A Bumblebee puzzle

I saw, or heard (!) my first bee of the season this afternoon and it prompted me to find this stamp. Designed by Gretchen Ehrsam for Rubber Moon, this bee stamp was perfect to use in a puzzle format with an assortment of neutral Inchie Squares. Those of you who know me will get a kick out of this card because I rarely use bling. But I was so taken with these sweet little stems and how they complimented the card components that I couldn't resist!   

If you haven't worked with the new Inchie Squares assortment you must give them a try. The box holds an assortment of 72 squares in 5 different colors; ivory, dark cream, wheat, light gray and dark gray. The ones shown here are ivory, dark cream and wheat. You really have to look to see the difference between the ivory and the dark cream, but when they are in your hand there is a noticeable difference. 

For this project...and other multiple piece inchie 'puzzles'...this adhesive is your new best friend. Many of you know how much we love the Tombo Craft permanent adhesive dots (it's the only dry adhesive we use at Inchie Arts) but wait until you try the      R E M O V A B L E !

 
For this project begin with a piece of scratch paper and lay down two parallel lines of the Tombo removable adhesive dots.

Go ahead and create a random arrangement of the three different color Inchie squares and stick them to the adhesive, butting them up against each other. It works a little better if you are mindful that you don't put two of the same color next to each other.

The removable adhesive is especially perfect for this type of project where you want to temporarily anchor the Inchie Squares to work on them but then 'un-stick' them and move them to your card for permanent positioning. If you are shopping for this adhesive make sure you double check that you have the correct item. They come in exactly the same holder, just slightly different colors. The permanent dots come in a blue dispenser, the removable in a green one.

Go ahead and stamp the bee in a repeat pattern across the squares. Your goal should be to have some of the stamped images falling off the edges.

Anyone notice yet that there are two less squares?! When creating a horizontal shape 'puzzle' that has repeat images it's always a good idea to start with a few more squares. That way when you are finished stamping you can remove the two that aren't 'quite right' from either end! (our layout started with 10 squares and after stamping we removed the two from the right end!)

On to coloring. We have recently been showing a coloring technique where you first lay down a foundation of color with a Copic marker. In this project we begin the coloring process with Copic Y15 on the parts of the bee.  

Next, color over the Copic marker with a Prismacolor pencil of almost exactly the same color - Spanish orange. Why put down the same color but just in pencil? Because we are going to put down another color pencil and by having the layers of pencil it makes the gentle blending of these two colors easier...and more seamless. (remember...the Copic is a foundational color rather than a blending color) 

You have to look carefully to see the second pencil - Prismacolor Mineral orange. Your eye naturally creates the shading effect on the sides of the bee making it look rounded, but if you look closely you will notice how the bee would look flat if it weren't there.  

Next...the wings. We could leave them uncolored, but this little bit of extra effort creates a richness and depth of color when it's all put together. It also creates consistent color wings across the different color squares. Color the wings and top of the heads with Copic E31. 
 

With ever so gentle, hardly any pressure, color over the Copic with a light hand using Prismacolor raspberry to add just a hint of redish rust.

 
The assembly began by attaching the dotted rust color paper from Lasting Impressions to the bright golden pattern paper from the 6 X 6 Mini Deck of "Garden Variety" by Cosmo Cricket. Then the black ribbon; wrapping the ends around the end of the pattern paper. Then attach this entire piece to an ivory color card.

Before you attach the Inchie Squares to the card take some time and carefully pre-arrange them. It will be more pleasing looking if you place them with a bit more space around the entire outside edge and then equal spacing between all the squares. Be patient as this might take a few minutes to get the positioning exactly where you want it. After arranging, pick up each square one at a time, using permanent adhesive and carefully place each one in position. We always start with this one, then down, then up and to the right, then down and so on.

 
 

 Just two left to go!

And finally, a little bling for spring! I found these sweet floral stems at the local craft store. From K & Company called Flower & Twig Charmer. Remove the little adhesive strip and attach with clear wet glue or Glossy Accents.

 

Only a few weeks until the first day of spring!

  

Comments

[Photo Puzzles]

Really nice photos. From where you collected ? Its really good.
http://www.piczzle.com/

[automate crystal]

this a nice piece of art...i like bees too

[Jayne]

wonderful tutorial - thank you!

[penny]

superb !

[Kandie]

What an adorable idea. I'm still learning from your coloring techniques. Thanks so much for this post!