Praierie Papier Ponderer

Fortune Teller - Artistic Outpost

Today I'm featuring another piece created from a new release from Artistic Outpost called, "Fortune Teller."  This 8 1/2 x 11" plate is packed full of versatile images!

 

The image was stamped on Whisper White cardstock (SU!) with Palette Hybrid Noir ink, and then colored with Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits.  I used Basic Grey Periphery paper for the background, and stamped another image directly on that.  "Illusion" was stamped on WW cardstock with Gold Encore ink and heat embossed with gold embossing powder.  I also used an ink dauber and inked the edges of the "strongman" with Gold Encore ink and heat embossed with Gold embossing powder.  I antiqued the pieces with Vintage Photo and Scattered Straw Distress ink.  Gold brads were used to adhere the "Illusion" piece.

Theme Thursday Challenge - Vintage Valentine Theme

This week's challenge at Theme Thursday is vintage Valentine...and this is my take on it...this features the very cute "Cutie Pie" stamp set from Artistic Outpost.

I stamped the image with Palette Hybrid Noir, colored it with Prismacolor markers, and added Suze's new Glitz Stickles (Rangers) for the tiara.  I ran Core'dinations cardstock through my Cuttlebug for the dots and hearts backgrounds, and lightly sanded the surfaces.  The checkered paper is Daisy D's.  The hearts were created using heart-shaped Nestibilities dies, as was the tag.  The ribbon is May Arts, and the white brads are from the Pink Hedgehog Papercrafts.  The edges of the purple cardstocks were sponged with white pigment ink..

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out Theme Thursday for links to some fabulous pieces of art!

Hugs!

Anita

What's in Store for 2009 - Fortune Teller by Artistic Outpost

I cannot believe it's already January 4th and I haven't posted in 2009 yet!  This card was created using one of Artistic Outpost's new plate, Fortune Teller.  Initially I wasn't sure how I'd like it, but I have to admit it has lots of possibilities!  The stamps are so versatile, yet cohesive.

 

I used Whisper White cardstock (SU!), and Basic Grey's Periphery.  First time I used Periphery and I found the colors to be perfect for this project.  I stamped the images in Hybrid Palette's Noir, and antiqued the edges of all the paper pieces with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The image was colored with Primacolor Pencils and blended with odorless mineral spirits.  I used gold Spica glitter pens for accents, and gold braided trim as my only embellishment.

Thanks for looking!  Hopefully I'll be back before another week passes us by (where does the time go?)

Anita

After Christmas Sale at Artistic Outpost!

Artistic Outpost has a sale going on, so be sure to check it out!

The after Christmas sale runs from December 26th - December 31st!

Here's a listing of our sale products:

• NEW releases remain at "sneak peek" prices
  • Cutie Pie  $9.99 unmounted, $17.99 pre-cut on EZMount
  • Vintage Circus:  $9.99 unmounted, $17.99 pre-cut on EZMount
  • Fortune Teller:  $19.99 unmounted, $29.99 mounted pre-cut on EZMount
• 35% off the following stamp collections ($7.99)
  • Ave Maria
  • Christmas Stories
  • Chinese Proverbs
  • Distant Generations
  • Thai Buddha
• All remaining stamp collections $9.99
• 35% off Adirondack Pigment Inks ($3.49)

Please note that orders will not ship until January 2nd due to holidays.

Artistic Outpost Sneak Peek Day 4 - Cutie Pie

Today is Artistic Outpost's Day 4 of our sneak peek for the three new releases, and today I'm featuring Cutie Pie, a vintage Valentine's Day set...and aptly named I might add because the images in this set are so darned cute!

 

 "Stuff" I used:

Stamps:  Cutie Pie (Artistic Outpost)

Paper:  Core'dinations, Daisy D's, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Palette Hybrid Black Noir, Distress Worn Lipstick

Other "stuff":  white crepe paper, Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, blending stump, sponge, dotted organdy ribbon (pink and cream), 1/4" pink gingham ribbon, buttons (all buttons and ribbon from Pink Hedgehog Paper Crafts), Tiara Glitz Stickles (for the tiara of course!), corner punch (retired SU!) large glue dot, heart shaped Nestibilities (scalloped heart)

The crepe paper ruffle was made by folding a strip of crepe' paper about a third of the way so that the single strip looks like two ruffles; I ran a strip of adhesive around the perimeter of the scalloped heart and gathered the ruffle as I went around the heart with it, just kind of scrunching it as I went.  I used a sponge to tint the edges with Worn Lipstick Distress ink as well as the edge of the patterned Valentine's paper.  Three buttons were layered and tied together with the gingham ribbon and adhered to the card with a large glue dot...a pointer for "threading" buttons together...thread a large needle with the ribbon and sew through the top hole of the button, and then bring the needle back through to the top, trim off excess ribbon, and tie the ends with a square knot...so much easier than trying to stick the ends of the ribbon through by hand.

The image was colored with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol (mineral spirits) and a blending stump, cut out with a paper snips, and mounted to the front with foam tape.  The piece is 6" x 6", so it gave me more room to play create.

Be sure to check out the Artistic Outpost blogfor links to the other designers' art, and for info and special pricing on this fab new stamp set, go to the Artistic Outpost store!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Anita

Artistic Outpost New Release Sneak Peak Day 3 - Fortune Teller

Today is Day 3 of the sneak peek for the new releases from Artistic Outpost, and today I'm featuring the Fortune Teller set.

  "Stuff":

Stamp Set:

Fortune Teller (Artistic Outpost)

Paper:

Barely Banana and Whisper White (SU!), Romani (Basic Grey)

Ink:

Pretty in Pink (SU!), Frayed Burlap (Ranger Distress)

Other "Stuff":

Black Diamond Stickles, Glossy Accents (both by Ranger); sponge for antiquing, ribbon (May Arts - Jacksonbelle Embellishments); rhinestone brads (SU!), Eclipse masking tape (Eclectic Paperie); corner rounder punch (SU!)

To create the stamped images, I masked the crystal ball with Eclipse masking tape.  This stuff is amazing!  It's like having a big piece of Post-It, and can be used over and over.  It is available in several widths, and for this piece I used the widest...I stamped the crystal ball on the masking tape, cut it out and then stamped the image on the WW cardstock.  I placed the cut out image over the one on the cardfront and stamped the woman over the masking.  I removed the mask, and filled in the "glass" part of the crystal ball with Glossy Accents.  I outlined the ball first, and then filled the rest in, evening it out with my finger.  I filled in the base of the crystal ball with Stickles, and let the piece dry overnight before completing the card.

The Fortune Teller set is amazing, and has so many versatile pieces included...Robyn really outdid herself this time!!!  To tell the future, a gift exploited for fun or fortune, has been had its place in the folklore and legends of most of the world's cultures.  In this full 8.5" x 11" collection, it features images of this "gypsy" art including a large background vintage almanac, a fun crystal ball with words sized to fit just right in the middle, and many mystical elements and words.  Entire collection comes in both unmounted red rubber OR mounted on EZMount cling foam, trimmed closely, and "mounted" onto a clear plastic printed index sheet.

Check out the new release specials here; and links to the other designers' art here.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Hugs,

Anita

Artistic Outpost Sneak Peek Day 2 - Vintage Circus

Welcome to Day 2 of Artistic Outpost's Sneak Peek!  Today I am featuring Vintage Circus...

 

"Stuff":

Stamps:

Vintage Circus

Paper:

Whisper White (SU!), Core'dinations, Daisy D's

Ink:

Black Noir Hybrid Palette, Distress Scattered Straw and Frayed Burlap, Encore Copper

Other "Stuff":

Distress tool, copper hardware

The circus image was stamped on WW cardstock, and using a sponge I applied the Distress inks.

Check out the Artistic Outpost  blog for links to the other designers' art, and the Artistic Outpost store to order (be sure to note the bundled specials!).

Thanks for stopping by, and come again tomorrow for another sneak peek!

Anita

Cutie Pie- New Release from Artistic Outpost!

 

This is a sneak peek of one of Artistic Outpost's new releases on 12/15 - Cutie Pie!

I'm on my way to work, so will provide more details later!

New Releases from Artistic Outpost!

Artistic Outpost is thrilled to bring you THREE new releases for December! You won't want to miss out on the samples are designers have been creating - be sure to check back later to check out what I've designed!   Also new with this release, these new plates are available in both unmounted red rubber or mounted on EZMount Foam Cling! Special Bundle Pricing information is also included below!

Cutie Pie

Adorable images inspired by children's Valentines from the 1950's including a majorette, a football player, and a beauty queen.  The three main images average three inches in height perfect for your cards, ATCs, or other mixed media projects.  Entire collection comes in either an 8.5" x 5.5" unmounted sheet of red rubber OR mounted on EZMount cling foam, trimmed closely, and "mounted" onto a clear plastic printed index sheet.
 
Special price:  $10.00 - umounted, $18.00 - mounted

Vintage Circus

 

Everyday is a circus in the Artistic Outpost studios. All we are missing are the wild animals and the three rings.  This collection features vintage images from circus posters and advertisements from the 1900's.  For our cardmakers, the main circus collage measures 3.75" x 5", a large stamp perfect for creating backgrounds.  Entire collection comes in either an 8.5" x 5.5" unmounted sheet of red rubber OR mounted on EZMount cling foam, trimmed closely, and "mounted" onto a clear plastic printed index sheet.
 
Special price:  $10.00 - umounted, $18.00 - mounted

Fortune Teller

To tell the future, a gift exploited for fun or fortune, has been had its place in the folklore and legends of most of the world's cultures.  In this full 8.5" x 11" collection, we feature images of this "gypsy" art including a large background vintage almanac, a fun crystal ball with words sized to fit just right in the middle, and many mystical elements and words.  Entire collection comes in both unmounted red rubber OR mounted on EZMount cling foam, trimmed closely, and "mounted" onto a clear plastic printed index sheet.
 
Special price:  $20.00 - unmounted, $30 - mounted
 

 

 

Special bundles on UNMOUNTED stamps collections ONLY:
Cutie Pie & Vintage Circus - $18.00
Cutie Pie, Vintage Circus, & Fortune Teller - $36

Click here to visit the Artistic Outpost store!

Thanks for stopping by!

Anita

Artistic Outpost's "Snowy Woods" on Sale NOW!

I know, I know, it seems like forever since I've posted...and it has been three weeks, which is a long time in the blogging world!

But, I had to jump in and announce that Artistic Outpost is having a sale on one of it's newest plates, Snowy Woods, for a limited time...a full 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of rubber!  It's only $19.99, and I have to tell you that this sheet is beautiful, versatile, and lends itself to so many fabulous techniques!

Be sure to check out Artistic Outpost's blog and store web site for some fantastically creative ideas for using this plate!

Artistic Outpost also sells mounting supplies (acrylic blocks, Kai scissors, and EZ Mount Cling foam)...one of the best prices on EZ mount that I've found...you get get three sheets for only $9.99!

Stuff:

Stamp:  Snowy Woods (AO)

Paper:  Core' dinations, Memory Box (Twiggy), Whisper White (Stampin' Up!)

Ink:  Hybrid Palette Burnt Sienna, Pine Needles (Distress), Vintage Photo (Distress)

Other "Stuff":  rectangle Nesties, sandpaper block for distressing Core'dinations cardstock, Pine Needles Distress embossing powder, heat gun, metallic organdy ribbon (Pink Hedgehog Papercrafts), self-adhesive rhinestones (Me and My Big Ideas from Jacksonbelle Embellishments)

The Christmas tree was embossed with Tim Holtz Distress embossing powder.  Here are a few tips on getting the best results because these are not your ordinary EP (from Ranger Ink)!

1. Shake jar before each use to evenly distribute the release crystals.

2. As with regular embossing, use a well-inked stamp to apply ink to your surface, sprinkle Distress Powder onto image and tap off excess. Emboss using heat tool until powder turns a slightly deeper tone – unlike traditional powders these will not turn shiny.

3. For best results it is recommended you emboss with Distress inks, or Distress Embossing Ink.  Note: If embossing with watermark or pigment inks, you will still get the matte, textured look and feel from the Distress Powders, but you will have less or no rub off.

4. To distress, emboss image and allow to cool for a few seconds. Lightly rub embossed image with your finger to remove the special release crystals. Some colors release more than others, so don’t worry if some rub off more or less …it’s part of the “aged” look.

5. Because some Distress Embossing Powder colors only change slightly when heated, here is tip for knowing when the embossing is complete: if the feel of the embossing when cooled is like sandpaper, it has been heated enough. If it is too loose like sand on the beach, heat it some more.

 How gorgeous is this set!!

Thanks for looking, and I'll try to be back soon...things have been a bit busy for me lately, but I'm hoping for some major studio time today...and tomorrow...

Bloggers Challenge #71 - Halloween

This week's Bloggers Challenge was Halloween...not too difficult...but I also participated in an ATC swap, so I created two projects...

  

Stuff:  Stamps:  Vintage Halloween (Artistic Outpost); Paper:  Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black (Stampin' Up!), patterned Halloween (Daisy D's);  Ink:  Palette Black Noir;  Other Stuff:  black organdy ribbon, Prima Collage flower, rhinestone brad, Ranger Stickles, white gel pen

    

It's been forever since I've made an ATC (artist trading card), but it was fun...This was pretty easy...

Stuff:  clip art (printed on my computer and printer); Paper:  Only Orange (SU!), black (Core'dintions); Ink:  Palette Black Noir; Other Stuff:  Rectangle Scallop Nesties, sandpaper, Ranger Stickles, Spica Glitter pens, rhinestones, spider web satin ribbon

Thanks for looking, and be sure to check out the other Bloggers' Challenges by clicking on the badge in the sidebar!

Have a safe, happy, fun Halloween!

Artistic Outpost Guest Designer Team Call!

Artistic Outpost is looking for Guest Designers for our upcoming releases.   We are looking for people who love our images and want to inspire our customers.

You must be able to:

• Take good clear digital photos or scans of your finished projects
• You must be able to meet deadlines, enjoy challenges and work well with others
• You must be willing to promote via the Internet (forums/online galleries/and your blog) by posting samples made with Artistic Outpost images, or posting company specials when applicable while you are a Guest Designer

If being a Guest Designer for Artistic Outpost is something you'd like to do, send an email to Somerville4@aol.com AND info@artisticoutpost.com. Please put Artistic Outpost Design Team Application in the subject line and include:

• Name, Email address, Home address
• A brief paragraph on why you would like to be Guest Designer for Artistic Outpost
• A link to your blog (if you have one) or any online galleries that you display your work
• Current or past design team positions, and publication information - if any
• Send photos or scans of 3 projects – if you have Artistic Outpost images, we encourage you to use them (each image should be no larger than 80kb)

Applications due by November 5th, 2008 - those accepted will be notified by November 7th, 2008

The fine print:

• Your Guest Design position with Artistic Outpost will be for one release - month will be assigned to you after confirmation of position.
• For each plate you receive as a Guest Designer, you are required to make at least four projects, sometimes on a tight deadline, and provide high quality scans or photographs for use in the Artistic Outpost Gallery. In addition you should be sharing your artwork via your blog/online groups or galleries
• You may be required to send your projects in for use on our display boards to be used at stamp shows

There is no monetary payment for work, only the free Artistic Outpost stamp sheets you receive during your month as a Guest Designer

Bloggers Challenge #69 - Color Challenge (Old Olive, Really Rust, Riding Hood Red)

This week's Bloggers Challenge was a color challenge using Old Olive, Really Rust, and Riding Hood Red.

I always have a lot of fun doing the color challenges...and decided to use one of my favorite Artistic Outpost stamp sets...

Stuff: 

Stamps:  Serenity (Artistic Outpost)

Paper:  Old Olive, Really Rust, and Riding Hood Red (Stampin' Up!), Phoebe (Basic Grey)

Ink:  Palette Black Noir, Old Straw (Distress Ink), and Classic Really Rust (SU!), Encore Copper

Other "Stuff":  Grungeboard, sponge for antiquing card stock, Poppy self-adhesive rhinestones (Me and My Big Ideas), square and long rectangle Nestibilities

I used Really Rust ink to color the Grungeboard swirls, and then used a little Encore Copper ink on top of that.  I used SU! glue stick to adhere them to the card front. 

Today is the last day for Artistic Outpost's anniversary sale...be sure to visit their blog and leave a comment for the blog candy!

Click on the Bloggers Challenge badge on the sidebar to check out the other challengers' designs!

Thanks for looking...and have a wonderful weekend.  We'll be traveling to the other side of the state to spend the weekend with family...this is our yearly "Van Hal" get-together...we used to get together this weekend every year to celebrate my now deceased mother-in-law's birthday, and now we just make it a special day for all the siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to visit and share memories...it should be a lot of fun.

   

Artistic Outpost - The Anniversary Celebration Continues with MORE Blog Candy!

Great news!  Artistic Outpost's anniversary sale has been extended and includes the very cool Vintage Halloween plate:

Stuff:  Stamps:  Vintage Halloween (AO); Paper:  Basic Black, Purely Pumpkin, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!); Ink: Palette Black Noir, Vintage Photo and Concord Grape (Ranger); Other Stuff:  White gel pen, Eclipse masking tape, organdy ribbon, tag die (Nestibilities), sponge

I stamped and masked the girl, then stamped the fence, and using a sponge and Distress inks I colored the background with Vintage Photo and Concord Grape Distress inks.  the pumpkins were stamped on Purely Pumpkin card stock, and the eyes colored in with a white gel pen.  They were cut out and mounted on the card front.  The sentiment was stamped with Black Noir, and that tag was mounted on another Nestibilities tag made with a scrap of Daisy D's Halloween paper.  The ribbon was melted with my heat gun... 

This news just in from Artistic Outpost's blog:

Let the celebration continue!

Our Anniversary sale has been extended through October 17th!

You will find our original "8" collections are all on sale for $9.99. They include: Thai Buddha, Chinese Proverbs, Singing Cowboy, Distant Generations, Polaroid Cutie, Hair is Important, Christmas Stories, and Ave Maria.

We also have bundled together our last release Vintage Halloween and Route 66, for a limited time, you can get both plates together for $19.99.

New Release Specials: We are also pleased to introduce two new stamp collections: Snowy Woods & BlueBird.

Snowy Woods is a larger collection of unmounted stamps measuring 8.5" x 11". This plate is full of vintage images of Santa and peaceful winter scenes. For a limited time, this plate is on sale for $19.99.

BlueBird is designed to reflect both winter and spring. We hope that it provides creative inspiration for you throughout the winter months. For a limited time, the Bluebird plate is on sale for $9.99.

As an added bonus, you can purchase both new plates for $28 in our Bundled Special. That's a $36retail value!!!

This weeks Blog Candy!
This week one lucky winner will receive both the Vintage Halloween and Route 66 plates! Already have them? No problem, we'll swap them out for two half sheets of your choice!

How do you enter to win?
Simply leave a comment on Artistic Outpost's blog here telling us what you'd like to see offered as a future plate by Artistic Outpost by 11:59 CST on October 18th. When you leave your comment, be sure to put your NAME in the comment -- if you enter your comment as "Anonymous", we cannot give you the prize as Blogger does not record your email address for us. You'll need to check back to find out if you have won. We will have the random number generator pick one number from the comments to select the winner and post the winner on October 19th. Please remember only 1 entry per person. Good Luck!

Thanks for looking, and be sure to leave a comment on AO's blog!

Road Trip

It's the weekend, and who couldn't use a little road trip?

Stuff:

Stamp:  Route 66 (Artistic Outpost)

Paper:  Whisper White (SU!), Core'dinations (red and brown textured), Travel (DCWV)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Real Red, Glorious Green, Vintage Photo Distress ink 

More "Stuff":  Hodgepodge Hardware, Glossy Accents, Vintage Brads, Distressing tool, sponge for antiquing

Thanks for looking!