TGIFF -- Clouds Tutorial!

Greetings! Today I'm going to share a tutorial that will show you two of the ways that I use my Copic markers to create a cloudy sky behind my Bombshell stamps.

I've chosen to use the Butterfly Dreams set, mostly because I couldn't decide which pin-up set to use.

Go grab a cuppa and let's get started!

I've used the following supplies:

1. The Butterfly Dreams rubber stamp set.
2. Tuxedo Black Memento ink
3. Nestabilities Grand Labels 4 die
4. Memory Box Puffy Clouds Die
5. Post-It Notes® or Judikins Eclipse Tape
6. Copic markers or other alcohol markers
7. Patterned papers: I've used papers from old Ambrosia and Marjolein 6x6 pads by Basic Grey
8. Cardstock: Neenah Classic Solar Crest 80# (stamped panel) and Bazzill Basics
9. Black Soot Distress ink
10. Various other die cuts

Step One

Stack several Post-It Notes® together, line up the dies over the sticky areas of the stacked PINs and die cut the three different sizes included in the Puffy Clouds set. Do this step several times. You can always use the spares! Separate the notes and set aside for now.

Steps Two, Three, Four

Choose your butterflies from the Butterfly Dreams set and stamp them as desired using Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto whatever Copic-safe cardstock you prefer. Use the metal die as a placement guide. I used the same two butterfly stamps in various configurations, which you'll see later. Much, much later.

Color the butterflies as desired, position the metal die over your stamped colored images and die cut. I just got the new Sizzix Magnetic Platform and it rocks. Prior to that, I've used Repositionable Scotch Tape® to hold the die where I wanted.

Step Five

Take the platform out of the machine, keeping the die-cut, stamped, colored panel within the die. If necessary, gently remove the tape, taking care to keep the die in place. Take your C0 or equivalent and lightly trace around the inside of the die. Be careful because sometimes the inner edge of the die will be a bit jagged, which might snag your marker nib! Remove die and clean with hand sanitizer. Put the die and platform away! You must keep your work surface tidy or the Stamping Police will come and arrest you!

Here are all four of my stamped, colored, die-cut, and outlined image panels.

Step Six

Position your Post-It Note® clouds as desired. Play around to find a layout that you like. Be sure to use the sticky side to keep the clouds in place so you can do...

Step Seven

Using a C00 (or equivalent) marker, lightly trace around the clouds. If you have overlapping clouds, gently lift the part that overlaps, and trace it so the cloud appears to be in front.

Step Eight

Use your C0 marker (or equivalent) and make the clouds' outlines a bit bolder. Start adding some curvy lines and squiggly doodles to the inside of the cloud. Go over the C0 with COO or your Colorless Blender to soften some of the lines.

Step Nine (are you bored yet?)

Go over the edges of the clouds with a blue marker (I've used B21). Outline each cloud and the edges of the butterflies that touch the "sky" with the blue marker. Then start to fill in the "sky" using horizontal strokes. It might look streaky, but you can always add additional ink and/or lift some with the blender.

Step Ten

The above is mostly finished. The last step of this process is to go over the image, darkening or lightening the sky as desired and touching up the clouds.

Finished Card

Did you think we were done? Nope. Not yet. Go refresh your coffee and/or tea. Or get yourself a leisure beverage 'cause there's more yet to come!

Variation on a theme or Clouds, the sequel

Repeat steps one to five (stamp, color, die-cut, and trace the interior edge of the die-cut). 

Clouds, the sequel -- Step Six

Now free-hand draw in some clouds using your CO0 (or equivalent) marker. Then follow the rest of the steps as above. The only real difference is that you drew in your own clouds! Yay.

Hand-drawn clouds using C00, C0, B0000, B000 markers (and blender)

Finished Card with Hand-drawn clouds -- also uses Banner Sayings rubber stamp set!

You can add pink, purple, and other colors to the clouds to reflect the sky. You can also create a cloudy night sky! The possibilities are endless! 

Card Three

Card Four -- I was channeling my inner hippie.

BTW, if you've made it this far, pat yourself on the back. And now you know why I rarely do tutorials...