Friday, July 4, 2008

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)

14 comments:

Margaret McDonald said...

besides we know you can't keep a secret long like the rest of us! It must be generic, genetic I mean!!
goofy auntie

Annapurna said...

I think my daughter would get a kick out of this monster. I know what I am using for her birthday next month.

Cool card! Now off to look what gesso is.

K Hutchinson said...

I love this monster! It is so KEWL! Thanks for the directions too! I will have to give it a try!

Deb Neerman said...

Kewl card, Mel!

And I have gallons of gesso in my studio so I'm ready for more gesso-usin' projects! Send 'em in, g/friend!

Jennifer Love said...

Ooh..I'm afraid of the gesso in my printer. My husband would KILLLLLLLLLL ME if I did something to his expensive printer. It is a wonder he lets me use it to print on copy paper. LOL!

Anyway, I LOVE! this little guy's image! I'm so gonna go print it out and make a card. Maybe even 10! :)

Mada said...

LOVE your monster and the beautiful layout of your card, Mel!
I have no idea about Gesso but I'm pretty sure I'll never get the chance (or the money - lol) to use it. But your idea is great and I'll do an embossed monster with the classical method :)

I am wondering... shouldn't we start a "Sisterhood of the Monster"? So many fans already :D

Angie Tieman said...

Wow! This is fabulous! Love that monster and your gesso technique is so cool! Can't wait to see what else you have to sure with Gesso...it's one of those things that I've had forever and probably haven't opened in 7 years. I'm sure you'll have me out buying a new jar!

Anonymous said...

Too cute!
Deena

Kim Etherington said...

Cute cute stamp.. where did you get it from? Online order? I'll have to go and check out his stuff. Great colours. I must be slow... what is gesso?

Donna Baker said...

ACK! I love this card, this monster (not really sure about the gesso, though I love what you did with it) I'll upload a card using his monster tomorrow. TFS!

Penny said...

LURVE him!! Off to leave Nolan some lurve too now...

Petras-Creationen said...

What a nice monster. My son love it.
Greats from Germany
Petra

Maria said...

Wow, Nolan is definitely an artist. The image is so cute!! Love the colors too! I've seen the Gesso techniques on several sites but your stuff inspires me! I now gotta get that Gesso. Where do you buy it?

Great job as always!

Maria

Tonniece said...

How cute is this. And talented he is for sure, thanks for the heads up.
Love your card

Happy Saturday