Category: Diy

Embossing Powders, New Ideas!!

1/18/2019

This week for Demo, we played around with Embossing Powders!!

What is Embossing Powder?? It is a Powdered Resin that melts at 450 degrees. Embossing Powder will stick to wet ink, something sticky (such as double-sided tape), or even paint! You MUST use a heat gun to melt the ink to reach the desired 450 degrees to melt the powder.

...And before you even ask NO YOU CANNOT USE A HAIR DRYER!! (I tried! It broke my hair dryer!! Why won't this work?? Because a hair dryer will NEVER reach 450 degrees... it would melt your head!!)

Please use a heat gun, we sell them here at the store and they are a wonderful tool to have on hand :-)

Traditionally, to do Heat Embossing, you'll need:

A Heat Gun
Ink (Pigment Ink works best)
Embossing Powder
Stamp

First, stamp your image with Pigment Ink, sprinkle on Embossing Powder (cover the entire image and shake off the excess back into the bottle), and then use a Heat Gun to heat-set the image.

You can use:

Colored Pigment Ink with Clear Powder -- When you stamp an image with Colored Ink and Clear Embossing Powder, you get a raised image in the COLOR OF INK you chose

Clear ink with Colored Embossing Powder -- When you stamp and image with Clear ink and Colored Embossing Powder, you get a raised image in the COLOR OF POWDER you chose

Multi-colored Embossing can be REALLY fun!!

Stamp your image with Pigment Ink (such as Versamark or Versafine)
Sprinkle on one color of Embossing Powder and shake off the excess in ONE DIRECTION off the page so the powder doesn't cover the entire image. Put excess powder back in the bottle
Now sprinkle on a second color of Embossing Powder, this time covering the entire image. Shake off the excess and put it back in the bottle.
NOW heat-set the entire image and watch in awe as the powders melt together to create beautiful tones!!

Now that we've explained HOW heat-embossing works, we can show you NEW WAYS to use it!!

Did you know Embossing Powder sticks to Acrylic Paint?!!? That's right.. you can paint an image.. taking your time to add in details.. and THEN sprinkle on Embossing Powder. The powder will stick to the Acrylic Paint. When you heat-set the powder, the powder will melt in the areas where it stuck to the paint!!

Here, I used 3 colors of Embossing Powder to colorize the Octopus (Carnelian, Detail Gold, and Detail Black). After the Octopus was colored, I went back in with Acrylic Paint to create suction cups and used Detail Black Embossing Powder. I heat-set the image again, this time only the Detail Black Embossing Powder on the suction cups melted... the rest of the image retained it's detail

Did you know... Embossing Powder STICKS TO TAPE?!!?!?

Yes, it does!! You can take a strip of Double-Sided Tape and lay it on your paper... maybe create a grid or plaid.. and then apply your Embossing Powder (I buffed in the powder a little bit into the tape to make sure the powder stayed STUCK to the tape!!) Shake off the excess Embossing Powder into the bottle and heat-set the Embossing Powder that is stuck to the tape.

IT IS SO COOL!! I love how you can make a quick frame for your sentiment.. and the sentiment can be stamped and embossed in the SAME COLOR!!

Ok, Ok... now for the good stuff!!

YOU CAN EMBOSS ON ROCKS!!

Stamp an image with Versamark ink, apply Embossing Powder, and then Heat Emboss with your heat-gun! **THIS TAKES AWHILE** to heat because the rock has to heat up.

THE ROCK IS VERY HOT after you melt your Embossing Powder, so please be very careful. I recommend waiting for about 5 minutes before touching the rock so it has plenty of time to cool down.

You can also HEAT EMBOSS ON TILE!!!!!

Stamp your image with Pigment-Based ink and then emboss with Detail Clear Embossing Powder

**THIS TAKES AWHILE TO SET** because the tile needs to heat up. The tile will be VERY HOT for about 5 minutes. Be careful!! I usually wait for the tile to cool completely before I touch it.

The leaves will be raised up in the color of ink you chose.. the effect is WONDERFUL and hot glasses will be able to sit on it without harming the embossed image. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

With this next idea, you can use die-cut letters to cut out a word. Then, take the Super Soft Blending Brushes and brush Versamark, clear ink, over the words and sprinkle on Embossing Powder. The powder will stick to where you applied the ink! Heat-set the image to make the words pop on the paper!! Back your words with a bright-colored paper.

Do you have a large selection of Embossing Powders? Well, now is a great time to get them out and play!!

We are FULL of ideas and inspiration around here, so if you need any help, feel free to stop by!

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Calendar Paper and Ideas

1/5/2019

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Every year we bring in different Calendar Papers to inspire those who like to build their own calendars or desk calendars!!

Check out the newest calendar line from BoBunny, Banner Year

Each sheet of 12" x 12" paper contains a mini blank calendar as well as some fun areas to write and some cut-outs that pertain to the month

I thought it might be fun to create a Pocket Calendar that you can put in your purse!! It fits perfectly in this check book cover and can be changed out depending on the month

I folded a small piece of card stock and put photo corners on one side to hold the mini calendar in place. I only tucked it on the left side of my check book cover and when I fold it over there is a space at the back of the card stock to make a little pocket to hold a grocery list. The photo corners allow me to trade out the mini-calendar with a new month

The pocket on the right side of the check book cover is great to hold to-do lists, notes about upcoming birthdays or anniversaries, or to hold your check book!!

I placed a fun piece of decorative paper in the front and back of the check book cover to make my Pocket Calendar more fun!!

You can also make a fun Desk Calendar for your self using card stock, acetate, decorative papers, and double-sided tape

I made a quick tent-fold for the base and scored each side at 1/2" to fold under for the bottom. I taped a piece of Acetate at the bottom to keep the base from falling over. This is also where I place the upcoming months for when I am ready to switch it out!

I used 1" strips of decorative paper to make the pockets on either side of the tent fold and tucked in items like a mini-calendar and some fun cut-outs from the sheets of decorative paper to make it more *exciting*

On the other side of my tent-fold base, I put in little reminders about birthdays or bills that are due! Or, because I love it, little inspirational sentiments!!

I loved the idea of cutting out some of the little tags to make it more interactive and to more visually pleasing.. besides who doesn't love to be creative?!?

And, the little pieces for the upcoming months can just slide right underneath the tent-fold base so you can easily transition into the next months!

What I love about the calendar papers is you can just cut them up and use them to make a few cards as well!!

Stop by to get inspired 7 days a week!!

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Accordion Book Tutorial, Wedding/Anniversary

12/30/2018

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For MANY years, we have been creating our own Accordion Books using products we carry here at the store!!

Check out this Tutorial on how to make your VERY OWN Accordion Book!

For this book, I chose a BEAUTIFUL Black/Gold/White color palette and this paper line from Simple Stories, 2018 and this sheet from ColorPlay from their Hello New Year line

You will need:

3 or 4 sheets of 12" x 12" patterned paper
2 sheets of 12" x 12" Chipboard (Kraft color)
4 sheets of black card stock (or other solid color)
3 to 4 sheets of other solid card stock to layer with (I chose a Stardream Gold Leaf and an Ivory card stock with a fleck in it)
Gold Ink Pad
Ranger Ink Blending Tool
Paper cutter
Score board
Scissors
Double-sided tape, mounting tape, and pop-dots
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
1 yard of ribbon (I chose a black satin ribbon)
Die-cuts, stamps, or other sentiments that you like

To make the Accordion Book:

Start by first taking the 2 pieces of Chipboard and cutting the pieces down to size using a paper cutter. You will need 6 pieces of chipboard that each measure 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"

Then, using the Ranger Ink Blending Tool and a Gold Ink Pad, ink the edges of each piece of chipboard

Next, take a piece of the Stardream Gold Leaf colored card stock and cut it up to get 5 pieces that measure 2" x 5 1/2"

Score each piece of the card stock at 1" so the pieces will each fold in half lengthwise

Then, use Double-Sided Tape to adhere the "hinges" to the pieces of chipboard MAKING SURE to alternate sides that the hinge is adhered so that the book creates the "Accordion" look

When you lay it flat on the counter it should look like this:

Next, cut your pieces of black card stock so that they create nice pages for your chipboard base. You will need a total of 12 pieces that each measure 4 1/4" x 6 1/4"

On the BACK page, adhere the piece of Black Satin Ribbon to the Kraft Chipboard piece using Double-Sided Tape. THEN lay down the last piece of black card stock and adhere it in place so the ribbon is secure.

Then, use decorative and patterned card stock to decorate the book!!!

Once you decorate ONE SIDE, flip the book over and decorate the OTHER SIDE!!

The front of the book can be as basic or as exciting as you'd like!! REMEMBER that the front of the book will be the page that opens up LIKE A BOOK. You don't want your Accordion Book to be backwards!!

We used these BEAUTIFUL die-cuts to decorate the front of the book!! Since this will be a wedding or Anniversary themed book, I used the Mr. and Mrs. die-cut from Impression Obsession and this Mini-Frame Circle from Jeanine's Art

I love having a nice, big sentiment at the back of the book.. and this "Pop, Fizz, Clink" cut-out from the patterned paper is just PERFECT!!

I also used these fun heart die-cuts to use in the book... The Hearts and Flourish Heart are both from Impression Obsession. I cut them out of Glitter Paper and the Stardream Gold Leaf color of card stock

I used both the inside cut-out of the Flourish Heart so I had embellishments for 2 pages!!

As you can see... with an Accordion Book, you can open it like a book page-by-page OR lay it out on the counter for all to see!!

Stop by to see it in person!! Accordion Books are not only FUN TO MAKE they also make a great gift idea!!! Great for Anniversaries or a Wedding... or even for displaying Graduation Photos!!

Stop by to get inspired to build your very own Accordion Book today!!

See you soon!
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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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Tuesday with Wendy, Nov 20th

11/23/2018

This week for Tuesday with Wendy card making class, Wendy was inspired by the winter and holiday images!!!

Check out the 3 cards and FALL IN LOVE because they are just fantastic!!

The first card that Wendy designed was inspired from this Stampscapes image, Pines and Rocks as well as this die-cut from Poppy, Magnificent Moose

To make the card:

Start out by selecting a metallic paper to cut out your Moose die-cut and frame from. Wendy chose this marbled card stock that has a gold/champagne color to it.
Use the Hero Arts Rounded Rectangle die-cut set to cut out a rounded rectangle out of the marbled card stock paper. Use the inside piece of the cut-out to then cut out your Moose
Use The Ultimate Glue to adhere a piece of Acetate to the back side of the rounded rectangle cut-out
Stamp the Pines and Rocks image using the Versafine Clair ink, Rain Forest
Use Mounting Tape to adhere the Rounded Rectangle to the paper that has the Pines and Rocks image stamped on it.... This will create dimension for a shaker card *PLACE SEQUINS INSIDE THE SHAKER CARD* before you adhere it completely!!!
Layer the card with solid green card stock and paper with pinecones on it for the patterned paper.
Mount the design onto the front of your card base, which is white card stock

**Look below, to see how one of the gals cut out a second moose to make it even MORE FUN!**

Just look how fun this card is!!

And the best part is... it's a SHAKER CARD!!! (Which is just so fun... whether you are making a card for kids or adults)

This design is great for cards for men or a card for the Hunter in your life... and the patterned paper is PERFECT for the Pacific Northwest

The next card that Wendy designed was inspired from this Stampendous image, Snow Bird

To make the card:

Stamp and heat emboss the Snow Bird image with Versamark ink and Moonstone Embossing Powder
Color the image using Prismacolor colored pencils... Wendy chose 3 tones of light brown to add some tone-on-tone color to the Snow Bird
Layer the image with the light brown marbled paper and mount the image onto the embossed handmade paper and adhere it using The Ultimate Glue
Adhere the design onto the front of your card base. Wendy chose an ivory colored card stock as the card base
As a final touch, use Nuvo Crystal Drops, Ivory Seashell, to add some berries onto the Snow Bird branch.. the color and texture mimics the embossed handmade paper perfectly!!!

What a stunning card!!! Such a perfect image for the winter season..

The last Card that Wendy designed was inspired from this stamp and die set from Spellbinders, Christmas Joy and this die-cut from Poppy, Whittle Moose

To make the card:

Use the Hero Arts Infinity Circles die-cut set to cut out 2 sizes of circles. Use a dark brown card stock for the larger circle and a decorative paper for the smaller circle (for this card, Wendy chose this whimsical tree paper from Photoplay and it is SO CUTE)
Stamp your Christmas Tree with Versafine Clair ink, Rain Forest
Color your Christmas Tree with light green and yellow Tombow Markers. Then use the Christmas Tree die-cut to cut out your tree
On your green card stock base, adhere a small strip of dark green card stock in the middle to add color contrast
Use double sided tape to adhere the layered circles on the right side of your card
Die-cut the Whittle Moose out of brown suede paper and use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the Moose to the middle of the layered circles
On the left side of the card, use pop-dots to adhere the stamped Christmas Tree image.
At the top of the card, stamp the Christmas sentiment in Versafine Clair ink, Rain Forest
Finish off the card by tying a bit of red polka-dot ribbon along the left side of the card and tie a little knot to hold it in place

This Christmas card is JUST ADORABLE!!!!

I love the colors, the movement, and how the tree paper matches the tree stamp perfectly!!

Fantastic cards this week!!!

To sign up for the next card making class, give us a call here at the store!!

The next card making class will be offered on Tuesday, December 4th
*Please sign up by the Saturday before class*

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Altered Books

11/16/2018

It can be really fun to create art inside a book!! If you love to collect old books, you may be familiar with the aesthetic of holding, opening, and smelling an old book.. there is just something special about it.

This week for Demo, Bekah was the demonstrator! She showed some ideas for altering books and shared her take.. what wonderful ideas!!

There are SO MANY different concepts to consider when you alter a book... Here are some ideas!!

Use an X-acto Knife and a cutting mat to create unique cuts into old pages... back the final page with a solid piece of decorative paper to create a nice focal point. You can add findings to hide throughout your book... like hidden keys or old stamps or fun pieces of art you may have collected..

You can also take an old canvas book and tear open the front of the canvas and add in handmade papers!!!

Pictured below, you can see how the book is torn open in the middle with textured paper added. Then, add ink to bring out the texture and add in a Dragon Eye. In the sample below, you can see the molten-lava looking medium.. that is hot glue with Composition Gold Leaf applied to the hot glue... what a cool effect!!

Sometimes in old books there might be water stains... in this idea you can see how we used the water stains to start a doodle!! Just go where your mind takes you... add in collage and decorative papers to make the journal more expressive of your ideas!!

You can re-cover your old books to make them look WAY more exciting!!

Add Charms or Metal findings!!
Create new and unusual bookmarks!
Add decorative and handmade papers to make your book more fun!!

You can use inks to colorize backgrounds and then use an X-acto Knife to cut out designs and overlay them so you can see the ink behind it...

Doodle on your book pages and then use an X-acto Knife to cut out your designs!! Use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to glue layers of paper together to add dimension to your altered book..

Now, I have to share this AMAZING idea that Bekah came up with!!

Bekah has used powerful female figures to inspire her art recently.. and her ideas are just AMAZING!!

She used the book I Am Malala and traced the cover of the book onto tracing paper

Then, Bekah used the tracing to create bold areas to lay out where she would be cutting her book

Using her design on tracing paper, Bekah created a stencil from a sheet of Acetate.

In the SAME BOOK that she took the portrait design from, she created her Altered Book.

She traced out areas with a pencil. She then glued some pages together with Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive and used an X-acto Knife to cut out the chunks of paper where she traced.

Then, Bekah took Nuvo Blending Sponges and added ink to the page behind the portrait. She applied Distress Ink, Walnut Stain ink to the entire page.

When the page is turned, the portrait really stands out!!

Next, Bekah took the same stencil and Nuvo Mousse. She used 3 colors of Mousse: Aubergine (purple), Black Ash (grey), and Toasted Almond (ivory).

To make a skin tone, she used her palette knife on a silicone craft mat and added a few particles of Jupiter Color Burst and a TINY BIT of Toasted Almond Nuvo Mousse. The ivory tones of the Toasted Almond Mousse mixed with the orange tones of the Jupiter Color Burst make a beautiful skin tone.

Then Bekah used the Aubergine for Malala's scarf and the Black Ash for her hair and eyes.

She used the same book as the cutting above, just used a different grouping of pages farther in the book

I love how Bekah used the same theme for her art as the book.. it really just ties it all together!!

What beautiful and clever ideas, Bekah!!

Next week is Thanksgiving, we will have NO DEMO!!
Join us for the following week's Demo as we explore the world of Paper Lanterns!!

Stationery, DIY and Gift Idea!

11/2/2018

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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Alcohol Ink on Acrylic Paint

10/19/2018

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

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!!!

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!!!

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 10th

4/10/2018

This week for Wendy's card making class, it was all about using stencils!!

We have been getting in a lot of new stencils recently.. so for class Wendy designed 3 cards using the stencils in different ways.

Check out how fun the cards are this week!!

To start, the first card is made using this new leaf stamp from Fred B. Mullett, Salal Lines, the Tim Holtz String Stencil, and the ALL NEW Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors

To make the card:

Stamp the leaf image TWICE with Versamark ink and emboss with Detail White Embossing Powder on white card stock
Using the new Hero Arts Liquid Watercolors and a Waterbrush, watercolor over the leaf images. Wendy used these beautiful purple, blues and green tones to create these gorgeous color combinations (Wendy only placed a couple droplets of the Liquid Watercolor into the palette and diluted SOME of the colors so she had dark tones and light tones of each color)
Then, Wendy used the String Stencil and layed it on top of the leaf images. Using the Waterbrush again, she just swiped the color across so that the String pattern transferred onto the background of the leaves
Next, she took a piece of Blue Mesh Ribbon and CUT IT IN HALF so you end up with 2 narrow, long strips. She put a piece of mesh above and below the leaves so it framed them nicely and used double-sided tape to adhere the image down on a green card stock card base

Check out how fun this card is!!

This next card was an easy one to make and is a lovely card for a friend!

Wendy used the new Tim Holtz Stencil, Code and the new Altenew stamp set, Simple Flowers

To make the card:

First, stamp the sentiment in Versamark ink and emboss with Carnelian Embossing Powder on white card stock
Next, using the Code Stencil and Finger Daubers, stencil just at the bottom of the card. Wendy used 4 colors of Distress Oxide inks (Worn Lipstick, Carved Pumpkin, Wilted Violet, and Peeled Paint). Students had the option of using one or more of the colors to do the stenciling.. using Finger Daubers to apply the ink evenly
Then, Wendy used the Tim Holtz Platform to arrange the Simple Flowers stamps. She inked up the stamp using the SAME 4 Distress Oxide inks. Bringing the stamp pad DIRECTLY to the stamps, students were able to get a nice saturation of color for their flowers
Then, to finish the card, Wendy used a strip of Red Double Dot paper by BoBunny and CUT IT IN HALF lengthwise (just like we did with the ribbon in the last card) and framed the flowers by placing a strip on either side.
Wendy finished the card by using double-sided tape to adhere it to a purple card base

What a BEAUTIFUL card!!

The last card in the series was made using the new Impression Obsession stamp, Elephant Scene and 2 ATC Stencils from Joggles, Dot-Dash and Daggers

To make the card:

Stamp the Elephant Scene stamp out on Aged Astroparche paper with Versafine Vintage Sepia ink and emboss with Clear Bark Embossing Powder
Then, using the Daggers Stencil first, overlay the stencil and use a Jumbo Dauber to ink the stencil. Wendy used the Distress Ink Stormy Sky
Next, she did the same process with the Dot-Dash stencil and used the Distress ink Rusty Hinge and a Finger Dauber to apply the ink
To frame out the image, she once again used a piece of ribbon and CUT IN HALF lengthwise to create 2 narrow strips which she used above and below the Elephant Scene and adhered it to a textured backgound paper that had the same colors in it as the inks we used (blue and orange)
She mounted the entire piece onto a nice, soft blue card stock using double-sided tape.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this card!! The movement and textures just make it POP!!

Give us a call if you would like to sign up for the NEXT card making class with Wendy! It will be offered on Tuesday, April 24th.

360-647-9663

What's Wendy Up To?

3/30/2018

Here at the store we are ALWAYS playing and experimenting with new ideas in the world of Art.. and the Queen of Creativity around here is our own Wendy Schwartz!

This week for Demo, it was all about What's Wendy Up To?

Check out ALL THE COOL THINGS she has been making!!!

Above we have a Banner Wendy did for a Banner Project that Judith Bishop asked us to participate in... Wendy used Prismacolor pencils and one of our favorite pens.. the Sakura Black Glaze Pen!

This next piece is one of my FAVORITES!! It ALSO uses the same technique as above..On a Wooden Canvas, Wendy colored with the wax-based Prismacolor Pencils. Then, FREE HAND, Wendy went in and drew on top of the color with the Glaze Pen.. WOW!!! How stunning is this?!?!!?

Here are some Close-Up photos.. just amazing work! And I LOVE how vibrant it is!

Following that same vein of art... check out this idea! On Book Board.. she did it again!! But this time these boards were bound together with pages in between to create a book!

(front, back)

This next group of photos was all done using a printing press with leaves and oil-based inks.. THESE ARE STUNNING!!!

When Wendy was making these she said she tried to use ink colors that mimicked what the actual leaf coloring might be.. and she did a great job!

Now.. my FAVORITE part about Demo this week was... NEW CLAY!!!!

This is Apoxie Clay! And if you just heard a scream across town THAT WAS ME!!

Why do we love this clay so much?!?! Well, it is a 2 part mix that DRIES AT ROOM TEMPERATURE in 24 hours, bonds to almost ANY SURFACE and is extremely hard so you can even work it with a lathe!!

Check out what Wendy created!!

Using metal powders, seed beads, and Swarovski Crystals, Wendy made these STUNNING works of art!!

This one here is bonded to a ROCK!!

We were SO impressed with all that Wendy has been working on!!

Keep an eye out in the store for the Apoxie Clay!

Also, Wendy will be offering a class on how to do the Prismacolor and Glaze Pen art in April!

Give us a call if you have any questions!!

360-647-9663

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

Tuesday with Wendy, March 13th

3/17/2018

All 3 cards this week were just FANTASTIC!!!

Wendy used all new products to make these 3 cards.. and she did not disappoint! They are vibrant, fun, and unique!!

The first card from the series was made using:

Rolling Wave Collage die-cut from Memory Box
Starling on Branch stamp from Impression Obsession

Wendy first cut out the Rolling Wave Collage die-cut
She overlayed her die-cut onto the piece of white paper. She used a pencil to trace inside the swirl to know where to color in.
Take off the overlay and use Prismacolor colored pencils to color in the swirl
Stamp the Starling on Branch and emboss with Detail Black Embossing Powder
Overlay the Swirl onto the card and tape down using double-sided tape
Layer the Rainbow Brick paper behind the image

Check out how beautiful this card is!!

I love how each one of these cards looks a little different!!

This next card was made using these 3 stamps from Impression Obsession: Mushroom, Happy Trails and Simple Things

To make the card, first start out by scoring the card in half THEN fold the front of the card in half again so you have a card with 3 panels
Next,Wendy colored the mushroom and snails
On the front of the card, she mounted the Mushroom and one snail and mounted it on the piece of patterned paper. She mounted the little snail up with a pop dot.
For the inside of the card, stamp the sentiment Simple Things and mount another snail on the far right bottom corner.
Wendy used the Nuvo Crystal Drops to add texture onto the dots of the Mushroom and the antennae of the little snails

This last card was BY FAR one of the most incredible.. and the technique is just grand!! Wendy used this new stamp from Penny Black, In Paris

To make the card:

Sprinkle a little bit of Colorburst onto a Craft Mat and spritz with water. Use a piece of Kromekote paper (Glossy side facing the Craft Mat) and transfer the ink to the paper by just pressing it into the Colorburst
Next, ink up your stamp. Wendy used 4 colors of Versafine Ink- Onyx Black, Majestic Blue, Sepia, and Olympic Green DIRECTLY onto the stamp.. THEN she stamped the image onto the Kromekote paper on top of the Colorburst splatter that was already there. *Remember that Versafine ink stays wet longer so you can apply all 4 colors and then stamp*

One of our FAVORITE parts about card class is that even with the same technique.. EVERY CARD WAS DIFFERENT!! Check out some of these other beautiful Paris cards... WOW!!!

Join us for the NEXT Tuesday with Wendy class!! It will be on March 27th! Give us a call to sign up! 360-647-9663

Collage Papers, Demo Part:2

3/9/2018

Remember last week for Demo when Wendy made all those fun Collage Papers?!?

If you missed it, you can view it here: http://www.stampadoodle.com/stampadoodle-blog/collage-papers-demo-part1

Wendy had designed so many papers.. in a variety of color patterns.

Well, then this week for Demo, she made an art piece! Check out how beautiful it is...

I love her movement in this piece!!

She cut up some of the papers and arranged them in this fun geometric shape...

I love Wendy's use of fibers... and when it is all in this beautiful purple, blue and black tones the piece really comes together!!

Check out all this FUN TEXTURE!!!

Stop by the store to see the art piece in person!! Wendy will have it displayed once it is *completely* finished!!

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!