the CLASSroom

Hello, Monday 05.20.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Today I'm stamping with Ranger Ink's Distress PAINT (not the Crackle type, the water-based acrylic) on kraft card stock. I'm impressed over the opacity of the colors on this type of card stock--the colors remain vivid and bold. Yeah, yeah... I'm into bold lately.  Some day mebbe I'll get into a "delicate" mood. But, today is not that day.  BAH HAHAHAHAAAA!!!

So, by now y'all know me... It's rare I dabble in anything remotely messy (dreaded inky fingers syndrome). But this is a CLEAN techique--er, ahem--RELATIVELY clean technique. It's just basic stamping, we're not gettin' crazy or anything...

I do have a few tips to share:

• Shake the bottle prior to use, to make sure it's well mixed. With the cap on, of course! You'll hear the little ball bearings clickety clack around in there; that's a good thing, as Martha would say
• If this is a first-time use, depress the dauber tip to some scrap paper and you'll here a little "snap" or clicking noise. I'm not exactly sure why it does that, but it seems to get the flow of the paint going
• Apply paint directly to the stamp by daubing and tapping; avoid squeezing the bottle so that you dont' get an unexpected gush of paint (been there, done that...)
• Try not to dawdle; that doesn't mean you have to move like greased lightning, BUT this paint as a short "open" time and can begin to dry on your stamp
• Keep a water-filled mister bottle handy to spritz your stamp immediately after stamping; it helps keep the paint active and while you set your project aside to dry, you can spend a minute getting your stamp cleaned right away so the paint doesn't gunk up permanently in the crevices. 

Sidebar: Gunked up crevices are something I personally cannot abide, so I'd rather spend a few seconds cleaning it up right then instead of crying/whining over what a buggah it is to clean later on... I'm just sayin'...

• This paint will run/bleed while wet and/or if you add water to it, but once dry, it's permanently dry and cannot be reactivated. This can be good or bad, depending on what you're trying to do, but in any event, something to keep in mind while you're working
• While this paint will dry permanently, including non-porous surfaces (yes, it can be scratched off, but for all intents and purposes, you can pretty much consider it a "permanent" type paint), you can easily clean the paint off your skin/hands with baby wipes! This does not apply to your FINGERNAILS, however... If you have a beautiful manicure you don't want to get ruined, you may want to don some protective gloves

All in all, the Distress Paint is quite fun to work with, and I'm amazed at how the surface of the paper does not change at all! With most paints, you can feel the texture of the paint on the surface of the paper but these are almost completely imperceptible when you rub your fintertips across the top! Waaaaay cool!

Enjoy the video here or hop-skip over to YouTube and check it out there! Thanks for subscribing! 

 

Happy Mundane and thanks for watchin'!

 

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Impression Obsession Cling Stamp, Worn Rose Branch	Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Love Always Wins by Ali Edwards	Distress Paint, Barn Door	Distress Paint, Broken China
Inkssentials Mister, 2 oz.	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	String by the Spool, Natural Burlap	Teflon Bone Folder
Ultra Clean, 2 oz.	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Tweezer Bee	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"
Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 05.13.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Go bold, or go home, right?! *chortle*

This card was inspired by a dress I pinned on Pinterest: 

 

Source: news.stylecaster.com via Julie on Pinterest

I'd actually wear something like this.

 

 

Oh, for the love o' Pete, don't mess yer dress!!! I will spare you the horror of my blinding white bird legs! Sheesh!!!

Some tips for color-blocking, if you plan to heat emboss over the top of your paper:

• Really secure those panels of paper down to the typing paper; heat can cause some adhesives to loosen up and then the edges of your colored strips might curl up during the heating process
• For larger pieces, or to avoid smearing the embossing powder when trying to hang onto the panel during embossing, try placing it into a shoebox lid or shallow card board box
• Don't get so close or linger so long in any one spot that you scorch the paper; the embossing gun exceeds temps of 300 degrees
• Tilt the panel to SEE that you have indeed embossed all areas of the powder; all too often folks think they've embossed something completely, only to swipe their finger across it and all the embossing powder falls off! The surfaces should be raised and shiny/glossy, with no sandy or gritty looking areas. Use the embossing gun to spot heat any areas that didn't completely melt

 

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube! Thanks for subscribing to our channel!

Hope your Mundane is happy-happy-happy!

Finished dimensions of card:  4 x 5 1/2" (this card is top-folding)

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Impression Obsession Cling Background Stamp, Circle Fusion 2	Savvy Stamps, Happy Birthday	Ranger Embossing Powder, Clear	VersaMark Inkpad
Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	COPIC Sketch Marker 100, Black	EEE5 Cardstock, Lagoon	BBB Cardstock, Red Pepper
D5 Cardstock, Sunflower	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Studio Calico Snippets Wood Veneer, Chevrons
Shape 'N Tape, Black	Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag	Embossing Gun	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)
Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Accents, Glossy	Tweezers, Stainless
EKSuccess Adhesive Remover Tool	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"

InLinkz.com

 

 

Transparency Tricks by Julia Stainton

Transparencies or overlays have been a long-time favorite crafting product of mine. The shine, the patterns, and the way they add an extra layer of dimension without hiding what's underneath all play into making them intriguing to design with.

I love the new Cards Overlay sheet by Alison Kreft for Webster's Pages. It's a 12x12 transparency sheet that can be used on a layout as is, or cut up to make ATC sized accent transparencies. I chose to do the latter and have designed three cards so show different and easy ways to adhere transparencies. Some crafters find them intimidating to use as they are not sure how to adhere them, but it's really so simple.

Obviously, you can't use regular adhesive when adhering clear items as the adhesive can be seen right through them. This first card layers a chevron printed transparency over layers of patterned paper. It gives a fun look because you can see the different prints through the transparency.

For this card I used my favorite, and the easiest way I know to attach the transparency to the card. A couple staples at opposite corners is fast and holds it on perfectly.

For the second card I wanted to try something a little different. The beautiful birds inspired a more simple and dreamy look.

An experiment seemed to be in order so I went searching through my crafting stash.

Two colors of Distress Stickles were squirted onto the reverse side of the transparency...

...and then smeared together with my finger to cover the entire reverse side of the transparency. Make sure you get right to the edges and then flip over and adhere to a card front. Lay it flat to dry so that the transparency doesn't slide.

 Once dry, your transparency will be adhered and you'll be left with a beautiful glittered background.

Another quick way to adhere a transparency is with washi tape or fabric tape. I've used Maya Road Fabric Tape here to add this fun journaling style transparency. To keep it extra secure you can add a little adhesive on the reverse side of the overlay where you plan to add the fabric tape as it will cover it.

Here's the detailed view. Transparencies are very easy to adhere embellishments over the top of. I like to use a hot glue gun for the heavier embellishments but stickers work fun on their own.

Finally, I'm sure I've shared this trick before but it's worth repeating. One sheet of Fabric Thickers can be changed into any color you want with Copic Markers. It's as simple as coloring them in.

Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom!

Supplies:

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Hello, Monday 05.06.2013

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

In last week's webisode, I mentioned saving the liner paper from the adhesive tape. Today, I will show you an idea for using it! ;)

Burnished velvet (with micro-fine glitter) is one of those techniques that never fails to WOW--I have to admit, I can never resist running my finger over it because that smooth, glittery, velvety surface always amazes me... SO *plush*!!!

This particular method/variation of the technique involves "glitter masking" and is kind of like building a layered puzzle, for lack of a better description. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• The liner paper is very slick so to prevent dies from slipping and sliding during the die cutting process, try using Washi tape to secure the die and liner paper together to the cutting pad of your die cutting machine. Ask me how I know...
• As you layer your masks, remember that whatever image (or images) you choose to be in the foreground should be masked first (It will ultimately be the last image you apply glitter to)
• Apply masks for anything appearing in the background in subsequent layers
• Be careful not to touch exposed adhesive surface with your fingertips as the natural oils from your skin can neutralize the adhesive
• Use scraps of liner paper over the top to help burnish down the masks, especially along the edges (see previous tip; you'll see me do this on the video)
• Once you start applying the glitter, you will be working from/starting with the background to the foreground, removing the masks and applying each color one at a time
• Work on clean scratch paper as you add each new color to avoid cross-contamination of glitters. Ask me how I know that, too... LOL!
• As you start to apply glitter and burnish with your fingers, take care not to inadvertently snag the edges of your masks; if they lift up, you may end up a color of glitter in an area that you did not want
• Before adding the next color of glitter, squeegee off excess on the surface as much as you can with your fingers, then use a soft brush to continue sweeping it away. This will help avoid cross contamination and give a crisply, cleanly glittered result
• Save your masks! They can be used many times over; just make sure they are free of glitter for future use. I store mine in a zip loc baggie, in the same drawer with my glitters
• Embellishments can be mounted to the finished glittery surface with Glossy Accents or Glue Dots

I think this would make a beautiful card for so many different occasions--not only Mother's Day, thinking of you, get well, friendship, but also even for sympathy situations.

One thing I wanted to mention is that I used the vertical Memory Box Butterflies Delights Die on a scrap of White Linen card stock that happened to be handy, but the horizontal Dancing Butterflies one also has tiny butterflies that would work just the same.

You can enjoy this week's video right here or hop on over to YouTube--we love sharing creative ideas and encourage you to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a thing! Thanks for watching!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Savvy Stamps Dies, Wishing Flower	Savvy Stamps Dies, Grass	Memory Box Dies, Dancing Butterflies	Memory Box Dies, Butterfly Delights
Glitter Ritz Microfine, Ocean Spray	Glitter Ritz Microfine, Grasshopper	Glitter Ritz Microfine, Poppy Orange	Glitter Ritz Microfine, Moss Green
Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 65mm (2 1/2")	Be Creative (Sookwang) Sheets, 5 pk (8x11)	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: Woodgrain Embossed #110 Cardstock, 10 Pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	A5 Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder	Tweezers, Stainless
Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors	Accents, Glossy

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 04.29.2013

 (click on the pic to enbiggan)

I have been stamping and coloring on glitter with Copics for a while but haven't always been completely satisfied with the end results. Until now. Different ink and Copic combinations can work, but if you're not *uber* careful you can up with mud. Ack.

Coloring stamped images with Copics requires using the right balance of ink and paper in order to achieve optimal results.  Memento Ink by Tsukineko + Copics is a pretty widely known combo that yields great results. On paper.  But, coloring a stamped image on glitter can be a little tricker. Because you need to use an ink that will actually DRY on glitter AND not bleed out when alcohol ink is applied. Ruh roh...!

You may not be aware that Copics also work beautifully on paper with most* PIGMENT inks. The catch is that they must be fully dry so as not to smear.

Enter: Brilliance by Tsukineko

(this is where the heavens part and you hear angel voices singing)

Brilliance has *looooong* been one of my all-time favorite inks. It is a faster-drying PIGMENT ink. One of its advantages over many other pigment inks, however, is that it can dry on non-porous surface, such as Polyshrink (another topic for another day). *wink*

Brilliance will dry on glitter.  It will need to be heat set, to ensure it is thoroughly dry, but it will dry on glitter. And you can color the image with Copics. You can even be a little careless and color right over the top of this ink. And there will be no bleeding. There will be no mud. 

I know, right?! 

Here are some tips for stamping and coloring on Micro-fine glitter:

• You'll achieve optimal results when stamping onto glitter if you use a micro-fine type; even ultra-fine is not fine enough
• Burnish the micro-fine glitter into the tape with your finger tips until there are no sticky areas left; "squeegee" off the excess with your fingers to reveal a velvety smooth surface
• Stamp with a pigment ink such as Brilliance; as a pigment ink, it works extremely well when coloring with Copics and it is one of the few pigment inks that will actually dry on glossy/slick surfaces without needing to be sealed with embossing powder
• Heat set the ink by keeping your heat gun a safe distance away, i.e. 7-8", to avoid melting the glitter; test dryness with scrap paper as shown in the video
• Lightly tap the tip of the Copic marker when coloring, allowing the ink to flow out; brushing/stroking the nib against the glitter can not only cause the tip to fray, but it can also cause the adhesive beneath the glitter to deteriorate and etch off, resulting in a lack-luster finish

You can view the video here, or hop over to YouTube and thanks muchly for subscribing to our channel!

 

*I say "most" because some inks that are touted as pigment inks are not actually true pigment inks, but more a hybrid of chalk + pigment ink that may indeed smear when alcohol ink is applied...

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Savvy Stamps, Outline Posey	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 65mm (2 1/2")	Be Creative (Sookwang) Sheets, 5 pk (8x11)	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Elizabeth Craft Designs Silk Microfine Glitter, Warm Diamond 1oz
Brilliance Pad, Graphite Black	COPIC Sketch Marker R24, Prawn	COPIC Sketch Marker R20, Blush	COPIC Sketch Marker, 0 Colorless Blender
Shape 'N Tape, Black	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Satin Black	Gemstones, Black Crystals	Teflon Bone Folder
Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors	Embossing Gun	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Accents, Glossy
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Glue Glider Pro	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 04.22.2013

Every year, for as long as I can remember, I've noticed that as soon as Spring and Summer start comin' on, my eyeballs start to zero in on all things nautical. I'm pretty sure a lot of that has to do with being the daughter of a USCG Chief, and living the majority of my life very near the sea. I also start singin' Brandy... But, I digress...

At any rate, that is what inspired me to try mitering the corners of some striped Washi tape to create an "off-center chevron"(which, incidentally, then led to the whole design being nautical themed)--at least, this is what I called it because nowhere can I find an actual name for a large single chevron image that is off-center. There probably is one. Somewhere. 

I'd be lyin' if I said there wasn't a lot of monkey-clappin' and deep chortling goin' on when I finished. *snarf* And, it has sparked some other ideas I'm soooo anxious to try!!! LOLLY, I do love when one idea spins off into yet another direction!!!

NOTE: I'm sure there are a number of ways to create mitered corners; this method just worked great for me! 

Enjoy this week's webisode here or right on YouTube, and thanks so much for subscribing to our channel!

 Thanks for poppin' in on this fine Mundane! 

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Green & Navy	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Yellow & Grey	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Sea Charms	Handmade, ABC Stickers
Essentials by Ellen: Craft-a-Board 6x12, 12p	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
COPIC Sketch Marker R35, Coral	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Peacock Blue	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Boy Crazy	Doodle Twine Assortment, Boy
Accents, Glossy	C-Thru Junior T-Square, 12	Ruler, Tim Holtz Design	Glue Dots Sheets, Mini
Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool	Craft Knife, Fingertip Retractable
Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors	Craft Knife, Fingertip	Retractable Craft Knife	Comfort Craft Craft Knife by Ingvild Bolme
Tweezers, Stainless	Elizabeth Craft Designs Tweezers	QuickStik	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday--on a Tuesday... ;) 04.16.2013

Mother's Day is a comin'... my own mama is at a stage in life where she is trying to simplify life, declutter--heck, I'm at the stage myself!!! So just what do you give that awesome lady? Well, why not give her the evening off from worrying about what's for dinner and treat her to a meal at her favorite restaurant?

When it comes to gift cards, I am always on the hunt for a different way to present them and when I spied these adorable mini bags by Webster's Pages, I simply HAD to have them! They are perfect, not only for gift cards, but you could tuck a pair of tickets to a show, cash, or even a sweet note inside!

These fabby mini bags come in a package of assorted designs or you can get them in bulk, 25 of the same design in a pack--awesome for party favors and whatnot!

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube and thanks for subscribing to our channel!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Webster's Pages Composition & Color Collection by Allison Kreft, Mini Bags	Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	October Afternoon, Farm Girl Label Stickers
Pink Paislee Portfolio Collection, Puffy Glitter Alphabet Stickers	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Turquoise	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Lemon Single Cord	Making Memories, Paper & Ribbon Slot Punching Tool
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Silver	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Sky
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Melon	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil	Tweezers, Stainless	QuickStik
Accents, Glossy	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)

InLinkz.com

Flowers with Gelatos and Big Brush Pens by Darlene DeVries

It is a privilege to share a very special project and video with you today! As someone who loves to color I have admired Darlene DeVries' gorgeous coloring over the last several months and am thrilled to share her video with you today as she showcases the technique she uses when coloring with the fabulous Faber Castell Design Match products. This project showcases the use of Gelatos together with Big Brush Pens!

You can see more of Darlene's beautiful work on her blog Darlene Design. Each blogpost not only shows beautiful projects but she shares a coordinating videos showing how she each project! We would love to have your help thanking Darlene for sharing her project here in the CLASSroom. Please head over to her blog, Darlene Design, and leave a thank you in the comments section of her post there. You know you are in the right spot if you see the following picture!

Thank you Darlene for sharing your creativity with us here in the CLASSroom! -Ellen

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Hi All!  I’m so excited to be invited into the CLASSroom today!! 

I tend to do a lot of coloring with stamps… Copic markers, colored pencils, inks, water-based markers, etc.  Today I thought I would try something a little bit different - coloring with Faber Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos and Stampers Big Brush Pens.  I love how these products work together to create a beautiful blended look.  And the white pen that was released in the fall is fantastic!

As far as stamps go, I am using one of my favorites by Hero Arts, Everything Flower.  I love this stamp because you can use subtle colors to make it a background, or you can color the flowers to create a foreground out of the background, which is what I have done with this card. 

Sometimes I have trouble figuring out where to put a sentiment on my card.  In those instances, I turn to vellum.  You can pop it right on top and not cover up any of the important elements.  I heat embossed a Paper Smooches sentiment in black onto vellum and just ran it across the center.

Enjoy the video here or you can also watch it over on YouTube. (Many thanks for subscribing to our channel!)

Thanks for spending time with me today.  Thank you Ellen for the opportunity to visit.

-Darlene

Cling Everything Flowers	Everything Flower	Sentiment Sampler	Pitt Big Brush Pen, Subtles, Set of 3
Pitt Big Brush Pen, Green, Set of 3	Pitt Big Brush Pen, Blue, Set of 3	Pitt Big Brush Pen, White	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A5 Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Bazzill 40lb. Vellum, 25pk	VersaMark Inkpad	Ranger - Super Fine 1oz. Embossing Powder, Black
Mixed Accent, Neutrals	Glue Dots, Mini (3/16")

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 04.08.2013

True story:  I don't own a bike. Haven't ridden one in years!!! But, I'm a sucker for cute bicycles! Go figure! LOL!

Fell in love with this mini bike die set by Savvy Stamps the instant I laid eyes on it and am having crazy fun with it! 

Had a lightbulb moment a short while ago that I share in the video... Funny how something so simple and obvious eludes us and then, of a sudden: BAM!!! And, we're smackin' ourselves on the forehead... criminitly!!!

Enjoy the video here or you can also watch it over on YouTube. And, many thanks for subscribing to our channel!

Have a great Mundane and so glad you could pop in today for some crafty time!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Savvy Stamps, Hello (Bubble)	DesignBlock Envelope Pattern	Shadow Ink, Soft Granite	Brilliance Pad, Graphite Black
COPIC Sketch Marker R21, Sardonyx	COPIC Sketch Marker YR21, Cream	COPIC Sketch Marker 110, Special Black	COPIC Sketch Marker, 0 Colorless Blender
COPIC Multiliner SP - 0.03, Black	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Savvy Stamps Dies, Mini Bike Set	Shape 'N Tape, Black	Gemstones, Black Crystals	Craft Knife, Fingertip
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	Tweezers, Stainless
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 04.01.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Some simple but beautiful tags on Pinterest caught my eye and I wanted to recreate the look... When we think of shipping tags, we tend to think of them in white, or cream and sometimes kraft... But the tags I had seen were in bold bright colors, and had boldly colored imagery on them. So striking!

I wanted to re-create that look to make some tags I could use to dress up ordinary white cards. As I mention in the video, ink can take on a whole different look when stamped onto COLORED papers--what you see on white or cream may end up very different! So, pull out your scraps and experiment before you begin on your project, just to be sure you like the results you're getting.

ETA: Not quite sure whether or not Neon is for you? Hero Arts' new cubes are a great way to dabble before taking the plunge with full-size pads! The cubes also come in other assortments of pretty color palettes!

The layouts I did were very spontaneous (!)--I just cut and layered snippets of pretty patterns from a variety of paper pads (6x6, 8x8) in combinations that seemed to compliment the stamped tags nicely... A little bit of twine, a little bit of bling and before I knew it, I had an assortment of cards that, hopefully, would brighten anyone's day!

You can enjoy the video here, or in HD over on YouTube--thanks for subscribing to our channel and I sure hope the ideas inspire!

Thanks for joining me this Mundane! ;) 

 

 SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Wise Bird	Claudine Hellmuth Clear Stamps, Spring Garden	Savvy Stamps, Puddles	Three Artistic Butterflies
Savvy Stamps, Blossom Flower, Lg	Savvy Stamps, Thank You	Savvy Stamps, Outline Tile Pattern	Savvy Stamps, Thank You Flag
Huckleberry Branch	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Pink	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Orange	Chalk Ink, Cerulean
Shadow Ink: Mid-Tone, Pale Tomato	Chalk Ink, Grass	Glue Glider Pro	B2 Cardstock, Bubblegum
EEE3 Cardstock, Pool	EE4 Cardstock, Meadow	D5 Cardstock, Sunflower	Hero Arts, Layering Paper, Mandarin
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Signature 6x6 Paper Pad	Studio Calico Sundrifter 6x6 Paper Pad
Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm 6x6 Paper Pad	Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool, Angle & Photo Corner	Crop-A-Dile Eyelet & Snap Punch	EK Paper Shapers Punch, 1/2 Circle
Gemstones, Black Crystals	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Glossy Black	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Boy Crazy	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Cute from Collectable-Notable by Jen Allyson
Bamboo Cord Spool, Black	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Lime Single Cord	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black	Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, .88 oz
3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Tweezer Bee
Tweezers, Stainless	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 03.25.2013

Embossing sure is making a big come back lately, and I thought I'd have fun playing with some colored embossing powders by Ranger!  They look pretty spiffy on black card stock, don't you think?! I love the look! So bold and bright!

Had to add a little butterfly punched from vellum card stock--the card stock weight is perfect for propping the wings up for added dimension!

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube! You can also subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of our webisodes! ;)

Thanks for joining me today!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Savvy Stamps, Poppy with Leaf (on side)	Savvy Stamps, Ornate Leaf	Savvy Stamps, Hello Tall	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black
VersaMark Inkpad	Bazzill 40lb. Vellum, 25pk	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
A5 Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Adirondack Embossing Powder, Lettuce	Adirondack Embossing Powder, Red Pepper	White Embossing Powder
Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag	Embossing Gun	EKSuccess Adhesive Remover Tool	Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, White
Tsukineko Brushstix 3pk, Chisel, Brush, Dome Tip #2	Accents, Glossy	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black
Gemstones, Black Crystals	Medium Punch, Butterfly	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 03.18.2013

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

The camera trend is, well, trending! BAH HA HAAAA!!! And, I totally LOVE it! I have been collecting lots of camera embellishments to go with my stamps and dies. But, I am such a naughty little hoarder... *sigh*... I decided this week, that I was going to USE them and three card designs popped into my head, begging to be made real...

So, I hope you like cameras, too... 'Cuz when the little voices give me three ideas in one fell swoop, I have no choice but to ride the wave... I didn't even ride it to the end, but I got a good start. Heh, heh, heh! 

I also share a little tip for working with the Prima Marketing Metal Paper Clips in the video--if you watch and listen, you'll see what I mean. And, since I discovered that little trick, I'm stoked.  And, I want more of those Prima shaped clips!!! I'm kicking myself I didn't get the darn birds at the same time I got the cameras--cuz y'all know how I love me some birds, too!!! *chortle*

Hope you enjoy the video! You can watch it here or on YouTube and please subscribe to our channel!  We love sharing creative ideas with you!

Thanks for hangin' with me this Mundane morning and hope you have a gooder!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Clear Stamp Sheet, Say Cheese	Studio Calico ClearDesign, Oh Snap from Hero Arts	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Accent It - Cute Cameras	VersaFine, Onyx Black
Memento Ink Pad, Espresso Truffle	Prima Hello Pastel Collection, Metal Paper Clips	Studio Calico, Abroad Wood Veneer, Cameras	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Orange Flame
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Vanilla	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Boy Crazy	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Cute from Collectable-Notable by Jen Allyson
Dylusions Ink Spray, White Linen	Accents, Glossy	Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Green & Navy
Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm 6x6 Paper Pad	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Circles	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Squares	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors
Paper Shapers Circle Punch 1/2""	EK Paper Shapers Punch, 1/2 Circle	Tweezer Bee	Tweezers, Stainless
Craft Knife, Fingertip	Ruler, Tim Holtz Design	Glue Glider Pro Tool with Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'
3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Essentials by Ellen: Craft-a-Board 6x12, 12p	Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black
Doodle Twine Spool, Beetle Black	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder

InLinkz.com

Wishing You Sunshine by JJ Bolton

We would like to give a HUGE welcome to JJ Bolton as she shares her guest post with us today. I have long admired the beautiful cards and projects she creates. Her work as a designer for Mama Elephant and Avery Elle showcases her clean and simple style in a wonderful way. You can find more of her work on her blog Ribbon Girls.

We would appreciate if you would help us thank JJ for sharing her creativity with us by popping over to her blog Ribbon Girls - you will find so much inspiration there! Don't delay - read her post here and then head over to her blog and leave a comment there. You know you are in the right spot when you see the following goodies. 

Thank you JJ for being so willing to showcase the Mama Elephant stamps and teaching us this fun technique! -Ellen

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Hi everyone!  It’s JJ dropping in at the CLASSroom!  Can I just say that I’m so delighted to be here?  This place is just flowing with creativity and every day I visit, I learn something new :)  I’m so excited to be sharing a couple projects using the new-to-Ellen Hutson-line, Mama Elephant stamps! 

When I first started making cards, I would finish a project but still have that nagging feeling that something was missing.  I pored over magazines, over blogs, over catalogs looking for that elusive element.  One day on a papercrafting forum, a poster said that her cards didn’t feel complete until she added some texture.  That was a light bulb moment for me!  I’m sure you all realized this MUCH earlier than I did ;), but it made so much sense!  We stamp 2D images on flat paper!  So since then, when I’m just not feeling a particular project, I add a wee bit of texture and see if that perks things up!  For the CLASSroom projects I’m sharing today, I added texture in the form of scoring.  Hope you like it!

My first project is a sunshiny card!  I’m so ready for Spring and I’m craving some sun!  My first step was to cut a card base and a panel from white linen card stock.  {Love this stuff by the way!  Thanks to Cristina Kowalczyk for the heads up on this stuff :)}  The folded card base measures 5-1/2” tall by 4-1/4” wide.  The panel is just a smidge smaller at 5-1/4” tall by 4” wide. 

Next comes the stamping!  Using the scallop border from Mama Elephant’s Modern Borders set, I stamped a wave background on the bottom half of the panel.  Since the stamps are clear, I just eyeballed it to create the seamless pattern.   

After stamping the waves, I added the sentiment (2 separate stamps from the So Breezy set).  I have to admit that I am ADDICTED to the sentiments in this set.  Something about the combination of the handwritten font with the outline letters is irresistible to me! 

And now for the texture :)  I wanted to create a scored sunburst around my sentiment.  There’s no tool to do this easily, so I adapted my trusty score board to get it done!  I took a long pin (a quilter’s pin works great if you got one) and inserted into the center of where I wanted the sunburst.  {If you can, hide the hole inside of stamped image}  After inserting the needle through the card, I placed it all on top of the scoreboard making sure that my needle was seated in a score groove.  I had already marked off an area on my scoreboard with washi tape as a guide (we’ll get to that next).  Just a note, I made sure that my card was in the middle of the scoreboard.  {This technique requires you to spin the card around the pin, so you need the open space}  After lining up my card parallel to the score grooves, I scored my first line starting from the pin and working outward to the edge of the card.  {Note to self, get a better bone folder!}  

After the first line was scored, I gently rotated the card panel around the pin (making sure to keep the pin held down firmly).  To get evenly spaced score lines, I used my washi tape guides.  As I mentioned above, I had already marked off 4 score lines on my board with washi tape to help me score evenly.  So the process was….score line, rotate panel so that the scored line is lined up with the washi tape mark, score next line, rotate panel so that the scored line is lined up with the washi tape mark, and so on.  The process is surprisingly simple (despite my complicated directions;)!

Once the scoring was finished, I was ready to add some color.  I masked the bottom of the panel over the waves and blended a mix of yellow and orange inks over the sunburst.  You can just blend the ink over the sunburst, or you can use a cloud stencil like I did for a little extra detail.  The stencil I have is so old I don’t remember where I picked it up, but you can easily make one with a cloud punch or even cut one by hand.  The bottom of the card got similar ink treatment with masking and blending over the wave stamping.  Panel done!

Now to glue my panel to the card base.  Originally, I was going to add the panel directly to the white card base but when it came down to it, the stark white frame was so distracting.  So I ended up blending a bit of ink around the perimeter of the card which gave the card a much more natural look. 

Here’ s the final product again.  I think the scoring gives this card just the little bit of punch is needed!  What do you think? 

After I made my card, I applied the same technique to create a full sunburst tag!  Of course, I had to use my neon inks;)  The sentiment is from another Mama Elephant set called Say What.  Really fun stamps in that set!  

Thanks so much for hanging in there with me today!  I really enjoyed making these projects and I hope that you found a little tidbit that you can add to your crafting arsenal!  Huge thanks to Ellen for the honor :)  

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Modern Borders	Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, So Breezy	Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Say What	Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Base Die, Tag & Tie
A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	Distress Ink Pad, Mustard Seed	Distress Ink Pad, Spiced Marmalade
Distress Ink Pad, Peacock Feathers	Aquamarine Archival Ink by Ranger	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Pink	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Yellow
Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Martha Stewart Scoring Board	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber with Airtight Cap

InLinkz.com

Easter Window Card by Julia Stainton

It's an early Easter this year! We don't have to wait for April as Easter falls on the last weekend of March. This means that it can also sneak up on you and it's coming up quicker than you might think.

Do you make cards for Easter? I have a sweet window design to share with you today. It's actually more of a Spring theme with an Easter sentiment but you'll definitely see touches of Easter in the oval (egg) shaped window and the pretty lavendar and soft yellow color scheme.

Window cards are a little more work than regular card designs and so I don't make them as often as I should. I confess to being a very lazy crafter. I had so much fun creating this one though that another will be on my to-do list very, very soon.

What originally inspired this design was a sheet of Secret Garden 12x12 paper from Graphic 45. This particular one is called Springtime and one side is patterned and the other has the most gorgeous little images that can be cut apart as images, accents and journaling card type embellishments. It's seriously amazing just how many projects could be made from one single sheet.

And HELLO?! It's only a dollar. I just couldn't resist.

To go along with it I also purchased the Secret Garden Chipboard pieces. I wanted to use this particular frame for it's oval shape and it would make a great focal point for my card design. It's pretty basic. You just punch it out of the chipboard sheet. So why the image? I wanted to show you a little trick.

See the little paper "spurs" that are left after you punch it out? You want to get rid of those for a nice finish on your project. To do that, simply file off the extra paper bits with a Sanding Block or the Basic Grey Precision File Set.

As a picture is worth a thousand words...I have lots of step outs for you today. This first one is basically how I start designing a project. I lay some of the pieces together to see how the design layout will work. You'll notice that some of the pieces I started with didn't make the final cut. That's OK. Just go with the flow.

Here's where I start putting the card layers together. And actually, it's also where I decided that this card needed a window and not just another layer.

Once the layers are all adhered together I planned out exactly where my window needed to be and then traced the inside of the oval onto the card front in pencil. As this is just a touch smaller in size than what I want the opening to be I just cut a very tiny amount outside the circle.

I wish I'd had an oval die that matching up in size perfectly but I didn't so hand-cutting was the only option. This is good to know though so that you make a window and size and shape that you desire.

Because there are so many layers of paper and cardstock, you may have to cut the oval out a few times with your craft knife. The first time I cut it only removed the top layer of patterned paper as you can see in the above shot. You'll find that after you cut one oval, the next layers go really quickly.

To get a nice smooth edge to all those layers of cut paper, I pulled out my Precision File set again and just filed them smooth. This makes it almost look as if it were die cut.

Place your frame on and you have a nice window card design.

You can leave it open or you can also put in a piece of Crystal Clear Plastic to make it easier to adhere your embellishments.

It's always nice to finish the inside of a card but it's really essential with a window card design. Here's the beautiful image panel that I finally decided on adhere to the inside of the card. I'm very fond of florals and birds and so that's what I went with.

To finish off the inside of the card, stamp the sentiment and add a few little flowers and pearls as an accent.

 

The card front needs some embellishing too. I adore the new Maya Road Wood Birdcages and this one worked perfectly for the front of this card. Add in a few more pins and accents and it's complete!

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a lovely weekend!

Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 03.11.2013

Do you love circles as much as I do? Like polka dots, they always make me so happy! And, they always look so mod, too! LOL!

I was playing with the Circle Punches Dies by Lifestyle Crafts--these dies are actually quite handy! You can punch out a whole bunch of same sized shapes all at one time just cranking them through your die cutting machine! They come in basic shapes, like the circles I used here, and they also come in some fun shapes, like bunnies & chicks, snowflakes, hearts, squares, etc.  Very cool!

My voice is back--YAY!!! So, you'll hear me yappin' away once again... :)

You'll hear (and watch!) me make a mistake on the first card and then I save it (*fist pump*) using the QuickStik--such a great gizmo!

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube and please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of our weekly webisodes! (I sooooo made that word up!)

Thanks for joining me and I hope you have a great Mundane! *snarf*

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Studio Calico Cleardesign: Sundrifter Love This from Hero Arts Lawn Cuts Dies, Hearts Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Circle Punches Studio Calico Sundrifter 6x6 Paper Pad Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Inky Black Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad Bamboo Cord Spool, Black Amy Tangerine Ready Set Go Transparent Letter Stickers, Baxter 2 H4 Cardstock, Dove Gray A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool Tweezers, Stainless Elizabeth Craft Designs Tweezers Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 12mm (1/2") 3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick EKSuccess Adhesive Remover Tool Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Easter Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Butterfly Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Flower Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Pennant Punche Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Arrow Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Star Punches InLinkz.com

Introducing Mama Elephant with Kryssi Ng

We are so happy to share this special project with you today as we celebrate and announce the arrival of the Mama Elephant stamp line to our store! Mama Elephant is a small business based in NY/NJ. For childhood buddies, Kryssi and Angela, art and creating have always been our lifelong passion. They bring a collaboration of their aesthetic to Mama Elephant. Their stamps are designed with card makers and scrapbookers in mind with all designs carefully curated to provide optimal versatility with a wide variety of styles - modern, trendy, bold, graphic and most importantly fun!

I just had to know how the name Mama Elephant came about as I find it strikingly sweet and have come to find out that both Kryssi and Angela are devoted mamas to two small girls. Coincidentally, their daughters are name Ellie and Ella. They wanted their name and business to reflect the love they have for their children and family. Above all, like elephants, they never want to forget that their families are the root of everything they work for.

I would like to thank Kryssi for sharing this special project with us today as we celebrate the addition of this fun new line to our store! As well you can find tons (get it - tons, elephant,... ha, ha) of inspiration on their Mama Elephant Blog! -Ellen

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Take a closer look at your smaller stamps. They are great building blocks to create a graphic collage that makes a big, bold statement. With strategic placement and multiple sentiments, your finished work can make the same impact as larger stamps with a lot more visual interest. Choose stamps and sentiments that obviously work well together.

With CAS and one layered cards, placement of stamps is very important. You certainly don't want to overdo it. I wanted to create a "yahoo!" kind of card to celebrate Ellen Hutson carrying our line. And I was dying to use this luxurious linen cardstock that Ellen carries. It is as beautiful as I ever dreamed it was! CAS designers, listen up, this is perfect for you!



The first thing I stamped was the "That's What She Said" sentiment from the Say What set. It was easier to visualize where everything should go and balance out the card after the sentiment was stamped. I love that little bit of linen cross hatch pattern from the cardstock peeking out from the stamped image. I then went ahead and built a little collage using one of our newest sets, Rustic Spring. The little swing was designed to fit perfectly with the birdcage and birdhouse included in this set. I simply stamped the swing to suspend under the birdcage. I then stamped the small berry branch so the birdcage is hanging from it. Then I stamped the birdies. I usually take a step back after each image stamped. (Holding it at different angles and squinting your eyes works wonders!)

I then looked at my other stamps and picked sentiments that would either 1) work or 2) make my statement even cooler! "Oh yeah, baby!" played up my first sentiment so in it went! I also chose the  little "I heart this" banner from Smitten because it helped me convey my message and because of it was a reverse solid stamp just like "That's What She Said". it helped balance the design out. Finally, I colored in the birds and berries. Since I made the berries colorful, I was careful not to give too much color to the birds or else it would "compete" with the rainbow berries.

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Say What

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Smitten

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Rustic Spring

A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 03.04.2013

I still have Easter on the brain, so you're getting another dose of Spring-time creations this week! The ideas just kept coming, so since I was on a roll... 

But, you'll have to pardon me... I have a terrible, TERRIBLE head/chest cold, and I completely lost my voice.  I mean, COMPLETELY. :(  I laid down a music track for today's video and hopefully I'll be flexin' the golden pipes once again by next week.

Meantime, I have some additional tips to share that you otherwise would have heard on the voice-over:

• A 1/4" hole punch can be used to take "bites" out of your die cut "chocolate" bunnies (the bunnies card, by the way, was a card I'd seen in a store and have been dying ever since to recreate cuz it's hilarious!)
• I always prefer to stamp my sentiments, but if I simply don't have what I need, I will use my computer or alpha stickers (depends on how elaborate/lengthy the greeting is)
• Shape N Tape or Washi Tape is a great way to add a little bit of pattern and can serve as a substitute for patterned paper in a pinch
• I use a craft knife blade to separate Shape N Tape from the liner; my fingers are too clunky and can't get between the layers
• Due to Shape N Tape's size, you can die cut fairly large shapes from the sheets, but you can also cut strips to size, apply them to card stock and then die cut for a multi-patterned/multi-colored effect
• When applying Stickles glitter glue to tiny areas, I try to apply a drop but use a pin to spread it out

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Thanks for joining me this Mundane!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Savvy Stamps, Hello Spring Memento Ink Pad, Pear Tart Memory Box Cardstock, Vanilla Bean Memory Box Cardstock, Squash EEE3 Cardstock, Pool B2 Cardstock, Bubblegum Memory Box Cardstock, Parsley A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack Savvy Stamps Dies, Grass Impression Obsession Dies, Chocolate Bunny Memory Box Dies, Family Ties Impression Obsession Dies, Egg Set Shape 'N Tape, Yellow Shape 'N Tape, Teal Blue Shape 'N Tape, Orange My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Green & Navy Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Stickers, Yellow Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink Stickles, Orange Peel Stickles, Yellow Glaze Pen, Black, 2 pk Sakura Quickie Glue Pen Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, .88 oz 3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick Glue Glider Pro Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58' InLinkz.com

Spring Blossoms by Julia Stainton

It's March! Spring is just around the corner. Officially just a few more weeks away! It will be awhile yet before we see much of Spring here in Canada but I'm totally getting in the mood for it with some pretty blossoms on today's card. It's a simple technique using Liquid Applique and is one of my favorites. Why is it that any technique that using a heat gun seems so much more magical?!

I've started off with one of my favorite new Hero Arts stamp sets, the Art of the Card Friend Collage set. It has a cling rubber background stamp and as I love, love, love background stamps, well...it's simply irresistable when combined with some beautiful timeless florals and a sentiment. I love being able to make lots of cards and designs all from one purchase.

First step...the background. I've stamped the background using the Aquamarine Archival Ink. Archival Inks are my favorites. You can heat set them to make them permanent and then do all kinds of great techniques over them.

Next, the beautiful swirly vines were stamped in Olive Archival ink and then heat set once again.

After trimming the panel to the size I wanted (3.75" x 5") I then sponged on lots of Distress Ink. Keep sponging on color until you get the saturation you want. The main part of the image is sponged with Tumbled Glass and Crushed Olive Distress Inks. Around the edges to add a bit of depth I sponged on Broken China Distress Ink.

Now we're ready for the fun part...adding in all those sweet little blossoms. If you've never used Liquid Applique is so quick and fun to use. Simply squeeze out tiny dots of the Liquid Applique wherever you want a little blossom. This product also makes for GREAT snow if you are creating holiday cards!

Use a Heat Gun to apply heat to the wet Liquid Applique dots. They puff up like tiny marshmallows to almost twice the size of the wet dot. You can leave them like this but I like to add a little color with chalk.

The Pitt Pastel Pencils are like chalk in a pencil form. Scribble some color onto a scrap piece of paper. You'll find this leaves some chalk dust and color that you can pick up with a cotton ball or a cotton swab. Dab it onto the heated Liquid Applique to color the blossoms.

Next step..the sentiment. Stamp it in Jet Black Archival Ink and then color in with a dye based marker to make it stand out.

Because of the dimension of the panel, I add the adhesive onto the card base and then adhere the panel to the card.

The final step is to add an embellishment. When using a lot of technique, I like to highlight that and keep the embellishments simple. For this card, a little Leaf Trinket Pin inserted through the top of the panel does the trick.

 Thanks so much for stopping by the CLASSroom! Have a fabulous and creative weekend!

Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 02.25.2013

I love snow, and because of snow, I love Winter. BUT, since we didn't get any snow this year, I'm pretty much over it and ready for Spring. Now. How 'bout you? *grin*

I went a little nuts over these cute, CUTE bunny dies by Impression Obsession when we saw them at CHA--ADORBS!!! I love that you can use them alone OR in conjunction with the stamp set--I must apologize that I jumped the gun when I was working on today's video and didn't realize the coordinating stamp set was not yet in stock over in the warehouse, but if you like the idea of the egg card, there are a ton of different styles that could be used in this design, from solids to detail, vintage and contemporary!

These little kraft envelopes were PERFECT for my little note card set--LOVE!!!

And my favoritest new background stamp is this Thick Stripes by Impression Obsession! I have tried making my own striped backgrounds with a single stripe stamp, and while I can do it, it does take a bit of time to stamp them all the way across a card front individually, while keeping them "perfectly" aligned... this stamp does it all in one fell swoop AND because it's a 6x6" Cover-a-Card, it can go vertical OR horizontal.

   It doesn't get much easier or faster than that, my friends!

For more in depth details on these projects, enjoy the video here or on YouTube! I had some serious fun creating these!

 

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Impression Obsession Cover-a-Card Cling Stamps, Thick Stripes	Impression Obsession Dies, Bunny Set	Shadow Ink, Soft Green	Shadow Ink, Soft Pool
Hero Hues Dye Ink: Ocean	Shadow Ink, Soft Cantaloupe	Memento Ink Pad, Espresso Truffle	Poppystamps Dies, Grassland Border
EEE3 Cardstock, Pool	E7 Cardstock, Parsley	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Envelope, Kraft 3x3, 12pk	Pom Pom Trim, White, 3yds Precut	WoolFelt, 12"x18" White (35%)	Doodle Twine Spool, Tangerine
Doodle Twine Assortment, Boy	Doodle Twine Assortment, Bright	Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive	Accents, Glossy
Teflon Bone Folder	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2""	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink
Tweezers, Stainless	Elizabeth Craft Designs Tweezers	Tweezer Bee

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 02.18.2013

(click the pics to enbiggan)

I've been having a ball with sequins and wanted to share a few card ideas I've been playing with in the studio that incorporated these pretty, PRETTY things!!! I just can't get enough of them! The iridescent sparkle and shape make them a perfect accent--they also make fabulous filler in a full card-front shaker pocket! SWEET!!!

Seriously, I am obsessed with sequins as much as I am with Washi tape! Eep!!!

Also, I wanted to mention a few extra tips:

• You might be tempted to color white/vanilla sequins with your Copic Markers, but be advised that the alcohol ink will more than likely ruin the iridescent finish of your pretty sequins.

                Ask me how I know...

• Glossy Accents is a perfect adhesive for gluing individual sequins into place as it dries clear and sets up very quickly
• A few sequins can go a long way--start with a little, then add more when filling your pocket...
• As I mention in the video, if you're good with a sewing machine, you can create your pocket that way; I am not so good and found Washi tape an easier, full-proof method for creating my pocket--the added bonus is that it is repositionable and enables you to interject some additional color and pattern to your project!  BOOYAAAAAAH!!!

Enjoy the video here or in HD on YouTube and thanks for subscribing to our channel!

 

Thanks for joining me!

 

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Bring on the Sun by Ali Edwards	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Bee Mine	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Sophie's Sentiments	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black
Shadow Ink, Soft Granite	VersaMark Inkpad	Crystal Clear Plastic, Medium Weight 8 1/2"" x 11"" (10 pk)	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	H4 Cardstock, Dove Gray	EEE3 Cardstock, Pool	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Turquoise
Shape 'N Tape, Teal Blue	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Flat-Bottom Clouds	Studio Calico Darling Dear 12x12 Vellum, Hepburn
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Peach	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Sky	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent White	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Orange Flame	Studio Calico Darling Dear Wood Veneer, Triangle	Glue Glider Pro Tool with Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'
COPIC Sketch Marker Y35, Maize	COPIC Sketch Marker YG21, Anise	COPIC Sketch Marker YG95, Pale Olive	Embossing Gun
Accents, Glossy	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, White	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black	Doodle Twine Assortment, Boy
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	EK Paper Shapers Punch, 1/2 Circle	Tweezer Bee

InLinkz.com

Lawn Fawn - One Die Three Ways by Nina Yang

**Please note - we have two posts to share with you today! Be certain to scroll down and leave a comment for Julia as well! Thank you!

As we stood in the Lawn Fawn booth this past CHA admiring the cards, one in particular popped out at Julie and I (well lots of cards popped, but this one... well...) We squealed with delight at the genius behind the card. As good fortune would have it the creator of that fabulous little card walked into the booth moments later and we were introduced to Nina Yang. My goodness but the lady is clever and talented, so to have her joining us and sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSroom today is so much fun!

Nina is author to a marvelous blog called Waffleflower. It is filled with a myriad of treasures as Nina designs for Hampton Arts, Neat & Tangled, Paper Smooches Sparks and Runway Inspired Challenges! You will definitely enjoy the inspiration she shares there. I would appreciate if you would head over to Nina's blog now and help us thank her for sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave a comment on her post about being a guest here. As our way of thanking you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the new products she used to create this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Nina for inspiring us on so many levels - your projects are simply fabulous! -Ellen

Just a side note - the Lawn Fawn CHA release is scheduled to arrive at our warehouse February 20th or 21st. Simply click the notify box and fill it in if you would like to receive an email when the product arrives.

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Hello there! I’m very excited to be joining Ellen Hutson in the CLASSroom today to share some fun ways to use dies.

One of my favorite CHA Winter 2013 releases is the A Birdie Told Me die set by Lawn Fawn. What I like most about this set is the cute hand drawn twist to the speech bubble trend. I am showcasing the mini circle bubble today.

First up, the birdie hello card.

 
The speech bubble is designed to come out from the right but we need it to come out from the left for the bird. For stamps, we can do mirror stamping to get it right; for a die, we just need to die cut it on the back of the paper and flip it! Then diecut the heart from the bubble to create a negative image.

Have you noticed that I used the thought bubble die from the same set to create my tree? The bird die makes it easy to create a a-bird-in-the-tree scene.

Here is a close-up. I used lots of foam adhesive to add dimension. I used cardstock but it should be fun to mix and match your patterned paper for a different look.

On the first card, we used two different dies to create the speech bubble. On the second card, We are going to use the negative piece after die cutting a bunch of bubbles to be the base and raise the heart in the middle.

Play with the patterned paper combination and trace the speech bubbles down with a pencil.

No need to be perfect when cutting the bubbles out. We will need the extra paper to mount them with foam adhesives.

I usually add foam dots on the back of my front piece. This way it is sure that they will not show up through the windows. Don’t forget to remove the pencil lines before you mount the patterned paper pieces to the back.

The sentiments were stamped on some scrap and cut out. This is the fun part of speech bubbles and frames – mix and match your sentiment stamps!

The sentiments were adhered to card with some foam adhesive as well. Play with the positions until you are satisfied.

Now, I am very excited to introduce the third way to use the die – make a 3D flower with it!

The little tail on the speech bubble is just perfect for making a flower like this. I first heat embossed the cardstock with the triangle stamp to give some texture to my flower but you can also use patterned paper instead.

Diecut 6 bubbles from the paper and poke a hole in each of them as shown. No need to be perfect but be careful not to tear the paper.

Start with 3 petals with a brad and secure; add foam adhesive to the other 3 petals and adhere them to the back of the first three. Arrange them to your liking.

There is one more tip I would like to add. The white embossed letters are hard to show up on bright yellow cardstock. I used the heat emboss resist technique to give it a shadow so it can stand out from the background. Just make sure that you use a water-based ink for this technique.

The frame die I used is a new CHA release by Paper Smooches. It is my absolutely favorite frame of all time. Have you noticed that it is very similar to the one in the PS logo? Timeless! I have another 1 die 3 way post using the Duo Die 2 on my blog.

That’s it for today! I hope that you are inspired to play more with your dies.

Thank Ellen and Kelly for going through all the trouble to get the new products to me so quickly. Patterned paper I used is from Daphne’s Closet 6x6 pad by Lawn Fawn. Ellen handpicked the cardstocks that go very well with the paper. Check out the supply list below for details.

Lawn Cuts Dies, A Birdie Told Me	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, A Birdie Told Me	Paper Smooches Wise Dies Frame Die, Duo Die 1	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Sharp Backdrops
Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Hello Friend	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Love 'n Breakfast	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Sophie's Sentiments	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Critters Down Under
Lawn Fawn Petite Paper Pack, Daphne's Closet	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Hero Arts, Layering Paper, Punch	Memory Box Cardstock, Parsley
Cardstock, Juniper	Memory Box Cardstock, Sunflower	Memory Box Cardstock, Sugar Plum	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black
Memento Ink Pad, Toffee Crunch	Stampendous Embossing Powder, .92 oz Detail White	Lawn Fawn Hemp Cord, Single Spool Peppermint	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil
Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Retractable Craft Pick	Non-stick Micro Serrated Scissors

InLinkz.com

I Do Wedding Card by Julia Stainton

It's a lovely time of year for a white wedding. We have a fresh dusting of snow and it's that special season when we celebrate love and the special people in our lives.It seems very appropriate that tomorrow we are attending what is a very special wedding in our family. My oldest son and his lovely fiancee tie the knot and I couldn't be more excited.

(image credit: Vincent Kember)

One of James and Shannon's beautiful engagement photos inspired this design. This is my favourite photo of them and I really wanted to work it into the card.

Truth be told, this card I designed wasn't the one I had planned in my head. Designing can be like that and projects can take on a mind of their own. When that happens, you might as well just go with the creative flow. While this card isn't the over-the-top floral and embellisment-laden design I had wanted to create, simple and elegant with the focus on the couple themselves is perfect for James and Shannon.

  To start off this design, I used one of my favourite photo techniques that is so easy to do and adds wonderful texture and interest. The Claudine Hellmuth Sticky Back Canvas is perfect for so many different art and mixed media techniques but it is also perfect for clean and simple design as well. Did you know that you can run these sheets right through your printer? Oh the possibilities! No specific settings needed, just put the sheet into your printer and print your photo. I love the black and white look but colour works great as well.

Once my photo was printed, I trimmed it down,removed the backing and adhered it to a piece of Craft-a-Board, a great chipboard-type product.

Next I wanted to die cut the image but as the Styled Labels die was on a angle, it was difficult to line up. I certainly didn't want to cut off the wrong part of the photo. A piece of vellum to the rescue. I die cut the vellum out with the die and then placed it over the image where I wanted it. Because you can see through vellum, it made it easy. Then I lined up the die over where the vellum lay and ran the whole thing through my Sizzix Big Shot.

I love how clean, crisp and pretty the die cut turned out.

Which in turn made it very difficult to add too much to the design. Everything seemed to take away from it. And so...

...the best solution was to keep it simple.

• a very simple sentiment using white canvas letter stickers
• a simple white on white embossed dot background
• a simple trinket pin and charm to dress it up

To finish the inside, I turned to a simple Now and Forever stamped sentiment. The  two little canvas chipboard hearts were created with more sticky-back canvas and Craft-a-Board to coordinate with the front.

 Wishing you a lovely and creative weekend! Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom!

Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 02.11.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Paper Tole has been around for quite a while and I totally love the dimension it can give my card-making!

It's often done with beautiful floral images and butterflies and can yield stunning results! It can be intricate, and time-consuming, depending on the type of images used--I'll be the first to admit that images with lots of "tiny" details could be quite tedious.

BUT, this series of blueprint style stamps by Stamper's Anonymous had me *uber* excited to play with the technique--they are positively POIFECT for it!!! The variety of different themes really appeals to me, and I love the fact that they have also combined some of them into "minis"! 

The technique isn't limited to just card-making--I think it would be very cool to frame the finished pieces inside shadow boxes and hang 'em on the wall!

Enjoy the video here, or in HD on YouTube!

 

 

Thanks for subscribing to our channel, and for stopping by today! Have an AWESOME Mundane! *wink*

 

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SUPPLIES:

Tim Holtz, Travel Blueprint	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	COPIC Sketch Marker B91, Pale Grayish Blue	COPIC Sketch Marker E30, Bisque
COPIC Sketch Marker T5, Toner Gray #5	COPIC Sketch Marker YR12, Loquat	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	Teflon Bone Folder
3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 02.04.2013

Before I get started, I want to thank you for the lovely birthday wishes--y'all made my 50th AWESOME!!! And many, MANY thanks to my incredibly dear, and incredibly talented, friends for the AMAZING blog hop! I know everyone enjoyed all that eye candy and, um... I pretty much fell off my chair...

Thank you SO much!!!

 

So, I've been in a Lovey-dovey frame of mind lately--how 'bout you?

 

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

I love LOVE the chalkboard trend we're seeing everywhere these days--not sure if it's due to my former teaching days, when I did actually have a chalkboard in my classroom... Ack! I was pre-white board days... Hah! *chuckle*

There are several different ways of going abut getting the chalkboard effect--some folks like to white emboss their images and then add details with a white pastel pencil or white pen. I decided on this one to just use a good white pigment ink (Unicorn, or Snow Cap), and leave it nekked. We are talkin' pigment ink here, so heat setting will be crucial as you work, to help avoid smearing.

Enjoy the video here or in HD over on YouTube! And don't forget to subscribe to our channel, as we continue to add videos on a regular basis! Yay! :)

 

 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Mundane is a happy one!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

My Favorite Things Clear Stamp Set, Lovey Dovey Sentiments	Savvy Stamps, Laurel	Adirondack Pigment Ink Pad, Snow Cap	Hero Arts Memories Pigment Ink Pad, Unicorn White
Faber-Castell Pastel Pencil, White	PITT Pastel Pencils, Set of 6, Red/Yellow	Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Ruler, Tim Holtz Design
Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Embossing Gun	Heat It Craft Tool	Krylon Matte Finish Spray
Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, White	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

InLinkz.com

Paper Piecing Backgrounds by Julia Stainton

Paper piecing. It's one of those timeless techniques that is fun to do with line art images. But did you know that you can paper piece background stamps?

There are so many great collage style background stamps on the market these days. Hero Arts makes a lot of beautiful ones and they are perfect for stamping simply. With color blocking being so in style these days, it's also fun to paper piece them for a unique look.

Today my card design is just in time for Valentine's Day and uses a paper pieced background technique. Stay with me. I'll show you how easy it is to do.

I like to take three coordinating colors of cardstock to create my collage. I find that a white, a cream and a kraft cardstock work really well for a subtle effect. Stamp the same background image onto each of the cardstock pieces in the same ink. Here I've used Sepia Archival Ink.

Cut our your images and decide which of the colors will be your base. I chose Kraft for the base and then cut up the image in both the white and cream stamped images into the areas that were naturally broken up in the original design. When you do this, try and plan ahead so that you vary and balance the cardstock colors. Sponge the edges with some distress ink and adhere your layers over the kraft stamped image.

Add more detail as you go along. I've also paper pieced a heart image from another stamp set as it seemed to go along with the design and style perfectly.

Once your background is finished, you can adhere it to a cardstock base. I then planned out how I wanted my design to be laid out. Move the elements around your design until you get the placement as you want it.

By using a the word heart on the key embellishment, I could incorporate it right into my sentiment for a fun detail.

I liked the Memo Printed Letters but found they faded into the background too much. They needed to stand out more so I turned to my Copic Markers to alter them by simply coloring them before adding them to the design.

Lastly I colored in the wood on the Wood Bingo Motif piece to coordinate the design.

I hope you have fun trying out this twist on an old stamping technique! Thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Keep Calm and Party On!

Today we are celebrating my dear friend Julie's BIG birthday!!! Please join us as we party with this incredibly special lady and leave your birthday wishes for Julie in the comments section below!

I could not ask for a more amazing friend - kind, respectful, loving, loyal, funny, clever - she is the real deal! Julie you have blessed my life - I love you my friend and wish you a very special birthday and a year ahead filled with moments that make for many happy memories!

I am a lucky lady to have known Julie from the early days at Splitcoaststampers where she is known as JulieHRR --- HRR standing for "her royal rubberness." And yes, she is the queen of stamping! So what could be more fitting then using a stately birthday crown as we celebrate her today!

Please party along with us today and join us as we hop along with a few of Julie's friends that were able to join in the fun and create a special card celebrating her special day!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!!!

Here we go...

• the CLASSroom <--- you are here
• a bit of this. a bit of that. - Teri Anderson
• BellePapier - Julia Stainton
• Cheiron Brandon: My Crafty Life - Cheiron Brandon
• Clean and Simple Cards - Krystie Hersch
• Creative Chick - Jenn Shurkus
• Damask Love - Amber Kemp-Gerstel
• Jenn Balcer - Jennifer Avilés
• Jennifer McGuire Ink - Jennifer McGuire
• K Werner Design - Kristina Werner
• Lawn Fawn - Kelly Marie Alvarez
• Mossy Made - Chari Moss
• My Paper Secret - Cristina Kowalczyk
• One Little Spark - Heather Meeson
• Paperfections - Sharon Harnist
• Shari Carroll ...my world - Shari Carroll
• Sideoats & Scribbles - Lisa Spangler
• Simply Stamped - Maile Belles
• Witticisms - Jessica Witty

Hello, Monday 01.28.2013

You know me.  I don't like to get my fingers inky. I'm kind of an oxymoron in the stamping world. Hah! But, I love color--bold, sassy, eye-poppin' color! And, that's what you get with Dylusions Sprays.  

I will admit, however, that I wore gloves. And a full body apron. And I protected my work surface under the camera.  Cuz these sprays, my friends, are very inky business...!!! But, oh, my they are wicked FUN!!!

By the way, I got myself a new non-stick craft sheet... I didn't know that if you FOLD them, you "break" the glass fibers. This causes wet mediums to LEAK.  BOO.  So, I got a new one, so I could stuff like this, and now that I know better, I will never fold it for storage; I will roll it up and clip it.

Enjoy the video here or in HD on YouTube!

Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and thanks for joining me today!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Incredible by Ali Edwards	NEW Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	Dylusions Ink Spray, Squeezed Orange	Dylusions Ink Spray, Cherry Pie
Dylusions Ink Spray, White Linen	Inkssentials Mister, 2 oz.	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11	Cardstock, Black, 10 pack
Crafter's Workshop Templates, 6x6 Chunky Chevron	Crafter's Workshop Templates, 6"x6" Flower Frenzy	Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Embossing Gun
Craft Knife, Fingertip	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Shape 'N Tape, Black
Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, White	Gemstones, Black Crystals

InLinkz.com

An Inchie Valentine by Julia Stainton

Cold winter days makes the perfect time to cozy up and celebrate one of the "warmest" holidays of the year, Valentine's Day. Today's project is a little valentine I put together for my sweetie.

Sometimes you have an idea of exactly what you want to create when you start and other times, well...it's a bit of a journey to the end project. This is one of those journeys and it was inspired by a stamp set I just had to have.

The sentiments in this beautiful Wplus9 Cupid's Arrow stamp set were ones I just had to have and look at all the sweet little accompanying images! This was my first foray into using Wplus9 stamps and I was so pleased with them, it definitely won't be my last!

The biggest problem I faced with this set was just what sentiment I would use. I loved them all. The fonts and typography and phrasing were so cool. So...

What to do? Use them all (or most of them) of course!

Enter my next idea, color blocking the card so that I could include as many images and sentiments as I wanted. Inchies are a great way to color block and it's been a very long time since I've pulled mine out so it was meant to be.

I combined a variety of White Twinchie Squares with White Inchie Squares to form a 4"x4" pattern. You may notice that I have some rectangle shapes in there as well. They are simply Twinchies cut in half with the Tonic Guillotine Paper Trimmer.

I have to admit this next photo takes in a lot of steps. Oops! I got a little carried away and forgot about the camera. Don't worry because they are easy.

1. Stamp images and sentiments on squares with Jet Black Archival Ink and Vermillion Archival Ink by Ranger. Heat set with a heat gun.
2. Sponge edges of Inchies and Twinchies with Worn Lipstick Distress Ink or Dried Marigold Distress Ink.
3. Adhere to 4.25" square card made from Solar White Cardstock.
4. Punch holes in unstamped squares with Cropadile to allow for insert of brads.

Color in large font words to accent them. I used the Rose Bud Memento Marker. Go over the words again with a Clear Glaze Pen to add some shine and highlight the letters.

Sponge edges of Cosmo Cricket Natural Burlap Brads with Distress Inks. Insert through holes onto cards.

Quick Tip: Place a Glue Dot behind each brad to keep them straight and in place.

Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a creative weekend!

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

Hello Monday 12.31.2012

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Some beautiful watercolor images recently inspired me to pull out my watercolor tools/supplies and mess around in the studio. Mind you, I don't watercolor the traditional way... This is the Julie-Ebersole-slop-the-paint-around-and-leave-some-white-space-here-and-there technique. How's that for a mouthful?! *chuckle*

You can use watercolor paper for this, but I have a fondness for this paper HERE because it actually has a smooth (but toothy) surface and you get nicely crisp and even impressions when you stamp on it. SWEET!!!  It also accepts colored pencils and other dry coloring mediums beautifully, because of that toothy, but not lumpy/bumpy surface! It's also a nice 100# weight--so *plush*!!!

Also lovin' the Stickles Dry Glitters--this stuff has an incredibly fabulous sparkle!!! *monkey clapping*

Enjoy the video here or in HD on YouTube!

Thanks for joining me today!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Loving Words by Ali Edwards	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Pretty Pink	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Boss Lady	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Custard
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Sherbet	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Leaf Green	NEW Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Droppers	2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick	Stickles Dry Fine Glitter, Diamond
Stickles Dry Fine Glitter, Silver	Plastic Paint Palette	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Broad Brush Nib	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib
Waterbrush, Small	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 3mm (1/8")	Mini Clothespins, Natural, 25pk	American Crafts Elements, Mini Brads, Silver
String by the Spool, Metallic Silver	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Hearts	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Squares	Crop-A-Dile Power Punch, 1/16"
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

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 12.17.2012

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

Cityscapes & Speech Bubbles

I adore cityscapes! I've always lived in small towns. I'm talkin' SMALL. So, a trip to the city always seems like a very exciting adventure and must be why I'm drawn to city and city-related images, LOL!

There lots of fun cityscape or skyline dies AND stamps to choose from, including those made by Memory Box, Savvy Stamps, Hero Arts, Paper Smooches, etc.    I have to admit, they are kind of a weakness for me... I'm a girl that loves them in both formats, AND in solids and outline styles! *grin*

This card is one of my favorite designs and seems like such a cute way to tell someone far away that you love and miss them!

There is a coordinating solid silhouette die that compliments the "detail" version--makes it so easy to "light up" those windows!

 

Another trendy thing I seem to really be diggin' this year is speech bubbles. They're just plain FUN, and I think they'll be poppin' up more and more in my designs! Check the different versions by:

• My Favorite Things
• Lawn Fawn
• Savvy Stamps
• Hero Arts (and HERE and HERE)

Enjoy today's video right here or in HD on YouTube and don't forget to subscribe to our Ellen Hutson Channel!

 

Thanks for joining me today!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Memory Box Dies, Cityscape Nightline	Memory Box Dies, Cityscape Silhouette	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Say What? (Die Only)	EEE3 Cardstock, Pool
BB9 Cardstock, Persimmon	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	H33 Cardstock, Graphite	2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip
Memory Box Cardstock, Squash	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Accents, Glossy	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini
Tweezers, Stainless	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'

InLinkz.com

Clean and Simple Classic Christmas by Amber Kemp-Gerstel

It was with much excitement that we added the WPlus9 stamps and dies to our store recently. With the addition of this line we wanted to showcase it's simple elegance and who better to do that than Amber Kemp-Gerstel. Please join us in welcoming Amber today as she shares this fabulous modern design. The technique that she shares in this post can be used with any of the bold solid stamp designs we carry!

You can find more of Amber's beautiful work on her blog Damask Love. I would appreciate if you would head over to Amber's blog now and help us thank her for sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave your comment on her post about being a guest here. As our way of thanking you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Amber for sharing this beautiful project with us here in the CLASSroom! -Ellen

---

When you like to make clean & simple cards, like I do, it’s nice to come up with techniques that add interest without adding bulk. The same idea applies when you are creating cards that need to mailed without adding extra postage!  Today’s card does both.

I love the look of gradient colors and I’m excited to share a really simple technique for creating color gradients without using a special inkpad.

I paired pink and lavender ink on this card to create a sparkly row of dangling ornaments. The technique for creating the color gradient on each image is simple:

Use a light tapping motion to add color to the top and bottom of your stamp. Solid stamps work best for this since there is more surface area to apply ink. Apply the lighter color to the bottom half of the image and apply the second , darker color to the top. By working from light to dark,  you won’t sully your lighter inkpad with the darker ink color.

Apply a small amount of the darker ink onto a sponge and use this to softly tap the point where the two colors meet. This will create a better blend from one color to the next.

Stamp your images as shown. They may not be exactly the same, but that’s the beauty of it!

To finish off this design, I added a bit of purple Ice Stickles to the top of each ornament.  Glitter makes everything better right?!

I’m so happy to have shared this project with you! Now, I’m off to make more holiday cards…nothing like some last minute crafting! -Amber

Ink: Purple, Light Pink and Dark Grey Pigment Ink

WPlus9 Design Studio Clear Stamp Set, Classic Christmas	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Hero Arts, Layering Paper, Mixed, Blush	Emboss It Ink Pad, Tinted
Ranger - Super Fine 1oz. Embossing Powder, Silver	Ice Stickles, Grape	Heat It Craft Tool

InLinkz.com

Merry & BRIGHT by Julia Stainton

Christmas is coming! It's Black Friday and the official day to kick off some major Christmas shopping. I hope all my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

I'm not one to venture out too far in the crush of shoppers so I'm spending today tucked in my craft room making lots of fun projects. Of course, I may succumb to temptation and do a little online shopping too! We'll just have to see!

I thought I'd create a card with a little color pop for you today...just to get you out of that post-Thanksgiving sugar haze. It's a technique I've seen done a few times and I'm not sure what it's called so we'll just keep it simple and call it Copic Colored Embossing.

It's super easy so it's a great technique to try and I love how vibrant the embossing turns out to be.

First of all, stamp your image onto black or dark cardstock and heat emboss with white embossing powder. It will look something like this.I like to use Versamark ink when embossing but you can also use an embossing ink pad. Doesn't that white pop over the black?

Next the fun part...adding in the color. Simply take your Copic Markers and color the embossed areas. This is a great technique for this background stamp as it makes all the different text stand out. It would also work well for most line images.

You may notice a little white residue on the tip of your Copic marker. You can see it in the above photo. Just color the embossing lightly and quickly to prevent much transfer. When done coloring, I like to brush it off onto a piece of scrap paper. Just color with the marker until it's gone to preserve the longevity of your nib.

Look at the color pop! It gives a fun bright look and reminds me of colored Christmas lights decorating the night.

When choosing colors for this technique, make sure you choose bold colors. I found that if the tint was very light it wouldn't show up well on the embossing. The last digit in a Copic marker is the saturation or how strong it is. Markers ending in a digit with a 5 or higher work the best. I've chosen BG45 Nile Blue, BG49 Duck Blue, R29 Lipstick Red, RV14 Begonia Pink and New Leaf YG23 Copic Markers to use on this project.

The background on this card is so pretty, I didn't want to cover much of it up. A simple silk ribbon bow highlights the fresh and pretty green in the color scheme. The gorgeous snowflake applique is a nice neutral accent and is large enough to balance the bold colors of the design.

 Enjoy trying out this technique and getting started on the Christmas season. Don't forget that Ellen is having a Black Friday to Cyber Monday sale with a really great discount. It's the perfect time for a little creative prezzie for yourself!

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Supplies:

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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

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