the CLASSroom

Sneak Peek - Hot Mess Leading Lady by Brandi Kincaid

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

 

LINK:  Watch in HD on our YouTube Channel HERE. Thanks for the thumbs up and for subscribing!

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek and have a happy Mundane! ;)

 

SUPPLIES:

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pk

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 25 pk

VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne

Avery Elle Embossing Powder, Clear Fine

COPIC Sketch Marker YR0000, Pale Chiffon

COPIC Sketch Marker R20, Blush

COPIC Sketch Marker E27, Milk Chocolate

COPIC Sketch Marker YG41, Pale Cobalt Green

COPIC Sketch Marker BG34, Horizon Green

COPIC Sketch Marker Y38, Honey

COPIC Sketch Marker YR31, Light Reddish Yellow

COPIC Sketch Marker YR21, Cream

COPIC Sketch Marker E33, Sand

COPIC Sketch Marker R22, Light Prawn

COPIC Sketch Marker Y17, Golden Yellow

COPIC Sketch Marker C1, Cool Gray No. 1

COPIC Sketch Marker BG10, Cool Shadow

COPIC Multiliner SP - 0.05, Black

Hero Arts Embossing Gun (Wagner)

My Sweet Petunia Mini MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (6-1/8 X 7)

My Sweet Petunia MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2)

Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior

Tonic Comfort 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer by Tim Holtz

Thermoweb Sticky Dot Mini Runner

Scotch Foam Mounting Tape

Hello, Monday 10.12.2015

Today's video features a little sneak peek of a coming new die set, called Gourd-jus! I know, I know... but, really, how was I supposed to pass up such an opportunity?  Right?! Those of you who appreciate puns know what I'm talkin' 'bout! *cheeky grin*

I love this color scheme for almost anything, actually, but it seemed to really suit this fall/Thanksgiving card nicely.  Avery Elle's pigment inks are perfect for this direct-to-paper technique--the colors are very saturated! The trick is to make sure your ink pads are not "dry"/in need of reinking, and to not be overly aggressive when swiping the edge/corner of the pad across the paper.  If the ink pad is dry, or you are too aggressive, you'll end up with too much "drag" on the paper surface and could tear the foam away from the ink pad.  No likey! :(

Avery Elle's pigment inks are a kind of hybrid--they are a faster drying pigment ink, but still do take a little bit of time to dry.  This ink has a bit of a chalky finish, as well, so I will sometimes blot the paper surface carefully with clean scrap paper to help speed up the drying time, so I can avoid smearing as I continue working. 

The ink swipes are a wonderful alternative for adding color to your project and really make the white die cut shapes pop on the card!

You can enjoy today's video in HD on our YouTube channel HERE, and thanks a ton for taking a moment to give it a thumbs' up--we always appreciate that!

 

Happy Mundane, and hope you are enjoying a fabulous Fall season!

SUPPLIES:

Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Thankful by Julie Ebersole

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Sea Glass

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Mustard Seed

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Papaya

Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 10 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 25 pk

Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape

We R Memory Keepers Shape 'N Tape, Black (ST0001)

2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip

iCraft Deco Foil Transfer Sheets, Gold

iCraft Deco Foil Transfer Sheets Value Pack, Gold

Teflon Bone Folder

Quilled Creations Precision Tip Glue Applicator Bottle 0.5 oz.

Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

Soft Grip Embossing and Stylus

My Mind's Eye On Trend - Happy, Sequins by Jen Allyson

Tweezers, Stainless Elisa's Backporch Design

Tonic Handy Comfort+ 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer

We R Memory Keepers Sequin Stickers, Gold

Doodlebug Sequins, Rainbow Assortment

Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.

Die-cutting Cork & a Sneak Peek by Julia Stainton

It's Christmas in July! As busy as the holiday season is, you can never start too early and I'm excited to share a Christmas card that shows you a peek at one of the upcoming Essentials by Ellen new releases. That's right! The new Fall 2015 release is just around the corner and Julie Ebersole has done it again. You are going to LOVE the new stamp and die sets!

 

Let's get started shall we? My card today gives you a peek at the new Mistletoe and Holly stamp and die sets. They are perfectly coordinated which gives you a perfect professionally cut look and saves you a ton of time cutting out images!

I decided to try out a new technique, for me anyway, and see how well cork would die cut and stamp. I love the fun warm and textural look it gives. It's also super easy to get a unique look just by changing out the material that you stamp and die cut.

To start my project I die cut one of the cork sheets from the Tim Holtz Textured Surfaces pack. These are adhesive backed and easy to die cut.

To stamp on the cork I simply used some pigment ink. I adore the Avery Elle White Pigment ink. It has AMAZING coverage which can sometimes be an issue for white pigment ink. I highly recommend it. After stamping the images onto the cork, I heat set the ink with a heat gun. Pigment ink takes a long time to dry so make sure you keep that in mind.

I used the same ink on the MFT Stamps Woodgrain Background Stamp. This is such a great background stamp as I love how well it adds texture and interest to anything you stamp.

To create some matching hemp twine, I cut a length of it and then colored it with a red Copic marker. This is a great way to customize light or natural twine to any color you want!

To put the design all together, I peeled off the backing on the cork die cuts and layered them together to form a swag. Copic markers also work great on the cork and I added little dots of red to the stamped berry areas.

The sentiment also comes with the Mistletoe and Holly stamp set and is stamped in my favorite Jet Black Archival Ink. This ink stamps on pretty much everything! The final touch was to adhere 1/4 inch tiny silver jingle bells to the twine bow knot to make the card look more festive.

Stay tuned for lots of fabulous projects coming up with the Fall 2015 Essentials by Ellen release that is just around the corner! It's time to get your autumn and holiday crafting started! Mistletoe and Holly and the rest of the release will be available for purchase soon!

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom!

 

Supplies:

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 25 pk

Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Pure White

My Favorite Things Cling Stamps, Woodgrain

Hero Arts Cling Stamps, Woodgrain Bold Prints by Lia Griffith

Tim Holtz Textured Surfaces

Lawn Fawn Hemp Cord, Natural

COPIC Sketch Marker R29, Lipstick Red

Jingle Bells, 1/4", Silver

Ranger Heat It Craft Tool

Scrapbook Adhesives 3-D Foam Squares, Small White

Sizzix Big Shot White & Gray

Hello, Monday 04.27.2015

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Don't fall off yer seat... I know, right?! I LAYERED!!! So abnormal for me... But, this one, oh, it all came together too easy! *heart palpitations*

All the images in Bohemian Garden (coming April 28, 2015) were hand-painted and I must admit, I love them--but, I've always been a sucker for flowers.  I think this is because I cannot keep any kind of REAL green thing alive... But, I digress... *chuckle*

I snagged this luscious stack of Avery Elle inks, and just started stamping a cascade of flowers... And, things were going well... Until I got some ink on my fingers and smudged. Boo.  But, I found a way or two to camouflage it so I didn't have to start over--GO ME!!! *grin*

By the way, these striped acetate sheets by We R Memory Keepers? Stock up, I tell ya'! They are so cool and fun to use! AND THEY COME IN POLKA DOTS, TOO!!! 

Enjoy the video here or in HD on our YouTube channel HERE.  Thank you SO much for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up and for subscribing and watching each week--we truly appreciate it!

Happy Mundane!  Y'all must come back tomorrow! A release of new stamps and dies, a fun hop with some talented card makers and whatnot... Good times!

*grin*

SUPPLIES:

(Bohemian Garden Stamp Set, Be-YOU-tiful Die coming April 28, 2015)

Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Bohemian Garden by Julie Ebersole

Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Be-YOU-Tiful by Julie Ebersole

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Mimosa

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Mustard Seed

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Bamboo

Avery Elle Ink Pad, Mint To Be

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 10 pk

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk

We R Memory Keepers 12x12 Acetate, White Stripe

We R Memory Keepers Shape 'N Tape, Black (ST0001)

We R Memory Keepers Sequin Stickers, Gold

Glue Dots Sheets, Mini

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk

Coats Metallic Thread, Bright Gold

Coats Metallic Thread, Gold

Tonic Handy Comfort+ 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer

Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape

Tattered Lace Detail Glue

Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, 0.88 oz.

Sizzix Big Shot White & Gray

 

Vellum and Gold Love by Julia Stainton

 Today I'm excited to be in the CLASSroom sharing a peek at one of the upcoming releases by Julie Ebersole for Ellen Hutson LLC. I love this stamp set and coordinating die set and think you'll agree that it's absolutely stunning! It's called Mondo Magnolia and can't you just hear Julie saying that?! She's the only person I know who uses the word mondo. But it truly is the most gorgeous huge flower and I can think of so many ways to use it that it's sure to be a classic.

I love creating with gold and with vellum. Putting both together just seemed like a win-win endeavor. I really like using vellum for layers as it's an interesting aspect to see through those translucent layers.

I started off by stamping the Mondo Magnolia blossom onto vellum cardstock three times, one for each of the flower layers. It was stamped with Versamark ink and then heat embossed with Ranger Super Fine Gold embossing powder.

This photo shows two of the three embossed flowers on the vellum. You can see how gorgeous this stamp is simply in one dimension.

There is a Mondo Magnolia die set that coordinates perfectly with the stamp. You can use it to cut three separate layers so that you can fussy cut the flower with ease. When die cutting stamped layers, I like to use washi tape to position the die and keep it exactly where I want it to cut without shifting.

This is what the layers will look like after they are die cut.

To add a little more dimension I decided to burnish the middle layer of vellum to make the petals curl up. When you burnish on vellum you also tend to get a whiter, more opaque look to the paper which adds additional interest. I absolutely LOVE the Sizzix Accessory Tool Kit. The creasing and burnishing tools are wonderful for adding a realistic curve to flowers and leaves. It also comes with a handy mat, tweezers, scissors and mini non-stick craft sheet. This item is retiring so if it's something you have on your wishlist, make sure you pick it up quickly!

Once you put all the layers together you end up with this gorgeous layered magnolia. I adhered my layers together with 3D foam squares to add that little extra lift and dimension.

Because the flower is so beautiful, I wanted to create a very subtle background that was still beautiful but wouldn't take away from the main focus. Did you know you can dry emboss vellum? This card shows vellum both heat embossed and dry embossed and both are lovely looks. I love how easy embossing folders make dry embossing these days. I remember those old metal dry embossing templates that I used to hold up to a window and emboss by hand. It took forever!

The embossing folder that I used here is called Woodgrain and is a new release from Taylored Expressions. It's stunning embossed on anything but especiallly vellum.

Before putting my card together I assemble all my layers. I've added in some die cut leaves using the Taylored Expressions Leafy Branch die and some gold glitter cardstock. I believe this die is now sold out but the Impression Obsession Branch die would make a great alternative.

I've also die cut my simple sentiment from plain white cardstock. I decided white on white would look simple and best. Remember that sentiments don't always have to be the focal part of a design but more like a subtle supporting role if that works better. I find that with one huge focal point it's better not to compete with it.

Adding in my layers of vellum and cardstock, here's a detail shot of the flower paired up with the gold glitter branches.

Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a beautiful and creative weekend and don't forget to visit the CLASSroom next week as Julie's fabulous Spring release is Tuesday April 28th!

Supplies:

 

Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Brushstroke Love by Julie Ebersole

Taylored Expressions Embossing Folders, Woodgrain

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pk

Essentials by Ellen 43 lb. Vellum, 25 pk

Ranger Super Fine Embossing Powder, Gold

American Crafts Specialty Paper, Silver/Gold/Black Glitter, 6x6 Paper Pad

Letterpress 110 lb. Cardstock, White, 10 pk

Tim Holtz, Jute String

Sizzix Big Shot White & Gray

Ranger Heat It Craft Tool

VersaMark Ink Pad, Small

Scrapbook Adhesives Thin 3-D Foam Squares, Mix White

Cheery Lynn Designs Metal Adaptor Plate

Sizzix Accessory, Tool Kit inspired by Susan Tierney-Cockburn (Retiring)

Hello, Monday 04.20.2015

(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):

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*

 

SUPPLIES:

Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Twelve Days by Julie Ebersole

Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Blueberry Sour, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Blueberry Sour, 10 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter Grass, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter Grass, 10 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Gold Coins, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Gold Coins, 10 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Robin's Egg, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Robin's Egg, 10 pk

Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag

VersaMark Ink Pad

VersaMark Ink Pad, Small

Stampendous Embossing Powder, Detail White, 0.78 oz.

Hero Arts Embossing Gun (14000)

Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape

Glue Glider Pro Tool w/ Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge

Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, Perma Tac, 3 pk

Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, Perma Tac 40'

We R Memory Keepers Shape Dies, Nesting Circles (L-CC-001)

Sizzix Big Shot White & Gray

Basic Grey Capture, Candy Buttons - Navy/White

Nesting Paper Punch, Square 1"

COPIC Sketch Marker YR12, Loquat

COPIC Sketch Marker Y19, Napoli Yellow

•••

SNEAK PEEK: Essentials by Ellen Stamps

C'mon...! I know you're beltin' out the lyrics to this one already! This wee peek features a set called "Twelve Days"--I think of all the sets, this one was the most challenging, but also the most fun to illustrate!

I must admit to taking a few liberties with "tradition"... This set makes me laugh every time I look at it... Look out--it's gonna be a jolly holiday! ;)

Hope you'll join us October 4th for the reveal and hop we have planned! 

*chortle*

SNEAK PEEK: Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

As you may have read in the recent In Touch Newsletter, I have been working on a line of exclusive stamps and dies for Ellen Hutson, LLC.  Good times!!! Exciting times!!!

The Release will be debut on October 4th, World Card-Making Day and our whole Design Team here in the CLASSroom has been working like crazy behind the scenes, creating samples that we hope will inspire! We also have many beloved industry friends who will be joining us in a stellar hop to introduce the line to you all--ooooh, we can hardly wait!

Meantime, I'm going to tease just a little with some wee peeks of just a few of the projects I've been working on...

Hmmmm... Wonder who that could be... ;)

 

This is going to be a favorite, all year round, methinks... *cheeky grin*

October 4th is comin' up fast--keep your eyes peeled, as we share more peeks every day! WOOT!!!