Lotus Blossom meets my brayer

If you've been on Pinterest at all in the Stampin' Up! world over the last month, you've seen the Lotus Blossom EVERYWHERE! Talk about a popular stamp set. It's beautiful. There are so many great ways to combine color and texture. I've seen really beautiful cards made from this set.

I wanted to get my inspiration for this card somewhere other than good ol Pinterest. Sometimes I feel like there isn't an original idea in my own head when I spend hour after hour cruising that beautiful idea site. Instead, I turned to Google. I googled "lotus blossom" and clicked on Images. I think the best Inspiration truly does come from nature. First thing I noticed, lotus blossoms float. I need water. Second thing I noticed, lots of pinks and purple. Bring on Wisteria Wonder! Since I've got a Brayer Basics class on the horizon I might have found just the right bit of inspiration for this project.

I will be using this card as one of my class projects. It is a fun way to show how to blend similar colors to create a lovely graded background and highlights. It also incorporates a couple fun techniques that I think make this card stand out. Learning how to use your brayer makes this a relatively quick card for as detailed as it looks, too. I made a dozen of these as a swap with my stamp club in under 3 hours. What is that, 15 minutes a card? Not bad :-)

Visit my Meetup group at www.meetup.com/kellistamps4u and register for Brayer Basics. You will learn how to make this card and others using that magic rubber roller that takes your card making to a whole new level. Want your own Lotus Blossom stamp set? Make a $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration and choose it as your free stamp set. That's the only way to get it. When SAB is over, it's got forever!

It's a Lovely Day

I've been having quite a time playing with my brayers. Nothing too crazy or complicated, just some simple color layering to brighten up an otherwise dreary day.

There are so many ways to use your brayer. So many ways to add texture and layers of color to your cards and scrapbooks. My Lovely Day card, for instance, uses six brayered colors, four different brayered mediums, and two brayer techniques. Your brayer is a great tool to get to know and love. Join one of my Brayer Basics classes to learn to make a your own color layered creations. Head over to www.meetup.com/KelliStamps4U to register.

Sheltering Tree from the Occasions Catalog provided the focal point stamp. The words are from the ever versatile set Endless Birthday Wishes. The Irresistibly Yours designer paper from Sale-A-Bration provides the cool vine background.  It is pre-embossed white on white making it the perfect candidate to use with your brayer. You can get a pack for free with your $50 order. As a matter of fact, that's the only way you can get your hands on this cool paper ;)

Happy Stampin'

Brayer Basics

Have you played with your brayer lately?  I have.  I LOVE my brayer. I really want you to love your brayer, too.

By popular request, I'm bringing back my Brayer Basics class.  In this informative technique class, you will learn how to use your Speedball rubber brayer to create beautiful graded color backgrounds, textured elements and more.  We will walk through using your brayer step by step, getting you ready to create amazing works of art all your own.

This class comes with a brand new brayer for you to use during class and take home when you’re done.  Already have a brayer?  You’ll find out during this highly anticipated class that having more than one is a very good thing!!

You will receive written, full color instructions to reference after class. You will also have an opportunity to practice your new brayer skills by participating in a post class brayer card swap.

I am offering two different dates - Saturday, March 6 at 9:30am and Monday, March 8 at 7:00pm.  Advanced registration is required for this class.  Reserve your spot today for $30 by visiting the Kelli's Korner Meetup page at www.meetup.com/kellistamps4u or by emailing me directly.