art of life, I don't "get" it
 

ok so I just recieved my art of life set (the spring mini hostess appreciation set) and I've seen some nice stuff with it in the gallery, but I just don't get what I should do with it. It's prety and all, but I just can't seem to think up anything to do with it other than copy someone else, and that's not always my favorite way to work. how do I make this set work w/o just copying someone else? are there any great techniques you're all loving to do with this set? I'm a technique junkie, I guess if I found the right technique to do with this set I'd love it. if I can't find anything wonderful to do with it I may have to trade it for something I know how to use. ideas would be great! thanks
Michelle

I made a card with this set using my markers and the expressionistic watercolour technique. I loved it! It was the first time I had tried that technique and I was really happy with how it turned out - just make sure not to use too much water or it doesn't work well at all.

Good luck!

I don't have a fancy technique...I like to be quick but beautiful...but I'll try to attach a 6x6 scrapbook page I did with it. (never done this before so my apologies if it doesn't work or it's huge or something.)

White cardstock with creamy caramel sponged over it. Then c.c. for the background and black for the leaves/flowers. The picture is black filagree on c.c. paper. I think it's beautiful and easy! I'm sure I could make a card like this that I would love. In fact, maybe I'll get my stuff out right now and try!

Good luck! I'll watch this thread for more ideas for myself.

Linn

I just used Versamark and Poppin' Pastels. I thought they turned out nice.

I don't have anything to add , just wanted to say I love your scrapbook page. Thanks for sharing that, lovely.
Lynette

I love using my chalk pads to ink the stamp up. Then cracked glass (UTEE) looks great over it!

ooh maybe I'll have to try the cracked glass technique. does SU! sell UTEE?? I've never noticed it in the catalog, but then I've never looked for it either. thanks for sharing your ideas. does anyone else have ideas to share for this set?

SU! does sell UTEE...it is called Glassy Glaze, and I think it is on the same page as the embossing powders. I can't wait to try the Cracked Glass with this set...sounds awesome.

That page is AWESOME!!!! I am a photographer wannabe and i love love love sepia antique color...ahhh sooo great!!!



Um Michelle, I know what you mean there have been times where I can't get inspired by a set because there is sooooo much already done with it...this is what I do in that case...I pick out the colors that speak to me...then I look at my embellishments...what catches my eye...then I look at the stamp set and see how I can put it all together...kinda build backwards...it is not only fun but challenging!!! :D

Lynn, what a truly lovely photo. That baby looks like an angel!

Canvas Background...
 

As a demo, I got the set last month. And, I don't have the canvas background stamp (yet). I have to say that I wish all of the background stamps would be the size of the canvas one in the Art of Life. I have cut a piece of white card stock the width of the stamp (about 4 1/2") and repetitively stamp the canvas on there and it makes a wonderful background. It is much easier to use than the big background stamps and the effect is wonderful in any color. I have used browns for "manly" cards and pink and yellow for "mothers day" cards and it looks wonderful!!! Good luck. As for the rest of the set, I haven't touched it!!!

Another technique to use with the mesh looking stamp is 'kissing'. I used a round shape stamp inked with 'barely banana' and kissed the mesh inked with 'really rust' on to the round stamp then stamped it on to white cs.

Wish I knew how to post the finished card but still posting illiterate.

Marie, check out this thread on how to post....

http://forums.splitcoaststampers.com...ad.php?t=39488

now back to the Art of Life set and what to do with it....

What a great idea! Thanks! I'll try it right away.
And thanks for the compliments on my scrapbook page everyone!

Linn

I am getting this set today and am nearly jumping out of my skin in excitement! I tell you, its Beyond pretty! I wish it wasn't a HA set............... I would sell the heck out of it! Drooling, can't stamp...............need my set!!!!!

I think I get it now!
 

ok, so I finally sat down last night and figured out what I could do with this set, and it's really growing on me! here's the link to my card:
http://gallery.splitcoaststampers.co...cat=500&page=1

let me know what ya think.
Michelle