A Cornucopia of Thanks from Dreamweaver Stencils

As Lynell is away with family for the Thanksgiving Day festivities, this is Pam once again sharing one of my creations for the holiday. Originally, we were being doubly challenged this week with a sketch design of either a round card, or a round panel on a card, along with the Thanksgiving theme. Since most of us here in the US, either entertain in a huge way or travel long distances for this holiday, I thought that I'd take pity on the girls and suggest that we just stick with a Thankful/Thanksgiving theme this week. However, I had already started my card with the circle sketch in mind, so I continued with it...somewhat. I had paste-embossed in Metallic Copper Embossing Paste the Cornucopia stencil on a circular cut kraft card. Once this was dry, I placed a sheet of Stampee Red Foil over the surface, placed it between a folded sheet of printer paper, and ran it through my hot laminator. The process adheres the foil perfectly to the pasted surface. I did change up the process with one detail. I crumpled up the piece of foil really well to break up the look of the foil on the copper paste, and give it a slightly aged appearance. I added to this by softly stamping a crackle finish around the edges with brown ink. I stenciled the sentiment from this stencil slightly overlapping the image with the same brown ink and embossed clear brown embossing powder over it for added shine. My dark brown card and fun plaid patterned paper finished off the warm and homey look that I was trying to achieve. Since the Dream Team have taken special time this week to inspire you with their Thanksgiving creations, be sure to check them out:

Wendy Jordan
Terrece Siddoway

Laura Drahozal
Deborah March

Louise Healy

Kristi Van Doren

Liz Martin

Lee Kellogg

Georgia Sommers

Pam Hornschu

This team is a fabulous group to work with, and we would all love for you to join our team! The Dream Team call is open until November 30th for submissions. The term will start January 1st, 2012. All the info can be found in the post HERE. Meanwhile, please play along with us and post your own Thanksgiving creation and link it below.

Nothing Warped About This Sketch Challenge!

 Pam here for this week's Dreamweaver Stencils' Dream Team sketch challenge, created for us by Wonder Wendy (yes, Wendy, I just did that to you!). Since I was lucky enough to work with this sketch twice this week (and now have two more Christmas cards to add to my pile!), I decided to keep this pretty simple. I ran the base card through my Big Shot with the Stripes stencil to mimic the cute paper. Do you remember the correct "sandwich" recipe for embossing with stencils using the machines? No, no. Put away the peanut butter and jelly. It goes like this:

1) Place stencil first on base platen (item number face down). If stencil has predominantly vertical or horizontal lines, place to go vertically through machine.
2) Spritz the back of your cardstock with rubbing alcohol, (helps to break down the fibers slightly for a deeper emboss) and place face down on stencil.
3) Place rubber embossing mat over cardstock layer.
4) Place TWO clear platens on top (add cardstock shims if necessary). This will protect your stencil from becoming bent.

Note: If your clear platens are warped from repeated die-cutting, do not use with stencils. We recommend purchasing a set for your die-cutting and a separate set for embossing.

Okay, so that was simple, right? Now I followed the same process once again with the red Dotted Swiss cardstock panel and the Poinsettia stencil...but just one more addition. To get just a bit more pop, I applied Warm Red ColorBox Chalk ink over the surface of the stencil, placed my spritzed panel on top, etc., etc....the end result being a transfer of ink just dark enough to add more depth to the embossed image. I paste-embossed the Happy Holidays sentiment in Regular White Paste over the panel and sprinkled with ultra-fine crystal glitter. The striped panel of paper with it's matching punched circle "buttons", and baker's twine bows add the fun factor. The rhinestones add the "Kristi" touch...the bling!
Now, it's time to see what our fun team has been up to with Wendy's challenge. We'd love for you to take part as well and link your creation below on Mr. Linky. Want to play with the team all the time? We are looking for YOU! We have a design team call now through the end of November for the term beginning January 1st, 2012. You can find the info in THIS POST. Feeling social? Be sure to LIKE us our new Facebook page found HERE.

Butterflies in the Winter?

I am still posting some of the alternate projects for the Thistle card for my upcoming classes at Rubber Stamp Fantasy in Marietta, Georgia. I showed that card on my blog a few days ago. And if you want to see the boards with the actual classes click HERE to visit their blog.


Again this card is done with the same materials...colored aluminum from MercartUSA, and the new Color Solution which is an artist grade alcohol ink from Dreamweaver Stencils. However it uses two different stencils: the daisy background stencil (LJ892) and the new butterfly stencil (LJ916).


You may ask, "What makes this color used on these metal projects artist grade?". Well, it comes in 16 vibrant colors for one thing, and this means you can mix the colors and thin the colors to make them tints, tones and shades. Also the conditioner which is the Color Solution actually helps the solution stay moist for a few seconds longer than most alcohol inks. Which means you have a bit more time to work with them. Yes, they do dry quickly but you have time to manipulate them more which makes it nice for the traditional stenciling procedure of applying your colorant moist as opposed to extremely wet (and of course you can't stencil with a dry applicator...where's the fun in that).


HEY!!! Don't forget ....if you are a cardmaking, blogging, enthusiastic stencil fanatic (like the rest of my team)...consider joining our design team.  Click HERE to learn more of what you can expect from us and what it means to be on the team and of course how to make it happen. You have until the end of November to respond.

Nouveau Rose

Here is another creation which could be substituted for the Thistle at my classes at Rubber Stamp Fantasy in Marietta, Georgia on December 3. It uses the exact same materials (done on aluminum metal from Mercart), but different stencils. The Nouveau Rose stencil (LL3000) was embossed with the Nouveau Roses background stencil (LJ862) and the Thank You stencil (LM222) adds a vertical sentiment.


If you are interested in seeing the descriptions for the other classes click on Rubber Stamp Fantasy and this will take you to their blog.


Would you like to join the Dreamweaver Stencils design team? We would love to have you try out for the team, just click HERE to find out all the details.

Classes in Georgia

There has been some discussion regarding the projects for Layered Metallica which is my December 3 afternoon class at Rubber Stamp Fantasy in Marietta Georgia.  I have included a couple of alternative cards for people and here is one of the possibilities that you can do with the exact same materials, but different stencils. See the detail of how the background stencil (LX7001) comes alive in the detail of the poinsettia (LG700). I love how this technique makes you want to touch the metal. I have put the backing paste from Mercart behind the poinsettia stencil area to give it the extra "puffy" look.


If you are interested in the New Dream Team Call and what is required of you to be on the team click here to discover how it all works.

Thursday's Dream Schemes/Free Challenge Today!

This week I am posting a card design I made with Mercart's metal. I will soon be teaching a metal embossing technique where the stencils are being put through the Big Shot or Cuttlebug embossing machines with metal and then sanded and colorized using our new Color Solution Artist Grade Alcohol Inks. This is just a small preview because the class has not yet been taught, but over the next couple of days I will show a few of the creations for my upcoming classes at a stamp store in Marietta Georgia called Rubber Stamp Fantasy. If you happen to be visiting or living in the Atlanta area near Rubber Stamp Fantasy I will be teaching there December 2-4, so go to their blog to see all of the different classes scheduled for those dates and sign up...here is their link:http://rubberstampfantasy.blogspot.com/  The stencils used for this creation are the Thistle (LL3001) and the Celtic Cross (LG647). Be sure to check back over the next few days for more information. Later in December I will be sharing more details on how to do these techniques. 


Also remember our New Dream Team "call". Click here to find out more about how you can become a team member. To let us know more about your talents why not play along with us this week. You can make any creation you desire since it's a free week. Just connect in to mr. linky below and we will hop by your blog and share your creative moments.

Thursday's Dream Schemes/Black and White Colorway Challenge

This card was done by Julie Makela, stenciler extraordinaire, from Australia. Our monthly colorway challenge is black and white, so I thought you would enjoy these little penguins from "Down Under". Julie has a website and a blog that you can visit to see some of her other creations if you click here. Every once in awhile she visits us here at our blog, so Julie if you are reading and I haven't told how you have done this correctly, just hop into the comments and let us all know your methods. Thank you soooo much for sharing your work with us over the years. Julie has been our inspiration for what we call the "double glitter" technique and more recently for her techniques with the Stampee Foils.


These little guys (penguin stencil LL560) were paste-embossed in Glossy Black Embossing Paste (DGKP) onto acetate and once they were dry she painted their white stomach and necks on the back of the acetate with a Glossy White Embossing Paste or white acrylic (DGWP). While they were drying she sculpted the mountains (or icebergs) onto black cardstock freehand, using a sharp tipped spatula or artist palette knife again with the Glossy White Embossing Paste (DGWP). To finish the card she layered textured papers...white, silver, and an icy pale blue.


For those of you who enjoy card design or teach or both we are putting out a Dream Team Call, just continue on and read through to the next posting to hear all about what we can do for you and what you can do for Dreamweaver Stencils. Design team member, Pam Hornschu, is taking on the responsibility of making it all happen, so if you have any questions about being on the team feel free to email her.

Dreaming of Being on the Dream Team? Bring It On!

See this great badge? This could be yours! How? By submitting your best artwork in our Design Team Call. Here's the info:

Dreamweaver Stencils’ Design Team Call out:
Beginning: November 1st, 2011
Ending: November 30th, 2011
New team members will be announced: December 8th, 2011
Term from January 1st, 2012 through December 31st, 2012
(first posting will be January 5th, 2012)

Do you dream in color? Do you dream in texture? Do you dream in fun? Then the Dreamweaver Stencils’ Dream Team wants YOU! We are looking for someone with an organized mind but still able to think outside the box…or in this case…the stencil.
 
Here is what we would require from you:

1) You must have a blog and be willing to post for Dreamweaver Stencils at least
once per week…on Thursdays usually. These posts must be live on time. We
understand that emergencies happen. Please let Pam know if you will not be
able to post that week. An inconvenience is not an emergency. If you know in
advance that you will be away, pre‐schedule your blog. If you need advice
regarding this, no problem.
2) You must be able to link your blog to a social network site such as FaceBook,
Twitter, etc.
3) You must be willing to link your posts to at least one online site each week,
such as Split Coast Stampers, Two Peas in a Bucket, Paper Craft Planet, etc.
4) You must be willing to play with the once a month challenges (the first
Thursday of each month), which will include sketches, colorways,
inspirations, and dimensional items (boxes, frames, quilts, wall hangings,
furniture…anything other than a card). This challenge week will fulfill your
obligations for that week’s post.
5) You must be willing to submit your creations to online magazines, and paper
magazines in the industry at least two times per year. We understand that
whether you are published is at the whims of the editors, but we would like
some effort put forth in this, including emailing a copy of your submitted
design to Lynell and Pam.
6) You will be required to create samples for new release product, and
physically send them to Dreamweaver Stencils for use on sample boards,
industry and retail shows, sales reps, etc. Occasionally your samples can be
photographed and emailed. Many times you will receive your samples back
after they have been photographed for use.
7) Occasionally, you may receive new product for you to test and provide your
opinion.
8) Your samples will be cards, scrap pages, and dimensional items. We want
crafters to see all the multiple ways stencils can be incorporated into their
projects. Your samples will need to demonstrate a variety of techniques and
products as well. Patterned papers, stamps, and embellishments from other
companies can be added, but the stencil designs MUST be the focus.
9) You must provide supply lists and instructions with each sample.
10) You will be expected to sign a form promising not to share any trade secrets
or new designs before release.
11) You are free to belong to other design teams as long as they are not direct
competitors of Dreamweaver Stencils.

Here is what you can expect from us:

1) We will provide you with a beginning “kit” including several stencil designs,
paste, Metallic F/X, Memories Mists, aluminum, tools, etc. Some of these
items you will be allowed to select your own designs, colors, etc.
2) With each new release, we will send you one each of the stencils designs, and
extras that we receive from various companies in the industry for you to play
with and incorporate into your samples. We will request that you give these
companies credit on your blogs, etc. for these items.
3) We will provide you with Lynell’s Tips and Techniques video as well as a
complete assortment of Technique Sheets. We do not expect you to know
these techniques from the start, but be willing to learn and expand your
creativity.
4) Occasionally one of your creations may be used for a display board in stores.
You will be given the first opportunity to make the amount necessary and be
compensated in cash for your work. This is not expected, but gives you the
chance to earn a little extra.
5) Another reward opportunity will be available to you for being published in
any of the main industry magazines such as Paper Crafts, Just Cards, Scrap &
Stamps Arts, Stamper’s Sampler, etc. You will receive a “credit” to spend as
you would like on Dreamweaver Stencils and product.
6) You will be welcomed to the Dream Team Yahoo Group site which will give
you an opportunity to learn from the more experienced members of the
team, enjoy the fun of our stenciling “family”, and received updated bulletins
regarding team events. You will have your own “album” where you can
upload your designs for the rest of the team to see, and for Lynell or Pam to
possibly use in the weekly Dream It Up! Posts (yes, you will receive credit).
7) You will have a wholesale discount of 50% for purchase of other
Dreamweaver Stencils’ product for your use. If you are interested in teaching
locally, there are other ways that the company will be willing to help you so
that your classes are profitable for all. (See info on the requirements for the
Dreamweaver Stencils’ Teaching Team.)
8) We take great pride in our Dream Team members, so any opportunity that
we can help to promote you and your creativity will be made a priority. We
will keep an updated list of the latest editorial calendars for magazines on the
group site, or other challenges or opportunities you can go for. There will
also be a calendar in the Yahoo Group site for you to keep track of upcoming
deadlines and assignments.

This is what we need from you by December 1st, 2011:

1) Samples: at least two cards, one scrap page, and one dimensional item. At
least one item must be stenciled. We realize that many do not have much in
the way of stencils, so your creations may be completed in another papercrafting
technique (stamping). Your dimensional item does not need to be
mailed…just the flat pieces.
2) Photos of your samples. This is important as you will be posting each week
and your pictures need to be crisp, clean, clear, and well lit.
3) Name, address, phone number, email, and blog address. Your blog will be the
main view of you. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. We
don’t expect you to be an English teacher, but these items affect how others
perceive you and the Dreamweaver Stencils company as well.
4) A couple of paragraphs describing you…why you papercraft, how long have
you been crafting, have you stenciled before? Why do you want to be part of
the Dream Team? Why would you be a good addition?
Hopefully we have not scared you off with all these details. You will want to rely on
US and we will want to rely on YOU. If you have any questions, please feel free to
email Pam at phornschu@hotmail.com.

Please mail your samples by November 30th, 2011, to:

Dreamweaver Stencils
Lynell Harlow
Dream Team 2012
1335 Cindee Lane
Colton, CA 92324

Email your personal info and photos to:
Lynell Harlow
lynell@dreamweaverstencils.com
Pam Hornschu
phornschu@hotmail.com