Testing

 

Hi Everyone,

Here's a card sample I made for an upcoming class at Stamping Detail on April 29 called "Gorgeous Graphic 45". We'll be making cards using the Fashionista line of papers from Graphic 45. I told you I was testing out my new Texturizing Stamps and here's an example. The background started out a true red. I applied some ink directly from the pad over the paper in a circular motion. The ink color is Ginger from Adirondack. I used the same ink color to stamp the large splotches, little splatters and the cross-hatching patch randomly over the inked paper. Then I added the other elements to finish it. It was fun!

Out of my comfort zone

Hi Everyone,

You can tell by my stamps and the cards in my gallery that I like things neat and tidy. Well, I challenged myself to get out of the rut and design something not so neat and tidy, so I did. My new Texturizing Stamps look nothing like my usual designs. They are meant to lend a spontaneous element to card or layout backgrounds. There are four different elements, a cross hatching patch, a smear of paint, big splotches and little splatters. I'm having fun testing them and streching artistically. It's not so bad outside the comfort zone...once in a while.

Design guides

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted you to know that all my TVWeekly shows are on my website for you to view. Go to the Gallery and scroll down until you come to the episode you want to watch. You can also print out the design guides right from my website. Have fun!

Going to Zeist

 

Hi Everyone,
We are preparing for our trip to The Netherlands next week. This will be our second trip to the ArtSpecially stamp convention in Zeist. I had lots of fun last year but this year will be even better because Carla is coming too! The picture is of the badges I mailed to all the EnjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo group members who will be attending. I want to be able to see them from across the room! Do you think they're bright enough?

Irish!

 

Did you know I was Irish? Like lots of Americans, I have deep Irish roots on my Mother's and Father's side of the family. We were lucky enough to have visited Ireland twice, once when we were first married and again with our kids a few years ago. I would go back tomorrow if I could! But, because that's not possible, tonight we'll raise a glass of Guinness and say Beannachtam na Feile Padraig! Here's my Irish wish for you:
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies and quick to make friends. And may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

Beautiful Babies All!

 

Hi Everyone,
Our last card challenge at EnjoyMichaelStrongstamps was called Beautiful Babies. The idea was to make a card featuring your baby picture. Wow, talk about a bunch of beautiful babies! I have tried mightily to pick three winners but it was just too hard to do it. Consequently, all twenty five of you who entered a card gets a prize, hooray!!
Yes, the picture is baby Michael.