the CLASSroom

Favorite Finds from CHA Winter 2013 - Video

Hi, everybody!

In lieu of a Hello Monday video, we're sharing some of the things we found at the CHA Winter 2013 show!  

CHA is the Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show that occurs every winter, typically down in Anaheim, CA. The show is open to the trade only (retailers, manufacturers, and other industry related businesses) and showcases products and lines that manufacturers are debuting for the new year.

Ellen and I arrived a day ahead of the show, and took classes to learn more about some of the exciting new products being released, such as the new Ranger Distress Paints!  This water based paint is very unique and features some very interesting properties, unlike any other paint we've ever worked with before! Watch the video to see and hear more about these paints and some of the other items we were *monkey clapping* over! 

You can enjoy the video here, or on YouTube!

Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of some of the coming new products!  Keep your eye on the "Coming soon from CHA Winter 2013" category to see what will be arriving soon!

Hello, Monday 01.07.2013

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

I am an absolute sucker for things postal related--it was love at first sight with this 3D Mailbox Die!

Had to use the Galvanized card stock because I think it makes it look just like the real deal in miniature!  EEP!!! Can't take it!!! 

Along with some chocolates, I also made a sweet and quick little note to tuck inside, complete with Washi tape using the new Shape & Tape!  It's just like Washi Tape only in sheet format! You can die cut it, cut it with your scissors, punch it, trim it with your paper trimmer--they even have a "Tape It" set of dies designed especially for working with the Shape & Tape! It comes in a variety of colors and patterns but you can also custom tint it, like I show in today's video! WOOT!!!

I have a few little tips in the video for assembling the mailbox, once you've die cut all the pieces--nothing jaw-dropping, but just "nice to know", if ya' know what I mean. *grin*

Enjoy the video here, or in HD on YouTube! And, don't forget to subscribe to our channel!

Thanks for joining me today and I sure hope your Mundane is a happy one! *wink*

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS FEATURED:

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Love Always Wins by Ali Edwards	NEW Archival Ink Pad, Vermillion	Paper Accents Glassine Envelopes, 1.75 x 2.75	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack
COPIC Sketch Marker R29, Lipstick Red	Shape 'N Tape, Black	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Mailbox	Curious Metallic, Galvanized Cardstock
Magnetic Snaps, Small	American Crafts Elements, Mini Brads, Black	Tweezers, Stainless	Ruler, Tim Holtz Design
Craft Knife, Fingertip	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 5mm (1/4")	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Sizzix, Cutting Pad, Extended
Sizzix, Solo Platform & Shim

InLinkz.com

Snow Smiles by Julia Stainton

Christmas is over and life is slowly returning to normal. Cleaning up my craft room, I decided to pack up all my holiday craft supplies until next year. Mid-way through I just had to stop myself though. All those beautiful snowflake products shouldn't be put away yet. They aren't just for the holidays. I decided instead to think of ways to use them now.

We were thankful to get some snow just in time for Christmas and while it's not a lot, it's enough to have fun in. Before my daughter left to go back to school, she was kind enough to give in to my nagging and let me take some pictures of her before she left.

One of my crafting resolutions for the new year is to get back to doing more scrapbooking. I'm sure I'll be sharing some of my layouts in the CLASSroom this year and hope they inspire you to try your hand at it.

Most of my layouts use a lot of patterned paper but I wanted to keep with the idea of the beautiful simplicity of snow and nature. Plain cardstock can be a little boring but mists and stamping make it easy to punch it up a little. I've misted this kraft cardstock with a Calico White opaque mist and then stamped on some random white snowflakes. I'm glad I didn't put that holiday set away!

Next came the process of adding my photos and creating a design. It's a simple layout with the embellishments added in around the photos. When creating a layout, it's best to pick one photo as the focal point. You can do this by making one of them a little larger than the others.

White and Kraft always look beautiful together and they work well for a winter themed layout as well.

Some Jenni Bowlin flag stickers make a great place to add in the date of the photo shoot.

After creating the layout, I went back and added pearl stickers to the centers of the stamped snowflakes to make them stand out.

 Finally, the title is adhered over a journaling tag. My journaling is added below the accent photos with a Copic Multi-liner Marker.

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Wishing you a very creative 2013!

 

Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

Embossed Metal Christmas Wishes by Julia Stainton

 Just a few more days left until Christmas and time for me to squeeze in another holiday card design. I thought I'd use it to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year as this is my last CLASSroom post for 2012. It was a year of lots of changes, both good and bad, and I'm hoping that 2013 brings many blessings to your home as well as my own.

 This holiday card design was also a great time to get back into my craft room and try out a new product, the Tsukineko Sheet Metal Pieces. When I first saw it in the Ellen Hutson shop it immediately sparked my interest and I had to try it out.

The package said this product could be embossed and die cut so I decided to put it to the test. Well, actually, I haven't die cut it yet. That will have to wait for test project #2. But I did emboss it. I wasn't sure how well it would emboss...metal in a plastic folder you know and all that. Using a Tim Holtz holiday embossing folder, the metal ATC is sandwiched in the middle and then run through a Sizzie Big Shot machine. One pass was all it took to get a beautiful embossed metal surface. Nice!

The metal was lovely and shiney and could have been left at the embossed step but I like to step things up a bit now and then. So out came the Gesso. Gesso is a primer that prepares surfaces for accepting paint. It sticks to almost anything including metal. If you simply painted the metal surface with white acrylic paint, you would end up with the problem of flaking paint.

Simply brush the gesso over the metal and allow it to try. I used a heat gun on mine and that sped up the process. I don't like watching paint dry! Grin.

When the gesso is 99% dry, buff off the excess from the raised embossed surfaces. You can also sand it off or lightly scratch it off depending on the look you are going for. It's pretty quick and easy and I love how it looks like an old sign or a pressed tin ceiling.

On to the main base of the card, I picked out three sweet prints from the Aspen 6x6 paper pad by Basic Grey. Soooooo pretty.

Now here's a fun fabric tape ribbon idea. I ADORE the new Maya Road fabric tapes. They can be used just like washi tape, to make a fun border, to make a background among other fun ideas. You can also make the fabric tape into ribbon by peeling off the backing, folding it over onto itself. It then can be tied into a very pretty bow...

A little tinsel, a pin and a star trinket pin finish off the design.

 Thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom today! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a year of blessing to come!

Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 11.19.2012

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

I love a lot of different things, so whenever I'm asked what "my style" is, I struggle sometimes with defining it.

This design is an example of wanting to create a "vintage-looking" embellishment or focal point, but executing the overall design with the clean and simple style I'm so fond of.

The Savvy Stamps 3D Star Die was my starting point--I wanted to recreate the effect of a beautiful vintage ornament so I die cut the shape from a pretty collaged sheet from Basic Grey's Aspen Frost collection. It has score lines built into the design--you could use the stars flat, but I thought the dimensional look was a nice effect and gave this card a lot of visual "pop"!  I actually cut a bunch of stars all at once so I could use them later on different projects--I think they'd be darling to dangle on gift packages or to make a garland.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this Silver Stickles Dry Glitter--it's the same they use in their Stickles and it is INCREDIBLY sparkly, hence the sentiment from the Be Jolly set by Technique Tuesday... *wink*

I did reach a point where I debated on whether or not to add "one more thing", cuz y'all know how going down that path can subsequently lead to the circular file, but in this case, one of my favorite stand-by tricks polished the card off perfectly. 

Enjoy the video here or in HD over on YouTube!

Thanks for joining me this Monday! Have a gooder!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Be Jolly	Savvy Stamps Dies, Folded Star Die	VersaMark Inkpad	Stickles Dry Fine Glitter, Silver
A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	Basic Grey Aspen Frost, 6x6 Paper Pad	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
Ranger - Super Fine 1oz. Embossing Powder, Silver	Mixed Accent, Neutrals	2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick
3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Soft Grip Embossing and Stylus Set	Crop-A-Dile Power Punch, 1/16"	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink
Tweezer Bee	Tweezers, Stainless	Craft Knife, Fingertip	Heat It Craft Tool

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 10.29.2012

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

Do you love the look of collage, but feel somewhat intimidated at how to pull it off, like me? *wink*

Freestyle collage is a popular trend right now in paper crafts that I am completely intrigued by! I'm particularly fond of the ones that embrace white space (if you know me at all, you know how I adore me some white space, and lots of it!) and feature a small, tightly clustered group of design elements.

The fact that the elements are deliberately and slightly askew adds to the charm and is also rather liberating and fun!

Enjoy the video here or in HD over on YouTube!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, In Stitches	Prima Press, Typewriter	Tim Holtz, Spills and Splatters	Delicata Ink Pad, Golden Glitz
Brilliance Pad, Pearlescent Chocolate	Distress Ink Pad, Scattered Straw	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Peach Bellini	Impression Obsession Dies, Leave
A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	Basic Grey Clippings, 6x6 Paper Pad	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber with Airtight Cap	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

InLinkz.com

Stamping on Wood by Julia Stainton

One of the biggest trends over the past few years has got to be wood and woodgrain. I for one am thrilled that it is still going strong!

Wood is definitely a classic and can be paired up with so many things. I love its texture, it's warmth and it's flexibility in design. Wood is perfect for masculine designs as well as feminine. What's not to love?!

 

Some of the most recent popular wood crafting items are the laser cut wood embellishments. Very cool! Today I decided to design a card featuring the new Maya Road Wood Shipping Tags.

They come in a package of 8 tags in 4 sizes. I've used the two largest size tags in this project and all these tags are perfect for stamping on.

I've used a Hero Arts stamp set and some Ranger Archival Ink to stamp on these tags. Stamp on them in the same way you would stamp on paper. I find the Archival Inks to be the best for stamping on surfaces such as wood and fabric. Just stamp the image and then heat set with a heat gun.

Quick Tip: When stamping on two side by side items, place them approximately in position when stamping the images so that you get a nice balance of design and color.

The card looked pretty with just the tags on it but I decided it needed a little something more for some subtle texture. A woodgrain embossing folder was just the trick. This folder wasn't quite large enough to cover the 5x5 inch card so I left the top area blank by sliding down the folder to where it looked best. I find that by dividing the card in thirds is a great place to make a transition so that is approximately where I placed the top of the folder.

Here's the cardstock once it's been embossed. The cardstock I used has a white core so by sanding it after this step, I got a nice highlighted texture that you can see below.

This card could easily be altered to fit the season. Think how changing the colors up to warm yellows, reds and oranges would make this into a stunning fall themed design.

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Designing with Neon by Julie Ebersole

When I was a teenager back in the '80s, neon was hot! I must admit to being intimidated when the trend came back into vogue this year... But, then I took it as a challenge to stretch creatively! :)

Probably one of the easiest ways to interject these hot new colors into your projects is by playing with inks, like the new Hero Arts Neon Inks! It took some experimentation to find the right combinations that I was satisfied with, so don't worry if your initial attempts leave you feeling a bit unsure--I look at it as part of the process. :)

Even so, I do have some tips to share that will hopefully guide you on the quest to incorporate this fun trend into your paper crafting!

And, be sure to enbiggan the pics by clicking on them!

For me the biggest rule of thumb, when it comes to neon, is that less equals more; use it sparingly!

This design features two neon speech bubbles, flanked on the right by a more subdued, yet still bright "pool" color of blue.  It compliments the neon orange and pink quite nicely, without overwhelming or competing, as do the birds stamped simply in black ink.

Partner neon with a neutral hue, such as grey. In the above example, the soft grey (it's actually called "Cloudy Blue", but it stamps "grey") color used on the alpha letters acts as a counter-balance to the vivid neon orange and yellow scattered dots. A little bit of Crystal Stickles also reflects the color and enhances the overall effect in a very light and airy way!

Use neon colors with patterned border stamps (Chevron - My Happy by Hero Arts/Studio Calico, Polka Dots - Geo-Graphic by Paper Smooches, Zig Zag Stitching - Sew Artsy by Hero Arts)--it will give great "pop"! The white spacing gives some breathing room to the neon hues; a black base card and some black accents also help ground the design and keep it from being overly dominating. I think this makes a great teen card, or just even fun for a guy card!

Want a dramatic blended effect? Sponge neon hues onto white card stock, allowing them to overlap and mix, creating additional hues--this combo would make a fantastic sunset effect on a scenic design as well! The white popped up flowers (Sew Me Flowers - Hero Arts) offer a nice contrast to the neon backdrop.

Try stamping a neon hue with a large background stamp (Square Pattern Background, Clippings Collection by Basic Grey/Hero Arts) directly over the top of another color--this example above features neon pink atop a non-neon mandarin orange colored card stock.  Neon pink and green washi tapes (from my stash) accent the design, and the focal sentiment is stamped in full-on neon pink, and subtly edged with neon orange.

This simple design was inspired by a Letterpress card I had seen--the Citrus ink is not necessarily neon, but when paired with the Neon pink, the combo offers a refreshing jolt--I love that it makes me sit up and take notice! The "Thank You" banner by Savvy could also have been stamped with the Neon pink, and then the panel mounted to a neon pink base card if I'd had one on hand; I must admit to being particularly fond of green, however--green just seems to go so well with practically every other color on the planet. ;)

Thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom today and I hope today's post sparks some fun ideas for turnin' up the neon in your projects!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS

STAMPS: Telephone Lines by Impression Obsession; He Said/She Said, Geo-Graphic by Paper Smooches; My Happy by Studio Calico/Hero Arts; Sew Artsy, Many Birthday Wishes, This Is Big , Sew Me Flowers by Hero Arts; Square Pattern Background, Clippings Collection by Basic Grey/Hero Arts; Monogram Alphabet by My Favorite Things; "have a wonderful...[birthday]" and Scattered Dots by Savvy Stamps

INKS: Neon Pink, Orange, Yellow by Hero Arts; Adirondack Cloudy Blue, Pool, Citrus by Archival Black by Ranger; Mistery Huey's Mist in Inky Black; Copic Marker in YG23 New Leaf

PAPERS:  Neenah Solar White (25 sheet pack or ream); Key Lime by Memory Box; Pool and Sunshine Layering Papers by Hero Arts; Black Card Stock

EMBELLISHMENTS: Crystal and Lime Green Stickles; Washi Tapes (from my stash)

TOOLS: 1 3/4" Circle Punch

OTHER: 3D Dots; Round Sponges (quartered)

VIDEO: Fun with Glassine Envelopes by Julie Ebersole

I've been playing with Glassine Envelopes lately and today I thought I'd share some fun things I've made with them!

Glassine is akin to wax paper, very thin, smooth and translucent. Although not water proof, it is considerably water (and air) resistant and small envelopes made from glassine have long been used to organize, preserve and archive items such as collectible postage stamps, fragile insect specimens, garden seeds, etc. Glassine bags and paper are also frequently used in the food service industry, and you'll often see it used to wrap baked goods because it is also grease resistant.  Additionally, glassine is a biodegradable material, so it can be recycled or composted!

There are so many uses for these adorable little envelopes! I love using the 1 3/4 x 2 3/4" size to create little translucent shaker effects, like shown on this birthday design:

(stamp credit: Savvy Stamps)

Just stamp a piece of card stock that's sized to slip into the envelope, tuck it in first, then add a sprinkle of shapes punched from colorful card stock, making sure it falls on the stamped side that will show on the card front. Seal the envelope shut and mount it to your card front and you have a super quick and easy shaker card effect!

It's fun to let your card design show thru the envelope, and decorate the ouside, as I did here with some fun Cakewalk "Numbers" Washi Tape by October Afternoon:

(stamp credits: Savvy Stamps [cake] and Hero Arts [cake and ice cream])

Make a little stack of these to keep handy for those last minute card-giving emergencies!

They are also irresistible for gift presentation and I love to package them with little goodies, as shown in this sample:

I have a video to accompany the treat "bag" shown above! I actually stamped on the envelope prior to embellishing it and also created custom tinted ribbon match as I didn't have any in the color I wanted for this sweet thang--you could tuck a small gift or edible goodie inside--ooh, some tea bags in a delicious flavor would be nice! Wouldn't they make darling party favors?  Enjoy!

BTW, I am constantly asked where folks can get the tweezers I use in my work. You can get them HERE.

 

TIPS FOR STAMPING ON GLASSINE:

• Use an ink designed for non-porous surfaces, i.e. Staz-On and Brilliance by Tsukineko are my go-to inks for slick surfaces such as glassine
• When creating a random pattern, start your stamping towards the center and work your way out; if using a variety of image sizes, begin with your largest images, then fill the gaps with the smaller images where they fit best
• If embossing, be aware of areas that may be folded or bent, the embossing may crack on the fold line and flake off; mask off those areas prior to stamping to eliminate this as much as possible
• Glassine is not designed to withstand the high heat temperature required for thermal embossing; pre-heat your heat tool, and be prepared to move the heat tool in and back out again quickly. Bring the heat tool in just close enough to melt the powder and do not linger long in any one spot to avoid scorching!

Thanks for hangin' with me in the CLASSroom today!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS FEATURED IN TREAT BAG/FAVOR & VIDEO:

STAMPS:  Hero Arts Cling Birthday Set, Hero Arts/Basic Grey Let Them Eat Cake Clear Set; Hero Arts Cling Dot Flower Background

INKS: Hero Arts Soft Pool; Staz-on Cotton White; Archival Coffee; Copic Marker in R21 Sardonyx; Versamark (for thermal embossing)

PAPERS: Basic Grey Paper Cottage 6x6 Pad; Glassine Envelope 3 1/2 x 3 1/2"; Neenah Desert Storm (25 sheet or ream)

EMBELLISHMENTS: [flat seam binding ribbon] Tim Holtz Trimmings in Lavish White

TOOLS: Big Shot Personal Die Cutting Machine; [Die] Hero Arts Message Frames Stamp & Die Set; 3/4" Square Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch; Tweezers (my favoritest!!!); Non-stick Craft Sheet

OTHER: 3D Dots; Ranger Super Fine Gold Embossing Powder

VIDEO TUTORIAL: DIY Ombre (Rainbow) Ink Pad by Julie Ebersole

You've probably noticed the Ombre trend in fashion and home decor of late--I love the gradations of color!

(image credit)

For a one-off card, you can certainly apply ink directly to the stamp, starting with lightest colors first, adding subsequently darker colors. But, what if you wanted to make 20 cards with this effect?  It would be rather tiresome to reink the stamp every single time in this fashion.

But you could make a custom ink pad that would enable you to restamp to your heart's content quite easily and quickly, using Cut-n-Dry Stamp Pad felt by Ranger and dye reinkers!

I did a video tutorial to accompany the info below--enjoy!

 

There are two different types of Cut-n-Dry Stamp pads--felt and foam.  Use the felt when working with dye reinkers and the foam if you're using pigment reinkers.

The first step is to cut a piece of felt that matches the size of the stamp you plan to work with.   I placed the Savvy portrait Chevron stamp onto the pad, traced around it and cut it out.  Once nice thing about this particular size pad, is that I'll be able to use it with quite a few other stamps any time I want that Ombre effect.

The next step is to load the pad with ink; I started with the lightest color in the spectrum that I was going for (see the list below in the supplies), and then added increasingly darker hues.

I used Memento Reinkers, but you could also use Adirondack or Distress Reinkers (dye-based inks).

I put the pad onto a paper plate, just to help keep my work surface clean. And, next time, I plan to wear gloves, cuz this can get a little messy.  Keep some wipes handy... *wink*

I allowed the colors to slightly overlap as I added each subsequent color; I wanted the colors to blend smoothly, without any gaps.

I inked the stamp by tapping up and down multiple times--so the colors would blend together smoothly, and then I did a test print.  My initial print was not as "evenly" colored as I wanted, which meant I probably didn't add quite enough ink in some of the colors so I did add more.  Subsequent stampings were then satisfactory, and I was ready to proceed with my project.

I didn't have any other containers on hand to store my ink pad, so I slipped it into a Zip-loc freezer bag; this will keep it moist until I want to use it again. But, this was so quick & easy, I plan to hit the dollar store for some plastic containers with lids that I can store my DIY pads in. I definitely want to make more because it was so quick & easy!

Note: You can also use "blank" pre-made stamp pads, available HERE.

Another great thing about these DIY pads, is that you can reink them if they do dry out--even use Perfect Ink Refresher to rejuvenate them when needed. AND, if you decide later you want to create a different combination of colors, you can actually wash the pad out and ink it up in a whole new rainbow! *fist pump*

Thanks for stopping by and I hope this sparks some new creative ideas for you!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Stamps: Picnic by Basic Grey/Hero Arts; Chevron (portrait) by Savvy Stamps

Ink:  Memento Tangelo by Tsukineko, Memento Refills in Dandelion, Canteloupe, Tangelo, Lady Bug Red, Rhubarb Stalk; Versamark by Tsukineko; Copic Markers in Y00 Barium Yellow, YR16 Apricot, R14 Light Rouge, E30 Bisque, Y35 Maize

Paper: Neenah Solar White (25 sheet or ream); Black

Tools:  Cut-n-Dry Stamp Pad Felt; 1 1/2" Circle Punch; 3/4" Square Punch; 1 3/4" Circle Die (from Hero Arts Frame Cuts "Ticket" Die Set); Heat It Tool

Embellishments: Stickles Glitter Glue in Fruit Punch & Orange Peel; 2mm Black Pearl Sticker (from my stash)

Other:  3D Dots; Hero Arts White Embossing Powder

Starbursts on Clear by Julie Ebersole

Have you tried making a clear card? So fun and different!

 

I love the colors in the What's Up! Paper Pad by Basic Grey and thought a piece of that would make a great layer behind the Starbursts.

I cut a card base from Crystal Clear plastic--this is my favorite for making clear cards because it really is super clear, and has the most "glass-like" look--and scored it--it doesn't create a deep score line, but it will be just enough to guide me when it's time to crease and fold the card. I typically don't fold the card until later, after I'm finished, because I like a super flat surface to stamp on.

I have a piece of tissue paper underneath the clear plastic, otherwise it's hard to actually see the card on camera. LOL!  There are several inks you can use to stamp on slick/non-porous surfaces, such as Palette New Canvas. Palette will require heat-setting on glossy surfaces, such as plastic and glossy card stock. Be especially careful not to get so close that you melt or warp the plastic you have stamped on while heat setting. I keep my tool about 14-16" away.

You can also use Staz-On Opaque Cotton White, which I used on this project.  Staz-on also comes in gorgeous metallic colors, and you can see them all HERE. It does not require heat setting on glossy surfaces--just set it aside to dry for a few minutes while you work on other aspects of your project.

When using Staz-On Opaque inks, there are very explicit instructions on how to ink the pad--and all the Opaque inks come packaged with refills.  With the Opaque inks, you need to reink the pad surface each time you bring it out of storage to work with. With the metallics, it is especially important to heed the warning to use only a few drops and spread/distribute them across the pad surface with the little squeegee tool that comes packaged with the pad and refill.  If you over-ink, you'll have a thick layer of ink on your stamp and have slipping/sliding issues.

These inks also tend to be "sticky" until they are dry, so it is not uncommon for the acetate to stick to the stamp when you try to lift up, so you might anchor the back half of the card down to your work surface with Post-It Notes or a few pieces of Washi Tape, while you are stamping the front. You can also use the Post-It Notes to mask off the back of the card, if you are stamping a large background pattern on the front panel.

TIP:  When you fold the card and crease the fold line with your bone folder, place a piece of clean typing paper over the top of the fold--this will keep you from accidentally scratching the surface of the card and keep it looking pristine.

The clear card shown here is a standard A-2 (4.25 x 5.5") size, but the inner white card is 1/4" smaller all around--I wanted to have the gap to show off the fact the card is clear. After mounting the patterned paper, which is a 1/4" smaller all around than the white card, it's time to mount the white card to the clear card.

There are a few different ways you can attach them together, but I often use these Mini Glue Dots--I love the sheet style Dots especially, because they have individual liner papers and are perforated so you can tear away what you need, but not worry about it sticking anywhere because both the liner papers remain intact until you remove them.

Here, I've applied them to each corner on the back of the white card, but I left the clear liner papers on because I want to make sure I had this piece positioned exactly where I want it; then I can peel each corner at a time, making adjustments as I go, in case the card shifts or moves a bit.

I chose a greeting from the Thank You for Being My Friend set that I just love--I adore typewriter fonts, and this whole set is one I use frequently because it often has just the right phrases for friendship cards, which are my favorite to make.

To create the faux "Dymo Label" effect, I just white embossed the greeting onto black card stock and then cut it apart.  I love this look--kinda retro and modern and the perfect way to make a sentiment fit an area on a card that it otherwise wouldn't. Gotta love that kinda versatility! *fist pump*

I added a few Black Crystal Gemstones to the flower centers--perfect accents for a card like this!

Thanks for stopping by today!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Stamps: Hero Arts Starbursts, Hero Arts Thank you for being my friend Cleardesign Set

Ink: Staz-On Cotton White, Versamark

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Black Card Stock; Basic Grey What's Up 6x6 Paper Pad

Embellishments:  Hero Arts Black Crystal Gemstones

Tools: Martha Stewart Scoring Board; Soft Grip Embossing Stylus Tool; Teflon Bone Folder; Embossing Magic Anti-Static Pouch; Ranger Heat It Tool

Other: Ellen Hutson Crystal Clear Plastic; Mini Glue Dots; Tombow Stamp Runner (dot adhesive); Hero Arts White Embossing Powder

Misting Mania by Julie Ebersole

Today's topic is misting! And, while I'm featuring Mister Huey's Mists by Studio Calico, the technique is pretty much the same whatever the brand.  You can even make your own mists, but if you're an instant gratification girl like m'self, sometimes it's fun to just collect a whole bunch of pretty colors and get right to it! Mister Huey's comes in a fun and hip range of colors, including metallics, and an opaque white that looks AWESOME on dark card stock colors!

One thing I would advise, no matter what brand you're working with, is to shake the bottles from side to side and avoid shaking them up and down; if you're working with a mist that has any pearlescent or shimmer added to it, it can clog the nozzle.

It's also a good idea to wear an apron to protect your clothing, just in case you get a little (over) zealous. *wink*

I almost always have a box laying around from a recent shipment, so I keep one for misting--I like the ones with fairly deep sides, because then I can plop it right on my work desk and not worry about any over-spray getting onto my work surface.

I often toss a piece of white typing paper into the box to test and see how the colors look--sometimes, the actual color doesn't match the bottle label. Also, if there's any clogging going on, I know right away and won't have ruined my project.  A few "test" pumps also helps reduce "splotches" or blobs, and allows me to see how close or far away I need to be to get a finer mist.  Generally speaking, the further away, the finer the misting.  I don't mind the blobs, tho and tend to think they look artsy. *grin*

 

One thing I wanted to mention is that you can use stencils to create patterns onto your project with the mists, and you can also use masks, and even stickers or the negative part of stickers, punches and die cuts to create masks and stencils!

It dawned on me that the negative portion from this sheet of stickers would make an AWESOME large scale honeycomb/hexagon pattern, so I peeled it away carefully and tapped the palm of my hand against the sticky side so the oil from my hands would reduce the tackiness; I wanted just enough for it to hold on the paper, but still be removable.

Into the box it went. Initially, I gave it a light dusting, keeping a little further distance--roughly 16-18", and then I came closer, to get more intense; I don't mind having a few blobs, as I've mentioned.

I'm kind of impatient, so I took a clean paper towel and blotted away the mist that was still wet on the sticker sheet so I wouldn't make a mess when I removed it from the paper. After removing it, I stored the sticker on a recycled piece of acetate from some packaging; this "mask" won't last forever, but I'll probably be able to use it a few more times, at least.  Cool!

It's not uncommon for a mist to make the paper curl--some cause more curling than others and depend on how heavily they are applied, how wet, etc.  I found that if the paper curled, I could hold onto it with tweezers, continue drying it with my heat tool, and applying heat on the back and the front seemed to work well and reduce the curling. When it's dry, you can also place it under a heavy book overnight and that ought to do the trick. If you're patient. And not at all anxious to zoom on to the next step. Like some peeps I know. *insert rolling eyeballs*

 

It made a great patterned paper for this "Bee happy" design! YAY!

I also played around with some red mist--Overdue on kraft card stock.  I concentrated the color towards the upper left corner--SO FUN!!! I was also able to stamp the little jet airplane over the top with Archival black ink--it's possible if I used a non-permanent ink that the misted areas would "resist" stamp ink, so it would probably be a good idea to test that before trying it on an actual project.

See the little flair sticker?  I've always wanted to put those on a card--this is the first time I've gone and done it! They are *uber* fun! I punched a partial circle, 1 1/8" size for the flair to nestle into. Such a great look!  I think this makes a great up-lifting (OK, sorry for the pun) masculine design! :)

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope this encourages you to play with mists--they are TONS OF FUN!!!

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SUPPLIES:

STAMPS:  Technique Tuesday Birds & Bees; Hero Arts/Studio Calico Airmail

INK:  Archival Black, Adirondack Sunshine Yellow; Versamark

MISTS:  Custard, Overdue (I think both of these particular colors are retiring, so you may wanna snag 'em while you still can--they are AWESOME!!!)

PAPER: Neenah Solar White, Sweet Corn Card Stock, Kraft, Black; What's Up 6x6 Pad by Basic Grey

TOOLS: EK Success Circle Scissor Pro, WR Memory Keepers Corner Chomper (1/2" radius), 1" & 1 1/8" circle punches

EMBELLISHMENTS:  What's Up Flair Stickers; Black & White Baker's Twine; Off-white Twill Ribbon; What's Up Title Stickers by Basic Grey

OTHER:  White Embossing Powder; Black & White Diagonal Piano Stripe Washi Tape (from my collection); 3D Dots; Jenni Bowlin Memo Quilted Stickers (the negative part)

Heat Embossing Tips by Julie Ebersole

*click on the pics to en-biggan*

I can still remember the awe I felt when I first learned how to heat emboss a design on my cards--that gorgeous, shiny, raised texture you saw on store-bought cards. Magical! And, who'da thunk we could achieve that effect so easily?!

Here are some tips & tricks for achieving great embossing results on your projects!

First, start by prepping your paper surface.  I like to use an Embossing Magic Pouch to eliminate moisture, static cling, and any residual skin oils that my fingertips might have left behind on the paper surface.  Simply pounce the pouch across your paper surface. Don't worry about the powdery residue; after you finish embossing, it can be easily cleaned off with a soft brush.

This initial step is a good strategy when embossing dark papers with white embossing powder, as it will help prevent stray embossing powder from sticking to unwanted areas and only to your stamped image.

You can ink and stamp your image with either Versamark ink or Ranger Distress Embossing ink (Distress Embossing Powder smells of cinnamon, which is kinda cool!); both of these are clear and contain glycerin, the ingredient that creates the "tack" that will hold the embossing powder to your paper surface while you melt the powder with your heat tool, fusing it to the paper.

Depending on what your desired effect is, the grind of embossing powder can make a difference.  In the sample shown here, I used Hero Arts White Embossing Powder, which I love for its finer grind than most standard white embossing powders. It has a nice, opaque white finish and embosses evenly. Due to its finer grind, it often works very well for embossing sentiments, which can sometimes "blur" if the powder grind is more coarse.

Once you've applied the embossing powder and tapped off the excess (returning it to the jar for future use), double check for any stray flecks of embossing powder--sometimes, depending on your climate, you may still have a little static or humidity in the air that causes a few particles to cling despite your careful preparation; just flick them away with a small paint brush.

Pre-heat your heat tool; you want it to reach its maximum temperature before you begin embossing the powder. Start with the heat tool about 6" from the paper surface, bringing it just close enough to begin melting the powder. You want to see that granular powder become glossy and shiny and then quickly move onto another area. It often helps to tilt the project in the light to make sure all the embossing powder has melted and no longer appears grainy anywhere.

Take care not to over-heat the powder by getting too close or lingering too long; it is possible to scorch the paper and melt the powder so much it actually burns off the paper. Heat tools can exceed temperatures of 300 degrees; take precautions to protect your fingers/hands by using tweezers to grip/hold your project if it is somewhat small.

I'm often asked if a hair dryer will work for heat embossing; the answer is, "No." LOL!  Hair dryers have too high an air flow, and do not reach high enough temperatures to melt the powder.

Once you've finished embossing, allow the project a few seconds to cool down, to avoid smearing the embossing. In some instances heat embossing can warp the paper somewhat.  To combat this, there are several things you can try:

• "Warm" up the paper gradually with your heat tool, keeping it at a little further distance and then when the paper feels sufficiently warmed, move the heat tool in close enough to melt the powder
• Immediately after embossing, heat the opposite side with the heat tool to reverse the warping
• When completely cool, place the paper under some heavy books overnight to re-flatten it
• When all else fails, be a little more generous with your adhesive (and use a strong one, like Be Creative Tape!) when mounting the paper to another layer, taking care to cover the entire surface for the smoothest/flattest adhesion

 

Doesn't this cluster of roses look fabby?! I love the clean, crisp embossed effect!

It only takes a few extra steps to achieve professional looking results when embossing and I hope these tips have been helpful! If you have any other methods or tips that have worked for you, please chime in! We'd love to hear them!

Thanks for stopping by!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

STAMPS: Hero Arts/Basic Grey Konnichiwa Cling Stamp Floral Blossoms Set, Hero Arts Cleardesign Thank you For Being My Friend Set

INK: Versamark; Adirondack Eggplant Dye Ink

PAPER: Neenah Solar White; Basic Grey Plumeria 6x6" Paper Pad

TOOLS: Ranger Heat It Tool; Embossing Magic

OTHER: Hero Arts White Embossing Powder; 3D Dots; Tombow Dot Runner

 

Twinchies + Dies for a Valentine Design by Julia Stainton

Thinking of new ideas to try out is half the fun when creating. The other day I came across some Twinchies and was brainstorming on some new ways to use them. As I love negative shapes, punching a design out of the center of them came to mind. Of course punches won't work well with such a heavy material but how about dies? Now this was an idea that I could see working!

Most dies are much larger than Twinchie size but as I went through my supplies, I found that most of the Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers dies would work perfectly. Fabulous! Even better, there were some sweet hearts and keys that I had and with Valentine's Day around the corner, I could make my guy a card with them.

Here's what I came up with...

 

 

Since it's a masculine design, I decided to go with a more black and white neutral palette for this design. The pattern and dimension keeps the design interesting.

If you're never tried the Movers and Shapers dies, they are small, magnetic and you use them with a Base Tray so that you can place them exactly where you want them. I love the flexibility and they are quite addictive to use!

To die cut the Twinchies, I placed the dies cutting edge up on the tray and then placed the Twinchies on top. You then place a Sizzix cutting pad below the tray and then one over the top to form your "sandwich". It cuts like a dream through my Sizzix Big Shot.

As you can see, these dies cut very cleanly through heavy materials. Love that! One other thing to note about cutting out these negative shapes...while I didn't include the key and hearts in my current project, they are perfect for keeping to use for another quick project at a later date.

A little inking and stamping are always fun and here's my Twinchie Die Cuts after I've altered them a little.

I have to admit I've been hoarding my Basic Grey Little Black Dress 6x6 paper pad for quite a while. What was I waiting for?! The papers are so beautiful and easy to use together. They look lovely as a base on my 5.25" square card design.

To finish off my design, a kraft ticket and a few buttons...

...and some twine, pins and roses.

 

Have fun die cutting some Twinchies and let me know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a wonderful creative weekend!

Supplies:

Solar White Cardstock by Neenah, Asorted Twinchies by Inchie Arts, Cling Friend Definition stamp by Hero Arts, ClearDesign Say It All stamp set by Hero Arts, Little Black Dress 6x6 Paper Pad by Basic Grey, Mini Hearts and Mini Lock and Key Set Movers & Shapers Dies by Sizzix, Vintage Paper Roses by Maya Road, Vintage Black Pearl Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Kraft Mini Tickets by Maya Road, twine, black buttons by Basic Grey, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink by Ranger

Clean & Simple Card: Just saying hi, by Julie Ebersole

*click on the pics for an enlarged view*

This card design seemed apropos for today! I'm so jazzed to be here and part of Ellen's Education & Inspiration Team.

I'm not sure 'bout you, but I never seem to get enough of flower stamps--love LOVE 'em, and in all types of art styles.  This MONDO one by Hero Arts is one of my many favorites--such a great contemporary look, and it looks great simply stamped or colored in.  Makes for a fantastic focal image by nature of its size.

In this instance, I decided to white emboss it, and simply trace around it with a subtle touch of blue Copic that matched the hues of the patterned paper I wanted to use. It's a great way to accentuate an image like this, without having to color it all in (it is kinda big, but in an awesome kinda way. *grin*)

I love that so many manufacturers are now producing smaller, 6x6" versions of their gorgeous patterned papers because the scale/size is so perfect for card making! The Marjolaine collection has some super-cute florals, as well as great masculine patterns in hues of dusky blues, chartreuse, and charcoal.  And, they look wonderful with kraft card stock!

Sometimes you can stamp right over the top of patterned paper, and sometimes the pattern and colors are too strong for a sentiment to really show up well.  To make sure this greeting didn't get "lost" within the pattern of the paper I chose, I white embossed it onto a strip of vellum card stock about 1/4" narrower than the patterned paper first and then adhered with some Xyron adhesive (the little "X" shaped one).  Be Creative sheet adhesive also works extremely well, in lieu of Xyron, for a completely "invisible" vellum adhesive. The vellum diffused the pattern beneath it just enough to allow the sentiment to remain easily legible.

It hit me how fun it would be to layer a clear button over one of the designs from the patterned papers for an accent, so I glued it down with some Glossy Accents, and after it was dry, I trimmed it out, and pierced through the button holes so I could add some twine (I can rarely, if ever, leave m' buttons nekked, I'm afraid) and slap it down with a Glue Dot.

To finish it off, I rounded the upper right corner and decided to add white gel pen borders.  You could easily duplicate this design in 10 minutes, and if you prepped enough supplies for mass production, you'd probably be able to create quite a few in just an hour's time!  Gotta love that! 

Thank you for stopping by the CLASSroom today!

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Hero Arts Cling Large Flower,
Hero Arts ClearDesign Just Saying Hi
Versamark Inkpad
Hero Arts Card Buttons Clear
Judikins Embossing Powder Opaque White
Basic Grey 6x6" Marjolaine Paper Pad
Memory Box Co. H Cardstock Kraft
Copic Sketch Marker B21 Baby Blue
Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool
Uniball Impact Gel Pen White
Ranger Glossy Accents

Other:  Card Stock Vellum (source unknown), Xyron Adhesive, Ivory Twine (by May Arts)

Lockhart Pumpkin Cookies Foldover Bookmark

There are times when I wonder if I'm living under a rock - LOL! With everything going on in life I don't have any time to blog hop and so I have no idea if someone else has shared a version of this project before. Using a large, shaped die to create a "foldover" is an idea that I just thought was fun and so I had to share it with you - I hope that you enjoy it even if you have heard it before.

 

I have been LOVING the label dies from Memory Box Company and it was after creating the Halloweenie card with the Chadwick Label that this idea dawned on me. Why not create "foldovers" with my larger dies?!?

 

To create a "foldover" you simply score your cardstock and fold it. Then using a piece of tissue tape attach the cardstock, with the fold line end slightly lower then where the die would normally make the cut, to the face of your die.

 

Run it through your die cut machine and voila a very nifty "foldover." These then can turn into darling bookmarks that have fabulous shapes!

 

To hold the bookmark in place use a Basic Grey magnet - these are still the best magnets on the market for something like this.

 

Shown above are the colors of Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils and Spica Glitter pen that I used to color the Pumpkin Cookies. I <3 this image and have used it as our thank you's this month.

I also used the Copic Markers to color the 1/4" white silk ribbon with purple to add a little "pop" to the project.

As a little aside - I must tell you that Indie Bloom has papers in the collection that have a fabulous halloween feel.

 

To close I had to share the first version of my project - it is so amazing to me that sometimes when I view my completed project through the camera lens I see missing elements. That is precisely the case in today's project - do you see the difference? It's the littlest of details that can make a card special. By simply adding texture to the edges of the foldover with a pierced design the project comes to life.

 

stamps: Lockhart Halloween Cookies

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lavender Spica Glitter Pen

paper: Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Mango CS, Basic Grey Indie Bloom

accessories: Tim Holtz Mini Cabinet Die, Mini Paper Clip, and Design Ruler, 1/4" White Silk Ribbon,

Paper Smooches Swanky Snowman Tag and Memory Box Puffy Clouds Die Tutorial

We are so very excited to be carrying Kim Hughes Paper Smooches stamps in our store --- being able to color and paper piece these cuties is something I adore! We are also thrilled to be hosting our very first "Warehouse Crop!" We only have three spots left, so if you live in the Seattle metropolitan area we would love to have you join us this coming Saturday between noon and 6:00 p.m. You can find complete details here.

This is one of the projects I have created for the women attending to do as a make n' take and I thought I would share it with you today because it has a couple of tips and ideas that I hope you might enjoy and learn from.

The Basic Grey Nordic papers coordinate fabulously with the Swanky Snowmen! With the holiday season just around the corner (yes, for me it is just around the corner, as it ALWAYS sneaks up on me) I felt that a tag would be something everyone could use.

To begin I stamped with Archival Jet Black Ink. I have found that it is important to use a waterproof ink when applying lots of Rock Candy Distress Stickles to keep the image from bleeding. Memento has a tendency to bleed out on me with this combination. I kept my coloring with Copics to a minimum and where it was important not to "bleed" the ink lines, I made certain to stay inside the lines of my stamped image. I then applied the Rock Candy and used my Heat It tool to quickly dry my now sparkly, snowy image.

Copic colors used: T1, 0, E17, YR04, YR07

Rock Candy can also be applied to give the clouds a "silver lining".

 

The Memory Box Puffy Clouds die comes as shown above. The scale and size of these dies is PERFECT for card making! I wanted to use it in a way that the format they come in would not allow and so I decided to test my idea to create individual clouds.

Using my wire cutters I carefully snipped my pieces apart as shown above.

To remove the sharp, pointy tips I then used a file in my Precision kit to file these down until I had a nice, smooth finish. If I had been working at home I would have probably used my Dremel, but using this file made it super easy to control exactly how much of the metal I removed. Take your time and be patient as you file. I am now free to use these clouds in any position!!! 

Now to share some of the many options I have available with these new free form clouds - a girl's gotta love options :-D

THE MANY WAYS TO USE A MEMORY BOX DIE

CUT-OUTS

 

The first way you can use these dies is to create cut-outs in precise locations. Simply use a piece of tissue tape to hold the die in place and run through your machine. I use the following sandwich:

• Solo Platform
• Solo Shim (this comes with the Platform, but because it can be damaged after loads of use it can be purchased separately)
• Solo Thin Die Adapter
• Extra shim if necessary - this can be as thin as a piece of copy paper to as thick as a piece of Craft-a-Board. Some machines and dies have a "sweet spot". If you cut out your die image and it is not quite cut all the way through simply add a shim to your sandwich.
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad
• Cardstock
• Memory Box Die - Position with "blade" side facing down towards cardstock. I like to hold my die in position using tissue tape - this helps keep the alignment perfect. Yes, it's the perfectionist syndrome - LOL!
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad

 

Pictured above is the tag with cut-outs. Of course you can use the clouds on a project as well!

EMBOSSED LINES

Some of the Memory Box dies can create beautiful, "puffy" embossed images or outlines as well. For this type of look we recommend the following sandwich:

• Solo Platform
• Solo Shim (this comes with the Platform, but because it can be damaged after loads of use it can be purchased separately)
• Texturz Impressions Pad  
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad 
• Cardstock
• Memory Box Die - Position with "blade" side facing down towards cardstock. I like to hold my die in position using tissue tape - this helps keep the alignment perfect. Yes, it's the perfectionist syndrome - LOL!
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad

You can use the front side for this "puffy" look...

 
or the back side for a more defined look!

INNIES AND OUTIES

OK - I can't help myself, this is what came to mind when I was trying to think up a name for this and I started to laugh and knew I would remember this one.

 

This technique embosses the entire back surface of the die, similar to embossing something such as a coin. It lends such a fun look to some images. If you use this technique with a die that has a coordinating image you can easily stamp your image into the embossed shape!

For this type of look we recommend the following sandwich:

• Solo Platform
• Solo Shim (this comes with the Platform, but because it can be damaged after loads of use it can be purchased separately)
• Texturz Impressions Pad  
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad 
• Cardstock
• Memory Box Die - Position with "blade" side facing upwards away from cardstock. I like to hold my die in position using tissue tape - this helps keep the alignment perfect. Yes, it's the perfectionist syndrome - LOL!
• Acrylic Plate or Cutting Pad

 

One side of your surface has your "innies"...

and the other your "outties."

Combine all three looks for something really unique!

For today's project I used a combination of "innies" and a cloud cut-out of designer paper. So much fun!!! After embossing use an ink blending tool and in a swirling motion add Pool ink to the tag edges.

Just a couple more little tips or tricks and our tag is complete. Use the tiny attacher to staple a piece of Baker's Twine to your project and then tie the twine into a cute little bow.

Use the Tiny Attacher staples to create snowflakes in your sky!

When using the black Enamel Accents I like to make my first "dot" on a piece of scrap paper. This ensures that all the air is out of the tip and I don't end up with a dot of enormous magnitude or a "splotch" when it pops. The key to making pretty dots is to hold the applicator in an upright position and then slowly lift straight up allowing the little "string" to release back into the center of the dot. Black Enamel Accents make fabulous "coal" eyes and mouth!

Last I adhered some Bakers Twine to the back side of the scarf and poked a hole, inserting twine through the pom pom area. It's all the little details that just make me giddy - LOL!

Now be certain to return here on Saturday as I have another surprise for you - we can't have all the fun n the Warehouse, without providing you a little fun here in the CLASSroom now can we?!?
 

stamps: Paper Smooches Swanky Snowdudes

ink: Archival Jet Black, Hero Arts Pool Shadow Ink, Tumbled Glass Distress Stain

paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Basic Grey Nordic 6x6 Paper Pad

accessories: Tim Holtz Tag & Bookplates Die, Tiny Attacher, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Black Enamel Accents, Memory Box Puffy Clouds, Bakers Twine, 1/2" Essentials by Ellen Crinkle Ribbon

Custom Lace by Julia Stainton

Creating with the focus on embellishments is one of my very favorite ways to papercraft. I love the texture and arranging them on the project and especially, finding creative ways to use them.

Today's project uses the beautiful Basic Grey Out of Print Lace Stickers which are stunning on their own. I decided to have a little fun playing with them and adding color to one of the stickers for a very unique look.

To start off with, I simply cut the sticker with the backing away from the rest of the package. The backing makes a great work surface and allows me to play around with the design arrangement before commiting to my final design.

To add in color, I turned to some of my favorite Copic Marker hues. Coloring lace is so easy. While leaving it on the backing, simply dab on color in the areas you wish to highlight. Using the brush end slowly build up the color by allowing the ink to soak into the lace until you get a look you are happy with.

 

Here's a detailed look at the lace and the card.

I love using tickets to anchor a design and this fun ticket is cut from a 12x12 patterned paper from Memory Box.

Supplies:

Solar White cardstock by Neenah, Out of Print Lace Stickers by Basic Grey, R83 Rose Mist, R85 Rose Red, BV01 Viola, BG11 Moon White and YR09 Chrome Orange Copic Markers, Fancy Floss Baker's Twine by We R Memory Keepers, Cling Daisy Label Stamp Set and Woodgrain Pattern Background Stamp by Hero Arts, Jet Black Archival Ink and Milled Lavender Distress Ink by Ranger, Valise Ticket's Please Cardstock by Memory Box, Green Leaf  Trinket Pin by Maya Road, Tiny Attacher by Advantus, Hello Luscious Stitched Brad by Basic Grey

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!

Zentangled Lockhart Telephone

It has been so much fun hearing how much you are enjoying this month's thank you note!

 

It all began with the thought that I wanted to turn the Lockhart phone into a "mod" image. Yes, I remember the 70's all too vividly and am still somewhat enamored with the psychedelic colors and image of that era.

 
This darling telephone is one of those old rotary dials and so perfect for this technique. When looking for an image select something that has "open space." 

 

I then used the Basic Grey Lauderdale as my inspiration. Note the arrows with numbers on them. As you can see #1, the leaf, was completely inspired by the leaf in the patterned paper. #2, the line with the circle on the end of it within the bloom came from the little yellow flower center. #3, the swirls in the handle were inspired by the stamens in flower #3.

To fill my images I use a combination of my Copic Multiliners. For the smallest of areas I find myself reaching for my .03 sized pen and then working my way up when I add borders and definition.

Taking inspiration from patterned paper or Zentangle books makes "filling in" images easier. I can tell you that I doodled several images before finalizing my plan. Simply stamp your image multiple times and begin to draw. It doesn't have to be perfect and you can do each one a little differently. Once you arrive at your final look you can then redo it with that design in mind.

 
I also wanted to share with you today how fabulous the new Memory Box Corner Notch dies are. These are designed to perfectly fit a gift card, such as a Starbucks card, BUT it also fits perfectly with the Perfect Gift Card Die. Just think of the custom gift cards you can now so easily create for the holiday season ahead! What a fun little booklet it would be if you created your own stamped "coupons!"

To complete the look I simply rounded the corners with the Chomper, added a strip of glitter and topped it off with a little bling.

I would like to encourage each of you to find a stamp that has an open area and then start adding some "pattern" to it!

 
stamps: Lockhart Telephone

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Multiliners - .03, .05, .3

paper: Memory Box Mango Notecard, Basic Grey Lauderdale 6x6 Paper Pad, Neenah Solar White Classic Crest

accessories: Memory Box Perfect Gift Card and Scalloped Corner Notches Dies, Corner Chomper, Be Creative (Sookwang) 1/2" Tape, Grasshopper Glitter Ritz, Canary Yellow MB Jewels

Tween Birthday... You Rock Birthday Pillow Box Ensemble

The more I try to catch up the more behind I seem to get - LOL! Friday was a very important day at our house, it was my daughter's 11th birthday. Returning from CHA late on Tuesday night it has been sheer madness trying to get things done here at work and prepare for her birthday at home. It is so important to me to create something for my girl's birthdays and so Friday was full-speed ahead here at work.

Music is something Trina loves and I knew I had to use this Hero Arts image to create her card. The little message bubble represents "Happy Birthday" being sung through the head phones :-D Isn't it CUTE!

The papers are from the new Basic Grey Lauderdale collection. It should be shipping to us soon, so watch Facebook and our new section for updates on the new products as they arrive. When I placed my order at CHA I was given a small packet of papers to work with and I just couldn't resist using them for this project. Blue is Trina's favorite color and to create this little gift ensemble was so very fun.

For something a little different I left a small space between the two patterned papers and added a row of bling. All girls love bling - right!?!

The Inkadinkado Inchie Greetings set is THE perfect size for these little captions :-D

 

To create the blonde hair that closely resembles my daughter's hair color I used Copic Y21 and Y28. Simply feather the marker strokes when coloring hair to get a more realistic look. Trina is quite fair-skinned and so I used E0000, E000, E11 and R11 for her skin tones.

Spica glitter pen was added to the stars on her vest for additional sparkle.

 

I love to find little things for the girls birthdays and I now have THE perfect solution for packaging these - Sizzix/Ellison pillow boxes!

  

They come in three sizes. The smallest can be created from your 6x6 paper pads! 

It is perfect for hair clips, bands, paper clips, candies and gum.

The next size up holds a little more and sits upright. For this box you need a strip of decorative paper/cardstock that is 6" x 12".

The largest pillow box is created from a 12"x12" sheet of decorative paper/cardstock. I found these socks in the dollar bin at Target - my girls love cute socks. Three pair of socks fit nicely in this box.

 

As you can see I was able to create a fun assortment of pillow boxes of varying sizes from the Lauderdale collection of papers. Another thing that I LOVE about Basic Grey is that many of the embellishments from previous collections coordinate beautifully with the new collections that come out. The pretty pink posies are from the old Green at Heart collection and they coordinate perfectly. So look into your old stash of buttons, brads, flowers and see what you might have that may work with the new collections. Using a yellow ribbon to tie them up created the perfect bright birthday ensemble!

It's always SO much more fun to open little gifts when they are presented in fun packages!!! For your next celebration think about creating some little gift boxes - they are so much fun AND can be reused :-D
 
stamps: Hero Arts You Rock, Inkadinkadoo Greetings Inchie Clear Stamps

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Dye Ink Pads - Watermelon, Citrus and Den; Copic Markers - Hair (Y21, Y28) and Skin (E0000, E000, E11, R11), Sky Blue Spica Glitter Pen

paper: Basic Grey Lauderdale (coming soon), Hero Arts Azure Cardstock

accessories: Sizzix Pillow Boxes - Small, Medium, Large; EK Sucess Photo Caption Punch and Lattice Chain Edger, Memory Box Sparkling Diamond Jewels, Green at Heart Cozy Posies, Corner Chomper

Hero Arts Silhouette Images and Basic Grey Unite, by Amy Tsuruta

We are SO very honored to have Amy as a guest here in the CLASSroom today. Amy is one of our very sweet and talented customers who comes to our office/warehouse to pick up her orders. It has been so fun getting to know her better in the last few months. She is one very talented and sweet lady! You can see more of Amy's work on her fabulous blog --- Tsuruta Designs.  Amy uses all the wonderful embellishments that Basic Grey creates to make her projects just sing. THANK YOU Amy for joining us here and sharing your passion with others. Please share your appreciation with Amy in the comments section below - I love the silhouette cards you have created!

 Hiya!  It's Amy of Tsuruta Designs guest blogging at the CLASSroom!!    I could not have been more thrilled when Ellen asked me to step in for the day!  

I pondered what I wanted to show you and thought that I'd highlight some of the new Hero Arts Silhouette images...

My first card teams up the It's a Parade with Basic Grey Curio:

 

I used Versamark for the image and embossed it in black.  I love the opaque finish with heat embossing, it really shows off the image.  I finished off the card with black seam binding ribbon from my stash.  The card base is 6x6.

Hero Arts It's a Parade

 

Basic Grey Curio

Basic Grey Element Stickers

Next up is the new Hero Arts Musical Walk with Basic Grey's Hopscotch line:

I wanted to show a fun card version using this particular image.  The card base is Memory Box Vanilla Bean and the gorgeous blue panel is Memory Box Bayou.  All the patterned paper is from Basic Grey's Hopscotch. The very sweet Musical Walk has been Versamarked and embossed in a chocolate brown.  I think that the brown gives the image a more playful look rather than using black.  I inked up the Musical Walk panel and the heart shaped chippie with Memento Rich Cocoa ink. 

 Hero Arts Musical Walk

Basic Grey Hopscotch

Basic Grey Hopscotch Elements

Basic Grey Hopscotch Sticker Shapes

 

Silhouettes are definitely a hot trend in the paper crafting industry right now...I love their statement of femininity and charm...how about you?

Thanks so much for stoppin’ by and a ginormous shout out to Ellen and all the staff and designers at Ellen Hutson LLC. I appreciate all your hard work and the inspiration you give me!