the CLASSroom

Project Life is Here! by Sharon Harnist

I've been anticipating this for quite a while . . . Project Life supplies have arrived at the Ellen Hutson warehouse! I've been so very excited to get back on track with my scrapbooking and have wanted to try Project Life for a long time. It seems so very simple and quick . . . that's all I'm about these days!  :)

Here are the supplies I chose for our family album this year. Since I have 2 girls, I went with the Blush Edition Core Kit . . . I think there is still enough blue, green and gray in the mix for more masculine pages, to suit my husband! This kit is larger than it appears here -- the box measures approximately 10.50" x 11.50"!

All the colors coordinate beautifully, with a mix of 4x6 and 3x4 cards -- just perfect for my Big Pack (60 ct) of 12x12 Page Protectors! This is a great starter pack to try, if you aren't sure yet which orientation of page protectors you might use most often ... it contains a mix.

I thought the Mini Kits, Holiday and Seasons would be nice year-round additions to mix in, too:

Here's the first page in this year's album I put together (click on any photo for a larger view):

For the year title, I stamped this pretty new Penny Black Slapstick Cling-Ornately Framed with Memento Gray Flannel ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and then hand trimmed around the outside edges. To create a chalkboard look, I colored the inside of the frame with Copic N4 Sketch marker.

To coordinate with all the colors of the PL cards I chose, I used Copic Sketch markers BG13, Y21, BG05, and R83 to color some American Crafts Foam Thickers Shoebox White numbers, then adhered them to the center of my faux chalkboard.

The photo of our family I used for this title page is a collage I created with a phone app and then printed in 4x4 square format. I adhered it to a green 4x6 Textured Blush Edition Cardstock -- this card pack also coordinates wonderfully with all the colors of the Blush kit! I thought this was a versatile size, because they can be used to mat photos in the 4x6 slots, or cut in half and also used in the 3x4 slots.

On the yellow "Memories Recorded By" card, I wrote in my name with a Black Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pen, which matched nicely with the dark gray printed card (it is a grayer-toned black than the Pitch Black):

Left aqua card = great quote for a family, I thought!  ;-)

Now I just have to choose the album style I would like to display this year's photos in!  Project Life makes it quick and easy to get all your photos into archival-safe albums, quickly and easily, so they can be enjoyed and treasured for a lifetime . . . I'm SO happy I finally tried it and that Ellen is carrying all the supplies!

Happy weekend!  ~ Sharon

{Supplies}

Project Life Core Kit, Blush	Project Life 4x6 Textured Cardstock, Blush	Project Life Mini Kit, Holiday	Project Life Mini Kit, Seasons
Project Life Page Protectors, Big Pack (60ct) 12x12	Memento Ink Pad, Gray Flannel	COPIC Spica Glitter Pen, Black	Copic Sketch Markers
Penny Black Slapstick Cling, Ornately Framed	American Crafts, DIY Foam Thickers, Shoebox White

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Hello, Monday 06.24.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I loved the framed/shadowbox effect I used on one of the designs I did in this month's newsletter and decided I just had to do another one with this adorable new Lawn Fawn set--matching dies eliminate the need for any fussy cutting! Yay!!!

TIPS:

Adirondack Dye Inks are totally awesome for this technique because they are water-based and will bleed out when moisture is applied.

Note: Watercolor paper or Smooth Bristol Paper work best for watercolor methods. Be aware that regular card stock is not designed to withstand or absorb water/watercolors in the same way, so you do have to be careful to avoid using a heavy amount of water and to not overwork the paper to avoid pilling. I got so excited with the overall card design that I completely forgot to switch papers.

• Tap the ink pad directly against an acrylic block
• Load your waterbrush from there and start painting
• Leave some white space here and there, and add heavier concentrations of color in other areas for a more "painterly" look
• It's also OK to allow some paint to "drift" outside the lines 
• The embossing lines will resist the water-color but you can easily pat or buff away any that remains on them after the rest of the artwork is dry with a paper towel

It should also be noted that I use the julie-ebersole-method-of-watercolor... as in... I pretty much just relax and slop the color around loosely... And in doing so, probably break all the "rules" for proper shading and light source, yadda yadda. I try to keep those things in mind but, generally speaking, I don't worry about it that much. It's all good!  ;)

Enjoy the video here or over on YouTube and thank you for subscribing!

Happy Mundane! :)

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SUPPLIES:

Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Blue Skies	Lawn Fawn Lawn Cuts, Blue Skies	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, White	Embossing Gun
Waterbrush, Small	VersaMark Inkpad	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Red Pepper	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Sandal
Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
F4 Cardstock, Water	Tweezers, Stainless	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2""	Vagabond Cutting Machine by Tim Holtz

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Hello, Monday 06.17.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

It's kinda crazy how dies have changed the way we make cards these days... I remember when there was talk of having your own "personal die cutting machine". I swore up and down I didn't need one... I didn't scrapbook so I would probably never use it... Now look at me! I think it's a safe bet to say I use my Big Shot during practically every creative session!!!

This time, I thought it would be fun to use my Savvy butterfly die to create my own mask and spritz over it with some Mister Huey's Color Mists.  I love the effect and while being a control freak and not typically not a fan of "unpredictability", these mists always seem to be an exception to that--the colors are so gorgeous and it's such a quick/easy way to add splashes of color to a design!

TIPS:

• I like to use a big cardboard box to catch the overspray and protect my work surface
• Shake the bottle side to side, instead of up and down; it you're using any mists with shimmery effects, this helps prevent the nozzle from getting clogged
• Lately I've also been lining the box with a piece of scratch paper, so if I'm doing a number of pieces at the same time, I can change out the typing paper quickly when necessary, without having to do any clean-up in between
• The further away you spray, the softer the intensity of color and the closer, the heavier
• Spray firmly, depressing the nozzle down all the way quickly to get the most even distribution of mist; if you hesitate, many times that creates uneven "blobs" and splotches--altho that's not necessarily undesirable, depending on the effect you're going for
• The Zig Two Way Glue Pen can be used on the back of the die to create a temporary bond; it will go on blue, but allow it to dry completely clear. NOTE: If it is applied while still wet, it will create a permanent bond
• I like using a heavier weight card stock, such as the White Linen for this technique--it makes a sturdier mask...By the way, hang onto that die cut butterfly after you've misted it... it will look awfully handsome and you can use it on yet another card! *wink*wink*

Another thing I'm fond of doing to give the illusion of more layers without adding bulk, is to outline the edges of the focal panel with a fine-tip black pen; in this case, I also added a few scribbly doodles to compliment the flower and leaf doodle images from the stamp set.

Enjoy the video here, or over on YouTube: 

Thanks for watching and for subscribing to our channel!

Happy Mundane!

 

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SUPPLIES:

Savvy Stamps Dies, Butterfly	Studio Calico Cleardesign: Sundrifter Love	VersaFine, Onyx Black	Studio Calico Sundrifter Mister Huey's Color Mist, Honeydew
Studio Calico Atlantic Mister Huey's Mist, Seafoam	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Turquoise	Shape 'N Tape, Black
A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"

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Twinchie Watercolor Cards by Jill Foster

We are thrilled to welcome back Jill Foster! Jill's color sense is amazing incredible and we are so excited that she is sharing some "how-to's" with us today as she showcases on of the brand new Penny Black images we just received in. Using Inchie Arts Twinchies art board as a canvas and Faber Castell art supplies she creates cards with mesmerizing colors!

I would like to once again share Jill's blog, Inspired By. She designs for Penny Black Stamps, Faber-Castell's Design Memory Craft and Inchie Arts  - so you will find loads of ideas on how to use these products there! We would appreciate if you would help us thank Jill for sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSrooom. Please leave your comment on Jill's blog on her post about being a guest here. As our way of thanking you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Jill for sharing your creativity with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

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Twinchie Watercolor Cards by Jill Foster

I am so excited and honored to be sharing a set of cards created with three of my favorite, go-to products: Penny Black stamps, Inchie Arts matboard squares, and Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft coloring mediums.  And my favorite part is that they all work so well together!

To begin, I started with an Inchie Arts Twinchie Square and stamped it with Penny Black 40-238 Floral Applique.  I love to stamp larger images on the mat board squares so that only parts of the image peek out on the small squares.  It gives the image a whole new look!

Next color the image using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Art Grip Aquarelles.  No need to take too much time, scribble coloring works great for this step.

Once you’ve laid down your color, blend it using water and a paint brush.  It instantly turns to paint, and, because I’m working on a strong matboard square, there is no warping no matter how much water I apply.

Next, add a touch of color to the edge by coloring with a Gelato onto the edges of the Twinchie and then blending with your fingertip. 

To create a soft background, begin by coloring directly onto your stamp with a Faber-Castell Stamper’s Big Brush Pen.  Huff (breath) onto the stamp and then firmly press it onto white cardstock.

Now color on to the stamped image with Gesso (you can use your fingers if you want to get messy or use a paintbrush).  Apply the Gesso unevenly, allowing some layers to have a thicker application and some a very light application.  Once dry, color on top with Gelatos and blend with your fingertip.  For a white-washed look I used a Coconut Gelato.  

If you want a bright background, follow these same steps but substitute a colored Gelato for the Coconut one.

   

I hope you have a fantastic and creative day and that I’ve inspired you to give a few of my favorite supplies a try. Happy stamping!

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft: Art Grip Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils (Red, Yellow, and Blue Packs: 126, 121, 117, 154, 108, 153), Gelatos (50's Diner, Tropical, Red, Yellow, and Essential Packs: Banana, Blood Orange, Aqua Dolce, Snow Cone, Mango, Tangerine, Red Cherry, Coconut), Stamper's Big Brush Pen 273 Warm Grey IV, Textural Accents Sampler (Gesso)

Penny Black Cling Stamp, Floral Applique	Penny Black Cling Stamp, With Flourish	Penny Black Cling Stamp, Life's Messages	Penny Black Clear Stamps, A Bunch
Penny Black Clear Stamps, Friendship	Twinchie Squares, White	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils, Set of 9, Blue
Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils, Set of 9, Yellow	Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils, Set of 9, Red	Gelatos Designer Set, Tropical	Gelatos Designer Set, 50's Diner
Gelatos, NEW Set of 4, Yellow	Faber-Castel Gelatos Set, Red	Pitt Big Brush Pen, Subtles, Set of 3	VersaFine, Onyx Black
NEW Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	Natural Hemp Cord On Spool, 10lb	Mixed Accent, Earth

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Father's Day Photo Card by Sharon Harnist

Happy Father's Day weekend, everyone! In honor of the day, I have a photo card to share today (of my sweet girls, for my husband!):

This card came together quickly and easily, with just a few great supplies. I started with this fabulous Tim Holtz Wallpaper & Wood stamp (which comes in a set with a wonderful feminine wallpaper pattern, too!). I stamped it with my new favorite rich brown ink color, Coffee Archival, onto Neenah Natural White cardstock:

Isn't that fabulously realistic?!! Just think of the possibilities of all the different colors of woodgrain stamped paper you (and I, LOL!) can have now! Next, I die cut the base of my photo card with this great Card & Photo Easel die from Lifestyle Crafts. Since the base of the card was larger than my stamped wood grain, I gave the base a colorful base coat of Copic R24 Sketch marker around the edges: 

Then I adhered my trimmed woodgrain piece to the photo card base. The great thing about this die set is the photo area is a separate die that allows you to place the photo opening anywhere you'd like . . . I love that versatility! I used the MFT Die-namics Fishtail Flags die to help lay out where I wanted the photo opening and sentiment placement:

Then I die cut through the two layers of photo card base and stamped the Father's Day sentiment with Memento Love Letter onto the fishtail die cut. Talk about more versatility . . . this Hero Arts Celebrate Everyday set has me covered for every holiday of the year! I inked the edges of the sentiment flat with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. To accent the photo opening, I used my same Copic R24 marker to color around the embossed edge of the die cut opening.

Finally, I placed adhesive on the back side of the photo frame and positioned the frame perfectly over the photo of my girls, trimmed a little excess photo, then adhered the separately die cut easel piece on the back side of the frame, for a nice professionally finished frame. The easel folds flat for mailing:

Some Tim Holtz Screw Top Mini Fasteners finish off the sentiment on the front of the photo card, for a manly accent:

I can't wait to try all these same supplies in different color combinations, for different holidays of the year! I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day weekend with your family!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack	Tim Holtz Wall Paper & Wood Stamp	Celebrate Everyday STamp Set by Hero Art	Lifestyle Crafts Die Set, Card & Photo Easel
My Favorite Things Die-namics Stax, Fishtail Flags	Coffee Archival Ink	Memento Ink Pad, Love Letter	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy
Ink Blending Tool	COPIC Sketch Marker R24, Prawn	Tim Holtz Mini Fasteners, Screw-Top

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Hello, Monday 06.10.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

You may have noticed I have a thing for birds... 

    I also have a thing for white space...

        A thing for clean and simple...

            And, a thing for adding a little dimension...

This design embraces all that in a way that makes me kinda *giddy*. :)

I've seen cards with this, but must admit that I have no idea what it's called!  And because I have no idea what it's called, I didn't have a way to search for it, and therefore find exactly what I was looking for. Which means, I had to wing it. *snarf* Oh, c'mon; you had to know that was comin'! ;)

Here are some tips that helped me as I was figuring my way through this:

• Play around a little with the scale/size of the die in relationship to the size images you're working with to see how well they work together on your layout/your finished card size; I started out with a label die that was a little too small at first and it threw the balance off on the first few attempts.  In addition to the die I used, I also listed several different dies or die sets I thought would work well for this down below in the supplies area

• A good stamp positioner, such as the Stamp-a-ma-jig, is essential for accuracy, which is key to pulling off the effect on this card

• Use scratch paper to make a template of your design; you can also save it and use it repeatedly to recreate an entire set

• Take your time on the 1st attempt; once you get the hang of it (the steps), you'll be able to whiz through it

• Don't be afraid to rotate your stamps, and/or your project, to work with them "upside down"

• I much preferred using fast-drying dye inks for this technique, such the Hero Arts Shadow Inks ; they won't smear or require embossing in between each step

• You can easily clean off the Stamp-a-ma-jig's image plate with some Ultra Clean and a baby wipe or damp paper towel (non-permanent dye inks will come right off with water)

You can watch the video here, or over on YouTube: Hello, Monday 06.10.2013 v2

Happy Mundane! And, thanks for watchin' and subscribing to our series! :)

 

P.S. If you know the actual name of this technique, please share. :)

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SUPPLIES:

 

Wise Bird	Tea Classic Flower	Shadow Ink: Mid-Tone, Grape Juice	Shadow Ink: Mid-Tone, Raspberry Jam
Stamp-a-ma-Jig	My Favorite Things Die-namics, You Move Me (Die Only)	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)
WPlus9 Design Studio Dies, Label Layers 3	WPlus9 Design Studio Dies, All Occasion Label	WPlus9 Design Studio Dies, Label Layers 1	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Layered Label Die
My Favorite Things Die-namics STAX, Designer Labels 4	Sizzix Framelits Die Set, Labels, Majestic by Stephanie Barnard, 5PK

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Transparency Tricks Take Two by Julia Stainton

I love transparencies and because there are so many fun things to do with them, I decided they warranted another post. This is "take two" if you will. If you want to go right back to the beginning, check out this post for more transparency ideas.

So today I've designed two coordinating projects using one 12x12 transparency (or overlay) sheet. One is a pocket card with the pocket creating using the overlay and the other project is a transparent pillow box.

This gorgeous page is from the new Alison Kreft line from Webster's Pages. Even after designing these two projects there is lots left to work with and bits and pieces will be popping up in my work for some time to come.

The Transparency Pocket Card:

To create the pocket card I cut two pieces of the overlay 4.25"x5" and then stitched three sides of it closed with my sewing machine. That's all it takes to make a very pretty pocket.

The insert consists of layers of patterned paper adhered to a cardstock base that is 3.73"x5.5" in size. I like keeping the insert layer very flat so that it fits easily inside the pocket. This sweet die cut Magenta flower works perfectly. I'm linking it here since I missed adding it to the supply list.

The sentiment is stamped onto the insert using Coffee Archival Ink. I love this Hero Arts stamp set for it's gorgeous typography.

To finish off the pocket it is tie with twine and then embellished. I've been meaning to use these feather stickers for a while and finally found a place for them here. Don't they look a little like leaves when adhered under a flower cluster?

The Transparency Pillow Box:

Did you ever think of die-cutting transparencies? They cut extremely well especially when using the high profile dies.

One of my very favorite dies that I use again and again is the Sizzix Pillow Box die. It's one you've seen me use before in the CLASSroom and is one die I will never part with. So classic and it's a really quick and easy way to gift wrap tiny items or table favors.

This pillow box has been die cut from the Damask Overlay and there are no special tricks with putting it together. Using the overlay makes it extremely sturdy and durable and has the added bonus of being able to see what's inside. I used a bone folder to press the score lines well so that the folds would be nice and crisp.

The chipboard embellishment is created with a chipboard piece that has been colored with the RV02 Copic Marker. I then pressed it onto a Versamark Ink Pad and embossed it with Holographic Embossing Powder for a great finish. This particular fleur-de-lis is no longer available in the store but the Scroll Corners Chipboard Set makes a great substitute from the same company.

So there you have it...two more transparency tricks for you to try.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!

Supplies:

Feathers Studio Calico thicker shapes	RV02 Sugered Almond Pink Copic Sketch	Pillow Box Bigz Die by Sizzix	Hope Chest 6x6 paper pad by Pink Paislee
Coffee Archival Ink	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	Hero Arts Remember Your Kindness Stamp Set	Trinket Pins, Vintage Pearl Butterfly
Vintage Button Trinket Pins	Scroll Corners Chipboard Set by Maya Road	Vintage Pale Pink Pearl Ball Pins	Kraft Ticket Strips, Large White
A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher	laraine pearl white flowers	Heat It Craft Tool
Holographic Embossing Powder by Ranger

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Hello, Monday 06.03.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

It's that time of year, of course: Graduation. I think this card would work well for that, or any other major accomplishment like a new job, a promotion, yadda yadda.

Totally crazy for this Celebrate embossing folder set by Lifestyle Crafts--it's a pair of folders I know I will use often because the designs are so suitable for so many different things.

I do declare, POW! Glitter Paper has to be one of the most delicious papers ever--it's super smooth, like an entire 12x12 sheet of micro-fine glitter paper. NO LIE!!! I can never get enough of the stuff. It's easy to cut, punch and die cut.

In fact, it's so purdy, I can't stand to cover it up. So, even tho it looks like the whole card front is this gaaaaaw-jus glittery goodness, I totally faked it.

There are a couple of ways to do this; I just used one method. Today. Because the others didn't pop into my head until I finished what I was doing. BAH HAHAHA!!! Ain't that always the way of it???!!!

Aaaah, well. Maybe the other methods will turn up in a future video... ya' just never know, do ya'?! *wink*

You can watch the video here, or over on YouTube, as you wish! And, thanks, as always, for subscribing to our channel!

ETA:  Thank you for letting us know about the sound! We have it fixed and have re-uploaded!  Enjoy!

Have a glorious Mundane! 

SUPPLIES:

My Favorite Things Clear Stamp Set, Gift Card Greetings	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Stacking Stars	Sizzix Framelits Die Set, Circles, Zig Zag by Stephanie Barnard, 4PK	Lifestyle Crafts Embossing Folders, Celebrate
VersaMark Inkpad	Studio Calico Atlantic 6x6 Paper Pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
American Crafts, Pow! Glitter Paper, 12x12 Silver Solid, 2pk	Embossing Gun	White Embossing Powder	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal
Tweezers, Stainless	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

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