the CLASSroom

Hello, Monday 06.22.2015

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Diamonds are always a good idea--especially for an engagement card! I had a lot of fun combining two popular favorites these days:  watercolor (in this case, with Distress Stains) and gold foil!

This design features a DIY embellishment that is super easy to create using circle dies and the diamond from the "You Rock" die set!

Normally, you make sure that the FOILED area of the transfer sheet is being pressed against the adhesive so that the foil will transfer (ugly side against the adhesive, pretty side up)...

I did get in a bit of a hurry and inadvertently pressed blank/already used areas of the mylar sheet to the adhesive in a few spots and when I lifted the sheet up, the adhesive foam was SO sticky, I accidentally tore away bits of the foam surface along with the sheet and kinda mangled those spots there in the foam.  I recommend making sure you are pressing areas of the sheet that still have foil on them to the adhesive.

I did figure out a way to work with it, without scrapping the whole project at that point, and hopefully my bungle will save you from the same fate, LOL! :)

 

You can enjoy the video in HD on our YouTube Channel HERE and thanks for taking a moment to give us a thumbs' up! 

 

 

Happy Mundane!

 

SUPPLIES:

Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Zipper Panel by Julie Ebersole

Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, You Rock by Julie Ebersole

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

iCraft Deco Foil White Foam Adhesive

iCraft Deco Foil Transfer Sheets Value Pack, Gold

iCraft Deco Foil Transfer Sheets, Gold

Canson XL Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12

Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 9x12

Elizabeth Craft Designs Watercolor Paper, 4x9, 10 pk

Ranger Watercolor Paper, 10 pk

Strathmore Mixed Media Cards & Envelopes

Strathmore Watercolor Paper 9X12

Ranger Artist Brush Set (7 Piece)

Ranger Distress Stain, Fossilized Amber

Ranger Distress Stain, Abandoned Coral

Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, Gold

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 25 pk

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 10 pk

Teflon Bone Folder

Glue Glider Pro Tool w/ Pro Plus PermaTac Cartridge

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

Ranger Multi Medium, Matte With Brush, 1 oz.

Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Jar, 3.8 oz.

Sizzix Big Shot White & Gray

Tweezers, Stainless Eliza's Backporch Design

2 Way Glue, Chisel Tip

Hero Arts Embossing Gun (14000)

You & Me Cards by Julia Stainton

Happy New Year!

When deciding on what to create to kick off the new year, I decided trying out some new dies just might be the ticket. It's always exciting to open a product for the first time and explore its possibilities.

 

The die set I had ordered was the Clipboard Card Thinlits Die Set and is a sweet set consisting of 5 dies. I love the plastic folder it came it. Now I won't be losing any of the pieces and it's sturdy and durable to hold up to much use in my craft room.

The largest die is the card base and I die-cut it out of kraft cardstock for my card base. I wanted to cover the front of the card with patterned paper so I die-cut another piece of paper with only half the die. This was easy to do by positioning the edge of the paper with the fold mark on the card base die. Often with die-cutting, the paper or die will shift slightly during the cutting process. If you need precision cutting and need to keep the paper and die perfectly aligned a great trick is to use washi tape or tissue tape to adhere the paper to the die before cutting. Afterwards it can be easily removed and discarded.

Here's what my card front and base looked like after cutting. Next step is cutting out the other dies.

These wafer thin dies cut really well. So well in fact that the paper can get perfectly wedged in them and make removal awkward.

If you flip over the die, you'll notice the solution. Each of these dies has a tiny notched area out of each die. For easy removal just use a small pointy object to lightly press out the paper in the die. I like to use a trinket pin as they fit perfectly in the tiny spaces and the end gives me something to grasp onto.

To create the silver look of the clipboard clamp, I covered the die-cut kraft cardstock with a Silver Leafing Pen. In previous projects I've used this pen a lot lately and it's becoming one of my must-have tools on my desk.

This card is super cute put together just how the package sample design suggests. I love how you can change the look just by changing the style of the paper.

The final card measures approximately 2-3/4 x 3-7/8. Looking through my envelope stash I found I didn't have one that would fit that sized card. It's a very small sweet size.

My Envelope Punch Board came to the rescue once again. I wrote a tutorial on it back in July that you can find here if you missed it. I may never buy another envelope again! The 3x4" size turned out to be perfect for this little card and I made it out of coordinating patterned paper. The 6x6 paper pad is perfect for creating envelopes of this size. No cutting involved!

 

They look so sweet together!

I wasn't quite ready to put this die set away so I decided to create another design with it. Switching over to the Recorded paper pad I decided to try out a more modern graphic look and to only use a couple of the dies from the set.

By just using the smaller rounded rectangle die, I die-cut 9 shapes from various prints and arranged them over a 4"x5.5" Kraft card base. It's easiest to lay them out and adhere them first before cutting the excess off the edges.

Here's the background all trimmed up.

I love the sweet die cut sentiment journaling style card die. It's one I'm going to use over and over. To finish off the card, I die-cut it in white and adhered it with a foam adhesive for an extra visual pop.

That's my start to a creative new year. I'm resolving to get creating right away with new things instead of letting them sit on my to try list for awhile! I'm also resolving to quit stressing about creating and just have fun!

Do you have creative goals or resolutions this year? I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a wonderful weekend!

 

Supplies:

A3 Cardstock, Neenah Environment Desert Storm, Ream	Postcards from Paris II 6x6 paper pad	Envelope Punch Board	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed
Recorded 6x6 paper pad	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Silver Krylon Leafing Pen	Neutral Hemp Cord
Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper Tool	Cream Pearl Ball Pins	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	Hearts Trinket Pins
Distress Ink Pad, Brushed Corduroy

InLinkz.com

Transparency Tricks by Julia Stainton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplies:

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

Summer Bliss Card by Julia Stainton

The beautiful warm and lazy days of summer are here. For some that means more crafting time but for others like me, that can mean less. The kids are home and the lake is calling. I still want to find time to create. I still want the cards to be "me".

A great way to create cards and projects in the busy summer is to start with premade embellishments. Ellen carries a phenomenal selection and today I was drawn to create with some gorgeous Melissa Frances chipboard pieces. I could have created this card without the distressing and altering additions and it would have been perfectly beautiful and easy, just the way it was.

If you're like me though, you like to personalize things and truly make them your own. You like to get a little inky and play around with products that can quickly add dimension and alter a piece.

Here's a few things I did to step this card up just a little and still be able to put it together quickly.

1. Stamping: The large background chipboard piece is quickly stamped with a ledger stamp to anchor my cluster area and just add a little extra something.

In the above photo you can see the stamping and also take a peek at how the other embellishments looked before they were altered.

2. Ink: The quickest and easiest way to alter something is to brush or sponge it with ink. I've used white craft ink on this sweet little chipboard butterfly.

3. Crackling: I love a cracked glass finish. The garden lady chipboard piece was covered with Ranger Glossy Accents. Ranger's Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint would also work perfectly for this.

I admit to being a little impatient on this step for it to dry and used a heat gun to speed things up. If you allow it to dry naturally you will get MUCH better crackling on your item.

4.Stickles: Adding Stickles from Ranger is a great way to add a quick dab of shimmer and shine. I've used Rock Candy Distress Stickles to alter this white flower and add some very subtle texture. I love the Distress Stickles line when designing in a vintage style as the look is much more in keeping with the style.

Supplies: Cream Cardstock by Neenah, twine, 5th Avenue Chipboard Accents by Melissa Frances, Trendsetter/Ladies & Gents Petite Papers by Webster's Pages, Glossy Accents by Ranger, Rock Candy Distress Stickles by Ranger, White Pigment Ink, Mini Kraft Tickets by Maya Road, Leaf Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Doilies Designer Threads by Webster's Pages, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink by Ranger, Sepia Archival Ink by Ranger, Cream Ribbon Lace by Hero Arts, Wedding Shoes Flower by Prima, Receipt Stamp by Jenni Bowlin, Chipboard Butterflies by Magenta, Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a wonderful summer weekend!

Maribelle Butterfly and Vintage Netting

Are you ready for yet another Maribelle butterfly die idea? I hope so, because as I said a few days ago my mind has been "fluttering" around with all sorts of them :-D

 

Pairing this delicate beauty with Vintage Netting creates an oh, so, elegant look!

 

Begin by cutting the Maribelle butterfly out of Glossy Black cardstock.

Working on the non-stick craft sheet makes the next part of the project a LOT easier!

Carefully apply Fabritac glue to the larger portions of the body and also apply to the veining. Be very careful not to move the butterfly as you work, so that the glue does not transfer to the front side. You can also apply the glue to smaller areas using a toothpick. Pick the butterfly body straight up and then flip it over on to the netting, pressing it firmly in place. The beauty of the non-stick craft sheet is that it will allow you to easily lift the entire piece up once this task is complete. Then allow it to sit and dry.

 

Cut the netting around the edges of the body as shown.
 

This beauty would be lovely atop a gift or make a bunch and create a mobile!

 
stamps: Hero Arts Anytime Messages

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

paper: Glossy Black Cardstock, Basic Grey Out of Print, Neenah Solar White, Inkssentials Manila

accessories: Maribelle Butterfly Die, Pastry Labels Die, Tag & Bookplates Die, Webster's Pages Vintage Netting II, Fabritac Adhesive, Gold Silk Ribbon, Antique Silver Reinforcer

Framed Stencil Flower by Sharon Harnist

Today I wanted to show how you can easily create an easel frame for any sized project.

I started this framed piece of artwork with this fabulous Hero Arts Cling-Stencil Flower stamp.  I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Copic's X-Press It Blending Card and colored it with the RV series of Copic Sketch Markers listed below, which matches the smaller flowers on the patterned paper I chose. I cut out the flower and then stamped and colored an additional flower, which I cut out only the center of, and stacked it with foam tape on top of the whole flower.

I loved this piece of Webster's 6x6 Petite Trendsetter paper and wanted to used the whole piece -- as opposed to cutting it down to fit into whatever sized frame I might have on hand (and probably not the right color!).  So this is what I did:

I rounded the corners of the 6-inch patterned paper using Crop-a-Dile's Corner Chomper.  Then I cut 6.25" pieces of Ellen's Craft-A-Board and the fabulous new Core-dinations Color Core Cardstock-Black and adhered the black cardstock on the Craft-a-Board, to create a sturdy base.  The patterned paper was matted with a 6-1/8" piece of Neenah Natural White cardstock and then adhered with foam tape on top of the black base.

To create the easel for the back of the frame, I just used a photo frame I had on hand and traced the shape onto Craft-a-Board and cut it out:

 

If I had thought far enough ahead, I probably would have used brads to secure the easel to the back of the Craft-a-Board frame before adhering the patterned paper to the front, but I didn't!  So instead, I scored 1/2" from the top of the easel and then used Ranger's Mini Glossy Accents to adhere the easel to the back of the frame -- this stuff will hold ANYthing with a fabulous permanent bond!

Make sure to line up the bottom edge of the easel with the bottom corner of your frame, so it will stand up correctly (mine IS aligned -- it just appears not to be, because it's folded up a little).

To create the small glittered frame around the "be true" sentiment printed on the patterned paper, I used two smaller Spellbinders Labels Thirteen Nestabilities dies and die cut a frame from sturdy cardstock:

Then I used the same YG63 Copic marker I used on the flower and colored the die cut cardstock frame -- be sure you color the outside as well as the inside edges of the frame, for a nice finish.  This just ensures that none of the white cardstock frame base will show through the glitter.  Then I ran the frame through my Xyron machine, covering it in adhesive, and applied the Glitter Ritz Opaque Micro Fine Chartreuse Glitter glitter.

The frame was popped up with foam tape over the sentiment and the large flower accented with Ranger Star Dust Stickles.

Now just think of all the different sizes and shapes of easel framed artwork (or scrapbook pages!) you can create . . . Enjoy! ~ Sharon

Stamps: Hero Arts Cling-Stencil Flower,
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Webster's 6x6 Petite Papers-Trendsetter, Core-dinations Colore Core Cardstock-Black, Neenah Natural White cardstock
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
Copic Markers: RV13, RV14, RV17, RV19, YG63, T5
Accessories: Essentials by Ellen Craft-A-Board, Spellbinders Labels Thirteen Nestabilities dies, Glitter Ritz Opaque Micro Fine Glitter-Chartreuse, Ranger Star Dust Stickles and Mini Glossy Accents, Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, Tonic Tim Holtz Non-Stick Serrated Scissors, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares,

Creating Unique Embellishments Using UTEE and Mold and Pour

Ever have one of those moments when you are looking for that perfect embellishment for a project, but nothing on hand really is working for you? How great would it be if you had the things on hand to create a unique embellishment that would be the perfect touch for that special project? It can happen, it is something that take just a few products and gives you creative freedom for so many of your crafting needs.

The way I will be showing you how to do this is using a product called Mold and Pour and also a selection of UTEE colors. I pulled some random 3 dimensional objects from my crafty stash, I wanted to experiment with different types of shapes so I chose a wide variety of brands and styles.

For this basic round shape I used one of my Webster's Pages Sparklers, and used equal parts of the two components that make up the Mold and Pour. Take the two equal sized portions of Mold and Pour and knead them thoroughly together.

Shape it into approximately the size of the object that you want to make.

Then gently press the object into the Mold and Pour and set aside for about 10 minutes to dry. Carefully remove the object after the Mold and Pour has become dry. The mold will have a very rubbery and flexible finish when it is done, this makes it easy for the removal of the objects that you create later.

A few of the objects that I tried that worked well with the UTEE were Melissa Frances Scrolls, Tim Holtz Fragments, and the Webster's Pages Sparklers. What I also found was that items that weren't very deep or had open areas in the design didn't do very well when the UTEE was poured into them. I do think that they would be great for clay or other products that you have a little more control over how they are put into the molds.

This Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 card was complimented perfectly by the black round UTEE button that had come from the Sparkler mold and the scroll from the Melissa Frances mold.

I hope that you have been inspired to play with ways to create your own embellishments using items that you already have in your craft stash and some Mold and Pour.

B-

Sweet Sisters~Sweet Moments by Sharon Harnist

 

A very merry Christmas to all of you!  Today I wanted to share a scrapbook page of my sweet daughters that make the holiday season worth every sweet moment!  Webster's Pages Sweet Season papers were a perfect match this time of year, but a lot of this Sweet Season 12x12 Paper Pack can be tweaked for any time of the year, as I've done here today!

 

I used the beautiful round scalloped sheet of roses & "Christmas" tree paper from this pack, cut it up and used it in two different spots on top of the dress form paper.  It's covering a few candy canes at the top of the page and I used the rest of it to frame the photo with more roses!  The purple of the "Christmas" tree now blends in and works well to compliment the purple boa my oldest daughter is wearing.

A Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked Alpha Buttons, letter "S" was covered with a smaller scale pink print from Webster's Petite Paper Pad-Waiting For Santa & Sweet Season.  Basic Grey's Precision File Set makes it easy to sand and file the edges of any type of chipboard, especially this curvy letter S!  I've had my set of files for about 5 years and it's still holding up very well -- most of the tools are metal and should last you through a lifetime of papercrafting!  The chipboard S was tied with some beautiful green velvet ribbon from Webster's Sweet Season & Waiting For Santa Trim Collection.  The letter is popped up on top of one of Ellen's fabulous white Small Doilies -- this pack contains some great sizes that are perfect for small accents on scrap pages or cards!  The rest of my page title was created with the bright pink stickers that are included with this paper pack -- makes for quick & easy scrapping!

 

I used Tonic's Retractable Craft Knife to cut around part of the dress form, so I could slip the photo underneath it and help frame the photo.  The photo was framed with the "candy striped" paper from this pack -- love all the bright colors! 

The butterfly is another sticker included in this paper pack -- I adhered it to green cardstock and trimmed around it, then popped it up on foam tape.  The lower right corner contains a Sweet Season Journaling Card, where I noted my girls ages and date the photo was taken.  Journaling was done with Copic's Multiliner-Black .05 -- it's a great permanent acid-free pen that won't fade and will last ages!

 

Wishing all of you a very sweet holiday!  We'll back in the Classroom on Sunday, December 26 to begin the 12 Days of Christmas!  ~ Sharon

 
Paper: Webster's Pages Sweet Season 12x12 Paper Pack & Petite Paper Pad-Waiting For Santa & Sweet Season, Sweet Season Journaling Cards
Ink: Copic Multiliner-Black .05,
Accessories: Webster's Pages Sweet Season & Waiting For Santa Trim Collection, Essentials by Ellen Small Doilies, Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked Alpha Buttons, Basic Grey Precision File Set, Glue Glider Pro with Perma Tac Cartridge, EK Success 3D-Dots, Tonic Retractable Craft Knife,

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist - Tag 2

Please read all the way to the bottom to find the winner of our blog candy and find out how you can enter into today's random drawing!

I have started my routine - each morning as I eat my bowl of cereal I sit down to take a peek at Tim's tag, so that as I drive to work I can think about what I will create. It was a couple of years ago when I first saw Tim do this technique and I have wanted to try it ever since. Can you believe it took me two years?!? So here we go :-D

At first I was stymied with how I would make this look "girly," but in the end I think I managed ;-D

ETA: When considering this technique it is most interesting to select an image that has some broader based lines, as well you will want to be able to create "sections" of ink on your felt stamp pad to get crisp, clean colors. Creating a custom felt ink pad is a huge time saver - essentially it replaces the technique where you color directly on your rubber stamp using a waterbased marker. This allows you to custom color the image and stamp repeatedly in a quick manner.

I found that a pencil works great to trace the stamp on the cut-n-dry felt  (not foam) pad.

I couldn't live without Tim's Tonic scissors - they work fantastic for cutting out stamps, but also work fabulously on so many other things, including the cut-n-dry felt.

I noticed a question in today's comments asking if there is another material that would work if you don't have the cut-n-dry felt. I don't believe that there will be anything quite like it. This material appears to be identical to what is used in the dye ink pads that Ranger manufactures. BUT please be advised that this is only a guess, because I truly do not know. The felt is fabric topped and it works great - I really don't know of anything on the market that is even similar.

Again I went with the ink that Tim recommended - the Archival Jet Black and stamped my image on to the felt stamp pad (fabric side up.) This has really become one of my go-to inks if I am not coloring with Copics.

Cleanup of the Archival ink is a little different due to it's waterproof quality. I find it easiest to simply wipe my stamp with a dry cloth, then use the CleansIt cleaner, followed by the RubIt ScrubIt. I have a plastic container that is slightly larger than my RubIt ScrubIt pad and I simply add water to barely cover the pad. I quickly scrub aand rinse my stamps on the pad and then use my trusty, stained wash cloth to dab it dry.

As I beginner I felt that a step-by-step photo process may be helpful. I don't know if there is any rhyme or reason when adding colors to the image, but I went with the method I would use when coloring an image with markers and then huffing. I started with my focal point and the lightest color - Antique Linen. Apply the ink generously using the dropper that comes in the bottle.

Apply Vintage photo to the face only.

Add Victorian Velvet to Santa's clothes. As you can see I ended up getting a droplet of ink in a spot that I didn't intend, but no worries - my project turned out just fine!

Apply Forest Moss to the tree.

Apply Tumbled Glass to the snowflakes.

I ended by applying Vintage Photo to the remaining open areas and all the way around the edge to almost "frame" the piece.

Your new custom inked stamp pad is now ready for use. Use it just as you would use a regular dye ink stamp pad, being certain to align your stamp directly with the stamp pad as you ink it each time.

I then stamped my image on Neenah Solar White cardstock. (First image stamped is on the right.) I wasn't completely happy with my coloring and figured it wouldn't hurt to see what happens when you add different colored inks directly over the areas already inked.

(I loved Tim's storage idea, so I will be attaching the image on the left to my plastic ziplock baggie. A suggestion that I have heard that may keep this pad moist longer is to first wrap it in Saran Wrap before placing it in the ziplock bag.)

I felt the face was TOO dark, so I went ahead and applied Victorian Velvet directly over the Vintage Photo. I also really wanted my snowflake tip to be more blue than brown, so added a little more Tumbled Glass to the tip of the large snowflake.

I am REALLY excited about the results - the final look is so much better than the dark brown and I believe that it looks so much better than if I would have made his entire face the Victorian Velvet color. SO... what you can also do is make your own custom colored ink pads if you can't find that perfect color for a project!

(left to right - Hero Arts Watercolor Paper, Arturo Single Cards, Neenah Solar White)

It is so important to experiment as you create! I literally have a dozen different stamped images in my studio - I tried SO many different things because I just wanted to know what would happen. The above samples are all ones I experimented with water.

These samples were all embossed with clear embossing powder and then (from left to right):

• accent colored with Copic markers,
• watercolored with distress ink,
• Antique Linen distress ink was smudged on Non-stick Craft sheet, misted with water and then tag was laid in ink. Tumbled Glass reinker was then mixed with water and splattered on the surface.

To add to the girly factor one must add glitter! Using Icicle stickles to add sparkle to Santa's hat and sleeve, the tree and snowflakes is so very easy.

A few baubles and a to/from tag edged with Embossing Ink and Tarnished Gold all place atop some beautiful Webster's Pages papers and my tag was complete.

stamps: Tim Holtz ATC Christmas Miracle

digital download: Traditional Seasonal Alphabet

ink: Archival Jet Black, Distress Embossing Ink, Distress Reinkers - Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Victorian Velvet, Tumbled Glass and Forest Moss

paper: Webster's Pages Waiting for Santa and Waiting for Santa 6x6 pack, Neenah Solar White, Hero Arts Felt Paper, Arturo Singles, Manila Tag

accessories: Tim Holtz Tag & Bookplates Die, Baubles, Tiny Attacher, Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Felt, Tarnished Gold Embossing Powder, Icicle Stickles, Webster's Pages Waiting for Santa Trim, CleansIt Cleaner, RubIt ScrubIt

The drawing for the Baubles and Accoutrements is now closed - our winner is Andi Sexton.

Thank you Andi for always sharing your love with us here in the CLASSroom! Please send us an email to [email protected] with your snail mail address if you read this before we have a chance to contact you!

Today you have an opportunity to win Tim Holtz ATC First Christmas and a package of Cut-n-Dry Stamp Pad Felt:

Simply posting a comment below will enter you in today's random drawing - you have until tomorrow evening when my next post goes live to enter. You can post a comment each day on the current post for a chance to win some fun goodies, so be certain to stay tuned for another 10 days :-D

Thank you for joining me here in the CLASSroom!

 

Christmas Photo Tray by Sharon Harnist

Remember when I made this Fall photo tray project?  I promised a Christmas version and here it is!  When I made the Fall tray, I used repositionable adhesive to hold each panel in the tray.  That made it easy to remove each section and store them until next Fall, enabeling me to change out this tray seasonally!

 

Once you decorate one of these trays, you'll be hooked -- they are so much fun! Here's how I created each section, starting at the top:

 

On the top left is Spellbinders Wreath die, cut from a Memory Box Dill Notecard.  I sanded the embossed areas of the die cut, then added Christmas Red Stickles for berries.  Jillibean Soup Red Twine ties up the the wreath that is adhered with  EK Success 3D Dots.

 

In the center of the wreath, I placed our family monogram using Ellen's Traditional Seasonal Alphabet Digital Download -- a red letter H tied up with a bow coordinated perfectly with these gorgeous Webster's Pages Waiting For Santa Petite Papers I used!  The darling Christmas Wish List in the center section is a fabulous Melissa Frances Retro Printed Chipboard piece!  I thought it might be fun to have my girls write their wish list to Santa here!

 

For the top right section, I made a Tim Holtz Paper Rosette and topped it with another piece of the Retro Printed Chipboard.  The Christmas tree is a fabulous dimensional Melissa Frances resin Christmas Tree that I airbrushed with these Copic markers:

 

The YG63 was used to base airbrush coat the tree, then YG97 used to add depth directly with the brush tip.  These colors were still a little too bright for the papers, so I finished the piece with a light airbrushing of E25 to give it a more antiqued look.  The tiny tag in the middle far right side, tied with red twine is another MF chipboard piece!

 

On the bottom left section, I hand trimmed a letter "A" ornament from the Webster's paper (both my girls' names start with an A!) and popped it up with foam squares on top of a Martha Stewart Large Snowflake punched piece of cream Webster's paper.  The center section has another Melissa Frances Retro Printed Chipboard snowman that says "Holiday Memories" and is accented with a Melissa Frances Candy Cane.

 

The photo of my girls was framed with Spellbinders Snowflake Frame, cut from more Webster's Waiting For Santa paper.  The bottom right section has another Retro Printed Chipboard "the Season's Greetings" large postage stamp adorning the Webster's paper.

 

Thanks for visiting the CLASSroom today -- I hope this Christmas home decor piece puts you in the holiday spirit on this almost first day December!  ~ Sharon

Paper: Webster's Pages Petite Papers-Waiting For Santa, Copic X-Press It Blender Card, Memory Box Dill Notecard,
Dies & Punches: Spellbinders Wreath & Snowflake Frame; Sizzix Tim Holtz Paper Rosette Decorative Strip Die, Martha Stewart Large Snowflake punch,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers: YG63, YG97, Y26, R39, E25
Accessories: Copic Airbrush System, 7 Gypsies Black Photo Tray, Melissa Frances Christmas Tree Applique, Retro Printed Chipboard & Candy Canes; Traditional Seasonal Alphabet Digital Download, Ranger Stickles-Christmas Red, Jillibean Soup Red & Brown Twine, Sanding Block, EK Success 3D Dots, Glue Dots-Mini & 3/8",

Adding Dimension and Texture to Your Stamping, by Sharon Harnist

 

Today I would like to show you how to add some texture and dimension to your stamping, to create some interesting effects!  In the photo above, you'll notice a protruding branch that adds dimension to the Memory Box Nesting Birds stamp I used.  Here's how I created it:

First, I stamped the birds with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Neenah Natural White cardstock and then base coated the nest with Copic E31 marker:

 

Coloring the nest first, provides a base of color so the white cardstock doesn't peak through our final finished image.  The birds were colored with Copic R00, R01, T1 & T3 markers.  I didn't have just the right color of Flower Soft I wanted to use for the branch, so I combined Flower Soft's Ultra Fine Black & Toffee colors together to make my own custom color!

 

If you haven't tried Flower Soft's new Ultra Fine line, I think you will be very pleased with the different texture these create!  Next, I cut a piece of Flower Soft Wire to the length I wanted, to form the branch. The Flower Soft Glue is the best type of adhesive for this technique, as it is thick, stays where it is applied and latches on to the Flower Soft material fabulously!  I applied the glue to the wire and then sprinkled on my mixed Ultra Fine Flower Soft.

 

For the nest, I also used the Flower Soft Glue to outline the stamped nest and form some "twigs" for dimension -- then I sprinkled on the Toffee Ultra Fine Flower Soft.

To create more texture, I used the Tim Holtz Paper Distresser to rough up the edges of the piece of Webster's Pages Petite Papers-Hollywood Vogue background paper I adhered to a Memory Box Licorice notecard, using Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares.  The foam squares were also used to raise the stamped image and create more dimension.

 

Part of a Zva Jet black swirl frame adds even more texture (and bling!) to finish this card that could be used for either an anniversary, wedding or general love occasion!

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom today ~ hope you have a wonderful weekend!  ~ Sharon

 

Stamps: Memory Box Nesting Birds
Paper: Webster's Pages Petite Papers-WonderFALL & Hollywood Vogue, Neenah Natural White cardstock, Memory Box Licorice notecard
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers: E31, R00, R01, T1, T3
Accessories: Flower Soft Ultra Fine-Black & Toffee, Flower Soft Glue, Flower Soft Wires, Zva Jet black swirl frame, Tonic Tim Holtz Paper Distresser, Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares,

World Card Making Day Glitz Challenge by Sharon Harnist (EHWCMD4)

GLITZ CHALLENGE

It's time to get sparkly! I've fallen in love with all the gorgeous colors of Glitter Ritz glitters Ellen carries and wanted to challenge YOU to get sparkly!  Create a project that shimmers and shines in some way, by using your favorite "glitzy" product!  Here's my sample:

 

My card uses a piece of 5.50" x 4.75" Webster's Pages-Hello Beautiful Journaling Card.  I chose this paper because it has quite a few of Ellen's Color Trend challenge colors for today in it!  I mounted a portion of the journaling card onto a Memory Box Crimson notecard.  Then I made a frame by die cutting a piece of Be Creative 8.5" x 11" sheet adhesive with Spellbinders Labels Six die set:

 

I cut another frame from cardstock and adhered the Be Creative frame to that, for stability.  Then I removed the front adhesive liner and did the Burnished Velvet technique by covering the adhesive with Glitter Ritz Opaque Micro Fine Glitter in Ice Blue and rubbing/pressing the glitter into the tape ... what a beautiful look and a quick and easy sparkly frame!

 

Next, I stamped the Hero Arts Create Your Own Journey sentiment with Ranger Adirondack Cranberry dye ink onto Neenah Natural White cardstock, die cut it with the Labels Six die and sponged the edges with Ranger Antique Linen Distress ink.  I topped the sentiment with my glitter frame, popped up on foam tape.  A Webster's chocolate Bloomer finishes my card.  ~ Sharon

 
Stamps: Hero Arts ClearDesign-Life is Not Perfect
Paper: Webster's Pages Journaling Cards-Hello Beautiful Journaling Cards, Memory Box Crimson notecard
Ink: Ranger Adirondack Cranberry dye ink & Antique Linen Distress ink
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels Thirteen, Glitter Ritz Opaque Micro Fine Glitter-Ice Blue, Be Creative 8.5" x 11" sheet adhesive & 5mm tape, Webster's lace trim & Webster's chocolate Bloomer

Once you have completed this challenge be certain to post a comment as well as link to your project, in our WCMD Challenge Blog Candy post! Please be certain to link directly to each project when uploading your link :-D

BLOG CANDY

Do you like sparkle and if so what is your favorite way to make your project shine? Be certain to leave your answer in the comments section below to be entered in a random drawing for the following delicious goodies.

All comments must be made by 11:59pm Pacific Time on Sunday, October 3rd to be eligible.

Webster's Pages by Becky Olsen

Webster's Pages has beautifully designed papers and products, and they come in wonderful themes that make paper crafting for those occasions really easy. Just get out your coordinated kit and start cutting and sticking and a few minutes later you have a fun card or layout.

I was inspired by the Seaside Retreat line to make a card that could be used for a couple of different occasions in one design. Of course it is spectacular for creating with travel projects in mind, so that is the obvious use of this card. But how fun would this same card be if you handed it to the college student that is on their own for the first time and needing a little encouragement for the new adventure?

For the masculine version I kept it pretty simple, the dudes like to be thought of and the greatest embellishment you could be for this would be a gift card to their favorite eatery or maybe a $20.00 bill ;o)

 

To sweeten it up a little for the female adventurer, add a few extra little embellishments and they appreciate the thought and beauty of your thoughtfulness. I really liked how those leaves almost look like wings on that clock, and the flowers are more fun than regular clock hands in my opinion :o)

 

Completing the sentiment in the center with a heartfelt note finishes up the card beautifully. If you are a scrapbooker and have access to the card after it has served its purpose, why not cut the card in half and use it on a page to remember the moment. It already has the title of your page done and your heartfelt journaling will be appreciated years down the road.

Products used:

Webster's Pages Seaside Retreat Paper Kit

Webster's Pages Vintage Sparklers

Prima Mulberry Rose Leaves

Prima Gypso Flowers

Prima Tamera Lace

U Make Me Happy Layout by Julia Stainton

Do you have products that you love but have been hoarding for that special project? I'm certainly guilty of that and if you're honest, I bet you are too. How about ideas in your head that you're going to try "someday"? How about photos that you love that are hidden away in an old box? You too, right?

Since I've been guilty of all three, I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to tackle a few of these things in one layout.

The technique I've been meaning to try out is spritzing the beautiful embossed cardstock that is the base for my layout.

Isn't that a darling little picture of my daughter? It was hidden away in a box. If you're behind in your scrapbooking or have no idea where to start, let me tell you a secret. You don't have to scrap every photo you own and you definitely do not have to work chronologically. Do what inspires you and makes you happy and leave all that stress behind. Scrapbooking is supposed to be fun.

The third thing I wanted to work into my layout was some super cool embellishments. The die cut felt is stunning and that trim, well, I think I want to wear it. It's way too pretty to hide away in a drawer so it's time I used it.

To show you how I created the background, here's a few photos to guide you through the steps...

 

The beautiful embossed cardstock starts off looking like this with a beautiful glossy pattern finish.
 

Spray the chipboard with some Glimmer Mist and wipe off excess.

 

To get a layered splatter that uses a different color, spray again with Glimmer Mist and allow the droplets to dry well before removing any excess spray on the design. It makes a beautiful artistic look.

Thanks for visiting us in the CLASSroom today. I hope you find yourself inspired to try out a few ideas that you've been putting off! Have you started working on any projects for Monday's Floral Blog Parade? Join us then for a lot of inspiration and fun!

Supplies: Invisibles Ornate Art Chipboard Sheets by Advantus, sewing machine, Basic White 12x12 Paper Pack by Basic Grey, Buck-Naked Chipboard Buttons by Cosmo Cricket, Crystal Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Bloomer Deluxe Trim by Webster's Pages, Tim Holtz Film Strip Ribbon by Advantus, twine, Paper Doilies by Little Yellow Bicycle, Broken China Distress Crackle Paint by Ranger, Canvas Button by Prima Marketing, Divine Rose Bush Felt Stem by Prima, Tiny Attacher by Advantus, Viva Pink Glimmer Mist Spray and Peacock Chalkboard Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels, chipboard letters, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Kraft Ticket by Maya Road, hi princess sentiment from Magic Castle stamp set by Hero Arts

Soldered Charm Bracelet by Julia Stainton

It's always fun to try out new ways to explore your creativity . This soldered charm bracelet has been a project I've been wanting to create for quite a while now. It's always fun to wear your creative projects and I thought the beautiful Webster's Pages vellum would make a great charm feature.

If you're interested in trying out soldering, Ellen Hutson LLC has a great variety of Simply Swank product. I'd suggest starting with the Simply Solder Creative Kit as it has everything you need to get started. Ellen has a fabulous in depth tutorial on soldering in a previous In Touch Newsletter here.

The Simply Swank Solder Charm Bracelet includes the glass, bracelet and fittings necessary for creating the bracelet. All you'll need in addition is soldering supplies. Between each little piece of glass I've cut out and placed little pieces of Garden Gala 6x6 vellum and die cuts by Webster's Pages. The vellum is fun to use as it allows the light through the charm and also you only need one image per glass piece. If you decide to use paper which also looks lovely, you will want two images for each charm. Because these charms are very tiny, you'll need tiny images and the Webster's Pages 6x6 papers are perfect for this.

Soldering takes practice and I'll be the first to admit I could use more of it. Just like it takes a while to perfect your stamping or other crafting techniques, the same is true for soldering. One important piece of information that somehow I overlooked at the start of my soldering journey was that it is crucial to take good care of your soldering tip.

Here's a few things I learned...

• never leave your soldering iron on when you are not using it...not even for a short time
• continually wipe off your tip on the wet sponge when working to keep build up and impurities from affecting your work
• cover your soldering iron tip with solder well before turning off your iron to prevent oxidization
• oxidization can be filed off or removed with a metal brush
• make sure your tip is not oxidized to ensure smooth flow of the solder
• don't try soldering if your tip has worn out

 

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

Pretty Party Paper Lanterns by Kim Hughes

Summer parties are SO much fun to host.  Why not hang some sweet paper decorations around to add to the ambiance?  I used 6 x 6 papers but just think of how cool larger versions of these paper lanterns will look mixed in with the smaller ones.

supplies:

Webster's Pages, Seaside Retreat 12x12 Paper Kit, Webster's Pages, Petite Paper Pad, Garden Gala/Seaside Retreat, Webster's Pages, Petite Paper Pad, Lullaby Lane/Life's Potrait

Prima roses

start by folding the square 6 x 6 paper in half.

and cut slits down the entire piece of paper.  Make sure to cut along the fold.  Simply staple the "cone shape" together on each end

I used a trimmer and cut in 1/2 increments, but you can also use scissors


adhere along both ends to attach both papers.  I used liquid glue but a staple will hold them in place nicely.

I cut a 12 x 12 paper down to 5 x 12, rolled it up and added it inside the paper lantern.

Meet the edge and staple in place.  Repeat on the bottom.  Remember that the paper lantern was created with 6 inch paper, so by adding a shorter piece in the center, it helps it fan out.


accordion fold four 6 x 6 papers and score at 1 inch along the entire sheet.  Fold back and forth.  Adhere all 4 sides for a square paper lantern.

add a paper handle to all 3 lanterns.  Each are 1 inch wide.  I added 2 strips together for the larger paper lantern.  Embellish each handle with twine and an accent rose.

Hang beads down from the bottom...or perhaps rolled paper strips?  It's easy to create coordinating straw toppers, place mats or invitations.  Just use a coordinating paper collection. I hope you make 10 zillion of these cuties!  Thanks for stopping by :)

Butterfly Pendant and Earrings by Debbie Olson

Welcome to the Classroom!  Today I have a pendant necklace and earrings set to share. To give you an idea of the size, the pendant circle is just under 1-1/4" in diameter, and the earrings are just under 1/2" in diameter. 

 

I started with some Webster's Pages Lullaby Lane papers, Glass Glitz pieces (30mm and 12mm), and Ranger Glossy Accents. I used a 1-1/4" and 1/2" circle punch to punch the papers to fit behind the glass, but I had to trim a bit by hand since the pieces were a bit too large. Also, I cut out two small butterflies and added them on top of the paper under the large glass, wanting the butterflies to tie all of the pieces together.

 

I used a liberal amount of Glossy accents to seal each piece of paper to the glass and let it dry completely before trimming and sanding a bit of excess paper at the edges and then coating the back of the pieces with Glossy Accents too as protection.

 

After the glass and paper pieces dried completely, it was time to build the earrings and pendant.  I made one up and left the other one in pieces so that you could see which pieces I used. Besides the 12mm Glass Glintz pieces, I used a 16mm Bead cap, medium and small jump rings from this assortment, and and earring base and back from this package.  

 

For the pendant I used the 30mm Glass Glintz as well as a Passion Flower Filigree, some assorted jump rings, and a butterfly charm. For me the trickiest part is simply getting my jump rings opened and closed correctly when I need reading glasses to see them! ;-) You probably know this if you've used jump rings before, but you never want to pull them wider apart; you want to swing one side out so that you maintain the nicely rounded shape of the jump ring when you close it again.

 

I chose a Figaro chain and lobster clasps to finish the necklace. Now for the big question: what shall I wear this set with? 

Thanks for stopping by the classroom today! 

Father's Love Frame by Sharon Harnist

 

I made this hinged frame & poem combination gift for my husband for Father's Day, out of sturdy Craft-a-Board ... here's how:

Beautiful pieces of Webster's Seaside 6x6 Petite Papers were used to cover the Craft-a-Board, the corners rounded with the Corner Chomper and edges inked with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.

 

To create the photo side, I used Spellbinders Big Scalloped Square Nestabilities-Lg & Labels 12 dies to create a photo frame out of Craft-a-Board.  You can cut both of the dies together, taping them in place -- just be sure the dies aren't touching each other:

 

I cut another frame from coordinating Webster's paper and covered the Craft-a-Board frame with it.  It's popped up on foam tape over the photo (photo was die cut with with the same Big Scalloped Square Nestabilities die).

 

Here's my favorite part: For the poem side, I traced my youngest daugher's hand onto Art Magnetic Masking Material and cut it out, to make a mask!  The magnetic material also cuts very easily with most dies.

 

Using Ellen's fabulous new Craft Assistant, I was able to move the hand mask around on my paper, to find the perfect spot.  The Craft Assistant is black coated metal that holds the magnetic mask securely in place for airbrushing, misting with color sprays, or sponging ink color on -- and then it's very easy to wipe clean after using it!  Next, I airbrushed Copic BG11 marker over the mask:

 

I printed the computer-generated poem out on regular printer paper first, and then aligned my patterned paper in just the right spot over the poem, securing the paper in place with repositionable adhesive.  Then I ran the paper back through my printer, printing the poem in a chocolate color. 

 

I love the soft outline of my daughter's hand on the paper and the poem's reference to hand-held walks!  On the back of the frame, I dated it with the age of my daughters.

 

I finished the frame with Small Hinges secured with brads and a few seashells!  Here's the poem, if you'd like to copy and paste it to use.  (I found the poem online somewhere and now cannot find where, so my apologies for not knowing who the author is or if the author was even listed):

FATHER’S LOVE

Loving eyes that shine with pride,
Thoughtful words that teach and guide.
Rowdy games and quiet talks,
shoulder rides and hand-held walks.
Always there for smiles or tears,
a beacon through the troubled years.
The days have passed before our eyes,
wondrous times with laughs and sighs.
And though the child has gone away,
Father’s love is here to stay.

 

Paper: Webster's Petite Papers Triple Pack-Seaside/Garden/Nature
Ink: Ranger Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink, Copic BG11 marker
Essentials by Ellen: Craft Assistant, Art Magnetic Masking Material, Craft-a-Board
Accessories: Copic Airbrush System, Spellbinders Nestabilities Big Scalloped Square-Lg & Labels 12 dies, WRM Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, Simply Swank Small Hinges, Ranger Ink Blending Tool, Brads, Tonic Tim Holtz Non-stick Serrated Scissors

Pretty Punching by Julia Stainton

How many border punches can you use in one card? Apparently quite a few as I've been having fun creating punched border layers for this card design. Six in total actually. It's quite a mixture but I'm loving these EK Success border punches so much that I just keep adding to my collection.

The EK Success border punches are super easy to use and I'm really pleased with their quality. One of the best things about them is they store very flat and lock when not in use. The more I can store in a limited space makes me a happy girl. For this project I've used the Binding Edge Punch, Diamond Lace Edger Punch, Daisy Scallop Edger Punch, Dotted Wave Edger Punch, Swirl Edger Punch and Parisian Edger Punch.

To create my card I've used the Webster's Pages Petite Paper Pad, Lullaby Lane/Life's Portrait. Both lines come in the same paper pad and are oh so pretty. If you've been looking for this paper, it's now back in stock.To punch the strips, I first cut them into 1.5" in depth and then punched along the strip.

 

If you've never used these punches before, simply slide the paper in to the hilt punch, then move border along until the punched edge lines up with the pattern printed on the right or left sides. I was impressed with their accuracy.

When I create a pieced together layer, I always adhere the strips of paper on a paper base. This way I can cut or die cut them all together getting a nice clean edge. You'll notice from the photo that some of the borders have a short repetition and don't need lined up but some of the larger scallops do and I've centered them on the paper. I altered colors and borders for an interesting look. I suggest you alternate fancy borders with those that are a little plainer for balance in the design.

After I've finished adhering the strips, I then trimmed off the excess for a crisp look. The layer is then matted with Neenah Solar White cardstock and adhered to a card base created from Robin's Egg cardstock by Memory Box. I like to cut my cardstock in half lengthwise for my card bases rather than horizontally.

As the design on this project is pretty non-specific, you could use it for almost any occasion. I'm always in need of thank you cards to I've created a sentiment with a sticker product that is now at the top of my "must have" list, Tiny Type by Cosmo Cricket.

To add a few embellishments, I've painted a chipboard t monogram with Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint ,  sprinkled with Crystal Fine Glitter and allowed to dry.

Here's a closeup of the finished design.

I was having so much fun with my border punches that I just had to create another card with them before putting them away.

 It's a very similar project but I was thinking how beautiful the borders would look punched in all white cardstock. It looks just like a beautiful wedding dress. This time I created a 4.25" square panel of the punched border and adhered to a 5" square card base. The "two shall become one" sentiment is from the Wedding Centers stamp set by CHF. It's a great set and perfect for wedding season. The ink is Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger.

 

Once again I've used the Neenah Solar White Cardstock, this time for the entire project. For a very subtle embellishment I've punched out two butterflies to coordinate with the sentiment. 

I like them both but I'm leaning towards the all white design as my favorite. It's fun getting two different looks from the same tools and technique isn't it? Which one do you like best?

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a wonderful weekend!

Vintaj Loveliness by Debbie Olson

I have had a wonderful time playing with some new Vintaj brass pieces this week--I can feel a new crafting addiction coming on! If you like the look of soldered jewelry but prefer not to have to pull out solder and a a soldering iron, then this might be a good line of products to try. If, on the other hand, you already enjoy soldering as I do, then consider this a way to get more use out of some of the tools that you already have, like your specialty pliers.

 

I started with a charm circle bezel and a piece of Webster's Pages die cut paper. I used a 1-1/4" punch to cut out my image, but I still had to trim it by had since a 1-1/8" circle would have been a better fit. I then used some Ranger Matte Accents to glue the piece onto the blank.

 

My hand-cutting of the circle wasn't perfect, so I used some Matte Accents around the inside edge of the bezel to add little seed beads. (Good tweezers help!) After that dried, I used some Ranger Glossy Accents to coat the entire piece of paper and seal the inside edge of the bead-ring. I wish I had had some Crackle Accents; it would have been pretty here, and I have now ordered some. (My parents were visiting, and my dad was surprised to learn that I didn't already own every product ever made. . .)

 

Since I was making this for my mother who likes dragonflies, I used a dragonfly connector to attach my decorated bezel to the necklace chain, via another jump ring. The tail was long enough to bend into a loop with my concave round nose pliers. 

After adding a jump ring to the top of the dragonfly connector, I put the bezel on the figaro chain and then attached a lobster clasp to the ends of the chain.

 

I liked it as it was but still felt that it could use a bit more dressing up; so I pulled out my bead stash along with some 1" head pins and my concave round nose pliers to make a couple of little charms to hang from the chain. 

 

See? The little bead charms helped. The Vintaj line has so many possibilities. . . I've already placed another order because I loved this project so much. In fact, I'm pestering Ellen to stock some more  pieces already, so I hope that you like them too!

Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom today.

Vintage-y Cuteness by Kim Hughes

Who ever said vintage couldn't be cute?  Not me, that's for sure :)  Why not mix these fun styles...right?
 
Supplies:

Webster's Pages, Petite Paper Pad, Lullaby Lane/Life's Portrait

Maya Road Clocks, Black and White, Mini Chipboard Set, Birds with Cages

COPIC Sketch Marker G82, Spring Dim Green, COPIC Sketch Marker E00, Skin White, COPIC Sketch Marker Y000, Pale Lemon

Stickles, Fruit Punch

Hero Arts ClearDesign: Mi Casa, Cling Curly Flowers, Set of 3

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

 

Start with a beautiful vintage/shabby paper.  The frame in the center grabbed my attention, so I used a scrap paper as a mask, so that the stamped image would be confined.
 

Now it looks like it was meant to be there.
 

I colored the entire base with the lightest color and added low-lights with the darker one.  I didn't worry about staying in the lines, because I wanted to give it an aged look.
 

I love Maya Road's birds, so I thought one would be cute to add as an accent.  I traced the chipboard pieces onto the front of my paper.  I usually draw on the back to hide the traced lines.  But in this case, no one will see the pencil marks because they will be sanded off.
 

Notice how there's some paper hanging off the edge.  Rub that off with a sand block.
 

Now you have a "distressed" cute bird!
 

Add some green color with a Copic...and add Stickes for sparkle and shine...this adds to the "cute" side, I think :)
 

The paper already has a clock on it, but it's a bonus when you can add a dimensional accent

Put tape on the bird and stick onto clear clock.  Add adhesive on the clear clock, where the bird will cover it.
 

Stamp sentiment in the center and adhere the bird and clock to the bottom.

Utilize patterned paper when you see an element "peeing", like with this butterfly. 

Cut into it where the slit won't be seen...and begin to ct aroudn the butterfly, being careful to cut the top and bottom, all the way down.

 

Here's how the butterfly will look

sand the edges and machine sew some zig zags to add to the Vintage feel...along with trim.

thank you for popping in today :)

Canvas Friendship Tree by Julia Stainton

Don't you just love the creative process when you are trying out new ideas? I do! It's so much fun to try out things and see where your creativity takes you. This is one of those I wonder what would happen projects. I had fun with it and hope you'll give it a whirl.

My entire card started with the question of what would happen if I sprayed Glimmer Mist onto a Prima Canvas Tree Form. I love all things canvas and stitching but thought a little dose of color would be fun tot his product. I know the canvas takes ink really well but thought if Glimmer Mist would work, it would add a beautiful shimmer to the canvas as well as color.

I started out by spritzing the leaf part of the tree with Sweet Clover Glimmer Mist. After allowing it to dry, I thought I'd add a little more depth of color and spritzed it again. I like spritzing on my Non-Stick Craft Sheet as it is so easy to wipe up with a rag or some paper towel. You can allow it to dry on its own or use a heat gun like the Ranger Heat It Craft Tool to speed up the process. For the tree truck, I spritzed on another Glimmer Mist color, Coffee Shop, and allowed it to dry. You can see here how it looks as it dries. It ended up looking as great as I'd hoped so I started working it into a project.

The new Webster's Pages 6x6 paper pads are just adorable so I decided to use the Lullaby Lane/Life's Portrait Petite Papers for this project. Instead of just putting them together to make pretty layers, I decided to create a little scene for my tree. The blue dotted paper makes a fun sky and three pretty green prints make up the grass. I've cut mine into curves using some pinking shears from my sewing days but if you don't have any, just cut with normal scissors.

A little stitching on the sewing machine ties in with the stitched tree. I used a simple straight stitch along the curves and around the background layer.

The Friendship is a sheltering tree sentiment is from the Friend Centers stamp set by CHF and is one of my favorites. I couldn't resist stamping it here in Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger.

To put the layers together, I used a dimensional foam adhesive to leave space between the layers and pop them up. The Making Memories Ribbon Glue works great for adhering these canvas pieces.

 

I had so much fun adding the next detail...I planted a little garden using the Maya Road Pink Pearl Flower Trinket Pins. Easiest garden planting I've ever done as you just have to stick them into your dimensional foam adhesive. I've tied mine with some sweet green ribbon that I received from Ellen in one of my orders. Those sweet little packages are the best.

 

Now I almost called the card done at this point but decided to kick it up just one more notch. Becky's Trend Watch Banner post on Tuesday has me dreaming of banners. I thought the Homespun Alpha Sticker Banner by Jenni Bowlin would be just to cute to resist. A couple little twine knots adhered at each end make it look tied on.

 

And there you have it...a fun unique card that started out as an experiment. Don't be afraid to give new things a try. It's all part of the creative process and the fun!

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom and have a great weekend!

Tattered Webster's Birdcage by Sharon Harnist

 

I couldn't believe how large this Maya Road Birdcage Chipboard Book was when I received it -- it's 6" x 7"!  So I thought it would be a good size to make it into a Spring home decor piece.

To start this project, I covered the front chipboard birdcage piece with Webster's Petite Papers Life's Portrait, using Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Multi-Medium in Gloss.  Amongst its many uses, the multi-medium is a great all-purpose glue and works in the same manner as decoupage glue.  I also brushed it on top of the papers, to give them a slightly glossy finish. 

For the back chipboard piece, I first applied a couple of coats of Claudine Hellmuth's Gesso and let it dry.  The Gesso primes the chipboard (since it is a semi-dark color), so that it takes fewer coats of paint color to cover it (especially when using a lighter color of paint). Then I used Claudine's Color Mixing Chart and Studio Paints in Yellow Pastel & Painterly Pink to mix up a close match of Studio Paint to the patterned papers and painted the back chipboard birdcage piece.

 

Once dry, I attached a piece of Webster's Pages paper to the back of the painted birdcage chipboard piece. 

The bird is a piece from Maya Road's Song Bird Coaster Book, which was the perfect size to fit inside the birdcage!  What a great value this book is -- at just $2.20, you get 6 birds to use either all together as a book/album, or separately as accents on any number of projects!  I covered the bird in more Webster's paper (notice the bird and cage theme of the paper?!!), and gave her a beak with a Copic N5 marker. 

 

The Bird's eye is a KaiserCraft Latte Pearl.  I accented her with Maya Road white zig-zag vintage crochet trim that was sprayed with Tattered Angels Old Lace Glimmer Mist.  In the photo below, you can tell a subtle difference between the original white color of the lace (top) and how pretty the Glimmer Mist aged it and made it match the papers better:

The lace also now has a pretty shimmer to it (which, of course, I had trouble showing in a photo).  While I've had the opportunity to experiment with many different colors of Glimmer Mist, I only had Old Lace on hand to use on this project.  So while my examples may not be very dramatic, you can imagine the possibilities with all the gorgeous Glimmer Mist colors Ellen carries!  A GREAT example of how pretty these colors can be mixed, is Becky's Trend Watch Tuesday post this week -- in her layout at the bottom of that post.

I have a few good tips for working with Tattered Angels' Glimmer Mist --

How to use Glimmer Mist:

• #1 Tip - make sure the bottle is shaken up very well so that the glimmer, which settles in the bottom of the bottle (as in the photo above), is distributed throughout.  That being said, don't shake it SO vigorously that all you have are air bubbles inside the bottle -- these will cause splattering!  So after the bottle is shaken well, gently swirl the bottle for a minute (tilting it back and forth), allowing any air bubbles to settle, while keeping the glimmer evenly dispersed in the bottle.  Not only will this give you better results, but it prevents the nozzle from becoming clogged.
• For a light, evenly misted look, hold Glimmer Mist away from your project and spray such as you would when applying hairspray.
• For a thicker, raindrop application, hold Glimmer Mist closer to your project while spraying. Do not move the sprayer too much, or too fast.
• For a pooling effect, which gives intense color, spray Glimmer Mist very closely and directly on your project.

You can let Glimmer Mist air dry or use a heat tool to speed up the drying process. While Glimmer Mist is attractive when just using one color, layering multiple colors also adds a beautiful richness to your projects!  It is acid-free.

Can be used on: 
-Wood, cardstock, patterned paper, metal, glass, fabric or paper flowers, felt
-Cardboard, Grungeboard, Craft-A-Board 
-Adds a gorgeous sheen to lace, ribbon, twill and fabrics (will wash out!)
-Pools on plastic to create a stained glass effect
-Makes your stickers shimmer 

To avoid sprayer dribbles/drips:
When you spray, make sure your finger is not hanging over the front edge of the sprayer. When the Glimmer Mist disburses it will hit your finger and dribble back down onto the rim of the sprayer. The next time you shake it or tip it, it will dribble out. If your finger is pulled back the Glimmer Mist will spray out in the pattern it was intended to and it won't go back onto the cap.

If the sprayer gets clogged:
-To prevent it getting clogged - Make sure you shake the bottle of Glimmer Mist really well before you spray it. The glimmer part settles at the bottom and if the bottle isn't shaken really well, the sprayer will suck up too much glimmer for the sprayer to handle.
-To clear out the sprayer - Take off sprayer top, put canned air (without the spray straw) directly on sprayer opening. Apply canned air in short spurts 1-3 times until clear.

If you don’t like the spray pattern:
-If you want a fine mist - Push the sprayer down quickly and move it across the surface of your project like you’re applying hairspray. You want to keep your hand moving quickly and evenly across your project. Bear in mind the nature of the product is that it may take you several tries to get a completely even spray pattern. Practice spraying before you do your final project.
-If you want a “splotchy” look – Push sprayer down half way while aiming at your project. Don’t move the sprayer too much or too fast.

If your paper is curling:
Glimmer Mist is a water-based spray that can make lightweight mediums (like tags and paper) curl as it dries. There are a number of ways you can correct this:
-Use a heat tool on both sides of your paper
-Iron your paper
-After it’s dry, place a heavy object on it for a few minutes

Will it stain my hands and/or clothes?
As with any arts and crafts project, messes happen. Glimmer Mist will come out of your clothes in almost all circumstances. It may take a couple of washings so make sure you check before you put it in the dryer. Glimmer Mist on your hands comes off best with shampoo, so once you’re out of the shower it should be gone! It will also come off with several washings with soap.

Will it fade in the sun?
Yes, Glimmer Mist will fade if left in the sun. You may be able to resist fading if you use a UV protective coating over your project.

Is Glimmer Mist water resistant?
No, Glimmer Mist is water-based and does not use pigment dye. Therefore, it will run if exposed to moisture. If you’re planning on using Glimmer Mist in a humid environment (bathroom décor, for example) put a protective coating over it.

My stamped images get blurry after being sprayed:
There are two ways to use Glimmer Mist with stamped images: If you’re using archival ink, you can spray Glimmer Mist on top of your stamped image and it won’t run. If you don’t use archival ink, spray the Glimmer Mist first and stamp your image over it, after it’s dry.

To finish up my birdcage decor, I suspended the bird to the top of the birdcage with narrow silk ribbon and then tied up the top with wide ivory silk ribbon.  I also Glimmer Misted white Prima 4-Petal Flowers and (I think) managed to capture the glimmer in this photo (click on it for a larger view):

I added a tag with the "Live, Love, Bloom" sentiment from one of my all-time favorite Cornish Heritage Farms' stamp sets -- Kim Hughes' Silhouette Blooms II; it is cut with Spellbinders Tags Trio die and also Glimmer Misted.  You can see below where I attached two strips of patterned paper to the bottoms of the chipboard birdcage pieces, so that it would stand up:

I hope you'll have fun with all these wonderful new Maya Road chipboard pieces Ellen is now carrying, along with my favorite Webster's Pages papers!
  

 
Stamps: CHF-Kim Hughes Silhouette Blooms II
Paper: Webster's Petite Papers Lullaby Lane/Life's Portrait 6x6
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad, Ranger Antique Linen Distress, Copic marker N5
Accessories: Maya Road Birdcage Chipboard Book & Song Bird Coaster, Tattered Angels Old Lace Glimmer Mist. Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Multi-Medium (Gloss), Studio Paints in Yellow Pastel & Painterly Pink, and Gesso. Prima 4-Petal Flowers, Hero Arts Spring Fancy Felt Flowers, May Arts wide ivory silk ribbon and narrow white silk ribbon, KaiserCraft Latte Pearl, Spellbinders Tags Trio die, Sanding Block,  

Back To Basics: stamping by Kim Hughes

Welcome to the CLASSroom!  We've all been new to stamping at some point and it sure can be intimidating, but it's easier than you may think.  Here are some pointers that I hope will help get you started.  First of all, you will need at least 2 shades of brown and black ink...these are must have's when starting out.

Supplies:

EEE2 Cardstock, Robin's Egg, H1 Notecards and Envelopes, Mocha

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Ginger, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black

COPIC Sketch Marker B00, Frost Blue

Webster's Pages Petite Papers Paperpad, Home for the Holidays & Winter's Wings

Cornish Heritage Farms: Rummage Bin, On the Desk PRECUT, Scrapblock, Old Typewriter, Kim Hughes, Zooper Fun

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

Art Flowers, White & Cream

Say it in Studs, Pastels

VersaMark Inkpad

Heat It Craft Tool

Embossing Powder, Clear

 

This technique was hard to photograph as I was doing it, but here's the gist...use the tip of all 3 ink pads and dab them randomly onto the rubber stamp.  Start with the lightest color, then medium and finish with black.  Press the paper onto the rubber stamp and rub over the entire surface with your finger.  If you are worried about getting your fingers inky...place scrap paper on top of your paper and press onto the top paper.  The effect that you will get is a pattern that's multi-colored.
 

Stamp the vintage typewriter in the center and embellish with some twine and an elegant sticker. 

To make sure I get a bold impression with a stamp, like in this case, the typewriter, I press the stamp onto the ink pad and turn it a bit, making sure that the ink gets in all of the grooves. 

 

The next card consists of a custom background that I created using multiple stamps from one stamp set.  I am using the same 3 colors but alternating them.
 

I start by stamping with all 3 colors and then working around the paper, making sure take balance into account. 
 

as you can see here, there;s black in 5 areas, but they aren't over powering the other 3 colors.
 

I placed the paper onto a solid brown base and added a graphic feel with a bold border that I created with a thick black marker.  Embellished with an elegant sticker.
 

stamping a Scrapblock or Backgrounder with ink is the easiest way to create custom patterned paper, but there are also other fun ways to use a patterned stamp. 
 

dab the stamp with a foam pad and make sure to dab harder in the center and softer around the edges.
 

Press your paper onto the stamp...and you will find that you have a soft and faded pattern.
 

stamp the journal spot and sentiment in the lower right hand corner and cut a scrap patterned paper.  You can easily replace the Webster's paper with a stamped paper from a Scrapblock or Backgrounder pattern.
 

Ink the edges first with Espresso.  Rub the ink in heavier on the edges and press lighter as you come inward.
 

and come further in on the paper with the ginger ink.  This will give the paper a soft and smoky distressed edge,
 

draw a line on the back of brown card stock
 

and cut a scalloped edge with decorative scissors.  Align the scalloped edge on the line.
 

embellish with a flower and pearl
 

Cornish Heritage Farms also have cute images as well as the vintage ones that I just showcased.
 

after stamping the elephant, I colored the entire image with B00...note that the color appears more teal than blue...that's because I am coloring on cream paper and not white card stock. Take note of the base paper because that will determine what tone your marker will be.
 

Instead of using multiple shades of blue, simply go over the image multiple times where you would like shading to be placed.
 

stamp sentiment onto the same colored paper and cut around it.  Cut a paper strip to resemble ribbon.
 

loop the ribbon and attach onto the back of the sentiment block and add dimensional foam squares

 

Next I will sow how easy heat embossing is.  Use a Versamark pad to stamp the elephant on the entire paper surface.
 

Pour clear embossing powder over the entire image and tap off excess powder.  Heat with a heat gun until you see the image become clear.

 

now that you have created a subtle, cute background using a single stamp, you can create an accent the same way.  Heat emboss the elephant onto brown paper.
 

Face the circle punch facing up and punch around the brown elephant.
 

embellish with a playful button.  This is the type of card that is appreciated in person, since it's hard to see ion certain light.
 

Paper piecing with stamped images is easy.  Stamp your image onto patterned paper...and cut along the outer line.
 

if your image had multiple parts, you could piece one pattern over the other.
 

to add a subtle brown frame, a pen line is cleanest, however, you can also ink the edges but it will look more distressed
 

add some dimensional squares behind the elephant and this guys cuteness says it all.

Stamping really is so much FUN...so I hope if you haven't tried it before that I may have answered some questions that you might have had.  Practice makes perfect.  Make sure to practice on scrap paper

Doorway to Discovery by Lisa Strahl

Good Monday morning friends.  It's a pleasure to share a card today featuring Webster's Pages paper and Cornish Heritage Farms rubber stamps.

Webster's Pages papers are simply enchanting.  I remember when they arrived on the scene a few years ago - I was simply in love.  I had never seen designs that use images and patterns in such an interesting way.  I would argue that each release has been an improvement on the last.  Let me share a few details about this card, but first I want to give you a detailed supply list.

6x6 Petite Paper Pad - Garden Gala/Seaside Retreat (Webster's Pages)

Encouragement Expressions Stamp Set (Cornish Heritage Farms)

Pearl Glimmer Mist Spray (Tattered Angels)

Non-Stick Craft Sheet (Ranger)

Coffee Archival Ink (Ranger)

Sparrow Punch (Martha Stewart)

Crystals Trinket Pins (Maya Road)

Vintage Pearl Trinket Pins (Maya Road)

Ivory Mini Gypso Flowers(Prima)

Sage and Sand Ultra Fine, Baby Blue (Flower Soft)

Flower Soft Glue (Flower Soft)

White Crochet Ribbon (May Arts)

Brown Vintage Scallop Crochet Ribbon (Maya Road)

Clear Spica Glitter Pen(Copic)

3/8 inch Memory Glue Dots (Glue Dots)

1/8 inch Scor Tape(Scor Pal)

Mist the sparrow the punch with Pearl Glimmer Mist and allow to dry.  It's important not SHAKE your Glimmer Mist as it will clog the pump.  Instead TWIRL the bottle upright in a circular motion.

Mist the Gypso Flowers as well and allow to dry.  Be sure to spray on a surface that can be easily cleaned up such as the Non-Stick Craft Sheet.

 

Use the wire stem of the stem to wrap the other two pins together.

Snip the pins at the base of the wire wrap with wire cutters.

Stamp "Mistakes are doorways to discovery." sentiment with Coffee Archival Ink.

A few other design notes:

1.  Embellish flowers and leaves with flower soft.  2.  Add Clear Spica Glitter Pen to the lightest stripes on the lower half of the card.  3.  Use Memory Glue Dots to adhere the pin bouquet to the card.  4.  Use Scor Tape to adhere the crochet ribbon.

Hope this little card got your week off to a good start!  Thanks so much for joining us in the CLASSroom today.  Lisa

Cherish the Moments by Debbie Olson

 

I love making baby cards, and this one is long overdue--the card, not the baby! 

 

I started with a sweet CHF Rummage Bin stamp set, Baby Dear, and a Webster's Pages Lullaby Lane and Life's Portraits Combo Pack. Since this card is for a sweet little boy, I decided to avoid the pink papers and go with a green (Meadow Memory Box) cardstock. 

I stamped the image in Rich Cocoa Memento Ink and colored it with the Copic markers shown below. (Click on any picture to see it larger.) 

 

Here was my colored image, before matting it and zig-zag stitching around the border.

 

Next, I had chosen some ivory silk ribbon, but I wanted a punch of color on my card. I tool the Copic YG63 Various Ink and dripped several drops of it onto the ribbon in a ziploc bag. Next I squeezed the ink throughout the ribbon, pulled it out of the bag, and let it dry for less than a minute--that's all it takes!

 

Presto--here is my coordinating green ribbon! The Copic Various Ink makes the ribbon just s bit stiffer, but with silk, that's a plus: it becomes easier to tie and stay in place.

 

I chose a Big Scalloped die to cut my borders. 

 

Here is my card front after layering the papers, sanding edges, and stitching them. The striped pattern at the bottom is the back of one of the pages.

 

And here is a close-up of my focal image--such a fun little project! Thanks for visiting the CLASSroom today.

Stuck on You Part Four - Dry Adhesive Ideas by Julia Stainton

Adhering your project together well is an integral part of a good design. Over the past four weeks I've been showcasing different adhesives and some ideas on how you might use them in your projects. I think my favorite adhesives have to be the so-called "dry" adhesives. This means that the adhesives is not in a liquid or wet form. This usually includes glue dots, adhesive squares and tape dispensing style adhesive cartridges.

I love dry adhesives as they are very easy to apply, there is little mess and there is no drying time involved. For me the higher cost of dry adhesives is off-set by how well they work and how quickly things go together. All dry adhesives are not equal though. Some are much stickier than others and hold up better over time. After years of experimenting and trying different  kinds, I now have my favorites. I encourage you to do the same and see what works for you.

Since I first tried out the Glue Glider Pro, I've been hooked. Seriously...I don't think I've created a project in months without it. I love how much adhesive there is on a roll, how easy it is to switch out the cartridges, how easy it is on my wrist but most of all, how well it sticks. After all, an adhesive is only as good as its staying power.

 

For this project I used the Glue Glider Pro to adhere my paper and photos and some of the embellishments as well. Here's a look at the start of my project.

I started off with a 12x12 piece of white cardstock. This layout could easily be adapted for an 8x8 size or even an 8.5x11 layout. I want my layouts to last for years and years to pass down to my family so using an adhesive that is acid free and also will work well is important to me. The Glue Glide works great for this and doesn't ripple the photos. For this project I've adhered two 3.5" square photos and a piece of 6x6 paper by Webster's Pages.

 

Next I wanted to add a fun embellishment technique using adhesive glue strips. You can use slim or wide strips of adhesive for this but for this project, I chose the 1/4" size. Making sure to apply the adhesive in a straight line, I applied it to my paper and then pressed well.

 

After the backing is removed, sprinkle glitter over the surface and coat well. Shake to remove excess.

 

Repeat along bottom of layout. To get a perfectly straight line that is exactly on grid, I used the Basic Grey Precision Mat. I love this product for getting things lined up each and every time. The magnets are great for keeping the layout in place as well making it an ideal work surface. Repeat until you have the amount of  glitter strips you wish for on your project. For this layout, I've used the Martha Stewart Glitter in the Golden Beryl, Turquoise and Verdilite shades.

You can also use this technique to attach embossing powder, beads, flocking and other small items to your projects.

The Invisibles Alphabet Stickers are a fun product to work with. I love the pre-embossed pattern and they can be customized to any shade you wish by sponging on ink. I used Shabby Shutters, Worn Lipstick and Broken China Distress Inks to create my "always" title.

 

To create straight lines for my journaling, once again the Magnetic Mat comes in handy. The magnetic ruler that comes with it makes it easy to line up and draw parallel lines in pencil.

 

The journaling was written with a Copic Multiliner and then I erased the lines.

Glue Dots can also but used to add glitter accents to your project. You can add them one at a time or as for this project, add them in a line. To get the spacing and application in a perfect row, simply tear off the length of strip you need to cover and apply them to the paper. Press well before removing backing.

 

Here's what the glue dots look like and then you cover them with glitter.

 

Because this layout was about the passage of time, I added in some supporting embellishments. Maya Road Black and White Clocks and Days of the Week Cards by Webster's Pages are a fun addition. I've also added in some Jenni Bowlin Chipboard Buttons, and flowers for extra detail.

The pretty vintage button is also by Jenni Bowlin and accents the title. You may notice that while stamping is not the key focus on this design, I've tucked in some sweet sentiments and images from the Wedding Centers and Botanical Bliss stamp sets by Cornish Heritage Farms.

This has been part four of the Stuck on You series on adhesives. If you're looking for the previous tutorials you can find them at part one, part two and part three. While there are many ways to use adhesives and adhere layers to your designs, I hope this has given you a few ideas on different methods you can try.

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and happy creating!

Aprons galore by Kim Hughes

I returned not so long ago from the winter CHA show and found so many wonderful new food and kitchen products!  So I was inspired to create with my Karen Lockhart apron stamps!

Supplies:

Tinsel Glitter, 12 pk

Webster's Pages Petite Papers Paperpad, Postcards from Paris & Sweet as Cherry, Webster's Pages Fabric Fancies, Home for the Holidays & Winter's Wings

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

Quickie Glue Pen

Memory Box card - pink

Karen Lockhart: Apron, Apron, Vintage

COPIC Sketch Marker E00, Skin White

Kim Hughes, Baked with Love

Maya Road: Trinket Pins, Hearts, What's Cookin' Mini Chipboard Set

Basic Grey Opaline Half Pearls, Wine/Champagne

 

when I cut stamped images, I start by trimming close to the image.  This allows for my scissors to keep from getting hung up on loose paper.  I always start with an opening of an image, in this case, it's the top of the apron, but if I was cutting a letter "e" I would cut the center of the loop first.

 

I chose to dull down the images with a little Copic coloring around the shaded areas of each stamp.  This gives a subtle shadow.
 

I created a pocket in the apron by cutting along the opening and stamping once again onto scrap paper.  This will allow the back to show when the pocket is opened.  Otherwise, you would see where you are adhering your paper pieced image to.
 

Press chipboard shapes onto an Espresso ink pad and press with your fingers.  Or place scrap paper over top to avoid inky fingers.

 

this is what the back of the pocket looks like.
 

glitter the chipboard pieces and add to the apron pocket.  I chose to imk the chipboard first to give the glitter a richer color.  Leaving it grey would have lightened them
 

Create an apron bag by cuttin a curve off from each of the top edges.
 

adhere the straps with this pieces of cut paper.

 

add one of the apron images to the side to act as a tag.
 

and embellish the gift bag with a stamped sentiment.  I glittered the measuring cup chipboard piece the same way I did above and added Zots to the back side.  This is how I adhere the pin behind the cup

 

To create the coordinating card, I dulled down the card base with a Copic marker.
 

I embellished the card with a stamped sentiment, and a fabric accent piece stands as a design element.  Lastly, I added some sweet brown tone pearls to jazz it up!
 

You can fill the gift bag with home-made goodies, recipe cards or a small household gift.  Try this with larger bags as well.  Thanks for stopping by :)

Valentines Tag #4 - Sugary Love Tag by Lisa Strahl

What fun this little Love Themed Tag feature has been!  It's a joy to work with my friend Bek and to see how we can use the same supplies and come up with completely different projects.  Very cool methinks.

My tag today features the Valentines line by Basic Grey called Sugar Rush (the 6x6 inch paper pad), a stamp set that Becky designed when her and I worked for CHF called Domestic Love and LOTS of other extra goodies.  :)

I decided to work with the Clear Paintables, Frames 2 sheet from Prima.  The artwork for these paintable transparencies is absolutely gorgeous.

I trimmed the paintable to the size of my tag. 

Once again the red that I needed did not quite match the paint I had, so I mixed Dash of Red and Painterly Pink Studio Paint by Claudine Hellmuth.  I have said it before and need to say it again, this paint is a joy to work with.  It makes me look like I know what I am doing!  Next, turn the transparency over and paint the rose.

 

Paint the leaves with Landscape Green.

Fill in the frame with Pastel Raspberry Liquid Pearls and allow all of the these to dry and set. 

Stamp the man and woman with Jet Black Archival Ink on the back side of the paper called Pulled Taffy.  It stands as a one sided sheet in the Sugar Rush 6x6 paper pack.

Trim the image and secure it behind the transparency with 1/8 inch Scor-Tape.  

Trim the paper called Cinnamon Bear to match the tag, make sure that you adhere from the top of the tag toward the bottom as the tag is longer than 6 inches.  We will cover that open portion later. 

 

Apply more double-sided tape to the bottom edge of the tag to secure the transparency.

Apply the 1/2 inch double sided tape to the bottom edge of the tag over the transparency. 

Apply the green crochet trim from the Webster's Pages Classic Trim Collection. 

...and then the pink trim from the same package. 

I couldn't help but add one of these heart shaped pearls as an earring. 

Punch a crown from the reverse side of the paper called Fireball (again, this is a single sided sheet in the 6x6 Sugar Rush paper pad.)

 

Add single jewels to each of the spikes on the crown.

 

And a row of jewels to the pink trim.

Cut the word "amour" from the Fireball paper and adhere with double sided tape as shown.

I created my own jewel flourishes to suit my project from a regular package of jewels where the lines are straight.  I also added a Sugar Rush Stitched Brad in the center of the rose. 

I hope you get to do something romantic with that special someone in your life this Valentines Day.  I must tell you that my hubby purposely does NOT give me anything on the 14th.  Wait, wait!  Don't get upset just yet...he always surprises me at least a week early.  The card usually says something like, "I don't need a special holiday to tell you how much you mean to me".   Awwww.  And every year I am surprised!

I am so excited that I get to see Bek and Ellen on Saturday, as we all meet in Anaheim at CHA Winter.  Can't wait!  Thanks for sharing these few days with us CLASSroomies!

Bee Mine ATC by Sharon Harnist

 

I have some more ATC (Artist Trading Card) tips for you today.

1. Use a die to give your ATC some shape.  Here, I used Labels Seven Nestabilities to cut patterned paper for my base.  The second to largest die in this set is exactly 2.50" x 3.50".

2. Don't be afraid to use all the same elements on an ATC as you do larger cards.  Here, I've used a button, gemstones, cut-outs, Copic marker, glitter glue, lace ribbon and staples!

TIP FOR ANY PROJECT: Use solid colors of the patterned paper collection you are working with to stamp your images.  Then you'll be assured the stamped pieces will coordinate well with the rest of your project.

 

3. To give cut-outs or die cuts more depth, ink the cut edges.  Here, I used dark brown Brushed Corduroy Distress ink, to help the cut-outs blend in with the paper pattern.  Copic W1 was used to give the "B" some shadow and more depth.

I used Copic markers YR31 & E55 to color the bee and then glittered her wings and popped her up on foam tape.

   

4. Keep the scale of your embellishments smaller on your ATCs than on larger projects.  Here, I used tiny gemstones and a smaller button.

5. Tim Holtz's Tiny Attacher stapler is a perfect size for ATCs and a great solution to attach an open patterned lace, when any kind of glue or tape would show.  Here, I used a staple on each end of the lace to attach it to the ATC.

I hope you all are enjoying trying out ATCs ... thanks so much for visiting today!  ~ Sharon

 
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms The Rummage Bin-Sweet Bee Uncut or Precut
Paper: Webster's Pages Petite Papers-Postcards From Paris & Sweet as Cherry Pie 6x6
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink-Brushed Corduroy, Adirondack Dye Ink-Cranberry & Espresso. Copic markers- YR31, E55 & W1.
Accessories:  Spellbinders Labels Seven Nestabilities dies, Prima Ribbon Lace-Saucy, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Acrylic Block, Clear Crystal Gemstones, Martha Stewart Baker's Twine-Red, Button, Star Dust Stickles

Soldered Necklace II by Debbie Olson

 

A couple of weeks ago I shared a necklace made from a Soldered Necklace Kit; today I have the second necklace that I made with that kit, along with some stepped out pictures for using the beading pliers to create charms. If you would like to see larger pictures, click on the pictures.

 

From some Webster's Pages Petite Pages (Magical Wishes and a Sweet Life Combo Pack), I chose a couple of areas that I wanted to use as focal images, marked around them, and cut out inside my line.

 

After trimming the papers, sandwiching them between cleaned layers of glass, and wrapping them with regular 5/16" Copper foil tape, this is what they looked like. They are now ready to be soldered. 

 

This is my basic soldering set-up. I have a heat proof mat underneath this quarry tile on my counter top, so I probably don't need the tile. But being cautious, and having waited a long time to get a studio, I think you understand! I generally use clamps, with that rounded brad head being turned up for stability, to hold my small pieces still. Be sure that you clam on the edge of the copper foil tape and NOT farther in on the glass. 

 

Here is that same piece after being soldered on both sides. I have not cleaned the glass yet since I have to add jump rings. Again, note that the clamp needs to be on the soldered edge and not on the glass. (I have cracked glass at this stage by not having my clamp positioned on the soldered edge--it's an easy problem to avoid!)

 

Here I have attached one jump ring and am ready to attach the second. Note that the opening for the jump ring is on the edge that will be covered with solder. If you have a problem holding the jump ring steady with hemostat pliers, a jeweler's helper will come in handy. 

 

When the jump ring is soldered on, the seam is covered with solder. If you happen to get the jump ring off center, just heat the solder, remove the ring, and try again. 

 

Next I want to show you how to create a loop on a head pin using the concave pliers. The pins and beads, except for the tiny seed bead that was from my bead stash, came with the necklace kit. You need to be able to create a loop to dangle the beads, however. The concave pliers are one of my favorite tools because they make loop construction so simple.

 

Here I've started my loop. You control the size of the loop by scooting the wire up or down your pliers. I want a small loop, so I am working near the end of the pliers. 

 

You can see that my loop is almost complete. Before I can finish it, however, I need to stop bending and cut the end off.

 

I use wire cutters to cut off the excess wire. 

 

Voila! A finished charm.

 

Here are my five charms, along with a picture of what I started with to construct them and the tools that I used. Again, all beads and pins are included in the necklace kit except for the tiny white seed beads.

 

In this picture, I am adding the longest charm. I am getting ready to solder the jump ring shut. Remember that you need to use a bit of flux on the area that you intend to solder in order to get the solder to stick. 

 

The bead charms really do add to the look of the necklace, and they are pretty simple to create once you get the hang of using the concave pliers. Try it! Thank you for visiting the CLASSroom today. 

Tag 3 - Botanical Merry Christmas By Lisa Strahl

Well, Ms. Becky certainly rocked the house yesterday didn't she?  :^)  Go Bek!

Today's tag is definately a non-traditional Christmas Tag.  Let's begin trimming a Webster's Pages Vellum Journaling Card with detail scissors. It's always good to leave a small amount white space around the edge of the image rather than trimming right next to the line.

 

This white paper may not look like much but it's an amazing product line by Heidi Swapp called "Invisibles".  Basically they are 12 x12 pre-embossed pages with absolutely gorgeous designs.  They allow you to apply resist techniques, but you get to skip the heat embossing step.  The pattern is very visible in real life but hard to discern in the photo.  Let's add some ink so you can see what I am talking about.  This piece is from the Classic Vintage Page.

 

Using Cut 'n Dry Foam, I sponged Shabby Shutters Distress Ink onto the Invisible.  Please see the Tag 1 post for more information about adding ink to a project with Cut 'N Dry Foam.

 

Add Antique Linen Distress Ink in the same fashion.  I used the images on the sheet to determine where to add color.

 

The last color added was Brushed Corduroy.  It is the most "red" brown of the 5 Distress browns, but still didn't quite match the color in the vellum overlay I wanted to use, so I added a little Aged Mahogany Distress Ink over the Brushed Corduroy until I achieved the desired color. 

 

Stamp the Reindeer (Mini Holidays stamp set by Tim Holtz) with a permanent ink such as Archival or StazOn.

 

Now you might find this next step interesting.  How shall we attach the vellum to the tag?  There are vellum tape runners or you can use brads or eyelets, but I chose to paint so that the vellum basically became part of the tag.  Simply paint a relatively large portion of the back side of the vellum with Blank Canvas Studio Paint and press to the tag.  I really wanted this beautiful flower to "pop" so I painted that portion to secure the vellum.  You will need to smooth it a little as it sets and dries.  Claudine's Paint Brush Set is an amazing value with all of the different sizes and cuts of brushes.

Once this portion was smooth and dry, there were a few areas around the edge I wanted to be a little more secure, so I just added some Glossy Accents and pressed the seam flat.

 

Trim around the tag with Tonic Non-Stick Scissors.  These work great to cut through any of the extra glue that has seeped out around the edges. 

 

Add Rock Candy Distress Sticklesto some of the ornamental areas.  This product literally dries like sugar on your project, giving it a fascinating texture.

 

Stamp the Reindeer image again on a clean tag and cut out, minus the antlers.

 

Those non-stick scissors came in handy again when I needed to cut my foam tape to fit my deer.

 

Apply Vintage Photo Distress Stickles to the antlers.  If you apply more than you wanted, just use a piercing tool or the tip of your scissors to redirect the glitter glue or even to remove some of it. 

 

Sand a piece of Translucent Lucky Squirell Shrink Film in both directions, but make sure you don't do it on the craft sheet, it will damage it!  I used the Sanding Grip, but Lucky Squirell actually makes great sanding blocks with a very fine grain, for this very purpose.

 

Stamp the Merry Christmas from the Santa's Wish stamp set with a permanent brown ink (I know this looks red, but trust me, it's brown) and gently heat set to dry the ink with the Ranger Craft tool.  Make sure you don't heat it too much or it will start to shrink.  Cut around the the sentiment and shrink based on the manufacturer's instructions.

 

 

When I was pulling the ribbons I wanted to use for this tag together, I realized that I really needed a red/brown and didn't have anything quite right.  Copic Markers to the rescue!  Use the chisel tip to color this 1/4 inch white silk ribbon and allow to dry.  I used Leather Copic as you can see.

 

Being the piercing junkie that I am, I did some decorating around the leaves.

 

There are a few extra details that I added near the end of the project, but forgot to snap photos!  I got so carried away in my creative head, please let me describe them for you...

-Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink was sponge around the entire edge of the tag with Cut 'n Dry Foam

-the Celery 1 1/4 inch Silk, White 1/4 inchand my Copic colored ribbons were wrapped around the bronze Sprocket Gear and tied with some Martha Stewart Baker's Twine

-Nikki Lace Trim was secured to the bottom of the tag with the Tiny Attacher Stapler

-Design Ruler used to pierce a line of holes down the right side of the tag

-Glossy Accents applied to the "shrunk" sentiment

Thank you so much for visiting us again today and happy 12 tags of Christmas to you!

Glittery Bird Holiday by Sharon Harnist

A very happy Thanksgiving Day to our US friends!  Since today officially begins the holiday season, I thought I would share a very elegant but quick and easy-to-recreate holiday decoration!  It seems glitter is a hot trend right now and thank goodness Martha Stewart makes it super easy with her assortment packs of glitter, to have just the right color on hand for whatever project you'd like to add it!

 
This is a 6-inch square door hanger or wall hanging ... I think this one will find a place in my guest powder room this holiday season!  Webster's gorgeous Petite Papers and designer trim make a very easy job of pulling together a project nicely.  Their rich, eclectic collage papers are a style I love!

I just adhered the paper onto a 6-inch piece of Craft-A-Board and then adhered this beautiful burgundy pleated Webster's trim to the back, looping it at the top to create a hanger.  The edges of the paper were sponged with Antique Linen Distress ink.  The bird was die cut from Neenah Classic Cream cardstock and then run through my Xyron machine, so it would hold onto all that lovely Cinnabar Martha Stewart glitter! 

 
Glitter Birdie was popped up on foam tape and the sentiment stamped, cut into a banner shape and tucked underneath the bird's beak (it is also on foam tape). Tied buttons finish it off and there you have a quick holiday decoration for yourself or gift for someone else!

We hope you enjoy the holiday today with your family and we thank you for taking the time to visit us!   
Stamps: CHF-Mona Lisa Moments Vintage Christmas Expressions
Paper: Webster's Pages Petite Papers-Home/Holidays & Winter's Wings, Neenah Classic Cream 
Ink: Ranger Adirondack Cranberry dye ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories: Craft-A-Board, Spellbinders Nested Bird die set, Martha Stewart Essential Colors Glitter Set (Cinnabar), buttons 

Thankful Tag Book by Sharon Harnist

It is certainly the season to be thankful so just in time for the holiday, I created this thankful tag book.  The idea is that while your family is gathered for the holiday, each person writes down what they are thankful for.  It becomes a wonderfully treasured album to look back through each year!

The pages on the inside of the album are made from Tag Envelopes (one for each year) and each envelope contains tags for each member of the family to write on (you can click on any photo, for a larger view).

To start, I inked the Tag Envelope with Broken China Distress ink on the areas the patterned paper wouldn't cover (since the Webster's Petite Paper is 6" and the Tag Envelope is 6.50", not including the flap):

Then I lined the inside of the envelope flap and covered the outside of the envelope with patterned paper (Webster's Postcards/Cherry Pie Petite Papers).  Here are each of the tags I created for my family:

Basic instructions will follow; these are the inks I used on each tag:

Tag 1 (Gary) - Broken China, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Espresso (Lined Paper), Stream (dandelion)
Tag 2 (Alix) - Worn Lipstick, Dusty Concord, Fired Brick, Watermelon (Writer's Block), Purple Twilight (flowers)

Inks:
Tag 3 (Sharon) - Tattered Rose, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Espresso (Lined Paper), Cranberry (flowers)
Tag 4 (Alyssa) - Scattered Straw, Dried Marigold, Brushed Corduroy (on tag edges & Writer's Block), Terra Cotta (flower)

The basic steps for each tag are:

Step 1 - Using first ink, add color on about half the tag (in whatever pattern you'd like), using Ink Blending Tool.

Step 2 - Add next ink to the remaining uninked area.


Step 3 - Add darkest color to edges of tag.

Step 4 - Stamp journaling lines (I used Writer's Block and Lined Paper backgrounders) onto tag with Adirondack dye ink.
Step 5 - Stamp flowers (I used Kim Hughes Silhouette Blooms I & II) in a contrasting color, using dye ink.
Step 6 - Add name and year with label maker.
Step 7 - Tie ribbon through tag hole (Webster's Classic Trim and Holiday/Winter Trim).

I used the back side of each tag, too, so we'll just have two tags in each year's envelope (which will keep the book not quite as thick).  But you could make separate tags for each person, if you think they'll have a lot to write! 

For my cover, I used Craft-A-Board and cut it to mimic the tag envelope shape.  It ended up measuring approximately 8.25" long and 4" tall.  I covered it in more Webster's Petite Papers (Magical Wishes/Sweet Life) and stamped Kim Hughes' "thankful hearts" (from Fall Silhouettes) in the center of the cover (with Cranberry Adirondack dye ink).  Then I cut out the bird from another piece of this paper pad and added it with foam tape to the center circle. 

More of Webster's wonderful trim (brown lace from the Classic trim package) finishes off the cover.  Then I bound it with my Bind-It-All, using 1/2" Antique Brass wire.  I know we will enjoy looking back through this book each year and reading what each person was thankful for.  Having two young children, this will no doubt prove a bit hilarious at times!  But wonderful to see it in their own handwriting.  We can also tuck some photos of the day inside the envelope, too.

If you happen to not celebrate Thanksgiving, you could always make this book and use it year round -- maybe having an envelope for each month and writing what you were thankful for that month.

We are thankful for YOU coming to visit us today (and every other day of the year!) and hope you are enjoying the store's anniversary celebration this week before enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday with your families next week.  Take care!

 
Stamps: CHF Backgrounders Writer's Block & Lined Paper. Kim Hughes Silhouette Blooms I & II, Fall Silhouettes
Paper: Large Manilla Tag #8, Webster's Petite Pages-Postcards/Cherry Pie & Magical Wishes/Sweet Life
Ink: Ranger Distress Inks: Scattered Straw, Dried Marigold, Brushed Corduroy, Broken China, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Tattered Rose, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Worn Lipstick, Dusty Concord. Adirondack dye inks: Terra Cotta, Espresso, Stream, Cranberry, Watermelon, Purple Twilight 
Accessories: Craft-A-Board, Ranger Ink Blending Tool, Tag Envelopes, Webster's Classic Trim and Holiday/Winter Trim, Bind-It-All, Bind-It-All 1/2" Antique Brass Owire