all in an inch

More doodles...and..."the dot".

This...is...the most inspirational art book...ever! And if you haven't read it, you absolutely must!

For several years when my kids were younger I was an Art Docent at their elementary school. I have the fondest memories of those experiences and working with young people as they discovered that they could create "art". I found that often the most challenging projects were ones where the kids received little direction and were forced to experiment or just 'play'. Holy cow, you would have thought I was asking them to eat brussel sprouts from some of their reactions.

It was just about that time that I stumbled upon a book called, "the dot" by Peter H. Reyonlds. This book proved to be a lifesaver as it tells the story of Vashti who was frozen in fear to put anything on her paper. Her very clever art teacher convinced her that even a 'dot' was 'art' and had her sign her work. The moral of the story, and the words of Vashti's teacher were, "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Of all the classes and inchie projects that I have taught the one that initially draws the most resistance is doodles. I frequently hear, "oh I can't draw" or "there is nooooo way". I think in many cases adults are more afraid than youngsters when it comes to creating original art. However, I am pleased to say that after a bit of encouragement and doing more than one doodle inchie there are many smiles around the table as everyone discovers the satisfaction, and surprise, at the ease of creating something unique and their own.

When you look around the internet and at all the papercrafting classes available there are many intricate and complicated projects. It can be intimidating! Here at Inchie Arts we consider everyone an 'artist' and want to encourage you to have fun with the art you create - no matter how simple...or complex. There are no rules and it doesn't have to be perfect! Get out your inchie squares, a black pen and some colors and "make a mark and see where it takes you..."  

 

 Three white Inchie Squares, black .005 Micron pen, 3 shades of blue Copic markers, black Twinchie Square; mounted on an aqua Inchie Note card from the Wild Sherbet assortment.

 

 Three white Inchie Squares, .005 Micron pen, 4 shades of green Copic markers, black Twinchie Square, accent paper; mounted on a concrete color Inchie Note from the Neutral assortment.

 

3 white Inchie Squares, .005 Micron pen, 5 shades of pink and orange Copic markers, black Twinchie Square, accent paper; mounted on a concrete colored Inchie Note card from the Neutral assortment. 

If you would like more information about the incredible story of "the dot" click on this link:

 http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780763619619

to art...fun...and creative inspiration!

 

Simple and quick 'ink' layering

 

So many inks...so little time. How many of you have bins of different color inks and types that have been used for 'specific' projects...pigment inks, dye based, chalk inks, shimmering types and the list goes on. It's easy to get stuck using just one ink, and then coloring your image. Why not repeat the same image but with different color inks?   

We were watching DVD's from the Planet Earth collection and were stunned at how many different 'green's there are in the jungle. This Vines and Leaves stamp by Gretchen Ehrsam for Rubber Moon is perfect for experimenting and seeing if it's possible to illustrate that same concept! 

Since this was a total experiment we gathered a few different green tone inks, making sure they represented color tones from very light to medium. These are all from Tsukineko; two are dye based Memento inks in Bamboo Leaves and Cottage Ivy. The lighter two are VersaMagic chalk inks in Sage and Aspen Mist. For no particular reason the darkest color was stamped first; the Memento Cottage Ivy. To add richness and tone to the finished piece we chose to stamp on a dark cream Twinchie Square vs. a white one.

note: look for packages of the Twinchie Square Assortment pack - it contains 18 squares; 2 and 3 of each of the seven colors and is a great way to try all the colors.

The next color stamped was the Bamboo Leaves. The stamp was cleaned between each color, but we did not wait until the previous color was completely dry to see if this added to the layering and the transparent quality that occured with some of the colors. Then the chalk inks; the Sage and finally the Aspen Mist.

The last step was to add the Dragonfly, also by Gretchen Ehrsam for Rubber Moon. It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo black and as you can see also had a bit of transparency when stamped on top of the chalk inks.   

note: the card is from the Inchie Notes fall color collection   

Go Green!...and Happy St. Patrick's Day too!

Actually, that is the title of an event occurring today at the 3 Impress Rubber Stamp stores in the Seattle area...and we were invited to participate! Such a very clever marketing idea...and what a perfect day to host it. Along with other vendors, we were invited to create cards or a paper-crafting project for their Green Ideas Art Show...the only caveat being it had to be made from something that would have been thrown away.

We stewed and stewed over this one! And then the sun came out one day this week....and it got up to 68 degrees... and you could see all the weeds starting to come up in the garden...and daydreaming about all the flowers that would follow...and the seeds that need to get in the ground...and....dang it, wouldn't you know we were going to have to toss all those seeds that we never planted from last year and buy new ones...and...that's it...use the old seed packets!

When I go into a gardening center it's like going into a restaurant with an empty stomach. I always get more than I can realistically handle. And so is the case with garden seeds. Seems I envision a large english garden on a substantial estate versus a suburban home on a quiet cul de sac. I hate to say it but there were more than a few seed packets still in the drawer from last year. But what a collection! Ornamentals and edibles and cottage garden and old fashion favorites! A bonanza of raw material just begging to be made into cards!

No directions today - just a careful use of the scissors and paper trimmer; along with Twinchie Squares, Inchie Squares and a few Inchie Note cards were all that was needed.

 

A special thanks to Impress for including us in a fun...and inspirational event.

GO GREEN! 

(ps - we did save the seeds - just need to test to see if any of the 'old' ones will still germinate!)

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!

  

Belated Valentines!

Better late than never! 

As much as I love computers, what we recently experienced we wouldn't wish on our worst enemy!! Yes, our computer crashed. Fortunately after many hours of tinkering we were able to get 'almost' everything out of the hard drive and transfer it to a new one with lots of memory. Phew!!

We had been so well intended to do a few postings on valentine projects with tutorial pictures and the like, but alas, were not able to do so with all the computer issues the last 10 days. Before putting this holiday completely behind us, we wanted to share just a picture or two of some of those inchie projects.

"Three Hearts" stamped with Lockhart Itty Bitty Candy Heart on white Inchie Squares colored with one pink Copic marker, swirl detailed with a Prismacolor pencil and finished with a tiny pink pearl. Love the combination of taupes, pinks and dark gray!

 

 

The Lockhart Folk Heart was partially stamped on an ivory Inchie Square and colored with both Copic Markers and Prismacolor pencils and mounted to an Inchie Note from the peach/pink assortment.

Use the same Folk Heart stamp, but offset to see the other side of the image. (notecard also from the peach/pink assortment of Inchie Notes)

 

And...the full Folk Heart on an ivory Twinchie Square, also colored with a combination of Copic Markers and Prismacolor pencils.  

 

 

"Stacked Hearts" starts by stamping a dark taupe/gray colored paper square with bronze Colorbox Pigment Ink and the Impress Outline Heart - heat set so it doesn't smudge. Clean stamp well and then ink with white pigment ink and stamp again but onto a wheat colored Twinchie Square. Then stamp an ivory Inchie Square with the Lockhart Itty Bitty Candy Heart (same stamp as used in first card) with black ink and color with a pink Copic marker and Prismacolor pencil; finish with a pink pearl. Assemble all components on an ivory Inchie Note card from the neutral assortment and use foam tape to add dimension on the back of the Twinchie Square. 

 

"Heart Cluster" uses the same Lockhart Itty Bitty Candy Heart by repeating the stamped image and utilizing the 4/4 coloring technique with one Copic Marker and 3 shades of pink Prismacolor pencils.

Be sure and visit again for our next posting where we will share a detailed tutorial of the step by step coloring instructions for this card.

Happy Valentines Day!!

 

 

 

Watercolor Poppy on a Twinchie Square

Combine the subtle color of a dark cream Twinchie Square with a muted ink color and then enhance the both with the magic that occurs with 3 different watercolor paints! 

If you look closely you can see there is a marked difference between a dark cream Twinchie Square and a white one. It's tempting to always use white squares when using watercolors to insure that you capture the brightness of the paint colors. On the other hand, it was fun to prove that watercolors can work really well on a dark cream square and actually enhance the total feel of the finished piece. 

 

Designed by Gretchen Ehrsam, this Rubbermoon stamp is a perfect fit on a Twinchie Square. First, ink the stamp with Tsukineko Encore Ultimate Metallic Honeydew ink and turn the stamp face up.   

 

The easiest way to center the image on the Twinchie Square is to bring the square to the stamp. As you bring it down you can see and feel the relationship between the stamp and the Twinchie Square, making it MUCH easier to get the image where you want it. 

 

Although many inks declare themselves as waterproof, it's worth it use clear embossing powder and heat set your image rather than risk it. Plus, as you will find, the success of watercolor paints is often determined by the amount of water you 'put down'. Our squares are of such high quality material that they mimic the characteristics of the best hot press watercolor paper, enabling them to 'hold' quite a bit of water as preparation for the paints. By heat setting the ink and creating a physical barrier with the embossing powder you eliminate the worry about anything compromising the stamped image. Splurge and buy yourself a large jar of clear embossing powder and keep it in a wide mouth plastic container with a lid. You'll quickly discover it's easier to dunk your stamped image into the tub than sprinkle powder out of a container....!!!

 

While heat set embossing has been around for a long time, many forget what a neat trick it is. As you heat it, the white powder blends with the ink, fuses together and darkens in color. It's a good idea to use a clothes pin or other device to hold your work in place...and so you don't burn your fingers!

 

A closer look shows how the powder has actually melted.

It's important to moisten your paint pots before using them. Simply squeeze a few drops of water from the brush pen into each pot. Created by Luminarte, Twinkling H20 watercolor paints have a tiny bit of ground mica in them to give them a sparkling appearence when dry - plus, they have the most fantastic colors - Sunflower, Ginger Peach and Indian Copper.

 

The most important thing about a successful watercolor is THE WATER. You won't get that wonderful bleeding and blending effect without it. Before putting down color, use a brush pen and put down lots of water. Each time you 'dab', the brush pen will release more water. Dab, dab, dab, dab, dab....you get the idea. And if you haven't tried a brush pen it's a must have item. It functions in the same manner as a fountain pen...but where there would be a reservoir of ink...there is water.

 

Dab in the Sunflower yellow

 

Then the Ginger Peach orange

 

Take a minute to clean off the brush pen. This is really amazing because all you need to do is draw the brush back and forth across a paper towel. Each time you do this the pen releases and little bit of water and almost self cleans - you don't even need to squeeze to release extra water when cleaning.

 

Add more WATER to keep things moist so things don't dry out between colors

 

Finish with the final color...Indian Copper. It will be very tempting to try and help the blending process along by fussing and dabbing to mix the colors - but you don't need to. The hardest part of all is after you have added the last color...STOP...and set the square aside to dry.   

   

 

When assembling the card components remember, it's all about the 'edges and corners'. Without a doubt our favorite adhesive for cardmaking is the Tombo Craft Collection Permanent Dots. If you look closely you can just make out the little blue diamonds of adhesive that are left from the roller. The applicator is refillable, fits well in hand, doesn't leave adhesive goobers and lifts from the page without bringing a string of adhesive with it!

And if you can't decide whether you prefer using a white Twinchie Square or a dark cream Twinchie Square...make both!

  

 

 

 

 

1 cupcake...3 ways

 

As you know, we send lots of sample cards out to our customer stores for display with Inchie Arts products. It would make so much sense when we design a card to just replicate that card a few times; especially since they are going to different stores. But alas, I am a victim of what is on my desk - if I can see it, and it's within reach, it's fair game. To illustrate that point I wanted to share these three cards. I just couldn't leave well enough alone and had to tinker with options.

I will often stamp and color a handful of squares in exactly the same way but then assemble the cards with very different accent papers. For these cards I used the Lockhart Rose Bud Cupcake. It is part of a collection of cupcake designs that are fun, versatile, can be colored in different combinations and are wonderful for card making. They work especially well on the new Inchie + Squares (1-1/2" square) and these were stamped directly on the new ivory color squares with Tsukineko Memento Black ink. All three were colored the same way using Copic Markers; R81, RV17 for the flowers, YG00, G21 for the leaves and E31, YR24 for the cupcake paper. It's hard to see in the photos, but the flowers were finished with squiggles of Sakura Stardust pen in the middle of each flower. The notecards are from the Inchie Notes collection packs. 

 

A sage green card, a square of Memory Box pattern paper and a bit of soft pink ribbon.

OR

A soft peach card, a square of Florentine handmade paper flecked with gold and a solid pink border.

OR

A taupe colored card with a black Twinchie Square and a light pink border.

Even cupcakes don't have to be complicated!

(just a reminder - if you are in love with the ivory squares - or any of the new colors - you know you can order an entire box of just that color from your local store or on-line retailer? Check the store listing on our web page - we are updating it all the time!)

Put a pocket in it!

This is a quirky little card that doesn't conform to any standard size - although it does fit into a regular size envelope - that kind of evolved in the making. The base of the card is simply a piece of textured red card stock cut 6" wide and 5 1/2" tall. Then scored at the halfway point so the finished base card measures 3" wide and 5 1/2" tall. 

If you look carefully you will see two of the new neutral squares - a wheat colored Twinchie Square with a dark cream Inchie + Square layered on top. You can just barely make out the stamping on the wheat Twinchie Square - it was done using Versamark ink to create a watermark effect with the Cedar stamp from Rubber Soul. The primary image is a Dove with Berries also from Rubber Soul. Stamp the bird using Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo black ink. Before coloring the image take a Copic marker (either C0 or E50 and draw an outline or halo all around the entire image. Color the bird with Prismacolor Crimson Lake and the berries with a combination of Limepeel and Kelly Green. (Tip: the reason that you use the Copic marker first is because you don't want to 'pick up' even the tiniest dot of color pencil pigment - it will be really hard to remove from the tip of the marker and will color everything from then on!)

The pattern papers are from Graphic 45 - what a wonderful collection that is just perfect for the holidays. Cut the largest piece 2 5/8" square (red one) and the next 2 3/8" (green one). Before you assemble the card take a color coordinating marker and gently 'edge' around the squares eliminating the white edges from your cutting. It also adds a slight bleed effect that is pleasing.

Assemble the card like a layer cake putting the piece closest to the card on first. Use a piece of foam tape when adding the Inchie + Square with the bird to give it an extra bit of dimension.

The pocket is really simple to create. Cut a piece of pattern paper measuring 3" wide by 5 1/2" tall. Score a line across - not quite in the middle - at 2 1/2" from one end. Then score along both long edges a line 1/4" from each edge. Cut the scored edges off the longer side - this becomes the side you glue to the card and you don't need the 'flaps'. Fold the short side up - this becomes the front of the pocket. Before you fold the flaps inwards and glue them to make the pocket use a circle punch on the front of the pocket. Also use a corner rounder on the side that sticks to the card. Then glue the flaps of the pocket down and then glue the entire pocket to the card.   

Once you create a pocket, make one or two more. That way you can quickly convert a card into a gift card holder - perfect for any last minute gift! Can you believe those wonderful kiosks at the grocery stores with tons and tons of gift cards!!  I admit, I grabbed a few yesterday myself!!

Happy Holidays to all, from everyone at Inchie Arts!

Silver, gray and blue

Some stamps are just perfect for embossing! This Solid Ornament stamp from Impress is also a perfect fit for the new Inchie + Squares that measure 1 1/2" square. This is a very simple and quick card to make especially if you need a card in a pinch.

First stamp a gray Inchie + Square from the assortment pack with any navy blue pigment ink. Sprinkle with clear embossing powder and heat set. Assemble the card using a gray Inchie Note (from the neutral's pack), a 3 1/4" square of coordinating patterned paper (this one is from the archives - an oldie but goodie from Memory Box) and a layering square of 2" solid white. Finish by adding a bit of silver metallic ribbon fashioned into a bow and a few dots of Glossy Accents on the ornament. The greetings sentiment is an old favorite from Rubber Moon stamped with black ink.  

Happy Holidays!

It's official! 3 sizes in 7 colors!!

Phew! It's official, we now have 3 different sizes of 'squares' available in 7 different colors! Twinchie Squares are 2" and Inchie + Squares are 1-1/2". If you look really closely at the sample cards in this photograph you might be able to pick out the three different sizes. The card in the very front even has two different sizes.

(images used in Holiday card collection: Impress Snowman, Impress Ornate Background, Memory Box Gift Penguin, Impress Ornament, Impression Obsession Small Poinsettia & Holly, Lockhart Vine Embellishment, Rubber Soul Dove with Berries, Rubber Soul Cedar Bough)

 

Now there is a perfect size and color for every project whether it be stamping and coloring, watercolor painting or even photo cards! Stay tuned over the next several days as we provide the details for how we made each one of the holiday cards in the top photo and be sure and visit the web site for a more detailed look at the new products.

 

 

Create a Snowflake Tree on a white Twinchie Square by first using Twinkling H20 watercolor paints blue ice and bougainvillea to create a shimmering two tone background. Then stamp with Lockhart Stamp Company Vine Embellishment and Savvy Stamps Let it Snow.  Snowflakes are punched using the Martha Stewart Snowflake Border punch and highlighted with a Stardust Sparkle pen.

 

    

Twinkling H20 paints are the most incredible medium to use - the way these two colors blended by letting the 'water' do the work are so reminiscent of a real snow sky!