Thursday, November 6, 2008

Stamp Simply - Back To Nature!

Hi all! TGIF! I have no idea where this week went! No idea! So, needless to say, I am looking forward to a little down time!

Enough about me-- it's Stamp Simply time! This week's challenge is all about getting in touch with nature. Basically, we had to go on a treasure hunt for natural elements to include in our cardmaking-- twigs, leaves, flowers, sand, grains, you name it! There is a twist to the challenge if you don't have access to natural elements - so be sure to take a trip over to Sharon's Place HERE for all the official details!

Well, I didn't search outside - but I did use a natural leaf skeleton for my card. Here's a peek at the finished card before I tell you how I did it!
I actually used the leaf skeleton, held it in place over my paper and used a stipple brush to add color through the skeleton. After I had the outline of my leaf, I actually used my leaf to stamp with! I used a paper towel to prevent my hand from being covered in ink, placed the leaf on the pad and then put it directly on my paper over the shape of the leaf so that it almost looked kind of like a fossil imprint. Add some more ink around the edges , sew an edge, and then add a matted piece with my stamped leaves and a saying (both Impression Obsession). Put on some Hodgepodge Hardware and some coordinating ribbon and you're done! I used Lettuce and Pesto Adirondack inks. The saying was done with Eggplant Adirondack.

Here's a look at the stipple brush I used so you can get an idea of what I did along with a peek at my leaf skeleton. (You can find these at Michaels)

This is a super close up so you can see the definition....Kind of cool- huh?

I have to thank Sharon for really pushing me to think out of my comfort zone! It's safe to say, without this challenge, I wouldn't have been stamping with leaves!! LOL!

We have some goodbyes and a few hellos this week! After spending a month with us, we say goodbye to Darlene Pavlick who was a guest designer for October. It was a ton of fun having her around. She truly is a sweetie!

November ushers in a new guest designer and this lady is uber talented! Cathy Tidwell, known as Cathy, or just CAT, or catdidit on SCS will be with us for the next month!

We also have a brand new face to the Stamp Simply team! AJ Otto — better known as just AJ, or willosmama at SCS is going to be hanging with us gals each week. What fun!

So, without further ado..... here's a peek at what everyone cooked up this week as we went back to naure!

Check out Cathy Tidwell’s sample here
Check out Dee Jackson’s sample here
Check out Jennifer Buck’s sample here
Check out Janine Orchard’s sample here
Tammy Hershberger is taking the day off -back next week!
Check out Becky Oehlers’ sample here
Check out AJ Otto’s sample here

Hope you make time for play time! I'll see you back here Sunday with a big ole howdy from Montana! :-) Until then, have a good start to your weekend!

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love how you used nature to create your card. This is beautiful, Julie!

Jennifer said...

Wow, what a cool technique! I love it.

Cat Tidwell said...

Omg, if this isnt the neatest thing! It looks like you even used a real life on it! I LOVE it Julie!! Gonna have to try this one!

LeAnne said...

Very cool technique! Hope you're feeling better!
LeAnne

Janine said...

Hi Julie!! It is 6:30 here in Chicago and I am loving what you did for this challenge. Just gorgeous. When I get home I will catch you up on everything.
LOL!!!

Sharon (notimetostamp) said...

Julie, I LOVE how you've used this leaf skeleton. I've seen those a million times, now I am wondering if I have any -- I MUST!!! This would be such a fun thing to do - -and I LOVE your results!!! A GREAT card -- thank you so much!!!

Jennifer Buck said...

Stunning! I LOVE this one, Julie! Hope you are doing well! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh My GOSH!! Is this ever cool!! And I have this stuff at home, so I might just have to try it. LOVE that saying, too. Happy weekend, my VERY clever friend.

Cindy Lawrence said...

Wow! This is gorgeous...and GENIUS! I just gave away my last package of skeleton leaves...bummer! Love the background effect...awesome!

The Rubber Maid said...

Lovely card DD I like the way you did the shadow like leaves. Very creative and pretty. This challenge gave me a real challenge, but I did try it. MOM

AJ said...

Wow~ love this! It's fabulous!!!
this one really forced me to think out the box as well!

Anonymous said...

So pretty! I love it!

Darlene said...

WOW Julie ... this is "sheer" genius!! Love how this looks ... amazing what you can do with a leaf skeleton and a stipple brush!! THANKS for sharing this technique .. awesome card!!!

Paula Barin said...

Love this technique. Your card is beautiful.

Shirley said...

What a elegant Fall card! Great colors!

Elena said...

Julie, this card is so inspirational! Love your idea with the leaves! Very beautiful! I will try it too!

Ann said...

Oooh, I love this bg you created, and the sentiment is simply perfect! :D

Tammy Hershberger said...

Very cool technique, Julie and beautiful card!

Cheryl said...

What a simple and elegant card! I absolutley love that sentiment. I've never heard it before!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, rich colors Julie. I've just returned from Nashville and viewing Fall in all its glorious splendour. This card reminds me of some of the incredible beauty I witnessed there.

Mescrap said...

Great techniques. Love how you create the background.

Shirley said...

What a beautiful background and card! Thanks for explaining what you did! A real work of art!