of COTTONBALL WHITE CARDSTOCK  Score at 5 1/2 along the long side using your SCOR-PAL. DO NOT FOLD YET.

Draw a line 1" below you score line lightly with pencil.  Mark 7/8" from each side on your 1" line.  Mark the center at 2 1/8" along your 1" line also.

Mark at 1 1/4" from each side along your fold line.

Using scissors cut along the fold up to the 1 1/4" marks you made on each side.  Then cut along your line below your fold from each side up to your 7/8" marks. DO NOT MAKE SCORE LINES HERE.

Just bring your left tab in toward your center mark you made on your line. 

Then repeat on the other side...score using a bone folder or flat side of a butter knife for a crisp fold.

Fold the back of the card behind the front of your card.

Carefully cut the excess parts from the back of your card right along your folded collar and to the edges.

Now for our tie.  Take a piece of copy paper and adhere a piece of pattern paper 6 x 2 1/2 on using removeable tape. Run it back through your printer and print your SNAZZY TIE from the TIES FOR HIM DIGI that you made 1 3/4 x 4 1/2 in your program ( I use Publisher).

Here is what mine looks like. Remove your pattern paper and carefully remove tape.

Cut it out.

Adhere a small piece of the same patterned paper with removeable to cover just the top knot of the tie and run back through the printer. (This part is optional if you do not want the extra dimension on the tie knot)

Cut out.

Adhere dimensional tape on the back (I used 1/16" thickness).

 

Adhere the whole tie on your card front being carefull to center it straight. Then adhere just the top of the tie with the dimensional tape.

Now for the gown panel. Start with a 4 1/2 x 4 1/4 piece of NIGHT ECLIPSE CARDSTOCK. Make a mark that is 1 1/4" from the bottom of your panel (4 1/4" side is horizontal) and 2 1/8" from the sides.  Then make light marks from each top corner to that mark.  I used a white colored pencil so you can see my lines.

Cut out and adhere dimensional tape to the back if you want.  You adhere it flat if you want a flat card. I like dimension!

Again this part is optional if you do not want the extra dimension.  Here I put 2 skinny pieces of dimensional tape on top of each other on the bottom of each color (so the tape does not go on top of the tie knot directly).

Voila. Here is the finished project. NOTE: For a finishing touch you could add buttons to the color and also to the jacket if this was to be a suit for a wedding card etc.

 

HERE ARE A COUPLE OTHER IDEAS FOR USING THE TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

Design Team Jerusha Borden made this fun Father's Day card using the TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

Here I made a shape card using the "FUN TIE" from the TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

 

AND HERE ARE A COUPLE CUSTOMER CREATIONS FOR MORE INSPIRATION

 
This Clean And Simple Beauty using the TIES FOR HIM DIGI  is by Ardyth

 

Just look how Irene used the TIES FOR HIM DIGI.

Thank you for visiting. I hope this helps you get reading for those graduations and Father's Day!

Chalkboard Technique Tutorial

 

Happy Tuesday Tutorial! It's Kathy here again. I have decided this tutorial would be simple and MESSY!! Nothing like getting out the chalks and just playing.

A couple months ago I was introduced to the Chalkboard Technique and I have decided to share it with you. It takes a little practice and learning to be okay with NOT a perfect-stay-in-in-line end product. You will see what I mean as we get going. So let's get to it!

SUPPLIES:

Silhouette Thoughts Clear Acrylic Stamps (solid stamps work best with this technique)

White pigment ink (chalk ink is too dry for this technique...at least for me it was)

Black Cardstock (I used Bazzill)

Chalk

Q-tips or Daubers

Scratch paper on your work surface

Krylon Preserve it (or something similar)

Step 1: Ink up your stamp with the White Pigment Ink and stamp it on the black (or dark) cardstock

Step 2: Before the ink dries you will want to cover the image with chalk. For this example I used my daubers and designated one dauber for each color. But you can use q-tips if that is what you have.

Step 3: Take a paper towel and wipe the image to get the excess chalk off of it. Wipe around on the black areas pretty good to get off as much as you can. ** This is where you have to be ok with it NOT being perfectly kept on the image. But that is part of the beauty of this technique.

I sprayed the image with Krylon Preserve It to keep the chalk from smearing. (make sure to follow the instructions on the can)

Step 4: Make a card with your beautiful image.Card was inspired by Mojo Monday Sketch #234.

Ohhhh, this card is perfect for the Clearly Inspired Challenge #49 that starts on Friday! Can you guess what the challenge is?? Pop on over on Friday to see if you guessed right!!!

 

Here are some other examples done using this stamp set and technique.

Card was inspired by the Stella Says Sketch #107 (SSS107) at Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.

 

Card was inspired by Card Positioning Systems #259

Now it is your turn to try it and show me your cards! Please leave a link in the comments to your cards so I can see the beautiful creations you make.

Have fun and I will see you again on another Tuesday Tutorial!

- Kathy D.

 

A Cupcake Gift Wrapping Tutorial

 

Hi Everyone!

True :D here.

Welcome to another Tuesday Tutorial!

I'm dedicating this post to our sweet Katie Renz.

I think she would have liked it! :)

Today I am featuring one of my new digi sets called "Snowflake Cupcake Wrappers".

I have found a super quick and easy way to give cupcakes as gifts or to just decorate for parties.

This is what my "Snowflakes Cupcake Wrappers" set looks like.

It is available now for just $2.50 for instant download.

This time I printed my wrapper out on thin presentation paper. (It works so great for vivid colors and for printers that don't like heavy cardstock)

Cut the wrapper out with scissors and punch the topper with a 1 1/2" circle punch.

(or cut by hand with scissors)

Use some coordinating cardstock to stiffen up the wrappers and add some more detail.

Temporarily attach the wrapper to the cardstock with just a tiny bit of tape runner to hold it to the cardstock while you cut around it.

I used a round scalloped Nestability that is just a little bigger then the topper, to cut a coordinating circle.

Cut the sides and bottom of the wrappers with straight scissors then cut about 1/4" above the top of the printed wrapper with scalloped scissors. (you can use straight scissors if you would like)

Gently peel the printed wrapper up and use more tape runner to attach the printed paper to the cardstock on both pieces.

Then run a line of tape to the inside of the assembled wrapper.

Bring it around and attach it to the other end.

I love that Wilton has blue snowflake sprinkles this year! I have seen them in almost all stores and they work with my wrappers perfectly!  :)

Another thing I do is to set the baked cupcake down in a foil cupcake wrapper so that oils don't soak into the outer wrapper and spoil the look.

This is what it looks like before packaging. Pretty isn't it? :)

To keep the cupcake from getting squished and the frosting from getting messed up in the bag, I first drop it down in a clear Dixie cup.

Then place it in a clear treat bag.

This time we are turning the topper into a tag, so you will need to use a hole punch to punch a hole.

Tie a pretty ribbon that coordinates with the wrapper, then attach both with the twisty ties that come with the treat bags.

Doesn't it make a lovely presentation?  :)

I think it looks "snow yummy"!  :)

The cupcake recipe is super yummy too. My own creation and I call it "True's Blue Hawaii Cupcakes".

If you like coconut and pineapple,

visit my blog to see how you can get the recipe! :)

Thanks for dropping in today!

Hugs,

True :D

Tuesday Tutorial ~ Fun Fall Cupcake Wrappers!

Hi Everyone!

True :D here.

For today's Tuesday Tutorial, I'm going to treat you with something a little different.

You get to be the first to get a peek at the new Fall Cupcake Wrappers that I created for Clear Dollar Stamps!

They are available for instant download starting today for just $3.00!

I'll show you just how quick, easy, and fun they are to create.

First you need to arrange them in MS Word or whatever photo or drawing program you use.

Two fit nicely on a page and you have room for 4 toppers. (I like using 2 for each so there is a front and back to the toppers).

After you print them off, you need to cut them out. I have used scalloped scissors to cut the tops of some of the cups for a little added detail. I hand cut my toppers but you could use a punch or die if you would like.

 

They are pretty without embellishing but I think I have an embellishing OCD so I just had to add some Ranger Ink Stickles and Liquid Pearls to mine. Make sure you give them plenty of drying time before you assemble! ;)

To make the toppers, just run some ATG tape or other adhesive along the backs of the toppers, then sandwich a toothpick between them. 

To create the cup, run some tape along the top side of one of the short edges of the cup curve. 

 Bring the other end around and adhere. If you don't have an ATG, you can also put them together with plain ol' Scotch tape.

 Tips:

#1 - I used the paper lined foil cupcake cups that you can buy in most grocery or discount stores. This will keep oils from the cupcake from seeping through your wrappers.

#2. - You can make your cups lose so the cupcakes sit down in them or tighten them up a bit so the cupcakes set up higher in the cups as I did.

#3. - You might find easier to decorate the cupcakes after you put them in the cup. That is unless you really like licking frosting from your fingers! :)

Here is a close-up of my yummy creations. ;)

Want my recipe?

Come visit my blog and it's yours! :)

We would love to hear what you think about our cupcake wrappers.

Would you like to see more styles for different occasions and holidays?

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

How To Use Digis in Paper Piecing

Digital stamps and images are becoming more and more popular since they are available instantly, don't take up space in your craft area, are economical, and are scalable, just to name a few attributes!

Hi Everyone!

True :D here today with a quick tutorial.

I created a card a couple of weeks ago that was a hit on Split Coast Stampers, and while I used a stamp to make my card since it was right there on my craft table, I mentioned that you could do the same thing with the digital version. I had several people email me asking how they could paper piece using digis since their printers don't do 12"x12" or 6"x6" paper sizes, and that is the standard size for designer papers. One lady asked for tips on how not to waste designer paper if you just want to print a portion of your image for paper piecing. 

It is actually pretty simple.

First you find the image you want. I used "Autumn Blessings" for this tutorial but you can use any digi you would like.

Print the image out on a cheap piece of copy paper. I use MS Word to set mine up for printing. (Make sure not to place the image too close to the top of the paper so it will feed properly, once you add the designer paper to it for printing)

Cut a piece of designer paper, just a little bigger then the part of the image you want to paper piece and use some double sided tape to attach it to your printed image. Make sure there is no tape showing or it can stick in your printer!

Place the paper back into your printer, paying attention to how your printer feeds. I know that mine prints on the down side of my paper and the top goes in first, but they are all different so you will have to do it however it works for your particular printer.

Print, then gently peel your image from the copy paper. Don't throw the copy paper away though...you can use it over and over for the same image or even for printing other digi images for paper piecing. Just move the new image to a clean place on the sheet. :)

I added some shading to my pumpkin before cutting it out. It is easier to do prior to cutting! I printed the image again as well as the sentiment, on white cardstock and colored everything but the pumpkin before attaching it with craft glue.

Now you have a beautiful paper pieced image and are ready to create the rest of your card!

Here is mine.

 Thanks so much for stopping by today!

If you have any other questions about how to use digital images, please leave a comment and I will try to do tutorials to address them!

Hugs,

True :D

A Tutorial Showing How to Save Time, Paper, and Ink When Using Digital Papers!

Hi Everyone!

True :D here!

I know you are used to seeing coloring tutorials from me but I thought I would switch it up a bit and show you something new!

I have just recently started creating digital paper sets and wanted to share some tips on conserving time, paper and ink when using them.

For today's tutorial, I will be using my Tangy Trio Leaves digital papers. It is just  $3.50 for either 12x12 or 8.5x11 formats.

I am using the 8.5x11 format because it scales perfectly to fit A2 (4 1/4" x5 1/2") cards.

If you prefer square cards the 12x12 might work best for you. Of course you can crop either one! :)

Here is what the paper stack looks like... 

I actually created this stack to coordinate with all of the new Tangy Trio products that Clear Dollar Stamps is now carrying. You can find cardstock, Copics, Tombow markers, and ribbon to match!  

      

  Talk about easy coordination! :)

Of course you could use my paper tips with any image, stamped or digi but I will be using my "Praying Mantis Eyes" digi for this dimension. It is available for just $3.50.

First I opened up my MS Word program. You can use what ever program you use for digis and do the same thing. Instead of printing whole sheets of the different papers I "pre-layered" them with the program. Since my card bases are 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", I scaled my leaf base paper down to 4" x 5 1/4". I then layered some other papers on top of them leaving a boarder of the leaf paper showing around the edges. I did 3 sets like this so I can have room for 3 images and sentiments to create 3 card fronts from 1 sheet of white cardstock.

Size your images and sentiments to the correct size for the look you want. (You may need to "bring image to front" and click "posistion" then "in front of text" to be able to move your papers and images around where you want them in Word).

You then can cut it all apart. Since you already sized the papers, there is zero waste! :)

While you are at it, go ahead and cut a standard piece of cardstock in half and score to form you card base.

I adhered my image and sentiment to a piece of scrap colored cardstock then trimmed them leaving a small border.

You could glue it all together on the card base as is and have a cute card or you could do as I did and add some stitching. (faux stitching with a pen or marker looks great too)

I used double sided foam tape on the image and sentiment to give the card some dimension.

Before placing them on my card front, I ran a piece of pretty ribbon across the card front and attached to the back. 

Here is a True :D tip:  Totally compleate your card front on layered cards before you attach to the card base, so you can hide ribbon ends, brads or other elements you don't want visable on the inside of your cards.

Then attach the sentiment, image, and a bow or what ever other embelishments you would like.

Attach the card front to the card base and you are done!

You still have 2 other cards you can create with the same sheet of card stck too!

I added some green half pearls to my card too.

Here are a couple of other digtal paper stacks that I created this month. Again, both are available for instant download in either 12":x12" or 8 1/2"x11" formats.

They can be found in MY DIGITAL SECTION of Clear Dollar Stamps.

Thanks so much for dropping by again today!

I would love to hear what you think about my papers, tutorial, and/or card.

All comments or questions are welcome!

 

Thanks and hugs,

True :D

True's Tuesday Coloring Tutorial - "Ice Cream Cone" with Tombows

Hi Everyone!

True :D here.

Hope you are all staying cool!

It's sweltering here in Kansas! We are supposed to hit 114 degrees today and 115 tomorrow!  Ugggh!

I need something cold to cool me off so....

Today I am going to share how I color the "Ice Cream Cone" stamp that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps with Tombow markers.

 The "Ice Cream Cone" stamp measures 1 5/8" x 3 3/4" and is just $4.99!

 

(It is also available in a smaller size, in the "Birthday Party" set)

I bought a new camera and the pictures are very clear so... I am going to let them do the talking.
 
The image was stamped onto watercolor paper with a waterproof ink. 

See the photos for colors used, placement, and when to blend with a damp paint brush.

Remember, you can click on the images for a closer look.  ;)

 

I added a little highlight to the cherry with some white acrylic paint and then finished it off with some Diamond Glaze.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

I would love a comment if you have a second!  :)

 

Hugs and happy crafting!

True :D

Coloring "EnamelWare Look" With Tombows

Hi Everyone!

True :D  here.

You get a special treat this Tuesday! Both Lisa and I have prepaired tutorials so make sure and scroll down to see the fun project she has to share with you when you've finnished checking mine out!

I hope you had a safe, happy and healthy 4th of July!

But now...it's time to put the sparklers down and pick up your markers! :)

EnamelWare or SpeckleWare is doing a comeback! I am so excited because I just love the stuff! I remember my grandmother having just about every dish in her cabinet made from it. One of my favorite pieces she had was a rooster creamer. Ever since I illustrated the "Rooster Sunrise" set for Clear Dollar Stamps, I have wanted to try making it look like EnamelWare. I hope you don't mind me sharing my technique here with you this Technique Tuesday. 

Here is the video tutorial. Remember that you can click on the 4 arrows in the lower right hand corner to go full screen. Then just hit your "Esc" button on your keyboard to go back to normal.

Here is a look at the finished card.

I used DCWV "Linnen Closet" stack. 

Here is what the entire set looks like: 

Here is a peek @ another card I did with this set.

If you would like to see the entire card plus all of the others I created with this set, please visit my blog HERE. I would love it if you left a comment in both places so I will know that you visited. ;)

I hope you have enjoyed this video half as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you!

Hugs,

True :D

Colored Pencil and Gamsol Coloring Tutorial ~ "Pansy Bunny"

Hi Everyone!

True :D here with another coloring tutorial for you!

This time I thought I'd show you how to use colored pencils with Gamsol (OMS or Oderless Mineral Spirits) to color the "Pansy Bunny" stamp that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

 Grab a cuppa, sit back, relax, enjoy the movie!

Here is the finished card. ;)

Please come visit my blog for the card recipe. :)

Before you go, I would love to hear what you think of the tutorial. Want to see more of them with colored pencils? ;)

Thanks and hugs,

True :D

 

 

"Flower Bunny" Tombow Coloring Tutorial

 Happy Tuesday Everyone!

True :D here.

Today we are going to color the "Flower Bunny" stamp that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

This image is adorable in grey, white, even pale blue and pink for babies, but today we are doing him in brown. The color placement is the same for whatever color you choose to use.

 You will need the "Flower Bunny" stamp, watercolor paper, waterproof ink, a water pen or fine tip paint brush, and Tombow markers.

I used 977, N95, 723, 098, and 062.

Stamp your image and let dry a couple of minutes.

 With the 977 Brown, lay color down in the shaded areas of the bunny's head and body.

 With your dampened brush, pull the color out from dark to light making sure to leave the shaded areas darker.

Avoid the chest, feet, and muzzle. Feather the color around the chest and feet, leaving these areas white.

 With the N95 Grey, color the shaded areas of the the tail, muzzle, and feet. This color is so light that there is really no need to follow with water blending.

 With the 723 Pink, add a touch of color to the ears, nose, and around the flower centers.

 Blend the color from dark to light with your brush.

With the 098 Green, color in the shaded areas of the leaves, stems, and grass. 

Again, blend with the dampened brush. Fade the grass to white towards the bottom. 

 Color in the flower centers with 062 Yellow and you are ready to assemble your card! :)

Here is my finished project! 

Please say a prayer for our Katie today!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Flower Bunny"
CS/PAPERS: Watercolor paper, Paper Trey Ink, K&Company's - Cottage Garden, Paper Temptress's- Green Crepe
INK: Staz-On Jet Black, ColorBox - Wisteria
MARKERS: Tombow - 977, N95, 723, 098, 062
ACCENTS/TOOLS: 1 1/4" moss colored silk ribbon, antique frosted pink brad, scalloped round and round Nestabilities, Wizard, sewing machine with green thread, water brush, Scor-Pal, Scor-Tape, double-sided foam tape
COLORING: Tombows
TECHNIQUES: water coloring, machine sewing