In Touch

Contain It

When giving a gift it is always a ton of fun to put the gift in a cute container. The versatility of container dies is what makes them so fun to use! With Halloween right around the corner I wanted to share how easy it is to make projects specific to a particular holiday using container dies. The one die that I used that is holiday specific is the coffin. I can't imagine using it for any other holiday besides Halloween and Mardi Gras, but I just couldn't resist this adorable little container for today's post - LOL!

The Berry Container was easily turned into a Trick or Treat bucket and I just had to make it neon orange - Halloween and Neon fit together perfectly, so what better time to pull out those neon ink pads you have purchased and put them to good use!

Place a strip of 4 1/2" Be Creative Sookwang tape down the length of an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of Solar White cardstock. Remove the tape backing and burnish the warm highlights glitter in place (follow these instructions if you are unfamiliar with this technique.) To save your neon ink pad from becoming a glitter magnet, pounce it on a non-stick craft sheet and use an ink blending tool to pick up the ink and spread it on the burnished velvet glitter paper surface. Add neon ink to the opposite side of the cardstock as well if you would like the interior of your bucket to be neon orange. I thought about stamping a fun image on the interior, but felt that with all the different projects I would be creating it would end up too busy for the final look. I do think that it would be magnificent though to have a funky interior on this sweet basket!

Allow the ink to fully dry or lightly heat set the ink before proceeding if you do not want neon orange ink on everything you touch. You will need to create and die cut two pieces to create this basket. I find that it is always easier to apply the tape, glitter and ink before die cutting to achieve a more consistent look.

To adhere the glittered pieces together I found that Be Creative Sookwang tape worked best.

I would like to warn you that if you are as impatient as I was you will have orange fingers and tools after all this neon inking. If you like clean fingers make certain to allow the ink to fully dry or perhaps you might just want to use the new Tangerine Dry Stickles to achieve a similar look. The scale of the glitter is not quite as fine and velvety as the Microfine Glitter Ritz and the orange is not quite as "zippy", but it still works nicely when doing this burnished technique.

Add a black cardstock handle using two black brads to secure and a cute little grinning face to complete the look!

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Another idea I have wanted to share is how fun and easy it is to add detail to your little Inchie Squares using the low profile dies.

Position the die atop an Inchie and run it through your die cut machine using the same sandwich as you use for cutting with the low profile dies. The fit as it runs through is definitely a little tighter then when cutting cardstock, but I have not had any problems at all when using my Big Shot and/or Vagaond. Rather than cutting all the way through the material it will simply leave a fantastic impression!

To add greater depth layer three inchies. Be Creative Sookwang tape is applied between each layer to hold them together firmly. Then wrap the stack with another piece of Be Creative Sookwang tape. The beauty of this tape is that it comes in multiple widths. I use them all, but if you want flexibility and only one product in your drawers you can use the sheets and cut them to the size you need.

Remove the backing and apply warm highlights glitter burnishing it in to the tape with your fingertip. Pounce Neon Purple ink on a non-stick craft sheet and run the edges of the Inchie through the ink to add color. Be careful to set the Inchie aside to dry or your ghost just might end up looking like he has been eating grape jelly (hmmm - guess how I know that. Yes, patience is a virtue ;-D)

To add additional character stamp the Impression Obsession spider web on the coffin lid using Distress Embossing ink and emboss with White Embossing powder.

I couldn't resist adding this silly little skeleton to the interior of the coffin for a picture - LOL!

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The last container I am sharing with you today is one that Krystie used in this post. I adore how she used the milk carton to create a little Nautical themed gift bag. I LOVE tools that can be used for a wide variety of occasions and many of these little containers have that versatility!

To create a project that was a little different and yet coordinated with the previous items I opted to create cut outs in the container using the Swooping Bats. I must admit that I am having a blast with the wide variety of dies we now carry - yes, I've "died" and gone to heaven with some of these - bwah, ha, ha!

First cut out the container.

I typically snap my dies apart and use a wire cutter to remove the little "tangs" that hold the dies together. I then file down the nubbins with my Basic Grey Precision file. This allows me to position my dies randomly in the exact location I want the cut out. I ran my project through the Vagabond the first time with the dies positioned as shown above. I then removed these dies and repositioned only the small bat, and once again ran it through my die cut machine.

To create the line of trees mask the lower edge of the container using Eclipse tape. Stamp the tree line using Distress Embossing ink and emboss with white embossing powder. After heat setting the white embossing powder use an ink blending tool with some Neon Purple ink to randomly add some depth and color to the base of the trees. Heat set again to embed the ink in the white embossing powder.

Add a strip of the neon orange glitter paper at the bottom and a square behind the cut out moon. Add a square of Amethyst Shimmer Sheetz to the interior of the milk carton behind the bats to make them pop!

Can you imagine the berry basket turned into fall themed baskets filled with Thanksgiving treats? or a series of little Advent calendar or Hannukah themed cartons lined up on the fireplace mantel? Select little containers that can serve a multitude of purposes and they may become some of your favorite paper crafting tools!

Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Berry ContainerManufacturer: Lifestyle Crafts	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Coffin	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Milk Carton	Memory Box Dies, Perky Pumpkin Face
Memory Box Dies, Ghost Trio	Memory Box Dies, Swooping Bats	mpression Obsession Cover-a-Card Cling Stamp, Spider Web	Impression Obsession Cover-a-Card Cling Stamp, Tree Line
Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Inchie Squares, White	Distress Embossing Pad	Judikins Embossing Powders, Opaque White
Eclipse Tape Printable Sheets, 7pk	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 115mm (4 1/2")	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Orange	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Purple
Glitter Ritz Transparent Microfine, Warm Highlights

InLinkz.com

Valentine Alcohol Ink Agates

Alcohol ink --- what can you do with it? It was so much fun to once again experiment and do some "research" for today's project.

Copic and Ranger both have awesome alcohol inks! Many of you have asked why it is that I do not carry the Ranger Alcohol inks - my answer is quite simple - space and dollars. Oh to have a larger warehouse and more money - then I wouldn't have to make hard choices - LOL! 

Being a huge fan of the Copic markers it made the most sense to me that we carry the Various Ink refills for the markers. This allows you to get the best value for your dollar. You can use the refills for your markers, BUT also for numerous techniques! Please do not hesitate to use these same techniques with either ink. You can also read a comparison study that I did a few years back here. 

 

The technique that I am going to share with you today is one that resembles agates. Once again I must give Tim credit for teaching me to get inky and experiment. We did a technique at Ranger U that got me going with this experiment, but for some reason my sample looked nothing like this. So "cheers" to continued learning and experimentation!

 

Agate photo and information

I googled to find some pictures of agates to share with you. I was wowed by the beautiful colors I discovered with this search and I hope that they inspire you.

 

To begin I decided to create a monochromatic agate.

 

Begin  by placing dots of alcohol ink, together with one drop of metallic mixatif (in this case I used Pearl), on to a felt applicator tool pad as shown above. As you can see I utilized more of the lighter tone, with just a couple of drops of the darker version of the color.

Then blot the applicator, using a twisting motion, on glossy white paper. It is important that you use glossy cardstock for this technique. The coated surface of the glossy cardstock allows the alcohol to "move" before drying. Regular cardstock will absorb the alcohol in a completely different manner.

Next add more various ink blending solution to the felt pad and repeat, adding color to the glossy paper surface with a twisting motion.

 

Your surface can look so many different ways, but I wanted it to be fairly uniform for this project.
 

Next I placed some various ink blending solution into a refill container. The large bottles have a large opening and you can destroy your project if not careful. These empty refill bottles have an opening that allows you to disperse one drop at a time.

Drip the various ink blending fluid on to your prepared surface and allow it to dry.

As you can see the blending fluid pushes the colors of the inks you have used in an outwards motion. As it does so it forms the look of an agate.

 

I also wanted to shared a multi-colored version to give you the courage to experiment. Using Basic Grey's Hopscotch line as my inspiration I selected colors that coordinated with the paper. As you can see I placed more drops of the red because I wanted this to be my dominant color, then a few drops of the accent color - in this case yellow, and only one drop of the strongest ocean color.

Mixing colors can be tricky. If you end up selecting complimentary colors (colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel) you can end up with a nice "brown" project, but if you do not overwork the colors on your glossy cardstock you can end up with a beautiful result. I recommend that when you first begin that you select colors that are next to one another on the color wheel (analogous colors) for best results, but do not be afraid to use complimentary colors as you experiment and learn.

 

As you can see the colors ended up to be very intriguing. The look above was achieved with a slight "twisting" motion as I created the base color.

 

Once the color is mixed on the alcohol filled felt pad you can create unusual effects by simply stamping in a straight down motion. Once again experimentation is the key to having fun and to learning!!! By simply adding various ink blending solution to the felt pad you can rejuvenate the colors, push the colors towards the edge of the felt pad and so much more.

 

Not only can you drip various ink blending solution on to your surface, but you can also drip other alcohol ink colors as shown above. The first, light circles are created using BG11. Allow the ink to spread and dry. As you can see these complimentary colors begin to neutralize or dull the saturation of the other color. Then add the next darker color, BG13.

If you use your Heat It tool to dry the liquid more quickly you can control how far it spreads. I would love for you to just play and try different combinations as you experiment with these alcohol ink agates.

 

So now what? You have a pile of backgrounds. Well... try using a Hero Arts background as Tami Hartley did in this post she shared in the CLASSroom - Scrap Drawer Rescue OR give the following a try.

Make certain that the ink is dry. Next use an anti-static puff on the surface of the paper to eliminate the problem of embossing powder sticking to the project in spots you don't want it to.

Then stamp your image using Distress Embossing ink and applied embossing powder. 

 

In this instance I used Opaque White to create a lacey look. As you can see this Ribbon Heart is beautiful.
 

When I added it to my project I felt it needed just a little more color. It was easy to come back in with my coordinating Copic marker and add just a hint of color to the ribbon heart. I followed the natural pattern that was left when creating my background and then just amped up the ocean and yellow colors in a couple of areas, especially around the edges to make the white embossing pop. 

 

Next I used my first agate sample with the new Lockhart Lace Heart. LOVE the delicacy of this vintage lacey image!
 

The final sample was created using a small corner of the first agate sample and Espresso embossing powder. Little white flowers were added with the white Opaque pen.
 

To finish off this scrumptious Valentine ensemble I used the new Sizzix Cupcake Holders, my favorite rosette die, a few more punched out Alcohol Ink Agate Hearts and the oh so fun Hopscotch patterned papers.

Simply adhere your favorite decorative paper to Craft-a-Board using Be Creative tape sheets or the 4 1/2" width before cutting and you will have the sturdiest, cleanest looking finished project!

TIP: To vary the size of your rosettes, simply cut the finished rosette length shorter in both length and width. Make certain to cut the base between the dotted lines on solid paper so that your rosette stays together. :-D

It was so much fun creating this delicious Valentine treat using these agate backgrounds! As always my message once again is enjoy the creative process and don't be afraid to experiment :-D 
 
stamps: Lockhart Stamps: Lace Heart, Ribbon Heart, IB Chintz Heart, IB Candy Heart

ink: Distress Embossing Ink, Copic Various Ink Refills - R22, R24, Y11, BG13, Copic Various Ink Blending Solution, Pearl Metallic Mixative

paper: Glossy Cardstock, Craft-a-Board, Basic Grey Hopscotch 6x6, Hopscotch Paper Pack, Memory Box cardstock - Begonia, Peony and Bayou

accessories: Sizzix Cupcake Holder, Be Creative (Sookwang) 4 1/2" Tape, Rosette Die, Basic Grey Glazed Hopscotch Brads, Adirondack Espresso Embossing Powder, Judikins White Opaque Embossing Powder, Ranger White Opaque Pen, White Inchie+ Squares, Basic Grey Buttons, Alcohol Ink Felt Applicator

Back to School & Cutting Basics by Julia Stainton

For some school has already started and for others, we have another few wonderful weeks of summer.This time of year brings busy shopping trips, nervous and excited children, a fresh start, a return to routine and the last beautiful days of summer. I have always enjoyed getting ready for back to school as a child and as a mother. There's something about fresh new books and pencils, sneakers and art supplies.

Lately I been creating a few fun back to school projects that you can use now or throughout the year. They are great for kids to take to school, or give to your favorite teacher. I hope you'll get inspired to create a basic bound notebook, thank you card, fridge magnet and glittered pen.

While the kids are going back to school, the instructor in me is coming out and I'll be sharing some very basic cutting tips throughout this newsletter. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to recently help out a scrapbooking event and did a lot of helping out with the paper trimmer. I know this may be basic for some but for those just starting out in paper crafting, the proper cutting techniques will make your project much more professional looking.

Everyone can always use a personalized notebook whether you create this for your child or his teacher or even for yourself. This is a super simple project and it's a great place to start with cutting basics. When paper crafting your projects will only be as good as your tools. Dull blades and uneven cuts really tell on a design and a poor paper trimmer can make the best designer frustrated. I love using a guillotine style paper trimmer for the cleanest cuts.

The Tonic Paper Trimmer is my go to tool and I've been thrilled with the initial investment. The blade sharpens itself with each cut saving me money in not having to purchase replacement blades and it always gives clean precise cuts.

Whether you use this paper trimmer or any other, the first thing you should note is to place your paper squarely at the top edge when cutting. This will prevent the paper from shifting and get you a perfect 90­­° angled cut. I know this is something that most know but I bring it up as there are crafters who have never been taught this. Essential.

Make sure you press down on the safety bar to prevent shifting.

On any paper trimmer you will find a ruler or grid to help you measure your paper for cutting. I like to cut in precise measurements as it makes matting and layering easier and reduces waste. When cutting small strips of paper you can cut down to one inch. The smaller you trim the more difficult it may be to keep the paper from shifting.
 
 

When cutting small strips I like to use a little math and cut in the reverse. If the paper is 12x12 inches and I want a 1 inch strip I place the edge of the paper at 11 inches to get a perfect one inch strip with no shifting.

One of the things I like best about the Tonic Paper Trimmer is it's ability to cut through more than just patterned paper and cardstock. Craft-a-Board and chipboard as well transparencies and specialty paper cut perfectly and easily. For the altered notebook project I've created it by cutting two pieces of Craft-a-Board to 4 x 6 inches in size. After covering the covers with patterned paper and adding white cardstock for writing on, the notebook was bound with the Bind it All.

 

Another of my favorite cutting tools is the Tonic Non-Stick Scissors. I love how easily they cut paper, ribbon and transparencies as well as many other products and the non-stick coating is wonderful for not gumming up with adhesive. These scissors are also amazing for cutting out unmounted rubber stamps.Here I've used them to trim the paper from around the chipboard.

 

Any additional paper that was too tight to trim off is easily sanded away with the Basic Grey Precision File Set.

 

Supplies: Craft-a-Board, Bind it All by Zutter, Oliver Paper pack by Basic Grey, Buck Naked Alpha Buttons by Cosmo Cricket, Tim Holtz Hinge Clip and Ruler Ribbon by Advantus, Farmer's Market Twine

You can never have too many thank you notes and this one can be used for anyone but I like to think it's particularly suitable for a teacher. There are so many office supply products out there and they all look great on school themed designs.

When creating you may often find that your layers are not 100% lining up. Even a millimeter off will look less than wonderful. The Tonic Paper Trimmer is fabulous for trimming off those tiny increments of paper that a sliding blade trimmer would make a mess of.

 

See how tiny a strip I was able to trim off to get a perfectly clean edge?

For my sentiment on this card I used the Basic Grey stickers that are included in the Oliver Paper Pack. Giving the first letter a bit of pizazz is easy by matting it with black cardstock to make it stand out. The EK Success Titanium Blade Scissors are another favorite of mine and they are great for precision cutting. I keep these scissors just for paper as I want to maintain their fine cutting abilities.

 

Here's the T after it has been cut out. These scissors are also fabulous for paper piecing and other fine detail work.
 

To highlight the remaining letters I traced them with a 0.3 Copic Multiliner pen.

 

Supplies: Oliver paper pack by Basic Grey, black cardstock, Copic Multiliner,  Tiny Attacher & Mini Paper Clips by Advantus, Kraft Library Cards by Maya Road, Binding Edge Punch by EK Success, Basics Kraft Small Details by Basic Grey

With back to school comes the never ending cycle of papers and notes and things to keep a track of. This sweet little Inchie+ is a magnet that will attach to your fridge and keep those notes under control. If you have a large family, create these with your kids and personalize them with their names.

To create this magnet simply stamp the Inchie+ and then embellish as desired. The hinge clip is attached with a brad and a Basic Grey magnet adheres to the back.

Supplies: Inchie+ Squares, Tiny Type by Cosmo Cricket, Cling Ledger Stamp by Hero Arts, Game Spinner,  Tiny Attacher & Hinge Clip by Advantus, Crop-a-dile by We R Memory Keepers, magnet, Sepia Archival Ink and Tumbled Glass Distress Ink by Ranger, Large Magnetic Snap by Basic Grey

Finally with the myriad of pens and pencils at school make yours stand out and keep it from wandering off. I think I'll be making more of these as I'd like one for my purse, my daughter has claimed this one and I'd like to give a couple out as teacher's gifts. This pen is an altered Copic Multiliner and if you've never used them for writing, you're missing out.

The Tonic Paper Trimmer easily cuts this sheet of Wonder Tape. I used 1.5 x 3.5" for the barrel and 1.5 x 1" for the cap. The clip on the cap is removable and can be reattached after altering.

 

After peeling off one of the adhesive papers, roll around barrel of the pen. Apply glitter as with the Burnished Velvet technique that you can find here in last month's In Touch Newsletter.

I've used  the beautiful Peacock Blue and Regal Red glitters by Glitter Ritz for this project.

Have fun getting ready for back to school and I hope you've had a little fun yourself, learning with this tutorial today. Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!

Tape and Glitter, Glitter and Tape! by Lisa Strahl

It's hard to believe that it's July already!  I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Today I am going to share some tips and techniques featuring Be Creative Tape (double-sided) and Glitter Ritz Microfine glitter.  When these two products are combined, beautiful things can happen!

We now carry 57 colors of Glitter Ritz which Ellen has done the hard work of coordinating to the Memory Box and Hero Hues card stock collections that you can purchase at Ellen Hutson, LLC.  It's so nice to know that the products will coordinate before you make your purchase! 

Download Glitter and Cardstock Color Comparison Chart

 

If I could recommend a "Basics Kit" it would be as follows:  Black, Java Bean, Spice Brown, White, Stardust, Silver, Bronze, Light Gold, Copper, Transparent Warm Highlights and Transparent Cool Highlights.  From there, you can choose your favorite colors and have the basics in hand to create your project.

Please read this post that Ellen wrote a few weeks ago which talks about how she decided to bring the tape and glitter into the store and an explanation of how the Burnished Velvet Technique™ came to be.  It looks like she has really been enjoying the glitter and tape with these three posts as well!

Creating Glitter Borders

Creating Glittered Designer Paper

Tape and Microbeads

I will walk you through the basic steps of the Burnished Velvet Technique™ and then show you just the tip of the "creative iceberg" with these two products!

Burnished Velvet - Basic Technique

Tips for Success

-NEVER touch the exposed tape with your bare hands, the oil will transfer and impede how well the glitter sticks.

-Keep ALL decent sized pieces of the backing paper (the part you peel off the tape that has writing on it), it can be punched and used in a variety of ways later.

-Use plain copy paper as your glitter funnel.  The Microfine Glitter will stick to most plastic trays.

-If you have a bubble between the tape and the surface you have applied it to, use a small pin to prick it and then use a piece of backing to press the tape down.  The hole will disappear.

-When using multiple colors with this technique, try to work darkest to lightest colors to minimize color contamination.

Step 1- apply tape to cardstock or other surface.  Press the tape firmly to the surface using your finger or a brayer.  Remove the backing paper and place a shape punched from a piece of backing paper writing side up on the tape.  Press the punched shape firmly to the tape with another piece of backing paper.  (I told you saving the backing was important!)  :)  Punch used: Glassene Butterfly - Martha Stewart

Step 2 - Over a piece of copy paper, dump a generous amount of Black Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter over the exposed tape.  Don't be afraid to use a lot because the extra can be returned to the container and reused over and over again. 

Step 3 - Gently remove excess glitter with a Perfect Pearls Brush or blush brush.

Step 4 - "Burnish" the glitter into the tape with your finger tip by pressing firmly and rubbing in a circular motion.  This is VERY IMPORTANT.  The oils from your finger will bring up the shine of the glitter.  The transformation is really amazing!

Step 5 - Use teflon (non-stick) tweezers or something sharp to peel the punched shape away from the tape.  Do not touch the tape with your fingers! 

Step 6 - Pour a generous amount of Grasshopper glitter over the exposed tape.

Step 7 - Dust excess with the brush and then burnish the glitter into the tape with your finger tip.

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Border Punch - 2 Color Burnished Velvet

Border punches are in plentiful supply these days - I wish I had them all!  You can create some beautiful embellishments for your cards by punching the backing tape with border punches the same way you would any other shape and repeating the Burnished Velvet Technique™. 

The next two cards feature the same punch Doily Lace Trim, with very different color schemes.  Java Bean/Pink on a Water Note Card and Lavender/White on a Key Lime Note Card.

Can you believe how the glitter holds the detail of the punches?!  So awesome.

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Burnished Velvet - Multiple Colors

Step 1 - Punch Glassene Butterfly and Flower (Martha Stewart) from backing paper.  Apply a large piece of tape from the 4.5 inch roll or an 8.5 x 11 Tape Sheet to white card stock.  Press the shapes randomly to the exposed tape.  Press the shapes to the tape with another piece of backing.

Step 2 - Dust a generous amount Java Bean glitter.  Remove excess with a brush.

Step 3 - Burnish the glitter into the tape with your finger in a circular motion.  Brush off excess again.

Step 4 - Remove the flowers and dust on the Ocean Spray glitter, remove excess, burnish with your finger tip.  Next remove the butterflies and dust on Stardust glitter.  Repeat the process.

I am keeping my designs very simple for this post so that the technique is the focal point.  Simple can be good!  The glitter design sheet was trimmed into 2.5 x 2.5 inch squares, matted on white and popped up with thin foam squares.  Card base is a Lagoon note card (Memory Box).

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Thin Glitter Borders

Step 1 - Apply a 1/4 thin strip of tape to the card stock.  This is where the different size rolls of tape come in handy.  If you don't have the right size, you can cut thin strips from the 8.5 x 11 Tape Sheets.

Step 2 - Dust on Silver glitter, brush off excess and burnish.

Step 3 - Here is how I cut custom widths of tape.  The 8.5 inch Tonic Guillotine Paper Trimmer can handle cutting slivers of tape and you are able to clean the blade of adhesive, which would be difficult on a rotary trimmer.

Step 4 - The Quickie Glue Pen will be another best friend of your glitter.  I applied glue into the decorative area of the  punch.  This glue will stay tacky even when it turns from blue to clear.  This is important to know because it means you can color the detail of a large area without worrying about applying glitter as you go.

Step 5 - Dust on Peacock Blue glitter.  Press the glitter over the area with your fingers and leave it to sit for a few minutes before brushing it off.

Step 6 - I created some 3-D Flowers with Tissue Tape on white card stock.  I used the Quickie Glue Pen to outline the petals of the flowers and then dusted them of the same Blue Peacock Glitter.

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Quickie Glue Pen with Glitter

As I mentioned, the Quickie Glue pen can be used to cover detailed work and remains tacky until the glitter is applied. 

I hope you are going to see your embossing folders in a whole new light after you see these cards!

Step 1 - Color recessed area of the embossed image. (from the Medallions, Frame and Damask set)

Step 2 - Dust on Light Gold glitter and allow it to sit for a few minutes.  Tap excess glitter off.

Here is a three card set using different colors to show the flexibility of this embossing folder.

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Custom Glitter Colors

I wanted to share that you can mix the glitters to create new custom colors.  The first color in this trio is Warm Highlights, the last color is Pink and the color in the middle is equal mixed parts of both to create a new lighter pink.

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Glitter and Embossing Powder or Flower Soft?!

Repeat the same Burnished Velvet Technique, but swap out Peeled Paint Distress Embossing Powder or Sage Ultrafine Flower Soft.

I hope you are inspired to apply your creative spin to these fabulous products!  Thank you for supporting Ellen Hutson, LLC.  We are so very grateful!

Flower Soft by Susan Roberts

This month's In Touch featured product is Flower Soft.  I love this wonderfully fun and easy to use medium which instantly adds dimension and interest to your work.  I have created 3 cards with it, and I'm so excited to share them with you!

On my first card this darling Lockhart Itty Bitty Umbrella, which is Ellen's stamp of the month for March, was colored with Copic markers.

It was then cut out and adhered to an Inchie.

The Inchie was first covered with a piece of Graphic 45 Botanicabella "Secret Garden" designer paper.  The edges of the Inchie were colored with a Copic marker (YG03).  A small dot of "Sunshine Yellow" Flower Soft was added on the point of the umbrella.  (Well what better color of Flower Soft could make that "rain rain go away"!?!)  The Flower Soft was colored with a Copic marker (Y17) to match the umbrella.

The Flower Soft frame was made using double sided tape.

 

A small amount of Flower Soft goes a LONG way!!  It comes tightly compacted in its jar.  To use it, empty a small amount into a bowl or container and lightly fluff to loosen and separate it.  To apply simply press the tape side of the card stock onto the Flower Soft.  The Flower Soft on this frame is a mixture of  "Baby Blue" and "Spring".  The jar of Spring Flower Soft shown here is from the Flower Soft Box Set "Pretty Pots Starter Kit".

After the tape was covered, I trimmed the excess card stock from around the outside of the frame.

The sentiment was placed on a panel of Graphic 45 Fashionista "Perfumeries" designer paper which was adhered to the Flower Soft frame.

Art Flowers and a button were added to finish the card.

I was so happy to be able to take Ellen's idea for a feathery FLOWERy SOFT rooster and create this next card using the Lockhart Rooster.  Just look at the fancy Flower Soft tail he is strutting! 

To make the tail feathers, I took a couple of the Flower Soft Wires and cut them into four sections.  (These wires can be purchased in a separate package but are also included in the Flower Soft Box Set "Pretty Pots Starter Kit".)  I colored the wires with Copic markers to match the colors of Flower Soft I was planning on using.

Next the Flower Soft Glue (included in the "Pretty Pots Starter Kit" and also available for separate purchase) was applied liberally to the wires, and the Flower Soft was sprinkled on until the desired amount was achieved.  Flower Soft colors used were "Poppy Red", "Baby Pink" and "Sunshine Yellow".  The wires were then placed in a sponge (also included in the "Pretty Pots Starter Kit") to dry.  The glue dries clear and takes about 30 minutes.

 

Just as I had done with the dot of Flower Soft on the umbrella card above, I used a Copic marker (Y19) to color the yellow Flower Soft on the wire so it would more closely match the color on the rooster.

The wires were attached by poking them through the card stock at the base of the rooster tail and then bending them flat and securing them with tape on the back.

I dotted small amounts of glue at the base of the rooster tail and other areas.  Next I applied "Poppy Red" Flower Soft to hide the ends of the wires and gaps where the rooster image was showing behind the tail feathers.

Other products used on this card include Graphic 45 Botanicabella "Secret Garden" and Fashionista "Perfumeries" designer papers.  Art Flowers and an Accent Pearl were also used.  The sentiment "Springtime Greetings" is by Memory Box.  Copic markers were used to color the rooster and Flower Soft.

 

On my third card only a very small amount of Flower Soft is used, but I think it is so fun on these ladies as they model their vintage spring fashion.  Aren't they swell!?!

No stamps were used on this card.  Instead the Flower Soft Glue was applied directly to the Graphic 45 Fashionista "En Vogue" designer paper cut outs.

The ribbon is a 5/8" Twill.  The red striped paper is Graphic 45 Fashionista "Buttons A La Mode".  Even the sentiment is taken from the Fashionista Collection designer paper.  All 3 cards use Memory Box card stock.  Neenah Solar White card stock is also used on cards 1 and 2.  

Hope you decide to give Flower Soft a try!  Happy crafting!!

pink sunflower inchie card, by Cindy Lyles

 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and today's post features the soft tones associated with this holiday.  This card's Inchie embellishments make a wonderful get well card; however this image and colors could be used for any number of occasions.

For this Inchie card, I assembled three white Inchie Squares and stamped Lockhart's Sun Flower image using Palette Noir ink, then colored using Copic markers.  Inchie Squares are 1" square, thick, premium quality matboard.  They arrive boxed in handy packages of 72.  Their thickness creates a quality embellishment instantly.

Here is a step-by-step for how I colored the Inchies:

step one:  Color flower centers using YR31.

 
step two:  Add small, dark highlights to flower centers using YR24.

step three:  Blend using YR31 marker from step one.

step four:  Color flower petals using RV11.

Step five:  Add dark highlights to flower petals using RV34.  You can blend using RV11, but it is such a small area you can choose not to.

step six:  Color all greenery with YG91.

step seven:  Add dark highlights to all greenery using YG95.

step eight:  Add shadows to all images using BV31, and color the hint the of the watering can using RV34 and RV19.

Mat a piece of 4" x 2" white cardstock with Licorice cardstock.  Using a piercing pad, piercing tool and Tim Holtz's ruler, pierce lower right portion nine times.

Create a card base using Sugar Plum and Sprout cardstocks.  Cut small slit in side fold and wrap ribbon (May Arts) around card front, tie in knot.

Mat each Inchie Square with Licorice cardstock, then adhere using foam tape to pierced layer.  Adhere unit to card front using foam tape.  Foam tape elevates the unit, showing off the pierced holes.

 

Card inside - verse is from Mona Lisa Moments Get Well Centers.  This is a Val Stangle layout. - Cindy Lyles for In Touch

backgrounder inchie clip

 

Using any background create multiple gift clips for those last-minute gifts on your list!

Materials:

• Craft-a-Board (or thick chipboard)
• Licorice (black) cardstock
• Nestabilities square scallop die
• Black (or White) Inchie Squares (or chipboard)
• Ranger Memory Frame 1"x 1"
• one piece of 1" x 1" glass
• any background stamp
• jumbo paper clip (Target, Wal-Mart, Staples, etc.)
• E6000 or similar industrial cement
• paper scraps - these can be decorative papers that you can stamp on, or in this case, I used a snippet of glossy cardstock with alcohol inks.
• snippet of ribbon

Begin by punching the smallest 1" x 1" Nestabilities die through the Craft-a-Board and Licorice cardstock.  Adhere the two together. 

Stamp scrap paper with Backgrounder, then cut (or punch) into 1" squares. 

Snip off one of the jumprings from the Memory Frame and carefully open up the frame.  Sandwich one pane of 1" square glass, then the artwork, then an Inchie square (or chipboard, or even a second piece of 1" square glass...the Inchie Square is less expensive and lighter in weight, so I used it instead of a second piece of glass) inside the 1" square Memory Frame.  Close and secure frame.

Make a sandwich of the black cardstock covered scallop square, a dollop of E6000, jumbo paper clip then Memory Frame, keeping the jumpring at the top.  Allow to dry then add ribbon or a charm through the jumpring.

These are great gift ideas that can be made quickly and easily in multiples for co-workers, teachers, just about anyone on your list.  Pair with a bookstore gift certificate, or attach with a simple tag onto the ribbon knot of a wrapped gift.

apple inchie notebook

Today's post will show step-by-step instructions for creating a versatile notebook gift with a few gift-giving options!

Ellen's store carries a new product called Craft-a-Board.  It's basically professional chipboard at a great price - twelve (12) thick sheets in a soft white color for $9.99.  Overall size of each sheet is approximately 9 1/2"w x 13 1/2"h x 1/8"d.  Try embossing, stamping, piercing or binding it.  I used my Cuttlebug with the Craft-a-Board and it die cuts both Nestabilities and Cuttlebug dies (it's thick - repeat the sandwich feeding process about 3-4 times to ensure a clean cut). 

Craft-a-Board is sturdy - so sturdy that it will outlast the 5x8 lined notepad a few times over.  So we are going to create a notebook to house a 5x8 lined notepad that can be replaced with a new one when needed.

First - coloring.  Using the Lockhart IB Apple and IB Ruler stamp on a White Inchie Square using a Palette Noir pad.  Shade the apple, then stamp the apple again onto a piece of Cotton Candy (all paper is Memory Box) cardstock scrap.

Using Copic markers color in the apples. I made two - you'll see what I did with the other one later in the post!  Cut out these apples and adhere to the stamped Inchie Squares using foam dimensionals.

Add the positive part of Basic Grey magnets to the back of the Inchie Squares.  Here I've created a few more Inchies - you'll see why later in the post!

Next:  the Craft-a-Board notebook base.  I used this template to score and cut.  Use a piece of scrap cardstock to create the pocket, according to the template.

Add velcro dots to the back of the 5x8 notepad, so it can be changed out as needed.  Tip:  press the hook and loops together on the back of the 5x8 notepad, then press onto the Craft-a-Board as outlined in the template.  This way the loop part and hook part of the velcro will be aligned.  Immediately remove the notepad and using the velcro location on the back of the 5x8 notepad, add velcro to the back of a few more 5x8 lined notepads to give along with the finished notebook.

When the 5x8 notepad is in place the notebook inside will look like this.

Next:  the cover.  Using Memory Box Sugar Collection I created a front for the notebook.  It's basically a card layout just bigger!  Stamped Lockhart's IB Ruler image four times on a piece of black cardstock using white ink, but before mounting, I adhered the negative of a Basic Grey snap (the Inchie Squares all have positive magnets) so the magnet is hidden from view - and now allows the attachment of an Inchie Square!

Use additional negative magnets from Basic Grey and decorate the inside of the notebook - add and store additional Inchies!  Change them out with your mood!

For the notebook closure, a strip of Memory Box Sugar was adhered to the inside front flap/pocket.  One part of a Basic Grey magnetic snap set was placed on the closure, the other on the notebook back.

If you did not want to add magnets to the inside of the notebook, you could always give them and store them in any little metal tin!

Hope this inspires you to create a lasting notebook suitable for multitudes on your gift lists!

supplies:  Inchie Products, Mona Lisa stamps, Copic Markers, Memory Box paper, Krylon pens, Craft-a-Board and a wide selection of Lockhart Stamp Company images - all available at Ellen Hutson, LLC.

simply soldered stamp "stuff"

Welcome to "In Touch" - the place where we try and share as much educational information as possible regarding the products we carry in our store. "Simple Dreams" will also continue to be published, but we wanted to put together a special place for you, our customers, to be able to come to and easily find information that directly correlates with the newsletter we will be sending out. Everyone does have access to this blog as well, but you will be the first to receive this information. This will allow us to share more information than we can now fit into a newsletter. Our desire is to allow you to choose - read instructions in their entirety here or just skip over the details and enjoy a quick review of what we have going on by reading the newsletter. We will do our best to keep this section of our blog well organized so that you can easily find the educational information you are looking for.

I am SO very excited to finally be sharing a vision with you that has been in the making for at least half a year - LOL! One of my favorite aspects of crafting includes the use of glass. I think it all probably started with the fact that I LOVE Dale Chihuly glass and living here in Seattle we are surrounded by many of his beautiful pieces of art. My love then proceeded to grow when I came across an article a number of years ago in a magazine. It showed an absolutely stunning piece of artwork that had been created using glass, stamping, paper collage and other mixed media items. I can no longer remember where that article was written, but it left a huge impression on me.

Back in October 2004 I was invited to be a guest artist for the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen gallery. It was at that time that I shared my first soldered, stamped glass piece, a magnetic tile. My soldering abilities have come a long way since then - LOL - as you can see the edges do not have nearly enough solder on them, but I wanted to share this with you being we all need to start some place. As with any craft it just takes a little practice to get it right.

I hope to share the love of glasswork, stamping and soldering with you. I hope to be able to walk you through the basic steps involved in soldering right here on my blogs. For those who want a much more thorough education in the art of soldering I have now added two different forms of educational material to my store as well. The first is a DVD created by Lisa Bluhm and Melissa Wood, the owners of the business that produce the soldering kits for us. They have been sharing this information with the crafting world for at least the last six years, probably longer. I met them at a Creating Keepsakes Convention here in Bellevue a number of years ago and was immediately enamoured with this art form. Lisa has also written a book that gives amazing detail regarding the entire soldering process. Along with the basics she has shared many unique projects to get your creativity stimulated.

PREPARATION

The first step to soldering is preparation. I prefer to have my work space cleared and prepared before starting the soldering process.

Pictured Above: Glass Kitchen Trivet, Non-Stick Craft Mat, Soldering Iron, Iron Stand, Yellow Sponge, (Stapler - to keep Iron Stand from scooting to the right if I happen to have the cord extended too far Ü), Clamps (small and large), Locking Hemostat Pliers, Copper Foil, Lead-Free Solder, Liquid Flux

Please note: I forgot one of the very most important elements in the preparation stage - PROTECTIVE EYE GLASSES. Please be certain to add this to your must do list!

I like to work on a large glass trivet that I have in my kitchen. This is then covered with a Non-Stick Craft Sheet. We will have a special heat proof soldering mat that will protect your work surface while creating your soldered art in stock soon - they are currently on backorder. It is heat proof up to 500 degrees and solder, adhesive and paint will not stick to it, but the above system has worked well for me over the years. Another alternative is to get a large tile from your local home improvement store and back it with felt. This will help protect your work surface as well.

The next important element is to dampen the little yellow sponge that is included in your kit. As you solder it is vital to clean the tip of the soldering iron constantly. Residue has a tendency to build up on the tip and will cause you to have pits and unevenness in your soldered piece - so with each additional layer of solder I use I clean my tip on this dampened yellow sponge. Please be cautious and never pick up this little yellow sponge and touch it to the tip of your soldering iron - it gets REALLY HOT! Hmmm - how do you think I know that?!? Leave the sponge sitting in it's little place on your iron stand!!!

The other piece of equipment pictured above that is not included in the kit is the locking hemostat pliers. I feel that these are essential to hold your jump ring in place with your hands being a safe distance from the tip of the soldering iron. I highly recommend that you purchase these at the same time as the kit.

Today I hope to share with you the step by step process I used in creating my Inchie Bookworm Marker.

To create the Inchie "innards" I am going to link you back to my ABC's of Inchies post being it would be redundant to repeat that information here. I will begin with the first step that shows you the beginning steps to the soldering process.

SOLDERING

Step 1.

Begin by attaching two bookworm basics to each side of a 1" square of black cardstock. Be certain to use as little adhesive as possible being the heat from soldering will cause your adhesive to run. Sandwich this piece between two pieces of 1" square glass. Currently we only have the frosted glass in stock, but we are hoping for a shipment of clear soon. Starting at the bottom center of your piece begin wrapping Copper Foil around your square. This is important being you are going to need to overlap your foil on the bottom edge to be certain that the solder adheres properly.

Step 2.

Wrap your piece entirely - finishing on the bottom edge as shown.

Step 3.

Snip the foil squarely with the finished edge.

Step 4.

Fold down edges as you would when wrapping a package. I typically do the vertical edges first, tapering the corners as shown. The horizontal edges will then fold down smoothly once all the vertical sides and corners are taken care of.

Step 5.

Next burnish the foil in place using a teflon bone folder. You could use your fingernail or some other smooth device to complete this step as well, but I find that I get a beautiful, smooth finish when I burnish with my teflon folder.

Step 6.

Using an Xacto knife you will next remove the excess foil from your image face. It is MUCH easier to trim away the excess than to wrap your project with a smaller piece of foil. As you can see in the photo above I make my cut all the way around the piece and then I use the knife tip to lift the excess foil to remove it.

Step 7.

You can see the finished taped piece above. Once I have removed the excess I do reburnish the piece once again.

Step 8.

Clamp your piece along the foiled edge and set it on your work surface with the bottom even to your work surface. This will keep your project hands free - this is a very important element being your piece will get VERY HOT while working on it.

Begin by applying a very small amount of flux to the copper foil on one side of your project. Do not cover the entire foil area at this time being the flux will evaporate and you will just have to redo it. Liquid flux is SO easy to use - it's purpose is to allow the solder to flow smoothly on to your project. If you did not apply flux your solder would have a tendency to "mound" up. The flux also helps with resistance to the oils from your hands and other residues that attached to the foil during preparation of your project.

Step 9.

I prefer to sit my solder on edge as shown. This allows me to place the hot tip of my soldering iron to the solid solder and melt a little piece which will adhere to the bottom side of the tip of my iron. Each time I talk about touching the tip to my project below I will have loaded the bottom side of my chisel tip with a slight amount of solder.

Step 10.

The next step is to "tin" your copper foil. Move the tip of your soldering iron along the top surface of your project. Allow the bottom of the tip to touch down to the foil to attach the liquid solder. I prefer to move the iron evenly across the top edge, moving from left to right. I am right-handed and so if you are left-handed you will set your work up opposite to what I do. Allow the solder to solidify - it only takes seconds. I also let it cool slightly before flipping to the next side.

As I work I use both clips. I rotate my piece clipping the second clip to the next side and remove the first clip. This allows me to keep my hands off of my hot piece of work.

Step 11.

Once you have "tinned" all foil surfaces you can continue to add solder to your project. Reapply the liquid flux each time before you apply the solder. Typically I will apply three, sometimes four layers of solder.

Step 12.

Once you have your project completely soldered it is time to add your jump ring. This is the one time I do not apply flux before adding solder to my project because I would like my solder to remain in one spot rather than flowing across the top of my piece. As you can see in the photo above there is a slight "mound" of solder. Touch your iron to the center top of your project and leave a drop of solder behind.

Step 13.

To steady my project I now apply both clamps to my project as shown above. Apply flux to the jump ring. Holding your jump ring in your locking hemostat pliers brace your hand on the table and hold the jump ring to the top of the mound of solder. From the back side of your project touch the tip of your hot iron to this mound. It will liquify - as soon as it does pull your hot iron away and your jump ring will settle into the puddle of solder. This solder will then solidify when you remove your iron. This is a split second move. It takes some time to heat the mound of solder, but when it liquifies it happens fast.

Step 14.

As you can see in this photo the mound can sometimes be one-sided.

Step 15.

If this happens I then reapply some flux and lightly touch the tip of my soldering iron to the side that needs to be melted and allow the solder to even out. As you can see I am still holding the jump ring in place being that each time you melt the solder your jump ring will loosen.

FINISHING

At this point I take a damp soft cloth (an old diaper is my tool of choice, but an old t-shirt works great too) and "polish" up the piece. Next I use a buffer/sander to remove any little bumps or pits and to really polish it up.

To complete the bookmark I ran a piece of ribbon through the jump ring and knotted it. Next I threaded a silver bead on to the ribbon strands and then knotted the long tails. The bead slides up and down the ribbon and adjusts your book ribbon to accomodate the size of different books.