Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Inspiration and ideas are everywhere! Color combinations and layouts are in magazine ads, on TV, in display windows, on a dress or outfit someone is wearing, etc, etc, etc…. I keep an Inspiration Journal with my drawings and pictures from magazines, articles, and ads. I also get inspiration from creative people.

Two projects I'm sharing today were inspired by a really cool print in the lobby of the hotel we stayed in during vacation last week, which by the way was fabulous - we drove from IL/MI to Myrtle Beach, SC in a 15 passenger van. The youngest passenger was 19 months and the oldest 77 years. Everyone was talking at the same time. The baby was loudest laughing and giggling. 

There are so many ways to color!   The medium I chose for coloring was inspired by a post by Cee Cee, which you can see here.

An ATC... (featured at the Art Impression Blog today)

Stamped Mini Roses in Vase image onto watercolor paper with StazOn jet black. Used a paint brush to apply liquid frisquet over image. You could also use masking tape. I find the liquid really nice for small areas. Allowed to dry.

Next I used Eclipse tape to mask, and used a blending tool with a black soot Distress Ink pad to create a dark circle with the image at the edge of it.

I then inked up the Friends are Flowers sentiment, stamped off on scratch paper and stamped onto the ATC. Repeated several times to create a 'word background.' To create the white boarder, I ripped the masking tape and placed around the image and circle. I used the blending tool and a walnut stain Distress Ink pad to add a little color.

Next, I dabbed a tissue over the frisquet to pick up any wet ink. I then removed the frisquet by gently rubbing my finger over it and pull it off.
 

Time to color! Colored image using brush pens direct to paper - starting in the area where I wanted the darkest shade,  then spread color with water brush. I used Sakura glaze and metallic pens to add a more color with a little bling. I trimmed it and layered it onto a piece of black card stock.

A Greeting Card...(featured at the Crafter's Companion Information Blog today)

Stamped  destination image onto watercolor paper with StazOn jet black.  Used paint brush to apply liquid frisquet over butterfly  image.

Next I cut a label shape with a Spellbinder dye cut on scrap card stock and used a blending tool with a crushed olive Distress Ink pad to create a scalloped arch with the butterfly at the edge of it.

To create the white border, I ripped masking tape and placed around the image. I used the blending tool and a walnut stain Distress Ink pad to add color.

Next, I dabbed a tissue over the frisquet to pick up any wet ink. I then removed the frisquet by gently rubbing my finger over it and pull it off.

 Time to color! Colored image using brush pens direct to paper - starting in the area where I wanted the darkest shade,  then spread color with water brush. I used a Sakura glaze pen to add more color.

To complete the card I chose design papers from from Stampin' Up! and a paper I made with glitter sprays.  The stripe design did not have all the colors I wanted, so I  used a ruler and two of the pen colors in my butterfly to add some more lines.  On the inside, I adhered a piece of design paper, colored the butterfly part of the image with a water based maker and stamped.

Thanks for visiting!

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!  
Trena