"Cherish the Moment"

Well it has taken me a few days to get my book cover painted. I did all the base painting and my wife did all the details for me. I had a wonderful time explaining to her the look that I was trying to seek in my (our :)) book. She is very talented and she actually used the same photo in a recent page challenge with My Minds Eye. Please feel free to visit her blog at http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/ I am sure she would love it. Now back to my (our) book.
After I got all of my impressions placed into my chipboard book I was ready for the painting. I used Cermacoat Paint - Maroon Chocolat, Raw Sienna, Alpine Green, Spice Brown, Old Parchment, White, and Gypsy Rose.

This is the back of my book; Pam applied several different coats of Mod Podge mixed with paints and wiped it off with paper towels until she got the color blend that we were looking for. After it was dry we added the Butterfly die cut from My Minds Eye Carefree collection to the center of the book.

And here is our cover. Isn't it beautiful. We are so pleased with it.

Our papers are My Minds Eye Everyday Cherished Blessed Flowers/Devoted to Blue, Cherished Flowers/Everything Golden, Elegant print/Poised Purple paper, All Together Floral/Red Paper.

Again we did the front cover just as the back to get the blend to be the same. I painted all the butterflies, flowers, and leaves in and than Pam did all the details. It is really nice to live with a painter. The Cherish the Moment is a sticker from Deja Views Wonderful Words My Thoughts.

I than thought the larger flowers need some dimension so I add a few of the pink pearl gemstones to the centers of the 3 large flowers.

Again, make sure to visit her blog as well as my other DT's they would both enjoy hearing from you.

Chip Art Techniques

There is new tool out there from Melody Ross, called Chip Art. It involves a mat, mallet, water bottle to spray with, chipboard and dies. Reminds me alot of the leather techniques that I use to do.
One of the most important things to remember is to lightly spray your chipboard with water. Make sure not to do it to heavily or it will make the chipboard very weak. Hold the die upright and give it a couple of hits with the mallet. I tend to lean my very slightly as I hit it with the mallet, that seemed to give a better impression.

Also, this is the second important thing to do, make sure that your dies are kept clean. I use a paper piercer to accomplish this.

I will be posting my first book in a day or two so come back and see what I have created.

"Giveaway at Heartstrings Design"

Make sure to go to Heartstings Design and get signed in as a follower, pick up a blinkie and leave a comment for an amazing giveaway.

"Birthday Card"

This is my first attempt of working with Copic Markers. Really liked how easy they were to use and how bright the colors are. I used R27, R81, R85, E33, E37, G12, G14, V17, Y19, and B93. After I got my image colored I sprayed it with Marshmallow Glimmer Mist to give it some glitter and make my background come to life.

With the help of one of my DT's she helped me get my card put together. Did a little sewing, added a sticker, pop dots and a little bling. My card is done.