the CLASSroom

3D Fall Inchie, by Sharon Harnist

In keeping with Inchie INKlings' September challenge of creating a 3-Dimensional Inchie, I tried my hand at a Fall themed one.  Using Karen Lockhart's Acorn & Fall Leaves stamp, I stamped just a portion of the image onto an Inchie Arts White Inchie Square with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored with these Copic markers and Spica Glitter Pens:

I stamped a separate acorn, colored and cut it out, and adhered it to my Inchie with dimensional foam tape. 

 

TIPS: Color the edges of your cut out piece (acorn), so the white edges of the paper don't stand out and distract from your artwork -- especially when working with darker colors like I did here.  I also colored the edges of the white dimensional foam tape with a brown Copic marker, to disguise it.  These tips will really give a true dimensional quality to your artwork.  Don't forgot to also color the edges of your Inchie Square, too, to finish it off.

To add to the dimension, I crafted a miniature clothes hanger from a paper clip and glued it with Ranger Glossy Accents on top of my Inchie.  I hope you'll join in this month's Inchie INKlings challenge and use these tips to create your own 3D Inchie!

Pink Bind It All V2 - Fall Calendar

Fall is most definitely in the air! I wanted to create another project using the A Muse Benefit for Leukemia & Lymphoma calendar. All proceeds from the sale of this calendar will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is such an important and worthy cause and I want to continue to draw attention to it, as well I love the calendars that Linda created and know that you will be able to make some wonderful projects with it too. You can read more about it here on my blog - which also has the links to other places on the internet that you will be able to find inspiration for these calendars.

 

We're in the pink Ü I have some new toys, oops I mean tools in the store - LOL! I don't know how many of you remember me as the "gadget girl" from my active days on SCS. Those were the good 'ole days when I had the time to interact in the real world Ü. Well, I'm still a gadget girl! I am always looking for just the right tool to get the job done in a perfectionist sort of manner. I must tell you that the new Pink Bind it All V2 is much more user friendly and I'm LOVING it! Not only is it pink, which is many women's favorite color, but it has new features that I am going to talk about below!

 

You will notice an arrow pointing at two of the new features. These features are very important in my opinion. I had the older version of the Bind it All and never could quite get the same spacing on my holes. The perfectionist side of me is now VERY happy Ü

The new extension paper guide bar and the extension paper guide plate are shown above. The "bar" is a measuring device that is housed within the Bind it All and can be adjusted by moving the locking levers into the open position. When the bar is engaged and locked, it can set measurement positions for ease in repeating punches over and over again in the exact same spot! With the use of this bar measurements can be set and repeated up to 12 1/2" wide.

The "plate" is removable and attaches to the bar. It serves a similar purpose as the bar for repeat punching ease. The benefit of using this plate is that it sets measurements for projects smaller than 4". The great news is that between the extension paper guide bar and plate you can easily set measurements and repeat punches time after time without having to remeaure to have precise punches in your projects!

The other new feature that I am thrilled with is the Bind it All V2 will accomodate materials that are up to 35% thicker than the original version. This will allow you to line regular chipboard with cardstock on both sides and still punch through this thicker version with ease.

To begin I simply cut two pieces of Craft-a-Board down to a 5" x 5" square. I then affixed the Sparkle decorative paper to the surface as shown above. Next I used the Round it All to make my perfectly rounded 1/2" corner. A coordinating Copic marker was used to color the edges.

 

One of the tips I read that I have found to be extremely helpful is to draw a straight line in pencil on the back of my projects. Then align that center with the centering arrow on the machine. Now open and adjust the paper guide bar aligning it with the edge of your project.

As you can see it is now simple to place the next portion of your project in to the Bind it All channel and position it against the paper guide bar as shown above.  Each punch will be consistent and therefore your project will be much more up to perfectionist standards Ü.

 

We also have the new pink wire cutters. Simply determine the number of holes that you have punched in your project and cut the coil to coordinate. The section in the bottom is cut down to coordinate with the six holes punched in my calendar project. These wire cutters are the same as most wire cutters so please do not feel the need to replace your existing tools unless you are like me and just really want the cute pink ones.

 

Next adjust the width of your Owire channel to coordinate with the Owire that you have selected to complete your project. In this case I am using one of the new 1/2" Antique Brass wires.

 

I like to position my Owire as shown above. Then simply push down the handle in one smooth motion and voila you have a beautifully bound project.

  

I then used my same pencil guide to position my X-Large Eyelet and marked the center with a pencil dot. This easily allowed me to punch in the correct position using my Crop-a-dile.

 

I have included the photo below being at times it is hard to know just which setting to have your tool when setting these large eyeles. A picture is worth a thousand words they say. Ü For those whose eyes can actually see the little indicator letter and number on the Crop-a-dile it is set a a 4 on one side and a D on the other.

 

I added a picture of my cute "little pumpkins" that I had taken several years ago. I LOVE fall leaf pictures. Being their clothes just would have screamed "uncoordinated" I opted to change the photo to Sepia colors using Photoshop Elements. I then added the sentiment using Rummage Bins, All Things Fall set

 

Being that I have more than one pumpkin I needed to add an "s" to the word pumpkin. My favorite way of masking words is to place a piece of tape on the stamp covering the extra parts. Simply ink the image with the tape in place.

 

Then remove the tape and you will only have ink on the portion of the stamp that you desire. I then used my stamp positioner (Stamp-a-ma-jig) to correctly align this last important letter.

 

For the center section I wanted to include a stamped image portion. Once again I used stamps from the All Things Fall set. Using one of the papers from the Memory Box Sparkle collection that had orange little "flower-like" shapes (I pretended they were little pumpkins Ü).

 

To find the correct size punch for the hardware I simply placed the hardware over the punch as shown above.

 

I then stamped my sentiment and cut out the sentiment with the coordinating square nestability.

 

Last and most importantly you need the calendar - LOL! I simply printed off the 4 Bar format calendar cut it out and attached it using a little hinge clip from the same We R hardware set. What I love about using the clip is that I can now change the calendar out when November rolls around Ü I am thrilled with the color selection that Linda selected for the month words on these calendars. It makes it simple to coordinate them with colors of that particular season.

 

I truly hope that this inspires you to pull out your Bind it All and make a calendar. I am loving the fact that it brightens up the area above the shelf in our reception desk area!

Autumn Splendor: Simple Masking by Debbie Olson

Today I would like to share a Fall card, stamped with the Lockhart Autumn Splendor stamp with Brown Memento ink on Natural White cardstock, and then colored with Copic markers, (shown below).

1. After stamping and coloring the main image, I used a Spellbinders Long Oval Nestability to cut and emboss my image. I left the die in place to use as a mask for airbrushing a little later.
2. Besides stamping the main image, I also stamped a mask on Eclipse tape and carefully trimmed it. I wanted to be able to airbrush a sage green background around my warmly colored main image. Since a cool green would have made the warm colors look muddy, I needed a mask.
3. This is what the image looked like after masking and airbrushing with my Copic Airbrush System. See the white perimeter? That was from leaving the oval die in place to mask the edges. (If your die gets sticky from ink, you can clean it with rubbing alcohol.)
4. Finally, I chose some background papers are from Cosmo Cricket's Gretel Collection and die cut a Long Rectangle for the card front.  I used a gold paint pen to edge my main image and tag, and did a bit of stitching on the card front as well. Masking is a relatively simple way to add interest and fun to stamping projects!

Sweet Holly Cupcake

OK, so I know you can't exactly eat a holly cupcake, but this is just the most darling image isn't it? I love Karen Lockhart's imagination. :)

The cupcake was stamped with Memento black ink, then colored with Copics (YG17, YG67, G99, R59, E27, E77). I trimmed it out, then added some Stickles and set it aside to dry.

The Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper worked well with the cupcake. I used my Spellbinders Labels 2 Nestabilities for the red and brown mats. The red is the solid print from the Basic Grey pack. (TIP: when using patterned paper with darker colored cardstock, run a sponge or dauber around the edges of the patterned paper to remove the harsh white edge. This really helps to give it a finished look)

I kept this 4 1/4" square card simple, by clipping the corners and adding some clear crystals to the corners. (Ellen has a nice variety pack of these in her store!) A bit of ribbon (Martha Stewart) and the image popped up on dimensionals completes the design.

I left the sentiment off of this card to show a point. Instead of it just being a Christmas card, I think it could also be used for someone that has a birthday around Christmas, too, don't you? Or how about an invitation to a holiday dinner/dessert party? Do you have any friends or family named Holly? Wouldn't this image be darling to use for a card for her? What other ideas come to mind? I'd love to hear what you think!

Thanks for visiting!

Trudee :)

Thankful Fridge Photo Frame Magnet, by Sharon Harnist

Yes, you read that title correctly -- this is a photo frame for your refrigerator but I wasn't able to get a good photo in my kitchen, with the light bouncing off the fridge!  So here it is in better lighting.  It's 6 inches square and made with a wonderful new product Ellen added to the store not long ago, Craft-a-Board (CAB).

The board is 9-1/2" x 13-1/2" and you get 12 sheets in the package.  I think that's a great deal for $9.99!  It's a nice, neutral soft white color and lightweight but sturdy.  By adding just a little shim in my Wizard die cutting machine sandwich, I was able to create and cut this oval frame using two Petite Classic Oval Nestabilities!

Here is a tip I learned while making it:

• Go ahead and cover the Craft-a-Board with your patterned paper before cutting the frame.  (Here, I used a  solid red paper from BasicGrey's Mellow 6x6 pad).  This will ensure your paper fits on the frame well and as long as it is a lighter weight cardstock or paper, it should still cut just fine in one pass through your die cutting machine.  If not, just run it through again.

After cutting the oval frame, I stamped a leaf cluster from Kim Hughes' Fall Silhouettes with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto the red paper.  Then I mounted my photo to the underside of the frame and added dimensional foam mounting tape to pop the frame up:

See the nice dimension the foam tape and thickness of the Craft-a-Board give the project:

Next, I stamped the line of trees from Kim Hughes' Making the Grade stamp set with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto a solid orange patterned paper from the Mellow collection.  Then I colored the trees with these Copic makers & Spica glitter pens:

As you can see, this patterned paper still allowed for some nice shading effects with the Copics and I was also still able to remove some color using the Copic Colorless Blender, making highlights on the right sides of the trees.  I used Copic's olive, orange & gold glitter pens to outline the trees, branches and trunks, but couldn't for the life of me capture it in my photo!  The 'Thankful' sentiment is also from Kim's Fall Silhouettes stamp set.

I machine zig-zag stitched the tree piece to the background tree paper (also from the BasicGrey Mellow collection) and then adhered it to a 6-inch square piece of Craft-a-Board.  That's another thing I like about the CAB -- it allows flexibility for many different sizes and shapes of projects!  I finished off the frame with some Sunflower Dew Drops and was also able to trim the corners easily with an EK Success corner punch:

Next, I mounted Inchie Arts Inchie Magnets to the back of the frame:

Since the magnets come in a roll, you are able to roll out as much as you need for your project.  I wanted to be sure my frame would do double duty and hold up all those school notices and lunch menus well, so I used quite a bit of magnet!

I can easily see making one of these photo frames for each season -- and you just might be seeing more of them from me!  Or if you don't like the idea of putting it on your refrigerator, you can always display it on a pretty easel, since the Craft-a-Board provides a nice sturdy backing.

Ellen Hutson LLC supplies:

• Kim Hughes Making the Grade & Fall Silhouettes stamp sets
• Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa ink
• Copic markers & Spica Glitter Pens
• Craft-a-Board
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Classic Ovals die templates
• Sunflower Dew Drops
• Inchie Arts Inchie Magnets
• BasicGrey Mellow 6x6 pad

(Cute kid photo courtesy of Sharon Harnist!)

Inchie Tiles, by Cindy Lyles

Hello fellow crafters - today's post discusses Inchie tiles and making them glossy!

I try my best to make sympathy cards ahead of time to have on hand.  This post shows how to make three, and very quickly.

To start, I created three, square, Robin's Egg (all solid cardstock is Memory Box) card bases - each card measures 4-3/4" square.  Then adhered patterned paper of choice and ribbon.

Next, piercing.  Ellen carries a wide variety of decorative piercing templates (look under 'Tools') and I picked this one.  Using her foam pad (it's super thick and great to use) and amazingly sharp piercing tool I followed the pattern on the template.

This is what the card front looks like when the piercing is done.  You might be tempted to not finish the design, knowing part of it will be covered by a design element on the card front, but remember this piercing will be visible on the card inside, so go ahead and finish the piercing design.

To create the Inchie tiles, I used Lockhart Stamp Company's Tulips, inked with Palette Noir ink.  Working with the inked rubber facing up, I pushed an Inchie Square into the portion of the Tulips I wanted. Remove stamped Inchie Square carefully using tweezers or lift stamp and turn over, allowing gravity to remove the Inchie Square.

The thickness of the Inchie Squares, from Inchie Arts, provides a quality embellishment, perfect for this card.  These thick squares are made with the highest grade of Alphamat Artcare museum quality preservation matboard.

Next, I colored in Inchie Square tiles using markers.

To make the Inchie Square tiles shiny, I pressed each colored Inchie tile into an embossing ink pad then dipped into a wide-mouthed container of clear embossing powder.

Heat set - nice & shiny! 

Matted as a diamond onto a square of Vanilla Bean cardstock for the card front.

Three cards quickly made.  Also, a photo of the a card interior (verses & hero arts stamps), with a strip of decorative paper added to tie in the card front.  Thank you for stopping by today!!

supplies:  Lockhart Stamp Company Tulips; Palette Noir pad; Robin's Egg & Vanilla Bean Memory Box cardstock, Webster's Pages Full Bloom; Copic Markers; Ornare Piercing Pad (large, thick and quite nice), piercing tool, Ornare Border Stencil; satin eggshell ribbon, White Inchie Squares.

Holly Berry Window, by Trudee Sauer

I have really been enjoying Karen Lockhart's new releases. This Holly Berry tree is just so festive, isn't it? When I first saw it, I knew I wanted to cover it in Ranger glossy accents to give it some great depth. *TIP* When covering an image with glossy accents, add it to the image and let it dry before trimming the image out. This minimizes excess curling of the image.

I stamped the image with Memento black ink, then colored with my Copics (R29, R59, R89, YG17, YG67, B97, B99). I used the above method for adding the glossy accents, then trimmed. I used the Ranger white opaque pen for the highlight on the pot. (if you haven't tried this white pen, you MUST! It is my new fave!)

I used 2 complementary patterns from the Memory Box "Studio" line for the cardfront. I tore the top pattern at an angle, then sponged with Ranger walnut distress ink. I then attached it to the brighter striped pattern. Instead of adding another layer for the Holly Berry Tree, I chose to use the Spellbinders curved rectangle die and cut a window. I sponged a little around the cut edges, then adhered to the cardfront.

So, what did I do with that cut out? Of course I could not throw it away, right? LOL! I added it to the inside of the card, with a sentiment: 

 

I felt the focal image needed some more attention, so I pierced all around the die cut curved rectangle, then added some clear poinsettia Dew Drops. A bit of Creative Impressions ribbon, and the image popped up on dimensional foam gives the card a finished look.

I hope this helps to give you some ideas for your Christmas cards this year. I can't believe it's already the end of September! YIKES! :)

Make today a great day!

Trudee

Sale Day Today Only

Just a quick reminder that today is our "make-up" sale day and runs through midnight tonight. Thank you all so much for your patience with our store "outages" over the last week plus. It is driving us crazy that the servers are constantly going down we truly apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you! The promo code to receive 15% off your total order is: BTSF. Remember to look at each line item for the reduced total being our system shows it in the line item rather than at the end of the invoice. Thank you so much for your continued support - happy shopping!

Christmas Blessings

I love the combination of Kraft paper together with white and red. When I spotted these little felt poinsettias by Hero Arts I knew I just had to have them! This card is the perfect variety to make multitudes of if you haven't decided on your Christmas cards for this year.

 

To create the red strip I stamped the Beautiful swirls in Snow Cap white ink and then used embossing powder to really make the white pop. I have used a special tool for many years when I emboss. Those pesky little specks of embossing powder that can be left behind are a breeze to remove with the Wipeout. Simply swipe a talcum powder bag, otherwise known as an "embossing buddy", over your cardstock before stamping, ink and stamp your image. Pour your embossing powder over the design and empty into a tray, lightly tapping off the excess. Give a very light blow and then use the Wipeout tool to do just that - wipe off any excess flecks. Works like a charm!

A little piercing adds just the right amount of additional texture to the simple face of this card.

The greeting was done in a similar manner using Mona Lisa's Christmas Expressions - I LOVE the style of the fonts Lis used on this grouping!

 

As you can see in this closeup view I used my Copic Airbrush together with the Sketch Brush tip of R59. One very quick burst of air and I had added the speckle to make it appear more like some of the beautiful white poinsettias I have seen. I used glue dots to affix the poinsettia and leaves, and then added a sparkley red gemstone as the final touch.

Simple, elegant and easy to make - what more could a girl ask for Ü

Masked Christmas Card, by Debbie Olson

I've been thinking about my Christmas cards lately, so I thought that I would like to share a simple but elegant Christmas card with you today. I chose an Aged Sheet Music Scrapblock, along with a sentiment from the Christmas Expressions set. I knew that I wanted to try out a new damask mask as well, using my Copic airbrush system.

I started by stamping the music background in Memento London Fog and sponging distress ink on its edges.

Next I measured to find the center point of both the top and the bottom, then placed my self-adhesive Damask mask down in the center of the background.

I chose a Copic E44 marker to use with my Copic Airbrush System to airbrush over the mask. When I removed it, I had the clean damask silhouette on the cardstock.

To finish the card, I chose a black mat layer and a red layer to go under the sentiment (cut with a Spellbinders Tag die), and edged all of the pieces with a gold paint pen. I tied the sentiment on with a sheer gold ribbon and added a red micro dot twinkle sticker over the "i."

This would be a pretty simple card to mass-produce; the part that takes the longest might just be fiddling with the knot to make it lay right! Thanks for visiting today.

Debbie Olson
for the CLASSroom

Friendship Angel - Transparency Tips

Creating with transparencies can be tricky at times. The fact that you can see right through them is what makes them so appealing and yet somewhat tricky.  Today my brown cardstocks arrived here at our office and I just couldn't help but put them to use. I also created another post on my blog Simple Dreams using this same paper - LOL! In searching for the black cardstock I happened on these beautiful browns and thought, if the White Color Pencil Technique looks good on black, then why not brown?!? I invite you to view my other post for a completely different project than this one Ü

 

To begin I determined the overall size of the card I wanted to create, 4 1/4" square. I then cut my transparency to that size. Next the Chocolate Brown cardstock was cut to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and scored at 4 1/4". To add interest to the inside layer of the card, Aged Sheet Music was second generation stamped in New Canvas. By second generation I mean that I inked the scrapblock and stamped it off first on a piece of scrap paper and then stamped it on the Chocolate Brown. This gives a much lighter impression and is much more of a "backdrop" rather than so distinct.

I knew that I wanted only the front of my card to be clear and so I figured out the size of my journal square and cut down the "flap" using a decorative victorian edge scissors to be approximately 3/4" wide. Applying adhesive to the back, inside portion of this flap I adhered the transparency without any visible signs of adhesive. Being the stamps I used were more "vintage" in style I opted to sew on the flap as well. The adhesive held the transparency in place perfectly as I I sewed right next to it, thus giving it a more textural feel. To create a rough edge on my projects I resorted to the oldest tool I have - I used the good old fashioned fingernail to achieve the ragged edge results on the edges of cards Ü.

 

Next I stamped and colored the Journal Box using Rich Cocoa Memento Ink on the Golden Brown cardstock. These new Journal Boxes, created by Lesley Langdon, are fabulous. I love the thought of using them on both cards and scrapbook pages. Now I just need to get some pictures down here at my office so that I can start making scrapbook pages! You can refer back to my post on Simple Dreams as well as an earlier post here in the Classroom for ideas on how to use your white Prismacolor color pencil. The sentiment is from Mona LIsa's Friend Centers. It was stamped using Walnut Stain. The tone of this brown is definitely darker than that of the Rich Cocoa and I wanted the sentiment to stand out. Unfortunately I should have used my stamp-a-ma-jig to get the placement of this sentiment better. Having only eyeballed it, I ended up stamping it on the journal lines and being the perfectionist I am, well...

To adhere the journal block to the transparency face I used removable tape to hold it in place as I sewed the two corners to affix it. Remember to pull your threads to the back side of the card to tie them off or another trick I learned in sewing class is to just back stitch at both the start and finish.

The angel from Storybook made the perfect corner embellishment for this creation. I inked the angel with Palette, New Canvas and stamped her on the Chocolate Brown. Using detail scissors I cut her out and added Crystal Snow glitter to her wing tips and skirt, affixing her to the front surface of my card with dimensionals. As a final touch I added a soft white sparkley sheer ribbon and some tiny little pearls.

These pearls are on their final days, once they are gone we will not be purchasing more of them. So if you have fallen in love with them please visit our store soon. We have marked down the pricing on the Joy Craft pearls from $4.49 to $2.49. (You can easily tell the old from the new being the old are in a rectangle arrangement, where as the new are in a spiral. Even though they are a completely different product from the KaiserCraft pearls we just couldn't justify the huge variance in price and so we are closing out of them. They are a superior value at this point being there are more of the small size pearls that I love so much and use more often in these packages. I know that I am planning on saving several packages for myself!

So today's transparency tip is to avoid adhesive marks by sewing instead.

Felted Snowman Inspired by a Shabbylicious Designer

One of the things that I rarely have the opportunity to do these days is "blog hop." With the A Muse fundraiser and Nichole's latest release I took a few minutes out of my day to see what has been happening on the internet. WOW!!! There is SO much inspiration out there - what a wonderful breather it was to see styles so different from mine! One of Nichole Heady's new designers has a very distinctive style. That designer is Melissa Phillips. I am guessing that you all are familiar with her work. Her ability to use layers of different papers and embellishments, while keeping it all in balance is fabulous!

I have been wanting to make Kim's little snowgirl (OK, maybe it's a boy) in felt and the layout and design of Melissa's CPS sketch just yelled out loud to me - I LOVED it! I immediately went and pulled out my papers and ink and just followed her project using it as a template. Well... I have a LONG ways to go when it comes to mastering this shabbylicious style, but that's the point I am trying to make with this post. When there is something out there on the internet that inspires you, use it as a lesson plan. Follow the elements in the design and this will teach you to achieve a similar look. I also want to encourage you to give credit to those from whom you learn and thus the importance of my giving credit to Melissa today. She inspired me to try something I'm not that good at, being I haven't really created that much using so many different elements.

I think I have the paper combo down - that was easy being Dave has done all the work for us in his wonderful new paper packs. As well mixing papers is very reminiscent to mixing fabrics as an interior designer. A quick little rule is to mix a small print, with a repetitive/linear print (such as stripes) and then top it off with a large print or use your stamped image or a sentiment as your focal point. Select papers that coordinate in color. They don't need to be matchy, matchy, but it is helpful if they look good together. Now this is where Melissa seems to be able to pull off a look that is so superior to anything I come up with. She has an uncanny way of combining elements I would have never thought of.

It was the darn sewing that got me at this point - LOL! Can you believe I actually took several sewing classes in college? Yep, you would never know it by this fiasco Ü. I had to Google "Blanket Stitch" and "French Knot" to remember how on earth one did these stitches! Thank goodness for Google! All those years of sewing and crafting certainly came in handy on this project Ü

  

Be certain to notice that I did try and go for my typical three's though. Yep, the red heart, thread on the button and little arms, bring your eye right to the focal point on this card. Oh vey - I just can't leave all that design stuff out; it just doesn't want to go away - LOL!

So here you have my totally Melissa inspired card. I pulled out some of the neglected yummies hidden away in my drawers and reconstructed her layout, sewing, use of lace, buttons and embroidery thread. Yes, they have all been tucked away in my drawer for far too long and it was soooo much fun to create with them.

I even skewed my picture to acknowledge her wonderful style. I thank you Melissa for bonking me over the head with your delicious style! I have missed the tactile elements that good old fashioned needle and thread bring to our papercrafting projects! When you see me getting in a rut, tell me to go and do a little blog hopping again please Ü!

I hope that this post teaches you to step out of your comfort zone... just do it girls!

Airbrushed Inchie, by Cindy Lyles

Summer Days....ah the joys of August were fun for us.  We had the opportunity to spend some time with friends at the NJ shore back in August, and as a thank you I sent this magnet and card combo.  The magnet gift is pictured above.

This post will detail airbrushing, of which we carry a full line of tools to make this fabulous technique easy! 

To begin, I created two masks for the Lockhart Itty Bitty Sand Bucket:  one for the sand and the other for the sky.  To create these masks, I stamped the Sand Bucket image twice onto Eclipse paper, then trimmed as shown in the photo above - one for the sand and one for the sky.  Then, using a Palette Noir pad I stamped the image again onto white cardstock.  Eclipse paper makes masking super easy and fuss free.

Next, placing the sky mask over the pail, shovel and sky, I airbrushed a layer of light tan using a Copic marker for the sand, then switched to a darker tan and spritzed it to give flecks.  I then removed the mask.

I repeated the process for the sky.  The second mask covered the sand, pail and shovel.  I airbrushed a layer of light blue followed by a hint of a darker blue for the sky.

Next, using Copic markers I colored in the bucket and shovel, and saved the trimmings to use for the card interior.

Matted onto Licorice (all colored cardstock is Memory Box) cardstock then onto a piece of Memory Box Beach Patterned Paper.  This unit was sandwiched between two 2x2 panes of glass, then inserted into a 2x2 Memory Frame (Ranger).  I added Cobalt gingham ribbon and a shiny silver binder clip to the top, and used the already attached jumpring at the bottom as an attachment point for the starfish charm (plus an additional jumpring).   A small but strong magnet was adhered to the back of the binder clip using E-6000.

 

For the card, I used more Memory Box Beach 6x6 patterned papers, collaged, running the torn Daffodil cardstock piece through a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  Found corrugated cardboard was also utilized and adhered onto the Meadow card base.  Finished size of card:  4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  Two Basic Grey small magnets hold the framed piece onto the card front.

White waxed linen was wrapped around the lower front of the card and Lockhart's 'summer days' sentiment, matted onto Licorice cardstock, completes this relaxing card.

supplies:  Ellen Hutson

(layout is a Shari Carroll scrapbook layout, miniaturized)

Masked Primitive Houses, by Sharon Harnist

Following up on the masking article I did for the In Touch Newsletter this month, I thought I would show you a more "traditional" form of masking:

Begin by stamping two house images with Palette New Canvas ink onto Memory Box Licorice cardstock, leaving about 1-inch in between.  Then stamp the same house image twice onto Eclipse Masking Tape, cut them out and place the masks over the two houses previously stamped.  Stamp a house in between and to the far right and left.

When the masks are removed, you are left with the appearance of some houses being in the background.  Mona Lisa Moments Christmas Expressions sentiment was stamped and then die cut with Spellbinders Tag template.  Clear crystal gemstones accent the sentiment tag and machine stitching at the top complete this quick but elegant card.

Ellen Hutson LLC Supplies used:

• The Rummage Bin Primitive Christmas
• Mona Lisa Moments Christmas Expressions
• Cornish Heritage Farms Victorian Pattern backgrounder
• Eclipse Masking Tape
• Spellbinders Tag Dies
• Palette New Canvas ink
• Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Memory Box Licorice cardstock 
• Neenah Classic Crest Natural White cardstock
• Ranger Ink Blending Tool
• Assorted Clear Crystal Gemstones

Halloween Treat Box, by Trudee Sauer

How about a fun Halloween project for a teacher, family member, or friend? These wooden "gift bag" boxes are found at Michael's. You can decorate them, and then fill with a cello bag full of goodies!

First, give your box a light spray paint for any areas you will not be covering with paper. For my box, I actually rubbed a Ranger Black Soot distress pad on the sides, and inside the handles. Set aside to dry.

To begin, I traced the box on some Memory Box "Spooky" cardstock, tracing on the back side of the dotted print. I cut it out, then adhered to the front with Ranger glossy accents. I also cut a piece to fit on the inside of the box, to give it a finished look.

I used the Basic Grey file set to sand off all the edges, making them clean and flush, then ran my Black 100 Copic marker around all edges.

For the tag, I chose another coordinating print from the Spooky paper pack, and cut the tag with my Spellbinders die. I lightly sponged around the edges with Black Soot ink, and stamped the "To: From:" in Memento black ink.

The Lockhart Itty Bitty Witch's Hat was stamped with Memento black ink on Cryogen White cardstock, then colored with lemon, orange, and melon Copic Spica glitter pens, as well as the black 100 Copic marker. I cut out the hat, and adhered to the tag on dimensionals.

The triangle eyelet is retired SU!, and was a bright orange color that did not match the project. I simply colored it with the black Copic marker and heat set to speed up the drying time. (TIP: when coloring or airbrushing an eyelet, punch a hole in some lightweight chipboard and place the eyelet in the hole. This helps to keep it steady!)

To finish off this easy project, I tied some May Arts ribbon across the front, and added a bit of May Arts butterscotch gingham to the tag. A row of 4 A Muse bling accent the tag. Attach the tag on dimensional tape.

Snowman Inchie Ornament Card

Isn't this Lockhart Snowman inchie image the cutest? I knew when I saw him that I wanted to make a miniature ornament window card with him!

I started with a 4-1/4" square card base with a 4-1/8" square mat layer from the Memory Box Frost collection. I then aligned a square Spellbinders Nestability in the center of the card front. TIP: If you need to find the exact center of a square, use a ruler and lightly pencil two diagonal lines, reaching from corner to opposite corner of your card. Simply align your die with the lines on all four corners, and it will be in the center of the square.

After cutting and embossing the window, I added some May Arts rick-rack and self-adhesive pearls, as well as some microfine clear beads (glitter would be fine too) around the frame of the embossed area. Now I was ready for the inchie ornament.

I colored the Lockhart Snowman inchie image with Copic markers in these colors: R46, B000, YG24, 0, and C2. The area that looks gray on the right side of the snowman isn't really gray; it's microfine glitter. However, once it was compressed under glass and photographed, it looks like a shadow rather than like the shimmer that it actually is! I used 1" square memory glass to sandwich the colored image and a scrap of Frost cardstock on the back before soldering the ornament. For a hanger, I used a tiny inverted "S" hook. The red grosgrain ribbon is attached to the hook by a glue dot and could easily be removed to allow the ornament to come off of the card.

I love soldering! It lends a feeling of permanence to paper creations. And soldering inchies is quick and easy. Have a lovely day!

White Color Pencil Technique Flashcards

A few days ago I shared a technique on my blog, simple dreams, showing a fun coloring technique using a Prismacolor white color pencil. When using new techniques I like to experiment, trying the technique and testing it with different products. I really need to see for myself which products will help me achieve the best results. I don't quit until I feel satisfied that I have it "nailed". Well today I can honestly tell you that the cardstock and ink combination I used is one I feel really good about recommending.

 

I remember the days when my children were babies. Some days that seems like forever ago, and others it seems like it was just yesterday. It was in those days that the "black and white" image was a popular concept behind the development of baby toys. It brought those memories back in a big way when I was creating these flashcards to share with you.

Another memory that came back was from my school teaching days. I played all sorts of games with my students and some of them were using flashcards. The flashcards I created for this project would be ideal to use with small children who are just learning their sounds. They would also be fun for children who are learning to alphabetize. By forming a "train" placing the flashcards in the correct order it would just be another tactile method of teaching this skill. I really loved how the effect of the white on black leaves the look of a chalkboard - perfect for anything school related Ü

 

As I began today's project I tested the white inks that I have here at work. I came to the following conclusion:

• #1 Choice - Palette Hybrid, New Canvas (rooster on right)
• #2 Choice - Adirondack Pigment Pad, Snow Cap (rooster on left)

 

In the picture above I stamped the A Muse acrylic alphabet letter using Adirondack, Snow Cap on the left and Palette, New Canvas on the right. Again with acrylic stamps, images have a tendency to stamp differently than red rubber does and therefore my reason for sharing this image with you. I definitely lean towards using the Palette ink with acrylic stamps, and after working with the flash card images I prefer the Palette ink with the red rubber as well.

Next came the paper. After realizing that the Licorice cardstock just wasn't quite right, it was a bit to smooth and slippery, I went and pulled out as many different black cardstocks as I could find. The black cardstock I am recommending and have now made available to you in our store has just the right amount of tooth to grab the white wax from the Prismacolor pencil.

 

I share the image above with you for two reasons - the first is to once again show the level of contrast and sketch like quality this technique gives. But I did color it in too much in my opinion so that I could share how you can correct any little mistakes you might make. Notice the black Prismacolor pencil Ü

 

Yep, you guessed it. I was able to add some black back in over top of the white and thus define my image more. Hopefully you can see this, especially in the cupcake wrapper and the lower edge of the cupcake.

I hope this inspires you to try this technique. Please leave us a link or a comment if you have tried this technique for one of your creations. Remember to pick an image that is easily defined. As you can see with my flashcards you can also use the more finely detailed, complicated images such as the angel, but you will need some practice and a very sharp tip on your crayon for this technique to work properly.

Thank you for stopping by and I wish you a wonderful weekend filled with fun, relaxation and creativity.

Images used: Angel - Ornament Angel, Polka Dot Butterfly, Single Cupcake, Rooster, Amuse Polka Dot Alphabet

Wood Mounted, Deep Etched, Red Rubber Stamp Gifts

What is it about a wood mounted, deep etched, red rubber stamps that makes them so special? As one who stamps with many types of stamps, and loves them all, there is still a soft spot in my heart for the stamps that are wood mounted. In addition to being wonderful tools they are like little collector's items.

I hinted at another option for filling the 7 Gypsy Trading Card box in an earlier post, but didn't want to share the following picture until I had a chance to explain how it is that I turned these little Itty Bitty stamps into an even more personal gift by coloring them. Once again this is a concept that Karen has shared with me; with us all.

It all began with the Limited Edition collection that Karen creates. She wanted to make something that would be special for those who collect and purchase her stamps and came up with the idea of hand coloring this special collection. So, why not make the stamps you give to others even more special by hand coloring them?!?

 

Most every teacher and many students enjoy the use of stamps and this could easily be another way to help fill this month's lunch tin. These were so quick and easy to color!

I begin by putting down a layer of color using my Copic markers. Yes, another use for these beauties - LOL! Being that the wood is a deeper color than white paper, you may have to start a little darker than you would when coloring on white paper images.

 

I did add a few darker highlights with a deeper toned Copic, but found that the appearance was still a little too "flat". I also tried coloring an image with only Prismacolor pencils and it was OK, but the color of the wood seemed to "shine through" more than when I put a layer of Copic marker down first.

TIP: It is important to keep in mind when coloring the Lockhart images with Copic markers that it is best not to color over the black markings of the wood mounted image. These markers will pick up and smear the color of the black image on the surface if colored over to intensely.

 

Pictured here are the colors I used to complete the Witch's Clothes stamp.

 

As you can see, the finished image has a little Spica glitter on it as well. One must always have glitter on witch's clothes you know Ü.

I hope that this little post provides you with yet another new idea to use in your creating and gift-giving. Don't forget that our promotion is still running today and tomorrow - so get your "Back to School" supplies as soon as possible!

Back to School 2008

Today  is the arrival of our special promotion which celebrates the arrival of "the CLASSroom". We hope that you have been enjoying the projects we have been presenting here for your learning, inspiration and pleasure. We are thrilled by your presence and truly appreciate the wonderful comments you have been leaving. Please feel free to leave your questions and we will do our best to post answers as another comment, or edited back in to our original post. So keep checking back if you have a question that needs to be answered.

Just a quick reminder as to the promotion code you will need to use when placing your order - it is: BTS08 (with the 0 being a zero).

Following are just a couple of questions that come to mind that we have had a lot of questions regarding when we have had previous promotions. Hopefully these tidbits will be of help to you:

• Yes, the promotion includes anything that is live in our store Ü So shop early - once it is no longer visible it means we are out of stock and that item is no longer available at a promotional price.
• After entering the promotion code you will notice that the discount will be taken from each line item and not as one lump sum at the end of your invoice.
• If you have purchased from us before and have forgotten your password please just type your best guess in to the password box. A message will then pop up and you will be prompted to have your password emailed to you.

ETA: Oops - I guess it would help if I told you what the promotion is - LOL! It is 15% off any and all products that we have in stock and are posted on our webstore during these three days! Thanks for stopping by Ü

love to knit notebook, by Cindy Lyles

 

This post will show step-by-step instructions on how to professionally cover a blank notebook.  This concept can be adapted to any notebook you have on hand - if you have older kids let them try covering those black and white marbelized composition notebooks for school - and they'll make something as unique and clever as they are!

 

To start, cut a piece of patterned paper 1" larger than the notebook base.  Here, the area to cover on this notebook from Target, measures 3-1/2" x 6-1/4".  So I cut the patterned paper (Crate Paper- Cotton Candy) 4-1/2" x 7-1/4".  Cut another piece for the notebook inside 1/4" smaller than the covered area dimensions (this second piece measures 3-1/4" x 6").

 

Cover the front of the notebook with adhesive of choice.

  

Lay the larger piece of patterned paper over the adhesive and burnish into place, then flip over.  Trim corners as shown, but do not trim too close to the corners.  Leave a bit of paper.

Fold down the top and bottom flaps and burnish into place. 

 

Using a bone folder or similar tool, neatly tuck in the excess paper as shown.

 

Fold over the side flap.  The corner will look like this.  Repeat for the other corner.

 

Adhere the smaller piece of patterned paper to the notebook inside.  Looks good, eh?  But let's kick it up a notch!  Let's make a pocket!

 

Cut a piece of cardstock to the height desired plus 3/4", and cut to the width of the inside plus 1-1/2".  Score 3/4" in on three sides (bottom and the two sides), as shown.  Use a circle punch and notch the pocket top.

 

Trim the corners of the pocket at an angle, as shown.  If you trim at an angle, they will lay neatly and not bump into each other when folding on the score line.

 

Fold in the scored sides and apply adhesive of choice to the flap backs. 

 

Burnish into place and presto!  A pocket!

 

Next:  coloring.  Stamp Lockhart #2030 Knit One Purl Two twice onto white cardstock.  Using Nestabilities dies punch one image out.  On the punched image, color one ball of yarn, knitting needles & shade the whole image.  On the other image, color in two balls of yarn then cut out.  Adhere cut balls of yarn to punched image with dimensionals.

 

Gather other materials to complete the notebook outside - I used Nestabilities Rectangle Scallops and punched one piece with Craft-a-Board and another using Memory Box Cotton Candy, then adhered them together.  By adding the Craft-a-Board, it gives weight to the notebook, and provides a desired thickness to the base/bottom layer (the green scalloped square layer is the back of the Crate Paper, and the red is Memory Box Persimmon).

 

Finished notebook closeup.

When you find blank notebooks like these at Target, try and buy a few - they sure make quick and easy gifts for those hard-to-buy-for folks on your list.  Thank you for stopping by! 

supplies: 2030 Knit One Purl Two Lockhart Stamp Company stamp; Craft-a-Board, Solar White cardstock; decorative paper; Persimmon and Cotton Candy Memory Box cardstocks; Copic markers; Nestabilities dies; charm; foam dimensionals; ribbon.

Bippity Boppity Boo Tic-Tac-Toe, by Sharon Harnist

With school starting back and kids being busier during the week, it seems they get bored easier on the weekends, so I thought I'd put together this fun take along game that will help occupy them on airplane and car rides or while waiting on dinner at a restaurant this fall.

 

Ellen Hutson LLC materials used:

• Inchie Arts White Inchie Squares and Inchie Magnets
• Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black andRich Cocoa Inks
• Copic Markers and Spica Glitter Pens
• Sunflower Dew Drops
• BasicGrey Recess 6x6 paper pack
• Lockhart stamps: Potions and Spells, IB Witch's Hat, Bippity Boppity Boo
• Mona Lisa Moments stamp:Big Inspiration
• Spellbinders Standard Tag die
• Ranger White Opaque pen

I started by covering a hinged DVD tin with Basic Grey Recess patterned paper. A tip to help you with this is to make a template out of printer paper:

 

Gently press the paper in to the inside of the tin, snuggly into all corners, using a rounded tool so you don't tear the paper - I used my bone folder. Gently crease the corners and sides, lift out the paper and trim with scissors. Now you have a template that you can place on to your patterned, trace around, and cut out! 

For the front of the tin, I used Mona Lisa Moments' Big Inspiration sentiments to selectively ink and stamp (using the trusty old Stamp-a-ma-jig!) TIC TAC TOE on to coordinating paper from the Recess paper pack, using Memento Rich Cocoa ink. Then I added the Lockhart "Bippity Boppity Boo" sentiment above that and cut a tag using Spellbinders Standard Tag die. Sunflower Dew Drops were added to the bottom of the tag and one of the magnets, created below, adorns the top of the tag.

Now, let's get to those cut Inchie magnetized Square playing pieces...

 

I stamped White Inchie Squares with a portion of the Potions and Spells stamp this way. With the stamp facing up on my work surface, I inked the stamp and then laid the White Inchie Square on the portion of the stamp I wanted to use. Press firmly and then carefully remove the Inchie Square. I used the Copic markers and Spica glitter pens (clear and silver) pictured above to color these five images.

The WItch's Hat was very easy to just stamp directly on to the White Inchie Square with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then color with Copic markers. Here are a few tips on how I colored and shaded the hat:

 

Step 1 - using green and orange markers, color the moon, stars and hatband. It doesn't matter if you go outside the lines a bit, as the next steps will cover that up.

 

Step 2 - Color the hat with dark gray marker (T in the Copic coloring system stands for Toner).

  

Step 3 - Add a shadow to the left side (and towards the middle) of the hat with black marker.

 

Step 4 - Go back with the dark gray marker and blend the two colors together.

 

Step 5 - Color the background with blue-green markers. I started with the lighter marker all over the background and then used the lighter marker to pick up some color off the darker marker's tip and blended it around the edges of the Inchie Square.

 

Step 6 - Here's my trick to adding a highlight to a project that you've already colored and forgotten to leave some white highlight areas. Lightly dot some opaque white pen to the highlight area (on the right side of the hat brim pictured above), then quickly dab and blend the color, using a pointed cosmetic cotton swab. You'll just want to do this over one small area at a time, so the white ink doesn't dry too quickly. You can see where I've already blended the white pen on the right side of the hat, above the hatband (and on the photo in Step 5.)

 

The last steps:

• Add a grid of ribbon to the inside of your tin
• Cover the back of your Inchie Squares with self-adhesive Inchie Magnets.
• Enjoy hours of Tic-Tac-Toe fun with your kids!

7 Gypsies Match Box turned Coloring Crayon Box

Only two more days until our big "Back to School 2008 Promotion"!!! I want to clarify the promotion code being it can appear confusing with the letter and number combination. The promotion code is  BTS08 - this stands for "Back to School 2008", so the 0 in the code is actually a zero and not an O. Hopefully this will be helpful for those who were uncertain.

So what can you fill this tin with? Well, being the matchy, matchy person I am I just went with the theme and continued creating and embellishing with coordinating products. I didn't realize how much I would love the Recess paper until I started working with it. Being I always am drawn to products that are a little more elegant in nature this one came as a bit of a surprise. The vintage, old school appearance it has is so appealing.

 

There are so many items that I am drawn to that are alterable, but it has been on rare ocassions that I have had the chance to use them - LOL! I fell in love with these cute little 7 Gypsies Altered Trading Card boxes when I first saw them at one of the first CHA's I attended. Yes, I immediately purchased them and egads, they sat on my shelf for months before I actually had the opportunity to get them up on the store.

Now I must admit to not being much of an Altered Trading Card girl - in fact I will totally admit to the fact that I have yet to make one. It is not because I don't want to, but more because I just haven't had the time. Hopefully with this project I will get to one of the many ideas I have to fill this little box. For today I am just going to begin with the box itself.

 

I am sharing the picture above to try and share how it is that I covered the little box. You would think that being I love to design templates that I would have gotten this right the first time round, but no, I made it in a way that I am not completely happy with and thus I am going to share this with you as well - LOL!

I began by tracing the enclosed tag stock box (the one above that is off white in color). I traced it on to both of the Recess paper pieces shown above. What I failed to do, and now totally regret, is that I did not include the little folded back tabbed pieces that you see on the very bottom of this picture. I wish I had included them on the piece that is adhered to the exterior of this little box because it would have made for much neater corners - oh silly me!

When creating and cutting out these pieces you must remember that the piece that fits on the inside of the box must measure a smidgen smaller than the actual piece you trace and the piece that attaches to the outside of the box must be a smidgen larger. So as I cut out these pieces I cut out the turquoise piece ever so slightly smaller than the original piece and scored it so that it was just a hair smaller than the tag stock piece. The lettered piece I cut ever so slightly larger and scored the folds just slightly larger than the original piece.

I then constructed the tag stock box using ATG adhesive to hold it together. This is my most common method of adhering things. It is quick and easy, as well it hold together extremely well. ATG adhesive is designed for the framing industry and you can tell that it's meant to stick for a long time - LOL! Just ask anyone who tries to pull a project apart to make corrections (big wink). If you do not have an ATG adhesive, then my next adhesive of choice is a red liner tape. This adhesive also REALLY holds things together.

Next the lining was adhered to the interior of my box, and the exterior piece was affixed as well. My disappointment in the exterior piece lies in the corners. They just don't fit as nicely as I would have liked. As with all things one can come up with a resolution to this problem as well - LOL! I pulled out my trusty blending tool and sponged the edges and corners with Distress Ink. Voila - problem fixed Ü (but not with the precision I strive for.)

 

Decorating the cover was so much fun being I once again used the quick and simple method of stamping on the patterned paper and cutting out the pieces. I began by stamping the Altered Trading Box cover tag stock with the Vintage Ledger Scrapblock using Red Brick Distress Ink and added a mix of Adirondack blue/greens at a funky angle with the Pin Dot Scrapblock. Both of these stamps had a very similar feel to the Recess papers I used.

Next I stamped the tree from Making the Grade in Tuxedo Black. I typically begin a project by positioning my largest element first. Many times that element "falls off" the page or sides. I find that assymetrical balance is so much easier to achieve when this type of planning is used. Color was added to the tree trunk with a colored pencil for added dimension and focus. To add additional depth to the tree I also stamped it on Recess paper, cutting out only the top portion and affixing it to the box with Perfect Paper Adhesive. I think I may have told you this before, but I want to repeat it for the new readers we have joining us here. Perfect Paper Adhesive is one of those glues that works fabulous when adhering paper to paper. It almost feels similar to a decoupage glue being that it doesn't soak into the paper and make it soggy. I have found that it is one I continue to turn to over these past six years and thus my reason for sharing it with you.

I positioned the cute little birdie noting where it's legs would fall and then using a Copic Multiliner 0.3 I added legs. I have found that this size pen works the best with Kim's designs, whereas the .03 works the best with the Lockhart Stamp images. I always try to select a pen that is in scale with the stamp I am using when I add doodled in details. To add depth to the birds wing I picked a Prismacolor Color Pencil, Tuscan Red, and added a little addtional color to the patterned paper.

Recess ribbon was wrapped around the box, again being adhered with ATG adhesive, and a Big Brad from Karen Foster was added to draw attention to the focal point of this box, the little red bird.

 

On the bottom side I added the schoolhouse stamped in Red Memento and the adorable scholarly worm. Wrapped around the side are crayons stamped and cut out. These crayons helped achieve balance on both sides of the box.

 

So what fits in the box? What can you think of to put in that would be fun for the recipient. Today I am going to reveal the "quick fix" presentation - Crayola crayons fit perfectly Ü I do have some other ideas I plan on sharing, but that is going to have to wait for the next element to this Lunch Tin presentation. Yep, I know it - I'm a big tease. You should hear my girls when I provide just enough information to get their interest - LOL. Thanks for stopping by and we hope that you are enjoying our new little spot!

Fall Acorns, by Debbie Olson

It's almost Fall! Today I had fun playing with Karen Lockhart's Two Acorns stamp, along with some Memory Box Studio papers, buttons, and ribbon. I colored the acorns and oak leaves with Copic markers in the colors shown below, then die-cut a circle with a Spellbinders Plain Classic Nestability Circle die before masking the image with Eclipse tape and airbrushing the background with Copic YG95. The ribbon was some plain May Arts white silk ribbon that I like to keep in bulk because it's so simple to dye with Copic markers; this ribbon was dyed with Copic YG03 to coordinate with the length of ric-rac around which it is tied.

Have a wonderful day!

Debbie Olson, for the Classroom

Angel Monogram Ornament, by Cindy Lyles

Materials list:

• soldering materials
• Simply Swank solder heart scrolls
• Lockhart Trumpet Angel
• alphabet set
• script, music patterned paper
• white cardstock
• Prismacolor pencils
• jumprings
• ribbon
• stylus
• Nestabilities scallop rectangle dies
• 2-1/2" square glass (2 pieces)
• 1" square glass (2 pieces)
• scallop scissors

Tip:  Try using a Pop-Up Glue Dot to temporarily affix a monogram holiday ornament to a simple card front.

For complete instructions on how to solder please visit In Touch and refer to the following posts:

• simply soldered stamp "stuff", by Ellen Hutson

• itty bitty lavender soldered charm, by Debbie Olson

Stamp of the Month, September

Taking a picture of this little creation was a bit of a challenge - LOL! I love to create using transparencies, but they certainly can make capturing the image a little more tricky.

This month I wanted to do something a little different using a couple of the new Lockhart images. Once I had determined to use the Potions and Spells stamp as my feature stamp my thought process then turned to how I could try and enhance the image further. To reinforce the feeling that the crystal ball gives I felt that a see through window card would be the perfect compliment to this image - it "reflected" a similar quality to that of the crystal ball. (reflect - get it - ha, ha - my sense of humor is so lame isn't it - LOL!)

The Cheesecloth backgrounder was then added as an additional point of interest on the transparency to add another layer of depth to the overall project. You will notice that I have not included the Cheesecloth in the packet this month being I did not want to disclude those who already own it from purchasing the Stamp of the month project kit. To make certain that it was at a similar value I have added it as a separate item this month so that you can still enjoy the savings. So don't forget to add it to your cart if you do not already own this element.

Stamping on transparencies can be just a little tricky being they are on the slick side. My recommendation is for you to precut your little window squares to their 3 7/8" size and then stamp your cheesecloth on each individual square.

I find it so simple to place my backgrounder face up on my work surface and then selecting the corner I want to use, place my transparency down on the inked surface covering it with an extra scrap paper.

Rub your hand lightly over the surface and lift straight up when removing your finished product to avoid smearing the ink. Set it down inky side up and give it a little time to dry completely before attaching it to your final project. Also be certain not to run your hand over the corner of your inked backgrounder or you might find yourself getting more ink on the corner than you would like or smearing the inked corner.

Cut note card to 4 1/4" square size. Next cut the circles in both the card front and the extra 4" square Mango layer. To cut the circle in my card front I used the following sandwich:

• cut mat
• card front
• 2 7/8" circle die, blade side down
• white spacer plate
• card back folded over top of white spacer plate as shown
• emboss mat

Tip: When placing your die in this sandwich a little temporary adhesive helps hold the die firmly in place.

Be certain to align the spacer plate evenly with the fold in your note card to avoid getting excess creases.

Stamp the Potions and Spells image in the center of the circle if you plan on using Prismacolor color pencils to color your image. If you will be using Copic markers we have opted to include extra Neenah Solar White cardstock in your packet so that you can stamp and color on a separate 4 1/4" cardstock square and then adhere this square to the inside of your notecard. This will prevent seeing the bleedthrough on your beautiful key lime card back.

Complete your project by creating a little tag from the lavender cardstock. Stamp the IB Witch's Hat on Solar White, color and cut out directly around hat. Attach the hat to the tag and hang it from black ribbon wrapped around your card. If you have trouble tying ribbon I want to redirect you to a post on tying ribbon that I created a LONG time ago that helps me create a much better looking final project Ü

An envelope just seems so empty if left alone. I opted to finish this element by stamping the IB Hat in the corner and just coloring it with Prismacolor color pencils. If you would like to color it with Copic markers please remember to slip a "pad" inside your envelope so that you will not have ink all the way through to the back side Ü. Being this card is only 4 1/4" square I will once again share a wonderful solution to this little quandry by taking you back to this post.

Let's go "Back to School!"

When I began to blog in June of 2006 I had a simple dream - my dream was to enrich the lives of those who came in contact with my life through my actions and creativity. Little did I realize how many people I would become internet friends and acquaintances with; how many lives I would be in contact with daily. I had no idea at that point that my simple dream would continue to grow at such an astounding rate. I thank each and every one of you for being a part of my life; a part of my dream. You have made that dream happen and for that I am eternally grateful.

With this dream has come a sense of responsibility that I feel drives many of my actions each day. Responsibility comes in so many forms and one of my first responsibilities is to you, our customers. My dream has now continued to grow. To educate and inspire, to share creativity with those who have now elected to purchase their crafting supplies through us here at Ellen Hutson LLC, is so very important to me. My goal is to always do our best to honor, respect and educate those who have selected us to shop with. There are so many options available on the internet to each of you and I do not take lightly the fact that you have chosen to shop with us. I can go ahead and just sell stuff, but that's not who it is that I am - if I sell something I really want to make certain that you are inspired and know how to use those supplies.

So with that responsibility along came one of equal importance, That responsibilitiy is to those who stand beside me and help me become what it is that we, here at Ellen Hutson LLC, are today. Those who put so much of themselves in to creating and sharing their talents with the world, as well as those who come here to the office/warehouse each day and help take care of each of you. They each help to make certain that you, our customers, are well taken care of. I am honored to have them beside me and have a responsibility to each of them as well, for the energy and work that they put into making this business a success. It is not the work of one individual that makes a difference, but rather it is the work of the entire team that continues to lead to new innovations, new ideas and excellent service. I take that responsibility seriously.

I am THRILLED beyond words to now take you "back to school" here in the CLASSroom - this will be our official store blog. If you are looking for inspiration, looking for ways to use the products that we carry in the store, this will be a wonderful place for you to come and visit. The incredible teachers that continue to stand beside me and help me with this educational process are Debbie Olson, Trudee Sauer, Sharon Harnist and Cindy Lyles. They have begun putting posts into this blog so that we can inspire you on an almost daily basis. I too plan on being here alongside them and adding my own inspirations, tutorials, tips, and what not. So come on in and take a seat - let the lessons begin.

In our August Newsletter I shared a lunch tin that I hope to fill with goodies and ideas for you this month. Today I am going to share the supplies I used and a couple of tips that I hope you find helpful.

Ellen Hutson LLC Supplies Used:     

• Memory Box Cardstock, Licorce
• Kim Hughes, Making the Grade
• Basic Grey, Recess
• Mona Lisa Moments, Big Inspiration

This tin was so simple to create! I began with an old Making Memories tin that I have had sitting in my closet for far too long, awaiting a project such as this. To decorate the tin I simply covered the front with Licorce cardstock.

Tip: To adhere the paper to the tin I used my ATG gun with the "red" adhesive. It is so easy to place a line of adhesive right along the edge of the cardstock and firmly attach paper using this product.

Next I stamped a couple of images from Making the Grade on Recess cardstock and colored in the number "2" with a coordinating Prismacolor color pencil. Both of these items are perfect for school related projects and helped make this project a snap to create! The little heart on the apple was stamped a second time on the bricky red paper and then cut out and popped up using a dimensional.

I selected the word "create" from Mona Lisa Moments' Big Inspiration, being I felt it stated exactly the sentiment I wanted to share with you here today. So ladies fall is here and it's time to sit back down and take out those crafting and stamping supplies and create!

Annoucement

Now if you feel that you aren't quite prepared to begin creating, then let's get to the store and pick up the necessary supplies. In honor of this special occasion we will be offering you a Back to School Promotion from Wednesday, September 10th through Friday the 12th! Everything in our store will be 15% off during that time! Please use the code: BTS08 during your checkout process during these days. All items are on a first come, first serve basis - once an item is no longer in stock it will no longer be visible on the store - so be certain to shop early!

We thank you for shopping with us and hope that you will be inspired by and enjoy our classroom! Welcome!