Think INK inspiration

Our current challenge is to use chipboard..... Our DT member, Michelle Bartnett, came up with this card using the new set, Creature Comforts.


Crystal Irwin, used the new set, License to Chill, to make this card:


Be sure to participate in the challenge to win a grab bag of AI stamps!

Winners!

We have some winners to announce!!!

Blog Hop from the 15th, picked from Crystal's Blog (your choice of 2 new releases):

True Random Number Generator Result: 35 Cindy Haffner


Think INK Tag Challenge from Nov. 10-23rd (grab bag of AI stamps):

True Random Number Generator Result: 7 Melisa Waldorf



New Moon Blog Hop (your choice of 2 AI sets), picked from Michele L's blog:

True Random Number Generator Result: 20 Michelle (sf9erfan)

Please email Kristin with your address and stamp choices:artfullyinking@comcast.net

CONGRATS and enjoy your stamps!

Think INK Tuesday

This week your challenge is brought to you by DT Member, Deborah Young, and she wants you to USE CHIPBOARD!

For inspiration, Deb created this fantastic card and used the snowflakes from the new AI set, License to Chill on her chipboard. Be sure to check out her blog for various ways to use chipboard! Now onto the details for the challenge:

* You are not required to use AI stamps, but if you have them, we'd love to see you use them! **IF YOU USE AI STAMPS, YOU GET 2 ENTRIES FOR YOUR CREATION! JUST ENTER YOUR NAME/LINK TWICE ON MR. LINKY!!!

* You have until Monday, December 7, 2009, midnight Pacific Standard Time to link your creation to this post. A winner will be chosen Tuesday, December 8, 2009 to win a GRAB BAG of AI STAMPS!

* When posting your link, please post the link directly to your creation- so if it's on your blog, please link it directly to the specific post with your creation.

* If uploading to SCS or PCP, please add the keyword AIC08

Can't wait to see what you come up with! Tell your friends!

Think Ink Inspiration

Today's the last day to enter the current Think INK challenge of making a TAG! Our DT member, Michelle Bartnett, came up with this fab tag using the new AI set, License to Chill. Enter today, and stay tuned for tomorrow's new Think INK challenge for your chance to win a grab bag of AI stamps!

Tutorial- Pocket Card

Today, our DT member, Joy Stagg, is showing you how to make a pocket card- which is perfect for the upcoming holidays for some gift cards or for hot apple cider or hot cocoa packets!

Materials needed:

Scor-Pal or other scoring tool
4 1/4" x 11" piece of Cardstock for the pocket card
3 1/4" x 5" piece of Cardstock for the insert
Adhesive
DP as desired
Embellishments as desired
Corner Rounder if desired
Ink
Stamps- I used AI's Frosty Mug Mates


Step 1

Score your pocket card cardstock at 5 1/2" and then again at 1 1/4 "



Step 2

Round your corners if desired


Step 3

Stamp or decorate the 1 1/4" fold over flap


Step 4

Apply adhesive inside the pocket's outer edges from the score under the flap to the bottom of the pocket.


Step 5

Adhere the front of the pocket card to the back. The flap will be face out.

Step 6

Decorate the Front of the Card and the Insert with DP/Stamps as desired


Step 7

Apply adhesive to the inside of the 1 1/4" flap and adhere to the pocket card after adhering the DP

Step 8

Embellish as desired, and VIOLA!

Got Germs?

WOW, yesterday's Hop was fantastic, wasn't it? Super job and a big thanks to all.


Today I have a different kind of card to share...has flu season got you down? Know anyone who is under the weather and could use some cheering up? Our new stamp set, Monster Medical, is perfect for creating fun, light-hearted get well cards. Since I've had the creative 'bug' lately, I had some time to make this card for a friend.


I see these 3 guys from the set as little germs under a microscope and tried to convey that in this card.


Each little germ is popped up on dimensional dots and so is the ring of blue around them...it is a cool effect, in real life. I tried to show it a bit better in this close up so hopefully you get the idea!

I also got to use my brand new Cuttlebug for this card...yes I said new. Believe it or not I have been putting off buying one ever since they came out! But Holly's tutorial from last month (Faux Mosaic Tile) pushed me over the edge and made me have to have one. Thanks loads, Holly! ;-)

HEARD YOU CAUGHT A BUG CARD
Stamps: Monster Medical from AI
Paper: Blue, sage, white and peach from SU! and DP from Basic Grey
Ink: Black from Momento
Accessories: Dimensionals, cuttlebug with swirls folder and stitched grosgrain ribbon

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Celebrate New Moon...the Blog Hop

NEW MOON is out in theatres today and to celebrate this fabulous event we are hosting a TWILIGHT SERIES inspired BLOG HOP. Both customers and Design Team members were invited to participate in our hop and we have quite a list of blogs for you to enjoy today.

The only requirement for our Hop is that the participants must use Artful INKables stamps to create a project inspired by the Twilight Series. Some will be highlighting the AI Twilight inspired sets: Into the Moonlight and Fictionally Inspired. And others, like myself, will be showing you how other AI sets can fall right into the Twilight theme. Artful INKables is also sponsoring Twilight Tuesday’s Hop today and we are providing both the stamp sets mentioned above and a set of our Vampire Romance Themed Pewter Charms as prizes, so be sure to check them out today as well!

I actually have 2 cards to share with you today as well as one by my very Twilight-obsessed daughter, Alea. I made 2 cards because after I finished the first, I decided I needed one that reflected the New Moon movie more. Though I like the outcome, this first card is more related to the final book in the series, than the second book.

GREETINGS FROM ISLE ESME
Stamps: Paradise Island and Fictionally Inspired (Artful INKables)
Paper: Artichoke, Violet and White from SU
Inks: Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue and Elegant Eggplant were used to brayer the background, Black Momento Ink was used for sentiments and palm trees.
Accessories: Dimensionals, silver cord, Prima Flower and blue brad, Copics used to color in the image, Brayer used for background, moon was masked and white Gelly Roll pen used to create highlights and moon reflection. I hand cut the banner and stamped the words on by bending the rubber to the shape I needed it to follow...yet another reason I love unmounted rubber! (It goes where I want but doesnt get distorted!)

To better reflect the New Moon movie and book, I wanted to create something that brings Jacob to mind, since this is essentially the time that we get to know him better. The turning point in Bella's depression is when she goes to Jacob for his help in rebuilding the 2 motorcycles she has obtained. So this card is for Jacob:


IMPRINTED
Stamps: Road Rider and Fictionally Inspired (Artful INKables)
Paper: Black, Red, Silver and White from SU, DP from Basic Grey and Rusty Pickle
Inks: Black Momento Ink and Close to Cocoa from SU
Accessories: Dimensionals, Copics used to color in the image, circle cutter used to cut the top of the sentiment piece, silver ribbon

This final card was made by my daughter. She wanted to create a card the brought the new movie to mind so she created a replica of the cake made for Bella's 18th Birthday. (Yes, she knows the cake is pink in the book but decided to make hers like the cake shown in the movie previews.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA by Alea Soboloski
Stamps: Birthday Best (Artful INKables)
Paper: Red and White from SU, DP unknown
Inks: Black Momento Ink
Accessories: Sharpies used to color in the image, Prima Flowers, printer created sentiment and Gelly Roll glitter pen

The next stop on the hop is MARGIE
In case you get lost along the way, here’s the order of the hop:

Kristin Soboloski http://artfulinkables.blogspot.com/

Margie Cortina http://ohbumbleismemargie.blogspot.com

Alison Heikkile http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com

Jen Shults http://deconstructingjen.com

Lois Bak http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Michele Lourenco http://enchantedstamper.blogspot.com

Jodi Collins http://stampingalatte.blogspot.com

Jennifer Olauson http://wannabecr8tive.blogspot.com

Jen Pahoulis http://jen-pjpants.blogspot.com/

Juanita Gillen http://stampintwilghtmom.blogspot

Donna Wardle http://donna-wardle.blogspot.com/

Joy Stagg http://daiseyfreak.blogspot.com/

Cathy Cunningham http://cathy-cunningham.blogspot.com/

Sherry Campbell http://workingandstamping.blogspot.com/

Michelle Woerner http://stopandstamptheroses.blogspot.com/

Crystal Irwin http://www.crystalkbk.blogspot.com/

Kathy Jones http://inspiredtostamp.blogspot.com/

Dani Chapman http://countyourbeautifulblessings.blogspot.com/

Tamara Bennett http://scrapcationgetaway.blogspot.com

Tonya Klar http://www.stamphappens.com

Jackie Rakoski http://stampingsister.blogspot.com

Holly Endress http://www.hollybeary.com

April Davis http://mousekemom.blogspot.com/


Oh and be sure to leave a comment on each blog along the way through our Hop, for your chance to win your choice of 2 AI sets! Please leave your comments by Midnight, November 23rd!

More Twilight Inspiration.....

This is just one of many creations you can create using the Twilight Inspired AI sets.....this was made by our DT member, Jackie Rakoski. Mark the date to attend the Twilight Customer and DT Blog hop on 11-20-09 to honor the release of NEW MOON!

Celebrate the Release of our 4 New Stamp Sets Today and Hop with Us!

We are celebrating our Last New Release of 2009 today and bringing you some creative inspiration. Artful INKables has 4 NEW Stamp Sets available today that we know you'll love. It may be a bit early to be thinking about Valentine's Day but we know how much stampers like to get a jump on things! So with these cuties, you can get busy on your V-day creations as soon as the Winter Holidays are over. Plus we have a fun new 'get well' set to brighten an ill loved one's day and a cute 'anytime' winter set to add to your collection!

Here are the 4 New Sets but for more details and prices go to our store site.









Now how about some creation inspiration using these sets? Well, Hop along with the INK Girls and myself and hopefully we will infuse you with the creative spirit. My card was made using one of the new love themed sets called Love Ya Lots.

I embossed the Love Birds in white on burgundy card stock, cut a heart out around them and layered it on a white card stock heart. The same was done for the tag, which I placed under the heart like a pocket. The background was stamped in burgundy over fuchsia card stock with the bunch of hearts stamp from the set and I tied it all together with a pink organdy dotted ribbon.

Are you almost ready to jump on over the next blog to see another creation? Well, first you need to know 2 more things. First; you can win 2 of the new release sets (your choice) just by commenting on each blog in the hop and second; remember today is the LAST DAY of our big 25%-35% off sale so don't miss out!!

Now scoot on over and see the lovely work of genius JOY has to share with you!

Another Sneek Peek

Here's another sneek peek for the blog hop and new releases TOMORROW! Guesses????

Sneek Peek...

Ready for a sneek peek for the new releases on the 15th?? Here you go!

What could it be? Stay tuned and hop with us on the 15th to find out!

~Think Ink Winner!~

Our Think Ink Tuesday blog challenge winner for the weeks of October 27 - Nov 10th is....

Sara Henton!

Here are your random numbers:

8

Timestamp: 2009-11-13 02:27:24 UTC


Congrats, Sara! I will be contacting you for your information!

Don't forget to check out the newest Think Ink Tuesday challenge for your chance to win!

Also, it's not too late to sign up for the Twilight New Moon blog hop! Just contact Joy Stagg or myself and we will get you signed up. The hop is November 20th to coincide with the release of the new movie!

Have a great night, friends!

Hugs,
Holly

Tutorial- Rock N Roll Technique

It’s tutorial time here at Artful Inkables which is brought to you by our DT member Deborah Young! Are you ready to rock ‘n roll? This card uses the bird’s nest stamp from AI’s newest stamp set, “A Bird’s Song”.

It’s really easy! First grab your supplies:

Background paper or cardstock for stamping
Stamp- I used AI's A Birds Song
2 ink pads, one a lighter color, one a darker color

The rock ‘n roll technique will result with an image that has the lighter color in the center, with the second (darker) color ‘rolled’ around the edges. The colors that you select will depend upon the type of image you are stamping. I chose Bamboo as my light color, and Chocolate as my darker color.

First, ink up your entire stamp with the lighter color. Don’t stamp on your paper yet!

While you still have your lighter color of ink on your stamp, ‘roll’ the edges of your stamp in the darker color. Roll it around a couple of times to ensure you have the darker color ink all around the edge of your image.

Stamp your image on your paper or cardstock. The result may be subtle or more striking, depending upon the ink colors that you selected.

Here I used some other Artful Inkables stamps with bolder ink colors. I selected Blush and Tulip inks on the tiny snowflake, Crystal Blue with Petal edges on the larger snowflake, and Sweet Leaf rolled in New England Ivy for the holly branch.

So pick up your favorite AI stamp………put on a little music…….and rock ‘n roll!

Thanks for stopping by and can't wait to see what you come up with using your AI stamps!!

Sale Reminder

Dont forget there is less than one week left to take advantage of our big SALE! Until November 15th Artful Inkables has 35 sets on sale for 25-35% off. No code is needed to take advantage of this sale and our free shipping on orders over $45 still applies to all of our products including the sale items. So stock up now on those sets you've had on your wish list or better yet, send a loved one to over to buy some for you for Holiday gifts. See all the sales sets HERE.

A Big Welcome...

...to Michelle Bartnett! She has graciously agreed to fill Julie Ranae's spot on the Design team for the remainder of her term. (Unfortunately Julie had to leave us early and we will miss her talents greatly.) Michelle will make her debut as an INK Girl on the 15th of this month when she participates in the New Release Blog Hop we will be having that day. In the meantime, you can visit her blog HERE to enjoy her work and welcome her to the team. You can also get to know her a bit by reading her Bio on the Design Team Page of our website. Welcome Michelle...we are so lucky to have you and your talents on our team!

Think INK Tuesday

This week your challenge is brought to you by DT Member, Crystal Irwin, and she wants you to MAKE A TAG, ANY TYPE OF TAG!

For inspiration to get you going, Crystal used the new set, A Birds Song, to make this fab tag:



* You are not required to use AI stamps, but if you have them, we'd love to see you use them! **IF YOU USE AI STAMPS, YOU GET 2 ENTRIES FOR YOUR CREATION! JUST ENTER YOUR NAME/LINK TWICE ON MR. LINKY!!!

* You have until Monday, November 23, 2009, midnight Pacific Standard Time to link your creation to this post. A winner will be chosen Tuesday, November 24, 2009 to win a GRAB BAG of AI STAMPS!

* When posting your link, please post the link directly to your creation- so if it's on your blog, please link it directly to the specific post with your creation.

* If uploading to SCS or PCP, please add the keyword AIC07

Can't wait to see what you come up with! Tell your friends!

Think INK inspiration...

Our DT member, Jen Pahoulis, made this adorable 4 x 4 notecard holder for the current Think INK challenge using a new set, A Birds Song. You still have until midnight tonight to enter! If you didn't get a chance to participate, don't worry, there will be a new challenge tomorrow! There's always a chance to win AI stamps.....so join us tomorrow to see what the new challenge is!

Twilight Blog Hop Inspiration

Have you signed up for the Twilight Customer and DT Blog hop yet? If not, what are you waiting for?? Help us celebrate the upcoming release of NEW MOON! See details on this post....

Here's some inspiration to get you going from DT member Joy Stagg using an image from AI's set Into the Moonlight.....



Save the date, 11-20-09!!!

~ Blog Hop Winner! ~

The winner of our Winter Blog Hop is...........Velta!

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2009-11-05 06:15:13 UTC

Congrats, Velta!

Hugs,
Holly

~~~~~ Remember, the Sale continues through November 15th! Make sure you check the website for fabulous deals! ~~

Tutorial- Using Prismacolor Pencils....

DT member, Sherry Campbell, is giving us a tutorial today on: How to color your Artful Inkables Images with Prismacolor Pencils and blend using Odorless Mineral Spirits

Supplies Needed:

High Quality Cardstock (white is used here)

Line Art Image (dog from South of the Border used here)

Dye Ink- My preference and recommendation is Memento

Odorless Mineral Spirits (artistic grade found at art and hobby stores)

Pencils

Paper blending Stumps

File

Stamp image with dye ink onto Cardstock. Depending on ink used you may have to let dry- Memento is ready immediately

Color outer edges of image with pencil laying down lots of color.

Wet blending stump with OMS and using a circular motion blend and pull color towards center of image.

Your coloring should have a blended and shaded look

Color the rest of the image using the same technique

Blend other colors with the OMS- BE SURE to file the color off the tip of the blending stump BEFORE using on another color.

Optional shading can be done once the main image is colored to give more depth and dimension. Imagine a light source and use a light grey (used Cool Grey 20% on this image) and shade where shadows would normally fall. For this image I imagined the light source in the upper left corner and shaded accordingly.

Once Shading is colored you can blend gently with the blending stump being careful not to extend the color out too far.

Here is my finished image- it is ready to be added to my project.

Can't wait to see what you come up with using your AI stamps with this tutorial!! Thanks for stopping by!