here's how I got started...

here's how I got started...
a 20 minute podcast by Crazy BeYOUtiful

Friday, June 20, 2014

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...




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...






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...



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...

Blogger 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
 Delete

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!


33 comments:

Vic said...

This whole post rocks! (Congrats, Sandy!)

Dorothy said...

Congrts to the lucky gal!!!
Thanks for the technique and...your room looks awesome!!

Meme said...

I am going to try this! That is really pretty cool!

Love the dining room!

Congrats to Sandy!

Lisa said...

Oh wow, what a gorgeous project!! That watercolor technique is amazing!! Guess what I'll be doing in my craft room tomorrow!!

Your dining room is gorgeous!! Congrats to the winner!! Have a great weekend :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Helen said...

great use of the gridblock, love the pattern it creates. Well done to Sandy. I love your house!

Marci said...

Congrats to the winners. Thank you for the tutorial. Pretty card!

Debby said...

Congrats to Sandy! Love the card you did Wendy. Have to make some cards so may have to lift this idea. Love your home. Want to come and redo mine?

Rea' said...

OH YEAH... love this techniqwue gonna do it today ( limited colors but I'm gonna do it)
Humm I got a flower stamp some where...hehehe ... I'm doin' this today !!! Thanks for the tutorial !

SusanK said...

When can I move in? Super duper tutorial and love the card you made! Ditto with the house photos!

Lori said...

Ooo...love the card, and I love your blue granite ware! The room looks awesome!

Jenny Marples said...

Done it again Wendy! Now I'll be forced to clean my stamp blocks thoroughly and get started. I'm thrilled for my friend Sandy that she's a winner too. Jenny x

MaRyKaY said...

Love those cabinets.
Super awesome thing to donate your art.
I hope it brings in tons of money to help. Im sure it wont go for cheap. Awesome dining room again. Jealous here.

Cim Allen said...

Congrats to the winner !! I love the grid block technique .. too cool. Happy Friday Wendy :)

famillemarleau said...

Congrats Sandy. Johanne Lacombe

Unknown said...

Love the technique, but love the beautiful furniture even more.

Jean said...

I really love to see the variety of techniques that work with distress ink. I am a big fan of exploring the way water can change the whole look. I have used a swipe onto the block and spritz with water then stamp but had not tried to use the grid as part of the design.

Gloria Westerman said...

So much to say...love..love your post...and your HOUSE..can't wait to see all of if...loveing the blue graniteware....tfs

Congrats to the winner...

Caroline D. said...

You've been a busy gal Wendy! Rearranging the house is hard work, so I'm happy for you that you still have time to create. This looks like a fun technique...thanks for the how-to !!

Caroline D. said...

You've been a busy gal Wendy! Rearranging the house is hard work, so I'm happy for you that you still have time to create. This looks like a fun technique...thanks for the how-to !!

Claudine said...

This is beautiful Wendy, I love the idea of stamping with the stamp block and the way you used your stencils, love it!! I'm off to the Ranger sale!! Thanks

Craftychris said...

Wonderful card, I need to buy a grid block! xx

LoraineC said...

Congratulations to the lucky winner, another clever idea!!

Sue said...

Love this cool technique! Congrats to your lucky winner!

Unknown said...

Fabulous post Wendy, I love the techniques you shared and congrats to Sandy! x

slbt17 said...

always enjoy visiting - thanks for the tips!
Sandra ltb

Anonymous said...

I love this entire post! The card is beautiful, your donated artwork is wonderful & the dining room looks gorgeous.

TangledBlueRose said...

So lovely! Thank you for showing us!
Have a great day!
~kim

Kathy Eddy said...

Great project and love the decorating! Fabulous!

AlteredAddict said...

I LOVE the card you made, I can't wait to get some mini's and give it a try :)

Thanks for the great new technique to try.

Congrats Sandy

Carol McCready said...

Great card. Love the background and that daisy.

Tammy Hershberger said...

Beautiful card, Wendy! My mixed media stuff has been gathering dust... you've inspired me to get it out again!

joy said...

Thanks for showing the grid block technique. I love the way this looks for the background.

Congrats to the lucky winner! And, I love anything BLUE - your graniteware definitely makes a statement!!

Annie said...

This is a great technique and has inspired me as I have several birthday cards to make. Fab auction piece and what an amazing dining room

Hugs Annie x