the CLASSroom

Hello, Monday 04.13.2015

(Click on the pics to enbiggan)

A cut-away card front can really make a single-layer card feel extra special, and it's so easy to do with a unique die design such as this one, called Super by Avery Elle--and even better, it matches the stamp set of the same name!

I didn't have any stamps that really conveyed the sentiments I wanted for this graduation card with a sort of "adventure" theme to it, so I used some stickers from this fantastic assortment called Small Talk by Tim Holtz. They seemed like good little bits of wisdom and advice for someone about to embark on that next exciting phase of life...

I used Copics to give the white stickers a pop of bold color against the white card base and to color the little wood veneer car embellishment, which also got a thick coating of Glossy Accents.

If you're looking for a little bit out of the ordinary, yet still fun, graduation type card idea, I hope this one sparks some ideas for ya'!

Enjoy the video in HD on our YouTUBE channel HERE, and thank you kindly for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up! :)  Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new webisode! ;)

 

Happy Mundane!

SUPPLIES:

Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Super

Avery ELLE-ments Dies, Super

Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black

3M Post-It Adhesive Roll, White, 1x400 in

Savvy Stamps Dies, Hearts and Arrow

Tim Holtz Stickers, Small Talk

Studio Calico Abroad, Wood Veneer, Transportation

Webster's Pages Happy, Enamel Dots by Allison Kreft

We R Memory Keepers Enamel Shapes, Warm

My Mind's Eye Hello World - Beauty, Enamel Shapes by Dani Mogstad

COPIC Sketch Marker YG63, Pea Green

COPIC Sketch Marker Y26, Mustard

COPIC Sketch Marker YR27, Tuscan Orange

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

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

Ranger Multi Medium, Matte With Brush, 1 oz.

Ranger Accents, Glossy

Ranger Accents, Mini Glossy

2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip

Tim Holtz, Ruler

Fiskars Craft Knife, Fingertip

Tim Holtz Tonic Retractable Craft Knife

Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal

Hello, Monday 08.18.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

The Mister and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next Monday... WOOT!!! :)

So, I wanted to make him a card that was a little beyond the "ordinary".  An idea on Pinterest sparked this design--which, for lack of a better word, is kind of like a rebus! The rebus was pretty popular oh, about 20 years or so ago. They were so fun, though, and I am always hoping they will make a come-back! *chuckle*

If you are too young to remember them--I am totally dating myself--ack!!!--a rebus is a type of puzzle or message that contains letters, numbers, and symbols that represent words or syllables. Some rebus puzzles (rebuses???) are quite clever and the message may not be obvious at first glance.  Anyway, I thought it would be fun to do something along these lines by taking a look at my stamp collection and embellishments to see what I could come up with! SUPER FUN!!!

Because I did not have a stamp or die for one of the symbols, I had to improvise with a chipboard sticker, which I altered to make it look metallic! By pressing the chipboard piece into my Versamark pad, I could coat it with gold embossing powder, heat it and voilá! It looks like a gold metal charm! I did the same to my little Potty People Wood Veneers, too.

Enjoy the video here or in HD on our YouTube Channel. Thank you for watching and subscribing!

 

Were you able to figure out the puzzle? Here's a clue: A figure 8 on its side is the symbol for infinity! *cheeky grin*

Happy Mundane!

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SUPPLIES:

Studio Calico Take Note, Wood Veneer, Potty People	Studio Calico Abroad, Chipboard Thickers, Everywhere Map	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Count on It	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Bright Days
Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Many Thanks	Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Big Thanks	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Framed Fonts	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, Gold
Shadow Ink, Soft Granite	Delicata Ink Pad, Golden Glitz	VersaFine Ink Pad, Onyx Black	Memento Ink Pad, Love Letter
VersaMark Ink Pad	Hero Arts Spray, Gold Shimmer	Pebbles Jen Hadfield Homemade, 12x12 Gold Foil	Chickaniddy 12x12 Foil Paper, Goldie Lox
A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk	Tweezers, Stainless
Nesting Paper Punch, Circle 1/2"	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed Black	Tombow Adhesive Dot Stamp Runner, Permanent	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 07.28.2014

I love this li'l whale guy by Hero Arts--I've made a few cards with him (here's one I had fun with!) but never filmed any of them! There's just something about his fun shape and the sentiment he's showing off that makes me smile and the Savvy Stamps' waves are a perfect compliment!

It's a great reminder to loosen up and relax a little! Which I *REALLY* needed to do when I botched the design mid-way thru and had to come up with a fix... So annoying when that happens... GAAAAH!!!

I used the rock & roll technique (as you'll see in the video), which is a great way to add a little more depth to solid style images like him. I'm finding on some of the nautical designs I've made this summer that Hero Arts' Cantaloupe and Peach Inks look fabulous with Memento Nautical Navy!

I spattered the front of the panel with some (retired now) Navy Mister Huey's Color Mist, but I think you could substitute Little Boy Blue, Distress Paint in Faded Jeans (spread a little onto a craft sheet and load up a wet paintbrush to flick over it)or even a lighter shade of blue Mister Huey's like Honor Society.

Couldn't resist giving the waves a little sparkle... :)

Using a flourish die to create the whale spout's "plume" adds a whimsical touch and makes you rethink how else you might use all the fab flourish dies out there! I felt kinda brilliant when that idea popped into my head... LOL! *arms wrapped 'round self, deep chortling*

Enjoy the video here or in HD over on our YouTube Channel right HERE. And, thanks so much for watching and subscribing!

 

Now, I'm sure you saw how I resolved the card botching--that was my first instinct, and I don't think anybody else would be the wiser, eh?! ;) But, out of curiosity, I'd love to know what any of you would have done! DO TELL!!!

Happy Mundane!

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SUPPLIES:

 

Savvy Stamps, Wave Background	Hero Arts Wood Block Stamp, Go With The Flow	Memento Ink Pad, Nautical Blue	Memento Dew Drop Ink Pad, Nautical Blue
Hero Arts Shadow Ink, Soft | Cantaloupe	Hero Arts Shadow Ink, Mid-Tone | Fresh Peach	Bazzill 40 lb. Vellum, 25 pk	Hero Arts Frame Cuts Dies, Flourish
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Butter Mints, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Butter Mints, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Blueberry Sour, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Blueberry Sour, 25 pk
2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	Tombow Adhesive Dot Stamp Runner, Permanent	Hero Arts Ultrafine Prisma Glitter	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini
Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"	Teflon Bone Folder	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Honor Society, Yearbook
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Little Boy Blue, Story Time	Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Distress Paint, Faded Jeans	Studio Artist Brushes

InLinkz.com

Have a Ball Mason Jar Card by Julia Stainton

I have a mason jar addiction. How about you? Mason jars are such a huge trend right now and there's no time more perfect for them than summer. You may have some in your kitchen right now getting ready for all the wonderful produce that's available right now.

Since I love mason jars, I've been wanting to try out this sweet stamp set from Paper Smooches. It's called Crystal Clear and is so adorable!

As the stamp set was the main inspiration for the card, I started with it first. The mason jar stamp is...

• stamped onto some patterned paper & then cut out
• the Ball section of the sentiment is stamped on the front of the jar
• the top lid grooves are accented with the London Fog Memento Marker
• covered with Zig Wink of Stella glitter in Clear to give it some shine
• adhered to the card with dimensional foam to make it stand out

Next we're onto the background. I love the South of Market paper line from Studio Calico! One of the prints in this line is a collage background of lots of sweet sentiments and images. You can leave it as it but I decided to cut it up and layer them together to form a unqiue background.

Super cute! I really hated to cover some of them up!

To complete the sentiment, I stamped the "have a" stamp onto a lovely little canvas tag from Maya Road. I love stamping on canvas and find the Ranger Archival Inks to be the best for stamping on fabric...hands down!

When designing a card I like to put out a bunch of embellishments that I think will work well with the design and style. All these embellishments have a fun down-home look which pair up perfectly with mason jars. You may notice that I didn't quite use them all in the final design. Stop adding embellishments once the design feels complete.

Tie the canvas tag with some twine and adhere. The foam adhesive under the stamped image makes a great place to insert my trinket pins. I think they look pretty cute in the top of the jar.

Thanks so much for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy every minute of summer!

Supplies:

 

Crystal Clear Stamp Set by Paper Smooches	South of Market 6x6 paper pad	Mini TAg Canvas Pieces	Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Green Leaf Trinket Pin
Wood Alterable Buttons	Cork Sticker Circles	London Fog Memento Marker	Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, Clear
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 06.09.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

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!

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SUPPLIES: 

Savvy Stamps, Bloom	Savvy Stamps, Floral Jar	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Sea Glass	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Lemon Grass
Avery Elle Ink Pad, Raspberry	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Aquamarine	Avery Elle Ink Pad Set, Set of 15 Colors	Shape 'N Tape, Black
Studio Calico Classic Calico Vol. 2, Wood Veneer, Butterflies	Enamel Accents, Black and White	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber w/ Airtight Cap	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber 25 pk
Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber 3 pk	Teflon Bone Folder	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape	High Tack Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 1/4"	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed
Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4" Squares (1/16 Thick)	Accents, Mini Glossy	Accents, Glossy

InLinkz.com

Hand Stitched Accents by Julia Stainton

 Making your own embellishments for your cards and other paper crafting projects is fun and easy to do. Lately I've been creating with hand-stiching and thought I'd try out some stitching templates to create some of my own accents.

 

Today I have two projects to share with you. I love how well hand stitching works on both clean and simple, vintage or shabby, and more freestyle designs.

The Amy Tangerine Embroidery Stencils are super cute and I love how they come with a piercing mat and embroidery flors and needles. I've used the Hello Cut and Paste Stencil today, but check out the Right Now Cut and Paste Stencil as well for more fun options.

Working with the stencils is very easy. Simply lay the piercing mat onto your work surface, layer the paper you want to stich on top of that and then lay out the stencil where you want to stitch your image. I used the Alterations Edition Die Pick to pierce the paper but you can also use one of the enclosed needles. You do want to make sure you pierce all the holes first before trying to stitch.

If you're new to hand-stitching, what you want to do is a simple back-stitch so that each of the holes  is filled with floss. Come up through a hole with your needle, take a stitch backwards and then the next time your needles comes up through a hole, it should be two ahead. Take another back stitch and continue with the pattern until you are finished stitching.

For my first card, I've simply stitched on heavy black cardstock using the leaf template. Stitching directly on the card base or a panel that's layered above it makes a lovely accent.

A tissue paper flower was die cut from layers of white tissue paper and added to the design.

One thing you may want to note is finishing off your thread on the reverse side of the paper. When finishing off your stitching or when you run out of thread, slide your needle under a few of your previou stitches to secure it.

I love how sweet the ampersand looks stitched! Instead of having it on the card base of my next design, I wanted to be able to cut it out as a layer.

An easy way to cut out something and make it look more professional is to plan where you are going to cut before you start doing so. Sketch out an outline around the ampersand in pencil. This gives you nice even edges and makes your cut edges smoother. Remove any pencil lines still left after cutting.

Once your stitched element is cut out, you can begin to put your card design together. I've adhered it with a dimensional foam adhesive. I find a foam adhesive works well to hide the bulk of the stitching on the reverse side.

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom! Have a fabulous weekend!

 

 

Supplies:

 

South of Market 6x6 paper pad	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed BlackManufacturer: Scrapbook AdhesivesSKU: SALLL1615	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"
laraine pearl white flowers	Teflon Bone Folder	Wood Bingo Motifs	EK Tools, Precision 5 Inch Scissors with Sheath
Wood Alterable Buttons	Tissuestock 12x12 White, 20 Sheets	Micro Dot Alterable Alpha	Sizzix Tim Holtz Bigz Die, Tattered Florals
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Lustrous Button Jewels	Aqua Paint Dabber	Green Leaf Trinket Pin
Neutral Hemp Cord	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 250 Sheet Ream	Gummy Worms Card Shoppe Cardstock	Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy
Tim Holtz Sanding Block

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 01.06.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I've always admired designers who can pull off collage--they make it seem so effortless. But, oh my, do I ever struggle with it--and, when I say "struggle", that is kind of an understatement... 

But, I keep trying. :)

I think this one worked for me because I stuck with a vey limited number of elements, splashes of color combined with a balance of white space, and used some tissue paper to diffuse some of the elements, but not obstruct them entirely.

I could be wrong about this analysis. But, either way, I'm very pleased with the end result. Plus, there's a bird on it. Ya' can't go wrong when you put birds on things, right?! *grin*

Enjoy the video here or on our YouTube channel! Thank you for watching and subscribing! Select 720p for best viewing quality!

Happy first Mundane of the New Year! ;)

 

SUPPLIES:

 

Hero Arts Wood Block Stamp, L'Oiseau	VersaMark Ink Pad	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: Woodgrain Embossed #110 Cardstock, 10 Pack
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Powder Blue	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Navy, Atlantic	Basic Grey Persimmon, 6x6 Paper Pad	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Tissuestock 12x12 White, 20 Sheets	Essentials by Ellen A5 Cardstock, Black	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Orange Flame
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Glue Dots Sheets, Ultra Thin	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Honey Bee Non-Stick Scissors	Accents, Mini Glossy	Accents, Glossy
Tweezers, Stainless

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 12.30.2013

 

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

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!

SUPPLIES:

Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Inline Letters	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Count on It	Savvy Stamps, Holidays Typewriter	VersaFine, Onyx Black
Delicata Ink Pad, Golden Glitz	Hero Arts Pigment Ink Pad, Unicorn	Mama Elephant Creative Cuts, Inline Letters	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
Crystal Clear Plastic	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Essentials by Ellen A5 Cardstock, Black	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal
Lawn Fawn Sequins, Into the Woods Mixed	Studio Calico Sequins, Magical	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Satin Gold	Shape 'N Tape, Gold
3M Post-It Adhesive Roll, White, 1x400 in	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Honey Bee Non-Stick Scissors	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini
Teflon Bone Folder	Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"
Tweezers, Stainless

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 12.23.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

This Flying Bird die by Savvy Stamps was actually from their Valentine release last year, but I think it's such a pretty one and lends itself really well as a dove for a holiday card! I forgot to mention that I cut it from m' favorite Smooth Bristol, because I like how just barely "off white" the color is, and, I adore the weight of it for my die cuts. The "Peace on earth" sentiment by Hero was perfect match for the look I wanted, too!

I had to squeeze in some Mister Huey's/Dylusions on this one, star-shaped sequins/confetti from the Magical collection by Studio Calico, as well as a messy nest of metallic thread (fabric store supply). See my sporadic star cut outs? Cosmic Stars Dies by Memory Box. In a word, they are BOMB for creating this effect because they are SEPARATE, albeit tiny dies! 

Enjoy today's final Christmas themed inspiration on video right here or on our YouTube channel, and thank you for subscribing and tuning in each week! Switch to 720 HD for best viewing quality. :)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, everybody! Hope you have a lovely holiday, with family and friends!

-Peace

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SUPPLIES:

 

Hero Arts Wood Block Stamp, Peace on Earth	Savvy Stamps Dies, Flying Bird	Memory Box Dies, Cosmic Star Set	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Calico White
Dylusions Ink Spray, White Linen	Dylusions Ink Spray, Black Marble	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Inky Black	Studio Calico Sequins, Magical
Stickles, Golden Rod	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, 25 pk
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)	Glue Dots Sheets, Ultra Thin	Accents, Glossy
Accents, Mini Glossy

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 08.19.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I love Halloween for many reasons, but mostly because it happens to be my husband's birthday! *grin*

I had to laugh when I finished this design because while it goes completely and utterly against my "Type A" personality (Type A's, you know who you are! *chuckle*), I absolutely adore Mister Huey's Color Mists! I can't stop using them! They are a GREAT short-cut for adding a quick splash of color* and I love the way the random splotches add interest, depth and texture without me even having to work at it, all with just a few spritzes.  

NOTE: I keep a dedicated box handy for spritzing/misting/spattering to confine the mess and since the color came directly out of the bottle, there is virtually NO clean-up! *fist pump*

Another great short-cut on this design: POW! Glitter Paper.  This stuff is WOW!  You can punch it, die cut it, use decorative blades on it (rotary or hand-held scissor type), fold it, yadda yadda! It has a thin backing, as opposed to card stock, altho with intricate dies, I would probably back it with card stock to make it sturdier for that. Most astonishing, is that NONE of the glitter flakes off when you rub your fingers across the surface or manipulate it! It's velvety smooth!  I think they should make it in every color of the rainbow. I do indeed. WOW + Paper = POW! I totally get why they call it that. If you need full size sheets of glitter for a project, these are amazing!

Great gobs of glitter, Batman!!!

I also love the woodgrain pattern built right in to the Savvy Woodland Tree die--a great detail!

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

 

 

*DESIGNER NOTE: I used "Sunshine" Mister Huey on this week's project, but just realized it is no longer available; a similar color and suitable substitute for this burnt orange hue would be "Desert"

SUPPLIES:

Hero Arts ClearDesign: Ghostly Greetings	VersaFine, Onyx Black	Savvy Stamps Dies, Woodland Tree	Memory Box Dies, A Bunch of Bats
American Crafts, Pow! Glitter Paper, 12x12 Silver Solid, 2 pk	A5 Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Desert, Here & There

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 08.12.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I KNOW, RIGHT???!!!! Stunning details from this gorgeous Impression Obsession Hydrangea die! Even tho it does take a little time to create this card, the results are spectactular and so worth it! I love that the die also takes so much of the "work" out of it for you, too. *fist pump*

This was a combination of die cutting + watercoloring, so I do have a few tips:

• Die cut your pieces first, then watercolor them
• Place any tiny pieces on the sticky part of a Post-It Note so they don't slip and slide around on you while you're trying to paint them
• Tap water-based dye ink pads (or scribble water-based markers) against an acrylic block to create your watercolor palette then load your waterbrush from that.  NOTE: For more tips on my watercolor method specifically, please refer to this past post: Hello, Monday 07.15.2013 - the CLASSroom 
• To give the little blossoms more dimension, put them onto a cushiony surface; I have a large piercing pad I like to use, but you could use a mouse pad or fun foam, etc. Depress the centers of the blossoms with a stylus tool
• Glossy Accents is the perfect adhesive for all the tiny blossoms; it's fast-setting, strong-bonding and dries clear
• This card is going to be a little wider than the standard A2 (4.25 x 5.5") so you may want to make a custom envelope for it with the WR Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board. Just sayin'...

Enjoy the video here or right on YouTube! Everything's better in HD, so be sure to switch to 720p by clicking on the little gear showing in the lower right of the video screen.

 

 

Thanks for joining us each week and for subscribing to our YouTube Channel!

Happy Mundane! ;)

 

SUPPLIES:

 

Impression Obsession Dies, Hydrangea	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Waterbrush, Small	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11
A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	Impression Obsession Clear Stamp Set: Hydrangea	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Sunshine Yellow	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pool
Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Citrus	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce	Adirondack Pigment Ink Pad, Stream	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Leaf Green
Studio Calico Atlantic Mister Huey's Mist, Seafoam	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, Ultra Fine Clear	Stickles, Yellow	Hero Arts Embossing Gun
Tweezers, Stainless	Stamp-a-ma-Jig	Accents, Glossy	Glue Dots Sheets, Mini
2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 07.15.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I love cake.  LOVE. And, I love cake's petite counterpart:

The glorious cupcake

Something about a cute, luscious little cupcake that makes me so SO happy!

Mini hi-jack: Um, if you love cupcakes as much as I do, here's a great tip for reducing the calories... ;) > Diet Soda Cake/Cupcakes  I also frost mine by combining sugar-free instant vanilla pudding with a tub of fat free whipped topping... You'd be surprised how yummy these taste... Ask me how I know! *chinkle*

OK, mini hi-jack over! Back to your regularly scheduled programming, which is about using your water-based dye inks as a watercolor method.

TIPS:

• Smooth bristol is my favorite paper for this. The smooth surface enables you to stamp and get a nice crisp image because it's not lumpy-bumpy like traditional water-color paper.

• Stamp with a specifically formulated bleed-proof (water-resistant) ink, such as Ranger Archival or Hero Arts Dye Inks

• For water-coloring itself, water-based dye inks, such as Adirondack and Distress, tend to be the best performers with this method.  I've also used Memento dye inks with success, but sometimes this ink's fade-resistant properties can affect how well some of the colors bleed out.

• Tap your ink pad against an acrylic block, load the color onto your water-brush (you can also use a cup of water and a regular paintbrush, but I find it more convenient to use a water-brush) and start slopping the color around

• A wider brush will create nice washes of color but you can also use a fine nib water-brush to watercolor tiny details/images with the same kind of accuracy you would get with a marker

• Loosen up; go with the flow and don't worry too much about staying inside your image lines. Trust me on that one! ;)

• For the fun spattered background, try flicking droplets of color from the nozzle of a bottle of your favorite Mister Huey or Dylusions Sprays (see how I do this in the video)

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

Switch to better viewing quality by selecting 720p; click on the "play" button, then hover your mouse over the little "gear" icon in the lower right of the video screen

Happy Mundane! ;)

SUPPLIES: In addition to the supplies shown below, I used a .3 Copic Multi-liner Pen to outline my card front.

Savvy Stamps, Cupcake Too	Savvy Stamps Dies, Cupcake	Hero Arts Memories Pigment Ink Pad, Unicorn White	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Mountain Rose
Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Inky Black	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11
Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 20pc- 5.5 x 5.5	A5 Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Broad Brush Nib
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Satin Gold	Gold Metallic String, 300 yards	Accents, Glossy	Glue Glider Pro Tool with Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Glue Dots Sheets, Craft	QuickStik	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal
Tweezers, Stainless	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2""

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 07.08.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

I don't typically work with paint--mostly ink. But I'm finding the Ranger Distress Paints to be very intriguing. To alleviate any confusion, especially for those not already very familiar with the Ranger Distress line, please note that Distress Crackle Paints are a different type of paint but these are all part of the same Ranger "Distress" line. Distress Paints come in 24 hues of the main "Distress" color palette/range.

As I mention in the video, these are unlike any other acrylic paints I've ever worked with.  They are very fluid--they actually flow and glide across the paper surface very differently from normal acrylic paints.

The first time you open and use the paint, depress the dauber end against your work surface just firmly enough until you hear a little "crack/pop" noise; you can gently squeeze the bottle to get the paint flowing out but avoid squeezing too hard or paint could literally gush out.  This is not a pleasant situation to contend with.  Ask me how I know... *chuckle*

I used my favorite bristol for this project because its heavy weight can withstand paint AND water fairly well, but if you're not adding a lot of water/diluting the paint, try whatever card stock you have on hand and see if you like the results.

On this project I was attempting to use the paint to create a water-color effect and they work quite nicely for this, but it's important to note a few things:

• It's fairly fast drying and once dry, it is permanent; it cannot be reactivated and manipulated with water or other wet mediums when it has dried so you may need to work more quickly than you are accustomed to with true watercolors

• It will even dry on plastic, metal (removal from such surfaces may require some fairly aggressive scraping/rubbing with a tool of some sort) and fabric

• The teflon craft sheet makes a great temporary palette and work surface; you can apply puddles of the paint, water it down, spray it, etc. and then easily clean it off with a baby wipe after you're finished with your project

• Keep a bowl of water handy for cleaning your brushes as needed while you work

• Distress Paints will clean off your skin easily with a baby wipe; aggressive scrubbing/scraping may be required to remove it from your nails, however

• At full strength, these paints are fairly opaque, however they can be diluted with water for "wash" effects; just remember that even when it's diluted, once it has dried, what you get will be permanent

• This paint leaves very little, if any, detectable texture; you'll find your paper does NOT stiffen or crack when this paint is applied!!! This totally increased the cool factor for me personally! ;)

In the video I also mention that I later used the paint to watercolor just a little over the top of a stamped greeting (which you see in the finished card pictured above); I stamped with Versafine but in hindsight, any time I'm going to color with any kind of water-based medium over the top of an ink, I prefer to stamp with a bleed-proof ink such as Archival, Staz-On, or even heat-set Brilliance.

You can view the video here or over on YouTube. Thanks for watching and for subscribing to our channel!  Be sure to switch to 720p for the best quality viewing, too! If you're not sure how to do that, click on the play button then hover your mouse over the lower right area of the screen until you see a little "gear" icon pop up; this will give you the option to choose the quality.

Happy Mundane!

•••••••••••••••

SUPPLIES:

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Incredible by Ali Edwards	Distress Paint, Broken China	Distress Paint, Mustard Seed	Distress Paint, Barn Door
VersaFine, Onyx Black	NEW Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	Hero Arts Dye Ink, Black	Hero Arts India Ink, Black
Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11	Studio Artist Brushes	Studio Calico Sundrifter Wood Veneer, Shapes	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 5mm (1/4")
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Enamel Accents, Black and White	Accents, Glossy
Non-Stick Craft Sheet

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 06.17.2013

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

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

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

TIPS:

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

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

Enjoy the video here, or over on YouTube: 

Thanks for watching and for subscribing to our channel!

Happy Mundane!

 

••••••••••••••••

SUPPLIES:

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

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday--on a Tuesday... ;) 04.16.2013

Mother's Day is a comin'... my own mama is at a stage in life where she is trying to simplify life, declutter--heck, I'm at the stage myself!!! So just what do you give that awesome lady? Well, why not give her the evening off from worrying about what's for dinner and treat her to a meal at her favorite restaurant?

When it comes to gift cards, I am always on the hunt for a different way to present them and when I spied these adorable mini bags by Webster's Pages, I simply HAD to have them! They are perfect, not only for gift cards, but you could tuck a pair of tickets to a show, cash, or even a sweet note inside!

These fabby mini bags come in a package of assorted designs or you can get them in bulk, 25 of the same design in a pack--awesome for party favors and whatnot!

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

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Webster's Pages Composition & Color Collection by Allison Kreft, Mini Bags	Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	October Afternoon, Farm Girl Label Stickers
Pink Paislee Portfolio Collection, Puffy Glitter Alphabet Stickers	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Turquoise	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Lemon Single Cord	Making Memories, Paper & Ribbon Slot Punching Tool
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Silver	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Sky
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Melon	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil	Tweezers, Stainless	QuickStik
Accents, Glossy	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 04.01.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Some simple but beautiful tags on Pinterest caught my eye and I wanted to recreate the look... When we think of shipping tags, we tend to think of them in white, or cream and sometimes kraft... But the tags I had seen were in bold bright colors, and had boldly colored imagery on them. So striking!

I wanted to re-create that look to make some tags I could use to dress up ordinary white cards. As I mention in the video, ink can take on a whole different look when stamped onto COLORED papers--what you see on white or cream may end up very different! So, pull out your scraps and experiment before you begin on your project, just to be sure you like the results you're getting.

ETA: Not quite sure whether or not Neon is for you? Hero Arts' new cubes are a great way to dabble before taking the plunge with full-size pads! The cubes also come in other assortments of pretty color palettes!

The layouts I did were very spontaneous (!)--I just cut and layered snippets of pretty patterns from a variety of paper pads (6x6, 8x8) in combinations that seemed to compliment the stamped tags nicely... A little bit of twine, a little bit of bling and before I knew it, I had an assortment of cards that, hopefully, would brighten anyone's day!

You can enjoy the video here, or in HD over on YouTube--thanks for subscribing to our channel and I sure hope the ideas inspire!

Thanks for joining me this Mundane! ;) 

 

 SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Wise Bird	Claudine Hellmuth Clear Stamps, Spring Garden	Savvy Stamps, Puddles	Three Artistic Butterflies
Savvy Stamps, Blossom Flower, Lg	Savvy Stamps, Thank You	Savvy Stamps, Outline Tile Pattern	Savvy Stamps, Thank You Flag
Huckleberry Branch	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Pink	Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Orange	Chalk Ink, Cerulean
Shadow Ink: Mid-Tone, Pale Tomato	Chalk Ink, Grass	Glue Glider Pro	B2 Cardstock, Bubblegum
EEE3 Cardstock, Pool	EE4 Cardstock, Meadow	D5 Cardstock, Sunflower	Hero Arts, Layering Paper, Mandarin
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Signature 6x6 Paper Pad	Studio Calico Sundrifter 6x6 Paper Pad
Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm 6x6 Paper Pad	Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool, Angle & Photo Corner	Crop-A-Dile Eyelet & Snap Punch	EK Paper Shapers Punch, 1/2 Circle
Gemstones, Black Crystals	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Glossy Black	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Boy Crazy	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Cute from Collectable-Notable by Jen Allyson
Bamboo Cord Spool, Black	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Lime Single Cord	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black	Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, .88 oz
3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Tweezer Bee
Tweezers, Stainless	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 03.18.2013

(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!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Clear Stamp Sheet, Say Cheese	Studio Calico ClearDesign, Oh Snap from Hero Arts	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Accent It - Cute Cameras	VersaFine, Onyx Black
Memento Ink Pad, Espresso Truffle	Prima Hello Pastel Collection, Metal Paper Clips	Studio Calico, Abroad Wood Veneer, Cameras	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Orange Flame
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Vanilla	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Boy Crazy	My Mind's Eye Enamel Dots, Cute from Collectable-Notable by Jen Allyson
Dylusions Ink Spray, White Linen	Accents, Glossy	Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Green & Navy
Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm 6x6 Paper Pad	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Circles	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Squares	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors
Paper Shapers Circle Punch 1/2""	EK Paper Shapers Punch, 1/2 Circle	Tweezer Bee	Tweezers, Stainless
Craft Knife, Fingertip	Ruler, Tim Holtz Design	Glue Glider Pro Tool with Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'
3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	Essentials by Ellen: Craft-a-Board 6x12, 12p	Cardstock, Black, 10 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black
Doodle Twine Spool, Beetle Black	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 03.11.2013

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*

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Studio Calico Cleardesign: Sundrifter Love This from Hero Arts Lawn Cuts Dies, Hearts Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Circle Punches Studio Calico Sundrifter 6x6 Paper Pad Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Inky Black Studio Calico Snippets 6x6 Paper Pad Bamboo Cord Spool, Black Amy Tangerine Ready Set Go Transparent Letter Stickers, Baxter 2 H4 Cardstock, Dove Gray A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream Tim Holtz, Tiny Attacher Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool Tweezers, Stainless Elizabeth Craft Designs Tweezers Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 12mm (1/2") 3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick EKSuccess Adhesive Remover Tool Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Easter Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Butterfly Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Flower Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Pennant Punche Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Arrow Punches Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Star Punches InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 02.18.2013

(click the pics to enbiggan)

I've been having a ball with sequins and wanted to share a few card ideas I've been playing with in the studio that incorporated these pretty, PRETTY things!!! I just can't get enough of them! The iridescent sparkle and shape make them a perfect accent--they also make fabulous filler in a full card-front shaker pocket! SWEET!!!

Seriously, I am obsessed with sequins as much as I am with Washi tape! Eep!!!

Also, I wanted to mention a few extra tips:

• You might be tempted to color white/vanilla sequins with your Copic Markers, but be advised that the alcohol ink will more than likely ruin the iridescent finish of your pretty sequins.

                Ask me how I know...

• Glossy Accents is a perfect adhesive for gluing individual sequins into place as it dries clear and sets up very quickly
• A few sequins can go a long way--start with a little, then add more when filling your pocket...
• As I mention in the video, if you're good with a sewing machine, you can create your pocket that way; I am not so good and found Washi tape an easier, full-proof method for creating my pocket--the added bonus is that it is repositionable and enables you to interject some additional color and pattern to your project!  BOOYAAAAAAH!!!

Enjoy the video here or in HD on YouTube and thanks for subscribing to our channel!

 

Thanks for joining me!

 

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

 

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Bring on the Sun by Ali Edwards	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Bee Mine	Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Sophie's Sentiments	Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black
Shadow Ink, Soft Granite	VersaMark Inkpad	Crystal Clear Plastic, Medium Weight 8 1/2"" x 11"" (10 pk)	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	H4 Cardstock, Dove Gray	EEE3 Cardstock, Pool	My Mind's Eye Decorative Tape, Red & Turquoise
Shape 'N Tape, Teal Blue	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Flat-Bottom Clouds	Studio Calico Darling Dear 12x12 Vellum, Hepburn
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Peach	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Sky	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent White	Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Daffodil
Essentials by Ellen: Sequins, Iridescent Orange Flame	Studio Calico Darling Dear Wood Veneer, Triangle	Glue Glider Pro Tool with Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'
COPIC Sketch Marker Y35, Maize	COPIC Sketch Marker YG21, Anise	COPIC Sketch Marker YG95, Pale Olive	Embossing Gun
Accents, Glossy	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, White	Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Black	Doodle Twine Assortment, Boy
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Black & Pink	EK Paper Shapers Punch, 1/2 Circle	Tweezer Bee

InLinkz.com

Favorite Finds from CHA Winter 2013 - Video

Hi, everybody!

In lieu of a Hello Monday video, we're sharing some of the things we found at the CHA Winter 2013 show!  

CHA is the Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show that occurs every winter, typically down in Anaheim, CA. The show is open to the trade only (retailers, manufacturers, and other industry related businesses) and showcases products and lines that manufacturers are debuting for the new year.

Ellen and I arrived a day ahead of the show, and took classes to learn more about some of the exciting new products being released, such as the new Ranger Distress Paints!  This water based paint is very unique and features some very interesting properties, unlike any other paint we've ever worked with before! Watch the video to see and hear more about these paints and some of the other items we were *monkey clapping* over! 

You can enjoy the video here, or on YouTube!

Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of some of the coming new products!  Keep your eye on the "Coming soon from CHA Winter 2013" category to see what will be arriving soon!

Hello Monday 12.31.2012

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Some beautiful watercolor images recently inspired me to pull out my watercolor tools/supplies and mess around in the studio. Mind you, I don't watercolor the traditional way... This is the Julie-Ebersole-slop-the-paint-around-and-leave-some-white-space-here-and-there technique. How's that for a mouthful?! *chuckle*

You can use watercolor paper for this, but I have a fondness for this paper HERE because it actually has a smooth (but toothy) surface and you get nicely crisp and even impressions when you stamp on it. SWEET!!!  It also accepts colored pencils and other dry coloring mediums beautifully, because of that toothy, but not lumpy/bumpy surface! It's also a nice 100# weight--so *plush*!!!

Also lovin' the Stickles Dry Glitters--this stuff has an incredibly fabulous sparkle!!! *monkey clapping*

Enjoy the video here or in HD on YouTube!

Thanks for joining me today!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Loving Words by Ali Edwards	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Pretty Pink	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Boss Lady	Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Custard
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Sherbet	Studio Calico, Mister Huey's Color Mist, Leaf Green	NEW Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black	Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 10pc- 8.0 x 11
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Droppers	2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip	3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick	Stickles Dry Fine Glitter, Diamond
Stickles Dry Fine Glitter, Silver	Plastic Paint Palette	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Broad Brush Nib	Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib
Waterbrush, Small	Be Creative (Sookwang) Tape, 3mm (1/8")	Mini Clothespins, Natural, 25pk	American Crafts Elements, Mini Brads, Silver
String by the Spool, Metallic Silver	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Hearts	Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Squares	Crop-A-Dile Power Punch, 1/16"
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

InLinkz.com

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2012 - Day 10 by Maile Belles

One of the many things that I have thoroughy enjoyed in this year's tag celebration is the fabulous array of styles these talented women have shared with us throughout. Today we take a turn back to the refreshingly clean and simple style of Maile Belles.

Maile is so very talented at making the simple look stunning and modern! Once again I would like to share Maile's blog with you - at Simply Stamped you will find beautiful examples of the fresh look that can be created with stamps, ink, paper and a few subtle embellishments.

Thank you Maile for once again inspiring us with your soft, feminine and clean style! -Ellen

---

I'm so excited to be joining you and I couldn't be more honored to be a part of this festive 12 Tags of Christmas event! I am ever so grateful to the lovely Ellen Hutson for this chance to be with you today. This year’s theme, of incorporating a feminine touch to our tags, has been an inspiring one and I couldn't help but take it in a fresh and modern direction by creating a tag featuring an unexpected feminine twist. The card, for the most part, would be suitable for either male or female; but it's the added touch of the unexpected tree color that makes this tag perfect for any of the women in your life. I just can't get over how cute those pink trees are! They give this tag such a nice pop of color against the dominating neutral color theme.

Here's how to create one of your own...

1. Stamp the tag base with the speech bubbles in white ink.

2. Once the ink is dry, attach washi tape across the front of the tag.

3. Wrap the washi tape back around to the back of the tag and carefully aligning both ends together.

4. Trim off a nice edge using scissors. Doing it this way allows for a nice edge, free of washi tape adhesive.

5. Stamp the trees and sentiment onto cardstock. Attach the stamped panel to the tag with dimensional adhesive and embellish with a rhinestone star.

6. To complete, top the tag with extra wide silk ribbon and tie ends together with a thin silk ribbon bow. This adds another a nice feminine touch.

So glad you stuck with me for this one! I hope you've enjoyed. Now have a splendid day my friends!

Maile

Studio Calico ClearDesign, Spread Joy from Hero Arts	Hero Arts Memories Pigment Ink Pad, Unicorn White	Hero Hues Dye Ink: Green	Archival Ink Pad, Rose Madder
Jenni Bowlin Dye Ink Pad, Fountain Pen	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Inkssentials Surfaces, Kraft Tag #8	October Afternoon, Witch Hazel Washi Tape, Mesh
Self-Adhesive Rhinestone Stars, Black	Silk Ribbon, White 1 1/4" wide by the Yard	Silk Ribbon, White 1/4" by the Yard

InLinkz.com

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Please join us in thanking Maile for once again sharing her clean, simply 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.) Tomorrow brings one last guest artist - Carolyn Peeler's beautiful classic style is certain to bring a smile to your day!