April 3, 2013

ROBIN SPOTTING

Take note of the date today: April 3, 2013.

Normally I see my first robin of the year sometime in the middle of March. It is always such a thrill when that first one is spotted. It means that winter is definitely on the way out. But NOT THIS YEAR!

Well, today, April 3, was my first robin spotting in our area. I had heard that they had been seen in more southerly parts of the State for a few weeks now. But not where I live!

To commemorate this memorable day, I will show you how to make a card spotlighting a ROBIN!

Nature Walk (page 79) is such a beautiful and sophisticated set. I also used it in this card from a January post: http://www.paperseedlings.com/2013/01/caged.html

CAGED

I especially love using this set in subtle shades of blue with creams and Soft Suede, as shown in Caged and this one:


Do you like the lined texture in the background of our robin card? Here is a close-up:


Any idea what the secret of this random, but elegant, background is? I'm sure some of you know, but for others . . . it is 


rubber bands!!

Supplies:
Nature Walk stamp set

Marina Mist card stock
Soft Suede card stock
Whisper White card stock

VersaMark ink
Soft Suede ink
Bashful Blue ink
Marina Mist ink
Pacific Point ink

Heat Tool
Embossing Buddy
Gold Embossing Powder
Gold Brad
Brayer
Piercing Tool
Stampin' Sponge
Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions:
Fold a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of Marina Mist card stock in half, creasing well with a bone folder.

Rub the Embossing Buddy well over a 3 7/8" x 4 7/8" piece of Whisper White card stock. 

Randomly wind and twist several rubber bands onto the brayer attachment until you think you have a good solid design. Replace the attachment onto the brayer handle. NOTE:  I used an acrylic attachment on my brayer. However, you can use the rubber attachment. But be sure to clean it off and remove the rubber bands immediately so the tight bands don't make permanent grooves in your rubber.

WARNING: USE A GENTLE TOUCH WITH THE NEXT PORTION OF THE PROJECT! 

GENTLY run the brayer several times through the VersaMark ink. Run it up one side of the card stock. Repeat until the lines fill the card going all in that direction. Dump Gold Embossing Powder over the VersaMark squiggles. Tap excess powder back into its container. Heat with the Heat Tool until all the lines are shiny gold. 

Turn the card and repeat this same process going the other direction. You should now have a "plaid" look.

Starting with the Bashful Blue, sponge ink here and there over the gold lines. Continue doing the same thing with the Marina Mist ink, then with the Pacific Point. Be GENTLE with the Pacific Point. It is a very powerful color and you don't want it to overwhelm your piece.

Finish the background by sponging all the edges with Soft Suede, then softening it with a little Soft Suede sponged here and there over the blues.

Adhere this piece to a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Soft Suede card stock, then to the card front.

Stamp the robin in Soft Suede ink on a 2" x 3" piece of Whisper White paper. Sponge all the edges with Soft Suede.

Use the Paper Piercer to pierce a corner of holes about 1/4" from the bottom and left side. Also pierce a hole to insert a gold brad. Adhere this to a 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Soft Suede card stock, then to the card front with a Stampin' Dimensional in each corner and one in the center.

If desired, stamp a sentiment of choice inside the card in Soft Suede ink.

Please consider ordering your Stampin' Up! supplies naming me as your Demonstrator if you enjoy my tutorials!

Spring
Smiles.







38 comments:

  1. I have this set and it is one of my favorites too. You are right -- it is perfect for spring. Love your cards!

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  2. I love your cards. That background is great. I'm going to have to try it.

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  3. Gorgeous cards! Glad you spotted a Robin and know that spring is on the way...yay!
    Thanks so much for linking up at Real Family Fun.
    KC

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    1. Thanks so much for linking up at the Real Family Fun link party! Hope to see you next week.
      KC

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    2. Thanks, KC. Thanks also for letting me link up! :>)

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  4. Pretty! I love robins, we don't have them ever in our neighborhood, we need to go to the nearby parks at slightly higher elevation. Sometimes I just want to sit there and watch and listen--but the kids won't let me!

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    1. I know, Dree, robins are great -- except when they're singing outside your window at 5 in the morning. :>)

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  5. Your Robin is lovely. And your stampin' up post too. You make such lovely cards.

    Thanks for linking up!

    Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

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  6. Hi Linda!!
    OK>..rubber bands...now I've heard everything. I love the effect, and the gold embossing is really great. I have to say, now who would have thought to use rubber bands??? Not me...I'm too inside the box to think outside like that! BUT, I LOVE it!!
    THanks so much for sharing the secret!!
    Blessings,
    Doni

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    1. Doni, I'd love to see what you come up with if you ever give this technique a try! Easy and fun! With stunning -- unexpected results. :>)

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  7. So pretty! I've always admired my friends who can make beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing your secrets for this one and blessings to you, Patti

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    1. Thanks, Patti! If you'd ever need/like any help on creating beautiful cards of your own -- that your friends would love to see -- let me know! I'd love to work with you. :>)

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  8. Seriously? Rubber bands?! That is awesome. I love this card it. The colors are beautiful and I really like the look of the rubber bands. Thanks for a great post!

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    1. Thanks, Krista. I know: rubber bands. Who woulda thought? :>)

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  9. This is such a cool project!

    Stopping by from White Lights on Wednesday. Have a wonderful week.

    Julie @ This Gal Cooks

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  10. Wow, what an amazing card! Can't believe that is rubber bands. You are so creative! Just pinned. Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week. So thrilled to have you share with us. Have a wonderful weekend. :)
    hugs
    Kathy

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. I'me thrilled also to be able to join you in your A Bouquet of Talent. Thanks for having me! :>)

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  11. so fun! I love your cards :o0 Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays at Nap-Time Creations.com This project is being featured {right now!} at my Cute Crafts for the Weekend post.... come check it out.
    http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/04/cutecrafts.html
    oh and I would be THRILLED if you would put my featured button on this post or mention the feature in a text link... {hugs!} see you next week for a new party.

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    1. Thank you, Emily, for the nice comments and for FEATURING my card! I am honored. :>)

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  12. So pretty! Thank you so much for sharing this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop! I hope to see you again tomorrow. :)
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/creativehomeacre11.html

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. You'll continue to see me -- as long as you'll have me! :>)

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  13. This is lovely, Linda! I am always in awe of your card making skills :-) Thank you for sharing at our ALL MY BLOGGY FRIENDS party !

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I appreciate your kind words. :>)

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  14. You are so talented! You always have such wonderful ideas!















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  15. So beautiful! Love the robin stamp! Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!!

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    1. Thanks, Betsy! I love that stamp too. It is wonderfully REAL! :>)

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  16. You have been featured today at ALL OUR BLOGGY FRIENDS ! Come on by and grab a featured button if you wish :-)

    http://withablast.blogspot.com/2013/04/all-my-bloggy-friends-link-party-42.html

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