Runs with Scissors

Hello again, everyone!!  I am so happy to announce that I no longer have to be sneaky about showing up here on the Penny Black blog!  Your kind comments and enthusiasm for Runs with Scissors have resulted in my very own space here in the Penny Black workshop.  Nothing very large, but I usually find myself with a mere one foot square of clear stamping space on my desk anyway.  I just had to vacuum up the glitter and scrub the gesso splatter from the furniture.  Oh, and move Jill’s craft bag out of the way.  Wait, there’s nothing crafty in that bag…  it’s her gym bag!  Oh my!

I hope you were able to watch Vicky’s video tutorials here on the blog a couple of weeks ago.  I love and appreciate her sharing how she makes her lovely cards and her catchy theme music brightens my day.  I know that watching the step by step how-to methods of other artists helps me raise my uncomplicated style of card making to a higher level.  I hope you found something to try on your next project, too.

Did you know that Penny Black has its own YouTube channel?  Just a quick click for free help and inspiration!

Today, I’ve chosen to follow one of Jill Foster’s PB&J videos (No, they have nothing to do with sandwiches) to make a card using the Blissful background stamp and the Creative Die Wishes.

You can find the video with Jill’s clear instructions HERE.

I made a few changes but really loved the technique Jill demonstrated, using gesso as a resist.  The gesso adds a texture beyond what embossing can do.

Are you like me and sometimes find yourself being more overwhelmed than inspired when you see some of the fabulous stamping art in blogland?  Do you ask yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?”  Or, “Why can’t I do that?”   Just remember, like handwriting, everyone’s art work will reflect their own style, making it uniquely beautiful and personal.

Just for fun, I made a card using a few stamps from “Happy Everything.”

I first stamped the “Fronds” image on kraft paper using VersaMark ink and coloring it with chalks.  I sprayed that background with a fixative and then wrapped burlap ribbon around that base and stitched it all onto the note card.

I colored the gorgeous “Luminous” flower with Copics and fussy cut it.  The banner is cut from the “Triple Banner” Creative Die set and includes a sentiment from “Kind Words”.  I love this particular banner because it is unique and it holds a larger message.  I added a few black gems for that “touch of black”.

After I finished the card I showed it to my husband and before I could say a word he said, “Even though that has a flower, it is a great guy card.”  He is teachable!!

I thought it would be fun to use the same design, and the same stamps and die and make a feminine version of that card.

The Happy Everything release has so many beautiful floral images!  The Luminous image is a delight to color!

And to be sure you don’t miss anything here on the blog, be sure to sign up for the Penny Black club. You will be notified whenever something new comes up.   And don’t forget to share your Penny Black creations in the Penny Circle Flickr Gallery.  Easy to do and you instantly become an inspiration to others.

Before I leave, Cooper has asked me to let you know that he felt badly about the photo last week of him hiding under the bed instead of being supportive of my work in the craft room.  As proof of his new attitude, here’s a photo of Cooper taking over stitching duties:

So far he’s mastered only the zig zag stitch; the dials on the machine seem to confuse him.

Oops, here comes the cleaning crew:  I hope they can do something with this gym bag!  Guess it’s time for me to pack up my crafty stuff and head home. And from me to you “Happy Everything!”

Shop for today’s featured Penny Black supplies:

• 40-205 Blissful
• 40-314 Fronds
• 40-279 Luminous
• 51-006 Flutters
• 51-036 Wishes
• 51-027 Triple Banner
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