Abstract Sunrise

Hello Again! Here's another card utilizing the Abstract Background technique described in my last post. This one was made for my Dad, so I tried not to get too "frilly" and kept it on the simple side.

I started this scene first by stamping/tapping a straight line across most of the Whisper White cardstock with the Bashful Blue inkspot. I added a post-it note above the horizon so that my random stamping with the Bashful Blue inkspot wouldn't cross into the sunrise portion above. After making the water by tapping the inkspot randomly around, I removed the post-it note and reapplied it on top of the newly-created water. This was done to protect it from the sunrise scene that was made next... The sunrise was stamped by tapping the inkspots from lightest color to darkest using Summer Sun, Apricot Appeal, Pale Plum, Almost Amethyst and Ballet Blue inkspots. I removed the post-it note, then used my Close to Cocoa inkspot to create my cascading hillside down the left side and across the bottom of my scene. I finished up by stamping the sentiment & deer from the Nature Silhouettes stamp set, and a floral selection from Pocket Silhouettes in Chocolate Chip ink. This was matted with several layers of cardstock, white brads were inserted, then the whole thing was adhered to the cardfront.

I hope you enjoy my additional sample of the Abstract Background technique. It really is easy to create, and I love how unique it looks! I have one last sample to show you tomorrow, so I hope you get a chance to drop in...

With my kids starting school next week, I need to go do my part in stimulating the economy with some back-to-school purchases! Cha-ching!!! ~8)

Have a super weekend!!

Abstract Background Tutorial

I was playing around with my Stampin' Spot inkpads one day and thought this abstract blending of one color into the next was pretty and unusual, so I made a card with it utilizing the technique for my background on this card. It's so easy to do - just simply start tapping the inkspots randomly from lightest color ink to the darkest.

You can see the whole step-by-step process in pictures below... First, I punched a 1 3/8inch circle from a post-it note and started tapping the Summer Sun inkspot around...



Then I added More Mustard....



Then Pumpkin Pie...



And finished up with Really Rust...



After removing my circle post-it, I filled in the white space with Summer Sun again, and it naturally saturated the center and created a nice halo effect for the sun...



Lastly, I stamped the solid butterfly and floral sprig from the ever-beautiful Great Friend stamp set in Chocolate Chip ink.



I finished the card with matting and alittle bit of sewing. I did lightly sponge Ruby Red ink on the outer edge of the Top Note diecut... just because I like sponging! Tee hee.... However, I tried to keep this one simple so that you could see the technique more clearly. Here's the finished card once again... I have a couple more samples of this technique to share with you, so I hope you can visit again soon. Take care! :)

Current Specials through August...

Wow, I'm back! It's been a whirlwind summer for myself and my family. I'm sure it's been the same for you... Happily, things should start to settle back down for us into a more manageable (and predictable) routine, now that my kids are heading back to school on Monday. I think each one is happy about returning back to school (though my boys WON'T admit that out loud!).

Before I start getting back into the projects I'd like to share with you, I wanted to take this opportunity today to mention that Stampin' Up has wonderful variety of promotions this month.

The Mini Starter Kit is still available for your consideration! If you are someone who loves to purchase Stampin' Up products, and you'd like to get all these goodies at a discount (or even earn items Free when you attain certain goals!), then this is the perfect opportunity for you! If you love to create and share your projects and excitement with others, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! If you'd like to make extra money to pay some bills or support your wonderful hobbies, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

If you felt compelled by any of the reasons above (or all of them!), and you'd like to do it based on your own schedule, then won't you consider joining the Stampin' Up Family? The Mini Starter Kit is just $85 through August 31st, and you'll receive these wonderful items (or substitute with like items and customize your kit!) -

• For All You Do stamp set
• In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes

• Five stamp sets
• A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
• Stampin' Pastels
• Card stock
• Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
• Five Classic Stampin' Pads
• VersaMark Pad
• Stampin' Scrub and Mist
• Blender pens
• SNAIL
• Business forms and tools

Contact me for the special password to be able to sign up through my Stampin' Up website at june@mycreativecorner.com. If you prefer, we can also snail mail the application, simply send me an email and request the form.

Another August special that Stampin' Up is offering is the Growing Up Promotion! Spend $35 on stamp sets from the Growing Up section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (pages 74-90) and receive a FREE package of Designer buttons--a $7.95 value! Eligible buttons are listed below.

Item #	Page	Description	Retail Value
116313	181	Playground Designer buttons	$7.95
116312	181	Sherbet Designer buttons	$7.95
114333	181	Button Latte Designer buttons	$7.95

There is no limit to the number of free buttons you may earn. For every $35 you spend on Growing Up stamp sets, you will receive a free package of Designer buttons!

For those of you with little ones runnin' around, Stampin' Up has an adorable Décor Elements Growth Chart available just for you! Click the link to see it up close - it's just too cute for words! When you purchase the brand-new Décor Elements Growth Chart (only available August 1-September 30), you'll receive a free applicator tool as a bonus with your purchase (a $1.95 value).

Item #	Description	Price
117519	Décor Elements Growth Chart	$24.95

Lastly, the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit is available at a 40% discount! Click the link to see all the fabulous items included in this kit to make your celebration one to remember!!

You can place your online order through my Stampin' Up website, or send an email to let me know your order at june@mycreativecorner.com. I hope that you are having an enjoyable summer - autumn is just around the corner, and I look forward to getting back into my own "normal" routines and posting regularly once again. Take care and I hope you can come back tomorrow - I have an easy and abstract background technique that you may find very interesting!