Monstrously Exciting Image by Nolan (& a kewl technique!)

I have never ever ever EVER been so excited making a card & it's all thanks to Nolan! He's the artist behind this monster. If you're familiar with Fred She Said (Tracey), you won't be surprised that her progeny is talented, but he's only 10 and he's an astoundingly good full-fledged artist!

That and he inspired this kewl technique. (If it wasn't for his image I wouldn't have been brave enough to put gesso texture cardstock into the printer & discover that the ink stays wet on it & needs embossing!) What a world of possibilities you've opened up Nolan! Thank You! :0) I can't wait to start drawing and printing & embossing stuff!

SO, I was gonna save all of the gesso surprises for a week's worth of tutorials, but you know I am genetically programmed not to post a card without telling you how I did it (so please forgive me when I repeat myself next week.) :0)

To make an embossed version of Nolan's Monster:

1. Gesso the back of glossy cardstock (curls less but regular cardstock works) You can paint it thinly or dragging it on with a block or spatula like surface.

2. Let it dry thoroughly I dried this overnight (& make sure there are no majorly rough edges)

3. If you are brave enough, run it through your printer (mine was fine with thick-ish texture) If you'd rather not use gesso cardstock in your printer, the monster is great enough to be perfect on regular paper.

4. While the ink is still wet emboss it (I used clear embossing powder)

5. Colour with markers

6. Daub with a lightly wet paint brush


Other card details:

Stamps: Riveting (round sentiment), Kind thoughts (flower). Cardstock: Gable Green, Gesso cardstock tinted with Cool Caribbean reinker, Black; Ink: WHite craft (sentiment), Not Quite Navy Craft (flower) Accessories: White embossing powder, Tempting Turquoise & Green Galore markers, Stickles (silver ice), Silver Sharpie, White glaze pen (to draw pattern on black mat), black dollar store brads, Nestabilities Petite Scallop Circle Large. 1 & 1 3/8" circle punch, 3/4" square punch

Not sure what on earth I'm talking about with this gesso stuff? Don't worry, I have so many tutorials for you (starting Sunday) that you'll be tired of hearing me describe gesso techniques in no time. Need to make something gesso-y right now? Leave me your question(s) :0)


Drop Nolan a comment to encourage him in his art! And for every card made with his monster his Mom is giving him .20 cents. I hope he draws more monsters; I've never had so much fun!

:0)= <--(monster, heehee)