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March 22, 2016

#TexturalTuesdays - Subtle Textures - with Lisa

Hi there crafty friends!! It's Lisa back with you once again for another #TexturalTuesdays. I thought I'd make a little 'ol card for ya today and just show you some of the things that I like to do when I'm crafting. I am in NO way, shape, or form a CAS (clean and simple) card-maker or crafter. I have no clue how to pull that look off and I give huge kudos to those who can. I subscribe to the "more-is-more" club * wink * ;) and love to get inky! 

Let me show you my card for today and then I'll get into what I did. Sound good?

LisaAdametz-FabulousYou-03222016-1

My card today is about using paper and tools to create subtle texture.

Using foam adhesives can also help by creating dimension. I like to use varying thicknesses of foam squares when creating a card. You can build them up yourself or buy them such as those by Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L®: Thin Foam Squares & Regular Foam Squares.

When I started to make my card I stamped the Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Mondo Hydrangea by Julie Ebersole in Versamark Ink and then sprinkled Wow! Bonding Powder on top and heat set it. Once it was set, I cut a piece of Lilac I-Craft Deco Foil on top and ran it through my Minc Mini to adhere the foil to the image. This was a new process for me (using the bonding powder) and I'm not sure about it just yet. It says to use it with an iron...ummm...no. That ain't happening. So, if you have this product and like to iron? Tell me how it works for you! :)

The photos are in chronological order. 1. Stamping. 2. Embossing. 3. Foiling.

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You can see from the photo above that the foil did not adhere completely to the image, but it did for the most part. I wasn't unhappy with the result.

Now, it's time for me to admit something to all of you, my lovely readers. I cannot Copic color to save my life. I can watercolor (to a degree -- I'm no Sandy Allnock) and I have an understanding of color, but put a Copic in my hand and I freeze. So...to color in my image? I used trusty pencils. No rocket science required to use these. I used a light, a dark, and a midtone and then blended the 3 together using a blending solution made for colored pencils called Gamsol. I find that using the Brushstix from Tsukineko make blending a breeze.

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On the left side of the photo are the petals that I've blended. The petals on the right have been colored but not blended. Then I go back and add any extra highlighting or darker areas as I see fit. I then color the stem in the same way and proceed to use the Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Mondo Hydrangea by Julie Ebersole to die-cut the flower out. For a little pop of color, dimension, and, yes, texture...I added Liquid Pearls in Daffodil to the centers of the petals.

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Next up, I trimmed a piece of patterned paper from Pinkfresh Studio Felicity Collection and sandwiched into the Triangles Embossing Folder by We-R-Memory Keepers/Lifestyle Crafts and ran it through my Big Shot Plus. This leaves an awesome and subtle texture on the patterned paper.

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Then, to make the texture a bit more visible I used a round foam blending tool and the Mustard Seed Distress Mini Ink Pad and VERY lightly went over the surface of the paper.

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See how just lightly going over the surface makes those triangles "POP"?! You can do this not just with ink but texture paste, too. I would suggest using your fingers for a light touch, though.

Then, I trimmed more patterned paper from Bloom - Crate Paper and C'est La Vie - Pink Paislee and added MORE texture with very simple die-cutting using the Stitched Line Die-Namics from My Favorite Things. Remember texture does not have to be in-your-face. Adhere the 3 panels of patterned paper together so it looks like something like this:

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For the word "Fabulous" (Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Totally Fabulous by Julie Ebersole) I die cut it twice using Licorice Twist Cardstock from Bazzill Card Shoppe and adhered the two together. Then I die cut it one last time using the iCraft Deco Foil Peel n Stick Toner Sheets.

With this last die-cut, I used another piece of foil (this time I used Wow! Fabulous Foil in Purple), put the "fabulous" with the black side up of the Toner Sheet, the foil (shiny side up on top of the word) and ran THAT all through the Minc. When it comes out you have a perfectly foiled word, that has adhesive on the back! Yay!

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It may be hard to tell from the above photo, but the foiled "Fabulous" is being perfectly placed on top of the other die-cut words. I love these peel n' stick toner sheets for die-cuts!

Whew!! Getting long-winded, as usual. :D 

Then it's just a matter of using your dimensional adhesives. Finding out what it pleasing to YOUR eye. I moved my hydrangea around a bunch of times before I was truly satisfied with placement. Mix and match your sentiments. I think that what my card says on the outside is fun, but pretty enough to be used for a Mother's Day card. OR to be given to a friend. Even a birthday.

Stitching is beautiful as texture. Paper piercing is, too. Think of subtle ways to incorporate texture into your next project. Something new!!

And, of course, I can't leave you without a close-up of today's card.

LisaAdametz-FabulousYou-03222016-2

I hope you had as much fun today as I did! Have a FABULOUS day!! ♥

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Lisa Sig

Posted at 08:00 AM in #TexturalTuesdays, Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Lifestyle Crafts, Pinkfresh Studio | | Comments (9)

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March 09, 2016

Bountiful Blooms Wreath by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I love the whimsical floral and foliage images in the WPlus9 Design Studio Bountiful Blooms and thought they would be so cute made into a colorful spring wreath against a crisp white background. I framed my wreath with the Impression Obsession All-in-One Frames Squares 2 set and created the mat using the We R Memory Keepers Nesting Squares. 

KC Bountiful Blossoms left

Cut the All-in-One frames and attach the two largest frames together using double stick tape.1

2

Remove the paper cover from tape and attach the frame to the blue matting frame.3

4

Apply strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and attach the frame to the card base. Sorry that I failed to get a picture of attaching the frame to the card base.

5

Cut several sections of foliage and gently form them using the stylus and molding pad from Susan’s Garden Tool Kit.  Note:  I’ve said this many times in my posts but it’s worth repeating.  If you want to make dimensional floral projects you just cannot go wrong by using Susan’s tools.  I don’t know what I would do without them.

6

Cut a 1.50” circle using the Nesting Circles to create the base for the wreath. Attach the formed foliage around the wreath base using glossy accents. The foliage will be attached in a left then right pattern while continuing around the base.7

Place the blue flowers face down on the molding pad and roll the stylus in a circular motion to pull the petals up.

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Place the flower face up and push down into the flower center to form the flower.

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Place the yellow flowers face up on the molding pad and form the flower with the smaller stylus to turn all the petals up.

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Attach the larger flowers to the wreath with glossy accents.

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Place a smaller yellow flower in the center of each blue flower and attach with glossy accents.

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Apply a strip of mounting tape to the back of the banner and tiny pieces to the back of the Hello sentiment. Attach the banner and sentiment to the frame.

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Cut two small leaf sections from the foliage, attach a yellow flower to each with glossy accents and then attach one on each side of the banner with glossy accents for the finishing touch.

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Here’s a closer view.

KC Bountiful Blossoms close

I love making mini wreaths for card fronts.  I hope you have been inspired to get out your foliage and flower dies and punches to give wreath making a try.  Adding dimension and movement to your flowers and foliage is the real secret to creating a natural looking wreath.

Card size:  4.50” Square

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Impression Obsession, Lifestyle Crafts, Susan's Garden, WPlus9 | | Comments (14)

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January 30, 2016

Satur-YAY! 01.31.16 FUSEable Love

Hi everyone! Welcome to Satur-YAY! Satur-YAY is all about celebrating the weekend by getting our craft on! I'm here to inspire you to get in to that crafting space of yours, whether it's at the kitchen table or in a craftroom of dreams. So grab a cup of somethin' and let's get our craft on!

Love U Finals-1

Today I'm going to be showing you a fun love themed card using the FUSEables line from We R Memory Keepers. These products are so much fun, and are another great way to use the Fuse tool that we all love so very much. The FUSEables products are a line of trims, papers and embellishments that are unlike any other papers that you've used before. The papers are a plastic base. That means when you use your Fuse over the top, they melt together and create a bond. And the faux stitch line that the Fuse creates is an added bonus.

I started out by choosing a few papers from the 6x6 FUSEables paper pad. When choosing patterns to go together, I like to make sure I have a variety of scales and different types of patterns. I usually have some sort of polka dot, some sort of stripe and some sort of other pattern. Choosing patterns from the same paper collection takes the guess work out of it. They're designed to work together.

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Once I chose my papers, I did a little cutting. Although this paper is a plastic base, it cuts beautifully with a paper trimmer and with dies. I didn't need any extra shims or specialty plates. I used the Folk Hearts dies to die cut some of the papers from contrasting papers. I'll be layering these over top of each other.

When the cutting was done, it was time for the fun part. It's time to FUSE. I let my Fuse tool heat up for several minutes before using it. I positioned the elements where I wanted them and used the metal Fuse ruler to hold them in place while infused them together. The key to getting a good fuse is slow and steady. You want to keep the Fuse tool moving. At the same time, you want to make sure you're taking your time to allow the elements to fuse together and create a good bond. As you fuse your elements, you'll see a fun faux stitching line appear over your elements.

Love U Finals-11

I also added a bit of the Fuse trim to the top of my grouping. I chose to use the pink ruffle. However, the trims also come in some fun fringe as well. We all know that fringe is all the rage in fashion right now....so I can imagine it would be so much fun to add it to a card as well. The ruffle comes in a roll and is pre-scored. To make the ruffle, you simply accordion fold it along the score lines. I cut the ruffle down to a half inch width to make it fit the scale of my card better.

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For my sentiment, I used a combination of a stamp and a die cut. I cut the Memory Box love sentiment from some Tim Holtz metallic card stock. The stamped label is from Altenew's Label Love stamp set. I love the way the pop of gold and black look against the fun patterns of the Fuse paper.

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To finish my card off, I added my fused grouping to a Kraft wood grain card front. I added a couple of stitched lines around the grouping with some gold embroidery thread in my sewing machine. It's a fun way to repeat the stitched elements from the Fuse and also repeat the gold elements.

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I added a few embellishments. I chose the new enamel shapes from My Mind's Eye's On Trend 2 collection. The colors coordinate beautifully. And I love the variety of shapes in this collection.  P.S. The coordinating 6x6 paper pad is pretty awesome too!

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Per the usual, I've included a video tutorial below.  I'll walk and talk you through the creation of this card.  I'll give you some tips along the way as well.  I've also linked all the products used in this project below.  Be sure to check it out!

So now that I've {hopefully} given you a little bit of inspiration, it's your turn to get your supplies out and get to craftin'.  After all, that's what Satur-YAY is all about.  Get your craft on and don't forget to share it on Instagram and use the hashtag #EllenHutsonSaturYAY so we can all see what you're up to!  I can't wait to see what you create!

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

Watch The Video

You can watch this video in HD at the Ellen Hutson YouTube channel by clicking HERE. 

Supplies

Posted at 12:01 AM in Adhesives, Altenew, Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Glitter, Lifestyle Crafts, Sizzix, Video | | Comments (5)

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October 31, 2015

Satur-YAY! 10.31.15 Gourd-jus For Fall

Hey everyone!  It's Carissa and I'm so excited to be here for another Satur-YAY!  Satur-YAY is all about celebrating the weekend by getting our craft on.  And today we're going to get gourd-jus for fall!  I have a couple of projects that are quick and easy and will be perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration.  Let's get going...I have a lot to show you!  I'll walk you through both of these projects in the video tutorial below, so be sure to check it out!

COVER1 (1 of 1)

I'm starting with the Essentials By Ellen Gourd-jus die set.  I love the hand sketched feel of these dies.  The images are perfect for fall, but I also spy some images that can be used year round.  I think the pumpkin is my favorite.

I used the Gourd-jus dies to cut some watercolor card stock.  When I was cutting, I was careful to allow the die cut to remain within the negative space of the paper.  This makes it easier to quickly watercolor all of the images at once using some Distress Stains.

 

Once the images were cut, I used some clean water to wet the entire surface of the watercolor paper with the images in the negative space.  Then comes the fun part!  I dabbed some Distress Stains right on the paper.  I used several colors in fall tones to create some beautiful watercolor pieces for the front of my card.  I used Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Peeled Paint and Frayed Burlap.  The damp surface of the card stock allows the colors to mix and blend as you dab them on to the paper.  If you want to soften any areas, you can go over those areas with your damp paint brush.  To intensify areas, just add more stain.

You can either allow your die cuts to air dry or hit them with a heat tool.  Let's be honest, I'm a busy girl AND I'm inpatient.  I hit those babies with my heat tool to speed the process along.  I've got places to go and people to see. ;)

SaturYAY October (24 of 60)

To add a touch of elegance and shine to my die cut pieces, I edged them with some gold embossing powder.  To do this, you can dab the edge of your Versamark ink pad directly to the edge of the die cut pieces.  If you prefer a little more control, or if you really want to get in every nook and cranny, you can use a makeup sponge to dab the Versamark ink on to the die cuts.  I then sprinkled on the Ranger Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder in gold and heat set it.  This adds a a bit of glam to these very organic images and dresses them up for the holiday.

SaturYAY October (9 of 60)

To create my sentiment, I used the Thankful stamp set.  I chose to cut the sentiment stamp so I could just use the thankful part.  However, if you're not crazy about cutting your stamps, you could always mask the stamp instead.  I stamped the greeting on some Essentials By Ellen vellum in Versamark ink.  I added the same Ranger Gold embossing powder and heat set it.  I love that repeating the same gold on the sentiment and the die cut images really pulls them together.

For both of my projects today, I used the Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Dies.  These dies are so versatile and the stitched detail really adds just the right touch to any card.  I used the largest rectangle in the die set to cut my card front.  I used the second largest rectangle to cut my place cards.  To add even more detail to my card front, and to give my grouping a grounding point, I de-bossed a label shape on to the card front.

SaturYAY October (57 of 60)

Finishing the card was easy from there.  I attached my leaves to the card front using some liquid glue.  I attached the punkins using some foam adhesive.  To attach the vellum sentiment, I used a tiny bit of Multi Medium Matte behind the embossed greeting where the adhesive would be disguised.  I embellished with some sequins from Pretty Pink Posh...and voila!  A quick, easy, Gourd-jus card for fall.

I hadn't originally intended to make place cards, but I had to make use of the leftover shapes I had.  The Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle dies were still laying on my desk and the idea hit me like lightning.  

SaturYAY October (54 of 60)I cut five of the second to the largest rectangles in the die set for the place card base. Luckily, I listened in math...and I was able to divide 2 3/4 inches by 2.  If math wasn't your forte, no worries...I've already done the work for you!  Just score these rectangles at 1 3/8 inch to create your place card.  And don't forget to tell your kids to listen up in math class!  One day they may be making place cards and need to divide fractions!  ;)

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Now, I'll admit, I tried really hard to hand write the names on these place cards...but I'm just not crazy about my handwriting.  So I cheated.  I printed the names on some vellum using my laser printer.  I used the Euphoria Script font, in case you're wondering.  I then used my Minc Mini to apply some Rose Gold Deco Foil.  The slightly muted gold was a beautiful addition to the place cards.  I didn't walk you through the entire Minc process in the video below...but you can check out this previous SaturYAY to see exactly how to use the Minc.

SaturYAY October (56 of 60)

To finish the place card, I slid the name banners right underneath the grouping of die cuts and attached them with some Multi Medium Matte.  Then, just like the card above, I finished the place cards off with some Pretty Pink Posh sequins.  And I just LOVE the hint of sparkle these will add to my Thanksgiving table.  I may have to make these for the Christmas table using the Poinsettia and Pine Die set too!

SaturYAY October (53 of 60)

Don't forget to check out the video tutorial below.  I'll walk you through these projects and give you some extra tips and tricks along the way!  I've also linked the supplies below so you can quickly find them in the Ellen Hutson store!

So there you have it...some Gourd-jus fall projects, just in time for Thanksgiving.  These projects came together quickly and could easily be replicated over and over again!

SaturYAY October (35 of 60)

Now it's your turn to get YOUR craft on!  Put on your stretchy pants, grab a cup of coffee and dig in your stash and start creating!  I'd love to see what you're making this weekend.  Be sure you snap a quick pic and share on social media using the hashtag #EllenHutsonSaturYAY so I can check them out!  I can't wait to see what you're making!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you've been inspired to create something...anything...this weekend.  I'll see you next month for another SaturYAY.  Until then, I hope you have a fabulous day!  

XOXO
Carissa

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

Supplies

Posted at 12:01 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Fall, Halloween, Home Decor, Lawn Fawn, Lifestyle Crafts, Pretty Pink Posh, Ranger Techniques, Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Video, Watercolor | | Comments (15)

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September 28, 2015

Hello, Monday 09.28.2015

Shaker trick WEB1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Ok, I gotta confess:  Now that I have a FUSE, I'm having the hardest time putting it down.  It is just waaaay WAAAAAY too much fun!!! I can't stop making shakery things--and then playing with them when I'm done makin' 'em!

 

Shaker trick WEB2

My blending skills are still lack-luster, but I think dry embossing the spider web die into the background camouflaged that issue nicely. My reason for dry embossing the web was simple:  I didn't have a web stamp or stencil to create the background I wanted, and shaker material would probably have gotten stuck/caught in the web if I tried to glue a delicate/fancy die cut shape to that background.

If you've never pressure/dry embossed a low-profile die with your Big Shot, I do have some tips!

Open all tabs of the Big Shot Multi-purpose Platform and use the following sandwich:

  • Cutting Pad
  • Silicone Rubber Sheet
  • Paper
  • Low profile die (use removable tape to keep die in place)
  • Texturz Impressions Pad (this is a hard, durable plastic pad, never used for die cutting so it does not leave etch marks on the front of your card; it is definitely worth the minor investment, IMHO for the flexibility of dry embossing low profile dies.)


Thank you for taking the time to give our video a thumbs' up over HERE on our YouTube Channel! It is greatly appreciated!

Happy Mundane! :)

 

1Julie

Designer note:  I used a retired low profile spider web die, but others that could create the same effect are listed in the supplies below.

SUPPLIES:

Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Lifestyle Crafts, Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (11)

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May 06, 2015

Julie’s Wild Garden by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I had so much fun last week creating my dimensional floral spray card for the Spring Release blog hop using Julie’s new Wild Garden die set . I thought you may like to see the steps of layering the flowers and foliage and the design process.    

KC Essentials by Ellen Wild Garden 2 right

These are wonderful images!  I especially loved the different shapes that can be used as flowers or foliage and how the different elements seem to make the arrangement come to life. I used the Taylored Expressions Lattice Cutting Plate to create an interesting dimensional background for my arrangement,

wild garden

I have to admit that I don’t always know exactly where I‘m going to end up when I start my project.  I create the base for my card and cut several different floral pieces to begin with and go from there. 

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I cut a frame using the Nesting Card Templates, attached thin strips of mounting tape to the back and attached to the lattice frame.

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I formed the foliage and flowers using my stylus and molding pad from Susan’s Garden Tool Kit. Hint:  If you want to make dimensional flowers a good good stylus and molding pad are must have tools.

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Place the flower face down on the molding pad and push down lightly with the stylus.

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Turn the flower face up and push down in the center to draw the petals up.

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Attach the layers of petals together with glossy accents.

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Before I started attaching the flower pieces and foliage I laid them out on the card base to get an idea of how I wanted the design to look. Once I have the basic idea in mind I take a deep breath, attach the first piece and keep attaching until I have the basic design.

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I attached each of the large flowers to a large piece of foliage and then attached to the card base with glossy accents.

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Once I had the major flowers in place I started tucking and attaching pieces of foliage under and around them to fill in.

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I added pearls to the center of the flowers for a pretty finish.

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When I stood the card up to take photographs I felt the foliage was still a little too skimpy.  I cut and added few more leaves along with one more yellow flower and was finally happy with the design. KC Essentials by Ellen Wild Garden 2 center

Thank you Julie for creating such a wonderful set of flower dies. I think this arrangement looks like it was made from wild garden flowers.

KC Essentials by Ellen Wild Garden 2 left

I hope you enjoyed my floral spray tutorial today and seeing how easy the steps are to creating a dimensional flower project. I’ll look forward to being with you next time. 

Card size:  5.50” x 4.25”

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Lifestyle Crafts, Taylored Expressions | | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

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April 20, 2015

Hello, Monday 04.20.2015

Dad_shoes_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

When I originally designed the Twelve Days stamp set, it was with the idea that a number of the images could be used year-round. But, at the time, there wasn't room in that set to include the additional sentiments ideas that came to mind...

I did actually design some cards with images from that set for non-holiday cards, and spelled out what I wanted to say, but always thought how lovely it would be to have greetings that could be used throughout the year with... well, for the sake of example, those fun shoes--two pairs of fun shoes, to be precise!

And, more, of course... *cheeky grin* Here's a wee peek at the coming Twelve Days Companion Greetings set (coming April 28, 2015):

Dad_shoes_WEB_2

Even if you don't already have Twelve Days (*gasp*), many of the sentiments can be used independently, or with other images.  But, I must say, I do love a good pun... They're among m' faves!  *chortle*

You can view the video in HD on our YouTube Channel HERE, and thanks for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up!

 

Happy Mundane! Throughout this week you just might see a few more sneak peeks around here, and out and about if you keep yer eyes peeled... And, don't neglect to stop by here on the 28th for the reveal of our Essentials by Ellen 2015 Spring Release! Oh, lolly, you're gonna love the eye candy... !!!

Just sayin'... *wink*

 

1Julie

SUPPLIES:

•••

Posted at 07:00 AM in 12 Days of Christmas, Basic Grey, Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Lifestyle Crafts, Sneak Peek, Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

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December 29, 2014

Hello, Monday 12.29.2014

LemonsNvodka_WEB_1

It's been super grey and rainy 'round here.  No likey and makes it hard to get a great shot. Boo.  Anyhoo, on deck for today is a bright & cheery little thing! I fell madly in love with this Berry Good stamp set by Avery Elle, and the matching dies--they totally sparked the whole idea for the design. Plus, that vodka saying cracks me, and anything that cracks me is a winner in my book! :)

Needless to say, used a lot of my favorites on this, and monkey clapping + chair bouncing ensued immediately upon completion. :)

 

LemonsNvodka_WEB_2

I know, right?! It's such a fun look and so ridiculously easy, I just wanna make it over and over again!

 

LemonsNvodka_WEB_3
The pops of color from that patterned paper, the woodgrain texture, the sequins/enamel embellishment= perfect finish! *happy sigh*

Enjoy the video in HD on our YouTube channel and thank you for taking a second to give it a thumbs up--much appreciated! 

 

Happy Mundane!

1Julie•••••••••••••••

SUPPLIES:

Posted at 07:00 AM in Avery Elle, Basic Grey, Cards, Dies, Lifestyle Crafts, Video | | Comments (18) | TrackBack (0)

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December 17, 2014

Seasonal Trees Silhouette by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I love the Taylored Expressions Seasonal Trees die and thought it would be so pretty cut in light cardstock and framed in a brightly colored see thru window made using the Nesting Rectangles.   

KC Taylored Expressions Seasonal Trees 1 right

I started by cutting the trees, hand cutting a ground piece with deckle scissors and attaching it to the back of the of the trees with Be Creative 1/8” double stick tape. 

1

I placed two pieces of cream cardstock on the cutting platform and cut them both at one time so they would be perfectly matched when assembling the card.2

I cut the opening in the main card front using a die that was one step larger and would allow the matted show through.

3

I attached the trees to the back of one of the frames with 1/4” double stick tape.  Then I turned the frame over and attached the second frame to the back of the trees with double stick tape  sandwiching them in between to create a clean and polished finish for the inside of the card.  I didn’t want the back edge of the tree frame and adhesive to show when opening the card.

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I attached the completed tree frame to the inside of the card with double stick tape.

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Here’s a picture of the inside of the card showing how nicely finished it is on the inside.

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I didn’t attach any of the frame sections together with mounting tape (as I usually do on the outside of a card) because I wanted it to be flat and not too bulky when closing.

KC Taylored Expressions Seasonal Trees 1 center

The hand cut ground snow adds depth and allows the snow banks around the trees to be more prominent.

KC Taylored Expressions Seasonla Trees 1 left

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my see thru silhouette project today.  There are so many wonderful dies on the market today that you could use to create similar projects. I’m sure you already have one or two in your stash.  I know I do.

Supplies: 

Taylored Expressions Seasonal Trees

Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Rectangles

Be Creative 1/8” Double Stick Tape

Be Creative 1/4” Double Stick Tape

Bazzill Peppermint Cardstock

Neenah Classic Crest Cream Cardstock

Big Shot and Magnetic Platform

Tonic Paper Trimmer

Teflon Bone Folder

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Lifestyle Crafts, Taylored Expressions, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

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November 20, 2014

Boughs of Holly Watercolor Stencil Card by Julia Stainton

Hi it's Julia! I'm back in the CLASSroom today sharing a holiday card that features a stencil technique. As you may know, I'm a big stencil fan and love creating with them. It may be difficult to tell how I've used one from the finished design though.

Holly Bough Stencil Card by Julia Stainton - using stencils with watercolor pencils

That's because, to create this card I've combined watercolor pencils with a stencil to create a unique background. I love how it looks like a hand painted design! Keep reading and I'll share how I did it!

 

Stencil-with-watercolor-scr

First of all, start with a stencil. I'm using the Tim Holtz Holly Boughs Stencil and some Faber-Castell Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils. A few scribbles is all it takes. Trust me. I know it looks messy but that's ok. Water will blend it all together. What you really just need is to lay down some color and then add the water. I taped down the stencil with some tissue tape or washi tape so that it wouldn't move.

Quick Tip: Make sure you use watercolor paper for this project!

Add-water

This next step is the fun one! Remove the stencil to reveal the rough design and start adding in water. You can use a water brush or simply use a paint brush and a container of water. Go over each leaf and berry with a wet paint brush to blend the color and get a beautiful watercolor look!

Watercolored-holly

Once the image is done, I went back in and added blue areas to fill in the background. To do this, I just scribbled a blue watercolor pencil onto a scrap piece of cardstock. Apply lots of color. Then take a very wet brush, pick up the color and wash onto the open areas of your design. Allow to dry well. To speed up the process you can use a heat gun if you like.

Watercolor-paper-with-distr

I love highlighting the beautiful texture of the watercolor paper and a distressing tool will add a lovely textured edge to the paper. Cut your panel to the desired size (mine is 3.25" x 4.75") and pull the tool back and forth across the edges.

Merry-christmas-sentiment

Stamp your sentiment on the bottom left corner of the image panel. I adore Julie Ebersole's handwriting and the beautiful script stamps from the Merry & Bright Stamp Set are perfect stamped in Jet Black Archival Ink.

To add a little extra visual interest to the plain white mat layer, I embossed it using a Lifestyle Crafts Embossing Folder.

Glossy-accents-berries

I always love adding bits of texture and accents to my designs. Glossy Accents is one of my favorite ways to do that. To highlight the berries I added drops of Glossy Accents over each one. This step can take some patience as it will take over an hour to be sure it's well dried. Make sure the project is laid flat while it dries so that the liquid does not run.
Christmas Watercolor Card by Julia Stainton - using stencils with watercolor pencils

The final step is to add in some clear sequins for some extra shine. I love how the sequins add more interest but do not add much bulk to the design. While I adore dimensional designs, the holidays are expensive enough without adding on extra postage costs. I save my bulky card designs to deliver in person or send in a gift package to loved ones far away.

Watercolor-side-view

 I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and give it a try! We'd love to see what you create so be sure to let us know if you do! Thanks so much for stopping by the CLASSroom, enjoy the weekend and this busy but wonderful season!

Julia-signature

 

Supplies:

Posted at 09:00 PM in Cards, Christmas Inspiration, Faber-Castell, Lifestyle Crafts, Sizzix | | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)

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November 19, 2014

Snowflake Framed Winter Scene by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  Have you fallen in love with all the full sized background and cutting plate dies?  I sure have.  I especially love the Impression Obsession Snowflake Background and thought it would fun to use it as a frame for my mini winter scene.  The small framed opening was made using the Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Frame 10 and the snowflake background was framed using the largest of the Impression Obsession Rectangle 6-in-1 Frames.  The scene was made using the Impression Obsession Evergreen Trees and one of the Julie’s precious houses from the Essentials by Ellen Home and Hearth set.  

KC Snowflake Background right[4] 

I started by cutting the snowflake background and rectangle frame.

1

2

I placed the snowflake background on my magnetic platform, set the small nesting die in place and cut the opening for the scene.

3

I placed cardstock on the magnetic platform and placed the two nesting dies face down over the cardstock and cut the small frame. 4

I placed a long piece of 1/4” double stick tape on my work surface and rolled it up into a thin strip and applied it to the back of the small frame.

5

6

I lined up the frame over the opening and attached. 

7

I used the largest of the two nesting frames to cut a section of white cardstock and cut two sections of ground snow.  Using the shape of the frame allowed the snow layers to fit perfectly on the back of the opening.

8

I used ATG adhesive to attach the two sections together and then attached to the back of the framed opening with 1/8” double stick tape.

9

The snowflake background is just a tad larger than the rectangle frame.  I cut about 3/4 of the edge off so it would be completely covered by the frame.

10

I applied 1/8” double stick tape to the back of the frame and attached it to the snowflake background.

11

I cut thin strips and pieces of mounting tape and attached to the back of the snowflake frame.  I used a thin strip of rolled up double stick tape to attach the double snow layer since it was a tiny bit thicker than the single layer of the frame. 

12

I attached the frame to the background paper and then attached it to the card base with ATG adhesive.

13

I applied thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the trees and little house and tucked them into the framed opening to create the mini scene.

14

15

The popped up images create another element of dimension for the scene.

KC Snowflake Background center

The all white frame and images really pop against the sweet star and snowflake background designer paper from the Lawn Fawn Snow Day pad. 

KC Snowflake Background left

Thanks for coming by today. I hope my project has given you new ideas for ways to use your die cut background and cutting plate images.  

Posted at 12:00 AM in Cards, Christmas Inspiration, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Impression Obsession, Lawn Fawn, Lifestyle Crafts | | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)

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November 10, 2014

Hello, Monday 11.10.2014

Joy_to_world_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I've had my eye on this die by MFT for the longest time and it finally came to live at my house.  I love that it's a knock-out design so you have some very cool options you can use it for!

In this instance, I wanted to pair it up with some of the Brushstroke Essentials by Ellen products for a holiday card idea that's been rolling around in my brain for awhile--I love how it turned out!

Joy_to_world_WEB_2

The Distress Mini Ink Pads are awesome for creating watercolor washes--just tap them against your non-stick Craft Sheet (I cut my non-stick craft sheet down into 4 equal parts--fits my workspace easier) and create puddles of color with your waterbrush to quickly spread across large expanses. If you're a fan of these Mini Pads, you can organize and store the entire collection in 4 of these Mini Distress Ink Storage Tins--the little round foam blenders also nest perfectly into the bottoms of the mini pads, so you can store each foam with its coordinating ink pad, all together in the same tin! *fist pump*

You can also enjoy today's video in HD on our YouTube Channel--thank you for taking a moment to give it a thumbs' up, and for subscribing and watching each Monday!

 

 

Happy Mundane!

1Julie

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Posted at 06:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Ink Pads, Lifestyle Crafts, My Favorite Things, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques, Video, Watercolor | | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)

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November 07, 2014

Merry & Bright Holiday Card and Sketch by Julia Stainton

As the weather turns colder, I'm enjoying my cozy craft room more and more these days. It's a wonderful escape, creative outlet and if it helps me get ahead of the holiday rush...so much more the better!

Merry-and-bright-card-by-Ju

Today I'm sharing my latest card project for the holidays. It's based on one of my favorite, go-to sketches and some fun new holiday project. Let's take a look...

Merry-and-bright-papers

Here's a few of the Pink Paislee Merry & Bright line. I love the gorgeous traditional patterns mixed up with some bolder more modern prints and colors. Black and grey give this a really cool and unique look for a holiday line. Love it!

Circle-sketch-by-Julia-Stai

Here's the very basic and traditional sketch. I love it because it works so well for so many different styles. It's an amazing way to use up scraps of paper, a great way to mix and match patterns and it's also a wonderful way to use small stamps.Besides that, circles are always, always, always a fun design element!

Punched-circles

To recreate the sketch for my project, I've used layers of punched circles. You can also die cut them. For this particular project I've used 1.25" & 1.5" circle punches and layered them for more visual interest. I like to adhere them together, lay them on the card into a grid and then adhere them onto the card for perfect placement.

Merry-bright-die-set

To create the sentiment I've used this beautiful new Essentials by Ellen Merry & Bright stamp set by Julie Ebersole. I've been dying to try it out and it's as beautiful to use as I'd imagined. I chose the Merry and Bright words from the die set as my sentiment before I even looked at the name of the die set. I also had forgotten that the Pink Paislee paper line I was using was called Merry & Bright. What a fun, happy accident. I'm sure I could never do that again if I tried!

Quick Tip: I find that with intricate dies, putting an extra layer of cardstock underneath the one I'm cutting makes for extra crisp die cuts.

Silver-buttonLately I've been enthralled with the Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brushes. What a gorgeous, quick, easy and mess-free way to add glitter and color to embellishments!

Merry-and-bright-top-view

One thing to notice about the sentiment is that I've mixed up the die sets a little. To add some more detail and interest, I've used the ampersand from another die set (the Icons Albums Made Easy set) mixed with the merry and bright dies. I love how the change in color and font really pumps up the fun factor in this design.

Merry-and-bright-flat

To finish off the design, I always love to add some embellishment detail. Little accents are added with Mirrored Stars, the glitter brushed wood button, a black die cut and a patterned paper cover chipboard heart.

 I hope you enjoy the sketch and have fun getting started with your holiday crafting! Have a wonderful and creative weekend!

Supplies:

Posted at 01:36 PM in Christmas Inspiration, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Lifestyle Crafts, Maya Road | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

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October 08, 2014

Classic Truck and Snowy Trees by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom. Snowy scenes with Christmas trees is one of my favorite kind of holiday cards to make.  And I love throwing in a beat up old truck in the mix with a load of trees in the back. I think adding some rust and dings to the truck adds a little more interest.

My project today was made using the Impression Obsession Classic Truck, Evergreen Trees,  Holiday Top Edgers and Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Rectangles. KC Impression Obsesion Classic Truck right

Here are the pieces of the truck.  It is fast and easy to assemble. I used glossy accents to attach the pieces together.

1

Apply vintage photo ink to the wooden gate with a mini applicator.

1 a

Apply small patches of ink to a few key places on the truck with a black artist pen to create dings and distressing. 

2

Apply rusty hinge ink of the distress marks with a mini applicator and blend.  Continue to apply the rusty ink over the whole body of the truck.

3

4

Lightly apply Crafter’s Pick glue to the edges and body of the crimped trees with an old paint brush.  Hint:  the glue will wash out of the brush and can be used over and over to apply glue but it can’t be used for painting again. Beware not to use a good brush.  

5

Lay the tree face down in flower soft.  Hint:  I keep my flower soft and glitter in plastic containers with lids for easy application.  This eliminates the need to apply over paper and trying to get it back in the small jars. 6

Rub lightly to remove excess flower soft.

7

Lay the dies down on the magnetic platform, line up and cut to create the frame. Hint:  If you do lots of precision die cutting then you definitely need to get the magnetic platform to use with your Big Shot.  It is a tremendous asset, paper and time saver.

8

Attach the die cut sentiment to the back of the frame with 1/4” double stick tape.

9

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame.

10

Attach the frame to the white background, apply adhesive to the back of the background and attach to the card base.

11

Ooops!  I failed to put in my snowy ground section before I attached the white background so I cut one to fit and inserted from the front.

12

Tuck the snowy trees in behind the ground snow piece and attach with rolled glue dots.

13

Attach three trees (or as many as you like) to the truck bed with glue dots and apply mounting tape on both sides of the trees. 

14

Attach truck to the frame. I was a little sad that the trees in the truck bed don’t show up well in the photos because of being in front of one of the background trees.  They would have shown better if I had a larger white space behind them.

KC Impression Obsession Classic Truck center

I really like how the die cut sentiment is popped up above the frame and makes a statement without overpowering the scene.  I think this card would be perfect for any man or little boy who loves trucks (or for me). Smile

KC Impression Obsession Classic Truck left

I hope you have been inspired to get your snowy card makings out and create a snowy holiday scene of your own.  Thanks for coming by and I’ll look forward to being here with you next time.  

Posted at 12:00 AM in Cards, Christmas Inspiration, Dies, Flower Soft, Impression Obsession, Lifestyle Crafts | | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)

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July 16, 2014

All White Images by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  My project today was made with  white die cut images that mimics the white images of the designer paper background.  I love giving cards to my friends and loved ones that look a little complicated but that really only took a short time to create. Don’t you love die cuts?  I sure do!

KC Impression Obsession Large Bird left

Here’s a picture of the elements used for my card.

1

Lay the cardstock on the magnetic platform,  place the square dies face down and line them up and run through the machine to cut the frame.4

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame.

5

Cut two sections of fence to create a border for the back of the frame. To extend the fence to fit the frame apply glossy accents to the back of the first picket of one section and lay it over top of the end picket of the second section and secure in place.2

Cut a portion off the bottom of the fence to shorten to allow enough space above for the bird and branch. 

3

Turn the frame mounting tape side up and attach the frame.6

Apply adhesive to the back of the decorative border and attach to the front of the frame.

7

Apply adhesive to the back of the fence covering the mounting tape and attach the frame to the designer paper card base.

8

Cut two bird and branch sections and cut the bird body (not including legs) off of one.  Apply rolled glue dots to the back of the bird and attach it on top of the other bird and branch. This creates a slight element of dimension.

9

10

Form the leaves and branches lightly with a stylus and molding.

11

Cut the remaining branch with no bird apart to use as filler around the main bird branch.  Tuck the pieces in under the fence and attach with glossy accents.

12

Attach a piece of mounting tape to the back of the bird and glossy accents to the main branch.

13

Tuck the main branch in under the frame and attach the bird and branch in place.

14

The fence and frame create a lovely base that allows the bird and branch to be the main focal point. I especially love that the branch hangs slightly down over the fence

KC Impression Obsession Large Bird Center

The decorative eyelet border adds a touch of softness to the straight lines of the frame and fence.

KC Impression Obsession Large Bird right

I hope I have inspired you to take a look at your dies and see what you may have that would look wonderful in all all white.  Thanks for stopping by and I will see you next time.

Posted at 12:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Impression Obsession, Lifestyle Crafts | | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

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July 02, 2014

Granada Mini Framed Watercolor Flower Garden

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I fell in love with water coloring stamped images when I first started paper crafting many years ago. It was lots of fun learning how to color and add shading to images and I must admit a bit of a challenge at times to stay within the stamped lines of an image.  LOL!  Recently I took the Watercolor for Card Makers class at Online Card Classes and especially enjoyed the free hand water coloring because there were no lines to stay in.  My project today shows the step by step process in my experiment to create a mini floral watercolor scene with flower and foliage stamps from the WPlus9 Fresh Cut Florals set. I liked adding softness to the images with my waterbrush. I may have added a level of difficulty because I didn’t use watercolor paper. I wanted the scene layer to match the crisp white double matted frame and Granada decorative background.

KC Fresh Cut Florals 2 left

The Flower Garden

Stamp the solid triple flower image several times across the paper using Spun Sugar ink.

1

Stamp the triple center flower image over top of the solid flowers using Worn Lipstick ink.

2

Stamp the triple stem image among the triple sets of flowers using Crushed Olive ink.3

Build up the flower bed by stamping additional flowers with the solid stamp.

Note: once I finished the first line of flowers and stems I wasn’t satisfied that it would make an interesting scene so I started the process over. I added more images until I thought the scene was full enough.

4

Stamp the Worn Lipstick ink off once on scrap paper before stamping the flower centers.  This helps make the flowers appear to be further in the background.

5

Stamp the Crushed Olive ink off once before filling in the stem images. Only stamp a few to add touches of green to the background.6

Lightly touch a damp brush to the flowers and stems to soften.  Too much water in the brush can totally wash away your images.  I know because I almost did.

7

Apply yellow to the flower centers with a Mustard Seed Distress Marker. The soft touch of yellow adds brightness to the scene.   

8

Paint the ground area with Crushed Olive reinker mixed with water being careful not to wash away the flowers.

9

Frame and Granada Background

Place cardstock on the magnetic platform and then lay both of the larger Granada dies face down on the paper.  Move dies around as necessary to line up for the cut.

10

Cut an opening in the die cut using a Nesting Rectangles die.

11

Place cardstock on the magnetic platform and lay 2 dies in line to create the outer layer of the double matted frame.

12

Cut a second smaller frame to create the mat.

13

Apply adhesive to the back of the top frame section.

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Line the top frame over the smaller mat and attach.

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Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame.

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Line the frame up over the opening and attach in place.

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Cut the flower scene small enough to hide behind the frame. Apply adhesive to the  back of the frame and attach to the scene.

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Apply thin strips of mounting tape to key spots on the back of the Granada die cut and attach to the card base.

19

It is important to apply tape to the outer edges of the intricate die cut to hold them up so they won’t droop flat against the base.

Note: If you are like me and love mounting tape you may want to check out the large 36 yard roll.  I keep an extra roll in my drawer at all times.   A roll will last a long time but I get shaky if I think I’m going to run out.  Smile

KC Fresh Cut Florals 2 center

This is no great work of art but it shows that even an imperfect little watercolor can still be beautiful paired with a simple frame and delicate die cut.

KC Fresh Cut Florals 2 right

Okay!  It’s your turn to get out those inks, a brush and stamps and try your hand at a free hand watercolor. Perfection is not necessary when water coloring.  See you next time.

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Lifestyle Crafts, Tips and Techniques, Watercolor, WPlus9 | | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)

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June 09, 2014

Hello, Monday 06.09.2014

Savvy_bloom_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Savvy_bloom_WEB_2

The new Savvy Stamps release has arrived and they are so much FUN--I just adore their fresh, hand-drawn style!!!

I decided to go for a multi-colored effect using some pretty Avery Elle pigment inks--pigment inks work awesome for this technique because they are much slower drying than dye and you can blend them quite easily, right on the stamp.

The other trick with selective inking (a.k.a. ommitting) is to use Sponge Daubers--my personal favorites are the ones with the airtight caps--makes it so easy to store them without making a mess... or having to wash 'em. ;)

Enjoy the video here or on our YouTube Channel and thanks ever so much for watching and subscribing! Your comments are always so appreciated!

 

 

Happy Mundane!

1Julie

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Posted at 05:00 AM in Avery Elle, Cards, Ink Pads, Lifestyle Crafts, Studio Calico, Studio Line , Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

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May 19, 2014

Hello, Monday 05.19.2014

Glitter_hello_WEB_1 (click on the pics to enbiggan)

 

Glitter_hello_WEB_2

Can you ever have enough "hello" stamps or dies? In my opinion, no. Can you ever have enough glitter? In my opinion, no.

(insert big cheesy grin here)

Today's card features a slight twist on the burnished velvet technique and I have to say, there was a whole lotta monkey-clappin' goin' on when I finished this one!

If you read my recent newsletter article on Craft-a-Board, then you already know some fun things you can use it for. This is another idea, that didn't happen to make it into the article, but it's a gooder, trust me! ;)

I covered Craft-a-Board with sheet adhesive, leaving the liner paper on, and then topped it with a die and ran it through the Big Shot.  A low profile die will not be able to cut through both layers, BUT it will cut through the liner paper. Peel away some of the cut portions of the liner paper to create multi-colored glittered effects.

Yes, it's like putting a puzzle together but with glitter! :) I know, right?!  *fist pump*

Enjoy the video here or on our YouTube Channel. Thanks for watching & subscribing!

 

 

Hope you git yer glittah on this Mundane! ;)

1Julie

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Posted at 05:00 AM in Adhesives, Avery Elle, Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Glitter, Lifestyle Crafts, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

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April 28, 2014

Hello, Monday 04.28.2014

Get_well_framed_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Get_well_framed_WEB_2

 

If you give Julie a cough drop, she's gonna look at the wrapper.  When she looks at the wrapper, she's going to want to see what the whole package looks like. When she pulls the bag out of the cupboard, it will remind her of a patterned paper collection by Basic Grey called Herbs & Honey. She'll run to her studio and pull out that particular paper pad. As she flips through that paper pad, she'll think, "Hey, this would make a cute 'Get well" card!"...

And, so it goes... *chinkle*

Still on a mission to use up those wood veneers I keep hoarding collecting... It was beautiful, all nekked, in its natural wood glory, but it got lost in competition with the patterned paper, so I gave it some extra "POP" by coloring it and then giving it a high gloss finish.

That Taffy card base is one of my most favorite colors of Card Shoppe--I could seriously burn through reams of that stuff, I love it so...

Enjoy today's video here or over on our YouTube Channel! Thank you so much for watching and subscribing!

 

Hope your Mundane's a happy one! ;)

1Julie

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Basic Grey, Cards, Dies, Lawn Fawn, Lifestyle Crafts, Sizzix, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)

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April 09, 2014

Color Wash Flowers with Belleek Inspired Embossing by Kittie Caracciolo

Welcome to the CLASSroom. I have been a member of the Splitcoaststampers  online paper crafting community for about ten years.  I love playing in the daily challenges and feel I have learned most everything I know from trying new techniques and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.  My project today was made using the Belleek Inspired Technique and was introduced in the Technique Lovers Challenge a couple years ago.  The goal for this technique is to create embossed backgrounds using light shades of color that mimic the beautiful Belleek Pottery. 

KC Belleek 1 left

I love the soft colors on the embossed backgrounds and think they are such a gorgeous backdrop for flower projects. I want the flowers to be as soft in color to match the background so I played around with water and ink to create what I refer to as color washed flowers. I like to create small frames to add dimension and help accentuate the design but not detract from the beautiful background.

Apply a heavy wash of water to the die cut flower. This will help the ink flow when applied.

1

Put a drop of straight reinker in the lid of your ink pad, dip your brush in the ink and apply directly to the center of the flower.

2

Lightly brush the ink outwards to the petals and dry with the heat gun.

3

Turn the flower face down on the molding pad and push down on the petal tips using the ball stylus.  

4

Turn the flower face up on the molding pad and push down in the center using the small stylus.  You can see that the two step forming process creates a natural looking flower.

5

Turn the foliage face down on the molding pad and push down using the stylus to form and add dimension to the leaves. 6

Place the front of the embossing folder face down and apply light colored ink with a brayer.

7

Place paper in the folder, place front of the folder face down on your die cutting machine and run through to emboss.

8

Place the cardstock for your frame and waxed paper on the magnetic platform, set both dies in place to create the frame and run through the machine.

Note: Sharon mentioned in her post recently that she uses waxed paper to help when cutting intricate dies.  I also use waxed paper to keep the paper clean from the dies leaving those ugly dirty marks around the edges.

9

Apply strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and attach to the card base.

10

Attach the foliage to the card base with glossy accents.

11

12

Apply glossy accents to the back of each flower and set in place and hold with a stylus to set.

13

Apply pearls to the center of each flower for an additional elegant element. Hint:  for insurance I always add a small dot of glossy accents to the center of the flower before I place the pearl.

14

I love the soft embossed background paired with the beautiful floral design.  This might have to be the card we send to my mother-in-law for Mother’s Day.

KC Belleek 1 center

The Belleek Inspired technique has become one of my all-time favorites and my go to when I need a feminine elegant card.

KC Belleek 1 right

How long has it been since you dug out your brayer?  I hope my tutorial today will inspire you to get it out along with your favorite embossing folder and create your own Belleek Inspired project.

Posted at 12:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Impression Obsession, Lifestyle Crafts, My Favorite Things, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)

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March 22, 2014

Sweet Dahlia Family Page by Sharon Harnist

I like to keep an easel in my studio/office with an 8-inch seasonal scrapbook page on it and it was time for a new Spring page!

3-MarFamilyScrapPg-SH

These photos weren't the best -- selfies at night with cell phone and tablet cameras but nevertheless, they captured some fun Spring Break family moments I wanted to print and keep. Great papercrafting supplies can sometimes make up for some of those photo inadequacies -- right?  I like to think so! :)

The anchor for my page is this wonderful Penny Black Slapstick/Cling Sweet Dahlia collage image stamp that measures a generous 3.75" square. I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock.  I wanted to use the "sweet" sentiment from the collage as a focal point, so I masked around the word with some 3M Post-It Adhesive Roll/Labeling Tape and used Tumbled Glass Distress Marker to ink and stamp the word onto more Neenah Solar White cardstock.

3-MarFamilyScrapTE-SH

The "sweet" sentiment was die cut with Taylored Expressions die frame from the From Me To You Cling Stamp & Die Combo. The edges of the die cut were sponged with Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and an Ink Blending Tool.

Next, I quickly added some color to the dahlia using BG000 and BG53 Copic Sketch markers, and RV52 on the "Beautiful" and "Original" words:

3-MarFamilyScrapCO1-SH

3-MarFamilyScrapCO2-SH

You could go full out and color the entire image beautifully, but for this project I wanted to keep the image primarily black & white with just subtle washes of Spring color.

To finish the page, I cut a piece of floral Hot Pink Shape 'N Tape to add to the bottom of page -- I chose to leave the tape stuck to its white backing paper and just used it like a piece of patterned paper (because, remember -- once the tape is off the backing paper, anything that was showing white will be transparent and have the background color showing thru ... in this case, teal). I did the same for the solid hot pink mat layer behind the smaller photo of my girls, using Lifestyle Crafts Labels Dies to cut the hot pink tape and photo.

3-MarFamilyScrapPgCU-SH

A piece of Gray Shape 'N Tape was cut .50" x 6.25", taken off the white backing paper and used like washi tape, to help anchor the stamped image and floral paper/tape to the page. I love this dark charcoal color -- it's just a little softer than black but still makes a bold statement. Both the small photo of my girls and the "sweet" sentiment pieces were popped up on my favorite Copic Foam Tape. Copic Color Multiliner 12-pc Set is a fabulous addition to your scrapbooking supplies -- they make great journaling pens, in a multitude of any color you could need!  Here, I chose Cool Gray to write the place and date at the bottom of my page.

Happy Spring!  ~ Sharon

- supplies

Posted at 02:09 PM in Copic Markers, Hero Arts, Lifestyle Crafts, Penny Black, Scrappy Pages, Sizzix, Taylored Expressions | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

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February 10, 2014

Hello, Monday 02.10.2014

Watercolor_XO_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Watercolor_XO_WEB_2

As I mention in this week's "webisode" (ha ha!), watercolor is probably my most favorite coloring method--it just makes me happy to slop the color around, LOL!

When I first began stamping over 20 years ago, the first watercolor method I learned is one I still use today--it's kind of a cheat, but on the other hand, I love multi-uses of any supply or tool (in this case, the new Distress Mini Ink Pads) I have in my arsenal, don't you?! 

I also made a recent discovery that has me bouncing off my chair--I can watercolor on Bazzill Basics Card Shoppe Marshmallow Card Stock.  I was already in love with the weight and surface texture of this paper, and now??!! Um, pardon me while I fist pump. Majorly. *grin*

DISCLAIMER: Card Shoppe card stock is not a watercolor paper; it is a smooth, 100# weight card stock. As I mention in the video, if your brush is too wet or you over saturate the paper with water, it will pill.

In most cases, I prefer to work with a waterbrush--I tend to have more control, and they are perfect for a girl who tends to be a bit clumsy in the studio *sheepish grin*, but you could just as easily use a nice brush (I love this set) and a small jar of water.

Enjoy the video here or over on our YouTube channel, and thanks for watching and subscribing! You can always select 720p for best viewing quality, as well!

 

 

Happy Mundane!

1Julie

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Avery Elle, Back to Basics, Cards, Ink Pads, Lifestyle Crafts, Ranger Techniques, Studio Line , Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video, Watercolor | | Comments (31) | TrackBack (0)

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January 11, 2014

Die Cut Custom Copic Background by Sharon Harnist

Since this is my first CLASSroom post for the new year, I wanted to wish you all a wonderful 2014 and start off the year with one of my very favorite kind of projects -- a calendar!

1-JanSnowmanCal-SH

I know this is a tad bit late for January, but hopefully this project will give you some great ideas for future monthly projects!  The area I'm focusing most on today is a custom background paper, made with any die ... here's how it's done:

1. I started by cutting the size of background paper I would be using -- originally, I planned on an A2 sized card so I cut a piece of scrap cardstock 4.25" x 5.50". The cardstock color doesn't matter, as it will just be used as a template.

2. Next, you will be creating a template so place your die (and cut) the piece of cardstock the way you want your pattern to appear later on your finished project:

1-JanSnowmanBG1-SH

In my test runs, I used this Memory Box Beaded Snowflake Die but ended up just using My Favorite Things Let It Snowflake die set on my calendar. Ellen carries plenty of other snowflake dies that would also work well for this technique -- you can find all snowflake dies HERE.

3. Then place your template over the piece of cardstock you will use for your project (I used Neenah Natural White for both my template and my project -- my apologies, I should have used a different color for the template so you could tell them apart better), using a temporary adhesive to hold down the template:

1-JanSnowmanBG2-SH

4. Next, I used the Copic Airbrush System to airbrush B00 Copic Sketch marker through the die cut template. Alternately, you could use a dye ink and sponge applicator to sponge color through the template:

1-JanSnowmanBG3-SH

As I mentioned above, I ended up using a smaller scale snowflake die for my project:

1-JanSnowmanBG4-SH

I created the calendar piece using My Favorite Things' Journal It-Calendar Basics clear stamp set. I stamped the calendar onto a piece of my custom snowflake background paper with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, die cut it with MFT's Pierced Rectangle STAX, then started stamping the date numbers beginning with all the "1's". I found it easier to stamp all of one number at a time:

1-JanSnowmanCalST1-SH

It went pretty quickly this way:

1-JanSnowmanCalST2-SH

Next, I stamped this sweet MFT Trim the Branches Snowman, omiting his hanging ornaments (another way to get more mileage from your holiday stamps!) with Rich Cocoa ink onto Neenah Natural White cardstock:

1-JanSnowmanCalCU-SH

And colored him with the Copic Sketch markers shown below. I used BG0000 to outline the snowman's body to give him an icy feeling, and C1 to create shadows under his hat, eyes, nose, mouth and scarf:

1-JanSnowmanCalCO-SH

Mr. Snowman was hand trimmed, leaving a snow mound for him to sit on, and popped up on Copic Foam Tape.

To finish my calendar, I glittered two of the snowflakes I die cut earlier with Tim Holtz's Clear Rock Candy Distress Glitter and popped them up on rolled up Glue Dots -- this is a great way to give a little lift to elements on your project and the bonus is they are clear and therefore less likely to show on smaller items. I wish I could capture how truly gorgeous this glitter is in person -- hopefully clicking on the photo below will let you see just a little of its beauty:

1-JanSnowmanGlitter-SH

Finally, I used a Fishtale Flags STAX die to die cut a piece of my favorite Lifestyle Crafts Teal Blue Shape 'N Tape to accent the top right corner of the calendar.

I hope this technique gives you all kinds of ideas on how to use your dies to create custom backgrounds! ~ Sharon

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Posted at 12:51 PM in Copic Airbrush, Copic Markers, Dies, Lifestyle Crafts, Memory Box, My Favorite Things, Templates | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

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December 30, 2013

Hello, Monday 12.30.2013

 2014_Confetti_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

2014_Confetti_WEB_2

Hope you had a wonder-full Christmas with family and friends! Can you believe we're right on the verge of 2014 already?! Time is flying far too fast!

I'm still *madly* in love with sequin confetti cards and had to make a New Year's version! I've also been itching to play with my new Mama Elephant Inline Letters Stamps and the coordinating dies--such a great contemporary look!

Here's a great tip for getting optimal results with this particular set of stamps + dies:

Instead of trying to stamp the letters/numbers onto the die cuts the traditional way, place your inked stamp rubber side up on your work surface and then press the die cut letters to the stamp.

Waaaaay mo'h bettah that way! Ask me how I know... *wink*

Enjoy the video here or over on our YouTube Channel and thanks for watching & subscribing! Be sure to switch to 720p for best viewing quality, too!

Happy New Year!

1Julie

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Avery Elle, Crystal Clear Plastic, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Hero Arts, Lifestyle Crafts, Mama Elephant, Savvy, Studio Calico, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)

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December 02, 2013

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist - Day 2 by Julie Ebersole

City_tag_xma_2013_WEB

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

City_tag_xma_2013_WEB_2

The 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist is a tradition I always look forward to being a part of! This year, my tag features a city scene within a window and lots of creamy shades of white!

I chose to create a video instead of step-outs and hope you have a steamy hot cuppa sumpin' delicious that you can sip on while you watch! :)

I can't wait to see what tomorrow's tag will be! Thanks for joining us!

Happy Christmas!

1Julie

Supplies Small


Please join us in thanking Julie for once again sharing her always inspiring style with us! Leave your comment below to be eligible for the random drawing of the $25 gift certificate to our store www.ellenhutson.com - be certain to do so before noon on December 13th to be eligible (one comment per person please.) Join us tomorrow when we debut a new tag designed by Ronda Palazzari!

Posted at 12:00 AM in 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist, Blog Candy, Christmas Inspiration, Cosmo Cricket, Craft-a-Board, Dies, Gift Packaging, Lifestyle Crafts, Savvy, Video | | Comments (303) | TrackBack (0)

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October 28, 2013

Hello, Monday 10.28.2013

Berrybranchwindow_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I really love how soft and delicate this design turned out, with the pine branch die cut partially overlapping the window edge. Can't seem to get enough of that woodgrain embossed paper, either... *LOVE*

This is also one of my favorite layouts for branchy/long types of die shapes. :) In the past, I've often used a 1 3/8" square punch to create a rectangular opening, and just punched, slide it further up the paper and punched again,taking care to make sure the edges are aligned and overlapping; that works great in a pinch, but you do have to remember that you will be limited by how far the punch will reach and can't always get the window on your panel or card front exactly where you'd like it... For example, dead-centered on your card front? It ain't happenin'. 

This is where dies like this Nesting Card Templates set by Lifestyle Crafts or the Nesting Rectangle set come in handy and can make your (card-makin') life a lot easier.

Berrybranchwindow_WEB_2

I'm totally ready to get into holiday card making mode! How 'bout you? Are ya' feelin' it? I have so many ideas rollin' around in my head--I don't know that I'll be able to do them all!  I s'pose that's not necessarily a bad thing, tho... ;)

Enjoy the video here or watch it directly on YouTube via our channel! Thank you, as always, for subscribing and tuning in each week! After you hit the play button, you can select 720p for the best viewing quality, too. 


Have a happy Mundane! ;)

1Julie

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Posted at 07:00 AM in Cards, Christmas Inspiration, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Lawn Fawn, Lifestyle Crafts, Savvy, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

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July 27, 2013

August Calendar by Sharon Harnist

Hello and welcome to the CLASSroom!  I'm starting the process of moving, so I wanted to go ahead and get my August calendar ready for when it's unpacked. Since we'll be registering for school as soon as we get moved, I decided to go with a school theme:

8-AugCal-SH

Kim Hughes' Paper Smooches Clear Stamps Fruitastic and AlphaDot came to my rescue . . . I stamped the whole AlphaDot stamp set onto some Lily Bee Buttercup patterned paper with Teal Zeal Memento ink:

8-AugCalABC-SH

Next, I altered the original apple stamp by just cutting the face out of the middle. The face can easily be placed back in the center of the apple, or stamped separately in a different color, the next time I need it!

8-AugCalApple-SH

I stamped the apple with Memento Gray Flannel ink on a damask pattern of the Buttercup paper and cut it out . . . who says apples for teacher should only be red?  :)

The apple stem and leaf were colored with Copic Sketch markers T3 and BG57. I also used the Paper Smooches AlphaDot stamp set to stamp the 2013 year with Teal Zeal ink on another (sun shiny) pattern of the Buttercup paper that had been die cut with a Lifestyle Crafts Labels die.

8-AugCalCU-SH

I used one of the strip dot stamps from the AlphaDot set with stamped-off Teal Zeal ink to resemble washi tape in the blank spaces at the top of the calendar. A "smiley face" (cherry, I think?) from the Fruitastic stamp set marks the first day of school in Cantaloupe Memento ink.

The calendar is Ellen's 2013 Ring Binder Calendar PDF Download (sized to 85% yields a printed calendar size of about 3.25" square), printed on Neenah Natural White cardstock and trimmed it closely. If calendars aren't your thing, you could easily use this same project idea/layout as a scrapbook page -- just replace the calendar with a treasured first day of school photo!

So don't be afraid to alter your stamps a little -- you just may find a totally different use for them than their original intent!  And try using a whole stamp set to stamp a fun "patterned paper" type background -- either on plain cardstock or to enhance a subtle patterned paper!

While we're moving to a new city and getting settled next month, I'll be taking a little time off from the CLASSroom, but look forward to seeing you back here in September!

~ Sharon

{Supplies}

Posted at 08:02 PM in Copic Markers, Lifestyle Crafts, Paper Smooches | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

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June 14, 2013

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!):

6-FathersDayPhotoCard-SH

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:

6-FathersDayPhotoCardST-SH

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: 

6-FathersDayPhotoCardCO-SH

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:

6-FathersDayPhotoCardDie-SH

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:

6-FathersDayPhotoCardBK-SH

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

6-FathersDayPhotoCardCU-SH

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}

Posted at 08:36 PM in Copic Markers, Hero Arts, Lifestyle Crafts, Masculine Projects, My Favorite Things, Tim Holtz | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

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June 03, 2013

Hello, Monday 06.03.2013

Congrats_emb_WEB(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! 

1Julie

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Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Glitter, Lifestyle Crafts, My Favorite Things, Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

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May 27, 2013

Hello, Monday 05.27.2013

Hexagon_dad_1_WEB
(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!

1Julie

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May 13, 2013

Hello, Monday 05.13.2013

Colorblock_bday_1_WEB
(click on the pic to enbiggan)

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

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

 

I'd actually wear something like this.

 

From Millan.Net

 

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!

1Julie

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

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Posted at 07:00 AM in Adhesives, Cards, Copic Markers, Design Elements and Principles, Impression Obsession, Lifestyle Crafts, Savvy, Tips and Techniques, Trend Talk, Video | | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)

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April 29, 2013

Hello, Monday 04.29.2013

CopicsOnGlitterWEB

 (click on the pic to enbiggan)

I have been stamping and coloring on glitter with Copics for a while but haven't always been completely satisfied with the end results. Until now. Different ink and Copic combinations can work, but if you're not *uber* careful you can up with mud. Ack.

Coloring stamped images with Copics requires using the right balance of ink and paper in order to achieve optimal results.  Memento Ink by Tsukineko + Copics is a pretty widely known combo that yields great results. On paper.  But, coloring a stamped image on glitter can be a little tricker. Because you need to use an ink that will actually DRY on glitter AND not bleed out when alcohol ink is applied. Ruh roh...!

You may not be aware that Copics also work beautifully on paper with most* PIGMENT inks. The catch is that they must be fully dry so as not to smear.

Enter: Brilliance by Tsukineko

(this is where the heavens part and you hear angel voices singing)

Brilliance has *looooong* been one of my all-time favorite inks. It is a faster-drying PIGMENT ink. One of its advantages over many other pigment inks, however, is that it can dry on non-porous surface, such as Polyshrink (another topic for another day). *wink*

Brilliance will dry on glitter.  It will need to be heat set, to ensure it is thoroughly dry, but it will dry on glitter. And you can color the image with Copics. You can even be a little careless and color right over the top of this ink. And there will be no bleeding. There will be no mud. 

I know, right?! From Millan.Net

Here are some tips for stamping and coloring on Micro-fine glitter:

  • You'll achieve optimal results when stamping onto glitter if you use a micro-fine type; even ultra-fine is not fine enough
  • Burnish the micro-fine glitter into the tape with your finger tips until there are no sticky areas left; "squeegee" off the excess with your fingers to reveal a velvety smooth surface
  • Stamp with a pigment ink such as Brilliance; as a pigment ink, it works extremely well when coloring with Copics and it is one of the few pigment inks that will actually dry on glossy/slick surfaces without needing to be sealed with embossing powder
  • Heat set the ink by keeping your heat gun a safe distance away, i.e. 7-8", to avoid melting the glitter; test dryness with scrap paper as shown in the video
  • Lightly tap the tip of the Copic marker when coloring, allowing the ink to flow out; brushing/stroking the nib against the glitter can not only cause the tip to fray, but it can also cause the adhesive beneath the glitter to deteriorate and etch off, resulting in a lack-luster finish

You can view the video here, or hop over to YouTube and thanks muchly for subscribing to our channel!

 

1Julie

*I say "most" because some inks that are touted as pigment inks are not actually true pigment inks, but more a hybrid of chalk + pigment ink that may indeed smear when alcohol ink is applied...

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Posted at 07:00 AM in Cards, Copic Markers, Essentials by Ellen, Glitter, Ink Pads, Lifestyle Crafts, Savvy, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)

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April 08, 2013

Hello, Monday 04.08.2013

ChicBike1WEB

True story:  I don't own a bike. Haven't ridden one in years!!! But, I'm a sucker for cute bicycles! Go figure! LOL!

Fell in love with this mini bike die set by Savvy Stamps the instant I laid eyes on it and am having crazy fun with it! 

ChicBike2WEB

Had a lightbulb moment a short while ago that I share in the video... Funny how something so simple and obvious eludes us and then, of a sudden: BAM!!! And, we're smackin' ourselves on the forehead... criminitly!!!

Enjoy the video here or you can also watch it over on YouTube. And, many thanks for subscribing to our channel!


Have a great Mundane and so glad you could pop in today for some crafty time!

1Julie

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Posted at 07:00 AM in Cards, Copic Markers, Dies, Hero Arts, Lifestyle Crafts, Savvy, Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)

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March 18, 2013

Hello, Monday 03.18.2013

GrpShotWEB

(click on the pic to en-biggan)

The camera trend is, well, trending! BAH HA HAAAA!!! And, I totally LOVE it! I have been collecting lots of camera embellishments to go with my stamps and dies. But, I am such a naughty little hoarder... *sigh*... I decided this week, that I was going to USE them and three card designs popped into my head, begging to be made real...

So, I hope you like cameras, too... 'Cuz when the little voices give me three ideas in one fell swoop, I have no choice but to ride the wave... I didn't even ride it to the end, but I got a good start. Heh, heh, heh! 

I also share a little tip for working with the Prima Marketing Metal Paper Clips in the video--if you watch and listen, you'll see what I mean. And, since I discovered that little trick, I'm stoked.  And, I want more of those Prima shaped clips!!! I'm kicking myself I didn't get the darn birds at the same time I got the cameras--cuz y'all know how I love me some birds, too!!! *chortle*

Hope you enjoy the video! You can watch it here or on YouTube and please subscribe to our channel!  We love sharing creative ideas with you!

Thanks for hangin' with me this Mundane morning and hope you have a gooder!

1Julie

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Posted at 07:00 AM in Cards, Craft-a-Board, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Hero Arts, Lifestyle Crafts, My Favorite Things, Prima Marketing, Studio Calico, Tips and Techniques, Trend Talk, Video | | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)

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March 11, 2013

Hello, Monday 03.11.2013

Grp_shot_WEB

Do you love circles as much as I do? Like polka dots, they always make me so happy! And, they always look so mod, too! LOL!

I was playing with the Circle Punches Dies by Lifestyle Crafts--these dies are actually quite handy! You can punch out a whole bunch of same sized shapes all at one time just cranking them through your die cutting machine! They come in basic shapes, like the circles I used here, and they also come in some fun shapes, like bunnies & chicks, snowflakes, hearts, squares, etc.  Very cool!

My voice is back--YAY!!! So, you'll hear me yappin' away once again... :)

You'll hear (and watch!) me make a mistake on the first card and then I save it (*fist pump*) using the QuickStik--such a great gizmo!

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube and please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of our weekly webisodes! (I sooooo made that word up!)

Thanks for joining me and I hope you have a great Mundane! *snarf*

1Julie

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Posted at 07:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Hero Arts, Lawn Fawn, Lifestyle Crafts, Memory Box, Punches, Studio Calico, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

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