Category: Handmade Paper

Handmade Papers Demo

3/15/2019

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

There are SO MANY ideas for using your handmade papers... just check out what you can do!!

We carry SO MANY beautiful handmade papers!!!! They come from ALL OVER THE WORLD!!

Some of them are from Italy....

We carry others that are made from 100% Recycled Cotton Fibers from India...

We have a large selection of hand-silk-screened Chiyogami Papers from Japan.. these are some of our favorites because they are SO BEAUTIFUL!

We LOVE these printed ones from Nepal... these images are always popular around here!!

We also carry these fantastic papers made from the Mulberry Plant.. These papers are great for creating Privacy Windows at home because they are a little bit translucent

I love the idea of using some of these papers as overlays... Take these papers, for example, that look a little bit like lace. They are GREAT for laying on top of patterned papers to create a *totally different* effect!!

You can also use these textured papers to cut out die-cuts!!

These handmade ones that are slightly translucent are great for overlays because they pick up the color of paper behind it.. which works GREAT for layering!

You can take one of the patterned handmade papers and put a translucent piece of Mulberry paper on top to soften the pattern. THEN you can fussy-cut some of the images to lay on top of the overlay... this makes it so the focal point matches in color to the background.

You can also take a piece of handmade paper and cut out some of the images... like the marbled pattern in a paper... and you can use pop dots and mounting tape to add dimension

You can "enhance" the handmade papers by simply adding a little bit of shimmer... it is easy to do with the Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Pen!!

You can also make mottled-looking paper by using PVA to adhere pieces of wrinkled Tissue Paper onto a piece of card stock.

If you stamp an image with Versafine Clair Nocturne ink onto the tissue paper and THEN adhere it, your stamped image will be waterproof and won't move when you glue the tissue paper in place with the wet glue.

... when I made this card some of the tissue paper ripped... but I actually like the look!!!

You can also colorize tissue paper with Distress Inks and the Picket Fence Blending Brushes so you get this beautiful ombre effect...

I decided to use this die-cut from Impression Obsession (I trimmed off the doe and buck) to make a beautiful serene scene with just the tissue-paper overlay... what an easy and gorgeous effect!!

You can make your own decorative handmade papers with inclusions by using a piece of white card stock, some leaves or feathers, PVA, and a very sheer piece of the translucent Mulberry Paper

I love how we used fresh pieces of Pine and it smells SO GOOD even after being in the paper for a couple days.

Brush on a VERY thin coat of PVA onto a piece of card stock (a foam brush works great)
Next, lay down a feather, dried flower petals, or fresh pines onto the glue
Now, take a piece of VERY thin Mulberry Paper and lay it on top of the inclusions
Place a clean paper towel down on top of the Mulberry paper and press firmly making sure to fully press on the Mulberry paper so it adheres evenly.
Trim your paper down to size using a paper cutter and some scissors

You can take an image from one of the Italian papers and make little squares (folded in half) to add dimension to an image!!

Some of these papers are textured.. you can change the color by using your Versamark clear ink pad and embossing powder to make it look like dragon skin!!

And, the easiest way to use your translucent handmade papers is to make a sweet little lantern (like this one below using the new Hero Arts Fairy Window) and back the frames with your handmade paper!! It has a great appearance and looks beautiful even if there are no tea-lights on inside!

Stop by the store to see all the ideas in person!! We would love to show you ideas to help you feel inspired!!

See you soon!!

360-647-9663

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Weaving and Knots

3/8/2019

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Here at the store.. the Queen of Weaving and Knots is Wendy!! This week for Demo, Wendy was our Demonstrator!!

Wendy loves to add interest in her by incorporating weaving into her art... just check out some of these ideas!!!

Now, if you have ever watched Wendy create a woven piece.. you may notice that she starts with a bunch of paper strips (aka scraps) that just "inspire" ... Well, some of us see a disaster.. but she see's a creation waiting to happen!!

To start... I LOVE what Wendy does here with some of the Handmade Paper scraps and some black, white, and red papers...

Just look how she took these scraps to an AMAZING LEVEL just by working in this color palette that is so pleasing on the eyes. I LOVE how she even wove-in the swirl!!

Check out this next idea... Wendy used strips of white paper to make a trellis... just pasting down the ENDS of the white strips so she can go in with smaller pieces to weave-in a little lattice... HOW CUTE IS THIS??!?!

I love that Wendy added in the new Lawn Fawn Mushroom Border and leaf ribbon ... it is TOO CUTE!!

You can also create a series of knots by using just a yard of twine and wrapping and knotting the ribbon to itself.... Wendy wrapped it around the card and it makes a nice embellishment for nautical cards or cards for men!

Another idea Wendy had was to take a few colors of TEXT WEIGHT PAPER (like copy-paper weight) and wove a section on a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" paper. THEN she put the woven piece onto a piece of Double-Tack (which is like a sheet of double-sided tape) and cut out an oval..

I love how Wendy trimmed the oval so it looks like an Easter Basket!!!

Wendy used strips of brown paper to create a cute idea for a corner of a card.... This is such an easy and sweet idea....

You can even make the strips a little long and TUCK THEM under the front of the card so you can add another layer for interest!!

HOW SWEET IS THIS?!!?

A quick and easy idea is to use wood grain textured paper to make a little rustic fence!!

You can also punch a hole in the front of a card and use 2 colors of ribbon to put a bow on the FRONT and another color of bow for the INSIDE!!

There are LOTS of ways to add weaving and knotting to a card or art project...

Do you have a pile of paper strips laying around?!? Time to get them out and PLAY!!

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Tuesday with Wendy, February 19th

2/22/2019

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What a FUN WEEK at card making class!!!

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

Check out the cards Wendy created:

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

To make the card:

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

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

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

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

To make the card:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To make the card:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Translucent Papers, Ideas and More!

2/9/2019

Here at the store we carry several different kinds of paper.. and some of our favorite are the Translucent ones

Check out some of these fun ideas!!

When using Translucent Papers, you can really get creative with some of the techniques!! Because the Papers are so thin, however, you need to be careful which papers you use to get certain effects.

Let's start with Embossing Folders!

When you run Vellum in an Embossing Folder, it tends to "crack" .. in order to prevent this from happening, we recommend using a "carrier" of a piece of card stock AT THE SAME TIME so the Embossing Folder embosses both the vellum AND the card stock.

We wanted to know if you could emboss OTHER Translucent Papers..

But we found out you CANNOT emboss Matte Dura-Lar... it just DOESN'T hold texture!!!

Next we tried Embossing the Handmade Mulberry Paper (Wendy chose the SUPER THIN Mulberry Paper with No Inclusions). As you can see, the paper has a SUPER LIGHT embossed texture... neat for an overlay!!

Wendy played around with stamping on the SUPER THIN Mulberry Paper.. Here she used Staz-On Black ink

Wendy tore some of the images from the Mulberry Paper and then used Crystal Lacquer to adhere them to a painted white Wooden Canvas. When she did that, the MULBERRY PAPER DISAPPEARED and the image stayed vibrant!!!

Wendy also stamped some fun natural images in Archival Ink on the Thin Mulberry Paper so that when she does collage with the papers later the inks WON'T BLEED out... Archival Ink is permanent when dry!

You can stamp and Heat Emboss on 3 of these WONDERFUL translucent papers!!

Thick Vellum
Dura-Lar Wet Media Film
Dura-Lar Matte Film

Vellum has quite a bit of Tooth to it... so it has a rougher-feeling than the Dura-Lar. When you stamp and Heat-Emboss it will WANT TO CURL so make sure your Heat-Gun is nice and hot before you heat-emboss!

The Dura-Lar Wet Media Film LOOKS like Acetate but YOU CAN EMBOSS ON IT!!! You can also use dye-based markers on the Wet Media Film!! It also holds embossing beautifully.. just make sure to USE AN EMBOSSING PREP PAD before you emboss otherwise the Embossing Powder will stick everywhere!!

One of our FAVORITE PAPERS to use for Heat Embossing is the Matte Dura-Lar .. the Matte Dura-Lar is SO SMOOTH and it embosses WONDERFULLY!!

You can combine Dura-Lar Matte and Wet Media Film to do Multi-Step Stamping as well!!

I love the look of the Dura-Lar Wet Media Film here... we stamped and Heat-Embossed the Wings and used Tombow Markers to color the wings

Here, we did a combination of Dura-Lar Matte and Wet Media Film... the effect is wonderful!!

Gluing down just the middle of the Dragonfly and popping up the wings really makes the image come to life!

I LOVE this overlay art piece Wendy created!!!

First, Wendy used her Alocohol Inks to colorize the Translucent Papers like Stained Glass!!
Wendy stamped the new Nature Walk image stamps from Darkroom Door onto the Wet Media Film Dura-Lar using Black Staz-On ink
Then, Wendy used the Black Glaze Pen to add doodles and swirls to the papers
Next, Wendy cut out the new Hero Arts Butterfly Die-Cut out of black card stock and pasted it down.. it looks like stained glass when you look at the pieces through the light!

Wendy then created a Tri-Fold out of card stock and then sandwiched the pieces of Vellum, Matte Dura-Lar, and Wet Media Dura-Lar between another card stock Tri-Fold.

When the light passes through it you can REALLY see the colors!!

When the Tri-Fold is closed, you get this really cool card with overlays...

But when you open it up.. The colors COME TO LIFE!!!!

I am always so impressed with what you can create with the products we carry here at the store!!

Stop by to see us to get inspired! We would love to see you!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, February 5th

2/5/2019

GREAT cards this week for Wendy's card making class!! As always, Wendy likes to teach new techniques in her Card Making classes. This grouping of cards is just FANTASTIC!!

The first card Wendy designed was made using the Scribble Circles die-cut from Impression Obsession as well as the Embossing Folder from KaiserCraft, Distressed Dots

To make the card:

Start out by first taking a piece of black card stock and embossing it using the Distress Dot Embossing Folder in your Home Die-cut Machine
Then use a little bit of Nuvo Mousse, Indian Gold, and rub some on the black card stock you just embossed. We just used our fingers to apply the mousse to the paper. Doing this really brings out the texture from the Embossing Folder!
Attach the textured paper to the front of your card base using double-sided tape. Apply some red mesh ribbon along the left side of the card and adhere it with a little bit of The Ultimate Glue
Next, Wendy took a piece of Handmade Paper and cut a small piece that has an embossed swirl design in it. She cut 2 small pieces and put one on the outside and one on the inside of her card.
Wendy cut out the die-cut Scribble Circles out of Red Mirricard card stock and used the shapes, bits and pieces to make an interesting design and art piece on the FRONT of her card and then opened up the card and made ANOTHER art piece on the INSIDE of her card. Wendy adhered the pieces of Red Mirricard using Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Wendy finished off the card by added the Bright Gold Nuvo Crystal Drops occasionally on the front of the card

I LOVE THIS CARD!!!

It not only is FUN AND VIBRANT it also makes for a really great card that can be used for ANY OCCASION

... and even better?? EVERYONE'S CARD WAS DIFFERENT!!!

The next card that Wendy designed was made using this BEAUTIFUL Row of Trees from Stampotique, the Picket Fence Blending Brushes, as well as 4 colors of Distress Ink (Weathered Wood, Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire, and Black Soot)

To make the card:

Start out by first stamping the Row of Trees image on a piece of Solar White card stock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink and Detail Black Embossing Powder
Use a LARGE BRUSH from the Picket Fence Blending Brushes set and apply a VERY LIGHT LAYER of Distress Ink Weathered Wood to the entire surface of the white card stock
Next, cut out a circle and apply a Removable Glue Dot to the back of it. Stick the circle down in the area above the Row of Trees where a moon would sit in the sky
Now use the Large Picket Fence Blending Brush to apply Distress Ink Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire, and finally Black Soot
Remove the circle and watch as the MOON APPEARS IN THE SKY above the Row of Trees
Layer the scene onto a white card stock base

Isn't this card SO BEAUTIFUL?!?! I love how easy it is to create and really has a gorgeous effect... once again this card is great for ANY occasion!

The last card that Wendy designed was made using this STUNNING floral set from Altenew, Wispy Begonia

To make the card:

Start with placing your flower stamp on your Tim Holtz Stamp Platform
Apply the leaf stamps to a Clear Acrylic Block
Use a piece of black card stock and stamp the floral image and the 2 leaf images with Versafine Onyx Black ink (Yes, stamp black ink on black card stock)
Now, use Prismacolor Pencils to color the floral image and leaves, taking your time to add shadows and monochromatic tones for the flower.
Now, stamp the floral stamp AGAIN in the EXACT SAME PLACE with the Versafine Onyx Black ink and use Detail Clear Embossing Powder over the ink. Heat-set the image with a Heat Gun
Next, stamp the sentiment, "You are in my thoughts" with Hero Arts Unicorn White ink and apply Pearlustre Rubellite Embossing Powder to the ink and Heat-set (By using the WHITE INK here, the color of the Embossing Powder really pops on the black card stock!! )

SUCH A GREAT CARD!! And perfect for the upcoming Spring season!!

Once again, EVERYONE'S card was a little different!! I love these florals!!

Thank you to all who joined us for class this week!!

The NEXT card making class will be on February 19th! Please register ahead of time by calling the store!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, Jan 22

1/25/2019

This week for Wendy's card making class, Wendy was at it again designing cards you can use for Valentine's Day!!!

(And let's admit it... who doesn't love receiving a Valentine?!!?)

Check out how wonderful the cards are!!

The first card Wendy made was inspired from this set from Taylored Expressions, You Make My Heart Soar as well as 2 sets from Penny Black, Heart Balloons and Hearts Galore

To make the card:

Start with a pink piece of card stock as your card base
Take a piece of red card stock and a piece of Gold Stardream paper. Use your Home Die-cut Machine to cut out 2 sizes of the Heart Balloons at the same time.
ON THE INSIDE OF THE CARD, adhere the BACKGROUND of the the balloon cut-outs.. Take the Gold Stardream paper (with the Heart Balloon cut out of it) and adhere it with double-sided tape. THEN place the red card stock that is ALSO balloon shaped (with the little balloon shape cut-out of the middle) and adhere that in the middle of the balloon cut-out in the middle of the card. The red card stock Heart Balloon should fit PERFECTLY in the Gold Stardream cut-out Heart Balloon. You will have a piece of pink card stock peeking through that looks like a little pink heart balloon!
Stamp your sentiment, "Wishing you tons of love xoxo" in the middle of the pink heart balloon shape using Versafine Clair ink, Charming Pink and use Detail Gold Embossing Powder and heat-set it.

Next, ON THE FRONT OF THE CARD, lay down a piece of Lavendar Stardream paper and adhere it with double sided tape.
Now take a piece of Shizen Handmade Cotten Paper and cut out the die-cut, Hearts Galore (SAVE THE CUT-OUTS!! You can use those in a future card!). Now take the paper that has the little hearts cut out of it and adhere it onto the front of the card base, on top of the Lavendar Stardream paper
Take your 2 Heart Balloons and layer them on the front. Use the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the large Heart Balloon first. Then, use a pop-dot to pop-up the little Heart Balloon in the middle of the big Heart Balloon.
Tie a little bit of purple twine on the end of the little Heart Balloon and wrap the twine around the card and use a little bit of Deluxe Adhesive to hold the twine in place.
Next, stamp the Elephant image with Versafine Clair ink, Monarch. Fussy-cut the Elephant image and use a pop-dot to adhere him to the front of the card. Tie the other side of the twine around the trunk of the little elephant so it looks like the Heart Balloons are helping him soar!!

Isn't this such a sweet card?! I love how she used the Heart Balloons AND the reverse cut-outs to make this card fun on the inside and the outside!!

The next card that Wendy designed was made using the same 2 Penny Black die-cuts, Hearts Galore and Heart Balloons

To make the card:

Start with a piece of coral-colored card stock as your card base. Cut a piece of floral-themed paper and mount it onto the front of the card base using double-sided tape.
Use a piece of red card stock to cut out one of the Heart Balloons. Use the REVERSE heart-cut out piece and overlay a piece of Acetate on the back (so you have a heart window with Acetate covering it). Adhere the Acetate in place with double-sided tape.
Next, use Mounting Tape (on the Acetate side of the heart window) to wrap around the outside of the heart shape. Then tuck in the "confetti" heart cut-outs from the Hearts Galore die-cut, and adhere it to the front of the card base on top of the floral paper.
Take a small piece of Gold Stardream paper and cut out a smaller Heart Balloon and cut the "balloon tip" part of it so it looks like a normal heart. Use double-sided tape to adhere it in place.. Wendy was clever in designing this card.. she placed the gold heart so it COVERS the "balloon tip" of the heart window we created earlier
To finish off the card, Wendy used an *even smaller* piece of floral paper and cut a final small Heart Balloon and ALSO cut off the "balloon tip" part. She then mounted the heart onto the gold heart using a pop-dot.

I love how this card turned out!! This card is really fun as a Shaker Card.. but doesn't HAVE TO be one! The Acetate over the heart window is just so fun on it's own!!

The last card that Wendy designed was made using this STUNNING stamp set from Darkroom Door, Nature Walk, this die-cut from Paper Rose, Stitched Ovals as well as this sentiment stamp from Impression Obsession, One Person.

To make the card:

Wendy started out with an ivory-colored card stock and layered a piece of Gold-Leaf Stardream card stock onto the front of the card.
Then, Wendy used her Home Die-cut Machine to die-cut a Stitched Oval for the front of her card, she cut this out of the same ivory-colored card stock as her card base.
On the Stitched Oval, stamp the wildflower and sprigs from the Nature Walk stamp set. Wendy stamped with 2 colors of ink: Versafine, Smokey Grey AND Versafine Clair, Morning Mist. The 2 shades of grey look SO GOOD together!! Wendy stamped the images several times so you get the shadow effects from the "ghost" stamping
Then, Wendy stamped the sentiment on the same color of ivory card stock with the Versafine Smokey Grey ink. She tore the paper around the sentiment to give it a "distressed" look. Then she used the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the sentiment to a piece of dark brown card stock. She then tore around that card stock too so that she got a layered/shadow effect
Wendy mounted the sentiment to the front of the card by using a couple pop-dots

Isn't this just a GORGEOUS CARD? I love how simple and elegant it looks... fantastic design!!

Have you always wanted to take a card making class?? Give us a call to sign up for the next one!

Tuesday, February 5th
$10 class fee
*3 class times available*
PLEASE SIGN UP AHEAD OF TIME!!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, Dec 18th

12/21/2018

Wendy is READY FOR WINTER TO BE OVER!! (and it just started!!)

Check out her cards from class last week... the theme is.. YOU GUESSED IT!!.. Valentine's and Love cards!

The first card that Wendy designed was inspired from this new die-cut from Taylored Expressions, Framed Script- Love. Wendy also used this Nesting Rounded Rectangle die-cut set from Hero Arts

To make the card:

Wendy used a peach-colored card stock as her card base
She picked a paper from the new paper collection, Garden Goddess (by Graphic 45) as the background. It is a BEAUTIFUL floral paper in peach and pink tones.
Using the Hero Arts Nesting Rounded Rectangles, cut out a rounded rectangle from solid paper (Wendy chose a vibrant coral color)
Then, die-cut the Framed Script Love from the same kind of floral paper as the background
Use the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the Framed Script Love to a piece of bright green card stock and then fussy-cut around the Framed Script Love so the bright green card stock only shows up behind the word "love"
Mount the Framed Script Love onto the Rounded Rectangle die-cut using double-sided tape
Mount the rounded rectangle onto the floral paper using Mounting Tape (for a little dimension). Tape the entire design onto your card base using double-sided tape.
Finish off the card by tying a bit of dark green sheer ribbon on the front of the card on the far left side and using Diamond Stickles to outline the Framed Script Love so it looks glittery

Isn't this card beautiful?! I LOVE the combination of colors and the floral image is just gorgeous.

The next card was made with the new Big Heart stamp from Taylored Expressions and this embossing folder from Sizzix, Tiny Dots

To make the card:

Start with a light pink card stock as your card base
Use your home die-cut machine to emboss a small piece of white card stock... Apply Versafine Onyx Black Ink to the INSIDE of the tiny dots embossing folder and then place your piece of white card stock inside the embossing folder and run it through your home die-cut machine. The ink will transfer as well as the tiny dots impression on your paper.
Adhere the piece of embossed white card stock to a piece of black card stock using double-sided tape. Mount the entire design onto the front of the card base on the left side.
Next, take a piece of pink wood grain patterned paper and cut it down to a square and fold the square in half. Wrap a piece of black polka-dot ribbon around the folded square so it will tie closed when the square is folded.
Adhere the back side of the folded square down to the card base on the right side. It will slightly overlap the embossed white card stock.
Now, stamp the Big Heart stamp onto white card stock 3 times using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink. Fussy cut the images and fold each of the hearts in half. Adhere the first heart down on the inside of the folded square, on the left side, fold-side of the heart in the middle of the folded square.
Then, adhere the next folded heart on the inside of the folded square on the right side. And adhere the last heart in the middle of the card between the 2 other hearts. All of the curves of the hearts should match up perfectly when you open the folded square, and should fold flat when you close the folded square.
Close the folded square and tie it closed so the opening is a secret!!

Isn't this card SO MUCH FUN?!!? I love interactive cards!!

This idea is even sweeter because you can include some fun pens or colored pencils for them to color the Big Heart image!!

The last card that Wendy designed was made with the new Raining Hearts stamp from Altenew and this Caps Lock Love die-cut from Taylored Expressions

To make the card:

Use a piece of grey card stock as your card base
Place a piece of decorative handmade paper on the front of the card base and adhere it with double-sided tape. Wendy chose a geometric paper that has black, gold, and white colors in it.
Take a strip of Stardream paper, Ice Gold color, and stamp the Raining Hearts stamp across the paper. Emboss with Detail Gold embossing powder
Then, take the same strip of paper and die-cut the word "Love" out of it using your home die-cut machine and the Caps Lock Love die-cut. Adhere the strip of paper with "Love" cut out onto a piece of Stardream Antique Gold paper. Then, adhere the entire design onto the front of the card (on top of the handmade paper) using double-sided tape.
Use the L, O, V, and E from the above die-cut and use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere the letters inside the card.

What a fun card this is!!! I LOVE how the inside is the cut-out from the front of the card!!

Join us for the next Tuesday with Wendy card making class!!

It will be offered on January 22nd! 11am, 1:30pm, or 6:00pm.. the same class is offered 3 times during the day.

Give us a call to sign up ahead of time!! 360-647-9663

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*

360-647-9663

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!!

Tuesday with Wendy, Oct 23rd

10/26/2018

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!!

360-647-9663

Mini Book Ideas with Wendy!

10/7/2018

We have been SO BUSY here at the store this week!! But that doesn't keep us from being creative!!

Last week, Wendy was the demonstrator for Demo and she showed us SEVERAL fun ideas for making miniature books!!

Check out this idea!! Wendy cut out a little Match Box from our die-cut machine here at the store.. Then, she created a SUPER TINY STITCHED BOOK and fit it inside!!! I love how she used this decorative Handmade Paper as well

HOW CUTE!!

Or check out this idea... just some folds and a few cuts from a piece of 8 1/2 x 11" piece of text weight paper and you have a quick MINI BOOK!!

When I saw this idea I FELL IN LOVE IMMEDIATELY!!

It looks a bit like a caterpillar!!

And, I love how the little hinges are ALSO CIRCLES!

This concept is pretty fun too... a set of wooden tags can be turned into a little book with minimal effort!!

Stop by the store to get inspired!!

Don't forget to join us for Demo on Wednesdays from Noon to 1pm! The next Demo theme will be Quilling Ideas! Come by and learn something new :-)

Tuesday with Wendy, August 28th

9/1/2018

What a fun class this week!! These cards are all SO MUCH FUN and the students learned new techniques ... Check out these fantastic cards and fall in love!!

The first card Wendy designed was made using this stamp set from Darkroom Door, Grevilleas, this STUNNING Handmade Paper with this metallic flourish, and this Peace Script stamp from Impression Obsession.

To make the card:

Use an metallic ivory card stock as your card base.
On the left side of the card, layer a piece of Handmade Metallic Flourish Paper on top of a piece of text weight Gold Leaf metallic paper, leaving a nice border of gold on 2 sides of the metallic flourish. Use double sided tape to adhere the papers together
Use Morning Mist Versafine Clair Ink to stamp out the Grevilleas stamp.. Wendy chose the image that looks like a pine sprig. She stamped the image so it partially stamped where the metallic flourish paper is so that it looks like it is coming out of the paper. She stamped this image twice.
Wendy then stamped the Peace Script stamp, also in Morning Mist Versafine Clair ink.
Then, she applied Detail Gold embossing powder over the 3 stamped images and heat-set it.
To finish off the card, Wendy used a bit of fiberous gold twine and tied it around the edge of the card... I LOVE how the fiberous twine mimics the movement of the pine sprig stamp!!

This is such a BEAUTIFUL card for the holidays!!!!

The next card was ALSO inspired from the Darkroom Door, Grevilleas stamp set, as well as this Carabelle Studio stencil, Mask with Wires, and this Avery Elle stamp set, Grateful

To make the card:

Start with a piece of cardstock 4" x 5 1/2". Wendy chose a very soft, light colored brown paper
On the smooth side of the paper, stencil the image Mask with Wires
Use the Versafine Clair inks Charming Pink, Verdant, and Golden Meadow with the Nuvo Blending Sponges to apply inks over the stencil
Stamp the sentiment, Grateful, in Black Versafine Clair ink
Stamp the native plant sprig along the bottom edge of the card, also in Black Versafine Clair ink
Apply Detail Clear Embossing Powder across the entire piece of card stock and heat-set
Use a narrow piece of black card stock (1/8") on either side to frame out the image on the front of a Speckletone Kraft card stock base

This card is SO FANTASTIC!! It is even more amazing in person!!! It also makes for a great Thanksgiving card!!

The last card is actually a Shadow Box Card!!! Wendy was inspired by this adorable House Mouse image, Acorn Cap from Stampendous, and the Avery Elle stamp set, Grateful

To make the card:

Your card base is going to be the base of the Shadow Box
Cut your card stock so it is 4" x 11" . Wendy used Astroparche card stock
Score your card stock at the following points: 1/2" , 1 3/4" , 5 3/4", and 7" (look at the score guide below)

Then, using double-sided tape, adhere a piece of decorative card stock on to the large panel in the middle of the card base. ONLY USE TAPE AROUND THE EDGE. The decorative card stock measures 4" x 4"
Use the Hero Arts Rounded Rectangle die-set to cut out a window through the decorative piece of paper you just put on. This will cut through the front of the shadow box as well.
The piece of decorative card stock that cut out from the die-cut can be taped down on the far side of the shadow box.
On the piece of Astroparche card stock that cut out from the die-cut, stamp the sentiment Thankful with the leaves and acorns in Versafine Clair Inks Chianti and Rain Forest. Watercolor the leaves and acorns using Tombow Markers and water brushes. Adhere this to the far side of the shadow box as well, just off-set from the Decorative Paper that is already there. Use Pop-dots to adhere the sentiment down.
Stamp the House Mouse image, Acorn Cap, in Versafine Clair ink Pinecone, and emboss with Detail Crystal Embossing Powder. Watercolor the mice and acorns using Tombow Markers and water brushes. Fussy-cut the image
Next, cut a narrow piece of Astroparche paper. The strip should measure 1/2" x 5".
Score the strip at the 1/2" mark on both sides of the strip so you can put it in the shadow box.
Tape the Acorn Cap image onto the strip so it will sit upright in the shadow box. THEN tape the strip in place by applying tape to the 1/2" tabs ONLY and adhere it inside the shadow box.

I LOVE this Fall Shadow Box!!!

And the best part about Shadow Boxes... They fit nicely into an envelope!!

If you would like to join us for the next Tuesday with Wendy class, it will be offered on Tuesday, September 11th

Give us a call here at the store if you'd like to sign up!! 360-647-9663

Glitter and Metallic Papers

8/28/2018

It is really fun to use a bit of metallic or glitter paper in your card making or gift wrapping... heck, a little bit of bling can really bring ANYTHING to the next level!!

There are so many WONDERFUL Glitter and metallic papers here at the store...

My personal FAVORITE way to use the glitter and metallic papers is for Gifts!!

You can use the Handmade Glittery papers for wrapping boxes because the paper is light weight and wraps around the packages without creasing.
You can use the double-sided shimmer papers to create small boxes!! The little boxes are actually pretty sturdy! I used a score board to create a nice, crisp box that holds up over time!!

Another fun way to use the metallic papers is with die-cuts! I like to pick an image that make look good if it was cut out in something that looks like metal.. Here I used the Pewter Mirri Card paper and this Watering Can die-cut from Sizzix

We paired The die-cut with this beautiful floral paper and this *PERFECT* stamp that says, "I wet my plants" ... aw I LOVE IT!!

This Scribble Circles die-cut from Impression Obsession is great for creating a focal point on a card.. I cut out the circles in Gold Mirri Card and Red Mirri Card and stamped this sentiment from the new Hero Arts set, Home for the Holidays

I LOVE THIS IDEA!! You can take any shimmer or metallic paper and run it through a Home Die-Cut Machine and emboss it...

This effect is so fantastic! Just a piece of Silver Mirri Card paper with the Diamond Plate Embossing Folder from Darice makes this STUNNING effect! It looks like *real* diamond plate!!!

You can also make an asian-inspired card using this Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Mary Anne and this fantastic die-cut from Amy Design, Happy Buddha

I love the combination of the Red Mirri Card for the image and the Gold Shimmer paper for the background .. it embosses so beautfully!!

One of our regular customers, Diana Ramsey, played with Alcohol Inks on Silver Mirri Card paper.. you HAVE TO STOP BY the store to see this in person!! This effect is just FANTASTIC!!

Diana used the Sharpie White Paint Pen to create the flowers and a Black Glaze Pen to add the dots in the center

This Nesting Teacups set from Hero Arts is perfect for making a tea-inspired card!!! I cut the tea cups out of Silver Mirri Card so they look more realistic!!

Wendy has shown this technique before, and it is REALLY easy to create.. just die-cut a solid image and tuck a piece of the Handmade Glitter Paper behind the image to bring it to life!!! We used this Memory Box die-cut, Tisdale Snowflake Collage

This is a new Wing Set from Stampendous is really sweet.. and there are SO MANY wing shapes!!!

I cut out the wings in the Silver Mirri-Card and used the same die-cut to cut out the other side so they match!!

There is SO MUCH you can do with Mirri Card and Glitter Papers.. stop by to get inspired 7 days a week!!

Hand Punches

8/17/2018

In the world of card making, there are SO MANY THINGS you can do!!

Many years ago, Hand Punches were widely used... but as die-cut machines became more popular, less and less people used punches... but we STILL carry them... and you can still make PROFESSIONAL looking cards with minimal effort!

Just look at some of these AMAZING designs!!!

You can use this Pumpkin Punch to make a cute card using scraps of orange paper!!

I LOVE this card idea using the Spiderweb punch and this Handmade Paper with the similar movement!!

Looking to make a Halloween Invitaion? This Halloween Icons Punch makes it easy to create a quick card decoration AND doubles as creating chunky confetti for the table!!

We love this idea using this Large Edger Punch and then pairing it with orange and copper tones to make a nice Fall card..

This is a Punch around the Edge style and it gives you the option to make a beautiful focal point for ANY card!!

Just look how elegant this Wedding card is..

You can use this Punch all over the Page style of punch to punch out snowflakes from the center of a card an back it with glitter paper!!

I used this sentiment from Penny Black, Joyous Season and made a soft pastel purple card.. despite the unusual color palette, this card is BEAUTIFUL in person!!

We used the Large Edger Punch to make a winter card... again we chose a sentiment die-cut from Penny Black to complete the card

This Edger Punch had an argyle look to it, which worked out perfectly for this Christmas Party Invite

I LOVE this snowflake edger, Skyland Snowflake .. it just gives the idea of a snowflake without it being too overwhelming... perfect for framing out a nice stamped sentiment!!

This Hero Arts stamp set, Color Layering Joy, is PERFECT with this Lattice Punch that we cut out of Red Mirricard paper and paired with gold and cream tones..

This really is a stunning card!!

Stop by to see us 7 days a week to see what we've been making and working on around the store!!

If you see something you MUST have, give us a call!!
360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, August 7th

8/10/2018

What a FUN WEEK!!!

As Wendy was showing the new cards to us last week, I was IN LOVE with each one! I could not pick a favorite... and I have a feeling you might feel the same!! Check out how great these cards are!!

The first card that Wendy designed was made using 3 different stamps... Simply Stamped Moon by Taylored Expressions, and Pine Row and Tall Grass by Stampscapes.

To make the card:

Use a piece of 12" x 5 1/2" piece of white card stock as your card base
Score the piece of white card stock at 4" and 8" so you make a tri-fold card
Attach a piece of Marbled Handmade Paper to the middle panel on the outside of your card base
Fold the first tri-fold over *DO NOT ADHERE YET* and use a die-cut circle to cut a circle out of the front panel. It will cut through both layers of the card front and the handmade paper.
Stamp "I love you to the Moon and Back" on the Vellum and emboss with Detail Gold Embossing Powder.
Use double-sided tape to adhere the Vellum in between the 2 open circles you just created on the card base
Take the white circle that you cut out and use Nuvo Blending Sponges to apply Rusty Hinge Distress Ink... this makes the moon look orange like a Harvest Moon
Now for the Multi-Step Stamping: there are 3 moon Images in the Taylored Expressions set... A solid moon, a slightly solid moon, and an open image moon..
Stamp the slightly solid moon in Versafine Clair Morning Mist and stamp the open image moon in Versafine Clair Nocturne.
Tape the moon image in place so that in lines up with the Vellum moon on the front of the card
Now stamp the Pine Row trees below the Harvest Moon
Stamp the Tall Grass in Versafine Clair Morning Mist ink
Finish off the card with a yard of black twine and wrap it around the front and tie it tight with a little bow

Isn't this such a GREAT card?!!? I love how the Marbled Handmade Paper looks like the surface of the moon... we just LOVE this card!!!!

The next card in the series is made using this Taylored Expressions Stencil, Mosaic Leaves and this Altenew Stamp set Cherished Memories

To make the card:

Your card base is a half a piece of green paper
Use the Mosaic Leaves stencil to make a design on the card on one side. Use Versafine Clair inks and Nuvo Blending Sponges to apply the ink. We used Versafine Clair ink colors Verdant, Purple Delight, and Monarch
Score the card base at 2" and 6"
Stamp out the flower images using Monarch Versafine Clair ink onto light purple card stock
Stamp out the leaf images using Rain Forest Versafine Clair ink onto light green card stock
Fussy-cut the flowers and leaves and pop them up on the smaller of the 2 gates of the gate-fold-card using mounting tape for the leaves and pop-dots for the flowers
Use a piece of purple ribbon to wrap around the backside of the card to complete it!

What a beautiful card! We love how the leaf shape from the Altenew stamp matches the leaf stencil from Taylored Expressions *SO PERFECTLY*!!

And, this color palette is just stunning...

This next card was made using this new stamp set from Kaisercraft, Full Bloom and the new Wet Media Dura-Lar

To make the card:

Cut a piece of the Wet Media Film Dura-Lar to fit on the front of your card base.
Use the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform and stamp the Full Blooms image from with Versamark Ink and heat emboss with Detail White Embossing Powder
Then, press 2 colors of Distress Ink down on your Blue Silicone Craft mat so the ink is sitting on the mat (Wendy used Dried Marigold and Festive Berries)
Next, spritz the ink with water to activate the colors
Then, tap out some particles of Color Burst on top of the activated ink and spritz with water again. (Wendy used Violet, Merlot, Orange, and Lemon Yellow Color Burst)
Press the piece of Wet Media Film Dura-Lar onto the Blue Silicone Craft mat so the backside of the media film is being colorized (NOT the same side as the heat embossed Full Blooms image). This will transfer the beautiful colors of the Distress Ink and Color Burst onto the Wet Media Film.
Use 2 brads to attach the Wet Media Film onto a piece of white card stock and a piece of burgundy card stock
Wrap about a yard of burgundy twine around the front of the card and tie it tight
Attach the Full Blooms image (attached to the white and burgundy card stock) using double-sided tape down onto the card base, covering up the knot from the burgundy twine.

What a STUNNING card!!!!!

This effect is so much more beautiful.. stop by the store to see it in person!!

You can join us for the next Card Making Class on Tuesday August 28th!

You need to sign up by the Saturday before class.. give us a call if you would like to join in the fun!!

Class is $10 and you learn step-by-step how to make each of the cards!! AND new techniques are taught each week!!

360-647-9663

Mosaics

8/4/2018

Last week for Demo, Bekah was the demonstrator!

Bekah has been playing around with the idea of Mosaics.. which traditionally are tiles or paper that create an image.. but Bekah took this idea to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL!!!

This first idea is very simple.. Bekah took different colors of card stock and created a sunflower image using paper that is roughly the right shape... you can see how stunning this effect is!! I love the "stained glass" look she has created here...

Here, Bekah cut out the Mandala Cutting Plate from Taylored Expressions 3 TIMES and glued them together. Then, Bekah filled the empty space! She colored with Faber Castell Markers (Orange) and made it glossy by filling the empty space with Crystal Lacquer... This gives the empty space dimension AND makes it look like a mosaic!!

There are SO MANY things you can do with different art supplies to create the idea of a mosaic...

But one of the COOLEST THINGS you can do is use a stencil!!

Check out what Bekah did here with The Crafter's Workshop stencil, La Artista

I love how she created dimension here by layering pieces together...

Bekah used Handmade Paper to showcase a Frida Kahlo quote.. and it looks SO GOOD!!!!

Tuesday with Wendy, July 24th

7/24/2018

We're in the heat of the summer here at Stampadoodle... but that hasn't stunted our creativity!!

Wendy has been busy designing cards! Check out what she made for Tuesday with Wendy card making class this week...

The first card that Wendy designed was made using this new 3D Embossing Folder, Pretty Florals and this stamp from Impression Obsession, Ready to Fly

To make the card:

Your card base will be a half sheet of white card stock paper (it should measure 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"). Score your card at 2 1/8" on either side of the card base so you create a Gate Fold Card
Lay 2 pieces of Light Blue Stardream Paper in the Pretty Florals Embossing Folder and run it through your Home Die-Cut Machine. These pieces will go on the front of your Gate Fold Card... but don't tape them yet!!
Wrap your white/silver ribbon around to the front of the card and hold it in place while you tape down the Light Blue Stardream papers you just embossed so they hold the piece of ribbon in place.
Next, take a piece of white card stock (this piece will be on the inside of your card) and emboss this paper with the SAME embossing folder.
Stamp your sentiment, Ready to Fly, on a piece of Vellum and emboss with Detail Silver Embossing Powder.
Line up where you want the piece of Vellum to sit on the embossed piece of card stock. Once you've placed it where you like, take a 1/16" Punch and punch a hole on the top 2 corners of the Vellum AND punch through the white card stock at the same time.
Place a Silver Brad into each of the 2 holes you just punched in the Vellum and push it through the embossed white card stock as well and splay-out the brad, securing the Vellum in place.
NOW tape the embossed white card stock to the inside of your card base using double-sided tape
Close your Gate Fold Card and tie it closed with your white/silver ribbon and finish it off by tying a bow

What a STUNNING card!!!! We absolutely LOVE this embossing folder!!

The next card that she designed was made using this Laurel Burch image, Cat and Feathered Friend from Stampendous as well as this Handmade Paper from Italy

To make the card:

Stamp the Cat and Feathered Friend image TWICE onto white card stock and color the cat images with Tombow Markers
Wendy used Pop-dots to add dimension.. To do this, cut the head off of one of the cat images AND the little birdie, and "pop" them up on top of the second cat image with pop dots... lining up the cat heads and birds from the second image.
Now, it's time to work on the Flower Pot! Pick 2 flower pot images that look the same from the Handmade Paper from Italy
Use ONE of the images to cut out tiny little flowers and cut out a flower pot base
Use Mounting Tape to "pop up" the flower pot image on top of the SECOND flower pot image.
Use Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to adhere some of the flowers to the SECOND flower pot image.. .Wendy glued down the centers but left some of the flower petals raised up to give the idea of dimension.
Use Pop-Dots to layer the ENTIRE cat image next to the flower pot image.. Wendy placed the curled cat tail up against the flower pot so the images look cohesive.
Wendy layered the card with rustic colored paper, plaid background paper, and a yellow card base

This is SUCH A CUTE CARD!!!

I love how Wendy used the same colors that were in the flower pot as she used to color the cat.. and it is adorable!!

The last card that Wendy designed was this AMAZING card using this Handmade Paper from Nepal

To make the Card:

Wendy used an ivory card stock as the card base and cut out a 3-square x 3-square piece of the geometric Handmade Paper
Using a 3/4" circle punch, Wendy popped out circles and mixed and matched the shapes to create and interesting design
Wendy used solid colors: grey, gold, and black to mix and match the designs.
She used a bit of Polka Dot Ribbon at the bottom of the card to finish it off

I LOVE this card!!

The funky design of this card made it look SO COOL!!

It was REALLY fun to see other ideas some of the gals came up with!!!

The next card making class will be offered on Tuesday, August 7th

Give us a call to sign up!!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, July 10th

7/9/2018

Class this week was a whole lot of fun!! Wendy has been enjoying the new stamps and die-cuts we've been getting in.. and you can really see why by looking at the cards this week!!

The first card she designed is this using this BEAUTIFUL new image from Impression Obsession, Shore Heron. She combined it with the Stampscapes water image, Shimmering

:To make the card

Apply ink to the Shore Heron image using the new Versafine Clair inks Morning Mist, Twilight, Rain Forest, and Warm Breeze
Stamp the image onto the Blue Silicone Craft Mat
Do a "mono-print" of the image by taking your card stock and pressing it down onto the Blue Silicone Craft Mat, this will pull the image up onto your paper but in REVERSE of the original image.
Stamp the Shimmering stamp across the image-- this makes it look like it is in water-- and finish it off by applying Detail Clear Embossing Powder and heat-setting it.
Use your watercolors to color the water, making sure to go in a swiping-motion with the paints so they match the direction of the water movement
NOW apply ink to your stamp again, using the same colors as before, but this time you will be stamping directly onto the card stock, being aware to line up the images so it appears to be a reflection.
Let the ink dry
Take Nuvo Blending Sponges and create a modeled background for the sky using Versafine Clair inks Twilight and Warm Breeze

What a BEAUTIFUL card this turned out to be!!!!

This next card was made using this stunning Japanese Chiyogami Paper and this new die-cut image from Timeless Flowers, Clematis Border

To make the card:

Using a half-sheet of paper, score your paper at 2" and 6" to create a Gate-Fold Card
Die-cut the Clematis Border image out of text weight purple Stardream paper and layer it on the front of your card with black and gold papers. BE SURE to attach your ribbon underneath the flower image before you glue it down. We used the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive to attach the image to one side of the Gate Fold.
Use a piece of the Japanese Chiyogami paper on the other side of the Gate Fold. Notice how the colors are replicated in solid papers on the left and the design matches the Chiyogami on the right.
Use the Nuvo Crystal Drops, Ivory Seashell to add a bit of color into each flower center
The gold ribbon is so beautiful and really ties the card together! (ha! no Pun intended!)

What a FANTASTIC card!!! So elegant...

The last card was made using this die-cut, Scrolls Half Edger from Penny Black and these 2 new stamps from Impression Obsession, Unicorn Head and Powerful

To make the card:

Start with a half sheet of Ice Gold Stardream Paper. Score it at the 4" mark
BE CAREFUL HERE-- Score it at the TOP AND BOTTOM ONLY at the 6 1/4" mark
Stamp the Unicorn Head image in Versafine Onyx Black in between the 2 score marks you just made and use Crystal Embossing Powder and heat-set it.
Use an X-acto Knife to cut around the Unicorn Head image on the LEFT SIDE ONLY
Fold your card in half, then at the score line fold it back. This will make a nice tri-fold card
Stamp the Powerful sentiment in Versafine Clair ink, Monarch and use Crystal Embossing Powder again and heat-set
On the Left side of the card, layer the turquoise card stock and Purple Glitter Paper.. before you tape it down, tuck the Scrolls Half Edger die-cut in between the 2 pieces of paper and use the Deluxe Adhesive to hold it in place
Finish off the card by coloring with Gel Pens.. Wendy used Purple and Gold gel pens... as well as the Crystal Stickles on the Unicorn mane and swirls of the die-cut

What an *AMAZING* card!!!

Join us for the next Tuesday with Wendy class, it will be offered on July 24th

Give us a call to sign up!

360-647-9663

Tuesday with Wendy, June 5th

6/8/2018

We had a fun time at Card Class this week!!!

Wendy used ALL NEW stamps from Impression Obsession to design the cards! We LOVE each of them so much..

The first card in the series was done using this new image, Seagull Shadows

Wendy decided to use 2 different Textured Papers to use as the background..

This paper is from Echo Park, A Perfect Autumn

This is paper from Ella and Viv, Oxide 1

To make the card:

Cut a piece of black card stock to measure 4" x 5 1/4"
Cut a strip of the Woodgrain paper (it will measure 1" x 5 1/8" ) and tape it on the top
Cut a piece of the Oxide paper (it will measure 2 3/4" x 5 1/8") and tape it on the bottom, lining up the edges of the 2 papers so they look cohesive.
Stamp the Seagull Shadows stamp in Pinecone Versafine Clair ink and emboss with Clear Bark Embossing Powder
Finish off the card with a bit of twine by wrapping it around the front of the card on the left side only and tying it with a knot

What a fun and easy card! The coolest part about this technique is that the color appears black even though it is just the dark brown ink (Pinecone) and the dark brown embossing powder (Clear Bark)

This next card was made using another new stamp from Impression Obsession, Lions

This card is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

To make this card:

Start with a piece of Solar White card stock cut down to 4 3/4" x 3 1/4"
Stamp the image with Black Versafine Onyx Black ink and emboss with Detail Black embossing powder

**HINT: if you have a piece of cardboard, you can place it under your blue craft mat and THEN stamp the image. This gives your stamp much more cushion and is ideal for stamping the solid Silhouette stamps

Use the Nuvo Blending Sponges to apply the Distress Inks to create the sunset. Wendy used Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Festive Berries, and Wilted Violet
Start with the yellow and work your way up as you apply the darker colors

Isn't this card STUNNING?!?! Such a simple technique with a BIG appearance!!

This last card in the series was just a soft and sentimental card... Wendy used the Peaceful Ocean stamp and the Sun will Rise stamp

To make this card:

Stamp the Peaceful Ocean image onto Solar White card stock using the Pinecone Versafine Clair ink and emboss with Detail Clear embossing powder
Using Nuvo Blending Sponges, apply the Versafine Clair ink (Warm Breeze), and 2 colors of the Distress Inks (Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade) to the background of the image to create a soft Sunrise
Layer the stamped image with a bit of textured ribbon and mount it on a soft blue piece of card stock
Cut a strip of orange Marbled Paper (this is a piece of Handmade paper) and cut it in half. Put half the paper above the image and the other half below the image
Stamp the sentiment in Pinecone Versafine Clair ink, fussy-cut the sentiment, and layer on dark brown card stock and fussy cut around the outside to give the sentiment a bit of a shadow
Finish off the card with a bit of thin blue ribbon and tie it on the left side of the card in front

The combination of the Versafine Clair ink and the Distress Inks makes for a beautiful Sunrise...

Having layers and textured ribbons really gives nice dimension to a card!

Card class was really fun this week!!

Join us for the next Tuesday with Wendy class on June 19th

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...