The thing about saying you'll do a workshop in thegrunge style is that you have to alter your personality. No really, I truly have to think differently and adopt a 'Julia Holtz' mindset. You know by now that I'm not one for the original grunge colours...the 'seven shades of wee wee' that were so in evidence when Ranger launched the Tim Holtz signature range. But of course, I'm easily influenced and when the 'proper colours' started to appear, I was sold. Or bought. You decide. It's all just a question of layers of colours, right? And as far as I can tell, as many colour applying techniques as you can apply to a single sheet of card stock before it falls apart. I know, lots of you will be thinking that I'm being very unfair with that as a description, but here's some evidence: Ink sponged on to colour white stock Ink splattered on to colour coloured stock Ink sponged through stencil to add shapes and another colour to coloured stock Water splattered to take off some ink (!) Ink applied to add further colour with rubber stamp More ink for another colour application by rubber stamp AND THAT'S JUST FOR A BACKGROUND!
Sheeze, no wonder the scrapbook papers became so popular so fast! Anyway, after all that trouble, you get a nice bright card and the recipient will never know the toil or the technique or indeed, the fingernails dyed to the colour of a 200-a-day-smoker. It's all for the art dahlink! Inevitable then, for a four card workshop, that I lose the will to live and turn to scrapbook paper and some die cuts. (And Kraft paper at that whaaaa!) And it all goes a bit 'real grunge' then:
I'm the first to accept that mounting this lot on a red card doesn't really make it 'colourful grunge', but what can a gal do...as soon as I start on the sanding and distressing, I get a bit sad and depressed and into a grungy state of mind and have to exert mental pressure on myself not to resort to the seven shades.....it's an undue influence and I'm rubbish at will power. Ask anyone. So there, if you're coming on Thursday, the cards are mostly colourful. Now that I've worked out that it's the distress that makes me a bit erm, distressed, I'll move on. I think it was my beloved father who once nodded at one or other of my efforts in crafting and sagely advised me to stick to what I'm good at. Well, Pa...just so you know, I'm working on finding that!
I'm loving your take on grunge especially the first card. I thought I had that stamp but mine has a cookie and a tail - don't tell me you snipped his tail off!
I did have a giggle at your description of grunge, mainly because it is true! Took me a year to do grunge but now I love it - and what does Tim do.....he brings us pastel now too. His new paints are yummy, think you might get to like them... Both cards are brilliant btw. Hugs, Anne x
OK so you got me giggling, I was wondering if I would send the first one to a drinking pal. I love both of them and wondering if I will ever be brave enough to grunge. Have a great workshop. xx Flora
Hi Julia, gosh this post made me laugh, I ink and distress all the time and never really noticed the effort needed until you have just put it down in black and white. Your 2 cards are both great especially the first one. Hugs Mo x
For we creatures of color grunge is an assault on us. There are just so many ment with umbrellas in black that one can take before the yelows break through and sun shine beams away the 'shade of pee".
Love the cards ...no matter what the style is ...I get so confused about grunge and steampunk etc etc...but then thats not hard to do lol. I was watching 'Got To Dance' and could not believe how many types of street style dance there is ...I have to accept ...I am old. xx
and yes it is a lot of work for a background, when one could just reach for a printed one that someone else made earlier...
i like the red nose, and bat wings, the creature looks very much how I often feel at the end of a Monday.
also,
i have purchased my red nose bag, my red nose scratch card , my red nose meal, I have yet to purchase that actual scary monster red nose we are supposed to sport this year, but I think your red nose card is fab,
Oh Julia that did make me laugh! Your grungy observations are so true - I'm working myself up to joining in with Tim's 12 Tags of 2013 (better late than never) - but having read your post I'm wondering if I've got the stamina! Love your cards especially "Life happens" - I do love a clock face and the contrast of the gingham ribbon is inspired MM x
I am so with you! Whilst I appreciate the work that goes into some grunge, and I have to do it for workshops too! I really can honestly say sometimes I just don't get it. I am all for expressing art, but would you give it to a relative as a salutation? I could not, they would look at me like I lost my marbles.
Suppose I hadn't thought about how much goes in to the grunge background - too busy having fun and getting inky fingers doing them I suppose, but I do like a change and a piece of pretty, shall I cut it or shall I stroke it paper as well. Best of both worlds for me then. Ann B x
And this: Ink sponged on to colour white stock Ink splattered on to colour coloured stock Ink sponged through stencil to add shapes and another colour to coloured stock Water splattered to take off some ink (!) Ink applied to add further colour with rubber stamp More ink for another colour application by rubber stamp
right there is why I don't do grunge. I don't have that kind of time! I like the grunge look though but I shall only admire it not attempt it. I'll follow your father's advice!
Hmm, I just can't figure out why his red nose is in the middle of his mouth...lol I don't know if I've done any grunge, myself. I take that back, I think I have done a few(which ended up going to guys, who care so little about these things! lol) but you're right that they are not very colorful. That's probably why they don't photo very well, either. Still I like your cards and hope your class goes very well. :)
I agree it's a lot of work for a card, but I just love getting all inky and messy... LOve the colours and all the splattering on your cards. Your sentiments are 'tip top' too janet
oh that was so funny, I had a great laugh, thank you, by the time I hit the 7 shades of weewee, I was gone, thank you that was brilliant and I loved your little monster.
Excellent. Just how I feel about grunge - seems a lot of work and ink to be covered up all the time. Though I do keep trying to do it. Not as successfully as you have here.
I'm not 'into' grunge myself, but I know what I like. I DO like these cards, very colorful & not what I think of as 'grunge' at all! Enjoyed a chuckle as I read the story behind your 'grunge', and you really did alter some neat cardstock!! TFS & bringing a smile to my afternoon.
Great Cards Julia! Your post was a blast to read, I'm here in the us, saying tell it, tell it!! 7 shades of wee-wee. Perfect I couldn't agree more. Makes me think some people just have too much money, so they just keep buying more ink.... anyway, your cards came out great even if they are grunge, thank you for not using a bleeding eyeball! have a great week, Ginny M
Ha! I wonder, what were the original colors? I bought a distress ink mister and it's way bright and have no stinkin' idea what I was thinking when I put it in my basket.....
I had to chuckle as I had someone ask me where I got my paper that I used for a card I made her. It was colored with Distress Paints of 4 colors and not store bought. I had the inky fingers to prove it.. Love your cards! I love the distress paints, stains and inks. I am really a fan of the bright colors too!
You didn't...? You really didn't... did you? OMGness - you did! *LOL* You described some very carefully named distress inks as "7 shades of wee wee". PMSL here - how apt! Whilst I'm having this Tena moment, I have to say that your background - hard work though it was - is gorgeous!
Oh Julia! I think you've cracked it... I A-D-O-R-E your first card with its colourful background. It's soooo like something the 'experts' in that kind of area would produce - truly.. I followed something called 'Creative Jump Start' recently which involved watching video tutorials produced by reknowned artists in the mixed media field - and more. It was fascinating. However - you first effort is easily comparible. Love it! I also love how you have paraphrased the technique - how it is in reality! It's so funny because it's so true.
I am admiring the die in your second card which does easily pass for grungy - doesn't matter that the card is red - could be green or blue - fact is, you've grunged the front. Is that die a new one from Do Crafts? Not sure, but I think I've seen something similar. Love it.
You are so amusing, love to read your posts... oh - and bless your dad, but he was quite wrong - but I guess that's dad's for you... they think they're amusing lol
lol!! The part about yellow fingers!I wish I could come! You did a great job on all of them. I love Grunge Cards... but something always stop me from trying it out and you have inspired me to try it!!
LOL, ok you had me laughing throughout your post from the "Julia Holtz" to the "200 packs a day stained fingers"! You are a hoot, but I sure relate, I was late to come around to the TH way, and even now still prefer the bright colors vs. the "wee wee" colors! Love reading your post Julia, you make me smile!
Hmm, it does sound like a lot of trouble, doesn't it? I took a while to jump on the TH bandwagon, but I must say I'm rather fond of my distress stains, which you can just apply straight from the bottle. They make great "portable paints". No brushes or stamps to clean, just put the caps back on :) I must say I like both your cards, but especially the bright orangey one.
The fact that you were "asked" to do the workshop should tell you something...in the words of my grandson "You can do it....you can do anything!"
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely cards Julia, it is not until you see it written down like that, that you realise all the processes involved in a background.
ReplyDeleteCarol.x
I think you can do grunge just fine - I LOVE the second card. go Julia!!!
ReplyDeleteI guess that's why Tim asked them to make grunge board/paper,it can hold up to many layers of ink and water...
ReplyDeleteThis so made me laugh Julia! It's taken me a long time to realise Clean and Simple is my thing and I'm just no good at all those layers of distress!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your take on grunge especially the first card. I thought I had that stamp but mine has a cookie and a tail - don't tell me you snipped his tail off!
ReplyDeleteSuper results Julia - I run away from grunge and seven shades of wee wee :( Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Di xx
I did have a giggle at your description of grunge, mainly because it is true! Took me a year to do grunge but now I love it - and what does Tim do.....he brings us pastel now too. His new paints are yummy, think you might get to like them... Both cards are brilliant btw. Hugs, Anne x
ReplyDeleteOK so you got me giggling, I was wondering if I would send the first one to a drinking pal. I love both of them and wondering if I will ever be brave enough to grunge. Have a great workshop. xx Flora
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, gosh this post made me laugh, I ink and distress all the time and never really noticed the effort needed until you have just put it down in black and white. Your 2 cards are both great especially the first one. Hugs Mo x
ReplyDeleteFor we creatures of color grunge is an assault on us. There are just so many ment with umbrellas in black that one can take before the yelows break through and sun shine beams away the 'shade of pee".
ReplyDeleteLove the cards ...no matter what the style is ...I get so confused about grunge and steampunk etc etc...but then thats not hard to do lol.
ReplyDeleteI was watching 'Got To Dance' and could not believe how many types of street style dance there is ...I have to accept ...I am old. xx
you are very good at talking
ReplyDeleteand yes it is a lot of work for a background, when one could just reach for a printed one that someone else made earlier...
i like the red nose, and bat wings, the creature looks very much how I often feel at the end of a Monday.
also,
i have purchased my red nose bag, my red nose scratch card , my red nose meal, I have yet to purchase that actual scary monster red nose we are supposed to sport this year, but I think your red nose card is fab,
is it jelly?
dx
Your post has me smiling a lot! Its so true - it takes a lot of work to do Grunge - I'm not very good at it myself! Your cards are both fabulous! xx
ReplyDeleteOh Julia that did make me laugh! Your grungy observations are so true - I'm working myself up to joining in with Tim's 12 Tags of 2013 (better late than never) - but having read your post I'm wondering if I've got the stamina! Love your cards especially "Life happens" - I do love a clock face and the contrast of the gingham ribbon is inspired MM x
ReplyDeleteYou do grunge brilliantly Julia! Fabulou creations! Carole Z X
ReplyDeleteGreat cards Mrs D
ReplyDeleteToni xx
Ooo fabulous colour! Love it Julia. Kim
ReplyDeleteI am so with you! Whilst I appreciate the work that goes into some grunge, and I have to do it for workshops too! I really can honestly say sometimes I just don't get it. I am all for expressing art, but would you give it to a relative as a salutation? I could not, they would look at me like I lost my marbles.
ReplyDeleteSee you tomorrow for WOYWW
Love your Write up x
ReplyDeleteGreat cards, bet your workshop will be Fab and its a wonderful insight into things :0)
Well whatever that critter is, I think the color of orange with a touch of purple is perfect for him. Love the clock card!
ReplyDeletesandy
Suppose I hadn't thought about how much goes in to the grunge background - too busy having fun and getting inky fingers doing them I suppose, but I do like a change and a piece of pretty, shall I cut it or shall I stroke it paper as well. Best of both worlds for me then.
ReplyDeleteAnn B
x
And this:
ReplyDeleteInk sponged on to colour white stock
Ink splattered on to colour coloured stock
Ink sponged through stencil to add shapes and another colour to coloured stock
Water splattered to take off some ink (!)
Ink applied to add further colour with rubber stamp
More ink for another colour application by rubber stamp
right there is why I don't do grunge. I don't have that kind of time! I like the grunge look though but I shall only admire it not attempt it. I'll follow your father's advice!
Hmm, I just can't figure out why his red nose is in the middle of his mouth...lol I don't know if I've done any grunge, myself. I take that back, I think I have done a few(which ended up going to guys, who care so little about these things! lol) but you're right that they are not very colorful. That's probably why they don't photo very well, either. Still I like your cards and hope your class goes very well. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree it's a lot of work for a card, but I just love getting all inky and messy... LOve the colours and all the splattering on your cards. Your sentiments are 'tip top' too
ReplyDeletejanet
oh that was so funny, I had a great laugh, thank you, by the time I hit the 7 shades of weewee, I was gone, thank you that was brilliant and I loved your little monster.
ReplyDeleteWell I like it! I think it is the right mix of both worlds for me.
ReplyDeleteExcellent. Just how I feel about grunge - seems a lot of work and ink to be covered up all the time.
ReplyDeleteThough I do keep trying to do it. Not as successfully as you have here.
Hilarious post Julia - seven shades of wee wee - tee hee! I'm just venturing out in to the grungey stuff and by 'eck its hard work! Love the cards!
ReplyDeleteI'm not 'into' grunge myself, but I know what I like. I DO like these cards, very colorful & not what I think of as 'grunge' at all! Enjoyed a chuckle as I read the story behind your 'grunge', and you really did alter some neat cardstock!! TFS & bringing a smile to my afternoon.
ReplyDeleteGreat Cards Julia! Your post was a blast to read, I'm here in the us, saying tell it, tell it!! 7 shades of wee-wee. Perfect I couldn't agree more. Makes me think some people just have too much money, so they just keep buying more ink.... anyway, your cards came out great even if they are grunge, thank you for not using a bleeding eyeball!
ReplyDeletehave a great week,
Ginny M
Ha! I wonder, what were the original colors? I bought a distress ink mister and it's way bright and have no stinkin' idea what I was thinking when I put it in my basket.....
ReplyDeletepatiently awaiting your woyww post.....
hugs,
Kay
I had to chuckle as I had someone ask me where I got my paper that I used for a card I made her. It was colored with Distress Paints of 4 colors and not store bought. I had the inky fingers to prove it.. Love your cards! I love the distress paints, stains and inks. I am really a fan of the bright colors too!
ReplyDeleteYou didn't...? You really didn't... did you? OMGness - you did! *LOL* You described some very carefully named distress inks as "7 shades of wee wee". PMSL here - how apt!
ReplyDeleteWhilst I'm having this Tena moment, I have to say that your background - hard work though it was - is gorgeous!
Oh Julia! I think you've cracked it... I A-D-O-R-E your first card with its colourful background. It's soooo like something the 'experts' in that kind of area would produce - truly.. I followed something called 'Creative Jump Start' recently which involved watching video tutorials produced by reknowned artists in the mixed media field - and more. It was fascinating. However - you first effort is easily comparible. Love it! I also love how you have paraphrased the technique - how it is in reality! It's so funny because it's so true.
ReplyDeleteI am admiring the die in your second card which does easily pass for grungy - doesn't matter that the card is red - could be green or blue - fact is, you've grunged the front. Is that die a new one from Do Crafts? Not sure, but I think I've seen something similar. Love it.
You are so amusing, love to read your posts... oh - and bless your dad, but he was quite wrong - but I guess that's dad's for you... they think they're amusing lol
Hugs, Paula x x x
lol!! The part about yellow fingers!I wish I could come! You did a great job on all of them. I love Grunge Cards... but something always stop me from trying it out and you have inspired me to try it!!
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs
Shirley Pumpkin
Yea grunge is hard, think my style is lots of layers, and a bit of CAS..
ReplyDeleteLOL, ok you had me laughing throughout your post from the "Julia Holtz" to the "200 packs a day stained fingers"! You are a hoot, but I sure relate, I was late to come around to the TH way, and even now still prefer the bright colors vs. the "wee wee" colors! Love reading your post Julia, you make me smile!
ReplyDeleteHmm, it does sound like a lot of trouble, doesn't it? I took a while to jump on the TH bandwagon, but I must say I'm rather fond of my distress stains, which you can just apply straight from the bottle. They make great "portable paints". No brushes or stamps to clean, just put the caps back on :)
ReplyDeleteI must say I like both your cards, but especially the bright orangey one.
LOL at the 7 shades of wee, shall never look at those colours in the same way again... love your cards... Gill x
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ReplyDelete