Playing with "Inchies"
When Karen Lockhart first told me about "Inchies," I'll have to confess that I didn't quite share her excitement. I was picturing only one tiny image on a 1" square of card stock. (And that is a valid inchie.) But after I made a little 1" mask and started putting it on top of my stamps, even the ones that had images well over 1" tall, I started seeing some interesting shapes to crop out. I thought that I would approach these thematically, 
so this is my first set, a flower trio. (If you click on any of the images here, you should get a pop-up window of a larger sized image.) The actual size of each of the focal images is slightly above 1", around 1-1/16". I didn't have a 1" square punch, so I chose my closest-to-1" Spellbinders Nestability Classic Square dies to trim these. The black mat (hand-cut) brings it up to right under 1-1/8". Now that level of tolerance for mathematical imprecision wouldn't fly with 
my husband if he were building something! But it works for me here--it's close enough. (Lockhart stamps used are Zinnias, Ranunculas, and Geraniums.)
I used my Copic markers to color these images--an inordinate number of them too--it was fun! If you are interested in precise colors, let me know. I snapped a photo of each image alongside the markers that I used, and I can get that too you if you need it. When I finished, I considered putting them all on one card; but as much time as I had spent on each little canvas, I decided to let them stand alone. I used my Spellbinders Nestability squares once again to emboss the frame of the Arturo note cards (celadon, buttercream, and lavendar). Nichole Heady has an great tutorial on the embossing process here.
So, what do you think of "inchies?" Leave me a link if you decide to play with them! And don't forget that Ellen's sale started at midnight and goes through December 2. You must use the promo code CELEBRATE in order to get 15% off of your entire purchase. The sale price won't show up until you enter the code.
Have a great day!
Edited to add a newsflash: I just saw some more super-cool inchies! You've got to check these out: Sharon Harnist made a too-die-for Christmas tree book with inchie decorations, and Cindy Lyles made some *perfect* little art canvases! I'm pretty sure that Mish and Trudee have some in store this weekend as well. Thanks for indulging us!
Totally fabulous.
Posted by: Sue B | November 30, 2007 at 04:03 AM
I think the inchies are classic looking but I think the nestability embossing is a MUST!
Posted by: Kerry Fitzpatrick | November 30, 2007 at 04:15 AM
wow...we're gonna get spoiled...you posting 3 amazing posts in one day!! They are all spectacular. I love them all, it's always interesting to me how your art and creativity makes me feel. I want to go get my garden silhouettes out and eat strawberry short cake while stamping in my gardens outside!! Thanks...
Posted by: Denise | November 30, 2007 at 04:25 AM
Very cool!
Posted by: Allison | November 30, 2007 at 05:52 AM
Absolutely beautiful!!
Posted by: Sherrie | November 30, 2007 at 06:14 AM
Debbie, I would like to know which markers you used, as I am just about to buy my FIRST Copics, and I really love these colors. Thanks so much for your help--and for tipping us off to Ellen's sale!
Posted by: Jennifer N. | November 30, 2007 at 06:48 AM
Wow! These are just beautiful! I don't own any copics (ok, just the one really light gray one for outlining stuff) because I'm not a huge fan of coloring (I just don't think my color going-together "skilz" are very good). But coloring a little 1-inch square? I could probably do that!
Thanks for the inspiration! What fun!
Posted by: snarflemarfle | November 30, 2007 at 07:07 AM
These cards are remarkable. Simple yet beautiful. You never cease to amaze me, what a talented lady you are. TFS always.
Posted by: Stacy White | November 30, 2007 at 07:18 AM
Love them!
Posted by: Carolen | November 30, 2007 at 07:26 AM
I don't know..I can't see them really well...maybe you should send them to me!!! LOL!! They are gorgeous!!! I like the concept!! I may have to look at my stamps alittle differently now!!
Posted by: otter | November 30, 2007 at 07:32 AM
I think they are gorgeous! It's a great idea to use a large image and CROP most of it out except of KEY parts. Just lovely Debbie. I also admire the fact that you take the time to photograph and keep track of the colors you used. Thats way too much for me to ever think of doing! LOL! You ROCK!
Posted by: Lauren (mytime) | November 30, 2007 at 07:48 AM
Love the inchies! They look very classic and simple. My mom would go crazy over these as these are the types of cards she likes to send so she can personalize. I'm ordering my nestabilities today so here's my project once they arrive.
Posted by: Kris | November 30, 2007 at 08:09 AM
these are a wonderful way to showcase smaller images so they don't get lost on a card! because you made them, they look so classic & elegant! love them (and will add them to my LONG list of wish list items now, thanks to you) *wink*
Posted by: Donna Baker | November 30, 2007 at 08:51 AM
I am not a fan of inchies myself, as I have not been able to create ones that I like. But these give me hope that inchies CAN look good! You've done a great job with them!
Posted by: Elizabeth Wickland | November 30, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Wow! Wow! Wow!! I just could not understand why someone would want to make anything that was so small. Now I do! These are gorgeous, Debbie!
Posted by: broni | November 30, 2007 at 09:06 AM
These are a perfect notecard set. Your coloring is amazing!
Posted by: Staci | November 30, 2007 at 09:06 AM
ohmyheck, I'm in love with these.
They remind me of super upscale designer botique cards. (which I love to look at)
inspiring for sure. :) Thanks
Posted by: Erin K | November 30, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Ooooh, I wasn't thinking much of inchies either until I saw these!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful!
Posted by: Jennifer Taylor / JenMarie | November 30, 2007 at 10:20 AM
These are so fun!! I don't think I have a steady enough hand for something so tiny...lol
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | November 30, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Wow! I think I like them! Yeah I really do like them! Your cards are wonderful!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | November 30, 2007 at 10:38 AM
absolutely amazing! the embossed frame is a perfect way to showcase these gorgeous images! your work here proves sometimes less is more!!
Posted by: peggy lee | November 30, 2007 at 10:41 AM
total fabulosity! I love the embossed squares on the card!
Posted by: Mary Cedarstrom | November 30, 2007 at 11:00 AM
I love these...
simple and elegant cards.
Nicely done.
Dee
Posted by: Dee | November 30, 2007 at 11:14 AM
You're killing me...is there ANYTHING you can't make be beautiful??? I think not! These are adorable, I love the cards...and the embossing is just divine! I've GOT to try out the nestabilities! :)
Posted by: diane mcvey | November 30, 2007 at 11:31 AM
oh, what gorgeous inchies! They are so detailed and colorful!
Posted by: liannallama | November 30, 2007 at 11:45 AM