Brayered Stains

Here's my example of brayered stains using Mike's Gecko

This uses Distress Stains (Ripe Persimmon, Barn Door, Squeezed Lemonade) and Distress inks (Gathered Twigs, Frayed Burlap).  I stamped with the "Frayed Burlap" first but it wasn't dark enough so I stamped over top with "Gathered Twigs".  This caused it to look really blurry but I kinda like it that way!

Smudge Stamping

Here is an example of smudge stamping.  I used Mike's Gecko and Tim Holtz inks -- "Gathered Twigs", "Tea Dye" and "Antique Linen".

Here's the other card:

Michael Strong Card of the Day - Technique Thursday

My technique for today is something called "Bokeh Background".  I saw a tutorial for it in SplitCoastStampers a few weeks ago and wanted to try it.  I didn't quite understand why they stamped the dots all over but if you look up Bokeh in the dictionary it basically tells you that it's the out of focus area in a photograph so the dots are really the whole point of the technique.  I didn't do exactly what they said to do but I really like the results and it's a VERY quick card to make.

First I stamped some small circles in Tim Holtz's "Broken China" and "Tumbled Glass".  I'd stamp a few times before re-inking the stamp so the dots would get lighter and lighter.  Then I stamped the main image (Cloisonne Shell) in "Broken China" and the script stamp in "Tumbled Glass".  The sentiment is also stamped in "Broken China".  I added a few tiny white brads and I was done in just a minute!

For this one I used Tim Holtz's "Spun Sugar" and "Worn Lipstick".  For the script stamp I covered the stamp with "Spun Sugar" and then randomly dabbed on a bit of "Worn Lipstick".  The Cloisonne Heart was stamped in "Worn Lipstick".

This one used Tim Holtz's "Gathered Twigs", "Scattered Straw" and "Antique Linen".  Love my Cloisonne Gecko!

Radiant Rains Background

This card uses some Radiant Rains (Majestic Blue, Teal Zircon and Snap Dragon) and Black Soot Distress paint for the background.  Mike's small Octagon stamp, some black enameling and yarn complete the card.

Michael Strong Card of the Day - Wednesday

Here is the card for Wednesday:

This used a combination of Tim Holtz Distress Paint (white) and Pickled Raspberry Distress Stain to create the pink background.  Then I used stencils with Distress Paint (black) and Distress ink (Pickled Raspberry).  To make the octagon I put Pickled Raspberry on some white paper and stamped Mike's smallest octagon with black craft ink.  Then I put on some black embossing powder.  Ooops!  I forgot that the distress inks are embossable!  I flicked off most of the powder and embossed anyhow.  I actually like the look of it with the rest of the card -- a little grungy.  The black dots are enamel.

Michael Strong Card of the Day - Tuesday

Here is the card for Tuesday.

For the tags I used some stencils and Dylusions sprays (Bubblegum Pink and Crushed Grape).  I sponged around the edges with black ink and added some black enamel accents.  A bit of ribbon and string with a tiny tag and I was done!

Michael Strong Card of the Day - Monday

Here is my card for Monday.  It uses the monthly sketch.

I used Dylusions sprays (Cut Grass and Fresh Lime) and a stencil to make the green paper then stamped Mike's smaller Paisley stamp in black.  The dots are make with black enamel accents.