If you look really carefully, you will see that these pieces fit perfectly together, almost like a puzzle.
Visit Dina's blog to see how she used a huge Impression Obsession Cover-A-Card stamp across several white Inchie Squares to create this fun effect.
From 2 different photos, mounted on dark cream Inchie Squares
I was recently in Arizona and took a ton of photos. I love mixing and matching textures from close-up photos. It's super easy to create these using a 7/8" square punch which leaves a perfect 1/16" border around the edge of the photo. Try using different color Inchie Squares and an assortment of paper backgrounds and card stocks to coordinate with the colors in the photos.
From 5 different photos, mounted on dark gray Inchie Squares
From 3 different photos, mounted on dark cream Inchie Squares
From 9 different photos, mounted on black Inchie Squares
You just never know what you will see out on a morning walk!!
Instead of punching out the photo. Using a paper trimmer, cut the image down to a 2-5/8" square and then cut that into 9, 7/8" squares to create an inchie puzzle. Mounted on light gray Inchie Squares.
From 1 photo trimmed to 2-3/4" then cut into 4 equal pieces each measuring 1-3/8". Mounted on light gray 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares.
No kidding...and this was atop at least a 7' cactus!
(Stampendous Garden Background stamped across 6 white 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares with Memento dye based ink, then colored with Copic Markers)
You may have seen the sample cards we send out with every store order. We try really hard to illustrate a variety of techniques that can be used on our different size and color ART SQUARES; from inchies to our new ATC size and 3" squares. We are honored to have relationships with many stamp companies and if you like the image you see on one of these samples, be sure and open up the card to find out the manufacturer and supplies used to create the finished piece.
(Starting with a 3" white ART SQUARE, stamp Fred Mullet's Gingko 2 stamp by coloring it with various Tombo markers and misting lightly with water each time before stamping. Dab white areas with yellow pigment ink and heat set. Moisten entire square with Versamark ink, dip in clear embossing powder and heat set. Sentiment from Rubbermoon)
(starting with a dark gray 2" Twinchie Square stamp Full of Posies stamp with white Fresh Ink pigment ink and dust with Judikins White Diamond embossing powder - heat set. Then stamp New Moon with black ink inside circle. Using pale pink and pale blue Prismacolor Pencils lightly color the 'posies' and the face of the moon. All stamps are from Rubbermoon.)
(Stamp 4 white 1" Inchie Squares with Dylusions small flower using Memento Dye based Tuxedo black ink. Color around stamped flower with Copic Markers, being sure to color the actual edges of each square. Sentiment from Rubbermoon)
And if you happen to be in Anchorage, Alaska stop by Stamp Attic to see these samples! Thanks Betty!
Hydrangeas are one of my most favorite flowers, and this stamp (from Stampendous) is perfect to demonstrate different media applications and coloring techniques on 3 different sizes of white ART SQUARES.
To create this "puzzle" technique first stamp the flower across 4 white 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares. Anchor the squares together on scratch paper with a non permanent adhesive so that they fit tightly together. Stamp with a dye based ink such as Memento Tuxedo black. Keep the squares together while you color with Copic Markers. When you mount the squares on the card separate them by equal distances.
(flower colors: B63, B32 and B23; leaves YG03 and YG63 and outline the entire thing with T2)
Like to stamp and watercolor? Then you will love our new 3" white ART SQUARES!
Before you stamp, moisten the paint pots with a few drops of water each. We used Twinkling H2O blue ice, periwinkle and wild blueberry for the flower and lucky apple and moss green for the leaves. Stamp the square with a pigment ink and emboss with clear powder (we used a black stamp pad in need of rejuvination so it appears more gray than black!). By embossing the ink you not only create a bit of a physical barrier that makes it easier for painting, but you don't run the risk of the ink feathering out when painting. When you are ready, "paint" the entire flower FIRST WITH WATER and then dab in each color, repeating until you have the desired affect. Don't overwork, let the magic of the watercolor blending do it's thing. (tip - we like to use a medium size Kuratake waterbrush pen)
We are having a blast experimenting with all kinds of mixed media techniques on the new sizes. It is particularly challenging for me to let go of the concept that you always have to put something on a card. (So...we had these little acrylic 'feet' made so ATC's and 3" squares can stand up!)
The technique of layering with different color pigment inks and clear embossing between each layer seems to be the thing of the moment....it is so much fun...and easy!
Starting with a white ATC we dabbed about 4 different blues and lavenders....one color at a time....using either the ink pad directly or a dauber. After applying each pigment ink color, dip in clear embossing powder and heat set. After all of the blues, we guessed where the leaves might be (once stamped) and did the same thing with a very light bright pigment green. Then, an overall application of Versamark clear ink and then again clear embossing powder. And....while still hot...quickly stamp the hydrangea after inking the stamp in a dark blue pigment ink. It's so cool how it all hardens to a shiny overall finish.
(if you are unable to find Inchie Arts products in a store near you, contact our stores list on the web site for a list of on-line retailers. Or, contact us directly at lisa@inchiearts.com for information)
It's always such a pleasant surprise that pigment rich pencils such as Prismacolor retain their color intensity when used on surfaces other than white. We are such creatures of habit when using bright color mediums (most always on white) that it's easy to forget that these pencils work really well on even the super black of our squares.
We are often asked about cards like this that use large images across multiple squares - in fact, when we send these types of cards out to stores as samples we are told that they often 'go missing' from the shelves!
A few tips that will make creating this card super easy. Begin by selecting 4, 1-1/2" black Inchie + Squares. Adhere them to your work surface so they fit tightly together to make a square. Be sure and use a REMOVABLE adhesive. (our favorite is a dry, roller style made by TOMBO).
Ink the stamp, the Striped Outline Poppy from Impress, with white pigment ink. Stamp across all 4 of the black squares. Working one square at a time, pick them up and dredge (see tip below) them through white embossing powder and tap off the excess. Heat set these squares and fit them back together on your work surface.
Using a variety of similar color pencils (we used pinks, fushias, and purply reds) color the flower to your liking. Don't forget to keep your pencils sharp, don't press too hard and remember that you can overlap different colors to create new hues.
When you assemble the card make a point to select card stock and papers that coordinate with the colors that you have used to color the flower. Try making a set of 4 of these, each with a different color solution!
This next card utilizes a completely different technique. Instead of coloring the stamped image, you create a colored 'frame' with coordinating and overlapping color pencil strokes.
Begin by stamping the leaf, Leaf with Veins by Gretchen Ehrsam for Rubbermoon, using a Pear color pigment ink by Fresh Ink on a black 2" Twinchie Square. Dredge the square through clear embossing powder and heat set.
Using at least 3 coordinating Prismacolor pencils (we used artichoke, pale sage, and limepeel) create a frame around the stamped image by repeating and overlapping quick pencil strokes that begin about a 1/4" away from the edge of the stamped image and run off the edge of the square. Continue all around the stamped image changing colors and overlapping until the desired color is reached. This card is finished with one of our most favorite script style sentiments; thanks from Rubber Soul.
Tip: Our tip for handling embossing powder really comes from all of the classes we teach and the desire to figure out a way to make embossing powder easy to use. By putting the embossing powder in disposable plastic wear (we like the small shallow round ones best) we discovered that it's easy to 'dredge the stamped squares' into the powder and tap off the excess without any mess or hassle.
We are constantly creating samples to go out to the stores with our orders (perhaps you have seen some of them!) but it's a real effort to stop and take a photo for the files. Since we make so many sample cards it's fun to mix things up like these two completely different design solutions with the same stamp.
The technique above can be called a 'puzzle' since you stamp across multiple squares with one image and then put them 'back together again' but with slight spacing. Begin by putting a couple of strips of removable adhesive such as Tombo Mono Removable and lay down 4 white Inchie Squares so they fit tightly together. Stamp the Rubber Soul Large Flower with black Memento ink. Dot inside of flower with Copic Marker and then color around outside of flower, almost to the edges, with the same marker. Don't color right up to the flower, leave some space so you can come back in with a blender pen or lighter color Copic to blend and create that 'halo' look around the edge of the flower. (click on the photo for a close up look of this) Don't forget to color the edges of the squares for that extra finish quality!
This next card utilizes the same stamp, but stamps off the edges on a white Twinchie Square. It is also colored with Copic markers with multiple colors and different degrees of color blending on each flower.
We often leave off the sentiments on cards that 'go out the door' so that the stores can personalize them with their own greetings. This is also a good idea when making a batch of different cards from one stamp...leave off the sentiment until you need to use the card!
Check out this amazing inchie puzzle made with 9 white Inchie Squares!
More information on how it was created can be found on the blog of our newest design team member, Dina Kowal. Visit Mama Dini's Stamperia for all the details!
This is a great project for creating several cards with a variety of common theme stamps and an assortment of pigment inks.
All of the stamps used in this project are by Fred Mullet. If you haven't worked with his stamps before they are representations of the real thing because his signature stamps are from actual nature prints. And the wonderful Autumn Blessings calligraphy stamp is from Rubbermoon.
Create the foundation of the collage with squiggles and dots using a Krylon 18Kt. Gold Leaf pen. The gold will shimmer through all of the stamped layers.
Your goal is to create a stamped collage over an entire sheet of ivory card stock. It's up to you whether you stamp a full 8 1/2" X 11" or just a half sheet, but know the larger the paper, the more raw material you will have for cards.
Create each 'layer' by stamping each leaf randomly all over the sheet. Remember to change orientation of your stamp each time. This first layer uses the Lil Paper Birch stamp with Fig color pigment ink from Fresh Ink.
Next, the Lil Silver Birch with Honey.
(note: since pigment inks are very sticky and often slow to dry you may want to lightly heat set your work after each layer - this will prevent transfer of each ink onto the newest stamp)
The Flowering Ash Branch is stamped with Tuscan Olive.
As you continue to layer be sure and fill in the white spaces so you are getting good solid 'collage' coverage.
Lil Sweet Gum with Honey.
Finally stamp the Lil Maidenhair Fern with Pear.
Unless you began by stamping 'off' the edges you will want to cut a strip off the top getting rid of the white area at the very edge. Then, cut a 7/8" strip (above) from the top edge. Do you best to be precise because when you cut this strip into squares and paste them onto the Inchie Squares there will be a perfect 1/16" border around the edge of your photo squares.
Carefully trim the strip into 7/8" squares with a paper cutter. As you trim them out be sure to set them down in order and not mix them up. This will make it MUCH easier to match them up again as you are pasting them down on your card. For each card use 5 continuous squares, pasting them onto the black Inchie Squares. Set all 5 squares down on your card first before glueing. Arrange them exactly how you want them (use a centering ruler to position the middle one if desired) and then paste down one by one starting with the square in the middle.
(Hint: A set of 6 or 8 cards and envelopes wrapped in a ribbon makes a perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving!)
I am horrible at New Year's resolutions but just might change my mind due to a certain book I received for Christmas. It's called, "The Daily Book of Art - 365 readings that teach, inspire and entertain." At odds for exactly how to explain this absolutely wonderful book here are a couple of paragraphs from the back cover....
"What do the Mona Lisa, the Parthenon, and a pinecone have in common? Why did van Gogh purposely sever his ear? When did coffee evolve from a morning beverage to an artistic medium? What colors should you wear while dieting? And who was Caravaggio?"
"Learn the answers to these questions and more with the engaging readings contained in The Daily Book of Art, a yearlong journey through lively and thought-provoking discussions. Inside, ten rotating categories paint a picture of the compelling world of art in broad brushstrokes." (fyi...the book is available at amazon.com)
As I embark on this journey of 365 readings from The Daily Book of Art, I find my mind wandering to teachings, ideas and projects from long ago. My personal career origins are art based and I have morphed through a few different directions over the years. No matter what tangent I seem to be exploring I find myself coming back to art basics; whether they be technique, creative exploration, history or personal imagination - art is the center.
I remembered a project we used to teach in Art Docent Training. It provided an excuse to do a little art history lesson about a style of art and artists, and also proved a wonderful exercise to get the adults to 'loosen' up and not be so afraid of putting pen to paper!
Inspired by the Expressionist and Abstract styles of Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miro you apply a continuous line to paper and through random directional changes and overlapping, create shapes that are then colored.
And what a fabulous project to try with Twinchie and Inchie Squares!!
The supplies for this project are pretty basic...a handful of brightly colored Copic markers, white Twinchie and Inchie Squares and a .05 Sakura waterproof Micron pen.
(a hint...your pen work will be the most crisp if you do your drawing on the 'top' side of the squares. You can learn more about which is the top side by looking up a post we wrote on June 10, 2010 called Frequently Asked Questions)
Begin with the larger 2" white Twinchie Squares to get comfortable with putting pen to paper before trying the much smaller Inchie Squares.
Ready....set....draw!
The trick is to draw one continuous line...weaving, bending, looping, overlapping and finally connecting back to your starting point.
Then, taking your time, color in the enclosed spaces that you have created...using one color at a time to fill in selected spaces.
It's always a surprise to see how each one turns out!
Then try a few more lines, creating a few more spaces to color.
Or one colored with just 3 'cool' colors...
or 3 'warm' colors!
Now that you have gotten comfortable with the 2" size, go ahead and switch to the 1" Inchie Squares. Put four together to create a larger square puzzle design or lay out 5 squares horizontally for a long continuous design. Remember, it's all about letting loose with the pen...but eventually coming back and connecting to your starting point.
It's recommended that you anchor the squares with a removable adhesive so you are free to move the pen across the multiple squares without having to worry about them moving.
(Our favorite is the TOMBO Mono Removable Adhesive roller)
You just never know how your squiggles will turn out until you start coloring in the shapes.
Since the Inchie Squares are solid core white you are able to color the edges...don't forget!
Never would have guessed that this one would have yielded so much white space!
How can you resist creating such fun...and random...designs?!
And finally a single Inchie Square...
(well, actually it's stacked on top of black 1 1/2" Inchie + Square!)
These cards wouldn't have been nearly as successful if it weren't for the wonderful set of greetings from Hero Arts. This Poly Clear set contains all the greetings used, plus more, and is called Essential Messages.
This antique quality of this image and the rich color combination provide the perfect opportunity to use both ivory and dark cream Inchie Squares in one puzzle card.
Begin by laying out the Inchie Squares, alternating the colors of ivory and dark cream. With this many squares in the puzzle it's a good idea to 'anchor' the squares to your work sheet using a tiny bit of non permanent adhesive. (our favorite it from the Tombo Mono Dots Craft Collection)
This is a timeless image from Hero Arts Cling collection - it's called Classic Holly. Because of the cling rubber, the stamp is quite stiff and we were able to 'stamp' it without having to adhere it to an acrylic block. In fact if you look carefully you can see that we didn't even need to remove it from the plastic carrier sheet.
Love those Christmas colors!
Begin coloring with YG25 over the holly leaves.
Layer in YG17 - basically placing the color on the 'vein' lines of holly. After you draw in this darker green, go back over it with the green of the background (YG25) to blend and soften. Finish with the red for the berries and brown for the stems.
Add a finishing detail by sponge dabbing around the edges with a sienna colored ink, we used Honey from Fresh Ink. Separate the squares just a tad when you glue them down.
Although the image stretches across different color Inchie Squares, the image is unified and almost floating above the squares and you can't tell the color difference of the squares through your coloring.
Happy Holidays!!
