Think INK Inspiration

You still have time to enter the current Think INK challenge for your chance to win a grab bag of AI stamps! Here's some inspiration from our DT Members:

Lisa Kind used the new AI set, Sexy and Sweet for this naughty card:


Sherry Campbell use the new AI set, Anybirdy home for this nice card:


A new challenge will be posted this Tuesday!

Design Team Reminder

Dont forget, Saturday is the last day to apply for our next design team! This will be a nine month gig so we wont be having a new call for quite a long time...so dont miss out. To read all the details CLICK HERE or scroll down.

In keeping with my posting 1 day per week, I am sharing this little monster card I made. I have to admit my 2 favorite colors have ALWAYS been green and purple...ever since I was little...so my germy little monster had to be green with purple spots, lol! Hope you like it!

Germy Little Monster Card by Kristin Soboloski
Stamps: Monster Medical from Artful INKables
Ink: Momento Black Ink
Paper: Celery, Raspberry & White solid card stock and various decorative paper scraps
Everything Else: Colored using prismacolor pencils and gamsol, 2 circle punches and raspberry brads.

~ We Have Winners! ~

Congrats to our recent giveaway winners!

Think Ink Challenge weeks 2/2 - 2/15:

Jodi C ~ an e-mail was sent to you for your information

and the Winner for the February 15th blog hop giveaway....

Patti - an e-mail was also sent to you for information!

Congrats, girls!!

Tutorial - Sponging a Glow

Today's tutorial is brought to you by our DT Member, Michelle Bartnett

To really draw your eye into the center of a main image panel, I like to sponge a little glow around it. Well actually, you don’t sponge the glow. You darken the area on the outside of the image to give the illusion that the center glows. Let’s get started and you’ll see what I mean.

Supplies Needed:

A cute image already colored - I used this fabulous bird from A Bird’s Song

Ink – a lighter and darker version of the same color

Sponges – my favorite are cosmetic sponges. I write the name of the color on them so I can use them over and over.

A large scrap of paper

Place the image in the center of the scrap paper. I have several pictures and tips on sponging below so be sure to read thru them all before you get started on your project! I’ll tell you when to “go”, ok?

I find that I only sponge well going in one direction so I simply turn my piece so that I am always sponging in that good direction. Beginning with the lighter color of ink, I dab my sponge onto the ink pad a couple times. Then starting COMPLETELY ON SCRAP OF PAPER (not on your piece) I place the sponge down and swirl it in circles as I move towards the piece (more on this below). I do not sponge all the way to the main image (more on this below too). By always starting completely on the scrap, you prevent any dark blobs of color or leaving the shape of your sponge on your piece. I will have more ink on my scrap than on my piece!

Here’s the path I take with my sponge. By always swirling towards the center you get that nice fade of ink as your sponge begins to run out of ink as you get closer to the main image (but don’t go all the way to the main image, see below). Re-ink your sponge and repeat this motion as you gradually spin your piece clockwise

This is what my piece looks like when I’m done with the lighter color. Notice that I DID NOT sponge all the way to the main image. You want to leave a white border at least ¼” around the outer edge of your image. It’s that white border around your image creates that glow. Get to close and you'll loose the glow.

I don’t worry about having a perfect border. Look at the area right under the bird. I didn’t try to get into those little spaces between the branches. Because I never touch the main image, I save time by not having to mask it off. (ok, you can really start now!)

Next I move to the darker color of ink. I repeat the same steps except that I start a little further out on my scrap and lift my sponge way before I get to my image. I want to keep the darker ink close to the edge and not cover up all of my lighter ink.

>

Finally, I hold the sponge right up against the cut edge of the cardstock and run the sponge loaded with the darker ink around the very edge of the piece re-inking as needed. This picture shows the finished main image panel. Be sure to notice the white border around the image, how far I took the light ink in, and how far I took the dark ink in.

And here is my finished piece on my project. See how that center glows and draws your eye right into the center! Consider using yellow inks to simulate light or blue inks for sky or water. Also try using 3 versions of the same color (light, medium, and dark) and take the light color almost to the image, the medium color about half way in, and keep the darker color close to the edge. Enjoy!

Another New Release Tweet! (Treat!)

Stamps: Any Birdy Home? from AI
Paper: Basic Grey and SU!
Other: Momento Black ink, Copic Markers, Buttons and some great fuzzy green yarn I found!

Can you believe it? Another New Release sample from Kristin in the same week? LOL Actually I am trying turn over a new leaf...when the new DT comes on board, I will have a weekly posting day just like they do! I gotta do something to make myself stamp more! I used to stamp daily but now I cant seem to find the time...so I will make it a requirement instead! ;-)

Think INK Challenge #14

This week your challenge is brought to you by all of the AI girls...it's to make a Naughty or Nice Card...your choice! How perfect are the new releases for this challenge!

For some naughty inspiration, Joy used the new set, Sexy and Sweet


For some nice inspiration, Crystal used the new set, Newborn Blessings

* 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, March 1, 2010, midnight Pacific Standard Time to link your creation to this post. A winner will be chosen Tuesday, March 2, 2010 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 AIC14

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

New Release Blog Hop ~ First of 2010~

So did Joy's "Sneak Peeks" whet your whistle for today's New Release Blog Hop? I sure hope so because I know the INKgirls and I have been dying to share our samples with you! This is our first release of the new year and we think it's one of the best releases EVER!

The 4 new sets being released are called Sexy and Sweet, Newborn Blessings, Fanciful Flowers and Any Birdy Home. Be sure to check them all out on the store site to enjoy each and every stamp in these new sets. I have used the Sexy and Sweet set for my Blog Hop sample. I just love how this set can be used either in a 'racey' or a more demure way for those significant others in our lives!

Sexy Kitten Card by Kristin Soboloski

Stamps: Sexy and Sweet by AI

Paper: All from SU

Other: Circle punches, Dew Drops, Copic Markers, Momento Black ink

This release marks the beginning of a few changes here at AI. The most significant is that this it the last release for our current Design Team. Though a few will stay on in a Senior capacity, we will really be feeling the loss of these talented ladies! Be sure to give them some appreciation this next month before they leave us to make room for the next crop of INK girls. (BTW if you are interested in becoming a member of the new team please visit this post HERE for details.) We will also be gradually changing how our sets are sold. Though we have taken pride in offering hand cut 'ready to use' sets in the past we are finding ourselves getting further and further behind on our shipping times, so over the next 6 months or so, we will be modifying our plates. How? Well if you purchase one of these new sets you will see first hand, as these are the first of the sets to show the change. Basically, they have been arranged so that each set is a sheet of uncut rubber, mounted on ez-mount cling foam, that can fit in the box without the extra labor. (Same boxes and packaging as we currently carry.) You will have to cut them from the rubber sheet at home before you use them...unless you want to stamp a collage, lol! This should greatly decrease the wait for your orders and allow us to expand to larger sales venues such as stamp conventions and retail stores. We will also be introducing a mini set size with some great new stamps for a smaller price.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my samples but it is time to move on and see what the INKgirls have to share with you. Hop on over to HOLLY'S blog next and be sure to hop and comment all the way to the end...as usual there will be prizes! You could be the winner of all 4 new stamp sets if we draw your name! Cool huh?

Another Sneek peek

Here's another peek of another set being released....the blog hop is tomorrow!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Sneek Peek

Are you ready for our new release? Our blog hop is on the 15th....this is only 1 of 4 sets being released, so stay tuned!

Don't forget, we're holding a DT call, you could be an INK GIRL, check the next post for more details!

Design Team Call – Become an INKgirl

ARTFUL INKABLES is looking for new design team members! We need your help and enthusiasm promoting our products through your personal blog and online galleries. We are looking for team members who are excited about stamping, and would love being a part of a fun and friendly design environment. No prior design team experience is necessary. If you’ve never been published… Don't worry! We want to encourage you to show us your best, even if you have not been widely recognized as a designer. This call is open to everyone - if you aren't in the US or Canada you are more than welcome to apply!!**

Application Process

All submissions must be received by 12:00am MST, Feb 27, 2010. New design team members will be contacted by March 4, 2009.

Please send an email containing the following information to: artfullyinking@comcast.net
1. Name
2. Address
3. Email
4. Phone number
5. Blog or website address
6. Links to any online galleries you may have
7. Related forums/message boards that you like to visit and participate (we do NOT need your forum nickname)
8. Three (3) items, cards, or layouts using stamps as the main focus. Your submissions don't need to be brand new and do not need to use Artful INKables Stamps (though using our stamps is a PLUS). Your submissions should not have been published or submitted for publication for a printed or online magazine. Don’t forget we will be looking at both your work and your photographing abilities here.
9. Please note if you are a current or past design team member for any other companies. (Don’t worry, we do not expect you to work solely for us).
10. Please tell us a few words about what you like about stamping, and what would be the most exciting part for you if you become a design team member.

General Requirements

• Participate for a term of 9 months and sign a contract with Artful Inkables. This Design Team’s Term will run from March 7 to December 4, 2010.

• You will need the ability to photograph or scan your art for submission to Artful INKables Rubber Stamps.

• You will need to have a blog or website with regular updates, and enjoy participating in online challenges both on our blog and in the stamping community. You should be willing to post weekly card samples, contest announcements, challenges and new releases on your blog as well as display the Artful INKables logo on your blog.

• You'll also need to be ready to have some FUN, and enjoy your stamps!!!

Monthly Responsibilities

•You will receive an average of two stamps sets per month to create with. At minimum, we will expect you to make 2 card samples and one 3D item or scrapbook page for each set you are given. You will be required to mail us one sample from each set by the end of your term but you may keep all your other samples. You must submit photos of all work created for us to our private online gallery so we have unlimited access to them.

• Contribute one (1) tutorial during your 9 month term to be posted on the company blog. This is a step by step guide to creating your favorite card or project. This can also be techniques, and include stamping tips and trends.

• Contribute to the creation of the bi-weekly Think INK challenges.

• Give feedback and suggestions to AI for new stamps, the blog and marketing ideas. Cooperate fully with our Senior DT and help when necessary.

• Leave occasional comments on DT Member blogs and the company blog.

• Promote Artful INKables Rubber Stamps through your blog, and whenever you see an opportunity.


What You'll Get From Us

• A great opportunity to work with a fun design team, learning fun, new things.
• Encouragement and monetary compensation for getting published in leading magazines.
• 2 New Artful INKables stamp sets every month and other goodies as they become available.
• 25% off on all store items, during your term!
• Your bio, artwork and gallery will be spotlighted on Artful INKables web site indefinitely.

** Please note that, we pay shipping but cannot be responsible for customs or duty fees to Canada or if shipped internationally.

Think INK Inspiration

Here's some sketchy inspiration from our DT members for the current Think INK Challenge:

Deborah Young used Fun & Friendly, flipped the sketch and used it for a scrapbook page!



Sherry Campbell used Down on the Farm for this country card:


You still have time to enter for your chance to win a grab bag of stamps! Stay tuned for our new release and blog hop on the 15th!

Tutorial- Sponging a Ground

Today's tutorial is brought to you by our DT Member, Michelle Bartnett

I like my images to have a place to sit so I often sponge a little ground for them.

Supplies Needed:

A cute image already colored - I used the cake from Birthday Best

Ink – a lighter and darker version of the same color

Sponges – my favorite are cosmetic sponges. I write the name of the color on them so I can use them over and over.

Sticky Notes

A mask of your image (just stamp the image on a sticky note and cut out)

Place your mask on top of your colored image. When I made this mask, I positioned the image so that the sticky part would be on the bottom of my cake as that is where I will be sponging. To save time, I didn’t bother to cut the top of the cake out on the mask. I won’t be doing anything to that area.

Place a full sticky note across the piece to mark where your ground will be. Notice that I line the edge of my sticky note up with the edge of my piece on the left side. This will ensure that I’ll have my ground line level. If your image is wider than 1 sticky note, just stick 2 of them together! How high up on the piece should your ground be? I never go more than 1/3 of the way up. I also like to go up just a little higher than the widest point of the image. I’ll show you what happens if you place this wrong in just a minute.

Now, I find that it is easier for me to pull my sponge upward rather than downward so I simply spin my piece upside down. I start with the lighter color of ink. I dab my sponge onto the ink pad a couple times. Then starting COMPLETELY ON THE STICKY NOTE (not on your piece) I place the sponge down and push it straight up to the edge of the piece. I do not go move up and down – only up. Ink your sponge and repeat this motion as you gradually move across your piece from one side to the other. By always starting completely on the sticky note, you prevent any dark blobs of color or leaving the shape of your sponge on your piece. I will have more ink on my sticky than on my piece! By always moving upward (not up and down) you get that nice fade of ink as your sponge begins to run out of ink as you get close to that upper edge.

Now I move to the darker color of ink. I repeat the same steps except that I start a little further down my sticky note and lift my sponge before I get to the end of my piece. I want to keep the darker ink close to the sticky note and not cover up all of my lighter ink.

Remove your sticky note masks and your piece is ready to be placed on your project.

What happens if you do not place your ground in the right spot? In this picture you will see that the ground is placed too low. This makes the cake look like it is floating above the ground. Ug!

In this piece, the ground was placed too high (almost cutting the piece in half!). The ground swallows up the cake and doesn’t allow it to really stand out. Yuck!

And here is my finished piece on my project. I hope you’ll give this technique a try. Consider using green inks for a grassy area or blue inks for water. Enjoy!

~ We have a Winner! ~

Our winner for the Think Ink challenge from 1/19 - 2/1 is...........

Erin!

Erin, I have sent an e-mail to you for your information.

Congrats!!

For the next Think Ink challenge, please scroll down :)

Hugs!

Think INK Challenge #13

This week your challenge is brought to you by Kristin, owner and stamp designer for Artful INKables. This week, it's a SKETCH CHALLENGE, Kristin used the AI set, Steampunk Sarah for her inspiration piece.

* 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, February 15, 2010, midnight Pacific Standard Time to link your creation to this post. A winner will be chosen Tuesday, February16, 2010 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 AIC13

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