Monday, September 19, 2011

Peachy Keen Stamps Guest Designer – Day 1

Good morning and welcome to Polka Dot Gypsy.  As you know today begins my week as Guest Designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. I am so excited to be sharing with you all the fun projects that I've been working on. If you've never visited my blog before I hope you will take some time to look around. I'm still new to this but am learning with each new post. My background is in teaching quilting, crafting and paper crafting. Unfortunately I had to give up the quiting because of time issues So, I mainly focus on paper crafting. This weeks posts will mainly showcase the projects that I have been doing with Peachy Keen Stamps. I'll share some tips and special techniques that I have used. I hope you enjoy your visit at Polka Dot Gypsy and will return often. So, let's get started!!!

Tissue Cover



My first project is a decorative cover for the square box of facial tissue. Please note that because of the size of the scarecrow image I had to turn the box on its side. If using a smaller image, the box can be placed in it's normal, upright position. The cover was made with kraft paper used for mailing packages. The tissue box was wrapped and then tied with a ribbon made of brown tulle. The kraft paper was not attached to the box so that replacement boxes can slide easily in and out. Spider web edges were created using the Martha Stewart Spider Web punch. However, the spider web edging has a tendency to catch on the box flaps. So, caution is needed when changing boxes. Below is a photo of the side opening of the tissue cover. You can see how the pointy edges can catch on the tissue box.




For the front panel I stamped the "Happy Scarecrow" image from Peachy Keen Stamps. The image was colored with Copic Sketch markers.




I wanted the scarecrow panel to be the focal point of this project. So, I choose a more plain, patchwork type of panel for the top. I used the Nestabilities Pumpkin die and the Cuttlebug to create this cute polka dot pumpkin. A simple circle punch was used to create the moon and Vintage Photo Distress Ink was used around the edges to add a little dimension to it. I found this cute little bat punch from Studio g. It made the perfect accent for the harvest moon. The final accent is a ribbon tied around the fall paper.





Tools & Supplies

Copic Markers
Ranger Distress Inks
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
Studio g Bat Punch
Martha Stewart Spider Web Edge Punch
1 1/4" Circle Punch
Nestabilities Pumpkin Die
Cuttlebug
1/4" Off White Ribbon
Strip of Brown Tulle
Kraft paper used for mailing packages
Various solids and patterns of cardstock and paper


Happy Scarecrow Variations






For this card I used the Pumpkin Nestabilities die to cut out the Happy Scarecrow image. For the rick rack I used the Rick Rack die cut from Cottage Cutz.






I used a lot of layers for this card and added some faux stitching around the center panel. The added bow embellishment was made from raffia.





For the final card I machine stitched around the edges of the center panel. The rosette was made using the Tim Holtz Mini Paper Rosette die. The rosette was added to fix a blending experiment gone bad.


Copic Tips

I always loved the results that other crafters were getting using Copic markers and I just had to give it a try. I've been using them for a few years now and still consider myself a beginner. I know the basics and can use them, but alas I am a rebel and tend to break the rules. Sometimes that gets me into trouble. In the case of Copics, I blend colors not in the same family. Most, no probably all, of the blending that I did on this project is outside the blending families. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. So, here are a couple things that I do to help me when I am using my Copics.

Before I start a new project I like to warm up a little before coloring my actual image, especially if I haven't colored for a while. To do this I use what I refer to as a test card. To make test cards, I stamp a simple image multiple times on a piece of the cardstock recommended for coloring with Copics. I position them in an area about the size of a baseball card and cut apart, allowing room for notes. While working on projects I keep a card near me to practice, test color combinations, experiment with shading as well as testing for streaking or any color irregularities. Notes are written on it so that I can refer to it when working on other projects. The cards are stored on a ring to be kept as a resource for future projects. Below is a sample of my test cards. And yes, Patty Cake makes the perfect image for this.





When I stamp the image for my project, I stamp the image several times onto one page, leaving enough room to cut out the project and allowing for a panel or a scallop circle if needed. If I mess one up beyond repair, I have extras. If all goes well I can spend a quiet evening in front of the TV coloring the remaining images for other projects.

And now for the goodies! Peachy Keen Stamps has generously donated the "In Stitches Face Assortment" for some lucky winner. What do you have to do? Just leave a comment at the bottom of my post here. I'd love to know what method you use to color your images. So, in today's comments for my blog please share with me your favorite method of coloring (Copics, chalk, ink, etc). Next hop on over to Peachy Keen Stamps blog, and leave a comment on my post there too. On Saturday someone will win this fabulous assortment of faces. Will it be you?



Wow, that was quick. My first day over already. I hope you have enjoyed my projects for my first day as a Guest Designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. It's been a privilege to share them with you and I hope that you will return tomorrow to see what other projects I have to share.

Have a wonderful day and I'll see you all tomorrow when I'll reveal my card for the PKS sketch challenge.

Jane - The Polka Dot Gypsy

32 comments:

jessica said...

beautiful job on all your projects today! Love the tissue box and love your coloring! Congrats on being this weeks guest designer :)
jessica
chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com

Saundra said...

Your projects are beautiful! I love the tissue box! I don't color much but have used Prisma Colored Pencils and odorless mineral spirits. Would love to learn to color with Copics some day. Can't wait to see what you have for the rest of the week!

Hugs,
Saundra
Luvscrappingtogether at gmail dot com

Singerli3 said...

This is just the cutest tissue box for fall.

Lucy said...

Great projects! I never saw these critter faces before. Adorable :)

Doris P. said...

new follower.. lover your copic coloring and these awesome projects and tissue box.. came from PKS blog.. Doris
parkernana5@cox.net

Maria said...

super cute projects
marial302003@yahoo.com

mamawcindy said...

Love your Cards!!! I just Love your Tissue Box!! I would Love to try Copics! Your coloring is Great! Congratulations on being a Guest Designer. Would Love to win those Adorable Faces from Peachy Keen. Thanks for Sharing your talents with us. :0)
cindymarshall63 at hotmail dot com
cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

The tissue box is a great project. Thanks for the inspiration!

Sue D said...

Love all the scarecrow projects--great coloring.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Angie Tolman said...

Really cute ideas! Thanks! I love the coloring tips.

angie_curtis@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

Really cute ideas!! I just ordered some peachy keen stamps, anxious to use them.

AmyT said...

These are awesome. Love the colors. I love the tissue box. Never thought of making a tissue box look so pretty.

Glora said...

I'm totally in LOVE with your projects today. I knew that your week would be AWESOME! I can't wait to see what else you have for us! Hugs- Glora

Unknown said...

Love all the shading and coloring you did!!!
kacee

Jen R said...

Great first day...Good job!!!!!

kissmyjen at gmail.com
justcreativeme.blogspot.com

Sew Sweet N Crafty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sew Sweet N Crafty said...

Hi, I love to color my images with my Copic markers. Its always fun and even a learning process to try new techniques and color combos.

Sew Sweet N Crafty
SewSweetNCrafty.blogspot.com

littlen said...

great project. looks like they could also be used for a card or two. tfs.

Heather said...

Love the tissue holder! great projects!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

SuperPat said...

Wow, that tissue box is so adorable. I usually grab whatever ink pad happens to be handy I don't stick with any particular brand. I am excited to try hand coloring after seeing your post.

Bunnyfreak said...

Thanks for the copic tip. Love the tissue box cover.

Amy E said...

I love your little scarecrow! I really liked the way you showed so many different things you could make with him!! And thanks for the copics tips. I'm a new follower!

amyis300 AT hotmail DOT om
scrapthissavethat.blogspot.com

callyannc said...

Funtastic designs! Congrats on GD! You rocked it! TFS CallyAnn(new follower)
http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com
comeon over:)

Felicia - Scrapper in the Making said...

Wow, you are off to a GREAT Start! What a Super Job. Love all the cards and tissue box. Thanks for the coloring tip too. Smooches... Felicia - frankleecrafts [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

You are an expert copic user as evidenced in your designs. Thanks for the warm-up tip!

Janice W. said...

Hi Jane,
Beautiful work as always! Looking forward to the rest of your week! I know you will get lots of followers when people discover your talent!
Hugs, Janice

Jenny said...

Awe, that tissue cover is so sweet! Such a great idea. Your coloring/blending work is outstanding. Great job! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your work this week!

Jenny
papercraftjenny at gmail dot com

Tammy V said...

Love the tissue box!
tamluvsrog@sbcglobal.net

Liz O. said...

Your cards are so adorable and the tissue box cover is very cute too. Thank you for sharing your projects and for the tips too. Have a lovely day.
Liz

Kathy Salido said...

Great projects. Love the card with the raffia bow.
Kathy
http://3spoileddogs.blogspot.com/

Melissa said...

I a so glad I found your blog- your projects are fantastic.

Jovan said...

I just love your cards and coloring!
hotgirl211@msn.com