Lovely, Easy & Frugal: Chalk Cards {Stamp School!)

Hi friends! If you have some chalk in your craft stash I encourage you to try this tutorial!

You are going to want decorator chalks (they come individually or in a palette like eye-shadow) or chalk pastels, not chalkboard chalk for this technique. You will also need something to apply the chalk with, I used daubers from Darice but I also like to use small white pon-poms, Q-tips or even make-up sponges. If you have tried something else that works let me know in the comments!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Stamps: Celery Rose Peg stamp set, Delicate Rose Peg Stamps, Falling Leaves unmounted stamp set, Uplifting Sentiments Unmounted
• Chalks
• Versamark inkpad
• Cardstock in white, pink, yellow and green (pastel shades)
• Die cuts of your choice (shapes and accents)
• Dye inks (Memento) Colors: Angel Pink, Rosebud, Espresso, Desert sand, New Sprout
• Brad and brad decoration
• Glue
• Double stick tape
• Foam squares

Directions for applying chalks:
1. Stamp image with Versamark ink.
2. Dab on chalk with a sponge, pom-pom or q-tip
3. Rub with applicator to set. You can wipe off excess chalk with a tissue.

You can also use this technique with mica powder too, simply brush it over the clear stamped image with a soft brush and the shiny stuff will stick to the wet ink and leave a pretty shimmy design, it works best on black cardstock. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

LIVE today at 12:30pm ET: Magnolia Flower in Oils (you CAN use Acrylics too!)

Edit: Here is the finished painting, it was hard to get a good shot while the painting was still wet so I might update it in a couple of days:) Replay of the tutorial is below:) Have a great weekend!

Hi friends! I hope you can join me for a  live painting tutorial on YouTube today!

I felt like doing something a little different so I created a collage and stenciled background to do an oil painting on top of. Here is the video of the background in case you want to prepare yours the same way.

Background Video (recorded)

You can watch the live tutorial (or the replay afterwards) of the magnolia flower painting in the player below but if you want to chat with fellow painters or ask me questions live be sure to tune in here on YouTube today at 12:30pm eastern time.

Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama!
Use coupon code: frugal20FS49 for 20% off $49 + Free Shipping (Excludes: Sale, Super Sale, Egift Cards, Buy It Try It’s and Vendor restricted items. Look for the green coupon eligible icon on the product listing!)

Supplies:

• Berlin water-mixable oils set of 10 (on sale today for $19.99)
• *Acrylic painters, you can use slow dry medium with your acrylics and do this project too!
• 11″x14″ canvas (or whatever size you prefer)
• Brushes: Creative Mark Black Swan (synthetic squirrel) *BOGO sale!!!!
• Sea sponges
• Acrylic paint (I like Turner acryl-gouache but you can use whatever you prefer in shades of tan/brown/gold/copper)
• Other supplies: Cafe Paris Americana Decor stencil: $4.47 at Consumer Crafts, Or $10.65 here.
• 6″x6″ Specimen Stencil or here.
• Stencil brush, make-up sponge or foam pouncer
• Water bucket, palette, paper towel
• Reference photos: Magnolia tree by Paul Sherman and Sanne at Paint my Photo.

 

I will update this post later today with a photo of the finished painting! Happy crafting!

My First Watercolor Course Coming Soon!

Hi friends! I am excited to announce that I will soon be launching my very first watercolor course! I am about 90% done with it and I think it will fit the needs of many painters. I have been asked countless times if I could make a class that went over all of the essential tools, supplies and techniques a watercolor painter should know to be successful. I wanted the class to demystify watercolor and I want my students to learn the skills of painting so they can paint whatever they choose.

The course is divided into several sections in two main parts. The first part of the course are the foundations and building blocks. This is the raw information you need to learn watercolor. Tools and Supplies: These are the basic, tried and true items you need to paint, some items are store-bought and some are DIY but all have earned their place in my kit due to their usefulness and versatility. Color mixing: Getting a large variety of colors with a split primary palette plus what other 3 colors I think are worth having in every palette. Techniques:  We will learn several types of wet-in-wet and controlled washes, sponging, spattering, scraping, masking, blending, fading and basic brush control.

I thought that having a foundation element was good but applying the techniques is just as important because it makes the knowledge sink in. That is why I decided to add three full finished painting tutorials in real-time where I can go in-depth with every technique. I even suggest when it would be a good time to take a break so you can come back and see your painting with new eyes!

I want this class to be the perfect stepping stone for anyone wanting to begin a watercolor journey or fill in any gaps they feel they might have in their watercolor practice. Mostly I want the student to learn the essential skills to communicate their vision in watercolor and have the confidence to paint!

I am finishing up the filming now and hope to launch the class in a week or two. I would love to know what struggles you have as you paint. Do you have any questions or confusion when it comes to watercolor? Let me know in the comments below, this way if I see anything I didn’t think of I can post a bonus lesson in my class when it comes out. I want to empower anyone who wants to create. Thank you for all of the encouragement you have given me to finally accomplish this daunting task, I am so glad I did. Oh, and if you want to be the first to be notified when the class goes live please sign up for my special events newsletter. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Stamp Giveaway! Heat Embossong Tips & Watercolor Sheets! Stamp School!

5/5/17 Edit: Congrats to Sally Walden who won the stamps! Please check your email for instructions on claiming your prize.

Hi friends! Today  I have some really fun stuff for you! First, Artneko is giving a lucky winner the stamps I used in today’s card, just leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. I will draw a winner in one week and notify the winner via email.

Secondly I am playing with a brand new watercolor product called Viviva watercolor sheets. I was contacted by the designer of these watercolor booklets last year and have used a couple different prototypes and provided feedback and I am really proud of the final booklets they created, you can find out more here. Of course you can use whatever watercolors you already have. We will watercolor over a heat embossed image, it is a great way to get into coloring with watercolor as the heat embossing creates raised partitions for the paint. Don’t worry if you have struggled with heat embossing in the past because I have some tips and tricks in today’s video!

Video sponsored by ArtNeko!  *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

Supplies:

• Panda Stamp Set (Artneko)  Or in a small set
• Happy Birthday & Thank You stamp (ArtNeko)
• Viviva Watercolor sheets
• Rock a Block Stamp Mounts
• Hot press watercolor paper
• White Gel Pen
• Embossing folder: I used Oriental Weave folder by Cuddlebug but I think they are discontinued, this set of Asian themed embossing folders would also work well
• Embossing powder in white and black
• Scissors
• Die cut felt: I think this is discontinued but I found a few similar items here and here.
• Black cardstock
• 5″x7″ cards & envelope in white
• Black mini brads
• Waterbrush
• Black embossing ink
• Anti static pouch *or make your own with cornstarch in a fabric pouch
• Black embossing pen
• White Pigment ink
• 4” Soft Brayer
• Kaleidacolor ink pad
• Foam tape
• ATG adhesive

Directions:
1. Stamp panda scene with black pigment ink on hot press watercolor paper and heat emboss. Touch up any un inked spots with a black embossing pen and re emboss those areas.

2. Use a waterbrush and watercolor sheets to color the scene. Let dry and cut out oval leaving a 1/8″ border.

3. Emboss a 4.5″x6.5″ panel of white cardstock and brayer ink on top from a Kaleidacolor inkpad. Mount to a 4.75″x6.75″ black card.

4. Adhere die cut felt to embossed panel or wrap ribbon or string around the panel or glue down a lacy die cut for a similar effect.

5. Attach stamped panel with foam tape, stamp sentiment on black, cut out and adhere that too with foam tape.

6. Attach brads in the corners and adhere this panel to a 5″x7″ card using ATG adhesive or double stick tape.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I hope it really helped beginners learn how to get really good heat embossed images. Thanks so much for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Disclosure: Affiliates links used

Alcohol Ink Techniques on YUPO!

Hi friends! Today I have a really fun project using alcohol ink on YUPO paper! You can use either liquid alcohol ink or alcohol ink markers (BTW the sale links to snag the 24 packs of Spectrum Nior markers are now working! You can get the four original 24 marker packs for $20 each and the two NEW 24 marker packs for $24 each and there are NO Duplication between any of the 24 or 6 packs sets so you can build your collections budget allows.) Thanks to everyone letting me know there was a problem with the links yesterday and being so patient while it was resolved:) You are the best!

If you don’t have YUPO paper don’t despair! You can use vellum/parchment (modern vellum is not really vellum, it is a plasticized paper) you can also use glossy cardstock for a similar effect or if you are feeling brave try this on any light-colored non porous surface like tile coasters or white dominoes. Watch the video for full instruction!

Video!

Supplies:

• Alcohol markers: Spectrum Noir Markers 24 packs on sale for $20-$24 this week at Consumer Crafts. Also on Amazon,  and International viewers can purchase from Simon Says Stamp
• Liquid alcohol inks: Consumer Crafts, Also on Amazon, and Simon Says Stamp
• Hero Arts octopus Layering Stamp: Amazon, and Simon Says Stamp
• Yupo Paper
• White craft felt*Cheap acrylic craft store stuff is fine:) To make my ink blending tool I simply glued the hook side of Velcro to a small wooden block, the felt naturally sticks to it:)
• Alcohol or Alcohol ink Blending solution *The strongest you can get, I use denatured alcohol. SSS, Amazon
• Label die
• Spray ink, I make my own with liquid watercolor and water in a spray bottle but these from Lindy’s Stamp Gang are affordable if you don’t want to go through the trouble:)
• Clear “drops” for bubbles (get the clear ones and you can color them with alcohol markers or inks if you want other colors! You get a TON in a bag LOL!)
• Metallic gold crochet cotton
• Tombow liquid glue
• Foam tape adhesive
• Distress oxide ink: Amazon, SSS
• Ranger Archival Ink: Consumer crafts $4.27 a standard size pad, SSS $5.99 a pad but they also offer minis and sets, Amazon *Note, the ancient page ink I used in the video is the same kind of ink as ranger archival. I looked for these inks and the only place I found therm were really expensive on amazon, I think they are discontinued so I recommend getting Ranger Archival because you can get reinkers and they are more affordable.
• Foil anchor

I hope you enjoy experimenting with alcohol ink on yupo paper, if you don’t have Yupo try whatever glossy paper you have or even acetate sheets or vellum. Art is all about experimenting and having fun so make some time for arts and crafts today! This post contains affiliate links, when you shop via my special discount links you help support the free content on my channel and get great deals, thank you and happy crafting!

SALE! Spectrum Noir Marker 24 packs $20-$24!

Hi friends! I just wanted to pop in really quick and share a deal this week at Consumer Crafts, all Spectrum Noir Alcohol Marker 24 packs are on sale, the 4 original sets are $20 a pack and the two NEW releases are $24 a pack. That’s $1 or less per double ended marker. There is no duplication between any of the 24 or 6 marker sets so you can build your collection as your budget allows. I am excited to get the two new color packs because I have all of the others. Also today they have 15% off site wide on non sale items so you can stock upon embossing folders, dies, paper, paint and more at additional savings!

Consumer Crafts also has free USA shipping on orders of $75 or more so you can really save a bundle with the marker sale, 15% off non-sale supplies and free shipping. It’s a great time to stock up!

Disclosure: By shopping via my special discount links you are helping support the free tutorials on my blog and YouTube channel while getting a great deal and I thank you for your support! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

 

Scene building &Faux Metal Effect With Inks!

Hi friends! Today’s card combines two of my favorite stamping techniques; scene building and inking.

It is amazing what you can do with white cardstock and ink, see how to make this card in today’s tutorial!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017.

Supplies:

• Stamps: Peppermint Petunia, Petite Poppies, Between the paving stones, Aloha, Live, Love , Be Thankful, Summer on the farm, Cottage Containers
• Distress Oxide Ink 
• Pigment ink (dark green and purple)
• White cardstock
• Metallic Acrylic ink or paint
• Gel pens
• Blending Brushes
• Blending Sponges
• Button
• Bakers Twine
• Markers in black and grey
• Adhesive (double stick tape, wet glue, glue dot)

Directions:
1. Make a sheet of faux metal paper but combining inks and water as I did in the video. I used distress oxide inks in shades of blue-green and brown as well as metallic acrylic paint. Let dry.

2. Stamp wheelbarrow, milk can and watering can on the metal paper and set aside to dry. Stamp the same images on white cardstock where you want them to be on the final card. Remember scale when you do this to make sure the scene looks right.

3. Use an ink blending brush and distress oxide inks to color the bottom of the card green and the top blue. Sponge in more green ink under the stamped objects.

4. Stamp flowers and leaves over the cans and wheelbarrow, make sure to overlap the stamped containers.

5. Use markers to color the wheelbarrow wheel and legs and add grasses around the containers as well.

6. Cut out the faux metal containers and glue them over the stamped ones on the cardstock.

7. Wrap twine around the bottom of the card and tie on the inside.

8. Stamp “thank you” on a die cut banner and glue to the card with a button.

I hope you try out these fun techniques and save the scraps because you can use them when you need another metal embellishment, this faux metal looks amazing embossed too! Have a great weekend and til next time happy crafting!

LIVE! Watercolor Painting on YUPO Paper 12:30pm ET!

Edit: Here is the final painting from today’s live stream:

Hi friends! Today at 12:30pm eastern time we are going to have fun exploring water-coloring on YUPO paper!

Recently Yupo Paper has been popular with alcohol ink artists (I’ll be posting a tutorial on that soon!) but I always enjoyed it for watercolor. I first tried out the paper about 15 years ago and liked it so much I bought a pack of huge sheets that I am still working through today! I had a few requests to demonstrate it so I figured that would be fun to do today. In the photo above you can see a quick teacup painted on regular cotton watercolor paper (top) and YUPO below and you can see the difference the papers make. If you have ever wanted to loosen up more in your work I recommend giving YUPO a try! Here is the reference photo for today’s painting.

You can watch the live stream or the replay in the player below but if you want to chat live with other painters or ask me questions be sure to watch on the YouTube watch page.

Supplies! I scouted out this mornings steals on Amazon and will share links and prices below. By purchasing via my special discount links you get awesome deals and you help support my free live tutorials, thank you:) *As always follow along with what you have at home, having more supplies does not make you a better painter:)

• Watercolors: Here are some deals on Student & Professional grade watercolors that I personally use:  Sakura Koi set of 24 (never seen the price this low!) $14.18  *They also have a good price on the 48 set!, Prima Tropicals Set of 12 in metal tin $14.16 (great mixing set!), Prima Decadent Pies set of 12 in metal tin $12.13 (Great for landscape panting) and Cotman Sketcher set of 12 $12.99 (this is what I teach with) For Professional grade paints today’s deals are: Holbein watercolors at about $2 per tube when bought in sets (vs $9 when bought individually) Mission Gold sets $38+ (They are always cheaper on amazon for some reason and I am using the 24 perfect pan set in today’s tutorial) and Daniel Smith 6 tube essentials set (A GREAT mixing set) $25 *The price on this fluctuates between $25-$45 on Amazon and retails for $60 on some sites.
• Yupo Paper: 9″x12″ pad of 10 sheets $13.55 *other sizes available too!
• Silicone tools to wipe out highlights (these nail art tools are the same as expensive art silicone tools at 1/4 the price!)
• Watercolor brushes (you want ones that do not hold a lot of water because Yupo does not absorb anything) this set of 5 Majestic brushes for $16.32 has all you need!
• You will want a fine tip pen for today’s project, I am using a ultrafine sharpie because I know it will dry. I will use this to draw my design directly on Yupo paper.
• *Yupo paper is also great with alcohol inks and markers, tutorial on that coming soon!
• Pattern to print and trace

Tips & Tricks for Yupo!

1. Yupo is made of plastic so it does not absorb the paint and water so use little water or it will take a long time to dry.
2. If you don’t like your painting you can rinse away watercolor, although some colors might stain.
3. Yupo will not warp so you can use the cheaper lightweight Yupo with no problem whatsoever.
4. Thick watercolor application may remain stick when dry especially if you are using a paint containing honey. Make sure to frame your masterpiece with a matte and glass (not Plexiglas because it can flex and stick to the paint) if you want to keep it for posterity.
5. Go with the flow! Yupo is a very fluid and slick surface to paint on, let it do its thing and don’t try to control it too much.
6. Avoid using a heat tool or blow dryer on Yupo, the heat tool can warp the paper and the blow drier will just push your paint and water around. Patience grasshopper.

I hope you check out this fun project. I think Yupo would make a great paper for kids too, you can simply wash it off and reuse as much as you want for little kids watercolors and finger-paintings. There are just a lot of uses for this wonderful “paper” and I hope you get your hands on some to try! Have you or would you try Yupo? let me know in the comments and til next time happy crafting!

LIVE: Tea-time With Flowers & Lemons Watercolor Tutorial on YUPO Paper!

Mother & Father’s Day Cards!

Hi friends! I get asked a lot “what kind of stamps should I get when just starting out?” I always suggest that you use what you love but if you don’t know what that is yet I suggest nature themed stamps because they can be used for any occasion and they are unlikely to go out of style so your investment will last you.

I have always loved postage stamps and these State birds and flowers images remind me of the postage stamps that were released in the 1980’s. I actually have a sheet of them and I refer to them when I use this set! These stamps can be used to make cards for any occasion and anyone just buy changing up the papers and embellishments you use. See how in today’s video!

Sponsored by Art Neko *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

You can find the entire State Birds and Flowers stamp set here (on sale!)  *This set includes all 50 state bird/flower stamps and 4 bonus images

Supplies:

• White cardstock
• Black waterproof ink (Ranger Archival)
• Distress oxide ink (or your favorite inks in blue, green and brown)
• Stamps: Minnesota state bird, Swans, (*Both stamps are included in the State birds and flowers set but I linked them by themselves as well) Happy Mother’s Day stamp: (single), ( Set)
• Water-based markers
• Wink of stella glitter pen
• Water-based blender marker
• White gel pen
• Scrapbook paper
• Feather
• Washi tape
• buttons
• Gears
• glue
• double stick tape
• White and cream cardstock

All of the instruction to make these cards including tips and tricks can be found in the video above! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!