The Born Doodler

January Card Challenge Winners!

2012-02-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here are the winning submissions in the "Love is in the Air" card making challenge. Congratulations to Birgit Edblom, Loes Pasteuning and Linda Benson (or Linda Brogren - not sure which one of you sent the card) I love them! Thanks to all who sent in a card. This was a hard decision which took a blue ribbon committee of five family members to make the choices. Well done one and all!

Bouncing Baby Lil

2012-01-31T14:58:00.000-08:00

When Lillian first got her bouncer we had to put pillows under it so she could bounce. No pillows needed now, she can bounce and bounce and bounce even with bare feet!

Pink Lily Card

2012-01-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple way to use my new Lily Stamp Set. Here's what you will need:

Supplies:

Cardstock in white and pink

The Speciall Lily stamp set from MSRS

Glacier White embossing powder

Versamark Inkpad or similar pigment inkpad

Paper Soft paint in Rose and a foam brush applicator from Viva-Decor (a dye inkpad in a similar color and a stipple brush will work well as a substitute).

Paper cutter

Heat tool

Scissors

Craft knife and cutting mat

double sided tape or glue

foam mounting tape or pop dots

Steps:

Cut the white cardstock to make a 5"x7" folded card, cut a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece and a 3 1/4" x 5" piece.

Cut the pink cardstock into a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece and a 5 1/4" x 3 1/2" piece

Layer the pink 5 1/4" x 3 1/2" and the white 5" x 3 1/4" cardstock on the front of the folded card as frames.

Stamp the background stamp onto the 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" white cardstock using the Versamark pad. Emboss using the Glacier White embossing powder. Cut out around the outer frame of the stamped image.

Stamp the large Lily onto the pink 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" cardstock using the Versamark inkpad. Emboss with Glacier White embossing powder.

Color the Lily before you cut it out. Open the Paper Soft and tap the foam brush gently on the foam insert inside the jar. Color the Lily by applying the loaded foam brush flat against the paper surface and in a round and round hand motion work the color from the center outward.Cut the Lily out with scissors. Use a craft knife and cutting mat to cut away the inside areas as shown in the finished card.

Color the background the same way as the Lily making the background panel dark pink at one end and light pink at the other.

Attached the colored background to the front of the card inside the frame pieces. Attach the cut out Lily using foam tape or pop dots for a 3D effect.

Enjoy!

Pink Lily Steps

2012-01-31T11:36:00.000-08:00

More vintage Blog Candy!

2012-01-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a lucky seven set of manly rubber stamps from my discontinued wood mounted collection. Just make a comment on this blog entry for a chance to win them all. A winner will be chosen at random one week from today on February 6. Good luck!

2012-01-26T17:02:00.000-08:00

I had a blast yesterday teaching for the first time at Gee Gee's Stamps & Stuff in Carlsbad. Why has it taken me so long to get up there? Great store, great students great classroom with really good light (important!) and fresh air through the open back door. Only thing that surprised me was the Amtrak whistle when the train passes by. Everybody says I will get used it. Thanks Ken & Gayle, looking forward to a great year with you!

Valentine's Day Card

2012-01-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a card from my Hearts & Flowers class yesterday. The colorful background was made from one of Carla's blouses. I (got her permission) laid the blouse on the flatbed scanner and scanned the image into my computer, saved it and printed it out on photo cardstock. If you would like to make something similar just print out the background yourself. You can use a free program like Picasa from Google, to size the image from 3 1/2" x 5" up to a full page. Go raid your closet and have fun!

Cranes Contact Sheet

2012-01-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

As promised to some of my students in the "Flight of the Cranes" class at Memories Live On here's a contact sheet for making one of the projects from this weekend. Enjoy!

Goodby 2011 - Hello 2012!

2011-12-31T00:37:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of a momentous year in the life of the Strong family. We experienced incredible happiness and intense sadness during the past twelve months.

In February we welcomed Max Macke into our family. Max and our daughter Amanda were married on a beautiful sunny day in our new home church, Our Lady of Grace. We are so happy for our newlyweds Mandy & Max.

On April 12 we waited all day (and part of the night) for our first grandchild to arrive. Little Lillian Margaret Strong was born to our son Colin and our Daughter In Law Kerry. We have been on cloud nine ever since! We have the privilege of babysitting Lily Monday through Thursday. Carla is the best Grandma you could imagine and I get the side benefit of playing with Lily on the days I work from home.

In May we lost our beloved Pop. My step dad, Lee Salisbury was a very special man. He was patient and kind and a wonderful husband to my Mom, Patricia for nearly 40 years. We are thankful that he had a long and happy life with us and that he did not suffer a long illness. Thanks Pop for all you did for us!

In August Carla and I celebrated our 35 wedding anniversary. I am a lucky lucky guy to have such a special girl for my wife. Like all marriages we have experienced peaks and valleys along the way but I would not want to make the journey with anyone but my Carla. I love you sweetie.

I would like to finish by thanking all our wonderful friends for giving us so much love and support this year. We are humbled by the many expressions of kindness we received during this year of highs and lows. A special thank you goes to all my stamping pals around the world. I continue to be inspired by your talent and I look forward to seeing you in a workshop or convention in 2012!

Much love,

Mike

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

I made this card this morning to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. I used my triangle stamps to make the Star of David. The interwoven strips are meant to symbolize the lamp that stayed lit for eight days with only enough oil for one. I wish you all peace and love at this special time.

Lilly & her stamps

2011-12-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here's Bindy and Alicia from Crafters Companion. They manufacture our stamps for us. We picked up the Lily stamps today so they will be shipped tonight and tomorrow. Thanks to the whole team for making our stamps perfect!

Little Carolers

2011-12-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

Remember bread dough ornaments? Made these little guys the year our daughter was born in 1979. Still goofy but holding up well - like me!

BLOG CANDY!

2011-12-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Each catalog order this month includes a little thank you gift. Here's a selection of some of the stamps you might get in your
package. These vintage stamps are from my discontinued line of wood mounted stamps. These date back to 1996. If you would like a chance to win them, make a comment on this blog entry before midnight on December 12 and you could be the proud owner of this
collection of little wooden appliances. Good Luck!

Christmas treats

2011-12-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Industrious candy making elves came to our house yesterday. Here is the fruit of their labor - yum!

November card making challenge

2011-12-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

Here are the winning entries in our monthly card making challenge at my Yahoo group. This month the theme was giving thanks. The winners also had to meet the oblong size requirement. Congratulations to Hetty, Birgit and Katje. Your cards are magnificent!

December card making challenge

2011-12-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

The December card making challenge at my Yahoo group enjoymichaelstrongstamps@yahoo.com is not a card at all. Print out the triangle template below and decorated it any way you wish. Make a Christmas tree ornament or a gift box. At the end of the month three winners will be chosen and each will receive a swell prize. Good luck!

Ornament Template

2011-12-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Star of Wonder Star of Light

2011-11-30T22:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks for hopping by to see my holiday tag! My inspiration was the the Christmas carol "We Three Kings", one of my favorites. It's a simple tag with the focus squarely on the star. I painted the wispy streaks in the black sky with white acrylic paint using a dry brush technique. I stamped my small cloisonne star twice on silver cardstock using silver embossing powder. I cut the stars out and glued them together before adding them to the tag. The text was printed on my computer. I added the S from my alphabet set to complete the title. A sprinkling of lesser stars using a silver pearl pen and some silver gray ribbon completes the composition. Now hop on over to Joanna's blog to see her beautiful tag! http://www.craftyjo.org.uk/

November in SoCal

2011-11-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

Looking through the palms and giant Bird of Paradise at the Liquid Amber tree nextdoor.

Lily & the towel swans

2011-11-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

Carrots

2011-11-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

One of Lily's first "solid" foods is a hit!

The Stare Down

2011-11-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Here's Lilly and Stella having their morning stare down. Stella is just getting used to the idea of a mobile baby around the house.

October Card Challenge Winners!

2011-11-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here are the winners of the October Card Challenge at EnjoyMichaelStrongStamps Yahoo Group. They are top, Celeste Weber, bottom left, JenniferWillis, bottom right, Laura Holm. Congratulations ladies on you terrific cards! Thanks to all who entered a card this month. I loved them all!

November Classes

2011-10-30T11:07:00.001-07:00

Come take a fun and relaxing card making class in November. Lots of SoCal locations to choose from!

Saturday, November 5

Card making classes at Debra’s Cottage, Costa Mesa

Call for reservation 949 362-0697

10:30-12:30 Mike’s Pot Party! Make five different cards using Mike’s Cloisonné Pot stamp.

2:00-4:00 Holiday Ribbons & Rubber Make five gorgeous holiday cards featuring Mike’s

stamps and beautiful ribbons. (Ribbon will be available to purchase)

Monday, November 7

Card making classes at The Stamp Addict, San Diego

Call for reservation 619 667-5060

9:30-12:00 Flight of the Cranes (5 cards - Japanese designs)

2:00-4:00 same

6:00-8:00 same

Saturday, November 12

Card making classes at Stampin’ From The Heart, Culver City

Call for reservation 310 391-0466

10:30-12:30 Holiday Ribbons & Rubber

2:00-4:00 Mike’s Pot Party!

Tuesday, November 15

Card making classes at The Fallbrook Women’s Club, Fallbrook

Email Jane Bongiovanni for reservations jfbongo@aol.com

10:00-12:00 Mike’s Pot Party!

1:30-3:30 Holiday Ribbons & Rubber

Wednesday, November 16

Card making classes at Stamping Details, Poway

Call for reservation 858 513-8024

10:30-12:30 Holiday Ribbons & Rubber

1:30-3:30 same

6:00-8:00 same

Saturday, November 19

Card making classes at Scrap & Yap, Monrovia

Call for reservation 626 357-2727

10:30-12:30 Mike’s Pot Party!

1:30-3:30 Holiday Ribbons & Rubber

Wednesday, November 30

Card making classes at The Stamp Addict, San Diego

Call for reservation 619 667-5060

10:00-12:00 All new Holiday Ribbons & Rubber2

2:00-4:00 same

6:00-8:00 same

Kanreki

2011-10-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

I recently turned 61. I did not know it was a milestone birthday. My friends Betty, Kiko, Joyce, Pat and Patty educated me about the 61st birthday in Japanese culture. When a man turns 61 a celebration called Kanreki takes place. According to Japanese culture, it takes 60 years for a man to finish a cycle on Earth. The 60th birthday is the midpoint between two eras of one's life (editorial comment:woohoo!)
The birthday person wears a red vest and a red hat to symbolize childhood. In japanese, red is akai, so the celebrant becomes an aka-chan or baby beginning life all over again.
I want to thank you ladies for the beautiful card and for giving me a really good excuse for acting like a kid again!

Blog Candy!

2011-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was our second annual Creation Destination paper crafting event. We had so much fun! I thought it would be cool to share my leftovers. My teaching partner SuzieQ Ingram and I had four projects each. You can see mine in the picture. There are two patterned folded cards (iris folding), a Craft Notes Notebook and a Tabletop Photo Gallery. Just make a comment on this blog post for a chance to win all the kits and instructions. I will choose a winner randomly after I receive 100 comments. Good Luck!

Left ear

2011-10-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the stamp I used for the October challenge card. The image has been reversed for you so you can
add a left ear to the little monster.

October Card Challenge

2011-10-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a little inspiration for our card making challenge for this month. I used the four required colors, black, orange, purple and green to make my dentally challenged monster. Can you guess what MSRS I used? For his hair I cut very thin strips of cardstock and crumpled them in my hand before attaching them to the back of his head with double sided tape. I used Pearl Pens for his pupils and warts! BOO!

October Card Making Challenge

2011-10-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

This month I am challenging our Yahoo Group (EnjoyMichaelStrongStamps@yahoo.com) to use only four colors in their card entries, Black, Orange, Green and Purple. The card can be a halloween theme or not and there is no requirement to use a MSRS, An awesome prize will be awarded to three entries. Good luck and be creative!

StempelMekka Make&Take

2011-09-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Stampers,

Hetty here with a video of Mike giving one of his workshops. A complete description will follow soon with more detailed pictures.

Enjoy!

Stempel Mekka 2011

2011-09-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a collage of pictures from the stamp convention in Hagen Germany last week.

German Flag Challenge Winners!

2011-09-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the three cards chosen for the August card making challenge which was based on the colors of the flag of Germany. Congratulations to Carla van de Mei-Stolk, Barbara Breen & Herma Fichte. Well done ladies!

Inspired by Tiffany & Co.

2011-08-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

Making samples today. This one was inspired by the Tiffany Blue gift boxes.

Thank you Kathie!

2011-08-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

My friend Kathie McGuire graciously agreed to make sample cards for my booth at Stempel Mecca in Germany next month. Not only did she send 25 astonishingly beautiful cards, she also sent this charming wall hanging - complete with flowers! Thank you Kathie, you are the best!

Christmas Trees

2011-08-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

We went shopping at Costco today and the Christmas stuff is out. We got some wrapping paper which turned out to be the perfect material for Iris folding. Here's my Christmas tree pattern and three examples using the four different papers that came in the set. Never too early to start those cards!

Sunflower card

2011-08-18T16:28:00.001-07:00

Next month I'll be attending the Stemple Mekka stamp convention in Hagen Germany. To mark the occasion, we are making cards this month in my Yahoo group monthly card challenge. The only requirement is to create a card using the colors of the German flag. This is my contribution. Most of the card is pretty easy to figure out. Here's how to make the stripe border:
Cut cardstock with your paper cutter into 1/2" strips in the three colors of the flag. Lay the strips in a pattern onto a sheet of sticky label paper (you can also just tape the strips together. Because I was making a card 5 1/2" wide, I laid enough strips to measure 5 1/2" from the first strip at the bottom to the last one on the top. I then cut the paper with my paper cutter so that I had a 1/2" strip with the three alternating colors on one 5 1/2" x 1/2" strip. This is a fun way to incorporate all the colors in the composition into one accent piece. Try it with a different color combination or cut it into thinner strips for a different look. You can also combine the cut strips together into an instant checkerboard design. Have fun!

Sunflower card steps

2011-08-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

September 2011 Card Making Challenge

2011-08-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

We have a card making challenge each month at my Yahoo Group. At the end of the month three winners are chosen based on their vision and execution of the theme. This month, in honor of my trip to Germany for Stemple Mecca I took inspiration from the German flag for the new challenge. Here's how it goes: You may make any kind of card you wish with any kind of image you like. You do not need to include a MSRS in this challenge as long as you use the three colors of the flag in your design. You may also use white if you wish. Good luck and have fun!

Sneak Peek

2011-08-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a card made with a new set of stamps coming out at the end of this month. Another multi-purpose stamp set which can be cut up and combined in a bunch of different ways.

Whitewashing

2011-08-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have a new set of stamps called Silhouette Panels which I've made into cards using an old but oh so pretty technique called Whitewashing. Here's how to do it.
Stamp your images on two bright and/or dark colors. I stamped and embossed the images using Glacier White embossing powder onto chocolate brown and turquoise colored cardstock. Mix a little white acrylic paint with water to dilute the paint. Brush it onto the stamped images with a brush (I used a 1" house painting brush). The idea is to tone the color down a bit while still retaining the underlining color. You may have to experiment with proportions. Rough painterly brush strokes look great. Allow the paint to dry and cut the squares out. Now you have 18 pretty images to play with. Have fun!

Whitewashing steps

2011-08-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

Whitewashing steps

2011-08-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

My contribution to the Coffee Blog Hop

2011-07-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some cards using "Hetty's Coffee Cup stamp set. I would like to point out that tea drinkers need not feel left out. Notice the tea time card? I stamped the cup with a green ink and changed the coffee beans on the cup to tea leaves by color penciling in the beans green and adding a point to each bean turning them into "tea leaves". Jolly Good! Please visit my friend Hetty's blog next: http://craftchaos.blogspot.com

Lillian

2011-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here's our little Lilly at 3 months.

French Fry Box

2011-07-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

One of the cards we'll be making at Debra's Cottage on Saturday has a miniature french fry box on it. I borrowed the design from you know who. There are instructions here on the blog from a while back if you want to make the card. Just type "french fry" in the search box.

Beachy Keen Card

2011-07-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am the "card captain" this week at enjoymichaelstrongstamps Yahoo group and this is the card of the day. It's made with a few of my new products, die cutters, embossing powder, paper pack and "beachy sand". All these are in the catalog now!

For The Birds - Card Challenge Winners

2011-07-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here are the winners of the June 2011 Card Challenge!
From left: Judy McKay, MJ Boumans and Carla Van Der Mei-Stolk. Congratulations Ladies!

Judy McKay – Canada
Judy’s card features a beautiful color palette of copper and blue which compliments her subtle coloring of the little bird. She has unified the whole design with dots, dots in the embossed background, dots on the blue frame and a finishing touch of dots on the central medallion. The birthday pun lends a touch of whimsy. Well done Judy!

MJ Boumans – Netherlands
When I first saw MJ’s card it made me smile! How charming is her vignette of the mother hummingbird feeding her babies in a teacup nest. MJ’s skillful cutting has animated the birds perfectly. Did you see the pile of broken eggs in the background? Well done MJ!

Carla Van Der Mei-Stolk – Netherlands
Wow is the word for Carla’s card! How clever it was to make an origami crane as part of the card. Inside is just as interesting with the stamped and colored origami cranes positioned just right. I love the torn paper element too. Well done Carla!

Triple Pennant Banner

2011-07-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Triple Pennant Banner

Materials:

Three sheets of cardstock (two 8 ½” x 11” plus one other 8 ½” x 11” sheet in an accent color)
Paper cutter or scissors or craft knife
Glue
Ruler
Pencil
Ribbon or raffia

Steps

Fold a piece of cardstock lengthwise to make a folded 4 ¼” x 11” card. Cut the spine of the fold off at ¼” to make two 4” x 11” pieces and one 11” x ¼” folded strip. The folded strip will become the “stick” upon which you will hang the pennants. Cut one more 4” x 11” panel from the second sheet of cardstock

Fold each of the three 4” x 11”panels in half to make 3 folded cards measuring 4” x 5 ½”
Mark the front of the open end of each folded card at 2”. Cut from the folded side down to the mark on both sides to make three folded triangle cards (as shown).

From the accent sheet, cut three triangles the same size as the folded triangle cards. Glue the accent pieces to the inside back of each triangle card.

Put glue along the entire length of the “stick” and attach the three pennants starting with the left one then the right one and finishing with the middle one. NOTE: The open side of the “stick” should be at the bottom.

Decorate the pennants any way you wish. String a length of ribbon or raffia inside the open end of the “stick” and tie the two ends together to hang your banner. Enjoy!

Triple Pennant Banner steps

2011-07-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Triple Pennant Banner steps

2011-07-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.....

2011-07-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

crafterGM, also know as Gloria Morizen of Michigan USA! Congratulations Gloria your name (number) was chosen at random at our July 4th family barbecue! Please email me at mike@strongstamps.com with your address. I will send your stamps and dies as soon as I hear from you. Thank You, thank you, thank you to all who made a comment. Watch for more blog candy soon!

Star Spangled Banner

2011-07-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick little patriotic banner for your front door. This project took no time at all and is adaptable to any other celebration. Instructions will be on the blog tomorrow - but now we are off to a day of family fun! Don't forget to comment on the Blog Candy post if you want a chance to win the prize. Granddaughter Lilly will choose a number at the party today and I will announce the winner tonight!

Blog Candy - July 2011

2011-07-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the 235th birthday of the USA, I will be giving away this set of mini stamps and my brand new matching die cutters. Make a comment on this blog entry for your chance to win. One name will be chosen at random on July 4. Good Luck!

Simple Tip

2011-06-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes if I haven't used my Pearl Pens in a while they need to be unclogged before the paint will flow. I attach a small piece of recycled foam to the pen with tape and insert a pin so that I always have one handy.

Lillian - 10 weeks old!

2011-06-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Black & White Basket Weave card

2011-06-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the cards we'll be making in my class on Wednesday June 22 at The Stamp Addict. The theme is Black & White - one of my favorites. Here's how to make it:

Black & White Basket Weave Card
Materials:
Black cardstock in the following sizes:
3 ¾” x 3 ¾” (1)
3” x 4 ¼” (1)
3” x 3” (1)
½” x 5 ½” (12)

White cardstock
Folded 5” x 5” card (1)

MSRS Constellation Cardstock (or other silver cardstock)
3 ½” x 3 ½” (1)

MSRS Butterfly stamp
Inka Gold paint (Platium) www.viva-decor-us
Pearl Pen (Ice White) also from Viva-Decor
Embossing powder (black)
Versamark inkpad or similar
Heat tool
Tape
Double-sided tape or glue
Scissors
Tissues

Steps:

Begin by basket weaving four of the black cardstock strips as shown. Tape the four strips together to secure them together. This will be the center of your woven background piece. Continue weaving the strips around the center four until all twelve are used. Tighten the woven strips so that there are no extra spaces between any of them as shown. Glue or tape one side of the 3” x 3” square black cardstock and attach it to the middle of your woven strips. Press it hard to secure. Trim away the extra overhanging strips to make a 3” x 3” square of woven cardstock strips.
Apply Platinum Inka Gold to the woven piece by putting a small amount on your finger and rubbing the flat of your finger all over the piece in a circular motion (See picture).

Layer the woven piece onto the 3 ½” x 3 ½” silver square and the 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” black square. Attach to the 5” square card and set it aside.

Rub some Platinum Inka Gold onto the 3” x 4 ¼” black cardstock in a roughly x shaped pattern as shown. Polish the surface with a tissue until it is smooth and dry (dries very quickly!) Stamp the butterfly over the “X” and emboss with black embossing powder.
Cut the butterfly out with scissors. Cut away the antennae. Add two very thin strips of black cardstock (from your left-overs) to the back of the butterfly with tape as shown. Attach the butterfly to the woven background with tape or glue. Finish with small dots of Ice White pearl pen on the butterfly wings.
Enjoy!

Basket Weave Card materials

2011-06-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Basket Weave Card steps

2011-06-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

Basket Weave Card steps

2011-06-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

Basket Weave Card steps

2011-06-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Basket Weave Card steps

2011-06-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Basket Weave Card steps

2011-06-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome Baby! card challenge winners

2011-06-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here are the three winning cards chosen in the May card challenge at EnjoyMichaelStrongStamps Yahoo group.
From left, Toni Hinchcliffe - Tampa Florida, Herma Fichte - Amstelveen Netherland, Martha Bickford - Santa Rosa California. Thank you ladies for your adorable cards. Each one is a little masterpiece!

Fan Folded Kimono Book

2011-06-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun and elegant book project for all you Kimono lovers. It's an art piece that showcases the beauty of Japanese paper. Enjoy!

Kimono Fan Book
Materials:
Black cardstock:
11”x 4 ½” (3)
6 ½” x 4 ½” (1)
3” x 4 ½” (1)

Metallic gold cardstock:
2 ¾” x 4 ¼” (12 mats)

Variety of Japanese Washi paper (or similar colorful paper or cardstock

MSRS Kimono Metal Die Cutter

Thin ribbon (color should coordinate with color palette of papers used)

Cuttlebug or any other embosser such as Big Shot, Big Kick etc.

Scor Pal or Scor It scoring tool or similar

Glue, double-sided tape or other adhesive

Steps:
Use a scoring tool to score the three 11” x 4 ½” panels. Starting from the left side, score at 3”, 6” & 9”
This will yield a piece with three 3”x 4 ½” panels and one 2” x 4 ½” panel. Accordion fold the piece and set it aside. Repeat the scoring with the remaining 2 pieces, accordion folding each of them as well.

Score the 6 ½” x 4 ½” piece of black cardstock at 3” and ½” This will yield a scored panel with two 3” sections separated by a ½” section.

Glue or tape the four scored panels together. Cover the 2” x 4 ½” section of panel #1 with glue and attaching it to the back of Panel #2. Cover the 2” x 4 ½” section of panel #2 with glue and attach it to the back of panel #3. Cover the 2”x 4 ½” section of panel #3 and attach it to the back of the cover panel. (See pictures)

Attach the metallic gold mats to each of the 11 panels of the book as shown.
Close the accordion book up and press it flat with the cover over the front. NOTE: The cover opens from the left side.

Before attaching the gold mat to the front cover of the book, attach a 12” length of thin ribbon by taping it to the center of the cover. Now attach the gold mat over the taped ribbon.

Attach a second piece of ribbon to the back of the book in the same way. Cover the ribbon attachment with the remaining 3” x 4 ½” black panel.

Use the Kimono Die Cutter and your embossing machine to cut out 12 colorful kimonos and attach one each to the 11 inside panels and the front cover. NOTE: If the paper is too thin, you can glue it to cardstock before sending it through the embosser.

To finish, fold the book up accordion fashion and tie the ribbons together. The opened book would look great on a mantle. Enjoy!

Fan Folded Kimono Book steps

2011-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fan Folded Kimono Book steps

2011-06-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Fan Folded Kimono Book steps

2011-06-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Fan Folded Kimono Book steps

2011-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Kimono Fan Book

2011-05-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple project that does take some time, but the results are worth it! No time today to write and post the instructions (on our way to a Memorial Day barbeque)so I'll just tease you with the pictures now and post the how 2s on Wednesday.

Lillian

2011-05-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here's Lilly ready to go! Seven weeks old today.

Another Iris Folding pattern

2011-05-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is for my friend Mary who asked for the pattern about 2 weeks ago. Sorry for the delay Mary, here it is. Enjoy!

Iris Folded Christmas Tree

2011-05-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Get a BIG jump start on Christmas with the Iris Folding pattern below and my Christmas Tree Die Cutter. Follow the pattern in order with different kinds of paper to create a crazy quilt effect. I

used 5 Japanese Washi papers to make the sample card. Enjoy!

Iris Folding Christmas Tree Pattern

2011-05-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

A Tasty Veggie Treat!

2011-05-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian Scrapple

Scrapple is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch concoction of pork scraps and trimmings combined with spices and cornmeal to make a mush. The mush is then formed into a loaf, sliced into slabs and fried. This was a way to avoid wasting any part of the butchered pig. The saying goes “it has everything but the oink!”

This version is a hearty and tasty alternative that in no way tries to mimic the original with the exception of the cooking method.

Ingredients:
12 oz. sliced mushrooms
4 oz. diced celery
4 oz. peeled and diced carrots
5 oz. diced onion
5 oz. diced asparagus (diced red pepper may be substituted)
3 cloves of garlic chopped
1 cup of chopped fresh spinach

1 tablespoon black pepper
1 ½ tablespoon slat
1 tablespoon ground dried sage

2 cups water
1 ½ cups cornmeal
3 tablespoons olive oil

Procedure:
Put the olive oil in a large skillet and heat. Sauté The mushroom and spinach together until all the liquid has evaporated. Add in the carrots, celery, onions, asparagus and garlic and sauté until the carrots are tender. Add the water, salt, pepper and sage and bring to a boil. Add the cornmeal and turn heat down to simmer. Simmer and stir occasionally for 10 minutes until the cornmeal is cooked and the mixture is thickened (extra water may be added to make the mixture the consistency of thick mush).

Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and transfer the mixture to the pan. Pat the mixture firmly into the loaf pan cover with waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.

To finish, tap the loaf out of the pan onto a cutting board and slice to the desired thickness (approx 1” thick works well).
Melt some butter or margarine (or use olive oil) on a griddle set at medium heat. Place the slices onto the hot griddle and fry each side until golden brown. Enjoy!

Double Duty

2011-05-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have a new stamp set called Hetty's Coffee Cup in honor of my dear friend (and legendary coffee hound!) Hetty Sanders. The set has a large cup, a mini cup and a background panel I call the Steam Panel. I designed it so that it could be used for other things. Please observe the fishy cards.

Iris Folded Tulip

2011-05-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun way to recycle your old magazine and catalogs. Use the colorful pages for iris folding. To make the sample, print out the pattern page below. Cut the tulip shape using my large tulip die cutter. Place the opening over the pattern. Begin by covering each section in order from 1-16 following the color guide. Enjoy!

tulip patterns

2011-05-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Great Friends

2011-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in my morning Kimono workshop I received these beautiful handmade pillows from my friends Margaret and Liz. Not only did they drive about 100 miles to get to class but the brought me presents!

"15" Card Challenge Winners!

2011-04-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks you for the great response to our "15" card challenge! We had the most number of participants of any challenge so far. Thanks also to Hetty for organizing the voting poll, she makes it so easy for us!
Here are the three artists who received the most votes for there work:
1. Inge Postma (minis in a grid)
2. Jenni Breel (squares & fans)
3. Joanna (sorry Joanna we don't know your last name)(Shrinky fans)
Well done ladies, I loved them all!
Each of you will receive a brand new set of stamps as your prize. This is a mystery prize because the stamps have not been released yet. The only ones who know what they are are me and Hetty and soon you three!
The set will be available soon at www.strongstamps.com catalog in the "Whimsy" section.

Lillian's Card

2011-04-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

I turned my first picture of Lily into a card.

Lillian Margaret Strong

2011-04-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Last night we met our first Grandchild and fell instantly in love with her. Papa Colin was holding her as we entered the room with Mom Kerry resting after a long 1/2 day delivery. The lights were low and jazz was softly playing on the ipod. Alert little Lillian was yawning and looking around at all the tear stained faces in the room - Serenity, Joy and Thankfulness were the watchwords of the night. Colin Skyped Great Grandma & Great Grandpa from his iphone so they could see their new Great Granddaughter - magical! And so a new adventure begins for Colin & Kerry and our little Lily! We are so blessed.

Mother In Law Tongue Card

2011-04-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

Mother In Law Tongue

2011-04-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

I was asked to share how I made the Plant on the home page. Here is the simple technique for making the "Mother In Law Tongue"
Print out the template and copy it on to green cardstock.
Use a cream colored pencil to draw vertical lines across the front and back of each leaf. Rim each leaf with yellow pencil on the front and back.
Score, fold and twist each cut out leaf.
Combine several leaves together and attach to the back of my Cloissone Pot. Easy!

Mother In Law Tongue steps

2011-04-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

Mother In Law Tongue template

2011-04-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Iris Folding Kimono Pattern

2011-03-27T17:28:00.001-07:00

Iris Folding Kimono

2011-03-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here's an iris folding pattern I made for my new Kimono Die Cutter. I'm a newby so I hope I did it right!

Iris Folding part 2

2011-03-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

OK, here's my second attempt. I like this one better. The ribbons are coming out of the two little holes made by my die cutter which help you align the image with the cutter. This is fun!

I tried Iris Folding

2011-03-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

After all my years of paper crafting, I never really tried Iris Folding. I played with the idea but never seriously. One of my students suggested to me that I should try it using the leftover from die cutting my new Kimono stamp. Here's my first attempt! I think I used too many patterns so I'll try it again with more solid colors. It was fun!

Sliding Window Card

2011-03-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Sliding window card
Materials:
Cardstock in three colors
Craft knife
Ruler
Pencil
Scor-it board (or other scoring tool)
Tape
Scissors
Hole punch
Ribbon

Steps:

Cut each piece of cardstock as follows:
Main card 5 ½” x 8 ½” (Olive)
Window card 3 ½” c 3” (Cream)
Slider 4 ½” x 4” (Maroon)

Follow the illustration to score and crease the three components of the card.
Use a craft knife to cut two lines in the main card as shown and one line in the slider as shown.
Use scissors to trim the four corners of the window card as shown.
Insert the window card into the two parallel cuts in the main card as show. Tape down the window card tabs so they are entirely inside the two cuts on the main card.
Insert the slider as shown. Tape the slider closed. Glue the tab on the main card as shown and close the card tightly to secure.
Pull the slider out from the right side of the card and punch a hole in the end. Tie ribbon through the hole. Push the slider back inside the card. Use the ribbon to pull the slider out.
Decorate the card any way you wish. Enjoy!

Sliding window card steps

2011-03-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Sliding window card steps

2011-03-22T11:35:00.001-07:00

Sliding window card steps

2011-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Sliding window card steps

2011-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

A Little History

2011-03-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago, a grand theft took place. I stole my wife Carla’s hobby and turned it into my business.

Rubber stamping was introduced to our house many years before said theft by our friend Jessica from Arizona. Her passion for collecting brought her to California for shopping expeditions. Carla caught the fever and the two of them (with me frequently tagging along) would make the pilgrimage to the Mecca of stamping, Stampa Barbara. Many trips and thousands of stamps later, it dawned on me that there must be lots of Jessicas and Carlas out there and that my habit of constant doodling had found a happy outlet.

I began by drawing what I liked which was mostly irreverent retro 50s images. I put together a small catalog, took out an ad in Rubberstampmaddness and waited for the orders to flood my mailbox. No flooding took place. I arrogantly though everyone would love my little drawings. I failed to employ the number one rule of commerce, know thy customer! So it was back to the drawing board with lots of input from Carla and Jessica and the Michael Strong Cloisonné Collection was born. Our little company slowly began to grow.

Then one day while I was doing a demo at a stamp convention I met a wonderful funny lady named Kelly Ehrlich. She was so enthusiastic and engaging. We talked for quite a while before she revealed that she was the producer of a TV show called The Carol Duvall Show. She asked me if I would be interested in appearing. I knew nothing about the show or the legendary Carol so I said sure. A few months later, I found myself on a soundstage in Burbank ready to tape my first Carol Duvall episode. I met Carol on the set that day. I was petrified but Carol talked to me and said “just be yourself and follow my lead”. Her calm and friendly manner helped me through that first show without a retake! Thank you Carol for being my friend and mentor.

After that show, lots of other opportunities have come our way. I became friends with Carol’s design collaborator Cherryl Greene who later became the executive producer of The Scrapbook Lounge, a show I adored working on. Even though the show is gone, all the designers became like a little family and we are still close. I have the best job ever! I get to travel the world and share my passion for rubber art.

I am fortunate to have the support of my wonderful wife and family as we keep growing and growing. We are so blessed to have made so many good friends all over the world. Thank you all for fifteen wonderful years!

Interlocking Frame Card

2011-03-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

My friend Michelle asked me to publish my Interlocking Frame Card we made in a workshop some time ago. So here it is. Enjoy!

Interlocking Frame Card
Material

MSRS Mosaic Frame stamp
MSRS Cloisonné Medallions stamp
Black cardstock
Grey Cardstock
MSRS Constellation Swirl silver cardstock (or similar)
MSRS Silver Dollar embossing powder
Versamark inkpad (or similar)
Heat tool
Paper cutter
Scissors
Circle punch (1 1/8”)
Double sided tape or glue
Craft knife
Straightedge
Cutting mat

Steps

Cut the black cardstock to 10”x 7” and fold in half. Fold the left and right edges of the card to the center fold line to make a cupboard fold card.
Cut the Grey cardstock slightly smaller than 5” x 7” and attach it to the inside back of the card.
Ink and stamp the Frame stamp and one of the small Cloisonné Medallion stamps onto the silver paper and heat to emboss.
Cut the frame stamp as shown in the picture using the paper cutter and the craft knife and scissors. Punch and cut out the circle as shown.
Attach the large frame just to the left side of the cupboard folded card using tape or glue. Be sure to apply adhesive only to the back of the frame where it comes in contact with the left panel of the card.
Align the small frame inside the large frame and attach it in the same manner as the large frame. This time, glue or tape it to the right side of the cupboard folded card.
Glue or tape the square with the embossed flower to the left side of the cupboard folded card as shown. Glue or tape the two half circles above and below the embossed flower square. Attach them to the right side of the card. Use scissors to cut out the smaller embossed flower and glue it on top of the flower in the square.

Interlocking Frame Card materials & steps

2011-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Interlocking Frame Card steps

2011-03-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Interlocking Frame Card steps

2011-03-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Cloisonne Kimono stamp

2011-03-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a few card made with my new Cloisonne Kimono stamp. I just got them yesterday and I've been cranking out the cards - too fun! I'll be at Stampin' From The Heart in Culver City tomorrow making them with store owner Karen (love her!) and all the great folks up there. If you get the chance, check out Karen's Blog (www.karen-stampinheart.blogspot.com)There is a metal die cutter for this stamp too. I'll be adding it to the catalog in a day or two.