the CLASSroom

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

Imagine Paris Tag by Julia Stainton

I seem to be hooked on tags these days. Last time I was in the CLASSroom I went the art journaling route with a bunch of tags to make a mini album for my daughter. Today's post uses a tag as well. Inspired by a big beautiful black tag and the chalkboard trend, I've gone vintage collage style with them.

There are many ways to stamp on dark surfaces. You can use embossing powder,or a pigment ink, but I've found that paint always works really well. I've been a fan of stamping with paint for years. The interesting thing with stamping with paint is that it never turns out exactly the same each time. I think that adds to much to the vintage style. That perfectly beautiful imperfection.

I love using the Adirondack Paint Dabbers for inking up a stamp with paint. You can use a foam brush with any acrylic paint and brush it on the stamp, but the paint dabbers make it so easy and there is no cleanup. Simply dab the paint with the foam applicator onto the stamp and then press onto your surface. These dabbers also work really well for "inking" the edges of your paper to define them.

• step one - stamp the ATC and apply paint to the edges of the ATC and the Tag

Tip: Wash your stamps off immediately as the acrylic paint is extremely difficult to get off if you allow it to dry. This is the voice of experience and it was painful.

• step two - stamp postage marks onto the black tag
• step three - adhere torn coffee filter paper with Multi-Medium...wrinkle the paper when applying it for added texture

Note: Multi-Medium is a fabulous adhesive and and essential mixed media product. Just brush it on the back to adhere or on the front to add a glaze.

• step four - adhere adhesive lace and then stamped ATC
• step five - tie tag with twine and tie on button

• step six - adhere flowers and insert trinket pins
• step seven - pin metal tag to flower

Tip: When creating a black and white project, add one pop of color to brighten it up.

Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom! I hope you'll give stamping with paint a try. Have a fabulous weekend!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Favorite Finds from CHA Winter 2013 - Video

Hi, everybody!

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

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

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

You can enjoy the video here, or on YouTube!

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

Hello, Monday Video: GOT CANDY? by Julie Ebersole

(click on the pics to en-biggan)

I had seriously way too much fun making this Halloween design--this tiny shopping bag is to die for--LITERALLY!!!

I can't help but have a lot of fun when it comes to Halloween--it's the Mister's birthday! Candy, cake AND ice cream???!!! Oh, yeah, baby!!!

This week's video shows you how the whole thing came together and you can watch it right here, or hop over to YouTube to watch it in HD!  Enjoy!

••••••••••••••••••

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	Echo Park 6x6 Pad, Dots & Stripes, Soda Fountain	Echo Park 6x6 Dots and Stripes - Homefront
Memory Box Dies, Mini Shopping Bag	Memory Box Dies, Dangling Spider	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 3mm (1/8")
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Soft Grip Embossing and Stylus Set	Tweezers, Stainless	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick
Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, White	Teflon Bone Folder	Sakura Quickie Glue Pen	Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Stickers, Black
Glitter Ritz Microfine, Black	Xyron 1.5" Create-a-Sticker Machine	Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool, Angle & Photo Corner

InLinkz.com

Breast Cancer Awareness and a Thank You Challenge

Life takes so many twists and turns and it is one of those tough twists I share with you today. It was a complete shock to receive the phonecall from my mom this past June telling me that she had breast cancer. I don't know why it had never dawned on me that women of all ages can be struck by breast cancer. For some odd reason I had thought that if you passed menopause and not had to face breast cancer you were "home free." It was stunning to attend the class where I learned how to care for my mom after surgery to find the room filled with elderly women.

One of the messages I would like to convey today is that no matter your age, young and old alike, we must continue to do our breast self-examinations AND if we find a lump we must act on it immediately. I am so very grateful that my mom is still here with us and continually improving. It has also rung the bell in my head that I must to do this and that I must get a physical each year. My life is so busy that sometimes I just don't do a very good job of taking care of myself, but if I don't take care of myself I will not be here to take care of my children - not an option in my opinion!

The second message is one that I hope will help make another small difference. There are some wonderful people who have helped my mom (and therefore me) throughout this time and what better way to say thank you than with a special card! It is so very important to let other's know how much they are appreciated by saying thank you. Life get's so busy and yet it should never be too busy to say thank you. 

Today and tomorrow we are featuring the Unity Stamps on our site and we have a special challenge for you, so please read through this post and join us in saying thank you or making it easier for someone else to do so!

 

One of the wonderful things about the Unity stamps is that many of the sets we carry are coordinates to the very popular 6x6 paper pads! For example today's project is a combination of Unity stamps produced using Cosmo Cricket images.

In thinking about this design the idea of creating another type of ombre background came to me. Ombre simply means to shade, or create a graduated change in color tone.

Begin by stamping these trendy women using a Distress embossing ink pad together with clear embossing powder. After heating use an ink blending tool in a swirling motion, being certain to start on your non-stick craft sheet to avoid leaving a "print" on your project. Work your way from the lower edge of the cardstock up your project without reinking so that as you move upwards the color becomes less intense until it completely disappears. I recommend practicing on a piece of scrap cardstock to see how much ink works best.

Tip: To add additional interest you could start at the opposite edge with a different color and work your way back in to the first color.

Create your focal point by stamping the bra on patterned paper and cutting out. To make the sentiment pop off the colored cardstock I used Butterscotch Adirondack embossing powder. The little clothespins and gemstone are the finishing touches to this simple card.

 

stamps: Unity Stamps: Upcycle's Hey Girlfriend and Sexy, Silly, and Sassy
ink: Distress Embossing Ink, Watermelon Adirondack Dye Ink
paper: Cosmo Cricket Upcycle Paper Pad
accessories: Cosmo Cricket Upcycle Jewels, Hero Arts Mini Clothespins

Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge

So here is our challenge - the first is to make certain that you do your self-examinations and schedule a physical/mammogram if you haven't done so yet this year. This first challenge is one that may save your life --- please do it!

The second is one that we can see that you are joining in and are excited to reward you with a special prize! This month Splitcoaststampers is hosting a month long series of Hope You Can Cling To challenges and asking participants to send the cards to a Cancer Center in Texas. We would like to encourage you to participate in this worthy cause! You could also contact a Cancer Center near you --- having blank thank you cards available to patients and family members will spread that feel good spirit and help bring positive thoughts to many.

These two simple words "thank you" do make a difference in life!

You have until 11:59pm Pacific Daylight time , Wednesday, October 12 to add your Breast Cancer Thank You note below using the InLinkz tool. We will be doing a random drawing and awarding TWO individuals a beautiful selection of Unity Stamps we have pulled from our inventory valued at approximately $50 to our lucky winners --- it is our way of saying thank you to all that participate. Good luck and go create something "pretty in pink!"

Using Circle Punches to Make a Banner By Becky Olsen

Circle punches are one of the staples that I just can't live without in my crafting supplies. A few different sizes were one of my very first investments in this fun hobby years ago, and still to this day whenever I see a size I don't have I will buy it. They are so versatile and being able to quickly punch out multiples is very handy.

With the popularity of banners still in full sway, I thought it would be fun to use a circle punch to create a celebratory banner for one of the many events that I will be needing a congrats card in the next few weeks for. By using scraps from some of my favorite papers I feel like I am maximizing my paper purchases as well, that makes me smile, I never want to waste an inch of any of those gorgeous papers.

For this card I used October Afternoon Five and Dime papers and Five and Dime chipboard and scraps from the October Afternoon Seaside collection. A 1 1/4" circle punch, Jillibean Soup Beanstalks Twine in brown and Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type letter stickers in blue.

I began by punching circles from some of my delicious scraps, and cut a workable length of the Jillibean twine. I also laid out the card design and machine stitched it together.

I then folded the circles in half, making sure that the edges matched up.

Apply adhesive and overlap over the twine, then repeat for the size of the card. If I were doing a larger project I would just cut the twine longer and add more pieces.

Of course you could make your banner different sizes by just changing the size of the circle punch that you use.

I hope that this fun banner inspires you to get out one of your most basic supplies and have a little fun with it, after all it is the celebrating time of year!

Happy Punching!

B-

Paper Lilies Dress Up Art Parts

I am hoping that you have had time to head over to Kim Kesti's blog and share some love with her - if not please do so, she is an absolutely remarkable woman! That sweet, sneaky girl changed up my desire to share our love with her in the "comment" section and turned it around where you have shared your words with us here at Ellen Hutson LLC. Your words of kindness about the amazing women who I have the privilege to work with here and in the CLASSroom, as well as your beautiful words about who I am as a person bring tears to my eyes. Yes, I am passionate about sharing creativity with others because I truly believe that creativity helped to save my sanity and I want to share that with others - so thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, financial support (through your purchases) and kindness - it is appreciated more than you could ever know!

If you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy the incredible video Susan helped us make I would like to encourage you to visit this post over on In Touch (our newsletter archive blog) and leave some love for her there as well! Today I would like to share a much more "simple" project for those who may be creating paper flowers for the first time. Sometimes one very simple element can make a huge difference on a project and I think that the paper flowers do just that, so I hope that you enjoy this simple twist.

 

This project is created for yet another woman who has supported me over the past couple of years with her kindness. I felt that the words were so powerful and applied so strongly to the support she has shared with me. My desire is to share my appreciation with her through this project.

 

As Susan stated in her video I did challenge her to work with white paper only :-D. As someone who places a huge value on resources, my desire is to always try and share more ways for you to utilize the tools you may already have in your craft room and in this case I was thinking specifically about Neenah paper, the many Copic markers and now the new Faber-Castell products you have purchased from us. So hopefully here is yet one more way for you to use these awesome markers, pencils, pens, etc.

Before beginning a project in which I am trying to achieve natural coloration I google the flower I am trying to mimic. In this case I found this gorgeous lily picture.

 
I used the smallest petal on the Lily punch to create this little bloom. Begin with the lightest value marker and stroke up from the base of the petal to the tip. After adding the darkest value, color back over the entire petal with the lightest color to blend the colors. 

 

I have really been enjoying the Pastel Pencils to add additional veining and depth in my flower petals.

 

As shown in the video I used the sponge to mute the color somewhat. Isn't it amazing how well the colors work with the Cosmo Cricket papers!

 

Due to the small scale of the calyx on this bloom I simply cut the Alta Flake down in size before adhering the petals.

Just a quick shot of all the colors I used in creating this lily. 

 

As you can see I have added little flecks of color to the petals to mimic the real life lily. The ubber fine point on the Faber-Castell Artist pen is perfect for adding this element.

Susan also taught me an alternate way to make stamens for my lilies and I would like to share it with you. I simply colored a small rectangle of paper. Snipping it down and leaving it connected along the base.

I then used my quilling tool to roll it. I realized after the fact that I forgot to snap a second picture after changing my mind and creating a second stamen with the pistil's colored in E08 - oops.

For detailed directions on creating a lily I would like to encourage you to watch the video in this post  - Susan's work is simply magical.

 

For the remainder of the project I simply covered Art Parts and the Sewing Dress Craft-a-Board base with decorative paper, added my sentiment, a chipboard cameo (made using Maya Road pieces painted with Studio Paint) and some other simple, yet elegant embellishments and my piece was complete.

My desire is that one little bloom will show my appreciation. Thank you for once again visiting us here in the CLASSroom and don't forget to head over and leave some love for Kim Kesti and Susan Tierney Cockburn AND win a chance at some fun little goodies!

 
stamps: Tim Holtz Stuff to Say

ink: Jet Black Archival, Antique Linen Distress Stain, Antique Linen Distress Ink Pad, PITT Artist Pen - #133 and PITT Pastel Pencil - #193, Copic Markers - YR30, R81, R83, R85, YG00, YG63, YG67, YG95

paper: Cosmo Cricket Upcycle 6x6 Paper Pad, Craft-a-Board

accessories: Punch Bunch Mega Lily, Slotted Tool, Sample Pack Art Parts, Maya Road Cameo Mini Chipboard, Vintage Black Pearl Pin, Tim Holtz Mini Tassel and Ornate Book Plate, Hero Arts Foliage Dots, Everyday Ribbon, Studio Matte Multi Medium, Studio Painterly Pink Paint, Eco Green Crafts Clam Shell Paint, Ultimate Glue, Flower Soft - Earth

Learn With Me! by Kim Kesti

It is always such a huge honor when our invited guests agree to teach here in the CLASSroom! Today we would like to give an ENORMOUS welcome to Kim Kesti as she shares her creative ideas here in the CLASSroom. Kim is constantly inspiring her readers on her blog think fast, as well you will find her work as a Paper Crafts Go-to Gal on the Moxie Fab and Paper Crafts Connections blogs.

Once again we have a special "something" for those who take the time to visit Kim over on her blog - so head over to think fast and leave a comment for Kim! We will be doing a random drawing and announcing the winner together with Kim on Monday, April 18th, so don't delay - read her post here and then head over to her blog and be inspired!

Kim is a VERY busy designer and mom and to have her take the time to share with us here... all I can say is a simple and huge THANK YOU Kim! -Ellen

 

LEARN WITH ME! by Kim Kesti

I’m so excited to be here with you in the Ellen Hutson CLASSroom. I am a huge fan of all the teachers here and hope I can bring a little bit of my own experience and personality to share with you today.

My name is Kim Kesti and I’ve been paper crafting for about five years. I currently work with Paper Crafts magazine as a Go-to Gal, it’s the best job in the world! I love trying new techniques and even after five years, there are so many things I want to learn. Won’t you learn with me? (I kind of sounded like Mr. Rogers there, didn’t I?)

My main “style” of paper crafting is pretty bold and graphic. I tend to like simple patterns and straight lines. But, I was recently introduced to the Tim Holtz Distress Inks and I think I am in love. Although the project I am showing you today is clean and simple in nature, I adore how the Distress Ink just gives it that little touch of vintage. Plus, I think the look perfectly suits these Hero Arts stamps, don’t you?

 

First, I stamped my image in my favorite Memento Tuxedo Black. 

Then I grabbed my Ink Blending Tool from Ranger and my Vintage Photo Distress Ink. I used the blending tool to add ink to the edges of all my stamped images. I learned the trick to making the ink smooth is to work from the outside edge toward the center, always moving your blending tool in a circular motion.

  

This technique gives such a pretty, soft edge to your images. It works exactly the same way on patterned paper, too. I was so happy with my stamped images that I decided to create a little set of blank note cards as a gift.

 

This Cosmo Cricket Social Club paper could have been made with these stamps in mind, don’t you think? Love them together.

  

Here’s a close up of how the ink just softened those edges a wee bit. Really nice.

  

Of course, every card set needs a little tag, right?

I created a simple tag with the Memory Box Eggshell cardstock, a piece of the Social Club Ready, Set, Chip  and a sweet little scrap of 7Gypsies Paper Tape. I tied the set together with some twine and an old button. Fun!

Would you like to see one more coordinating project? (I know, I’m on a roll now). It’s basically the same format I used on my cards, but I made this little guy into a mini notebook.

  

I think it was this camera image that inspired the idea. That stamp is so awesome. To make the notebook, I adhered the cardstock panel to a piece of Craft-a-Board. Oh my – love the Craft-a-Board! It’s my first time using it and I already know I need another pack! Hee, hee.

One tip on using the Bind It All: pre measure your finished size to make sure the holes are spaced properly. I’ve learned the hard way to always double check the size first. It’s such a shame to punch your finished project and find out one of the holes is half way off the edge, right?

  

You can see in the photo that my notebook is sized to fit six punched holes across just about perfectly. Sweet.

 

I also wanted to show you how easy it is to figure out where to cut the coil. I place my coil right on to my project, then snip right where the punched piece ends. (Use the instructions that are included with the Bind It All to finish the notebook).

  

Well, there you go. A cute little set of cards and one notebook to match. I think this would make a great gift, don’t you? 

Thanks for trying something new with me! I hope to be back someday to share again.

Kim Kesti

 
stamps: Hero Arts Vintage Stamps

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink Vintage Photo

paper: Cosmo Cricket 6” Mini Deck Social Club, Cosmo Cricket Ready Set Cup Social Club,  Memory Box Eggshell, Lagoon, Squash and Persimmon Cardstock

accessories: 7 Gypsies Paper Tape Christmas Wrap, Zutter OWire ½” Antique Brass

Copics + Faber-Castell = Beautiful Blooms

Do you ever need to create a REALLY quick card? Well today I want to share a card that took about 15 minutes to make, with less than 10 minutes spent coloring. Using a combination of Copic Markers and Faber-Castell Aquarelles and Pastels you can quickly achieve a gorgeous colored image.

 
Before beginning to color pick the designer paper you would like your project to coordinate with, otherwise finding a paper will take longer than coloring the image - LOL! 

 

Stamp the image using Memento Tuxedo Black. Color image using Copic Sketch Marker. There is no need to be careful - streaks and going outside the lines a little can be very appealing :-D

 

Next scribble color using an Aquarelle pencil as shown above.

 

Add a slightly darker Aquarelle color.

 

Use a waterbrush to paint the color within each petal. I am working on Neenah cardstock above, so it is extremely important not to add too much water. It takes very little water to "dissolve" the Aquarelle pencil color and spread it. Work quickly and leave little pools if they appear. These add to the overall feel of the finished project.

 

As you can see the blossom has a wonderful look to it.

 

I felt that I wanted my flower just a little darker and so added a little more Aquarelle to my bloom.

Adding highlights using the white pastel pencil brings even more depth to the bloom. I will need to color something with higher contrast, which is easier to photograph, for a future project so that you you can see where I have added the white highlights.

 

After cutting out my bloom and looking for a paper I realized - oops I needed a little yellow in my blossom. I quickly added some gold highlights and painted the bloom again. As I said earlier - all this took less than 10 minutes!

 

Finally a closeup of the finished bloom. Add stickles to the stamens for a little additional sparkle. Unfortunately I was in a hurry and didn't have time to allow the stickles to dry, I can hardly wait to see the finished appearance tomorrow. If I get the chance I'll snap another photo and add it here for you to see what it looks like when the stickles dry. :-D

Just a quick review:

• stamp using Memento Tuxedo Black
• quickly color image using light colored Copic Marker
• add depth with several colors of Aquarelle pencils
• paint with waterbrush to blend Aquarelle colors (don't overwet)
• highlight with Pastel pencils

For all those of you who have both Copics and Faber-Castell products I would like to encourage you to try using them together! It is best to use the Copics first and add depth with the Faber-Castell products. Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom!
 
stamps: Hero Arts Sweet Petals

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

paper: Cosmo Cricket Upcycle, Memory Box Peony Notecard

accessories: Faber-Castell Aquarelle Pencils (124, 126, 250), Faber-Castell PITT Pastel Pencils Neutral (White), Icicle Stickles

Creating Unique Embellishments Using UTEE and Mold and Pour

Ever have one of those moments when you are looking for that perfect embellishment for a project, but nothing on hand really is working for you? How great would it be if you had the things on hand to create a unique embellishment that would be the perfect touch for that special project? It can happen, it is something that take just a few products and gives you creative freedom for so many of your crafting needs.

The way I will be showing you how to do this is using a product called Mold and Pour and also a selection of UTEE colors. I pulled some random 3 dimensional objects from my crafty stash, I wanted to experiment with different types of shapes so I chose a wide variety of brands and styles.

For this basic round shape I used one of my Webster's Pages Sparklers, and used equal parts of the two components that make up the Mold and Pour. Take the two equal sized portions of Mold and Pour and knead them thoroughly together.

Shape it into approximately the size of the object that you want to make.

Then gently press the object into the Mold and Pour and set aside for about 10 minutes to dry. Carefully remove the object after the Mold and Pour has become dry. The mold will have a very rubbery and flexible finish when it is done, this makes it easy for the removal of the objects that you create later.

A few of the objects that I tried that worked well with the UTEE were Melissa Frances Scrolls, Tim Holtz Fragments, and the Webster's Pages Sparklers. What I also found was that items that weren't very deep or had open areas in the design didn't do very well when the UTEE was poured into them. I do think that they would be great for clay or other products that you have a little more control over how they are put into the molds.

This Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 card was complimented perfectly by the black round UTEE button that had come from the Sparkler mold and the scroll from the Melissa Frances mold.

I hope that you have been inspired to play with ways to create your own embellishments using items that you already have in your craft stash and some Mold and Pour.

B-

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11 - By Sharon Harnist

A new year brings a new release from Lockhart Stamp Company . . . wait until you see these darling new images!  I chose three new images and three new sentiments to share with you today:

 

These cards and tag were all created with papers from Cosmo Cricket's 6" Mini Deck-Pixie Licious . . . I thought they were a good representation of Spring and whimsy that would coordinate well with the whimsical style of Karen Lockhart's stamps.

How sweet is Bennie Bear?!!  I think he's my favorite of this new release!  Combined with this darling I'm here if you need me sentiment, I thought he would make a great encouragement card for a child or friend.  Or wonderful new baby cards!

 

I stamped Bennie on Copic's X-Press It Blending Card -- if you haven't tried this wonderful cardstock yet, you will be very pleased with how easily your Copic markers blend on it (and how easily mistakes erase/blend right off of it!).

Bennie's sweater was colored with Copic BG11 & BG72, then BG75 was added to the deepest crevices & folds of the sweater, and along the neckline of the sweater where it would naturally cast a shadow underneath the deep cable knitting:

 

COPIC TIPS: Don't be afraid to add quite a bit darker colors for shading, as it will make those areas recess and give your image a more realistic look.  Bennie was colored with E30 & E31, and E35 used for the deepest shading (in the folds where his legs meet his body, along the bottoms of his legs where light would be blocked by the tops of his legs, and under the sleeves of his sweater where the sweater would cast a shadow on his arm).

Along the same lines as adding darker color to the deepest folds of skin or clothing, keep features like Bennie's protruding nose and feet amongst the lighter colors you are using, since they are closer to you.  This will instantly make his nose appear closer to you.  Visualize where your light source is coming from -- I usually have mine coming from the upper right, as it's easier for me (being right-handed), to add darker colors over on the left side of images.  W1 & W0 were used for Bennie's cast shadow on the floor.  Using the W1 first, then softening the edges with W0, will fade the shadow along the outer edges nicely.

I finished the image by circle die cutting it.  The background was airbrushed BG11 while the image was still in the die (*See more about airbrushed background Copic Tip below).  I die cut a scalloped border from coordinating Cosmo Cricket striped paper and placed tied buttons in the centers of the scallops.

These darling Ducks will make great Easter or new baby cards, or when combined with this new Ducks in a Row sentiment, a fantastic "sorry I'm late wishing you a happy birthday" or late for anything type of card!

 
 

*COPIC TIP: On these cards I stamped my images and die cut them first, then airbrushed the backgrounds.  Then I used my Copic 0 Colorless Blender marker to remove any overspray that may have gotten on the images.  I find this is quicker than stamping and fussy cutting out a mask!

 

The ducks were colored with Y11 and shaded with Y21 and the areas receiving the most light (tops of heads & bodies) were left white.  An orangey YR21 was used for their beaks & feet.  G21 for grass & leaves and V01 for flowers.  BG11 & E31 were airbrushed for sky and ground; W1 was used for ground shadows. The image was oval die cut and is popped up on foam tape.  Crop-a-Dile's Corner Chomper was used to round the top corners of the card -- it cuts through multiple layers of cardstock and paper like butter!

This Caught A Bug? in a jar cracks me up -- and it's sure to cheer up anyone you know that may be ill!  I thought he'd make a good tag to tie onto a jar of homemade soup to share with a sick friend:

 

Bug is colored with Copic G20, G21, V01, & V05.  BG10 was used in the corners of the jar, where it would have the deepest color and BG0000 was used on the rest of the jar.  The cork was colored with E30 (lightest top of the cork), and the sides shaded with E31.  The part of the cork inside the jar was also colored with E30 & E31, then BG10 colored over it to make it darker and give it a realistic look that it's really inside the jar.

 

The image was die cut with a Labels-Lg die and popped up on foam tape over the scalloped circle tag base. 

I hope you'll take a look at the rest of this new Lockart stamp release and answer the question below, for your chance to win a fabulous Lockhart stamp package!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Bennie Bear #1011, I'm here if you need me #10080, Caught A Bug? #4006 & Caught A Bug? Sentiment #10079, Ducks #2135, Ducks in a Row #10078,
Paper: Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck-Pixie Licious, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Memory Box Lagoon notecards, 
Ink: Tsukineko Memento-Tuxedo Black,
Copic Markers: BG10, BG11, BG000, BG72, BG75, E30, E31, E35, Y11, Y21, YR21, V01, V05, G20, G21, BG10, BG000, W0, W1, 0 Colorless Blender marker, Clear Atyou Spica Glitter Pen
Acessories: Copic Airbrush System & Air Compressor, Spellbinders Labels-Lg, Oval & Classic Scalloped & Classic Circle Nestabilities, Big Scalloped Border Petites; Hero Arts Art Buttons-Spring (green) & Summer (teal), Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, EK Success 3D foam dots,
Other: white embroidery thread, plum satin ribbon

ETA: We are aware of the gramatical error in the newest sentiment and are happy to share with you that Karen is working on it immediately. With all things in life, little mistakes happen - the good news is that we always do work to fix them as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and support.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

On the eleventh day of Christmas my goodie box could be...

• African Violets in a Teacup
• Bennie Bear
• Caught a Bug?
• Caught a Bug? (Sentiment)
• Clear Lake Chair
• Ducks
• Ducks in a Row
• English Garden Flowers
• I'm here if you need me
• Ribbon Heart
• Lavender in a Teacup

 

To participate in this random drawing, please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

What is now at the top of your paper crafting wish list?  Is there a specific product or product line that you are enamoured with?  Please share in the comments section below to be entered in this random drawing!

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings -- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies
• Seven Alterable Items
• Eight Oodles of Inchies
• Nine Packs of Paper
• Ten Toys from Tim's World

Let It Snow Projects by Julia Stainton

Snowflakes are one of those beautiful timeless images that never go out of style. I love using them not only for Christmas projects but also throughout the winter. Snowflakes are classic.

Where I live we've had unprecedented amounts of snow. It's definitely a winter wonderland and so I've been inspired by nature around me to create a few snow themed card designs to share with you today. I hope you'll enjoy the different styles and techniques.

The first card is a fun and trendy design. I started off by creating a tree from some Pink Paislee paper.

 It has a beautiful embossed design and by applying some Crushed Olive Distress Ink with a sponge, it tints the paper and also brings out the embossed design.

This card was so much fun to create as I used some Webster's Pages fabric to create an overlay in this design. Notice how stitching the fabric over the tree adds depth and makes it look like it is snowing.

Supplies: Holiday Sayings stamp set by Hero Arts, Basic White 6x6 paper pad by Basic Grey, sewing machine, twine, Mitten Weather chipboard by Cosmo cricket, Vintage Inspired Netting by Webster's Pages, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Crushed Olive Distress Ink by Ranger, Crystal Star Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Parisian Anthology Fancy Filigree paper by Pink Paislee

 The next snowflake project uses some simple stamping and embossing. The beautiful snowflake images are stamped onto a piece of Craft-a-Board and then heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder. Craft-a-Board makes a wonderful chipboard substitute. The white color is perfect for inking, painting or leaving as is.

 Often when creating a resist, I sponge on ink but I wanted to create a slightly different look and used Glimmer Mist to spray on the project.

The shimmer of the Glimmer Mist and the glossy embossed snowflakes looks so beautiful in person.

Supplies: Grunge Flakes stamp set by Advantus, Holiday Sayings Stamp Set by Hero Arts, Clear Embossing Powder & Jet Black Archival Ink & Distress Embossing Pad by Ranger, Sanding Block by Advantus, Solar White Cardstock by Neenah, Bayou cardstock by Memory Box, Craft-a-Board by Essentials by Ellen, Deep Plum & Caribbean Blue Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels

 I've saved my favorite project for last. I love white on white designs. To create the background, I've taped some Tim Holtz Tissue Tape across a white cardstock panel and then trimmed the edges.

Next I painted these sweet Maya Road Snowflakes with some Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint and allowed them to dry. When painting and misting I love working on a Non-Stick Craft Sheet. It makes clean-up a breeze. If you don't own one, do yourself a favor and buy yourself one for Christmas. It makes a fabulous work surface. In the final photo you can see how beautiful the snowflakes look when the paint has dried and cracked.

 One of my favorite products from the past year are the Pink Paislee Artisan Elements. There are so many things you can do with them. I decided to keep this one it's off-white color and stamp a sentiment on it with Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger. Heat set the ink after stamping for a permanent impression.

And here's the close-up of the final project. The combination of different textures makes this white on white card work. If you wish to see more detail in any photo, click on it to enlarge.

Supplies: Solar white cardstock by Neenah, Mini Snowflake Chipboard by Maya Road, Vintage Pearl Trinket Pins by Maya Road,  Innoscence line flower by Prima, white embroidery thread, White Vintage Buttons by Jenni Bowlin, Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint by Ranger, Holiday Sayings stamp set by Hero Arts, felt snowflakes by Hero Arts, Sparklers by Webster's Pages, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Tidings Tissue Tape by Advantus, Pink Paislee Ornaments Artisan Elements

While all these snowflake projects are Christmas cards, you can change up the sentiments to make them work all winter long. A fun frosty design may be just what you need to send some warmth and cheer this winter.

Sending you all my very warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas and a wonderful year to come.

Using an Out of Season Stamp For This Season

Often I have a stamp that I just adore that doesn't get enough face time before the season changes, so what could be better than thinking of ways to give it a little extra love?

Often a simple adjustment can be made with masking, or using different colors when stamping it. But sometimes the theme is so seasonal that those adjustments won't do the trick. That was the case that I had with the Hero Arts stamp set Say Hello.  A very fun and whimsical group of images that I love to use and coloring in the little leaves and flowers in the Spring and Summer was very fun. But now with the leaves changing and Thanksgiving on our minds I wanted to create a card with this image that I could share with a friend who has really been there for me. So with a few patterned papers from the Cosmo Cricket Togetherness line, a Quickie Glue Pen, some Spiced Marmalade and Scattered Straw Stickles, a Peach colored Copic Spica pen and Walnut Stain Distress ink I gave this adorable tree some fall flair.

First stamp out the image onto a few of the patterned papers and fussy cut out a few of the leaves from each color.

Use the Quickie Glue Pen to adhere them in place, and then scatter a few of the extras along the bottom for the fallen leaves.

Color in the smaller leaves with the Peach colored spica pen.

Carefully dot the Stickles onto the smaller flowers (since we stamped with Distress ink the ink will be compromised if it gets to wet or smears)

Adhere the cute little owl into the tree using 3-D Foam squares for a little extra bit of dimension.

On the inside of the Kraft Hero Arts card base stamp the sentiment from the Essential Message set.

Tie a bow from a double sided satin and adhere in place, this ribbon was one of my thank you ribbons from the fabulous customer service note that Ellen sends in every beautifully packed box  :o)

Easy to make quite a few of at once, this could be changed up a little and made into an adorable Christmas card as well.

So I want to leave you with this challenge, look at your stamps with a fresh eye and see if you can take some of them from one season to the next. You will get more value from your crafting dollar and be proud of yourself when you are done!

B-

Printer Tray Family Collage by Debbie Olson

Welcome! Today I have an altered item to share; I had ordered one of the black Printer Trays several weeks back but wasn't sure what I wanted to make with it. When the new Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 line came out, I knew that the vintage office look would be perfect with my printer tray.  

I started with the printer tray, an assortment of Circa 1934 papers and elements page, and some snapshots that I had taken one beautiful October day in our back yard. (The pictures were taken with a digital camera, converted to black and white in Adobe Photoshop Elements, and sized roughly for the openings before being printed with a Canon Selphy CP760 printer.)

Tip: Be sure to measure carefully before you cut your pictures; sometimes the shapes are 1/16" more or less than a standard size. Leaning on my woodworking husband's advice, "Measure twice, cut once." 

 

After you have the photographs in place, fill in with bits and pieces of patterned paper, buttons, string, tags--whatever your heart desires!

I considered leaving my photographs and papers just tacked with a bit of adhesive so that I could change the pictures seasonally, but I ended up using Ranger's Matte Accents to glue the pieces thoroughly. I'll just order another tray. . . or two. . . Christmas presents for grandparents, anyone?

Thanks for visiting the CLASSroom today!