grid block stamping...

here's a fun technique I discovered recently...

it's called "gridblock stamping", 

because you use...

yes a gridblock...

these mini distress pads are perfectly sized if you're using a smaller gridblock ...

I use the regular size distress pads when using larger gridblocks, like for an art journal page...

today I'm showing a card, so I'll use the minis...

                           

I chose the 3 x 4 gridblock...it's a perfect size for card fronts...

you'll notice that one side of the gridblock is completely smooth & the other side has the laser etched grid lines...

work on the side where you can feel the etching...

you'll be able to read tim's name...

swipe 3 colors of the mini pads onto the etched side of a gridblock...

then mist lightly with water...

for a smaller blocks...2 times, from 6 inches away...

press the inked gridblock onto the smooth side of the watercolor card stock...

lift the gridblock & you get this really cool background...

the grid lines add great detail...

this is a super simple watercolor effect background...

dry the inks...

use jet black archival to stamp the daisy from the darling daisies Stamp it Stencil it set...

place the coordinating stencil over the stamped image...

and use the mini blending tool to add leaf green archival to the leaves...

and orange blossom archival to the flower...

you'll see that this is so quick & super easy...

the stencil also acts as a mask to protect the background...

this explains why I designed the Stamp it Stencil its...(SiSi)...

if you don't have markers, you can use your archival or distress pads instead!

 since archival inks are waterproof, rubbing alcohol is what will remove the archival inks from stencils...

I found these alcohol wipes at CVS... makes it fast...
or plan B...get a bottle of rubbing alcohol (surgical spirit) & use a paper towel (kitchen roll...lol...) to clean the stencil...

use the fude ball pen...

to doodle a simple frame...

use the wild honey marker to add shading to the flower center...

are you surprised that the distress markers work over archival ink?

compare the photo above with the photo below...

interesting!

oops...missing photo...I used jet black archival to stamp wish...

I love the license plate art stamp set, because the letters can be cut apart to create other words...

scribble the iced spruce marker onto the craft sheet & pick up the color with the detail water brush...

this is a simple way to add shading under the flower...

now grab an unmounted text stamp & swipe tree branch archival over a portion of it & press on random areas of the background to add another subtle layer...

stencil the star with dandelion archival, using the mini blending tool...

use the reverse dots background stamp with dandelion archival & stamp onto a scrap of manila card stock...

use a hole punch to create a perfectly coordinating flower center for the daisy...

another reason why I LOVE the reverse dots background...

I trimmed off some of the excess watercolor card stock from each side...

this was too stark looking for me, so I added scattered straw around the edges...

and then some brushed corduroy to add more shading...

another little bit of doodling on the frame made it look better...

next...2 staples from the tiny attacher to the base of the daisy...

to add random water spots...

tap the detail water brush sharply on your finger over the card...

 the detail water brush will dispense tiny water drops...

the distress ink reacts with water & will bleach out...

since the archival ink is permanent, it will not react with the water...

I mounted this onto a black card with rounded corners...

I like this technique for cards, because it looks layered & dimensional, but it's really completely flat...

it's great for art journal pages too!

plus this card is simple to mail...no additional postage needed!

so that's another way to use gridblocks! I hope you'll try it!

moving on...

I donated a piece of art to

Rocky Mountain Memories. they  are hosting an auction to help victims of the September 2013 floods in Estes Park, CO. to bid on my signed art and other pieces from a variety of gifted artists...check out this link...

here's the art I sent...

and here's the direct link to my art...

BREAKING NEWS!!!

simon says is offering 

20% off ALL RANGER PRODUCTS...

just use the code RANGER when checking out...

are you missing any of my archival inks or reinkers?

remember reinkers are perfect to mix into white embossing paste to create custom colored embossing paste that we can now store them in the new the mix & store jars...

and to reink your pads...

and to use for the reinker/rubbing alcohol background technique...

NEED the new mini distress pads? yep...20% off!

perfect timing to get any Ranger products at 20% off...the sale is good thru 11:59EST June 22nd...

are you wondering who is getting a package containing the 3 new distress mini pad sets?

CONGRATS to...

 S@ndy Diller said...

Love the cabinet Wendy. If I have to choose only one, it 

will be Aged Mahogany. Have a great week and I look 

forward to your tutorial.

June 17, 2014 at 2:12 PM

 

Sandy...please send me your shipping info & we'll get these off to you...

have a wonderful weekend!

take time to gridblock stamp and...

make art!

wendy

ps...the drawers are scheduled to arrive TUESDAY...the family room has a spot ready...(I'm counting the minutes!)

I've been busy changing the whole house around...that's how it goes...one thing leads to another...

from

family room...

to

bedroom...

to

main bath...

then

even a dining redo...

ps...yes ...I DO LOVE blue graniteware!