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January 15, 2018

Supplies and Techniques for adding Snow & Ice Effects

Sequins beads n puff-001

(Click on the pics to enbiggan)

Hey, y'all!  Julie here, sharing a few products and techniques from the Frozen Product Bundle for adding snow and ice effects to your winter projects!  I adore snow but we really don't get much, if any at all, on Whidbey Island, so I have to make my own winter wonderland on paper, LOL!  

All three of these cards feature the Arctic Pals Stamp and Die set, along with the Strands Die.

Below the photos (scroll way down), I have a video that walks you through how to achieve each of these effects--all are easy and fun!

Glim paste-001

(sentiment borrowed from Totally Random Sayings) 

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TIPS FOR GLIMMER PASTE:

  • Make your own "disposable" stencil using a die--80# card stock is a great weight for this type of stencil and reduces clean up!
  • Zig Two Way Glue makes a great repositionable/removable adhesive--just allow it to dry thoroughly, until it is tacky to the touch.
  • #100/#110 weight card stock tends to perform better with pastes (less buckling from thicker wet type mediums such as pastes)
  • Moonstone Glimmer Paste is a clear color; ink colors beneath will show through, which can make for some wonderful effects!
  • Remove the stencil (carefully) while the paste is still wet so it does not become permanently glued down to your project.
  • Clean up palette knives/tools immediately or paste becomes extremely difficult to remove when dry.
  • Depending upon how thickly applied, paste can take 10-20 min to dry.

 

Beads n puff-001

TIPS FOR MICRO BEADS:

  • Micro beads can also be applied to double sided sticky tape to make beaded borders.
  • Try covering a stamped image with the wider double-sided sticky tapes and then applying the micro beads for beautifully unique effect!
  • Made of glass, as opposed to plastic, these beads can also be used with Sticky Embossing Powder.

Beads n puff-002

TIPS FOR PUFF EMBOSSING POWDER:

  • The grind of this embossing powder is a little more coarse; use a well-inked embossing pad.
  • It also has a textured, matte finish that cures to a hard finish; takes a little longer to heat emboss than regular grind powder. Take your time and make sure all areas get properly heated/embossed.
  • Best suited for bolder images, as opposed to finely detailed.

 

LA snow-001

La snow-002

TIPS FOR LIQUID APPLIQUE:

  • May appear off-white, but whitens as it is heated
  • Wet, freshly applied Liquid Appliqué will puff up very fluffy and irregular when heat is applied; if left to dry completely overnight, it will puff up very smoothly when heat is applied.  Experiment to see which result you like best for your project.
  • Whether wet or dried overnight, begin to heat with embossing gun about 6" away and gradually move in closer to the point where the Liquid Appliqué begins to puff up.  Take care not to get so close you scorch it or the paper surface.
  • If (wet) Liquid Appliqué "deflates" after heating, that means the outside surface is cured but it's still wet inside and needs to be heated for more time until it is fully dried.
  • Glitter can be sprinkled into wet Liquid Appliqué for a puffy glittered effect.
  • If the card is going to be mailed, cured Liquid Appliqué can often become flattened or crushed; to avoid this, you can apply clear embossing powder over the top of it while it is still wet and then heat emboss.  The clear embossing powder will act as a hard, protective "shell".

 

WATCH THE VIDEO 

Watch this video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE. Thank you for giving it a thumbs' up and for subscribing!

 

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July 15, 2017

Product Talk Perfect Pearls - Featuring Mermaid's Tail

Hey everyone!  I hope you're having a great July!  In this month's Ellen Hutson Newsletter, we're going to be taking a look at an "oldie but a goodie" Perfect Pearls.

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Perfect Pearls are a great way to add some pearlescent shimmer to your cards.  It's a different look than you can achieve using other mediums.  Depending on the colors and techniques that you use with the Perfect Pearls, you can get many looks.  Instead of a bold, in your face shimmer and shine like glitter paste or embossing powders, this is a more subdued pearlescent finish.

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In the video tutorial, I'll be showing you some different ways you can use them.  Be sure to check that out for more tips and tricks.

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Here are a few ways you can use Perfect Pearls

  1. Shimmer Over Stamped Images - Stamp you image in Versamark ink and then cover with Perfect Pearls to give a pearlescent finish to your stamped images.
  2. Stenciled Shimmer - Apply ink to your project through a stencil and then pounce on Perfect Pearls.
  3. Stamped Off Shimmer - Apply ink all over a die cut piece and pounce on Perfect Pearls.  Then use a stamped inked with Versamark to remove the Perfect Pearls in just the stamped areas.
  4. Shimmer Spritz - You can mix Perfect Pearls in water to create a shimmery spritz.  Or use this pearlized water to watercolor for a subtle pearlescent finish on your watercolored project.

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Perfect Pearls come in a lot of different colors.  Try different colors of Perfect Pearls on colored card stock.  You'll be surprised at the beautiful results you can achieve.  My favorite is the Perfect Pearls in Mint on Mulberry card stock.  Beautiful!

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Perfect Pearls has a built in fixative to keep it in place.  You can lightly mist your project once the Perfect Pearls are in place to lock them in place.

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All of my projects today feature the new Mermaid's Tail stamps and dies from the Essentials By Ellen line.  This is definitely my new favorite stamp and die combo.  I love the big bold mermaid tail.  It's the perfect focal image for A2 sized cards.  You don't need much else on your card when you have a big, beautiful, shimmery mermaid tail as your focal point.

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I also love the sentiments included with the Mermaid's Tail stamp set.  There is a great mix of snarky sentiments, as well as encouraging sentiments.  I mean, who doesn't love a sentiment that says "Mermaids Don't Have Thigh Gaps"?  I can't wait to use the one that says "I want to be where the people aren't".  But if snark isn't your thing, you've got plenty of options, like "make waves" and "keep swimming".

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I've used a variety of sentiments on my card projects today.

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So there you have it.  A quick look at Perfect Pearls...and three fabulous mermaid projects to go with it.

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I hope you enjoyed today's projects.  Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!

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Watch The Video

You can watch this video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE.  Don't forget to subscribe while you're there so you don't miss any of our video tutorials. 

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February 15, 2017

Tool Talk - MISTI Creative Corners & A Manly Card

Hi everyone! It's Carissa with you here today on the In Touch blog. I thought it would be fun (and helpful) to give you some information on the new MISTI Creative Corners. This is an add on that will make your MISTI even more versatile! It hardly seems possible that the MISTI could be more versatile...but I assure you, this little add on takes your MISTI up a notch.

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Along with showing you the new Creative Corners, I'll be sharing some easy projects with you. My aim was to create a card project that is suitable for the men in your lives. You won't see any sequins or gold glitter on this card project....but I love the way this one turned out.

The MISTI Creative Corners comes with a few different tools in the kit. There are two magnetic corners. These allow you to create a corner anywhere within your MISTI tool. This is especially helpful when you want to do some stamping off the edge of your project. They also come in handy if you are stamping more that one piece at a time. The magnets help hold the corner in place as you create your project.

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In addition to the corners themselves, this kit includes a couple of triangle tools that making aligning things on an angle a breeze. I've used a combination of these tools to create my projects today. I'll be walking you through these projects and showing you the Creative Corners in action in the video tutorial below. Be sure you check that out. I really think it's helpful to see these tools in action.

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Since I'm using the MISTI, I decided to create several of these cards at once. One of the best things about stamping with the MISTI is that it makes multiples a breeze.

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I stamped the Celebrate sentiment on my card front several timese. Each time I repositioned my stamp, I used the angle tool to position the stamp on the exact same angle. To insure that your angle is consitent, make sure that the triangle tool is positioned against the inner edge of the MISTI. This will keep your trianlge at a consitent angle, and therefore keep your stamp at a consitent angle.

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I stamped the sentiment in an ombre color scheme and then added a pop of color to the cards with a stamped and die cut sentiment. To add a bit of dimension, I used foam tape to attach the die cut sentiment.

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I finished the cards off with a bit of silver thread (I had to sneak something shiny in there) and a strip of real wood paper...just to man it up a bit. ;)

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That completes my cards for today. I hope you've enjoyed this manly card and a look at the new MISTI Creative Corners. Don't forget to check out the video tutorial below. I've also included links to all of the products used in these projects.

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!

Watch The Video 

You can watch this video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE. Don't forget to subscribe while you're there so you don't miss any of our video tutorials.

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December 15, 2015

It's like a HEATWAVE!

Heatwave grp shot WEB

(Click on the pics to enbiggan)

 Couldn't resist.  Now you'll be singing that song all day long, right?! chortle


We-R-Memory-Keepers-Heatwave-Pen-Starter-Kit-WRMK662586_image1__50715.1446750748.1280.1280
I recently had a chance to play with the HeatWave Foil Pen by We R Memory Keepers.  Funny, when I see the word foil, my head snaps up and my eyes get fixated. Beautiful, elegant foiling will get me every.single.time.

But, sometimes, I want that shiny effect in a fun/funky look that isn't necessarily "classic". For me, that's where this Foil Pen can be quite handy!  If you like to doodle and draw freehand, or love the idea of foiling your handwriting/lettering, I think you'll have fun with it!

Recognizing how well the pen works with stencils, We R Memory Keepers have designed stencils created to work especially well with the tool, so if you are not crazy about your own handwriting, you can simply use a stencil to guide the pen!

We-R-Memory-Keepers-Heatwave-Stencil-Script-WRMK662663_image1__91509.1446750843.1280.1280 We-R-Memory-Keepers-Heatwave-Stencil-San-Serif-WRMK662661_image1__10669.1446750828.1280.1280

We-R-Memory-Keepers-Heatwave-Stencil-Flourish-WRMK662664_image1__10993.1446750822.1280.1280We-R-Memory-Keepers-Heatwave-Stencil-Serif-WRMK662662_image1__62047.1446750835.1280.1280

Some things that you should note about this tool:

  • It is battery operated (you'll need 3 AA batteries to power it up); I personally like this because I don't have to worry about the cord getting in my way!
  • Although the Starter Kit comes with a nice and generous assortment of foil, the foil refill packs are very reasonably priced, contain a generous amount of foil sheets, and you can also purchase the colors individually! fist pump

We-R-Memory-Keepers-Heatwave-Pen-Starter-Kit-WRMK662586_image2__02037.1446750752.1280.1280

  • The Heatwave works only with the specially designed foil, not with other brands (i.e. Minc, i-Craft Deco Foil, other transfer foils)  This is not a negative, in my humble opinion (see my previous note about the inexpensive refills)!
  • It can be used with many other stencils; keep in mind that that the tip is approx. 2 cm 1/16" +/- wide, but slightly domed, and not super-fine/pointed. It will work best with stencils that have wider/open spaces, as opposed to narrow or tiny/fine-line designs.
  • I found I got the best/most consistent results when I held the pen at a slight angle, instead of completely straight up and down or at my normal hand-writing angle. Practice a little to find what works for you!
  • Draw slowly. I repeat:  S.L.O.W.L.Y.  I had to remind myself of that. Again, practice a little.  There's plenty of foil in the Starter Kit to do that with. :)
  • Taping the foil temporarily down against my project helped keep it taut against the surface and also gave me better results, eliminating any shifting of the foil due to "drag" from the tip.  Washi tape is your friend. :)
  • I personally loved the results on smoother but heavier weight papers such as Bazzill Card Shoppe, and Neenah 110# (I had very inconsistent results on more textured papers such as letterpress and watercolor papers.  I will have to test more on glossy card stock as my initial experiments were on the dismal side.)
  • The foil colors do show up with great contrast against dark/black card stock.
  • The finish is somewhat different from transfer foils, yielding a "lustre" type foil effect.  On the heavier weight card stocks, it also debosses down into the paper, due to the pressure from the nib, which I feel enhances the look.

LINK: View in HD on our YouTube Channel HERE. 

Heatwave ho WEB1  Heatwave ho WEB2

Heatwave Merry WEB1  Heatwave merry WEB2

Heatwave AE amore WEB1  Heatwave AE WEB2

  Heatwave grp WEB2

It's tricky trying to capture the shine of the foil on camera, but hopefully, this gives you an idea of the effect.

If you do not have a Minc or laminator but still want to be able to add hand-drawn foil accents to your projects or foil your writing, this is another fun foiling option!

Thanks for joining me today! 

1Julie

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November 15, 2015

Easy Accents for your Holiday Greetings

Nov grp shot web

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I'm always looking for easy ways to enhance my cards--items that add a special touch, but aren't overly labor intensive. 

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Prills, a natural, non-toxic, tiny, hole-less pearl-like bead, are a new-to-me embellishment that can be used in a myriad of ways.

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Here I used the Minnie (white) on the centers of my vellum poinsettias, for added texture and interest! A clear-drying adhesive works best for this particular application, but you can also apply them to Be Creative Tape, or try using them as filler on your next shaker card! I also think the colored ones would be super fun as "candy sprinkles" in embossing paste "frosting" on a cupcake image! 

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It's hard to capture the sparkling golden effect on this design, but it is lustrous and beautiful in real life--take my word!

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After misting over the top of the Hero Arts Star Snowflake Stencil with Hero Arts Gold Shimmer, I allowed it to dry completely, and then over-stamped with a large greeting in Archival ink. The outer panel was edged with Stickles Glitter Glue, the perfect finishing touch on a modern, elegant design.

I recently had a chance to play with the Minc Toner Pen.  This is a pump-action pen that draws toner fluid down the barrel and into the nib; you can write or draw and once dry, apply heat-reactive foil over the top of your designs using the Minc.

Toner pen web3

The pen's nib is on the thicker side, so it doesn't work well for "fine-line" writing or drawing and I found I needed to keep it upright to get the most consistent line of toner fluid.

The packaging states that best results are achieved on smooth or glossy/coated papers, so I tried it on Neenah Solar White and on glossy white; the most impressive results were indeed on glossy.

In a quick experiment, I tried applying the toner pen to a stamp then impressing it to paper (see acorn images above)--I think I need to play with that more to figure out how to get a consistently even application of the toner fluid onto larger stamp images, but on small ones, I was surprised it worked fairly well! The toner didn't seem to harm or stain the stamp at all and cleaned off easily with just a baby wipe. *fist pump*

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I also tried it on Bazzill Card Shoppe and achieved fair results, but miniscule particles of foil from the piece placed over the toner pen transferred to the paper, leaving a super subtle golden sheen over the surface.  It's not really perceptible in the photo, but if you are a perfectionist, you will probably notice this and may need to adjust your design to accommodate for that, when working with non-glossy papers. 

Toner pen web2

On this sample, I hand-lettered a simple word over Avery Elle patterned paper and foiled with the Minc.  Although there was some residual gold shimmer on the paper, it didn't detract from the design and I was pleased with the end results.

Toner pen web1

So, how would I use the pen? I think it's a great option for larger scale hand-lettering (due to the tip design) and for spot foiling pre-stamped images, patterned papers, or decorative chipboard pieces that are thin enough to go through the Minc machine, etc. and for "inking" up smaller stamp images and foiling those.

As with all things, it's important to experiment with any new-to-you tool, to find a method that works for you! 

Enjoy watching this month's video in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thanks for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up!  

Thanks for stopping by and for joining me for the November issue of In Touch!

1Julie

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October 15, 2015

Easy Embossing Folder Techniques

Embossing folders WEB1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Embossing folders are one of the most versatile tools a paper crafter can have; long, long ago, in a galaxy far away (just kidding!), the only way we could deboss or emboss (create recessed or raised images, shapes & patterns on paper) was to use a light table, brass stencils, and a ball tipped stylus tool. It was done manually. *insert shocked eyeballs here* Depending on the intricacy, it could take quite a bit of time to do, despite loving how it looked...

Then, along came the personal die cutting machine.  I fell for the Big Shot, and most recently, the Big Shot Plus.  The Plus takes up a little bigger footprint on my cutting table, but I'm super pleased at the wider, 9" feed and it works just as beautifully as the smaller version--possibly even better, with wider distribution of pressure across the rollers. I love that I can send a whole 8.5 x 11" sheet of card stock right through it, without having to cut it down, or worry about which direction I'm sending my project through in order to fit it.

After taking the machine for a test drive with my dies, I pulled out some embossing folders to play around with--on this machine the "tabs", now called "Adapters", are not attached by hinges to the platform and I wanted to experiment a bit to see what worked best with the various folders I have.

All of these techniques have been around for quite a while so they may not be new to you, unless you haven't yet explored embossing folders or haven't worked with a die-cutting machine like the Big Shot.

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For the We R Memory Keepers Next Level Gemstone folder (Next Level embossing folders have deeper/more dimensional patterns than most standard embossing folders) I found the following sandwich worked the best:

  • Platform, no adapter shims
  • Cutting Pad
  • Embossing folder with paper inside
  • Cutting Pad

Iceberg WEB1
Trimming away a portion, following the pattern lines, makes a cool "iceberg" effect for the North Pole (sample features a coming Essentials By Ellen Stamp set).

Waves WEB2
My little fishies needed an ocean to swim around in, so I rubbed a Distress Ink Pad against one side of the WRMK Next Level Waves folder, sandwiched a piece of watercolor paper inside and ran it through the machine; I ran a wet brush over the ink to create variations of color intensity and to give it an even more "watery" look.

Waves WEB1

Depending on the design/pattern of an embossing folder, you could even just ink it up and press paper against it to "stamp" the pattern, without embossing at all, but it does look muy cool this way!  Again, I used the same sandwich as previously listed due to the deeper impression patterns.

Wax resist WEB2

Wax resist with an embossing folder is yet another technique for transferring the pattern to paper, creating visual texture. In a nutshell:

  1. Emboss a piece of ordinary household wax paper (cut slightly larger than the embossing folder) with a folder; keep in mind that different patterns will yield different effects. This Linear folder features two smaller/more tightly patterned designs that work well for the technique--folders with wide open spaces in the pattern may not work as well; experiment to see what you like!
  2. Layer the embossed wax paper over a panel of Bristol (a heavier paper stock like this tends to work best) and then sandwich these between clean copy paper.
  3. Use a hot iron, no steam, to press and transfer the wax paper pattern to the paper, taking care not to shift the Bristol. About 7-8 seconds should do the job nicely.
  4. Blend ink over the top and watch the pattern begin to magically appear.
  5. You can transfer the waxy pattern to two pieces simultaneously, if you sandwich the embossed wax paper in between two pieces of Bristol before tucking everything inside the folded copy paper.

NOTE:  This was a standard embossing folder; the following sandwich usually works well with standard embossing folders:

  • Platform
  • Adapter Plate B
  • Cutting Pad
  • Embossing folder with paper inside
  • Cutting Pad

Wax resist WEB1

You can blend ink over just a portion of the pattern to create a back-drop of pattern for your focal image.

Wood grain love WEB2

Combine a solid (non-aperature style) low-profile die like this Love Word Heart by Savvy Stamps with an embossing folder to create a double-embossed effect!  Note: I like using the Essentials by Ellen Letterpress Paper for this particular technique--the end result reminds me of luxurious Letterpress stationery, and the paper really enhances the whole effect.

How-to:

  1. Align the back (non-blade) side of the die to one side of the embossing folder, leaving the folder open. You may find that you prefer the raised side, or the recessed side, depending on the results.  Again, experimenting will guide you! A glue dot can help to hold the die in place and prevent it from shifting as it goes through the machine; it can be removed afterwards.
  2. Position the paper over the die/folder.  Keep the folder open.
  3. I find it helps to use removable tape to also hold the paper in place.

On the Big Shot Plus, I found I preferred the results I achieved with this sandwich:

  • Platform WITH both Adapters
  • Silicone Rubber Embossing Pad (we're using this in lieu of a cutting pad because we don't want to actually cut through the paper at all, just deboss the patterns into it)
  • Open embossing folder with the die and paper in place, blades down against the Silicone Rubber Pad
  • Cutting Pad (Yes, just one, on top)

I recommend watching the video especially for this double-embossing technique--it's just a lot easier to understand when you see it being done. :)

 Woodgrain love WEB1
By all means, use the aforementioned sandwich "recipes" as a starting point; keep in mind that every machine is calibrated slightly differently, and certain embossing folder patterns work better than others for some techniques; I was experimenting with what I had on hand and made notes for my specific products so I can refer to them easily the next time I want to repeat the technique.

If you need additional shimming when embossing, a layer of copy paper or folded copy paper can add just the right amount of extra pressure to achieve the desired results.

Below is the video showing these embossing folder techniques (also available in HD on our channel) in more detail.  and thanks so much for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up on YouTube!

There are even more ways to use embossing folders, but I hope these ideas will inspire those of you who are new to them!  I must admit, not having to wear my arm out by doing it the "old-fashioned" way is really, REALLY nice! :)

1Julie

Designer Note:  The North Pole card features a stamp set coming soon to the Essentials by Ellen line--keep your eyes peeled for it! :)

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September 15, 2015

Shaker FUSE-ion

  Shaker grp WEB 22

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

You may remember a previous article featuring the FUSE tool by We R Memory Keepers to make "Hot Li'l Pockets"--another option for creating those infamous Pocket Letters™ by Janette Lane...

With shaker cards popular once again, which I'm so happy to see, I wanted to play more with my FUSE tool and try a few things, like making shaped shaker embellishments for my cards--I warn you, I was having so much fun with these little projects, I had to force myself to put down the FUSE; I just wanted to keep making all kinds of shaker embellishments with this thing! And they are go so quick!

I actually like the dashed line the FUSE tool creates--they remind me of stitching--but you could design the cards to conceal them, if you wanted.

Full front shaker WEB2

Shaker full front WEB1

I had to try a full-front shaker--ridiculous fast, ridiculous easy!!! Nesting dies, like the Card Layers set by We R Memory Keepers, means your pocket will be a perfectly sized match to the panel you slip inside--just cut your paper (layer/shape, etc.) using a die, then use the outer edge of the very same die to guide your FUSE tool.

Incidentally, the Card Layers die set is one of my most frequently used and is sized to A-2 cards--awesome work-horse set of dies!

Sectioned shaker WEB2

  Sectioned shaker WEB1

Definitely wanted to attempt a "sectioned" shaker (no clue what they call this kind of shaker, so that's what I'm callin' it because I fused off a section, right?!) The pocket is made the same way as the first card, and I used the same die to cut the patterned paper panels; I then cut all those layers the same with my paper trimmer so I could mix and match the different papers but they would all fit together properly.

With this style, it helped to fuse one piece of paper into the pocket at a time, adding the next, and sealing/fusing as you go. It made the spacing between the pieces easy for fusing, and the pieces can always be shaved off with your paper trimmer, if necessary, to make everything fit snugly inside each section.

Shaker window WEB2

Window shaker WEB1

To create a peek-a-boo window effect, I die cut through both the patterned paper layer and the card front--this keeps both shapes perfectly aligned. I used the outside edge of the same balloon die, as a guide for the FUSE tool.

Because this pocket is rather small, and the filler material is fairly large for the size, there isn't as much room for it to shake all that much, but the fused lines are concealed.  If you wanted more shaker action, you could make a larger sized pocket to sandwich between the card layers, and possibly add foam tape, as well, so there is more of a gap to allow the filler to move freely.

Shaker banner WEB2

Shaker banner WEB1

And, then I had to try a shape that would be more like an embellishment, mounted to the front a new baby card!

TIPS:

  • A wide-mouth canning jar, made of heat-tempered glass (They are able to withstand the heat and pressure associated with water bath and pressure canning),  seems to work awesome as a holder for my FUSE; the glass can get hot to the touch, but did not get hot enough to cause a burn nor harm my work surface. I liked the fact that I could set the entire hot tip down inside the jar; it wasn't exposed so I didn't have to worry about my hand accidentally bumping into it/causing injury.
  • Full-size page protectors worked awesome for these projects, providing plenty of area for creating different custom shapes, in different sizes.
  • Practice a little on a scrap piece of photo sleeve/sheet protector so you can the feel for how much pressure and speed required to fuse the plastic layers together; a lot will depend on the mil/thickness of what you are using.
  • Working on top of a piece of card stock can be helpful because it's a great indicator of whether or not your fuse line is sealed; if it sticks to the card stock, you had enough heat and the right speed to fuse through both layers of plastic; if it doesn't stick to the card stock at all, you probably didn't.
  • You can double-check your fuse lines by running the tip of a bone folder or similar along the edges.
  • If you have any gaps in your fused line, you can go over those areas again.
  • The outside edge of your metal craft dies makes a great guide for the FUSE; you could also try metal cookie cutter shapes.
  • You can fill your shaker pockets with sequins, and micro and seed beads, chunky glitters, sand, coffee grounds, etc. I must admit to being partial to the sequins simply because I love those flashy orbs of color! :) For small openings, I found a spoon or tweezers helpful for filling the pockets...

The video is available in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thank you for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up! :)

The FUSE is so easy to use, I won't be surprised if you get carried away with making all kinds of shaker type goodies!

1Julie

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May 15, 2015

The We R Memory Keepers Fuse & Hot Li'l Pockets

Hot_pockets_pair_WEB

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

When Ellen and I saw the FUSE by We R Memory Keepers, at CHA this year, we got kinda giddy--oh, the potential! Oh, the EASE!!! 

It meant there could be a whole lotta' shakin' goin' on! *fist pump*

Before I get ahead of myself, let me start at the beginning...

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The FUSE is a spiffy heat tool, designed to make quick/easy work out of making your own custom pockets on your scrapbook page protectors.  That's right--no sewing whatsoever involved! It comes with the tool handle, two tips, a metal ruler/guide and a stand.

The tips are interchangeable; one is pointed and can be used to "cut" and fuse at the same time.  The other tip features a wheel with small spikes; this is used to weld or fuse layers the plastic layers together to create pockets or seal your pockets shut (these lines will be dashed, similar to the seams already there on the pre-fab protector) 

As I mention in the video, you can also purchase a glass mat separately, which features helpful grid lines in quarter inch measurements, and I highly recommend it for protecting your work surface.  You never want the tips of the FUSE touching your cutting mat due to the high heat it generates.

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Additionally, when you watch the video that accompanies this article, you'll see that I custom cut and glued pieces of fun foam to the bottom of the included stand, to help prevent it from sliding around on the glass surface.  I'll say right up front from a safety stand-point* that the stand is flimsy and the fun foam helped only slightly, if at all; I'm looking for a sturdier/reliable alternative.

*Because the tips get very hot and both they and the extended barrel end are exposed, I also want to emphasize that this tool is NOT recommended for children under the age of 14.

Initially, we were super excited at the prospect of how easy it would be to create shaker cards with this tool, but more recently, we were introduced to a super fun concept called Pocket Letters™, created by Janette Lane!

In a nutshell, Pocket Letters™ are a way for pen pals to exchange/swap fun organizer and other scrapbook/paper craft goodies with each other, reminiscent of the card and ATC swaps many of us have engaged in at one time or another.  The difference is that baseball card protector sleeves are decorated with inserts and can have items tucked inside the pockets.  The page protector is then folded into thirds and fits inside a #10 envelope.

As card-makers, ever on the look-out for fun ways to send out happy mail to friends and family, we realized that the Avery Elle and Essentials by Ellen storage sleeves could be customized, using the FUSE, and when folded in half, slipped into an A-2 envelope!

Sidebar: OK, I'm not gonna lie; in a fit of giggles and chortles (I may have even snorted, too...) we started calling them "Hot Pockets®"...  But, that's trademarked, of course... So, we've dubbed 'em "Hot Li'l Pockets"! 

I cut a piece of card stock that would fit inside the storage sleeve and used a ruler to draw vertical and horizontal lines on it, for determining where to cut and fuse the sleeve to create 4 equally sized small pockets. You can make as many pockets as you like, of course, but if you want to be able to fold the sleeve and fit it into an A-2 envelope, you do have to keep that in mind as you plan out your pockets.

TIPS:

  • Always begin with an unplugged and cool tool when attaching the tips.
  • Take care to screw them in "finger-tight"; if you use pliers to tighten the tips, they will more than likely get stuck and then you'll have great difficulty removing them.  Not only that, pliers with "teeth" can chew up/damage the tips... Ask me how I know... 
  • To cut slits, use the pointed tip and insert a piece of card stock into the sleeve to protect the back side and prevent cutting/melting all the way through both layers. If you draw guidelines on the card stock, you won't need to draw them on the sleeve with a permanent marker and then remove them later with an alcohol swab.
  • To weld or fuse, use the spike-tipped wheel (make sure nothing/no paper, etc. is stuck between the layers along the path you intend to fuse).
  • After attaching tips, plug in and allow the tool to pre-heat for roughly 10 minutes for best performance.
  • Apply even pressure and guide the tool at a steady, slow pace; thicker plastics like the Essentials by Ellen storage sleeves may require a little more pressure and a little slower pace to fuse properly.
  • If the wheel stops spinning as you move down the metal ruler's track, try using just the outside edge of the ruler to guide the tool.
  • Incidentally, should you end up with any gaps in the fused line, you can go over them with the tool again.
  • Essentials by Ellen storage sleeves have an ever so slightly smaller interior than the Avery Elle sleeves, due to thicker seam lines.  The Avery Elle sleeves may also fold in half easier, due to being made of a lighter mil plastic.

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As you can see in this "mini" version of a Pocket Letter™ made for a graduating friend of my son's, who will be entering the Navy, I sealed the top left pocket shut, after filling it with a die cut word and some sequins/confetti, then embellished the other inserts and tucked a gift card inside one of the pockets.

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After embellishing the flap, I folded it up and tied it shut with some twine. If you don't over-stuff the pockets, it fits nicely inside an A-2 envelope and is perfect for gift-giving! I tucked a teabag into a little glassine envelope and sealed the flap with some washi tape and slipped it into one of the pockets, and gift cards also fit inside these pockets perfectly! WOOT!!! If you wanted to send it in the mail, depending on bulk and weight, of course, you might want to slip it into a padded envelope and allow for additional postage costs.

I had so much fun, I had to assemble another... which I think would be fun to have on-hand for any occasion. *grin*

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Enjoy the video here or in HD on our YouTube Channel and thank you for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up!

If you find yourself inspired to make some of these Hot Li'l Pockets, please share on Instagram using #hotlilpockets #ellenhutsonllc!  We love show & tell!

 

1Julie

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Designer note: Project Life cards are from designer's stash and are currently retired.

Posted at 12:00 AM in Essentials by Ellen, Gift Ideas, Tips and Techniques, Tools, Video | | Comments (1)

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