the CLASSroom

Copic Butterfly Tag by Sharon Harnist

Hello and welcome to the end of the month . . . Can you believe June is here? To help celebrate the start of Summer, I thought I would go bold and bright with my project today:

To make this birthday tag, I finally tried something I'd been wanting to -- using Copic's Various Ink Refills to make my own background on an Inkssentials Manila Tag #8. I started by protecting my work surface with Ranger's Non-Stick Craft Sheet and then started "scribbling" (or dropping) different colors of alcohol ink refill onto the craft sheet:

Then I pressed the tag into the puddles of ink. You'll want to just briefly touch the tag to the sheet and move it around, as the tag will absorb the ink very quicky. 

To help extend the amount of ink on your work surface, you may want to fill a Mini Mister with some Copic Colorless Blender Solution and spray it onto the ink before dipping your tag in -- this will give you a little more ink to play with and also may lighten the ink color a bit in places, giving you more variation in your ink color. After dipping my tag, I also spritzed the tag with more Blender Solution, so the color would "bleach out" a little in spots:

I also used my lightest yellow color (Y11) and dopped a few drops of color directly onto the tag where I wanted to intensify more of that color.  Next, I stamped Karen Lockhart's Polka Dot and Star Butterflies with Ranger Jet Black Archival Ink:

Then I used a Fingertip Craft Knife to cut around the the butterly wings, leaving the center bodies intact (attached to the tag) so the wings could be bent up for dimension:

To highlight the butterflies, I used Copic's Opaque White for accents. My apologies, as I am not seeing this currently in stock in the store, so you could also use Ranger's White Enamel Accents:

Next, I backed the tag with Hero Arts Black Layering Paper and colored the hole reinforcer with Copic 100 Black Sketch Marker, to make it stand out more:

I also colored black accents on the butterflies:

To finish the tag, I tied Hemtique Black Bamboo Cord around the bottom and then scattered Ellen's Essential Sequins (Daffodil) all over the tag, using Mini Glue Dots:

The great sentiment I used is from Hero Arts ClearDesign Glow Girl set I'm currently loving -- it's so versatile!

Thanks so much for joining me today . . . I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

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Hello, Monday 05.27.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Well, then.

Serious amount o' monkey clappin' went on when I finished this. *arms wrapped 'round self, deep chortling*

BTW, I'm behind with the hexagon thing. Waaaaaaay behind.  But, better late than never, right?! You could use other geometric shapes for this, but I thought the hexagons were PERFECT for this particular idea.

Brace y'self: I.BUNGLE.THE.CARD.NEAR.THE.END.

Very annoying. BUT, I figure a way around it. BOOYAH!!!

Biggest tip? Using your phone.

Whaaaaat..???

You heard me! Pick up da' phone!!! Heh, heh, heh!

OK, in all seriousness, you'll totally get it when you watch the video. *cheesy grin*

Enjoy watching here, or pop over to YouTube--and thanks muchly for subscribing to our channel!

Happy (holiday) Mundane!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Midnight Letters	Real Wood Cherry, Thin, 8.5x11	Hero Arts Memories Pigment Ink Pad, Unicorn White	Hero Arts, Layering Paper, Eggshell
Hero Arts Frame Cuts Dies, Geometric Shapes	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Shape 'N Tape, Black	Teflon Bone Folder
Tweezers, Stainless	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'

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Shabby Chic Assemblage Clock by Julia Stainton

Ever feel like there are just so many projects you want to try and just not enough time? I think most of us feel that way. I think the key is prioritizing and making a list of what you want to accomplish.

I've been keeping a crafting-must-try list lately and at the very top of it was the Tim Holtz Assemblage Clock. When I first saw it in the CHA Winter release previews, I gasped and knew it was going to be going into my shopping cart. I love all things to do with clocks and this clock/altered display item...well, it had me at hello.

When I first got my Assemblage clock, I was really impressed with how well made it is and how large it is. It's 7 inches tall. For some reason the photos I'd seen of it made me think it would be more like 5". I was thrilled with the larger size as it gave me a larger work area.

The back panel easily snaps on and off for altering. I decided that it would add extra dimension to alter the glass front of the clock as well as the inside and started off by adding rub-on transfers to the clock face. To apply the rub-ons, cut out the designs you wish to use and remove the backing. Apply to the surface you wish to transfer them to and then rub them on using firm pressure and a popsicle stick or the Basic Grey Rub-on Roller.

To create my background, I removed the back panel and traced the circle onto a piece of Craft-a-Board. You need something sturdy to support the embellishments and this does it well. After cutting the circle out, it was then covered with a piece of patterned paper. I went with a neutral paper and that works well as most of it gets covered up with the layers.

Next step is to add some layers. The kraft tag was stamped using some Shell Pink Paint Dabber and a Hero Arts Background stamp. I've used the same paint to coat the chipboard butterfly.

The coordinating solid butterfly from the same set was covered with patterned paper and the edges filed with the Basic Grey Precision File Set.

I like to keep adding layers until the design is balanced and it just feels right. The left side of the design is fairly simple, a large flower, as the rub-on on the front glass covers that area. I find using a hot glue gun works well for adding in all these heavy embellishments, especially when the design is going to be upright when on display.

You'll notice that I've repeated the rub-on transfer motifs throughout the design. You can see little butterflies and postage marks on the back layers near the top of the design. My favorite use of them is to embellish these sweet little wood spools.

Rub-on transfers are so versatile. This project uses them on glass, paper, paint, wood and even fabric. The little linen tag took the rub-on application perfectly and makes a sweet final accent.

Hope you've enjoyed this sweet timely project and that inspires you to make your own. Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom and have a wonderful weekend!

 

Supplies:

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Hello, Monday 05.20.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

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

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

I do have a few tips to share:

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

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

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

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

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

 

Happy Mundane and thanks for watchin'!

 

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

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

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Lockhart Neon Thanks by Sharon Harnist

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

(Click on any photo for a larger view)

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

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Hello, Monday 05.13.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

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

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

 

Source: news.stylecaster.com via Julie on Pinterest

I'd actually wear something like this.

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

Hope your Mundane is happy-happy-happy!

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

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

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

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Transparency Tricks by Julia Stainton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplies:

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Hello, Monday 05.06.2013

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

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

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