Category: Backgrounds

Sprays: Ink, Oxide, Resist

2/24/2019

Last week for Demo, we learned about the world of SPRAYS!!!

Most of us are familiar with the Ink Sprays. Here at the store, we also carry the Distress Resist Spray and the NEW Distress Oxide Sprays. Did you know you can also create your own sprays?!

Check out some of these great ideas!!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Sprays, traditionally most ink sprays are a dye-based ink. The ink in a spray is meant to allow large coverage of a surface with minimal effort..

Here, I stamped and heat-embossed a stamp from Impression Obsession that says, "7 billion smiles and yours is my favorite" in clear ink and clear embossing powder. When I heat-set the image and spritz Ink Spray onto the paper, the stamped image acts like a resist and the words magically appear!

If you have a home die-cut machine, you can use Spray Inks on your Embossing Folders!!

Here, I used the Flourish embossing folder from Sizzix. If you spray ink down and just PRESS a piece of paper onto the design, you will transfer the design! (like a mono-print)

Or, you can spray ink on your Embossing Folder and then put a piece of paper in the folder and run it through your home die-cut machine! When you do this, the ink transfers AND the texture of the embossing folder transfers too!!

** Make sure when you run your embossing folder in your home die-cut machine that you cover your embossing folder with a piece of paper towel. This will help keep ink off of your die-cut machine!!**

*Always wash/rinse your embossing folder AS SOON as you are done so that the ink doesn't stain your folder!*

Another idea is to cut out a die-cut image (like this Butterfly from Hero Arts) and lay it on a piece of card stock, then spritz the ink and remove the die-cut... a great way to create your own "stencil" or "mask" !!

You can even die-cut a larger image and THEN spray ink on an Embossing Folder and THEN pur your die-cut in the folder!!

The stark-white paper now looks mottled and interesting!!

I LOVE this next idea using the Distress Resist Spray!

Resist spray is basically a spray-resin. MAKE SURE YOUR NOZZLE IS CLEAN before starting!! AND make sure you spray inside a box... because wherever the spray gets will dry and is impossible to clean up!!

To make this AMAZING galaxy background:

Use a piece of white card stock
Die-cut a starry background using your home die-cut machine and the die-cut from Sizzix, Snowy Stars
IN A BOX, lay down your paper and spritz some of the Distress Resist Spray. Use a heat-gun to heat-set it.
Now, use your Spray Inks and coat the paper in color!!
Mount the design on a piece of white card stock to bring out the stars!!

Isn't this effect WONDERFUL?!!? I LOVE how it looks like nebulas! And texture is WONDERFUL!

Ok, now THE FUN STUFF!!

NEW Distress Oxide Sprays!!

Oxide inks are WONDERFUL because they show up on dark papers AND light papers!! Just look how fantastic this effect is when you use a stencil!!

The Oxide ink sprays are great because you can spray them are darker patterned papers.. like here we took a dotted paper and then added some Oxide Spray Inks to make a more Galaxy-themed appearance!

You can even create your OWN INKS!!!

Here, I took a tiny dab of Bleed Proof White ink and mixed it in a Ranger Mini-Mister and used the new Wave Stencil from The Crafter's Workshop..

I love how soft the Bleed Proof White spray is!!! I recommend mixing some spray, and to make it more vibrant you can add a little more ink.

You can even use your spray on Suede Paper!!

You can also put some fresh bleach into a Ranger Mini-Mister and use that!!

Bleach REMOVES COLOR from paper... and every paper reacts differently to bleach! Some papers DON'T REACT to bleach.. so recommend doing a test piece of paper first by swiping some bleach on with your finger or synthetic paint brush.. the bleach takes about 3 minutes to create the FULL EFFECT so don't be surprised if you test a piece of paper and nothing happens right away!!

Many of you have probably used your spray inks for "Shaving Cream Marbling" ...Did you know you can create that same effect on BLACK PAPER using the new Distress Oxide Sprays?!!?

There are SO MANY THINGS you can do with sprays.. .we would love to show you these ideas in person!!

Stop by to see us 7 days a week to get inspired!!

Give us a call if you have any questions
360-647-9663

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Tuesday with Wendy, February 19th

2/22/2019

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What a FUN WEEK at card making class!!!

We really enjoyed having the students join us this week... and the ideas were just FLYING!!!

Check out the cards Wendy created:

The first card that Wendy designed was inspired from this Hero Arts stamp/die set, New Day Butterflies and this Stencil from Tim Holtz, Honeycomb

To make the card:

Start by taking a piece of dark blue paper. Use the new Distress Oxide Ink Spray, Wilted Violet. USE A BOX for spraying your ink in so it doesn't get ink everywhere!! On your piece of dark blue paper, lay down the Honeycomb stencil and hold it in place with one hand. With your other hand, spritz 1 OR 2 sprays of Oxide Spray Ink over the stencil. YOU DON'T NEED A LOT of ink!! When you remove the stencil you will see the image has transferred in a very soft pattern
Then, stamp the flower images (from the butterfly stamp set) onto the honeycomb stenciled image we just created. The flowers are stamped with the Versafine Clair Medieval Blue ink
Then, take a little bit of Bleed Proof White ink (a SMALL AMOUNT like 1/8 t. amount) in a little dish and apply a spritz of water and use an old tooth brush to pick up some color. Point the bristles of the tooth brush towards the paper (the honeycomb-stenciled paper) and lightly spread the bristles. You should see some specks of white transfer to the sheet of paper in a light splatter effect.
Next, stamp your Butterfly Images onto lavender card stock ALSO using Versafine Clair Medieval Blue ink. Use Tombow Markers to color your butterflies! *The Versafine Clair Ink does not bleed when you color with markers*
Use the Butterfly die-cuts to line up the images and use Washi Tape to hold the die-cuts in place. Run the die-cuts through your home die-cut machine
Now put your card together. The card base is a bright yellow card stock. On the front of the card, the honeycomb-stenciled paper we created will be on the left and a piece of decorative paper will be on the right side. Wendy used a narrow piece of purple ribbon to separate the 2 papers.
Then, Wendy glued down the CENTERS of each butterfly and then curled, bent, and raised the wings of each butterfly to give the idea of the butterflies about to take off!

I LOVE how this card turned out!! The tones match the patterned paper from the right side of the card PERFECTLY!! What a fun idea!!

The next card that Wendy created for card making class was ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!

The card was inpsired from the Ocean Waves, Bold Prints image from Hero Arts as well as this die-cut message, Thanks also from Hero Arts

To make the card:

Start out by taking a piece of Solar White card stock and apply a rainbow-ombre across the sheet of paper using the LARGE Picket Fence Blending Brushes (The ULTRA SOFT ONES!!). Wendy used some fun colors of Distress Inks to create the rainbow... Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Broken China, Wilted Violet, and Festive Berries

Once you have laid down a nice rainbow ombre on your card stock, stamp the Ocean Waves image onto the rainbow background using Versafine Onyx ink
Finally, cut out the sentiment in black card stock AND light weight Stardream Lagoon paper AT THE SAME TIME. Use the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the sentiment on the front of your card creating a shadow effect with the Stardream paper behind the sentiment

I LOVE THIS CARD!!! It is so beautiful and I LOVE the movement!!!

Check out some of these other ideas... Some of the gals had the idea of stamping the background a second time in the OPPOSITE direction... what a fun effect that created!!

Other gals decided to leave out the background stamp and just create a fun focal point with the Distress Inks and Picket Fence Blending Brushes!! SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!

The last card that Wendy designed was inspired by the NEW Heron from Whimsy Stamps!!

*We just started carrying this new company and we are SO IN LOVE with their designs!*

To make the card:

Start out by stamping the image using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink and your Tim Holtz Stamp Platform onto ivory card stock
Use Distress Inks and the SMALL Picket Fence Blending Brushes to color your image. The brushes are small enough and pick up *just enough color* of ink from the Distress Ink Pads to make it look like a watercolor effect! Take your time picking up different colors and shades to create the look you are after

Once you have colored your Heron image, fussy-cut around the image to bring out different parts of the image (like the trees along the top or the lily pads on the right side of the heron)
Use a piece of Handmade Paper that has a marbled image on it. Cut a small piece for the top of your card.. this is meant to give movement to the card.
Your card base is a piece of dark grey card stock. The layering piece is a piece of dark purple card stock. On this layer, at the top, adhere the small piece of marbled paper. After you adhere the marbled paper, adhere the Heron image to the purple card stock at the bottom. USE A POP DOT behind the heron and tress to give the card some dimension. Mount the purple piece of card stock to the front of your card base.

This is a BEAUTIFUL card!! Great for men's cards or for ANY occasion!!

Check out some of these other cards the gals made in class... I love how everyone cut out their Heron Image a little differently than the next!!

Card class was LOTS of fun this week!! We would love for you to join us at NEXT CLASS!!

It will be offered on March 5th. Give us a call to sign up!! 360-647-9663

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Life Changing Blending Brushes

1/11/2019

This week for Demo, we learned all about the AMAZING new Picket Fence Life Changing Blending Brushes!!

Picket Fence Blending Brushes are for blending your Dye-based or Pigment-based inks. The bristles are SUPER SOFT and are made from synthetic, plastic fibers. DO NOT GET THESE NEAR YOUR HEAT GUN!!! (otherwise those super soft bristles will melt!!)

There is SO MUCH you can do with these brushes!! There is a nice video up that really helps show how these brushes work.. and if you haven't played with the brushes yet, I highly recommend watching it!!

Now, at first glance the brushes look like foam... but they are actually brushes with SUPER DENSE bristles so you can really blend those colors together!!

Did I mention yet that these brushes are HEAVENLY SOFT?!!? Because they are. I mean it feels like FUR!!

Right off the bat, we talked about blending with Distress Inks. I LOVE Distress Inks because you get the BEAUTIFUL gradation of color!!

Here, we blended from Olive tones to Yellow tones using one of the brushes from the LARGE SET... just look how beautiful that blend is!!

Look how easy it is to cover a piece of paper!! Here we just used a few colors to show how a sunset background might be created...

Here is another fun way to use your brushes!

Just stamp an image with Versamark ink and heat emboss with detail white embossing powder.

Then brush your inks over the top to reveal the image you stamped!! In the sample below, see how we stamped and embossed the image "Yes, but no, but yes" from Impression Obsession. Then, we used 4 colors of Distress Inks to go over the image

In the Small Set, there are these skinny blending brushes... which I love to use for creating shadows!!

We used the Distress Ink, Weathered Wood as the background color and used the 2 sizes of skinny blending brushes to add in the Distress Inks Stormy Sky and Chipped Sapphire around the banner image below... just look how you can really get in the corners of the image!!

You can also blend with your pigment inks!! Here, I used the new Versafine Clair Inks to show how EASY it is to blend them together!!!

First, we stamped and embossed an image with detail black embossing powder.
Then, we brushed in some inks.. starting with the Versafine Clair Warm Breeze, then Twilight, and finally Nocturne at the top.
Next, we took a little bit of Brush Kleener on the end of a blending brush and buffed-out a Moon!!
We "flicked" a little bit of Brush Kleener across the image to look like a night sky.
Finally, we took the Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Pen and made the Moon look iridescent!!

Isn't this SO COOL?!?!

Now, traditionally, once the Versafine Clair inks are dry, they are waterproof. But one of our customers at Demo suggested using Stamp Cleaner (Brush Kleener) to remove some ink and IT WORKED!!!

I love the effect... Thanks for the idea Joanne!!

You can also use die-cuts as a mask for creating interesting scenes and backgrounds on a piece of card stock.. here we cut out the Fresh Pine Forest Landscape die-cut from Memory Box and used it as a mask. Then we used the Blending Brushes to apply inks over the top.

You can even use the reverse image as a mask!! Great for creating rows of trees!!

When using the Blending Brushes, I found using a paper that has a coating on it is the BEST because you have more work-time with the inks! Below, I used a Rainbow Ink Pad (Kaleidacolor ink pad) to blend inks across the surface. The inks blend and move BEAUTIFULLY on both Kromkote and Stardream papers

On the Kromokote paper, the inks float on the surface just long enough to blend the inks across the full sheet of paper... and then the inks dry immediately and remain just as vibrant as when you blended them!!

Here, we showed the EXACT same technique on Ice Gold Stardream paper.. and as you can see the colors are more pastel because the ink FALLS BELOW THE METALLIC FINISH of the paper. Because of this metallic coating, the inks stay wet long enough for you to blend them.. and the results are WONDERFUL

A SUPER FAST way to use your Blending Brushes is to apply Pearl-Ex Powders.

Start by first stamping an image with Versamark Ink (clear ink) and then use the Blending Brushes to brush on a SMALL amount of Pearl-Ex powders and become AMAZED as the stamped image appears before your eyes!!

There are SO MANY THINGS you can do with these Life Changing Blending Brushes...

The Blending Brushes come in 2 sets.. Large Set and the Small Set.

If you would like to order your very own set, give us a call today!!

360-647-9663

Tim Holtz Alcohol Lift Ink

9/7/2018

So many of us have been LOVING this new Alcohol Lift Ink and it is easy to see why... you can create SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS!!!

First off, if you are not familiar with Alcohol Inks OR the Tim Holtz Alcohol Lift Ink, I HIGHLY suggest taking a moment to watch the video below...

At the beginning, Tim Holtz walks through STEP-BY-STEP how to use the Alcohol Inks... at minute 26:00, he really starts to play with the new Lift Ink.. and he does such a great job explaining how to use this product.

Now that you know HOW the Lift Ink works... we can show you what we did at Demo this week!!!

Monique was the demonstrator this week and she showed us how to play with this new Alcohol Lift Ink.. and it is JUST SO FUN you may want to play with it too!!!

First, create an Alcohol Ink background design on YUPO paper, Acetate, Vellum, or Matte Dura-Lar (you can use other surfaces too.. it just needs to me NON-POROUS.. such as a tile or glass or plastic.. )
Use an image, ANY stamp image, and make sure it is VERY CLEAN (if needed, use Stamp Cleaner to clean your stamps).
Then, ink up your stamp with the Alcohol Lift Ink, and stamp it onto an Alcohol Ink background
Dab the area where you have just stamped with a CLEAN PAPER TOWEL so the Lift Ink does not spread to other parts of the image. Dab it until the majority of the ink has come up
Use a CLEAN PAPER TOWEL to buff out the image and watch *magically* as the image appears as a "ghost" in your Alcohol Ink background!!!

Using that same idea.. you can also stamp on pieces of glass!! Here, Monique stamped a butterfly image on the glass and it LIFTED THE ALCOHOL INK up and then she STAMPED THE BUTTERFLY on the envelope!!!

WOW!!! What an incredible effect... how can you not fall in love?!?

The "ghost" effect is ESPECIALLY COOL on the Matte Dura-Lar or Vellum!!!

Because of the slight translucency of the paper... the "ghost" image is just STUNNING

You can also use the Alcohol Lift Pad with your stencils!!

*The Reinker* is recommended if you use the stencils so that your Tim Holtz Blending Sponges can hold Alcohol Lift Ink and pick up colors WITHOUT STAINING the pad!!

The stencil effect is just SO BEAUTIFUL.. and it's a great way to use any stencils you may have laying around!!

Monique also used the Alcohol Lift Ink on an Alcohol Ink background and LIFTED and STAMPED this image from Penny Black, Gentle Whispers... WOW!!!

When we put the card together, we used a small piece of the Stencil background (from above) and you can really see how the image pops!!

There is SO MUCH MORE you can do with Alcohol Inks, Blending Sponges, and the Alcohol Lift Ink.. stop by to get inspired!!!

And, if you would like to get a HANDS ON EXPERIENCE with Alcohol Inks and the new Lift Ink, we are offering a class!!!

If you would like to sign up for the Alcohol Ink class with Wendy, it will be offered on Saturday, September 29th. Please call us to register for the class!!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, April 24th

4/27/2018

Check out the 3 WONDERFUL cards from class this week!!

For the first card, Wendy used:

-Crab from Impression Obsession
-Coral Fancy Die from Hero Arts
-3 Colors of Distress Ink: Chipped Sapphire, Blueprint Sketch, and Mermaid Lagoon
-5 Colors of Delicata Ink: Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Champagne, Celestial Copper

To make this card:

Stamp out the Crab onto Solar White card stock and color it in using a coral-colored Faber Castell Marker
Create a mask of the crab (to do this, stamp out the crab onto a separate piece of paper, fussy cut it, and overlay it on top of the crab you just stamped out.. it should match up and perfectly cover the stamped image).
Lay the mask on top of the crab, holding it in place, and use the 3 colors of Distress Inks to swipe across the rest of the paper until you have transferred enough ink to create an interesting blue background

Then, die-cut the Coral using black card stock
Wendy used the new Delicata inks to lightly colorize the coral/seaweed by just lightly rubbing the ink pad onto the die-cut shapes
Accent the card with a little bit of Gold Mesh Ribbon and glue down the coral/seaweed using the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

I just LOVE this card!!!!

What a fun technique using the new Delicata metallic inks!!

This next card was made using:

Tonic- Layering Circles
Penny Black- So Many Thanks

To make the card:

Wendy used one of the new papers from the Graphic 45 line, Floral Shoppe
Wendy explained that you can run the dies at the same time through the die-cut machine by laying the sentiment INSIDE one of the circles. She cut the shapes out of the floral paper mentioned above.
Then, Wendy mounted the die-cuts onto purple paper, added a bit of 2-tone purple ribbon, and mounted the entire thing onto a light pink card base

As you can see below, the circle is cut out of the floral paper and the sentiment is cut out of the floral paper but the purple background peeks through!!

The last card that Wendy designed was SO STUNNING!!

She used:

-5 Delicata Inks: Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Champagne, Celestial Copper
-Tree Stamp from Fred B. Mullett

To make the card:

Take a piece of black card stock and swipe each of the Delicata inks across the paper
Stamp the trees in Onyx Black Versafine ink
Use Detail Clear Embossing powder and heat-set it
Layer the image with Antique Gold paper and mount onto Burgundy card stock

This card is SO EASY to make and has a STUNNING appearance!! What a FUN IDEA!!!!

To sign up for the next Tuesday with Wendy class, give us a call here at the store!! 360-647-9663

The next card making class will be offered on Tuesday, May 8th

Magnetic Cards

3/20/2018

Last week at Demo, Bekah showed us all how to make Magnetic Cards!

Check out these fantastic ideas!!

Bekah used the magnetic sheets that come in the Tonic Storage Binder REFILL folders. She was very impressed with the strength of the magnetic sheet that they provide in the package.

Bekah says that the magnetic sheets can even be cut in a standard DIE-CUT MACHINE!!

she put a sheet of magnet in between her card base and the front of the card...

Then Bekah cut out these adorable images from some of our new paper, Sun Kissed by Graphic 45!! There is a piece of magnet on the back of each image which makes it easy to move the little shapes on and off the card!

This makes for a GREAT car activity for the kids!!

I love how you can arrange the images in whatever way you'd like!! What a sweet idea..

With the second card, Bekah used the Crazy Birds stamp set and matching die-cut set...

...and used the magnetic sheet on the backside of each image..

SO YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH!!!

The best way to make all the shapes magnetic is to attach the paper to the magnet sheet FIRST and THEN cut out the shapes using scissors or a home die-cut machine. That way each image is a FULL magnet!

The magnet sheet is behind the background that Bekah created using the Nuvo Blending Sponges and Distress Ink.

All the magnet pieces stick together fantastically!! I also love how she stamped the images on sticker paper with the idea that the person receiving the card can color in the images themselves!!

If you would like to order some of these WONDERFUL magnetic sheets, give us a call!!

360-647-9663

A look into Gel Plates

3/9/2018

Last weekend, Wendy taught a class on Gel Plate Explorations... and it was so much fun seeing these students at work!!!

We had a lot of beginners, but we also had some old students return to take the class AGAIN!

Wendy prefers to use Pebeo Acrylic Paints for doing any Gel Plate work!

Here, students printed similar images on white AND black papers!!

What a neat effect!!

These were really fun to see come together...

Keep an eye out for future Gel Plate classes taught by Wendy!!

Collage Papers, Demo Part:1

3/6/2018

Last week at Demo, Wendy showed us how to make papers for Paper Collage art!!

Now, this is a 2 part Demo. The first Demo, Wendy created the papers!!

Check out HOW AMAZING these papers are!!!

To make this paper, Wendy used Light Molding Paste, Embossing Powder, and the Spider Web Spray paint!!
I LOVE this paper!! The layers of texture are just STUNNING!!

These next few papers where made using similar techniques..

I love how Wendy used a combination of mediums to create these papers.. many of them are beautifully textured and the pop of metallic is JUST WONDERFUL!!

This paper is made using Spray Inks on Handmade Paper... These tones of purples and blues are GORGEOUS!!

These are some more of the papers Wendy will be using to make a piece of Collage Art..

The white splatter that you see above is the Bleed Proof White (this is our FAVORITE white ink to do art with... ask us about it we would LOVE to show you!!)

Join us for Demo TOMORROW to see Part 2 of how Wendy will use these papers to create a work of art!

Demo is free to attend and is offered EVERY Wednesday from Noon to 1pm. We can't wait to see you for all the fun!!

360-647-9663

Recycled Cardboard, Demo

3/2/2018

We offer FREE DEMO on Wednesdays!! A couple weeks ago, we had Helen Campbell come out and teach us all about making things with Recycled Cardboard!!

Right off the bat, I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!

If you are like many of us, you may have a bit of twine or ribbon that you just have a *little bit* left.. certainly not enough to fill an entire spool...

Take a piece of cardboard or chipboard, cut it into a cute shape and TA-DA!! .. an adorable way to spool some twine!!

You may have seen this idea before.. but it is just so darn cute I HAVE TO SHARE!!

Corrugated Cardboard is a great way to add texture!!

Helen just cut out some simple shapes, used some buttons as eyes.... and with a bit of effort.. made a cute Owl!!

*great as a Christmas Ornament or as a quick gift!!

I also love how she used a "cut-out" here on these next pieces...

To do that she just cut-out the front bit to make a quick "reveal" of the Corrugated Cardboard hiding underneath.

These next ones are a bit more "Multi-media" where she used paint, lace, paper, embellishments, and cardboard to make some ATC's (Artist Trading Cards)

Here we have another art piece using Recycled Cardboard as the base and a Multi-Media collage on the top!

This idea is so sweet and easy..

Using the Recycled Cardboard as the base, Helen used some die-cuts to finish it off..

I absolutely LOVE how simple this is...

Thank you SO MUCH Helen for coming out to do Demo this week!! We really enjoyed your creative ideas!!

Tuesday with Wendy, Jan 30th

1/30/2018

This week for Tuesday with Wendy, it was ALL about Valentine's Day!

Wendy designed these 3 *BEAUTIFUL* cards...

This first card is made using a Sizzix embossing folder, Rosettes.

I LOVE her combination of the swirl background paper and the way she layered the hearts.. This die cut is Glorious Hearts and is made by Memory Box, Open Studios

Once the hearts have been cut-out and embossed, Wendy used the Nuvo Mousse and did a Rub-n-Buff to bring out the texture

What I love about this card is.. in different lighting it has a different effect! VERY COOL!

We LOVE this mousse!! So easy to use.. stop by and see for yourself how *brilliant* this product is!

The next card Wendy designed was using the Double Tack product, a bit of lace, and glitter!!

You can make ANY die-cut shape glittery with just a little bit of effort.. but gosh this effect is BEAUTIFUL!!

Double Tack is a VERY tacky sheet of double-sided adhesive and works just PERFECTLY for this technique! We have several samples of this idea currently up in the store, stop in to see them in person to really see the full effect!!

The last card that Wendy designed was this one using the new Coffee Stamp set from Altenew, Coffee with a Splash

Using some different shades of brown ink, Wendy created "Background Paper" ...

Then, Wendy cut out one heart. Then cut out a second heart this time NOT CUTTING IT OUT COMPLETELY

I LOVE the way this card folds to reveal a secret heart on the inside!!

The sentiment here works PERFECTLY if you are a Coffee-Lover! "I love you more than the first cup of coffee" .. How sweet is that ?

Wendy makes just FANTASTIC CARDS every time she teaches class.. and they are ALWAYS different!!

Give us a call to sign up for the next class, February 13th!

360-647-9663

Alcohol Inks, Ideas and Techniques

1/27/2018

Demo this week was taught by our very own Wendy! She had a lot of fun showing off some new techniques and ideas with Alcohol Inks!

This AMAZING product creates VIBRANT COLORS with just a few drops!!

When using Alcohol Inks, we recommend you use YUPO paper or Kromekote. These 2 kinds of papers have a finish on the surface that is ideal for doing Alcohol Ink concepts without any bleed-through to the other side.

Using just Alcohol Blending Solution on YUPO or Kromekote paper and a few drops of your favorite Alcohol Ink colors you too can create these vibrant works of art!!

Check out this idea... After her Alcohol Ink dried, Wendy went back in with the Sakura Black Glaze Pen and finished off the piece of art.. I LOVE THIS IDEA!! Glaze pens will dry on a variety of surfaces and are currently one of our *ALL TIME FAVORITE PENS*

The combination of the Black Glaze Pen and the Alcohol Inks really makes for a bright and colorful card with great contrast!

Below, Wendy used both the Black Glaze Pen as well as the White Sharpie Paint Pen to highlight areas of the flowers! I LOVE this idea!!

This next idea is done using one of the Joggles Stencils..

Take the Tim Holtz Felt Applicator Tool and apply a little bit of Alcohol Blending Solution onto the bit of Felt.
Then, apply a little bit of Alcohol Ink (Wendy used 2 different colors, a pink and a purple) onto the piece of Felt
Lay the stencil down on your piece of Kromekote or YUPO paper
Gently tap the Applicator Tool over the stencil image
Lift the stencil to reveal the image!
Wendy used the Black Glaze Pen to finish it off

This next technique uses the Gel Plate!

*THIS IS IMPORTANT*
Never put Alcohol Ink directly onto your Gel Plate.. ALWAYS USE a barrier such as Hand Sanitizer on your Gel Plate before applying Alcohol Inks

Squirt out some Hand Sanitizer onto your Gel Plate, spread it around so it evenly coats the entire surface.
Apply some drops of Alcohol Ink and move it around using a wooden skewer or a piece of acetate to manipulate the colors
LEAVE THE GEL PLATE on the table and bring your paper (YUPO or Kromekote) to the Gel Plate and use a Brayer on the backside of the paper so that it fully picks up the color
Lift your paper to reveal what you created! (This process is called doing a "Mono-print")

Below, you can see the image almost has a marbled-look to it... this was done by using a wooden skewer to move the colors around and THEN she did the mono-print

This next card was made using the same technique as above. Using the shapes that were created, the Thoughful Faerie die-cut from Poppy works *PERFECTLY* for this card!

To make this next card, Wendy used the Krylon Gold Leafing Pen

Shake your Gold Leafing Pen thoroughly and then tap out some color onto a piece of Kromekote or YUPO paper... your pen SHOULD blot out quite a bit of ink... but we WANT that for this technique!
Pour some Alcohol Blending Solution over the surface
Drop on 2 colors of Alcohol Ink (Wendy used a shade of green and a shade of blue)
Watch as the colors flow together to reveal this stunning color combination!

There is SO MUCH you can do with Alcohol Inks!!

Join us for Demo next week... the theme is Playtime with Suzie!!

Demo is offered EVERY Wednesday from 12pm to 1pm and is FREE to attend!!

Call us if you have any questions!
360-647-9663

White Embossing and Watercolor Resist

1/20/2018

We had TONS of fun at Demo this week!! Elli was the demonstrator and we learned all sorts of fun ideas to do with White Embossing Powder and Watercolor Resist.

The technique:

Stamp an image with Versamark Ink onto white paper, cover the image with White Embossing Powder, shake off the excess, and heat set the image using a Heat Gun.

What you are left with is just a glossy-looking image on white paper.

--NOW THE FUN PART--

You can use a variety of different kinds of watercolor products to "Reveal" the image ..
Below are the most popular watercolor products we carry

Distress Watercolor Crayons
Standard Watercolor Set
Colorburst, powdered Watercolors

Elli pre-stamped and embossed several images and then used a variety of different watercolor techniques to make the images *come to life*

The Distress Watercolor Crayons are a fun one...

How to make the Card:

Stamp and emboss in white on white card stock. Just color across the page, coloring over the embossed image, and then use a wet paper towel or baby wipe to swipe across the paper.. the colors magically blend together and your image appears!

The little Girlie Bot stamp below is from Impression Obsession and is *BRAND NEW*

We carry several sets of Distress Watercolor Crayons.. just pick a stamp and a favorite crayon set and you've got yourself an easy card with a GREAT appearance!

One of our FAVORITE watercolor products to use is Colorburst. This powdered watercolor is activated with water.

To make the card:

Stamp and emboss in white on white card stock. Spritz the paper with water, sprinkle Pthalo Green, Indigo, and Ultramarine Colorburst on the paper, spritz more water, and WATCH THE FEATHERS APPEAR!!

The stamp shown below is Two Feathers and is made by Stampotique

This is one of the easiest ideas for doing watercolor with white emboss resist..

Stamp the image or images on white card stock and emboss with white powder. Then, do a quick "Watercolor Wash" over the entire paper and then, using the SAME COLORS as you used for the wash, color in the image. This will make the image stand out and appear darker while it also matches the background it's on.

If you notice on the heart image above, there is a distressed white border.. this is ALSO done with white embossing powder!

To make the card:

Rub the edge of the Versamark Ink Pad around the edge of the paper. Then, stamp your desired image in the middle. Apply white embossing powder to the entire image and border, then heat-set. Finally, use a standard Watercolor Set, use 2 shades of red to do a light watercolor wash, and then detail watercolor the heart.

This next card is SO EASY to make but looks STUNNING all by itself!! This is done by just using a standard Watercolor Set in rainbow order.

This leaf image is just BEAUTIFUL! I Love this sentiment as well..

Shown are the images Simple Things and Wispy Leaves Large which are both stamps by Impression Obsession

Check out this idea!

Elli wanted to create a crescent moon... easy enough to do if you have a circle punch! Cut out the circle, then scoot it over the cut-out and tape back down! Now you have a crescent moon stencil!

To make the card:

Trace the moon using a Versamark Pen onto white card stock and color in the moon using the same pen. Stamp the Boy Swing image below the moon and then emboss with white embossing powder the entire image.

Use Colorburst to make the background. Once it is dry, flick Bleedproof White ink across the paper to make the appearance of stars in a galaxy!

There are SO MANY THINGS you can do with this technique!!

Secret Messages!

Themed Cards!

Valentine's Day ideas!

We offer Free Demo EVERY WEDNESDAY! The theme is always different..

The group of gals who attend each week are such a hoot.. we have a great time EVERY week.. come join us for the NEXT Demo, Wednesday January 24th as we demonstrate ideas with Alcohol Inks!

Questions?!? Give us a call anytime!
360-647-9663

Demo: Acetate Backgrounds

1/11/2018

Demo this week was really fun!! Denise was the Demonstrator and she showed us how to make really cool Acetate Backgrounds!!

To make these miniature bits of art, you will need:

A piece of Acetate
A piece of tissue paper (similar in size to the acetate)
Crystal Lacquer
Alcohol inks
Embellishments such as die-cut shapes, textured ribbon, sequins, and/or glitter!

The process:

*We suggest you use a Craft Mat to do this!*

Take a piece of Acetate and pour out a little pool of Crystal Lacquer
Use a wooden skewer to move the Crystal Lacquer across the entire piece of Acetate
Use Alcohol Inks to apply drops of ink onto the Crystal Lacquer
After you have applied all of the inks you would like, use the skewer again to swirl the colors together

Lay down the embellishments of your choosing! In the sample below, you can see how she put down some textured ribbon, then some die-cut Tropical Fish from Impression Obsession, and some sequins from Hero Arts
Crinkle-up your piece of tissue paper and then un-crinkle it. Lay it on top of the design you just created in the Crystal Lacquer
*USE GLOVES* to press the tissue paper flat onto the Acetate
Let it dry overnight

Once the design has had an opportunity to dry overnight, you will see the AMAZING transformation!!!

My FAVORITE part about this is that the design is TRANSLUCENT!!

Once you have created your backgrounds, Denise showed how you can turn the designs into cards!

In this one, if you look closely, you can see the Wandering Jellyfish in this Under the Sea card! Denise used the Coral Collage die-cut from Memory Box

For this card, Denise *EMBOSSED* the words right onto the front of the Acetate and paired it with these *adorable* Ducks die-cut from Impression Obsession, which makes the PERFECT card!!

I just LOVED this one that used one of the Faerie die-cuts from Memory Box!! The added sequins really make this card so magical!!

To see these STUNNING cards in person, swing by the store! We are open EVERY DAY of the week and would LOVE to show you all the newest stuff!!

Call us if you have questions!!

360-647-9663

Chevron Glitter Paper!!

1/9/2018

We have been carrying the Chevron Glitter Paper by doodlebug for a number of years now and I just want to take a moment and share with you some *FUN, NEW IDEAS!!*

The Chevron Glitter Paper can be used in LOTS of ways!!

One of the easiest things you can do with this paper is cut along the chevron edge to give your paper a fun border!

Check out this idea where we stamped out a Graduation Background stamp and then framed it out with the Black Chevron Glitter Paper above and below the image!

On the INSIDE of the card, I cut out an extra piece of the chevron and placed a die-cut that says "Party!" on the inside!!

Great card idea to make invitations for a Graduation Party!

If you just want to make a card... just for fun or to give to a friend... this idea is easy to do!!

With a couple stamps, turquoise card stock and Orange Chevron Glitter Paper, you can make this card too!!

Again, we just cut out the edge of the paper, following the chevron design, and it's enough to add a little bit of interest to the bottom of the card!

Here at the store, we have a *Die-cut Machine* that customers get to use! The shapes are fairly basic, but there are some REALLY FUN shapes in there!

One of the shapes is this adorable little mitten!

We cut 2 mittens out of the Purple Chevron Glitter Paper, added some fun ribbon along the base of the mitten, and attached the 2 pieces by creating a "hinge" so it can open up!!

The little mitten shape *fits a gift card perfectly* !!

Another one of the shapes from our store die-cut machine is this adorable Champagne Bottle!!

I wanted to make this a card that you can use for ANY event... New Year's, a Wedding, a Retirement...

So I just did a black and gold color palette and used SHINY RIBBONS as the "champagne!"

To finish off the card, I used this die-cut from Cottage Cutz, Celebrate

If you've ever wanted to make a "gate fold" style card.. make it even MORE SPECTACULAR by adding a heart! Cut your heart in half, add a sentiment, and finish off the card by adding some ribbon!

We also used this Heart Embossing Folder from Taylored Expressions to make this card *even better*

Stop by to see us to see all the colors of Chevron Glitter Paper!

What ideas can you come up with??

To see these ideas in person, stop by the store!
We are open 7 days a week, and we would LOVE to see you!!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 5th

12/12/2017

The last Tuesday with Wendy class was a LOT of fun!! The theme for this week was embossing techniques!!

To start, Wendy designed this AMAZING New Year's card!!!!

She used 2 stamps from Hero Arts, Festive Bauble Bold Print and Happy Happy New Year

To make the card:

The card base is 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, folded in half.
Stamp the Bauble Background on a piece of metallic black paper (Cocktail, Black Russian), 2" x 5 1/2, using the Versamark ink pad.
Use a little bit of White Embossing Powder on one part of the image... only apply the powder to a small part closest to the outside edge... and shake off any excess back into the container. REPEAT this step with Gold and Silver Embossing Powder until the entire image has embossing powder on it. This technique is called Multi-Color Embossing. Once you have heat-set the image, tape it down on the front of your card on the left side using double-sided tape.
Place a piece of handmade dot paper, 2" x 5 1/2", on the front of the card on the right side... *make sure to leave about a 1/4" of black paper showing on the far right side of the card*
Place a 1/4" piece of the Gold Glitter Paper in the center of the front of the card to give it nice contrast.
To finish the card, stamp out the Happy Happy New Year sentiment onto a piece of white cardstock (3 1/2" x 1 1/2") do the Multi-Color Embossing again, this time with just Silver and Gold Embossing Powders.
Mount the sentiment onto a piece of Stardream, Gold Leaf cardstock (3 3/4 x 1 3/4).
Use pop dots to mount the sentiment onto the front of the card.

The next card was using the Berry Bramble stamp from Penny Black and Warm Wishes by Verses.

To make this card:

Using the Tim Holtz platform, stick your stamp down and ink it up. On the STEMS ONLY, use the Versafine Olympic Green ink pad. On the BERRIES, use the Versafine Crimson Red ink pad.
Stamp the image onto Classic Crest Natural cardstock
Sprinkle Detail Gold Embossing Powder over part of the image. THEN apply Detail Clear Embossing Powder over the entire image. Heat-set it.
On the same piece of paper, stamp Warm Wishes with the Versamark ink pad. Apply Detail Gold Embossing Powder and heat set it.
Mount the card onto the card base (11" x 4 1/4" on Classic Crest Natural cardstock, folded in half).
Frame the image with 2 strips of 1/8" Curious Metallics, Botanic cardstock AND 2 pieces of 1/2" decorative Christmas paper (Wendy used the new Pebbles, Merry Merry line)

Isn't this card BEAUTIFUL!! (It was BY FAR the most popular card in class)

The last card that Wendy designed is a quick and easy one to put together.. it was also made using the Verses saying, Warm Wishes and the die-cut from Amy Designs, Snowflake Swirl

To make the card:

Wendy used the Majestic Blue Versafine ink pad to stamp out the saying Warm Wishes onto a piece of snowflake paper (Wendy used this piece from the Bo Bunny line, 'Tis the Season)- which measures 3" x 5 1/2"
Wendy then embossed the words with Star Dust Embossing Powder and heat-set it.
She then cut out 2 strips of Blue glitter paper (1/4" x 5 1/2" strips) to frame the image.
Then, using a home die-cut machine, Wendy cut out the Snowflake Swirl from a piece of white cardstock.
Finally, using double-sided tape, she put the card together by mounting it onto the card base: a piece of denim blue cardstock ( 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", folded in half)

I Just LOVED this card!! Despite it being so easy to put together.. it is just Beautiful!!

One of the gals from class came in this week to show us how she decided to use a different sentiment that she had at home.. and I just LOVE it on this card!! She used the SAME technique (Majestic Blue Versafine ink with the Star Dust Embossing Powder) but just used a sentiment she already had.. great idea!!

A Sneak Peek at some Classes...

11/7/2017

We offer SO MANY wonderful classes at our store! Our instructors come from a variety of backgrounds so our class options are always fun and a little different!!

One of our instructors is our very own Wendy Schwartz! This Quarter she taught SEVERAL fun classes and I was lucky enough to snap a few photos..

This first grouping is from back when Wendy was teaching the Metal Madness Class.. gosh these were GREAT CREATIONS!!!

This was SUCH a fun class!!! The students got to play with all sorts of different kinds of metals.. thin sheet metal, Composition Metal (aka Gold Leafing), metallic Pebeo Paints, new Maid-O-Metal Sheets, and copper wires and threads!

After some instruction on how to manipulate some of the metals using flame, how to adhere the Gold Leafing using Sizing, and how to weave the wire and metal... the students got to play!! I was SO IMPRESSED by what they created!!

The photos were just a few of the samples I got to see.. These students were VERY creative!!

Wendy encouraged the students to use a variety of tools, stencils, and their hands to create such stunning pieces of art!!

One of the other classes I got to see the "set-up" for was Wendy's Gel-Plate Class..

Sadly, I did not get any photos of the actual *action* of the class.. but I DID get to capture these amazing photos of WENDY'S COLLECTION of prints!!

All I have to say is WOW!!!!!!

During the class, Wendy instructed students on how to create Monoprints using the Gel Plates.

Using a Brayer, Acrylic Paints, stencils and their *imagination* they were able to create their very own prints!

Once the students made their own collection of prints, they then came back for the second half of the class.. and got to CREATE A PIECE OF ART using the prints they just made!!!

If you haven't seen it, here is a picture of the one Wendy made!!

This last weekend, Wendy taught her final class of the Quarter, the Piano Hinge Book!!

And I will tell you.. I LOVED what these gals created!!!

First, Wendy had them create covers for their books. Some used the Gel Plate and others used the Shaving Cream Marbling technique!!

The Piano Hinge Book is actually bound using Skewers!!

Wendy showed the students how to weave the book and make the pages.. IT WAS WONDERFUL!

Wendy gave each of the students bits and pieces to even make a *mini* Piano Hinge Book!! If you take a look at the little red book in the above photos, you will see that the marbled paper is one of the Handmade Papers we currently carry at the store!

We still have a couple classes left on the schedule!! Stop in to see us and take a look! We are open 7 days a week!

A new Class Schedule comes out every Quarter, so keep your eye out in the New Year for our next Class List!!

Galaxy Background and Oxides

9/18/2017

A couple weeks ago at Demo, Marilyn showed us how to create this STUNNING Galaxy Background technique!!

It was SO MUCH FUN and we were all amazed at how it looked like a REAL GALAXY!!!

Of course, when I saw this, I STARTED SCREAMING!!! I just LOVE the appearance!!

I asked Marilyn how this technique was done, and she told me how...

Start out by selecting some colors of the Distress Oxide inks.

Marilyn used the following colors:
Fossilized Amber
Worn Lipstick
Picked Raspberry
Peacock Feather

She also used (in later steps)
Faded Jeans
Black Soot

The technique:

On Watercolor Paper, apply the 4 bright colors of ink onto the paper using the Tim Holtz Round Blending Tool. I always start with the lightest color first. We started with Fossilized Amber, then Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry and finally Peacock Feather
Use a Mini Mister (or a small spray bottle) to lightly apply a small bit of water onto the paper
Using a small bit of water on your fingers, "flick" water onto the inks. This creates that "faded star" look
Finally, dab the surface with a paper towel to remove any excess water

Marilyn then put the darker color, Faded Jeans, around the OUTSIDE edge only. She did this once again using the Tim Holtz Round Blending Tool (This will create the light/dark contrast that is seen in a real Galaxy)

Next, Marilyn went in with the Black Soot and ran that along the very outside edge using the Blending Tool
Again, spritz the surface with a Mini Mister, "flick" water onto the paper with your fingers, and use a paper towel to dab the surface

Now for the EXCITING PART!!!

To make the stars, Marilyn used this product: Bleed Proof White.
Marilyn used a small amount of the ink in a separate container and added a little bit of water to it.. just diluting it slightly.

After you have ink on your paintbrush, hold the paintbrush at a horizontal angle above your paper
"Tap" the handle of the paintbrush with a finger. Doing this will create the "splatter" effect.. which looks like REAL stars in a galaxy!!

To finish off the cards, Marilyn used a few different stamp sets.. I LOVE THESE SO MUCH!!

She also used this WONDERFUL set from Hero Arts, You are Loved ..

And she used this set Upon a Star from Lawn Fawn with the little Foxes which is just SO SWEET

This one was made using the Penny Black set, Sprinkles and Smiles

Thanks for a GREAT Demo, Marilyn!!

Stop by the store to get ALL of the products listed above!!

**the Distress Oxide inks are on order and we should be expecting them back in within a couple weeks!**

Sprays: Ink, Oxide, Resist

Tuesday with Wendy, February 19th

Life Changing Blending Brushes

Tim Holtz Alcohol Lift Ink

Tuesday with Wendy, April 24th

Magnetic Cards

A look into Gel Plates

Collage Papers, Demo Part:1

Recycled Cardboard, Demo

Tuesday with Wendy, Jan 30th

Alcohol Inks, Ideas and Techniques

White Embossing and Watercolor Resist

Demo: Acetate Backgrounds

Chevron Glitter Paper!!

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 5th

A Sneak Peek at some Classes...

Galaxy Background and Oxides

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