When I left Cornish Heritage Farms I had no intentions of getting back into illustrating again, atleast not for a while. I really needed to step away, evaluate my goals and take time to really think about what direction I wanted to go. My family is always first. I left my career 16 years ago to become a SAHM. Being a full time mother and wife was more important to me than making money. And it still is. We sacrificed a lot for me to be able to stay home. And it hasn't always been easy making it on only one income. But the rewards, oh my goodness, are so many that I could never list them all. We are blessed beyond blessed. I'm happy that I made that decision years ago.
Did you know that I was Gina's first guest designer on her blog, April 2007? Did you know that I'm a part of Gina's Stamp for a Cause Design team? Well, it didn't surprise me that Gina called me, we have maintained contact over the past year. She's not only my friend but is such a sweet, talented and inspirational lady. I really think highly of her. We talked for a long time. She mentioned to me if I ever wanted to illustrate again she'd love to work with me. Gina is a very understanding person and said she'd be there when I'm ready.
Well, I'm ready!
My very first stamp set for Gina K Designs will be available June 20th. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.
Here's a sneak peak and a tutorial to boot!
This is one of the stamps from my new set called "Botanical Dreams". I had fun illustrating the Aster flower. They are so pretty.
The saying, well need I say more, touches my heart. It has a lot of meaning for me right now. I know that I will be using it over and over again.
After you read my blog you have to hop on over to the other wonderful design team members who will also have previews on their blogs of my new set - Joanne, Erika, Emily, Michelle and Melanie.
Let's get busy!
First I inked up my Aster flower using my Versamark pad on Prism paper. I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the image and heat set it. Oh so pretty!
I did this one more time but on my green paper.
I love discovering new products, expecially if they are affordable. Now you know I looooooooove my Prismacolor pencils. But I realize that a lot of people, especially now, can't afford them. Well, Gina is now carrying a very affordable alternative. Kohl_I_Noor Pencils.
I pulled out the white pencil to color in the flower petals on both the flowers I had embossed. It's super easy to color within the lines since they are raised up on the paper. Plus, the Kohl-i-noor pencils have soft lead so the pigment has no problem covering over the paper.
Next, I used the yellow pencil to color in the center of the flower. After the coloring was done on both flowers I carefully cut them out.
Do you own Shrinky Dink plastic? I love the stuff. It's always so fun to stamp something on it, color it in and watch it transform when heated up.
I stamped the flower twice using Stazon black and colored in the flowers using my Sharpie markers. Before I heated up the plastic I made sure to punch a hole in the flower. I used the piercing tool (through the hole) to hold the flower down while I heated it.
Look how adorable it is! So tiny...
I attached some O rings to the flowers and then made earrings out of them. Now to place them inside the card as a gift.
I punched 2 holes on the white and also on the green paper. I adhered the 2 panels together and attached black eyelets in the holes.
I needed the earings to pop out from the card a bit so I added some foam tape to the back. I love this type of tape. It can be used for so many things.
Seriously! Who wouldn't love a pair of these. I can see them in yellow, blue, green, orange, etc.
Oh and how about placing a cute rhinestone in the center for extra sparkle!
Once the panel was finished I attached it to the inside of the card.
Oh what a fun surprise to open the card up and find a cute pair of earrings on the inside. I'm tickled pink. LOL
I've created more, and more fun things for you this week. So come back tomorrow and then Friday....
Guess what?....
I'll have some blog candy....
OH My goodness, Asela! This is a most stunning creation! I adore your new set and what you've done here is absolutely marvelous! I'm getting shrinky dink stuff tomorrow!! So inspiring! Congrats on your newest journey with Gina-how lucky we all are to have you both together! Hugs
Posted by: linsey | June 18, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Can't say enough about this darling project! Love that not only is the card adorable, but it's also a gift holder of those amazing earrings!
Huge congrats on your decision to join Gina's amazing team of artist and designers. I'm anxiously awaiting the rest of the reveal and so excited to see all your upcoming creations!
Posted by: Carolina Buchting | June 18, 2008 at 02:22 AM
What a great idea! Your work is lovely, congratulations on a beautiful stamp set.
Posted by: Hope | June 18, 2008 at 03:35 AM
Well, this is my first time to meet you and how exciting! LOVE this! Cant wait to be able to order Friday now! Fantastic project! Those earrings are just adorable!
Posted by: cathy tidwell | June 18, 2008 at 06:07 AM
LOVE the first image(s) release thus far with those spectacular earrings, Asela! EVERYTHING'S for a reason and a season to everything. Go forward in your new journey without a glance in the rear-view.
CONGRATULATIONS on your new endeavors, sweetie! GinaK. knows talent when she sees it! {mwaah, Gina}
{HUGS} :)
Posted by: A. Sanborn | June 18, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Oh, I just love this flower! The card and earrings you made arejust adorable!
Holly
hogwildaboutstamping.blogspot.com
Posted by: Holly Young | June 18, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Congratulations Asela!!! I love your first designs for Gina and can't wait to see more.
Posted by: MandyMc | June 18, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Asela, I'm so excited about your new stamp set!! It is gorgeous - I can't wait to get it all inky with all the projects I have in mind for classes at GinaK's store!! I am THRILLED that you have joined Gina & her other talented designers and look forward to many more beautiful rubber stamp sets from you!
jessjean on SCS
Posted by: Jessica Fick | June 18, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Asela! Congratulations!! That is wonderful news for you AND Gina K!! The flower and sentiment are beautiful - I'll have to get it this month! What a cute idea! The earrings! I just went over to Gina's site and see you featured there! Wow!!
Take care and STAY POSITIVE!!
Posted by: Trena in Naperville | June 18, 2008 at 07:21 AM
p.s.
oh!! I visited the other ladies blogs too. Melanie's frame is so kool!
Posted by: Trena in Naperville | June 18, 2008 at 07:26 AM
What a fun set of earrings Asela! I love how you put them in the card. Congrats!
Posted by: Keri Sereika | June 18, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Congratulations Asela. I have been a your fan since the beginning and also a huge fan of Gina K and now to have you both together is a very big WOW!!! This set is fabulous and I love how you colored it.
Cheryl Sims
Posted by: Cheryl Sims | June 18, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Wow! I love that flower! Congrats on your set with Gina! It must be so exciting!
Posted by: Belinda Chang | June 18, 2008 at 07:51 AM
how fun to scroll down and see all the steps of thsi project when I got to the shrink plastic I thoughtI don't see any little flowers on the card front!! Sneaky! Those earringare the bomb! I lvoe the holder you made, very clever to put them through the eyelets! welcome, welcome, welcome!
Posted by: Melanie Muenchinger | June 18, 2008 at 07:54 AM
I'm so exctied for you. These flowers look fantastic. Gina is wonderful, I'm glad you are working with her.
HUGS!!!
Erin
Posted by: Erin K | June 18, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Asela, I'm so glad you'll continue to share your illustrations with us. You do such beautiful work! Gina K. is so blessed to have you working with her. Congratulations to both of you!
Posted by: Monica | June 18, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Oh wow!!! This is brilliant! Those earrings are adorable! And I love aster flowers, too. I'm so excited to be working with this set!
Posted by: Erika Martin - Stampin' Mama | June 18, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I'm so glad we'll get to see more of your beautiful work, Asela! Congratulations on this new step. May God bless you!
Posted by: Peggy Maier | June 18, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Oh, the card and the earrings are so beautiful. I have to find some shrinky dink somewhere!
Posted by: sandyh50 | June 18, 2008 at 08:44 AM
What great and happy news! Congrats to you on designing again and doing what you love. I can't wait to see what you come up with!!
Posted by: pegg | June 18, 2008 at 08:48 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Woo hoo! I was right. I read on Melanie's blog that they have a new illustrator in house yesterday and you said you are going in a new direction, I put them both together. Love these flowers and what you did with them. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Annapurna | June 18, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Congratulations Asela! I'm so excited for you.
Posted by: Beth Norman | June 18, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Good, Asela, I'm so happy for you. It's so rewarding to see your own designs in rubber...especially artwork that is so special and personal to you. Congratulations.
Posted by: dini | June 18, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Wow! Love the flowers you designed! Thanks so much for the coloring tutorial...I need all the help I can get in that area. And I LOVE LOVE the idea of the earrings with shrink plastic... what a cute idea!! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Jenny Mick | June 18, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Congratulations on your new venture! How exciting! I love what you did with your new set, can't wait to see more! You've inspired me with the shrinky dinks - I NEED TO DO THAT!!!
Posted by: janet d. | June 18, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Wow Asela, I am so excited that you are teaming up with Gina. I love your card and love to play with shrink plastic. Glad I can start building on my Asela Collection again
Posted by: Wendi K | June 18, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Wow Asela, I am so excited that you are teaming up with Gina.
Posted by: Wendi K | June 18, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Congratulations! I've been waiting with baited breath as you've been dropping hints on your blog! The new set looks beautiful and I'm so happy we'll get to see your designs again!
Posted by: Kerry J. | June 18, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Hi Asela, congratulations on becoming a GinaK illustrator. I love the flower in your 1st set. There's so many possible uses for it! The card with earring holder is a wonderful gift idea. Thanks for showing how to make it, there's nothing better than colour step by step photos!
Posted by: Laurie | June 18, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Congratulations Asela! :) I looooooooooove your new stamp set. And your project is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!!!
Posted by: Joy Kennedy (JoyOfStamping) | June 18, 2008 at 10:10 AM
congrats on your latest illustrating project! Love your flower, but as Independence Day is approaching, I'm seeing your flower made into red, white and blue fireworks! If you make a card like that I'd love to see it! Adelle :)
Posted by: mnhyrkas | June 18, 2008 at 10:13 AM
love your desins and have all your stamps ...soooo glad you are back designing! D
Posted by: Doreen | June 18, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Oh my ... more "have to have it" stuff! I don't like to wish away my days, but I sure wish it was the 20th! Absolutely gorgeous and those earrings - WOWZA - I am digging out my shrink plastic tonight so I'll be ready when the stamps come in! Best of luck on your new adventure and thanks so much for sharing your wonderful ideas with us. ~chris
Posted by: mudmaven | June 18, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Wonderful news!! Your set looks amazing!! :)
Posted by: Tracy Durcan | June 18, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Asela, I was so thrilled to read the news on Gina's blog this morning. As I said there, I didn't know who to congratulate as you are both so talented and equally deserving of each other! This is obviously an indication of all the great things we'll see. Love it!
Posted by: Sharon in NE | June 18, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Oh my gosh! This news is too exciting! Gina found the "best" illustrator around! Congrats to both of you!!! I'm turning cartwheels!!
Posted by: Linda Marie | June 18, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Asela! I adore your flowers. Thanks for the opportunity to purchase more of them... and from Gina K?? What could be better...
Posted by: Jacki Jones | June 18, 2008 at 12:40 PM
congratulations asela! Those are just fabulous!
Posted by: Kendra Giles | June 18, 2008 at 12:47 PM
aren't those darling!? What a great gift!
Posted by: liannallama | June 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Congratulations, Asela -- it's great to see you illustrating again!! ;) What a beautiful Aster . . . so many possibilities! Can't wait to see all your new creations!
Posted by: Sharon Harnist | June 18, 2008 at 12:51 PM
OMGosh - how adorable and creative is this project? Not only great coloring with the KohrINoor but matching earrings too! This is my first time to your blog - I'll be back! THANKS for sharing this great project and idea!
Posted by: Juli Smith | June 18, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Congrats Asela! Your card is beautiful and I know you have some more fab designs up your sleeve! You are one talented lady! Gina is lucky to have you! Can't wait to show ya what I cooked up with your set ;-)
Posted by: Julie Koerber | June 18, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Congratulations on a new adventure! I'm very glad you are still designing. This is great news!
Posted by: Ferah | June 18, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Congratulations Asela! I would love to get those earrings in a card. Good Luck on your new adventure.
Robbie
Posted by: Robbie Rubala | June 18, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Was just over at Gina's blog & imagine my surprise to see the news! How exciting to see your artwork continuing in such a great way!
Posted by: Monika in VA | June 18, 2008 at 08:37 PM
GinaK is such a class act. What a wonderful place for you to be. Thanks for sharing the journey and oh my gosh that's a wonderful project today with your new set. congrats.
Posted by: Tami Bayer | June 18, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Oh, this is wonderful news! And what a gorgeous set to start with. I am so glad my Asela collection can continue to grow! Congrats to you both!
Thanks as always for the marvelous inspiration!
Posted by: Eileen M | June 18, 2008 at 09:14 PM
I saw the sneak peak and I love your stamp. The card is great and those errings are calling me. Congrats on returning to the art world.
Retired Heather
Posted by: Heather Fullerton | June 18, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Oh Asela, I am so excited for you!! Gina K is wonderful and so are you...combined I just can't imagine all the wonderful things that will be created. Thank you for the sneak peak and the earrings are just too cute. What a great idea!! Oooohhhh I'm so excited for the release Ü
Posted by: Anita C | June 19, 2008 at 12:40 AM
This was soooo worth waiting for! I think this is the next stamp set that I buy!
Posted by: Elaine | June 19, 2008 at 01:17 AM