More Hot Air

More hot air - there's never a shortage here!

As you read this, I'll be flying away to New York, via New Jersey - on an airplane, not a balloon, since I need to get there in a timely fashion. My friend Ped and I are going to the U.S. Open to watch some tennis - one more thing I can scratch off my bucket list! So if you're hot to trot for some stamps, you'll just have to wait until I get back this weekend. I don't believe in rubber stamp emergencies!

Here's another balloon card - not for the faint of heart, however. This is actually the third attempt (the first two went directly into the trash) because I didn't really plan out what I was doing. I used to be able to whip these cards out in no time but I guess I'm out of practice. And impatient. And I don't really like to plan. Therefore, my trash can is usually full.

Anyway, I love using colored pencil on kraft paper. The color seems extra vibrant and a little white pencil makes such a big difference. What screwed me up was aligning the stamps on the middle panel. They have to look good on the front and back when you cut around them. The Cloud stamp takes up the slack.

I got the white pencil good and sharp and went around the What's Up? - kind of a pain but it really shows up.

And the best part is the envelope! It's way more interesting to make the envelope vertical for stamping. As long as the address is readable horizontally and the postage is in the upper right corner, you should be fine. Again, more colored pencils and I just drew in the banner for the address and made the postage stamp dangle from the large balloon.

Here is what the postman will see::

This one is obviously going to Rubber Stamp Madness. RSM is probably the oldest rubber stamp publication out there and recently Ricë Freeman-Zachery did a podcast on her blog with editor Roberta Sperling which you can hear HERE. If you've been stamping for as long as I have, you'll get a kick out of the conversation which reminisces about the old days. Anyway, it made me want to send them a little note. Or some hot air.

Well, I've been working my fingers to the bone trying to get some last minute orders packed so I can drop them at the post office on the way to the airport. Even though I love the Texas heat, I am looking forward to the 65˚ lows and 85˚ highs for a few days. And there's even a chance of rain later in the week! I don't really want to be wet but it will be nice to refresh my memory of what rain is like. Oh well, if anything exciting happens above the Mason=Dixon LIne while I'm up there, maybe I'll blog about it...

Oh who am I kidding. Even if nothing happens, I'll make some crap up.

Comments

[Curt O'Brien]

This is one of my most favorite posts of yours (they are all favorites of course-example of hot air). Really love this card and the matching envelope. I've got to find a way to incorporate it into a Halloween card. Have a great trip to NY. Hopefully the courts aren't under water! Best, Curt

[Joan]

WOW! Great card and a lot of work! Enjoy your time in NY.

[Chris F]

Oh...LOVE this Mark.
Glad you enjoyed that podcast. I thought of you and Candy when I listened.

[renee m]

Great card & envelope--am surprised at how vivid the colors are on kraft paper!