Category: Craft Ideas

Paper Lanterns!!

12/1/2018

Last week for Demo we learned about making Paper Lanterns!!

Check out these fun ideas!!

With each of the lanterns that has Vellum, you can use a battery-operated tea-light to light them up. We were able to find several at our local dollar store

This first idea was SO MUCH FUN to create!!!

Using the new Picket Fence Blending Brushes, we applied a light coat of Distress Ink to this piece of Vellum... then we stamped the Skaters stamp from Impression Obsession on the bottom part of the lantern and made.. this LITTLE TENT LANTERN!!!! It turned out *so cute* and is even better when you light it up at night!!

This next idea was SO EASY to put together.. and although this Paper Lantern does not light up, it is great for celebrating the Chinese New Year or for hanging up multiple lanterns outside for a garden party... just some strips of paper, twine, and a few embellishments make for a nice, easy decoration!!

You can make your own tassel by wrapping a bit of twine, creating a knot, and fraying the end

This next idea is inspired from the new Mushroom Paper we just got in from Renke Designs.. we fussy-cut the little mushrooms and used the Distress Ink, Walnut Stain to add a distressed look to the Paper Lantern.

We used a die-cut machine to cut out the ovals and backed the open ovals with Vellum. The bottom of the lantern is open so it can be set on top of a votive

If you are looking for a quick way to make holiday Paper Lanterns, look no further than the new Tim Holtz / Sizzix Tree Light die-cut. The die-cut comes with 2 sizes of trees with little cut-out holes at the bottom so you can easily set it on top of a battery-operated tea-light.. and they are just SO SWEET!!!!

You can make quick Paper Lanterns by stamping a strip of Vellum with Stampscapes stamps... adhere the strip of Vellum to the backside of a strip of card stock (using Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive) and score it in 4 places to create the box-shape of a lantern..

In the samples below, the lantern on the left has stamped images on the inside of the Vellum and the lantern on the right has the images stamped on the outside of the Vellum.

Just look HOW BEAUTIFUL this turned out!!!

This next idea fits into a standard envelope size... and is easy enough to stand up on a desk!

We embossed the Vellum with the Tiny Dots Embossing Folder from Sizzix and used nature image die-cuts from Memory Box and Impression Obsession.. the black silhouettes look SO GOOD on the embossed Vellum!! Especially when the Paper Lantern is lit up!!

There is always a lot around here to get inspired by... stop by to see us 7 days a week to see what's new!!

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Stationery, DIY and Gift Idea!

11/2/2018

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Here at the store, we are gearing up for the holiday season!!

One of the things we have been looking at are Gift Ideas!! Check out this idea with making Stationery Sets

You can use your own Sizzix Big-Shot machine to emboss cards to make a FANTASTIC gift set!!!

A *perfect* gift idea for a friend, the card-maker in your life, or anyone you know who loves to write letters (like a grandparent or grandkids!)

This is a WONDERFUL Monogram Letter Set and it comes with 26 individual embossing folders so you can customize envelopes, card stock, book-cloth and MORE!!

Check out this idea... you can emboss your Monogram into the back of envelopes!!!

Create some nice stationery by combining matching cards and envelopes and emboss both to create a set!!

This set with the Silver Foiled Envelope makes this card look so elegant!! Add a bit of metallic ribbon to really tie the set together

You can even make a nice focal point using the embossing folder found in the Jar Lids die-cut set.

Emboss the ring onto card stock and stamp a Monogram on the inside!!

With an added bit of adhesive-backed ribbon, you can really make a Monogram pop! Such a great gift idea using any Letter Stamp Set you already have!

There is so much you can create with just these 2 sets from Sizzix...

Stop by today to get inspired!!

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Liquid Gold Leaf

10/26/2018

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We recently brought in Liquid Gold Leaf... which is an AMAZING product!!!

If you are familiar with traditional Gold Leaf (or Composition Metal), you may know that it comes in Leaf form and is VERY light-weight and soft.. it sticks to anything that is sticky and leaves a really stunning effect...

.. But Liquid Gold Leaf (or rather, Liquid Leaf as it also comes in Silver) is DIFFERENT because you can actually paint it on!!

Liquid Leaf comes in 4 wonderful colors... Classic Gold, Brass, Florentine Gold, and Silver

To work with Liquid Leaf:

Start out by SHAKING the bottle very well, you can also stir the Liquid Leaf with a disposable skewer
Use Synthetic Brushes such as the Nuvo Brush Set (you can use Rubbing Alcohol to clean the brushes when you are done)
Paint like normal onto card stock, glass, metal, clay and MORE!!!!

Just LOOK how vibrant the color is!!! You can even do Brush Lettering on all sorts of papers.. like this Matte Dura-Lar!!

Check out how cool this splatter effect is on the Matte Dura-Lar!! It is slightly embossed and is just as vibrant as traditional Gold Leaf

Write on black card stock to create a REALLY stunning effect!!

You can also use Light Molding Paste with a stencil... here I used the Olive Branch Stencil from Echo Park

Apply the paste with a palette knife and, once the paste has FULLY DRIED, brush on Classic Gold Liquid Leaf across the paper so that the entire image is coated with the metallic paint

We have also been playing around with the new Apoxie Clay! This clay bonds HARD AS A ROCK in just 24 hours and requires no heat.

While working with the clay, I made and shaped my own lock and put it on an old Altoid tin... I used the Brass Liquid Leaf to colorize the lock and I LOVE the results! Or check out this Harry Potter style wand with droplets of Brass Liquid Leaf throughout...

Check out this idea...

Take a plain tile and use the 2-part resin mix to float Alcohol Inks on the surface THEN drip on a little bit of the Liquid Leaf and watch as the colors move and flow together...

It has such a BEAUTIFUL appearance!!

Liquid Leaf is solvent based.. which means it can bond to ALMOST ANYTHING!!!

Seashells
Rocks
Plastic toys
Wood
Feathers

... and SO MUCH MORE!!!!

Stop by the store to see these samples in person!! You are going to FALL IN LOVE with this new product!!!

See you soon!!
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Tuesday with Wendy, Oct 23rd

10/26/2018

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We have been busy creating new things here at the store! Check out the newest cards Wendy designed for her last card making class!!!

The first card that Wendy designed was made using this snowflake die-cut from Penny Black, Crystalline as well as this stamp set from Lawn Fawn, Winter Scripty Sentiments

To make the card:

Start out with a white card stock card base. Select a piece of Handmade Paper 4" x 4" (Wendy used this iridescent blue/green paper that looks like ice!). Use double-sided tape to adhere the paper to the front of the card base.
Next, cut a piece of navy card stock that measures 3" x 3" and adhere that to the front of the Handmade Paper
Take 2 pieces of Stardream TEXT WEIGHT paper that both measure 3" x 3". Wendy used Stardream Ice Gold paper. Stack the 2 Stardream papers together and die-cut the Crystalline Snowflake out of the papers at the same time
Then, use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere ONE of the snowflakes completely to the front of the navy card stock
With the second snowflake, press the Versamark ink pad to the snowflake until it has clear ink all over the snowflake. Sprinkle on Star Dust Embossing Powder and heat-set it with a heat gun
Use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the CENTER ONLY to the other snowflake and curl up the ends of the snowflake to add dimension
Then, take 6 strips of paper (1/4" x 8 1/2" for each strip) and curl each strip into a little circle.. this is called Quilling. When you have completed your curl, use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to hold the curl in place.
Then attach the coils to the center of the snowflake on your card and adhere the coils with Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Finish off the card by stamping a sentiment from the Winter Scripty Sentiments along the bottom of the card using Versafine Clair ink, Twilight

I LOVE how this card turned out!! Just look at this DETAIL!!!!

The next card was SO STUNNING and is absolutely perfect for a Thanksgiving card... It was made using these stamps:
Winter Still by Penny Black
Grateful Hearts by Impression Obsession

To make the card:

Wendy started out by taking a piece of ivory card stock and stamping out the Grateful Hearts sentiment using Versafine Clair ink, Chianti
Then, Wendy inked up the Winter Still leaf image by tapping on the different colors of ink. Use Distress Ink starting with Rusty Hinge, then Aged Mahogany, then Peeled Paint.. making sure to tap and gently massage the ink into the stamp
Then, stamp out the Winter Still leaf image onto the ivory card stock, overlapping the leaf image with the sentiment just slightly.
Then, layer the ivory card stock onto a card base.. Wendy chose this beautiful fall-tones color that matched with the Rusty Hinge ink color PERFECTLY

I love how this card turned out! Such a quick technique with BEAUTIFUL results!!!

Mary McClary (one of the gals from class) said she accidentally messed up on her card!! But, clever as she is.. she used some of the quilling papers to make it BETTER!!!

Well, I just LOVE that!!

The last card of the series was inspired by this STUNNING image from Impression Obsession, Deployed

To make the card:

Stamp out the image in Versafine Clair ink, Medieval Blue onto white card stock
Use a Blue Tombow Marker to color onto a craft mat and use a Waterbrush to pick up some of the color. Watercolor your image giving light and dark tones to create depth
Use a pair of scissors to fussy-cut around the image.. cut around the head and around the feet so that it looks like the soldier is walking away
Mount the image on a piece of red card stock and apply mounting tape on the back
On your card base, use red-white-blue decorative card stock and put one pattern on the left and a corresponding pattern on the right
Adhere the soldier image onto the card front using the mounting tape so it has a little bit of dimension

This card is GREAT for anyone who may be Serving our Country or a Veteran of War... it is just a FANTASTIC card

I love how this card has the idea of a 3D card without having to do a lot of extra fussy-cutting

What a GREAT series of cards this week!!!

If you would like any of the items listed above, please give us a call at the store!

To sign up for the NEXT card making class on November 6th, give us a call!
You only need to bring double-sided tape and scissors to class, but you MUST register by the Saturday before class!!

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Alcohol Ink on Acrylic Paint

10/19/2018

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This week for Demo, Denise demonstrated a new idea!

She took her Acyrlic Paints and applied Alcohol Ink to the wet paint.. the effect is pretty incredible!!

Denise started out with Lumiere Acrylic Paint.. She brushed it across a piece of YUPO and, while the paint was still wet, applied droplets of Alcohol Ink on the surface!

The ink spreads out, creating this halo effect that is just incredible!!

Look here how the Alcohol Ink spread out to create these interesting designs and textures!!

Then, Denise experimented with the technique on Dura-Lar Wet Media Film... I just LOVE how translucent it is!!!

Check out this next idea...

Denise started by using a piece of Dura-Lar Wet Media Film and brushing on some Lumiere Acrylic Paint
Then, she applied some vibrant colors of Alcohol Ink onto the surface of wet paint
Then, after the image is dry, she took the Black Glaze Pen and drew some designs.. creating some fun floral designs!!

Stop by to see us to get inspired!!

We would LOVE to show you all the newest stuff we've been getting in!

Stop by to see us 7 days a week!
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Paper Quilling

10/14/2018

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Last week for Demo, Bekah was the demonstrator and she showed us all about Paper Quilling!!

Paper Quilling has been around for YEARS.. and while the art form has certainly changed, the idea is still the same... taking strips of paper and manipulating them to create BEAUTIFUL, intricate designs!

Quilling starts with strips of colored paper...

We have a template here to show and explain the different designs. You can use the Quilling Tools to create the different shapes.

Check out this idea... Bekah took the Great Pumpkin stamp and stamped it out using a light color of dye-based ink.. Then, she used the Quilling Tools and the different strips of paper and created fun designs to fill the space inside the pumpkin!!

I love the idea of using the Black Quilling Paper to turn the pumpkin into a Jack-O-Lantern!!

Here are some other fun ideas and designs you can create using just simple strips of paper!!

Look at this candle! And check out the wonderful little flowers!!

The best glue to use for Paper Quilling is either the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive or PVA (though we recommend transferring the PVA into a fine-line applicator)

Bekah likes to use the Quilling Paper to create unusual designs... and she taught us all how to do that!

First, draw a design on a piece of copy paper (or, you can print off a design from the computer)
Place the image on a piece of card stock
Use a pen to go over your image- this will make an indentation into the card stock
Use the indentation as a guide to lay down your Quilling Paper

YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE what Bekah is working on...

She started out using the Black, Brown, White, and Ombre Yellow Quilling Papers and a large brown piece of card stock

She was inspired by an image of Aretha Franklin.. and so she found/traced a FANTASTIC image of her and is currently creating a STUNNING rendition of this image.. I can't wait to see when it is all done!!

Just look at the DETAIL!!!

The teeth!! The earrring!! The hair!!! WOW!!!!!

If you don't feel like creating a design on a piece of paper, you can just have fun and create free-form designs!!

Or, you can even curl a piece of paper and create a fun balloon string!!

Want to see get inspired? Stop by to see us 7 days a week!! We would LOVE to show you the newest stuff!!

See you soon!
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Memory Collage

8/24/2018

Last week for Demo, Bekah taught us about making a Memory Collage!

This is a fun activity if you have ticket stubs or old pamphlets or flyer from an event you might have attended... Those items are GREAT for starting a collage to create a single piece of art to display!!

To make the Memory Collage, Bekah used a canvas, collage medium, and synthetic fiber brushes..

Bekah started out by using a wooden canvas.. we carry wooden canvases in a variety of sizes!

When starting the collage, Bekah used the new Distress Collage Medium, Matte and the Distress Brush Set... they work PERFECTLY for this project!!

Bekah first put down a light layer of the Distress Collage Medium and then placed her ticket stubs down and then did another layer of the Distress Collage Medium... this glues the ticket in place while also giving it a nice finish over the top

She cut up the pamphlet she got from her event and used bits and pieces to create a collage!!

I love how she used the metal charms we carry to add extra embellishment.. she used The Ultimate Glue to adhere the metal pieces

We love the finish of the Distress Collage Medium!! It really adheres the papers and tickets nicely to the canvas and gives a smooth finish that really leaves the artist with a completed piece of art!

If you want to make your own Memory Collage, stop by the store to pick up your own materials and to get inspired!!

See you soon!!

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Wine Cork Wreath

8/17/2018

A couple weeks ago for Demo, we showed how to make a Wine Cork Wreath!!

This is easy to create and is a GREAT gift idea!!!

Denise showed us how to start.. just use a piece of Foam Core as the base!

Cut out a large ring of Foam Core using an X-acto Knife
Tie a nice, sturdy ribbon around the base at the top and tie it tight leaving a nice loop so you can hang it up!
Use The Ultimate Glue to adhere the corks in place

Denise decided to decorate her wreath for Spring and Summer... to do this she just cut out some of the die-cuts from Susan's Garden and used a straight pin in each flower to stick them into the wreath!! **This makes it so she can switch out the flowers for leaves in the Fall and snowflakes in the Winter!**

You can finish off your wreath with some fun ribbons as embellishements!!

It's always fun when you can make a GREAT gift for someone (and they actually get to use it year around!!) AND you can recycle!!

... Now to work on getting more wine corks! ;-)

Halloween Shadow Box

8/13/2018

Yes, it may only be August... but we are ALREADY thinking about Halloween!!!

For those of us who love to make cards... this is a fun idea that can be given as a gift, part of a Halloween gift basket, or made into a sweet card!!

Check out this fun idea!!

You will need:

3 sheets of Decorative Halloween paper. We used the Bewitched line from Echo Park
1 sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" metallic card stock
Paper Cutter
Score Board -for making creases for folding
Scissors
Glue and/or double-sided tape
Die-cut machine -for cutting hole in front of shadow box (or another way to cut out a hole in the front)

We started out by choosing 3 sheets of paper from the Echo Park halloween line, Bewitched as well as a sheet of metallic card stock

To make the Shadow Box

Cut the piece of metallic card stock in half lengthwise so your base piece measures 4 1/4" x 11"
Score the paper at 1 1/4", 5 1/4", 6 1/2", and 10 1/2"
Use a die-cut Hexagon (Studio Hexagon Layers from Open Studios) out of the front of your shadow box BEFORE you tape the box together.
Use double-sided tape or glue to tape the box together using the little 1/2" tab on the far right side of the shadow box base

Next, use the leftover metallic card stock to cut the shadow box layers
Cut out a total of 3 layers... they will measure:
- 1/2" x 4 1/4"
- 1" x 4 1/4"
- 1 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Then, score each of the layers 1/8" on each side and fold the tabs up so they will slide into the shadow box base
Use PVA or Deluxe Adhesive to glue the layers in using the little 1/8" tabs
Adhere the tallest layer first, then the other 2 layers. When you set up the Shadow box you should see the gradation of the layers (see photos below). There should be space between each layer to allow for you to attach decorations

To Decorate the Shadow Box

Now the FUN PART!!!!!

You can make your Halloween Shadow Box as simple or complex as you'd like!!

Fussy-cut Halloween images out of your decorative papers using scissors
Use a piece of the starry night paper for the background (cut 4 1/4" by 4") and slide in the very back behind all the layers and attach using double-sided tape or glue
Start with the taping down the house in the background followed by the cauldron in the front.. but honestly, you can decorate however you'd like!!!
I cut out one of the little witches from the Echo Park Bewitched line and paired it with the saying "Welcome my Pretties" for the very front.
There are lots of other things you can cut out of this paper line.. like the butterflies, the flowers, and the clouds.. just have fun with it!!
I put a final sentiment "Trick or Treat" along the very bottom of the shadow box to finish it off.

Isn't this Halloween Shadow Box SO MUCH FUN!!!!?!?!?!

With some fun stickers, candies, and a little bit of Halloween Spooki-ness.. you can create fun little gift for your grandkids or just for a friend!!

Even better? It fits into a standard size A7 envelope

Stop by to see us soon to get the new Halloween Papers to make your very own Halloween Shadow Box!!!

See you soon!!!

Dura-Lar, Acetate, YUPO, and Kromekote

7/27/2018

Do you LOVE paper?!

WE DO TOO!!!!

This year, we have begun to play around with new papers... and some of our FAVORITE has been the new Matte Dura-Lar paper!!!

Today, I am going to show/explain the differences between Matte and Wet Dura-Lar, Acetate, YUPO, and Kromekote

Matte Dura-Lar

Matte Dura-Lar is a synthetic paper that has a VERY smooth surface. The paper is NOT a permeable surface, which means that inks float on the surface. It is also slightly translucent which creates such an AMAZING effect.

Matte Dura-Lar is ideal for working with:

-Alcohol Inks
-Prismacolor Pencils
-Stamp and heat emboss

This AMAZING background (shown below) was created using Alcohol Inks and Isopropyl Alcohol.. you can learn how to do it by going here: https://www.stampadoodle.com/stampadoodle-blog/ranger-products

Here, Wendy stamped out a sun image and used Prismacolor Pencils on both Solar White card stock (left) and Matte Dura-Lar (right)

Notice how the colors go on so beautifully.. and because the pencils are waxed-base, the colors are vibrant and opaque, making the translucent Matte Dura-Lar paper really stand out!!

Acetate

Acetate is a fancy way of saying Clear Acrylic Sheet

We carry Acetate here at the store in two different thicknesses.. one of which has a film covering to keep it protected.

Because Acetate is a plastic, it can be used for:

-Stamping with Staz-on Ink
-Alcohol Inks
-Making Shaker Cards

(The photo below shows a card base made with Acetate and is stamped with a Filagree image stamped out in White Staz-on Ink)

We sell thin and thick Acetate in open stock.. so you can buy just one or two sheets if you wanted to play around with it :-)

Heat-Resistant Acetate

Traditionally, Acetate is not heat-resistent. Many people like to stamp and emboss on Acetate because it works great for making overlay cards!! The Dura-Lar brand carries this Heat Resistant Acetate and they call it Medium Weight Clear Film

You can use it for:

-Stamp and heat-emboss
-Overlays
-Alcohol Inks
-Shaker Cards

Wet Dura-Lar

Wet Dura-Lar looks like Acetate.. but it is SO MUCH BETTER!!!

They refer to it as "Wet Media Film"

It works great for:

-Stamp and heat-emboss
-Water-based Markers
-India-ink markers

The Wet Media Film is ideal for coloring with ANY Markers (such as Tombow Markers) AND it is heat-resistant!

So, now you can stamp and emboss an image and then go back and color your birds and put a piece of paper behind it to bring out the colors!!

YUPO

YUPO is a synthetic, water resistant paper

It is amazing for:

-Alcohol Inks
-Acrylic Paints
-Watercolors

Both Wendy and Bekah have played around with YUPO and there are some REALLY cool things you can do with it!!

Below, Wendy used stencils, and Alcohol Inks, and Alcohol Blending Solution to make this beautiful flower background... she was even able to use the Black Glaze Pen over the top to go back in and add detail..

And here she created the background and then used a White Sharpie Paint Pen to add in highlights. She finished it off with the Black Glaze Pen and drew some free-hand flowers

Bekah created this background by using Alcohol Inks on the surface of YUPO. To create this stunning background, you can learn about it here: https://www.stampadoodle.com/stampadoodle-blog/faux-batik-backgrounds

Bekah played with the YUPO some more and found that you can float Distilled Water on the surface and drop Alcohol Inks to create a REALLY interesting background!

YUPO comes in a couple different ways... The standard YUPO (white) is called "Medium" and it also comes in "Translucent"

The last paper I wanted to explain is one of our ALL TIME FAVORITES and that is... Kromekote!

Kromekote

This is a permeable surface, which means that inks will fall below the surface

You can use:

-Dye-based inks
-Watercolors/Colorburst
-Alcohol Inks
-Stamp and heat-emboss

This Tree card was created by applying Dye-based inks to Kromekote Paper with the Tim Holtz Ink Blending Tool. Then, Denise stamped and heat-embossed this Tree image by Stampotique

You can create this cool "splatter" background by applying dye-based inks DIRECTLY ONTO the Blue Silicone Craft Mat and do a "mono-print" pull onto the Kromekote. When you heat-set the ink, the "splatter effect" is revealed

If you have ANY QUESTIONS about all these wonderful papers, stop by the store or give us a call!!

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Apoxie Clay

7/20/2018

This week at Demo, Elli was the demonstrator for one of our favorite new products, Apoxie Clay!

We learned all about this *fantastic* new product and saw how it can be used in a variety of ways!!

What is Apoxie Clay??

Apoxie Clay (or Apoxie Sculpt) is a 2 part clay. You take equal parts of PART A and PART B and knead them together (It is EXCEPTIONALLY IMPORTANT that you wear gloves during this part of the process!) for about 3 minutes. After the clay is mixed, remove your gloves and work with the clay like you normally would. You have 1-3 hours to work with the clay before it starts to harden. The clay dries to *HARD AS A ROCK* in just 24 hours and requires NO HEAT or baking to finalize the hardening.

That being said, check out all the fun things you can do with the clay!!

You can take any old box and add embellishments with the clay!! Use any Silicone Mold to shape the clay. The clay bonds *beautifully* to the surface of this box we made using Thin Chipboard. You can color the clay after it is dried with Acrylic Paints

You can even make jewelry with Apoxie Clay! This miraculous clay bonds to rocks, precious stones, metal, and MORE!! This necklace (shown below) was created using NO GLUE... The bond is incredible, durable, and long lasting!!!

You can also use Gold Leafing (aka Composition Metal) to add color to the Apoxie Clay...

Here we took an old pen and added the Apoxie Clay and then rolled it through Gold Leafing... WOW what an incredible effect!!!

You can also shape and sculpt miniature pieces of art!!!

We shaped the covers of this mini book and let it dry on a Silicone Craft Mat (Parchment Paper also works). *we made the holes for the book before the clay dried by using the tip of a small skewer*

You can add details into the book cover by using the tip of an X-acto Knife to create designs, or bits of lace or ribbon to add texture.

After the clay dried, we added paper to the inside and attached the book using 3 small rings we made using bits of wire.

The Ball Chain is from Tim Holtz

One of the coolest things to do with the Apoxie Clay is make leaf impressions.. you can use fresh leaves from your garden!!!

Just use an X-acto Knife to shape the piece of clay to be "leaf-shaped" and then lightly press the leaf down onto the clay.. VEIN SIDE DOWN. The veins of the leaf with give the best impression in the clay.

*Don't forget to create a hole if you are planning to make it a pendant*

After you make the leaf impression into the clay, you can colorize the image using Pearl-ex Powders.

*the Pearl-ex Powders will only stick to the clay when the clay is wet*

To apply Pearl-ex powders AFTER the clay has hardened, you will need Versamark ink and a Low Odor Spray Finish

We love playing around with all these new products we've been getting in... stop by to see us 7 days to see what's new!!

See you soon!!!

NEW STUFF!!!!!!!

7/6/2018

Just earlier this week, we got in a HUGE order of new stuff!!!!

We LOVE looking at all the goodies.. and we know you do too!! Here is a sneak peek of some of the newest things we've been getting in...

First off, if you haven't seen the new Hero Arts release, you will want to see some of these WONDERFUL designs!!

Yes, yes.. it's here already!! CHRISTMAS and HOLIDAY stamps!!!

For those of you starting to work on your Christmas Cards, now is a great time to stop by and get inspired!! It seems like the holidays sneak up on us SO FAST.. why not create less stress for yourself by starting early? We are here and happy to help if you hit a snag!!

Also, check out NEW PAPER!!!!!!

With Florals and Ocean themed images from Kaiser Craft and Couture Creations ... you will find something to love!!!

Of course, it wouldn't be summer without *new* Summer Die-Cuts!

We love these Under-the-Sea images and the Sailboat!!

This floral die-cut is BEAUTIFUL and perfect for any wedding or anniversary card you may be making.. this is SUCH A GREAT DIE-CUT!

We cut it out in Gold Mirri Card paper to show you just how stunning this image is!!

We LOVE planners around here.. and we especially love making our own planners!!

These new stamp sets are AMAZING!!!! We just love all the little illustrations and words!

This makes it easy to design your own planner or make your journal just WAY MORE FUN!!

Just look at these cute little banners! And did you see the little kitty on the edge of the paper?!!? ADORABLE!!

For those of you who LOVE to paint, collage, and create... check out these new products!!

This Collage Paper is thin and decorative.. ideal for layering and working with in your altered journals or any other collage you may be doing! We also got in the SET OF 6 Water Brushes from American Crafts

We just LOVE these designs in this Collage Paper pack!!!

For those of you who LOVE glitter, the Glitterific Acrylic Paints are back in!!!

And.. I know you are all waiting for them to come back in... the Alcohol Ink Storage Tins are also back in stock!!!!

Remember when Wendy designed this card using Distress Inks and the Resist Spray?! Well, the Fern Embossing Folder she used to make this card is also back in!!

If you saw something that you MUST have, give us a call!

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Reflections

6/25/2018

It seems like we are always looking for fun, new ways to use our rubber stamps!! Last week for Demo, we learned all about making cards with Reflections

Denise was the demonstrator and she had some FANTASTIC ideas for making Reflections using her rubber stamps!!

Now... I have to say.. I was blown away by these cards!! I had *no idea* how they were made... until Denise told me the *secret ingredient*...

The Blue Silicone Craft Mat!!!

To make a Reflection of a Rubber Stamp:

Stamp your image on your Silicone Craft Mat with a Dye or Pigment Ink
Do a "mono-print" using a piece of card stock and transfer the image onto your paper
NOW stamp the image again, with the same color ink as before, on your card stock paper, making sure to match up the images so it looks like a true reflection...
Watch as your card is transformed from a basic image to a whole new design!!

This one here with the Elephant Scene from Impression Obsession is just STUNNING!!!! Denise used a Kaleidacolor stamp pad to colorize the background..

Check out this fun idea!!!

Denise used Versafine Onyx Black ink on her Silicone Craft Mat, did a mono-print onto Silver Mirri Card paper, and embossed with Detail Clear embossing powder!!!

*you can color on Mirri Card paper with your Alcohol Inks and Alcohol Blending Solution*

Check out this adorable idea!!! Again with the Mirri Card Paper .. This time she used Archival Ink....

I LOVE this one with the Skaters stamp from Impression Obsession.. it makes such a sweet winter card!!!

Don't forget to join us for Demo every week on Wednesdays!!
Noon to 1pm
No need to sign up! See you Wednesday!!

Tuesday with Wendy, June 19th

6/24/2018

Check out the last Tuesday with Wendy cards from class last week!

Wendy designed some REALLY FUN CARDS for this group!!

For the first card, Wendy wanted to use this new die-cut from Paper Rose, Men Sitting on Fence

She combined this die-cut with some of the Stampscapes images. She used Cloud Strips, Country House, Tall Grass, and Pine Row

Wendy wanted to combine the Stampscapes images with this die-cut... and we don't disagree! The combination is fantastic!!

To make the card:

On the off-white card stock, stamp the Stampscapes images using Sepia Versafine Ink
Start on the top upper left corner and stamp your house
Next, add pine trees
Stamp the grass next, inking your stamp every-other-time so you get the tone-on-tone variations
Lastly, stamp the clouds
Cut out the Men Sitting on Fence using dark brown card stock and your home die-cut machine
Use mounting tape to tape down the die-cut underneath the grass and the fence part. Use pop-dots behind the heads of the 2 men so they look like they are sitting up on the fence

This next card was SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Wendy used a combination of stamps and stencils to create this card... Ostrich Trio from Impression Obsession, Big Brush Hello from Stampendous, and Polka Dots from Darkroom Door

To make this adorable card:

Start with a piece of Chipboard Kraft card stock as your card base
Stencil the background by using Tim Holtz Round Blending Tools and 2 colors of Distress Ink, Vintage Photo and Dried Marigold. Hold the Polka Dot stencil in place and softly apply the inks to create an interesting background
Next, stamp out the Ostrich Trio TWICE on to Astroparche, Natural card stock using the new Pinecone Clair Ink pad
Then, on ONE of the Ostrich Tio images, Wendy fussy-cut an Ostrich and the 2 other Ostrich mouths
Wendy used Pop-dots to pop-up the mouths and the front Ostrich (isn't he just SO CUTE?!) onto the OTHER stamped Ostrich Trio. Then she fussy-cut the image again, this time around all 3 of the Ostrich images
She used a Blush-colored Tombow marker to add a bit of color to the Ostrich mouths and eyes
Stamp the Big Brush Hello onto Blush-colored card stock (Wendy used a paper with a light dot pattern) using the Pinecone Versafine Clair Ink and then used double-sided tape to adhere it to the front of the card
The card is finished with a bit of polka-dot ribbon that is Blush and Brown toned.. which matches perfectly!!

Doesn't this card just make you smile?!!?! We think so!!

This next card was inspired by... The 4th of July Parade in Blaine!!!

Wendy thought it would be a fun idea to use this die-cut, Marching On, by Taylored Expressions

To make the card:

Die-cut the Marching On image with Navy card stock
Use 2 pieces of 4th of July themed paper to make the fireworks sky above and the parade float below
Use double-sided tape to attach the pieces to an off-white card base
Use Diamond Stickles and add a BUNCH OF SPARKLE to the fireworks in the sky!!

What a fun and easy card!!! We just LOVE how sweet it is!!

The next Tuesday with Wendy card class will be on July 10th! Give us a call here at the store to sign up!
360-647-9663

Stencils and Embossing Paste

6/16/2018

If you missed out on Demo earlier this week, you are in for a surprise!!

The Demo was fun, new, and interesting! Wendy was the demonstrator and she had LOTS of ideas to share!!

Check out this first idea... Wendy used some of the Joggles Stencils to create these fun designs using Embossing Paste. The coolest part here is HOW she colored the paste!

Wendy colorized the paste using COLORBURST!
*Using a Palette Knife, you can add a few particles of Colorburst to a bit of Light Molding Paste and smear it across the stencil
*Coat the paste with Super Fine Multi Glitter to create a stunning effect!

I just LOVE how the glitter shines!!!

I love this idea where Wendy used the Light Embossing Paste and applied Gold Embossing Powder to the stencil paste and heat-set it.. this is called the "Molten Lava" effect.. WOW!!

Just LOOK at the dimension!!

Here you can see what she did with an ATC stencil from Joggles...

On the Left Wendy did the same Molten Lava effect with Light Molding Paste, Detail Silver and Detail Gold Embossing Powders
On the Right she created a similar appearance by pressing the Versamark Ink pad over the stencil and using Detail Silver and Detail Gold Embossing Powders. This has the same colors, but less dimension

The Molten Lava effect is really fun to play around with!

Here you can see how Wendy used stencils by doing a Mono-print ... Wendy used Distress Inks on a craft mat and spritzed them with water, then laid down the stencil and did a Mono-print onto Kromekote and Solor White card stock papers.. what a fun effect!!

Wendy also used a butterfly stencil with 2 different embossing pastes and used an Xacto Knife to pop the image out.. what a neat idea!

This is a fun idea... Black Glossy Embossing Paste with Pearl-Ex powders over the top!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!

We are always playing and having fun here at the store.. and it seems like each week we are playing with something new!!

Come down to the store any day of the week to see what is inspiring us these days!!

See you soon

360-647-9663

Impossible Cards

6/8/2018

This week for Demo, we learned about 2 different kinds of Impossible Cards!!

Bekah was the Demonstrator and she had some fun ideas in store... check this out!!

It may be hard to see in the photo.. but this card actually stands up!!

This makes for a great, simple Place Card!!

The coolest part about this card.. it really doesn't take much to create this effect!! With a couple folds, a couple cuts with a pair of scissors, and a quick twist.. you can create this card too!!

One of our regular customers showed us this Artist Trading Card she made! How cute is this?!?

This next card was an idea one of our other customers showed us... this is a fun idea!!

This card is made of several tabs... and when the tabs are flat, you can see your stamped image!!

As you swipe your hand across the card, the image disappears and the image on the backside appears!

The tabs are held in place with a bit of solid-colored Washi Tape!!

Fun ideas this week!! Join us for Demo next week as we learn about Embossing Paste and Stencils!!

Glitter!

5/5/2018

This week for our Free Demonstration, we showed some different ideas for using glitter!! Elli was the demonstrator this week.. and there was glitter EVERYWHERE.. so you know we had a good time!

There were lots of ideas to share.. from ideas for kids, to party ideas, to card making.

This first idea is SO CUTE!! With a little bit of Double Tack (or 2" Wide Double Sided Tape), glitter, some card stock, and the Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies from Hero Arts, you can make these popsicles too!!

Or how about this sweet idea?! This Metallic Butterfly Paper really inspired a fun card.. just some glitter and Diamond Glaze between 2 pieces of Acetate really brings this card to life!!

This Gate Fold idea is sweet.. just a bit of Double Tack, Gold glitter, and a die-cut.. you can really make a unique card that still looks elegant

If you already have a Sakura Glaze Pen, then you are going to LOVE this idea!!

Write your word, then sprinkle on some Multi Super Fine Glitter and watch the sparkle bring your writing to life!!

An easy way to make a border on a card.. some 1/4" Double Sided tape, buff-in some glitter and you have a quick card!

We played around with the new Glitter Paint.. try using a Palette Knife and a stencil with your new Glitter Paint.. finish it off with Super Fine Glitter and bring your project to the next level!!

Join us for Demo next week!! The theme is "Marbling Ideas."

Demo is offered every Wednesday from Noon to 1pm and is located here at the store in the Atrium

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

Miniature Ideas

4/20/2018

For Demo this past week, we had SO MUCH FUN learning new ideas for making Miniatures!! Elli was the demonstrator and she showed everyone how to make small miniature dioramas and card ideas...

This first one was made using a recycled chocolate tin...

Elli made books, a broomstick, tiny ink and quill and SO MUCH MORE!! The little cats can be found in any toy store... these ones specifically came from the Yeager's Toy Store

This miniature was made with a Harry Potter theme to it.. and it was incredibly fun to see all the details come together...

This idea is fun.. This paper is new from Carta Bella, Spring Market.. and we showed how you can make a quick pocket to put a *mini book* inside!!

And here we used that same paper to make... a *mini* accordion book!!!

This is a quick one... just take an old metal tin (such as an Altoid tin) and run some ribbon along the side.. easy miniature suitcase!! Great if you are looking to give a tiny set of toys to a kid or if you want to give them a little book or a tiny note.. it is just a fun way to package up a little gift!!

Here we have another idea for using the metal tins... make a small diorama!

Using charms, ribbon, paper and Diamond Glaze, you can make a miniature pond too!!

Or, using die-cuts, ribbon, and a bit of brown paper, you can make a tiny camping scene!

This last Miniature Idea was made a few months ago and was brought by just to show *what all you can do* in the world of Miniatures!!

Elli calls this the Mini Kitchen and it was put together inside this adorable little lantern!! (Lantern was found at a thrift shop)

Some fun details to note:

Handles and details on the dishwasher and cupboards was all done using a silver gel pen!!
The knives are made with a little magnet sheet and are EVEN REMOVABLE!!
Wood grain paper to make the cutting board look real

and SO MUCH MORE!!

If you find yourself working on a miniature project, swing by the store to get inspired or to get some help!!

We are here to help with any project and we are FULL of ideas! Stop by to see us 7 days a week!!
360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, March 27th

3/30/2018

This week for class we had a LOT of fun and the cards were just wonderful, as usual!!

These cards all taught a different technique..

The first card was made using the new paper from BoBunny, Black Tie Affair and this Vintage Paper Dolls set from Tim Holtz

First, Students went through and picked out EITHER 1 large photo or 2 small photos from the Vintage Paper Dolls
Then, using the Faber Castell pens, each person colored in only PART of the images.. such as the hats and gloves or just the dresses.. etc.
Heat-set the image to dry the Faber Castell markers!
Using the Nuvo Blending Sponges, apply Walnut Stain Distress Ink to the black and white rose paper. *This is a great way to colorize paper if you needed to add another color into your card!
Layer the card together using some textured ribbon

Check out how everyone colored their little Paper Dolls!! I LOVE THESE!!

It is so fun to see everyone's cards come together at the end!! What a sweet card this is !!

This next card was made using all these fun Texture stamps from Fred B. Mullett!

The stamps she used: Netting2, Half Shell 1, Half Shell 2, and May All Your Dreams by Prickly Pear

To make the card:

Stamp out the Netting and Half Shell 2 in black ink on White Cardstock
Stamp out the Half Shell 1 in red ink after all the other images have dried
Stamp out the sentiment in the bottom right hand corner (Wendy used the Tim Holtz Platform to stamp the sentiment)

The best part about this card is you can arrange your texture stamps in any way you see fit!

What a fun card this turned out to be!!

This next card was made using this BEAUTIFUL Ferns embossing folder by Cest La Vie, this amazing Spruce Lines stamp from Fred B. Mullett, and the ALL NEW Distress Resist Spray from Tim Holtz

To make this card:

First, open up your embossing folder and lightly rub the Distress Oxide Ink, Peeled Paint, across the BUMPY SIDE UP side of the embossing folder ONLY
Run your Kromekote paper (shiny side down toward the ink) through your machine in the embossing folder
THEN spritz the surface with the Distress Resist Spray one time and LET IT DRY (we used a heat gun). **it needs to be FULLY DRY before you continue!**
Rub 2 colors of Distress Ink (Seedless Preserves and Dusty Concord) lightly across the embossed paper. The purple ink should just barely cover the image but not go as deep as the embossed leaves.
Take the Seedless Preserves ink pad, rub it on a craft mat, spritz water to activate the colors, and use ANOTHER small piece of Kromekote paper to lift some of the ink off the craft mat. This will transfer the ink onto the Kromekote paper. Heat-set the paper.
Stamp the Spruce Lines stamp on top of the Kromekote paper you just finished heat-setting using Versafine Olympic Green ink. Heat-set AGAIN.
Put your card together, adding a bit of Ombre Purple Ribbon, and look in awe at how beautiful it is!!