Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Inspiration Showcase

A week or so ago, Tim Holtz blogged about an online class taught by his pal Jennifer McGuire.  I haven't had the greatest track record with online classes....not because the classes weren't good, but because I'd sign up and then never find the time to actually watch the videos and do the projects.

But this one, first of all was recommended by Tim, and second of all was only $19, and third of all, I'd have access to the videos forever.  Duh.  No brainer.  I was in.  And to my very great surprise and delight, the instruction is so clear, the videos so well done, and the techniques so interesting, I actually started following along and am up to date!

Registration is closed and you can't sign up now, but in two weeks when it's over, the PDF version will be available.  Click here to find out more and see the finished piece we'll be making after doing all the technique samples.

If you went to the site, you saw that Jennifer did all her samples in the shape of a heart.  I'm not really a heart type so I used a Stampin' Up bird punch instead.  Some of the techniques didn't photograph very well, so you'll just have to take my word for it when I tell you they all look great.  I wouldn't lie to you.

The first 5 samples were all about resist techniques.  The name of each technique is under the photo.  I know I usually give lots of details and directions, but these are not mine to give.

 traditional resist

 paint resist (the wing is a different, bonus technique)

 trapped emboss resist (how cool is this?)

 kissed resist

 canvas resist


The next set of samples explore all sorts of dry embossing techniques.

 embossed glossy (with layered punch wing....another bonus technique)

 embosssed acetate

 paper rosette with embossed canvas

 altered color embossing (with cool tip on perfect punch positioning...say that 5 times fast)

  faux letterpress (maybe my favorite so far) with embossed metal wing


I have been a long time technique junkie, and thought I'd know them all, but there have been a few new ones for me.  And the ones I already knew about.....the class was a good reminder, because some of them I haven't used in ages.

I'm excited about this class and all I can say is, the next time Tim recommends a class, sign up!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

these are FANTASTIC Eileen!!!!!

Patzee said...

Super techniques and results.

Helen said...

Looks like a fab online class.

Vic said...

You are on a roll! I've watched vids, so far! LOL

Karen said...

Love the birdy shapes and you're further ahead than me. I've done flowers and only got as far as the resist at the moment. Just like you: lots of techniques I knew - some good to refresh, some used in a different way - and some completely new. Looking forward to getting some cards done. Glad you're enjoying it too.

www.creativepointe.blogspot.com said...

I'm also loving the class but haven't had time to actually "do" any yet. I love the bird. I'm was thinking about just doing a square, but your bird is pretty cool, so maybe I'll try that.

Elaine A said...

I agree with you Eileen. How can you go wrong for $19? Jen even lets you download the videos, there is loads of information. I have not the time to do any of the techniques, but I know that I'll be able to when I have time. I do log in at night and read the info she has posted and watch the video though.
And boy, you look like you are having a blast. Love your birds, really awesome!!

Elaine Allen

ThePurplePlace said...

I Love how you created your piece with the sweet little birds. I'm also in the workshop and can't say enough about how much I LOVE IT!!

I was also in Jennifer's Summer Card Camp and also LOVED every minute of that and gave it and this class an excellent review.

I'm planning to take the Holiday Card class too and know it'll be worth every penny. She could have charged much more for this class and it still would have been worth it! What a fantastic deal!!

Suzanne Bouchard said...

WOW! I love your take on these projects! your birds look great! This wil make a beautiful canvas.

Dorothy said...

very cool Eileen!!! I should done this.
Maybe another time!!

Mrs B said...

I like that you changed the hearts to birds! Great idea! I am making the hearts and I am so pleased with the class also!
Hugs,
CindyB

Ruby Craft said...

I love your little birds, especially the blue and brown embossed one from today's class techniques! Glad you're taking the class!

The6ofusinca said...

Very well said! I too thought the price of the class with FOREVER access was a nobrainer! heheh!
I love the birds, and can't wait for the next day to see the next video! I love Jennifer's voice, so soothing and such a great teacher.
xoxo
Jen

zehra said...

Beautiful birds, I am enjoying the class, love all the techniques, I intend to use round scallops on Saturday when I will be able to hopefully create

Teresa Zuehls said...

I love your sweet bird and glad you are enjoying the class. This is my first online class. I knew with Jennifer teaching that it would be a good one. And with it being so affordable I just couldn't pass it up.