the CLASSroom

Lockhart Neon Thanks by Sharon Harnist

Hello and happy weekend once again! Today I have a brand new Lockhart stamp image to share. You'll want to be sure and check out all of the sweet images in Karen's new 2013 Spring & Summer release, here.

(Click on any photo for a larger view)

Aren't these Gift of Flowers bright and cheery?!!  Here's Karen's colored image you'll see in the store -- I altered the image a bit, by cutting off the the "Thanks" flower stake and using it on the tab of the file folder:

 

I chose my color palette specifically to coordinate with the fun Hero Arts Neon Pink ink I used on the Hero Arts ClearDesign-Glow Girl greeting inside the adorable mini Naked ATC Manila Folder:

Isn't that greeting fun?!! I found my Copic RV06 was a close match to the neon pink ink pad, so I used it to color some of the flowers in these sweet potted plants:

The flowers were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto X-Press It Blending Card and here are the rest of the Copic Sketch markers I used, along with Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens (Orange, Lemon, Melon & Pink) to color the flowers. I find the glitter pens are great for coloring in small images like these -- especially tiny stems and the planter's wrought iron:

After coloring the flowers, I used Paper Smooches wonderful Wise Dies Frame-Duo Die 2 to die cut some fabulous Chalkstock paper I recently discovered in the store . . . the texture is silky amazing and accepts the Hero Hues Snow Chalk Ink I used around the edges for a faux chalkboard look very well. I placed the frame over the colored flowers, then adhered the frame to the darling ATC-sized mini file folder. (This would make a great ATC, wouldn't it?).

To keep the folder closed until the recepient is ready to view the contents, I used a cute Mini White Clothespin. Copic Foam Tape was used on the back of the folder to adhere it to the card front, which allows for easy removal and replacing of the clothespin.

The pretty coordinating papers I used are from My Mind's Eye 6x6 The Sweetest Thing-Honey pad, on a Memory Box Raspberry notecard.  I hope you have a bright and cheerful weekend!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

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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:

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

Spring Butterfly Wreath by Julia Stainton

Paper crafting products have so many different uses. I'm always amazed at how much you can do with them. Today I'm celebrating Spring with a home decor creation, a sweet altered wreath.

To start off my project, I picked up a 12" styrofoam wreath. This makes the wreath nice and light but also makes it easy to pin accents into it.

Covering the wreath is fast and easy using Maya Road Fabric Tape. I've used Blossom Pink here but it also comes in so many other beautiful colors. A large wreath like this will take a couple packages of fabric tape. Simply peel off the backing from the fabric tape and wrap it around the wreath. Simple.

Next step I wanted to create some butterfly accents that would look like they were fluttering off of the wreath. These Maya Road chipboard butterflies are perfect for that. To alter them I first colored them with some Copic Markers.

For these butterflies I've used Y13 Lemon Yellow and R83 Rose Mist.

 

To add some sparkle and glitz to the butterflies, I covered the surface with Glossy Accents and then sprinkled on some clear glitter and allowed them to dry.

Attaching the butterflies on an angle can be a bit of an adhesive problem unless you turn them into pins. Doing this allows you to place them into the foam wreath like floral picks on any angle you wish.

Using a pair of pliers, I pull the heads off the top of the button trinket pins. I've kept the little button tops to be used in another project.

Push the pin into the chipboard butterfly to create a custom pick.

When arranging flowers and other items onto a wreath, start with the larger items first. I've used a hot glue gun to adhere the Maya Road floral embellishments.

Add in the mid-size flowers, then the butterfly chipboard picks to the wreath. They simply pin into the styrofoam wherever you wish.

 

Stamp words onto little linen banners and then pin them to the wreath as well as accents.

As always, click on the images to see them in greater detail.

Have a little fun trying out new and unique projects with your paper crafting supplies.

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

 

Supplies:

 

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

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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

Spring Canvas by Sharon Harnist

I was feeling extra Spring-y this week, with all the pretty sunshine (preceeded by a few nice days of rain!) and all the Texas Bluebonnets starting to bloom along the road sides, so I wanted to capture that feeling on canvas and here are the results:

After a few trial and error attempts, I came up with this successful method when wanting to stamp and color with Copic markers onto a stretched canvas frame. Sometimes a detailed stamp like this one is difficult to get a crisply stamped image when trying to stamp onto a stretched canvas over a wood frame.

To begin, I stamped the Hero Arts DesignBlock Flower Text (measuring a nice 6" x 4-1/2") with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Sticky Back Natural Canvas-8-1/2" x 11" 

Then I started coloring . . . Here are the step-out photos of each flower and its corresponding Copic Sketch colors used:

1. I feather blended together Y18 and YR16 (start by coloring with the lighter Y18, then flick the YR16 from the center of the flower outward):

2. YG25 and G17 for the the leaves:

3. V04 and V06 for the purple flower:

4. The same greens and yellow from the first flower:

5. For the center flower, I used B02 & B05 for the flowers and a little bit lighter green combo of YG03 & G05 for the leaves, just for a little variation:

6. As a final coloring step, I decided to go back over the stamped lines and deepen the color with a Copic Multiliner 0.8 (from the Broad 4pc Set). This was just personal preference -- I really like how it made the flower colors pop! The right two flowers below have already been outlined, but you could skip this step if you wanted a more natural flower look like the purple flower on the left that still had not been outlined -- it has a more "painterly" look:

The final step was to trim the Sticky Back canvas to the size of my 5 x 7 Chunky Stretched Natural Canvas (the Sticky Back canvas trims very easily with your paper trimmer or scissors), peel off the backing and stick the colored canvas to the front of the stretched canvas frame (ahem -- thus covering up a previous non-successful stamping attempt!):

The finishing touch was to tie on some pretty Springy May Arts Parrot Green Crochet Ribbon around the left side:

I hope this project helps put you in the Spring spirit and encourages you to get crafting this weekend!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

Edited 4/9/13: I see you all scooped up the remaining supply of of this great Hero Arts large DesignBlock stamp! If you are looking for a similar stamp, I recently found these while browsing through the Warehouse Sale section of the store (which means great prices!):

Hero Arts Words & Flowers (set of 4):

Three Quirky Flowers:

I hope that helps! ~ Sharon

Hero Arts DesignBlock, Flower Text	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	Natural Studio Sticky Back Canvas 8.5x11	Copic Sketch Markers
Copic Multiliner 4pc Set, Broad	Canvas Corp Chunky Stretched Natural Canvas, 5x7	May Arts Crochet Ribbon, Parrot Green

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Copic Blender Bleaching by Sharon Harnist

Happy weekend to you all! I have a fun Copic technique to share with you today, that you can use with just about any rubber (or clear acrylic!) stamp. I used it on this tri-colored birthday tag:

It's pretty quick and easy, so here we go with the tutorial:

1. Airbrush one of Inchie Arts' new 3" White Art Squares with Copic R83 marker along the bottom third portion:

2. Then airbrush Copic Y21 in the center of the square:

3. Finish with Copic BG13 on the top third of the Art Square.

4. Use an alcohol prep pad to as a "stamp pad" and wipe it all over the Fantastic Birthday cake stamp. You could also use Copic Colorless Blender Solution, but the alcohol prep pad is a little more cost effective and works in the same manner as the Blender Solution would, by "removing" or pushing aside the color. Plus, it saves your Blender Solution for refilling your markers!

5. Then, quickly stamp onto the airbrushed Art Square. It will take just a few moments, but you will see the alcohol start to "develop" and remove the airbrushed Copic color! You can use a heat tool to speed up the process:

6. To prep the tag, use the birthday sentiment stamp as a spacer (or go ahead and stamp with Memento Tuxedo Black ink first), then start placing the My Mind's Eye Decorative Black Washi Tape washi tape (I LOVE these new 8-roll packs of two colors of coordinating tape!). I started with the chevron pattern at the top, used the Art Square as a spacer so I would know where to place the polka dot tape towards the bottom, then covered the sides with the striped tape:

7. Use Copic High Tack Double-Sided Tissue Tape to securely adhere the heavy weight matboard Art Square to the tag:

8. To trim the bottom of the tag, I custom colored White Pom Pom Trim with Copic BG13 Various Ink Refill, to match the airbrushing at the top of the Art Square.

9. Place the pom pom trim inside a snack-sized ziplock bag, along with a few drops of -0- Colorless Blender Solution and "knead" the baggie from the outside so the solution distributes over all of the trim. This will help ensure the next step of color will distribute more evenly throughout the trim. Then squeeze in a few drops of the BG13 Various Ink Refill and knead the bag again:

If you happen to get some heavier patches of color in spots, just squeeze in a few more drops of Blender Solution.

10. Remove the trim from the bag and blot with a tissue or paper towel; let dry.

11. Attach trim to bottom of tag, using the Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.

12. Tie Maya Road Sparkle Silver Twine to top of tag.

And there you have a fun, unique birthday gift tag!

Thanks so much for joining me today!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

HA ClearDesign Fantastic Birthday Stamp Set	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	Copic Sketch Markers	Copic Various Ink Refill, BG13
COPIC Colorless Blender Solution 200cc Bottle	Inchie Arts 3" Art Squares, White	Copic Airbrush jSystem Starter Kit 1N	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Black
Pom Pom Trim, White, 3yds Precut	Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher	High Tack Double-Sided Tissue Tape, 1/4"	Maya Road Twine Cording, Sparkle Silver

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

Love is in the Air by Sharon Harnist

Since Valentine's Day is next week and I needed another Valentine card, I thought I would dedicate today's project to a few of my most loved papercrafting supplies and tools!  Here they are, in no particular favorite order (I tried to limit it to 10 but failed!):

 1. Hero Arts Stamps: Year Round Sentiments ClearDesign
 2. Washi Tape: Lifestyle Crafts Shape 'N Tape (Gray)
 3. Dies: MFT Die-namics Fishtail Flags & Sizzix Framelits Hearts 
 4. Copic Markers: R85 
 5. Memento Inks: Gray Flannel  
 6. Doilies: Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Distressed Doily Die
 7. Neenah Natural White Cardstock: for soft ivory card base
 8. Pink hues of cardstock: Memory Box Bubblegum and Raspberry, 
 9. Buttons 
10. Copic Foam Tape - 1/4"
11. Corner Chomper 
12. Glue Dots: Craft and Mini 
13. Sewing 

And here's the card I came up with (click on any photo for a larger view):

Another favorite of mine -- horizontal cards. Do you have an orientation preference for cards?  Mine has always been horizontal! I started with my favorite ivory cardstock (Neenah Natural White) for a base, rounded the bottom corners with the Corner Chomper, then die cut the doily out of the same. This is an edger die (meaning only half of a doily), so I die cut two of them, which gives the oval shape that fits perfectly on a card front!

Next, I die cut Gray Shape 'N Tape with MFT Fishtail Flags and custom colored the tape to match the rest of my card with one of my favorite Copic marker colors, R85:

The tape covers the seam of the doily halves. Next, I die cut two colors of my favorite pink and raspberry Memory Box cardstock four times with the heart die and machine stitched them down the center. Then I folded the sides of the heart up and separated the layers with 1/4-inch Copic Foam Tape, to give the heart dimension. The heart is secured to the card with Craft Glue Dots:

My newest favorite Memento dye ink pad color, Gray Flannel, was used to stamp this darling Hero Arts XOXO sentiment. I used ivory embroidery floss to string and tie the buttons together, then secured them to the card with Mini Glue Dots.

I hope you have some fun this weekend with some of your favorite papercrafting products, too . . . Happy Valentine's Day!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack	Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Die, Distressed Doily	My Favorite Things Die-namics Stax, Fishtail Flags	Shape 'N Tape, Gray
Copic Sketch Marker, R85	Sizzix Framelit Dies, Hearts	Memory Box Cardstock, Bubblegum	Memory Box Cardstock, Raspberry
Hero Arts ClearDesign, Year Round Sentiments	Memento Ink Pad, Gray Flannel	Hero Arts Buttons, Mixed Blush	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/4"
Glue Dots Sheets, Craft	Glue Dots, Mini (3/16")	Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool

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

February Calendar by Sharon Harnist

Happy Friday, everyone!  With February just one week away from today, I thought I would get a head start on my February calendar:

Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday to create projects for -- I LOVE this combination of colors!  I decided to accentuate the teal/aqua accent flowers in this gorgeous sheet of Basic Grey True Love 6x6 patterned paper, so I stamped Lockhart Stamp Company's Oodles of Doodles Heart with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto X-Press It Blending Card and colored it with these Copic Sketch markers and Red Atyou Spica Glitter Pen:

The heart is SO quick and easy to color, with all the pretty doodles already drawn in for you! It was hand trimmed and popped up on Copic Foam Tape. Next, I printed Ellen's 2013 Ring Binder Calendar PDF Download (sized to 80%) on Neenah Natural White cardstock and trimmed it closely.

When I saw Julie make this project with Lifestyle Crafts' new Shape 'N Tape (it's washi tape in sheet form that can be die cut or cut into any shape you want!), I said "Shut the front door" and immediately went shopping!  I used Shape 'N Tape-Teal Blue, and die cut it with My Favorite Things Die-namics Postage Stamp Edge die. The photo above shows the die I originally intended to use -- you can see how well the tape cuts, even with very intricate dies! But after I die cut the tape with the Memory Box Pepita die above, I decided I wanted something wider with more presence to anchor my calendar. I really like how the Postage Edge looks like a window awning!

I finished my calendar with a red Baker's Twine tied teal button. If you aren't into making calendars, you could also use this same layout for a scrapbook page by just replacing the calendar with a photo. I use my calendar pages in my scrapbook, after the month is over. Or you could just trim this down a little and use it for a Valentine's Day card!

~ Sharon

Copic Colored Glass by Sharon Harnist

As it's getting closer to the holidays, you might find yourself in need of some quick gifts or gift packaging, so I thought I would share this idea with you. It's good for those recycled glass jars and bottles that you just can't seem to throw out (not speaking from experience or anything!).

(In hindsight, I wish I had made either the tag base or jar a different color, as the reds all kind of blend in together, but you get the idea!). Click on any photo for a larger view.

Let's start with the pretty tag -- Die-namics from My Favorite Things make this a super quick and easy tag project for any of your holiday gifts!  

  

I die cut two of Winter Wreath from Memory Box Dill cardstock and adhered them to the largest Decorative Circle Tag Stax, die cut from Memory Box Holly Berry cardstock. The bow was cut from MB Cantaloupe cardstock. I cut and layered two bows together with the smaller 1/4" Copic Foam Tape. Hero Arts Holiday Sayings sentiment was stamped in the center of the wreath with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

To give the wreath foliage a little holiday sparkle, I used Zig 2-Way Glue Pen randomly on some of the branches, then sprinkled on some Ranger Star Dust Stickles Dry Fine Glitter. The tag and bow were both sponged with a little Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Now, on to the colored glass!  I started with a little 3.25" tall recycled glass jar. I think it was originally an instant coffee jar, but this project would also be great with baby food jars, inexpensive clear glass votive cups, or any glass item you'd like to be a new/different color!

Working on a coated paper plate, I just squirted some R29 Copic Various Ink Refill into the jar and rolled the ink all around inside the jar, to coat it evenly. Darker, bolder colors work a little bit better for this technique.

To get the neck of the jar colored (or any small spots inside the jar), I used a cotton swab. Then I turned the jar upside down on the paper plate to let any excess ink drain off.  Then turn the jar right side up to let it finish air drying -- it doesn't take long for the alcohol base to evaporate:

These colored glass jars would make nice, unique packaging for some wrapped candies, etc. I would place any kind of loose food item inside a protective zip bag or plastic wrap, though -- say, some favorite spiced tea mix, along with the recipe for a teacher?  :)  You can also jazz up the lid (if you choose to use it) and paint it with some acrylic paint!

Or they make a great votive/tea light cup. Here's a photo where you can see how nicely the Various Ink colors the glass, and the dimensional bow on the wreath:

And here's photo of the tea light candle next to our Advent Calendar:

A nice, pretty holiday glow, don't you think?  Happy Holidays!  

~ Sharon

{Colored Glass & Tag Supplies}

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Decorative Circle Tag STAX	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Winter Wreath	Memory Box Cardstock, Dill	B8 Cardstock, Holly Berry
Memory Box Cardstock, Cantaloupe	Hero Arts ClearDesign, Holiday Sayings	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"
Zig 2 Way Glue Pen, Squeeze & Roll	Ranger Stickles Dry Fine Glitter, Star Dust	Ink Blending Tool	Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo
Copic Various Ink Refill, R29

InLinkz.com

 

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2012 - Day 4 by Jennifer McGuire

Are you enjoying this series as much as I am? I cannot begin to express my thanks to the wonderful women who are participating in this year's series of tags. Today's guest designer, Jennifer McGuire, needs very little as way of introduction as I know you all know and love her as much as I do. Not only is this lovely lady clever, but she is kind and generous. It is with much affection that today I share with you the amazing talents of my friend Jennifer McGuire. If perchance you haven't already marked her blog you can find it at Jennifer McGuire Ink AND if you have not yet had a chance to take one of the classes she co-teaches with Kristina Werner on their site Online Card Classes you are missing out on some very well-done education!

When Jennifer offered to create a video showcasing today's technique I was over the moon excited to share it with you! Today she uses her magical touch on Tim Holtz Mirrored product - I already have envisioned a bobble-glass ornament wreath using this technique after watching this video!

Thank you Jennifer for your constant support, friendship and the absolutely stunning tag and technique you shared with us today!

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The dimension in this glorious tag was created by stamping with white Staz-On on clear plastic and then mounting with foam dimensionals to create depth. The Mirrored die cuts were colored with Copic markers to add texture and color. Be certain to watch the video that Jennifer has created especially for us!

 

Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die, Tag & Bookplates	Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Bigz Die, Caged Bird	Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die, Mini Snowflakes Set	Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die, Ornamental
Tim Holtz Mirrored	Cleardesign: Bring on the Merry	Stampers Anonymous Classics, Classics 9	StazOn Opaque Ink, Cotton White Set
NEW Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	Distress Ink Pad, Evergreen Bough	COPIC Sketch Marker BG49, Duck Blue	COPIC Sketch Marker T3, Toner Gray #3
COPIC Sketch Marker T5, Toner Gray #5	COPIC Sketch Marker T7, Toner Gray No.7	COPIC Sketch Marker E79, Cashew	COPIC Sketch Marker YG09, Lettuce Green
COPIC Sketch Marker RV17, Deep Magenta	Tim Holtz Tinsel Twine, Silver	Gemstones, Smooth Clear Round	Gemstones, Black Pearl Crystals
High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/4"	Ink Blending Tool	Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Non-stick Micro Serrated Scissors
Fiskars Compact Stamp Press	Retractable Craft Knife	Vagabond Cutting Machine by Tim Holtz

InLinkz.com

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Please help us say thank you to Jennifer for joining us and sharing this fabulous video as she teaches us an over-the-top way to enhance the Mirrored product! Simply leave
your comment below and you will be eligible for the random drawing of the $25
gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com. Leave your comment
before noon on December 13th to be eligible (one comment per person please.) We look forward to "sceneing" you tomorrow ;-D

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2012 - Day 1 by Sharon Harnist

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of Ellen's 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist -- I'm thrilled to be starting off this 12-day celebration today!  Tags are one of my very favorite papercrafted items to create and combining them with a fun technique makes them even more special!  The technique I'm using today is: "Snow" heat embossing on dry embossed snowflake background.

(Click on any photo for a larger view)

Here's how to create my tag:

1. Cut #8 tag shape out of aqua/light teal Core'dinations Kraft Core Collection Cardstock by Tim Holtz-4x6 Assorted 72-pack.  This cardstock is the star of the show today -- it has a fabulous linen-like texture and kraft core that you can expose by sanding it! You can either trace around a #8 Manila Tag and cut to create your tag, or do what I did and just cover the #8 tag with Kraft-Core cardstock. Note: the length of this colored cardstock is 5.50", so your cardstock will be a little shorter than the #8 tag. You can either just trim off the tag or do what I did and just adhere another piece of teal cardstock to the bottom of the tag -- the poinsettia will cover the seam later.

2. Rub Embossing Ink Pad over on the front inside of the Snow Flurries & Snowman folder (where the snowflakes are recessed):

3. Insert cardstock tag in embossing folder and dry emboss the tag with your die cut machine.

4. Take tag out of embossing folder and immediately cover with White Embossing Powder.  Shake off excess powder and/or lightly rub away any stray embossing powder from raised snowflake impressions and around the edges/bottom of tag. You want it to look snow scattered, not completely covered (in retrospect, I wish I had brushed off a little more of my embossing powder!).

5. Heat emboss the white powder using Heat It Craft Tool.

6. After embossing powder cools, lightly sand the tag with Tim Holtz Sanding Block to reveal the kraft core around the raised snowflakes:

7. Distress edges of the tag with Paper Distresser -- this will reveal more of the kraft core of the cardstock.

8. Create reinforced hole for top of tag, using reverse side of a scrap piece of Kraft-Core cardstock (kraft side): Punch a handheld 1-/4-inch hole in cardstock first, then use a 1/2-inch hole punch to punch around the hole. Adhere to top of tag and punch out center of hole reinforcement with handheld 1/4-inch punch; set tag aside.

9. Stamp Pearl Cling stamp onto Neenah Natural White cardstock with Memento Rich Cocoa ink; lightly/quickly color with Copic Sketch markers E00 & E11 (skin), R20 & R83 (lips, flowers & gift bow), E21 & E23 (hair & shoes), BG70 & BG72 (dress & hair bow). Cut out image and set aside:

(For a more in-depth tutorial on how to color people with Copic markers, please visit THIS CLASSroom blog post I prepared with this same Pearl stamp).

10. Using Heart Wings die, die cut wings and crown from Natural White cardstock; run through Xyron sticker maker.

11. Cover sticky side of wings with Melissa Frances Pure Silver Vintage Glass Glitter. Use Teflon Bone Folder to press glitter into adhesive -- glass glitter shards are very sharp and can easily cut your fingers! Shake off excess glass glitter. Sprinkle Glitter Ritz Silver Microfine Glitter over wings -- this will fill in any gaps that the chunky glass glitter did not cover and make them super sparkly! Shake off excess glitter.

12. Attach wings and crown to Pearl with foam tape; set aside.

13. Die cut Sizzix Tattered Poinsettia out of burgundy and rose Kraft-Core cardstock pad; sand the edges of the flowers. (It appears this particular poinsettia die I used is temporarily out of stock. You could also use this beautiful My Favorite Things Poinsettia die, or this Poppystamps Blooming Poinsettia die.)

Tip: Leave die cuts still attached to larger piece of cardstock after die cutting, lying flat on your work surface when sanding. Amazingly, the edges of your die cut will even get sanded and you'll have less of a chance of tearing the flower petals:

Ink edges of poinsettia with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.

14. Cover poinsettia center with silver glass and microfine glitters, same as wings above. Layer poinsettia pieces together with foam tape and attach to lower right corner of tag.

15. Stamp Hero Arts Holiday Sayings sentiment with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink onto Neenah Natural White cardstock; cut into banner shape. Sponge edges of banner with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink; adhere banner over Pearl's hands with foam tape.

16. Attach Pearl to tag, behind poinsettia, with foam tape.

17. Cut a 12" length of Ivory May Arts 1-1/4" Wide Silk ribbon and ink both sides of the ribbon directly with the Victorian Velvet Distress Ink pad:

18. Spritz ribbon with water and scrunch it up; blot excess water with a paper towel. Let ribbon dry naturally or quickly heat it from a distance with heat tool (heating silk ribbon too long or too closely will burn it). If ribbon needs more color, lightly tap it with the ink pad again:

19. Thread ribbon through tag hole and then tie ribbon together above tag with Silver Tinsel Twine and a jingle bell.

All done!

Thanks for joining me today -- I hope you'll have fun with this technique and enjoy the next 11 days of tags!  ~ Sharon

= = = = = = = = = =
{Supplies} 

 

Core'dinations Cardstock, Tim Holtz Kraft Core	Inkssentials Surfaces, Manila Tag #8	Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fade Embossing Folder, Snow Flurries & Snowman	Ranger Distress Embossing Pad
White Embossing Powder	Heat It Craft Tool	Tim Holtz Sanding Block	Tonic Tim Holtz Paper Distresser
EK Success Paper Shapers 1/2-inch Circle Punch	Melissa Frances Pearl Cling Stamps, Just A Little Something	Memento Ink Pad, Rich Cocoa	A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack
Copic Sketch Markers	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Heart Wings	Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker Machine	Melissa Frances Glass Glitter, Pure Silver
Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter, Silver	Teflon Bone Folder	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Tattered Poinsettia
Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	Ink Blending Tool	Distress Ink Pad, Victorian Velvet	Hero Arts ClearDesign, Holiday Sayings
May Arts Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1-1/4" Wide	Mini Mister, Individual	Tim Holtz Tinsel Twine, Silver	1/2" Silver Jingle Bells

InLinkz.com

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We would like to thank you for joining us and leaving a comment for each of the designers who participates in this very special event. Simply leave your appreciation for Sharon's beautiful tag here today and you will be eligible for the random drawing of the $25 gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com. Leave your comment before noon on December 13th to be eligible (one comment per person please.) Be certain to return tomorrow to see what our special guest Claudine Hellmuth has created!

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:

InLinkz.com

Copic People Coloring by Sharon Harnist

Happy Friday and welcome to the CLASSroom! Today I'll be showing you a few tips on how to color people with your Copic markers. 

I'll be using a few tips and techniques you'll find in the latest Copic Coloring Guide Level 3: People that Ellen has in stock in the store. I was extremely honored to have an image I colored chosen to be featured on the cover!

For my sample today, I used this beautiful new Pearl cling stamp by Melissa Frances, Just A Little Something:

Isn't she adorable?!!  This wonderful new line of Pearl cling stamps are classic Victorian Melissa Frances style, with her sweet hair bows and period outfits:

There are currently six designs in this new product launch with more to come! Stamps are cling mount red rubber manufactured by the trusted name of Hampton Art.

General note for coloring people: When coloring people/skin/hair, you don't always have to stick with the usual suggested Copic rules of blending families. Each color reacts differently when combined with other colors, so just experiment! The guide has wonderful reference charts for coloring different ethnicities, but try out some different combinations on your own, to find what is most appealing to YOU!

Because I wanted to keep this image in a shabby vintage style, I stamped it with Memento Rich Cocoa onto Neenah Natural White cardstock and then started coloring . . .

Skin - My personal favorite combination for fair Caucasian young child/baby skin is E00 & E11; E33 & BV000 (shadows). Starting with the lightest E00, I base coated all of her skin. Then I used E11 to put shading in the creases of her arms, under her hairline and chin, and under her dress line at the upper arms and lower legs (click on any photo to enlarge):

I went back and blended these two colors a little with my lightest E00. Next, I used my darkest E33 to deepen some of the shading and added a few cast shadows with the BV000 under her chin, on the left side of her face, arms and legs where the dress would cast shadows:

The BV color really cools down the shadows and makes them look a lot more realistic:

Marianne Walker's Shadows & Shading Guide goes into great detail on where and how to place cast shadows and shading on any kind of object and includes templates to help you do so!

Hair - The coloring guide also gives wonderful suggestions for coloring different types of hair. One thing to remember when coloring hair, is to NOT blend (very much or at all) and use a flicking motion (for straighter hair) with your marker. This will help to define strands of hair and the naturally different shading you find in hair. I used the suggestions on coloring curly or wavy hair for Pearl, using  E21, E23, E25:

I base coated all of her hair with the lightest E21, then drew in squiggles of the next two darker colors.

The guide gives wonderful suggested color combinations for many different hair colors.

Dress - R81, R83, R85, R89: The guide gives tips for coloring different types of fabrics, draping, pleats and folds, as well as different fabric textures and how to create patterns for clothing. I used the mid-tone (R83) first along the valleys or folds of the fabric (see, we're bending those original Copic blending rules of starting with the lightest color first!):

Then I used R81 to color in the other areas, leaving the space next to the folds that I colored above white.  This will end up being the highest "point" or peak of the fabric:

Next, I used my darker R85 to deepen the folds of the fabric:

And R81 was used again to help blend everything together, but still leaving some of the original white spaces.  The Coloring Guide goes into much great detail, with color photos, on how to accomplish this technique.

Finishing Details:
I finished Pearl by leaving the dress sash around her middle and collar white and shaded them with C2. The flowers were colored with Y23 and Y26, stems Mint Atyou Spica Glitter Pen; eyes B21, lips R20; shoes E25, E25. Gift: E41, E42, Y23, Y26.

Pearl was die cut and matted with My Favorite Things Die-namics-Traditional Tags and mounted to a Vanilla Bean Memory Box Notecard.  A Distressed Doily die cut was placed behind the tags.

All three levels of the Copic Coloring Guides are stocked in Ellen's store HERE. Each level focuses on different topics that will help bring your Copic coloring to new heights!

Thanks so much for joining me today!

~ Sharon

 

Copic Coloring Guide Level 3: People	Melissa Frances Pearl Cling Stamps, Just A Little Something	Memento Ink Pad, Rich Cocoa	A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack
Copic Sketch Markers	Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens	Memory Box Cardstock, Vanilla Bean	Memory Box Cardstock, Cantaloupe
My Favorite Things Die-namics Stax, Traditional Tags	Sizzix Tim Holtz On The Edge Die, Distressed Doily	Ink Blending Tool	Ranger Distress Ink Pad, Antique Linen
Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"

InLinkz.com

Other: Ivory seam binding 

WCMD 2012 Challenge 3: Sketch Challenge by Sharon Harnist

Hello and welcome to the CLASSroom for World Card Making Day Challenge 3 ... I'm so glad you joined me today for a sketch challenge!  I LOVE using sketches, they make the process of creating a card SO much easier, I think . . . half of the hard work is already done for you!  All you have to do is choose some paper or cardstock, a stamp or embellishment and you're all set to go!

There's a Fall chill in the air so for my card today, I chose this beautiful Big Pumpkin image from Lockhart Stamp Company:

It was stamped on Copic X-Press It Blending Card, die cut with MFT Die-namics Stax Traditional Tags and then colored with the Copic markers (Y21, YR01, YR12, YR16, YG03, YG63, E50, E21, E23, B0000).  Here are a few step-out photos for you (click on any photo for a larger view):

Start with Y21 in the centers of the pumpkin sections, where the pumpkin is the roundest (standing out closest to you) and would reflect more sunlight:

Next, base coat the entire pumpkin with lightest YR01 (I did try to avoid coloring over the Y21 entirely, so that the very centers would still retain the yellow color, but blended the edges of the Y21 where it met the YR01):

Then add deeper shading with YR12 in the crevices of the pumpkin:

Go back and blend everything with lightest YR01 and then add darkest YR16 to the far left and right sides of the pumpkin that would be furtherest from you, and near the bottom of the pumpkin:

Finally, add a few shadows with E23 along the bottom of the pumpkin.  Next, color the pumpkin stem with E21, E23 and vines with YG63.  Color the flowers and their centers with Lemon and Orannge Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens.  Finally, airbrush the sky background with B0000 and the ground with E21.

I used a date stamper and word **celebrate** to stamp on the end of my tag, along with the date of the recepient's birthday. To make the perforation marks on the end of the tag, I used Tim Holtz's Design Ruler and a paper piercer.

Here's your sketch to follow:

I hope you have fun with it!  For my flags, I used My Favorite Things' Fishtail Flag Die-namics Stax dies, but you could also hand cut your paper or use pieces of ribbon.  Enjoy!

So what's my answer to the question below that YOU need to answer?  I think you can probably guess . . . my favorite papercrafting tools are Copic markers!!  

~ Sharon

Lockhart Stamp Company Big Pumpkin	AC Dear Lizzy Roller Date Stamp	Blending Card by X-Press It, 25 Pack	Echo Park 6x6 Pad, For The Record 2-Tailored
Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	Memento Ink Pad, Rich Cocoa	Copic Sketch Markers	Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens
My Favorite Things Die-namics Stax, Fishtail Flags	My Favorite Things Die-namics Stax, Traditional Tags	Copic Airbrush jSystem Starter Kit 1N	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"

InLinkz.com

Other: Paper piercer, chocolate rick-rack trim; linen thread

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SKETCH CHALLENGE

Now it’s your turn! Create a card using the sketch above as inspiration! Once you have completed this challenge please be certain to link directly to that specific project in our WCMD Challenge Blog Candy post!

BLOG CANDY

What is the tool you use most when papercrafting?

Be certain to leave your answer in the comment section on this post to be entered in a random drawing for the following goodies. All comments must be made by 11:59pm Pacific Time on October 7th to be eligible.

Lockhart Lanterns by Sharon Harnist

Labor Day weekend usually signifies the end of summer and that autumn is on its way (although someone definitely needs to notify Mother Nature to turn the heat off down here in Texas!). So I felt these darling Lockhart Party Lanterns would be a nice way to say goodbye to summer and hello to the recepient of this card:

I stamped the group of three lanterns three times across the bottom of a Solar White panel and then colored them with Copic Markers (BG13, RV63, YR12) and festive, sparkly Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens (Lemon, Melon, Orange, Pink, Turquoise), to match the pretty Lily Bee Buttercup patterned papers I chose.

TIP: Keep what you would consider your "springy/summery" patterned papers close at hand year round for festive party invitations and birthday cards!  You might also want to consider stocking up on these end-of-the summer papers when they go on clearance!

A Memory Box Mango notecard, which matches the patterned paper, was used as a quick card base.  I matched up the lanterns with this great Hero Arts ClearDesign Say Hello sentiment and stamped it with coordinating Memento Rose Bud ink onto a white Inchie Arts Inchie + Square. The square was framed with a black Scallop Square die cut.  Yellow Stickles dotted around the lanterns finishes the card.

I hope the end of summer has come to your part of the country but if not -- enjoy the last of the long warm days & nights!

~ Sharon

Lockhart Party Lanterns	Hero Arts Clear Design-Say Hello	Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black
Memento Ink Pad, Rose Bud	Copic Sketch Markers	Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens	Inchie Arts Inchie + Squares, White
Memory Box Cardstock, Mango	Memory Box Licorice Cardstock	Sizzix Framelits Die Set, Scallop Squares	Ranger Stickles, Yellow

InLinkz.com

Boo Time by Sharon Harnist

Autumn is right around the corner and that always puts me in the mood for cute Halloween images. Karen Lockhart just released her new Fall & Holiday stamps and I used four of her images to create these sweet Twinchie (2-inch square) magnets:

I stamped the Happy Ghost and Spider Web with Memento Lulu Lavender dye ink onto X-Press It Blending Card. Using the lighter ink to stamp helps to make the images seem more realistic. The ghost was shaded with BV0000 and BV00 Copic Sketch Markers and his eyes accented with Lilac Atyou Spica Glitter Pen (hopefully you can see that by clicking on the photo below for a closer view):

The  Boo sentiment was stamped onto Memory Box Persimmon cardstock and then traced with Black Spica Glitter Pen. The cardstock was trimmed with pinking shears and adhered to an Inchie Arts Black Twinchie Square. The ghost and web were popped up with Copic Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape to give these magnets cute charm (I'm always amazed at what foam tape can do for your artwork)!

The web was also accented with BV00 marker and Lilac Spica Glitter Pen. The Itty Bitty Spider was connected to his web with a line hand drawn with a fine black Copic Multiliner and he accented with Black Spica Glitter Pen. The cardstock behind the web is Memory Box's beautiful Boysenberry cardstock.

Add some Inchie Magnets to the back of the sturdy 2-inch Black Twinchie matboard squares and you've got yourself some cute refrigerator art, ready to hold all those important back-to-school papers and photos (or to give to your new teachers)!

Thanks so much for visiting the CLASSroom today!  

~ Sharon

Happy Ghost	Boo	Spider Web	IB Spider
Blending Card by X-Press It, 25 Pack	BB9 Cardstock, Persimmon	B7 Cardstock, Boysenberry	Memento Ink Pad, Lulu Lavender
COPIC Sketch Marker BV0000, Pale Thistle	COPIC Sketch Marker BV00, Mauve Shadow	COPIC Spica Glitter Pen, Clear	COPIC Spica Glitter Pen, Black
COPIC Spica Glitter Pen, Lilac	COPIC Multiliner Fine 4 Piece Set, Black	Twinchie Squares, Black	Inchie Magnets
High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/2"

InLinkz.com

Heat Embossed Copic Watercolor by Sharon Harnist

Hello and happy Friday! When contemplating what to make for you today, I decided I wanted to do one of my all-time favorite coloring techniques, watercolor. I LOVE the painterly look and just sitting down to do it is so relaxing! Naturally I wanted to incorporate my Copics, for their well-known vivid array of colors!

You may remember a previous project tutorial I posted with a Copic Watercoloring technique here: Copic Watercoloring. Today’s technique is a little different, in that it incorporates heat embossing!

To begin, I stamped this gorgeous Hero Arts Cling-Stencil Flower with VersaMark ink onto Hero Arts Felt Finish Natural White Watercolor Paper and heat embossed with Ranger Clear Embossing Powder & Heat It Craft Tool. This paper is 100# beautiful cream color but if you prefer white, Ellen also carries Hero Arts' Bright White version and her own Essentials by Ellen "warm white color" 140# paper.

Next, I placed drops of my chosen Copic Various Ink Refills on a Plastic Paint Palette and used a Niji Waterbrush, filled with Copic Colorless Blender Solution, to pick up the colors and color the flowers. These are the colors I used:

Ranger/Tim Holtz also offers a few other fillable water brush options – a Detailer or Broad nib that Ellen carries.

To color the flowers, I used the lighter RV63 refill to quickly cover the entire flower:

leaving the center uncolored:

You can color right over the embossed lines – the embossing powder resists the ink, leaving all of your nicely defined lines!

Then I went back with the darker RV66 and defined some areas:

BV13 Various Ink Refill was used for the blue-violet flowers but I didn’t have a close lighter or darker color to shade with, so I just went over some areas a few more times to create more depth. G43 was used in the same manner for the background.

You can always use just your plain watercolor brush to wash away and thin out the color a little from some areas – that’s what I did with the green background and it let more of the pretty watercolor paper texture show through! YR31 fills the flower centers.

The pretty Everyday Sayings sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto more of the cream watercolor paper, cut into a banner shape, machine zig-zag stitched on the end, and X-Press It Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape used to pop it up and adhere to the card. The Memory Box Blueberry Notecard used for the card base was a perfect match with the BV13 Copic color!

TIP: To clean up the plastic palette, just use cheap, plain household rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball instead of your more precious Colorless Blender Solution.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have a fabulous weekend creating and I hope you’ll try watercoloring with your Copic Various Ink Refills … 358 colors to choose from sure makes it fun!

~ Sharon

Stamps: Hero Arts Cling-Stencil Flower & ClearDesign-Everyday Sayings;
Paper: Hero Arts Felt Finish Natural White Watercolor Paper; Memory Box Blueberry Notecard & Envelope
Ink: Tsukineko VersaMark & Memento Tuxedo Black;
Copic Various Ink Refills: BV13, G43, RV63, RV66, YR31; 0-Colorless Blender Solution;
Accessories: Ranger Clear Embossing Powder & Heat It Craft Tool; Niji Waterbrush; Darice Plastic Paint Palette; Copic X-Press It Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape & High-Tack Tissue Tape; sewing machine + thread

Designing with Neon by Julie Ebersole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS

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

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

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

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

TOOLS: 1 3/4" Circle Punch

OTHER: 3D Dots; Round Sponges (quartered)

VIDEO: Fun with Glassine Envelopes by Julie Ebersole

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

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

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

(stamp credit: Savvy Stamps)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

TIPS FOR STAMPING ON GLASSINE:

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

Thanks for hangin' with me in the CLASSroom today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wood You Just Roll With It by Sharon Harnist

I absolutely love Kim Hughes' whimisical style of Paper Smooches stamps ... they beg for a clean, graphic style that I love to create every so often!  Aren't these Spiffy Scooters adorable?!! 

I stamped the scooter with Memento's new Gray Flannel ink onto Neenah Solar White Cardstock -- I like that this color is a bit softer than black ink (and more of a true toner gray), but darker than Memento's only previous lighter London Fog gray (which has a bit of a green tint to it). I colored it with the Copic Sketch Markers shown below ... I went with a girly pink color scheme, but you could make this a boy's scooter & card just as easily!

I found that the Copic Toner colors matched best with the Gray Flannel ink.  

Copic Tip: To achieve the shiny chrome-like highlight on the scooter's fenders, I just left those spaces white when coloring my first base coat of T1 in those areas. Then I added a darker T3 towards the bottom of the fenders for shading. The tires and seat were colored with T3 & T5. The pink parts of the scooter were colored with RV000 and R81; R83 for tail lights and YR31 for the front lights.

After coloring the scooter, I decided to stay with a pink and gray color scheme for my card, so I stamped Kim's Timber background with Spun Sugar Distress Ink onto a Memory Box Bubblegum Notecard.

How fun is this background?!!  In the description, Kim says:

"This is not an ordinary wood grain pattern. Paper Smooches' woodgrain is unique! It has thicker lines that look so cool when stamped! Use it for ripples of water, a zebra pattern or how about smoke for a camping (or red hot) theme?"  Versatile ideas I never would have thought of!

To make the road, I chose a pretty metallic Galvanized cardstock and used Tim Holtz Design Ruler and White Opaque Pen to evenly space and draw the stripes down the road:

The sentiment was also stamped with Spun Sugar Distress Ink inside the cloud (or poof of engine exhaust fumes!) and adhered directly on the card front. The scooter is popped up on a double layer of Copic's High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape:

A quick little bow of this fun Maya Road Sparkle Silver Twine Cording finishes my card.  I hope you "just roll with it" this weekend and have some relaxing (stamping?!!) fun!

~ Sharon

Stamps: Paper Smooches by Kim Hughes-Spiffy Scooters & Timber; 
Paper: Neenah Cardstock-Solar White; Memory Box Notecards & Envelopes-Bubblegum; Curious Metallic Cardstock-Galvanized; 
Ink: Memento Gray Flannel; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Spun Sugar; 
Copic Sketch Markers: RV000, R81, R83, T0, T1, T2, T3, T5, YR31
Accessories: Tim Holtz Design Ruler; Ranger White Opaque Pen; Maya Road Twine Cording-Sparkle Silver; Copic High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape; 

Summer Stitched Fun by Sharon Harnist

Ahhh . . . the simple summer-time, don't you love the ease of it?  I know I'd like to be taking it easy in a hammock like this one!

Coloring Karen Lockhart's sweet new Summer Hammock stamp (just released earlier this month) is just what I needed to put me in a relaxing mood! I stamped it onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored it with these Copic markers:

Copic Tip: Notice the color numbers I chose (except the grays, used for shading) all begin with a 1 -- this assures you that your colors will all fall within the same more saturated truer/brighter color range (0's, 1's, or 2's), as opposed to numbers beginning with 7, 8, or 9 which have more gray added to them, desaturating them and making them more suited for shading or to convey an earthy, shabby or vintage feeling.

Next, I used the Sew Easy Stitch Piercer Tool with Straight Stitch and Piercing Mat to pierce holes in the cardstock for the hammock to have something to be tied to, and then stitched with twine. To keep the hammock panel from being lumpy and bumpy if adhered directly on the cardfront, I used Copic's High Tack Double-Sided Foam Tape to raise the panel off the card base:

Yellow Stickles accent the hammock fringe and a strip of pretty Lily Bee Buttercup paper, trimmed along the zig-zag pattern, finishes this card. The sweet Lockhart sentiment is another new June release.  

I hope you find time to relax this weekend . . . I know I will!

~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Summer Hammock #2177 & Enjoy the simple things #10093 
Paper: Neenah Solar White cardstock; Lily Bee 6x6 Tiny Tablet-Buttercup; Memory Box Notecard & Envelope-Bayou;
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; 
Copic Markers: BG11, BG13, C2, C3, C5, RV13, RV14, Y11, Y17
Dies: Sizzix Framelits-Fancy Labels; 
Accessories: Sew Easy Stitch Piercer Tool-Straight Stitch & Piercing Mat; Doodlebug Twine Assortment-Brights; Ranger Stickles-Yellow; 
Other: Embroidery needle

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

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

(image credit)

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••••••••••

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

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

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

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

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

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

Other:  3D Dots; Hero Arts White Embossing Powder

Thank You Circles by Teri Anderson

One of my absolute favorite aspects of going to the Craft & Hobby Association shows is having the opportunity of meeting the many incredibly talented women in this industry. It was with great excitement that I finally had the opportunity to meet Teri Anderson at the last show! This talented young lady is one of PaperCrafts magazine Go-to-Gals. As well she is a design team member for THREE of fabulous stamp companies we carry - Lawn Fawn, Paper Smooches and Technique Tuesday!

It is such a pleasure to have Teri with us today showing us a fantastic way to use circles in designing a card! We would LOVE to have your help thanking Teri - please head over to her blog a bit of this. a bit of that. and leave some lovin' in the comments section of her post there - you know you are in the correct spot if you see the following pic!

Thank you Teri for sharing your creativity with us here in the CLASSroom!

---

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the CLASSroom!

Circles are one of my favorite design elements on cards. I want to show you a few fun ways to incorporate circles on your cards with stamping and with using buttons by sharing this card with you.

First thing is first. I'm going to do some stamping and make one really big layered circle. I just love using circles in this!

I started by cutting a 2 1/2" circle from Bayou cardstock. I used a circle punch, but a circle die would work just as well!

Then I stamped the "gratitude" definition from The Family Circle on to the circle. You'll notice that I stamped it just a little bit off the circle. That's because it really is just a design element. I don't expect anyone to actually read it.

I set the circle aside and then grabbed the Thanks circle and stamped it with orange ink on white cardstock.

I used a circle punch to cut it out and then set it aside.

Now comes the hard part! (Hee hee!) I used the large circle stamp from The Family Circle and stamped it with black ink on to my card panel. Here's how it looks all stamped up. Easy, right?

 

Then I just started piling things on.

I added the Bayou circle and then I added the Thanks circle.

To give a little extra dimension, I used foam tape to pop that small circle off the card. Here's a peek of how things look when all finished.

Love that extra pop the foam tape gives!

Another nice way to add circle elements to your cards is to use round buttons. I use buttons plain like this all the time.

I use buttons plain like this all the time. But, sometimes I like to sauce them up.

And Copic markers are a great way to do this. Just take a pen to your buttons of choice and start doodling with it. For my card, I selected three markers slightly darker than the buttons and then just lightly and selectively added color to parts of each button. If you try this at home, be sure to test it out on a few buttons first. That way you can make sure the colors work well together.

The end result of my button doodling looked something like this.

My buttons (plus some more I colored) look pretty cool on my finished card.

Thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom today!

Teri

 
stamps: Technique Tuesday - Thanks Seal, The Family Circle and A Million and One

paper: My Mind's Eye 6x6 On the Bright Side Two Paper Pad, Memory Box - Bayou, Parsley, and Jack O Lantern; Neenah Solar White

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Orange Ink

Copic markers: BG72, YR07, G99

other: October Afternoon 9 to 5 Buttons, circle punches (or circle dies), jute

Ready Set Grow by Sharon Harnist

Hello and welcome to the CLASSroom today!  I got a few things planted in my yard over the long holiday weekend and it put me in the mood to create something about growing, too!  I don't think I ever colored this sweet Lockhart Ready to Plant image when it first came out this time last year, so I thought it was the perfect choice. I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and then colored it with these Copic Markers:

I recently discovered that Ellen started carrying this wonderful line of Sizzix Framelits dies and I couldn't wait to try them! I started off with these Fancy Labels:

While my colored image was still in the die, I airbrushed it with Copic BG11 for the sky and G40 for the grass. Then I die cut a matching frame out of this fresh, springy My Mind's Eye Be Happy-Follow Your Heart 6x6 patterned paper. I hand cut little flags of coordinating paper and machine stitched them to my card base.

The card base is a fabulous new cardstock by Neenah: Environment-Desert Storm! The product information about this pretty cardstock says: 
"Neenah's Environment Papers are made with 100% green electricity. The smooth surface is wonderful for creating designer looking cards." I like that!  It is 80 lb. weight and definitely IS a lovely smooth cardstock AND such a pretty warm, light kraft color!

I finished my card with light pink seam binding custom dyed with Copic Various Ink Refills R21 and R22. Pinking shears were used to trim the bottom edge of the card.  Are you ready for all the pretty flowers of summer?  I sure am!  Thanks for visiting today!  ~ Sharon

 

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Ready to Plant #2151; 
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card; Neenah Environment-Desert Storm; My Mind's Eye 6x6 Be Happy-Follow Your Heart; 
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; 
Copic Markers: BG11, BV02, C4, C6, C7, E31, E35, G40, G43, R21, R22, Y08
Copic Various Ink Refills: R21 & R22
Dies: Sizzix Framelits-Fancy Labels; 
Accessories: Copic Airbrush System 3 (ABS-3); Sparmax Windstorm Airbrush Compressor; 
Other: pinking shears, light pink seam binding, sewing machine + thread

Lockhart Window Card by Sharon Harnist

I love window cards ... having a pretty surprise on the inside of a card is a little different and unexpected, I think! 

For this window opening, I used a Lifestyle Crafts tag die to cut the opening in a Lagoon Memory Box notecard -- your opening doesn't have to be just a boring square!

To add a little extra color to the cardfront, I layered Springy colors of Meadow and Taffy Memory Box notecard to frame the opening on the inside of the card.

Next, I stamped this darling new Lockhart Stamp Company Garden Swing onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and then added to the length of the swing's chains, using the same Copic Black Multiliner 0.1 that Karen Lockhart uses to draw her images:

Next, I colored the swing with Copic BG10 and BG53. Then I customized the swing's cushions with Copic markers: I used YG03 to make leaves simply by pressing the tip of the marker sideways onto the paper:

Then I used R81 to make flower petals in the same manner:

To give the flowers and leaves a little more definition, I used Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens in Pink and Melon:

Lastly, I used W1 to shade the cushions and W2 to shade the swing a little more:

And when you open the card up, you find the ...just because... greeting on the inside, along with a pretty strip of paper that matches the swing cushions:

I hope your Spring is filled with pretty garden swings and cool drinks ... just because!

~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Co-Garden Swing & Just Because...
Dies: Lifestyle Crafts Tags dies; 
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card; Memory Box Lagoon, Meadow & Taffy notecards & envelopes; Lily Bee Design-Head Over Heels 6x6 Tiny Tablet,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; 
Copic Sketch Markers: BG10, BG53, R81, YG03, WO, W1, W2
Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens: Melon & Pink
Copic Black Multiliner 0.1,

Seeing Dots by Sharon Harnist

Karen Lockhart released her new Spring 2012 stamps last week and I couldn't wait to color this adorable Polka Dot Bike . . . especially since my sweet 9-year old daughter crashed her bicycle this weekend and broke her arm, poor thing!  

I guess this card might have been good to give her, with a different sentiment, maybe, LOL!  Her day was definitely NOT perfect that day!

I stamped the images with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and colored it with fresh, pretty colors of Copic Markers.  The image was then trimmed to 3" square. To finish the edges, I adhered Copic's Double-Sided High-Tack 1/8" Tissue tape to the edges:

and then covered the tape with Microfine White Glitter. The image was adhered to a 3.50" square of Memory Box Currant notecard, trimmed with pinking scissors.  I love the frosty look of glassine bags and was thrilled to find these adorable 3.50" Glassine Envelopes in Ellen's store!  

I slipped the notecard in and decorated the outside of the envelope with Tattered Florals die cuts (from Currant and Cherry Blossom Memory Box notecards) and Doodle Assortment-Bright Twine.

I sure hope this notecard helps to make someone's day perfect! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Co - Polka Dot Bike & Thanks For a Perfect Day sentiment
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card; Memory Box notecards-Currant and Cherry Blossom; 3.50" Glassine Envelopes; 
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; 
Copic Markers: C0, C1, E30, E31, R24, R27, RV52, RV55, T1, T3, T5, V15, Y18, YR04, YG95, 
Dies: Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Tattered Florals; 
Accessories: Doodle Twine Assortment-Bright; 
Other: Pinking scissors, Copic Double-Sided High-Tack 1/8" Tissue and 1/2" Foam tapes; Glitter Ritz Microfine White Glitter; hand-held hole and EK Success 1/2" circle punches; button 

Dimensional Copic Rose by Sharon Harnist

Happy Wednesday and welcome to the CLASSroom today!  I have been playing around with Ellen's new Letterpress 110 lb White Cardstock some more and of course I had to try coloring with my beloved Copics on it!  

I stamped this beautiful LaBlanche Rose with Memento London Fog ink on the Letterpress cardstock.  Using a lighter ink color to stamp the image will give your final colored image more of a hand-drawn or hand-painted look! And Ellen's lovely, thick cotton letterpress cardstock makes the coloring take on a watercolored look, I think!

Above are the Copics I used to color the rose (sorry about the upside down one)!  The wonderful shading on this rose (put in by the illustrator) makes it quite easy to color!  For the cardfront, I used a Granny Smith Memory Box notecard, embosseed with Lifestyle Crafts Floral Embossing Folder. I topped that with the Currant Memory Box cardstock negative left over from THIS Memory Box Valentine/heart die cut card.  I gave it lots of dimension, by using Copic's new High-Tack Double-Sided Foam Tape -- I LOVE this tape!

I like that it comes on a large roll and you cut to length the amount you need.  The protective liner comes off very easily and the foam is nice and dense -- it seems to stand up better, without as much give as others I've used.  AND it sticks and holds VERY well!  The rose is also popped up on the foam tape, as is the sentiment:

The Hero Arts ClearDesign-Truly Appreciated sentiment was stamped with Memento's Rose Bud Dew Drop ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock.  I'm so happy Ellen has started carrying the full line of Memento's dye ink colors -- All of Memento's inks are Copic compatible and I can't wait until the new 2012 colors hit the store!

~ Sharon

Stamps: LaBlanche Rose; Hero Arts ClearDesign-Truly Appreciated,
Paper: Essentials by Ellen Letterpress 110 lb White Cardstock (rose); Memory Box Currant & Granny Smith Notecards & Envelopes (or coordinating Memory Box Cardstock colors); Neenah Solar White cardstock (sentiment)
Ink: Memento London Fog & Rose Bud Dew Drop 
Copic Markers: R81, R83, R85, YG61, YG63
Memory Box Die: La Rue Heart
Accessories: Lifestyle Crafts Floral Embossing Folders; Copic High-Tack Double-Sided Foam Tape; 

VIDEO TUTORIAL: Glittered Copics by Julie Ebersole

 

*click on the pics to en-biggan*

Dazzling, aren't they?! Wanna learn how? Well, snag a nice hot cuppa, 'cuz we have a video tutorial for you to enjoy!

I'm certain there's a name for this technique, but I just called it Glittered Copics.  It combines the Burnished Velvet technique, but instead of using colored glitters, you can create a gorgeous, almost stained glass effect, by coloring the glitter with your Copic Markers!

Some things to note, as mentioned in the video:

Micro-fine Glitter will perform best, as will Copic Sketch (or Ciao) Markers.  You really need the flexibility of the brush nib for optimal results with this technique.

 

 

Two methods are shown--after trying them both, I think I personally preferred the first one over the second, but either will work well.  It's always nice to have options, tho, don't you agree?! *chuckle*

All the supplies & materials featured are listed below.

Enjoy watching here, or on YouTube in High Definition!

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SUPPLIES:

Stamps: Hero Arts Cling Dot Flower Pattern (used on the mat layer of the yellow card)

Paper:  Memory Box Parsley, Mango; Hero Arts Sunshine Layering Paper; Black Card Stock; Neenah Solar White Card Stock

Ink:  Adirondack Sunset Orange

Copic Sketch Markers: YR68 Orange; Golden Yellow; Y000 Pale Lemon; YG03 Yellow Green; YG17 Grass Green; YG67 Moss

Tools:  Making Memories Ribbon Slot Punch Tips; Be Creative Tape 2.5" wide;

Embellishments: Orange hued ribbons (from my stash); Elizabeth Craft Peel-Off Stickers (Leaves from) Bowls of Cherries, Black; Elizabeth Craft Peel-Off Stickers (Flowers from) Flower Window, Black; Glitter Ritz Transparent Micro-fine Glitter in Warm Highlights (or Cool Highlights, or White)

Other:  3D-Dots

Copic Letterpress by Sharon Harnist

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y,   D E A R   E L L E N ! ! !  

Yes, today is a very special birthday for our dear, sweet Ellen, so naturally I had to make this project into a birthday card for her!  Hope you enjoy your special day, dear friend!  

Recently I tried out a theory I'd been thinking about and am happy to report worked . . . I always love when that happens!     I played around some more with Ellen's beautiful new Letterpress 110 lb White Cardstock and Copic markers, to see if I could achieve a traditional letterpress look with the combination and these were the results:

It's easier than you might think!  

1. Simply color the raised side of an embossing folder with any combination of Copic markers you'd like.  Here, I used G43 (from this year's new 2012 Copic colors) and RV55 on the beautiful damask pattern from Lifestyle Crafts Floral Embossing Folder duo set:

No need to work quickly here or worry about the ink drying too fast -- just take your time, we'll deal with that later!  After coloring, have your die cutting/embossing machine and materials all set up and ready go, because now is when you WILL need to work faster!  

2. Fill a Mini Mister bottle with Copic Colorless Blender Solution and generously mist your letterpress cardstock on one side -- don't be afraid to get it too wet.  I suspect the high cotton content of this paper helps it to retain the moisture of the blender solution long enough for it to reactivate the Copic coloring on your embossing folder . . . yay!

3. Fold the colored side of the embossing folder onto the wet side of the letterpress paper and run through your die cutting machine with its recommended embossing sandwich.

If, by chance (and this happened to me the first time!), some of your color does not transfer to the paper, just re-mist that part of the paper, line up your embossing folder, and run through the embossing sandwich again.  Wa-lah . . . quick and easy letterpress in a myriad of 358 Copic colors!!  

I finished the card by stamping more of the letterpress cardstock with Hero Arts Clear Essential Messages birthday sentiment, inked with Adirondack Raspberry dye ink. I trimmed the sentiment into a banner shape and secured it to this sweet Memory Box Gothic Rosette, die cut from Bubblegum cardstock . . . lots of great dimension, as you can see in the photo above.

Hope you have a wonderful day, Ellen!!  ~ Sharon

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Edited to add: Someone asked below in the comments about permanent staining of your embossing folder.  Most (if not all) of the color will be transferred to the cardstock with the Copic Colorless Blender Solution. If there is some Copic marker color remaining on the embossing folder, you can wipe it off with either Copic Colorless Blender Solution, hand sanitizer (since it has a high alcohol content, it will clean Copic color) or regular old rubbing alcohol/alcohol prep wipe.

Stamps: Hero Arts Clear Essential Messages; 
Dies: Memory Box Gothic Rosette die; 
Paper: Essentials by Ellen Letterpress 110 lb White Cardstock; Memory Box Pea Pod Notecards & Envelopes and Bubblegum cardstock; 
Ink: Ranger Adirondack Raspberry dye ink pad; 
Copic Markers: G43, RV55; Copic Colorless Blender Solution; 
Accessories: Ranger Mini Mister; white button; 

New 2012 Copic Colors & Lockhart Stamps by Sharon Harnist

I was very excited to see these 12 beautiful new Copic colors for 2012 and wanted to share them in a project with you today:

Colors include:

• BG57- Jasper
• BG90- Gray Sky
• BV34- Bluebell
• E84- Khaki
• E89- Pecan
• G43- Pistachio
• G46- Mistletoe
• R56- Currant
• RV52- Cotton Candy
• V22- Ash Lavender
• V28- Eggplant
• YR27- Tuscan Orange

Ellen is offering the 12 new colors either in the whole 12-piece set (at a bit of a savings) or individually. Here's a run-down of how the new colors fit into the existing Copic color palette:

• Existing G40 now has companions of G43 and G46
• Existing BG53 now has darker shade of BG57
• Existing BG93 now has a lighter BG90 pairing
• Existing E81 and E87 now have darker E84 and E89 golden brown companions
• Existing BV31 now has a darker BV34 companion
• Existing V20 and V25 now have darker V22 and V28 for a wonderful muted lavender blending group
• Existing RV55 now has a lighter RV52 mate, for a wonderful pink grouping we've all been craving!
• Existing R59 now has a lighter R56
• Existing YR24 receives a darker mate of YR27

I used Karen Lockhart's pretty new Garden Roses #2159, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic X-Press It Blending Card and used the new RV55 (with RV52) for the roses and new R59 for the deepest shading.  (You can find all of newest Lockhart stamp release HERE):

(New 2012 colors have a black dot below the color name on the cap end)

The leaves and stems were colored with existing G40 and new G43 and G46:

The basket is base coated with E81 and shaded with new E84 and existing E87 -- such a pretty golden brown / khaki color!

The ground was colored with existing E30, E31 and E35.

The image was die cut with Lifestyle Crafts Tags die and tied with some of Ellen's pretty light pink satin ribbon she sends as a thank-you gift in each order, tinted a little with Copic R20 marker to match the paper roses.  

The paper roses were die cut from October Afternoon Sidewalks 8x8 patterned paper with Sizzix Bigz 3D Flower, and I have a tip to share with you that makes rolling these paper flowers a little easier!

I use Locking Hemostat Pliers to hold the outside edge of the flower and roll it tightly into the center of the flower:

After rolling, you can loosen your hold on the flower, unlock the pliers and secure the flower to the center with a Craft Glue Dot . . . easy-peasy!  

I colored flat-backed pearls with Copic R56 and secured them to the centers of the flowers.  Green patterned paper from the same Sidewalks pad was die cut with Tim Holtz's On The Edge-Scallops die and everything adhered to a Memory Box Currant Notecard.

I know you will enjoy these new Copic colors -- they really fill out some pretty colors of blending groups!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Garden Roses #2159
Dies: Sizzix Bigz 3D Flower & Tim Holtz's On The Edge-Scallops dies; Lifestyle Crafts Dies-Tags, 
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Memory Box Notecards-Currant, October Afternoon Sidewalks 8x8 patterned paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Existing Copic Markers: 
New 2012 Copic Markers: 
Accessories: Simply Swank Locking Hemostat Pliers, Craft Glue Dots, Pearls, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares, light pink satin ribbon (free gift from Ellen)