Friday, September 24, 2010

Sketch Frenzy Friday SSF092410

Guess what day it is?  You got it!  FRIDAY!!!!  Sketch Frenzy Friday to be exact!  I hope you all are having as much fun as I am with these sketches.  I really enjoy using MDS to create these challenges.


Here is this week's sketch:


And instead of a card this week, I decided to scrapbook some of those moments we shared as a family, in July, out west!  So here is the first!




I hope our designs have inspired you to play along.  Please upload your sketch on our group site http://www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com/  .  To continue onto the next blog on the tour Click Here: Tess Davis.  In case one of the links do not work I am also including all of the members names and links to their blogs.

Angela Walters
Brenda Taylor
Connie Smith
Kathryne Knowles
Kim Innis
Melinda Couden
Ros Davidson
Sharon Field
Tammy Baldwin
Tess Davis
Tina Taves
Susan Grant

Thanks for visiting!!!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Sketch Frenzy Friday: SSF091710

Guess what day it is?  You got it!  FRIDAY!!!!  Sketch Frenzy Friday to be exact!  I hope you all are having as much fun as I am with these sketches.  I really enjoy using MDS to create these challenge cards.

Before we get to the sketch, I wanted to apologize for not getting all of my posts up these week WITH samples.  I have had a really hard time getting into a groove with my kids activities and my stamping business taking off.  I have a club meeting Saturday, a workshop Saturday (with at least 12 RSVP's, maybe more), a workshop Sunday, and am doing a 3 demo prep top note class.  Needless to say I have not been getting alot of sleep.  Please bare with me as I get myself re-organized this weekend and get my groove back!  Now to the sketch!

Here is this week's sketch:


And here is my card:


I hope our designs have inspired you to play along.  Please upload your sketch on our group site http://www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com/  .  To continue onto the next blog on the tour Click Here: Tess Davis.  In case one of the links do not work I am also including all of the members names and links to their blogs.

Angela Walters
Brenda Taylor
Connie Smith
Kathryne Knowles
Kim Innis
Melinda Couden
Ros Davidson
Sharon Field
Tammy Baldwin
Tess Davis
Tina Taves
Susan Grant

Thanks for visiting!!!!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Water Color Wednesday # 2

I do not have a sample for any of my posts this week.  I will get them all completed but it will probably be during the weekend.  On top of my kids busy softball and cheer schedule, I am preparing for two workshops this weekend!  I have one hostess who has 12 RSVP's already!  I am really excited!  I will get some samples posted soon!

 

Watercoloring



Directions:
1) Dip the tip of a blender pen on to the corner of a Stampin' Pastel, then apply color to the stamped image.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Technique Tuesday Q & A

Stampin' Basics

Choose the topic you're interested in to learn more tips and details about certain products and techniques.

Q: Why are the wood blocks in my stamp sets different colors?
A: Our wood blocks are made with maplewood, and as with other natural products, each block is unique. The color of the wood may differ slightly-these variations enhance the wood's overall beauty and are not considered defects.

Paper
Q: Can you clarify quality issues with card stock?
A: Because there is such high demand for our products, Stampin' Up! outsources its card stock and paper to several different paper mills. Once a mill creates card stock in a specific color, the mill tests it with a spectrophotometer, a device that measures the color. The card stock must pass the mill's internal quality control standards developed in conjunction with Stampin' Up!, including a color examination in a light box. Our products are then reviewed carefully by color experts at Stampin' Up! before being approved.
The nature of color means that you will see a slight color variance between batches. In addition, you may see variation between products, such as card stock, Classic pads, Craft pads, ink refills, cartridges, Stampin' Pastels, and Stampin' Write markers. These products are made by different vendors and with different ingredients, but you can be sure your Stampin' Up! products will always coordinate to help you create the highest quality scrapbook pages and cards. These products have different ingredients and are designed to coordinate, not match.
Q: How environment-friendly is our card stock?
A: Our exclusive colors average 15-25% virgin fiber (northern soft wood), and the rest is recycled. A few of the very light colors require 40% virgin fiber to achieve the pale colors.
Q: What is the difference between pigment ink and dye ink?
A: There are several differences. Dye ink absorbs into the paper; pigment ink sits on top of the paper and does not absorb. Pigment ink tends to be thicker than dye ink and is often preferred for scrapbooking because pigment inks are more resistant to fading than most dye inks. (However, some dye inks are specifically formulated for use in scrapbooks.) The Stampin' Memories section of the Product Guide contains a more detailed explanation of this and other archival topics.
Q: What about drying time and pigment ink?A: Pigment ink, by nature, dries more slowly than dye inks. You can heat-set the pigment inks to speed drying time or set them aside to dry. After heat-setting, pigment inks will resist all but the most deliberate efforts to smear them (such as wetting your finger and rubbing the ink). If you live in a humid area, you will want to heat-set the inks, because air-drying time increases as humidity increases. Heat-setting and air-drying produce the same color results. When heat-setting, be careful of heating too long, which may cause a scorched look.
Q: Can I use pigment ink for embossing?
A: Because of the longer drying time noted above, you have time to apply your embossing powder without rushing; therefore, the Craft pads are an excellent choice for embossing.
Q: Can I use pigment ink on slick surfaces like tile, porcelain, and terra cotta?
A: Pigment ink will not dry on slick surfaces, even when heat-set. However, if you seal the ink with clear embossing powder, you get a delightful glossy finish. Our recommendation is that this technique be used for decorative purposes only, because the image can be scratched off with your fingernail or metal, but it doesn't rub off with just a gentle rub from your fingertip. So you could use this technique for a decorative tile to hang on a wall, but you wouldn't want to decorate the tiles on your kitchen floor this way.
Q: What about wood?
A: Pigment ink works well on smooth raw wood and on wood already painted with a water-based paint, as long as it is heat-set. After heat-setting, you may choose to spray it with a fixative to add an extra layer of protection.
Q: Can I stamp walls with pigment ink?
A: Results with pigment ink on walls vary depending on texture, finish, and previous paint on the walls. Test on a small portion of unseen wall. If the image is dry after heat-setting, it may be used on the remainder of the wall. Acrylic paints are the best choice for stamping on walls.
Q: Does pigment ink work on fabric?
A: Yes, you can use it for stamping on fabrics. However, colors are less vibrant on fabric than on paper. Also, even after heat-setting, fabric inks fade slightly. This is true not only of our Craft pads but other fabric pads available in the retail market as well. For a more vibrant image, try stamping the same image twice (one on top of the other) using the Stamp-a-ma-jig®. Here are some important tips to remember when stamping on fabric:
  • Prewash the fabric.
  • Tightly woven and smooth-finished fabrics work best.
  • Test a small area of fabric first.
  • Heat-set immediately after stamping.
  • Wash as normal or hand wash, but air or line dry.
  • For best results, re-ink pad frequently. 
 
Q: What are some of the many ways to use VersaMark® Ink?
A: As its name suggests, VersaMark is a very versatile ink! The following is a list of some of our favorite uses of this unique ink pad.
  • Two Step Stampin'Stamp the first image with VersaMark and then the second with an Encore metallic pad. Technique looks best on darker, richer tone card stocks (i.e. Bravo Burgundy, Handsome Hunter).  
  • Embossing
    Use the VersaMark pad like you would any of our pigment ink pads in your embossing projects. Because VersaMark is a clear ink, you can use the embossing powder color of your choice without the color of the pigment pad showing through the embossed powder.
  • Embossing with Classic pads
    Ink and stamp with one of our Classic Stampin' Pads. Clean the stamp and then ink the same image with VersaMark, stamping directly over the image. Apply clear embossing powder and heat with embossing tool. Note: For best results, use the Stamp-a-ma-jig stamp positioner to help line up the image stamped with Classic pads and the embossed image.
  • Embossing on GlassPrior to stamping, rub the Embossing Buddy over the stamping surface. Stamp the image on a glass container with the VersaMark pad and then emboss with detail gold or silver for an elegant touch to any piece of glassware.  Note: This technique is recommended for decorative purposes only. Embossed images can scratch off or come off when washed.
  • Poppin' Pastels Stamp the image with the VersaMark ink pad on a piece of neutral colored card stock (Whisper White, Very Vanilla, etc.). Apply Stampin' Pastels with sponge daubers, stamping sponge or pastel applicator directly to the ink.
  • Resist
    Stamp on Glossy White card stock with the VersaMark pad. Ink up the rubber brayer in a Classic or Spectrum pad and repeatedly roll over the card stock. Wherever the VersaMark ink was stamped, the card stock resists the colored ink from the brayer. Note: This technique can also be done with a Gold Encore pad.
  • Emboss Resist
    Stamp an image with VersaMark ink and emboss with Crystal Clear embossing powder. When the image is cool, sponge one or more colors of Classic ink over and around embossed image. The stamped image will resist the ink.
  • Reverse PastelsApply Stampin' Pastels (bright colors work best) to a dark colored card stock (Basic Black, Night of Navy, Close to Cocoa, etc.) and then stamp over the chalked area. The ink pulls off the color of the chalk, revealing the paper beneath. Be sure to clean the stamp before re-inking as the chalk you removed is now on your stamp and will dirty your VersaMark pad.
  • Watermark
    Create a great tone-on-tone effect by stamping on a piece of colored card stock. The image appears a deeper shade than the card stock and is perfect for subtle backgrounds.
Q: How do I use the Watercolor Wonder Crayons?
A: The Watercolor Wonder Crayons are amazingly versatile; these artistic-quality, highly pigmented crayons coordinate with our exclusive colors and can be used in many different ways.
  • Color directly on the stamp. Then spray either the stamp or the paper with water before stamping. If you spray the stamp, the color will look more faded. Spraying the paper results in more vivid color. You can also stamp an image, then spray the stamp with water and stamp again. This will create darker and lighter images.
  • Color directly on a piece of scratch paper to create a palette, and use an Aqua Painter or watercolor brush to color the image.
  • Color an image with the crayon, then blend with a watercolor brush. The water-soluble crayons make it easy to blend colors.
  • Color an image without using water. Watercolor Wonder Crayons can be used on any card stock. For best results, use watercolor paper. When stamping and coloring line-art images, the Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad is the best choice when using Very Vanilla or Whisper White card stock. Use a Jet Black StazOnT pad with all other card stock, including watercolor paper.
Q: Can I use liquids in the Aqua Painter besides water?
A: The Aqua Painter will hold any liquid in its barrel. The painter is made with a synthetic nylon brush tip, which the manufacturer says will not be damaged by bleach. However, we have not tested it with all possible liquids, and we recommend that you use the Aqua Painter for its intended purpose: to hold water.
Q: What's the easiest way to use the hobby blade?
A: Try pulling the knife towards you in little smooth surges, and "walk" the paper around with the fingers of your other hand. The cutting comes from the knife, but all the turning comes from the paper. The trick to getting a smooth line is to keep everything moving. Here are some additional tips:
  • Cut inside curves and small, complicated bits before smooth, straight lines. For instance, cut out the inside areas of letters like O and A before cutting out the rest of the letter.
  • Cut clockwise rather than counter-clockwise.
  • Keep the paper big enough to be manageable, but not so big that it becomes awkward.
  • Cut with the line towards you so you can see the line that you are following.
Q: How long will the Craft & Rubber scissors remain sharp?
A: Many factors affect the sharpness of the scissors, so it's difficult to pinpoint exactly how long they will retain a sharp edge. Variables include the amount of rubber trimmed and the frequency of use with other materials. Because of the composition of the rubber, the scissors will eventually have to be sharpened. We recommend taking the scissors to a reputable cutlery store or other establishment where scissors and knives are sharpened.
Q: What are the benefits of the Stampin' Up!®'s grid paper?
A: Our convenient grid paper is something no stamper should be without! With generous 11" x 17" measurements, it is large enough to use beneath any project so you can wheel and stamp freely. Measurements are printed right on the paper, eliminating the need for a ruler. And when you're done, simply throw it away and your clean up is through!
Q: What tool can I use to simplify using ribbon in my projects?
A: When planning a project with ribbon, consider using the stylus tool to help poke the ribbon through. Leave enough tail on the ribbon to trim after it has been inserted into the card stock, because it may fray while being pulled through the hole.
Q: Why can't I use my hair dryer to emboss?
A: Hairdryers do not get hot enough to melt the embossing powder and generally blow too hard. They may blow the embossing powder right off the paper.
Q: What can I do to stop embossing powder from sticking all over my Powder Pal?
A: First, wash your tray in soap and water with a mild dish detergent. This will help remove any remaining manufacturer's oil. Also, try rubbing your Embossing Buddy in the tray between uses as this will help to remove oils and static from your Powder Pal.

Q: How many pages will Stampin' Up!'s albums hold?
A: The recommended number of pages is approximately 30 sheets (manufacturer recommendation). This would mean you could actually get about 60 pages if you're putting two scrapbooked pages back-to-back in the page protector. However, you might get less than this amount if you use a lot of layering on the pages. Layering with text-weight papers (our patterned papers) instead of cover-weight papers (our card stocks) will reduce the thickness of pages and consequently increase the number of such pages the albums will hold.
Q: How can I make up for the overall weight that embellishments add to my scrapbook pages?
A: With so many fun, but heavy, embellishments on your scrapbook pages, sometimes it's necessary to cut away some weight in other places. It helps to make your pages less bulky, and your entire album will be lighter and easier to carry! One great way to reduce the weight of your pages is to cut out the centers of photo mats--the section that is covered by the photo. Use a paper cutter to cut only the center section of the mat, so that the cuts do not show once the photo is matted. Not only do you save in weight, but it will also save you money! You'll be able to use the centers of mats to mat other photos or to use as embellishments that will coordinate perfectly with the rest of your page. Cutting out the center of your mat is easy. Lay your photo over the mat to determine how far into the mat you should cut. Make a mark with a pencil about 1/4" or more inside where the photo lies on the mat, then make marks just inside all four corners of the photograph. Use the marks to guide the blade of the paper cutter. Instead of cutting through the whole mat, place the blade on the mat at one pencil mark, and slide it to the next. Continue cutting each side until the center of the mat is completely cut out. To adhere your photo to the mat, place your adhesive along the edges of the photo and adhere it to the mat.
Q: Is bleaching safe for scrapbooks?
A: According to our paper manufacturer, "Bleaching with standard household bleach should not affect the pH of the paper because the bleach is just slightly more alkaline (alkaline: opposite side of the pH scale than acid) than our paper. However, bleaching can weaken the fiber of the paper somewhat."
Bleaching tips:
  • Apply bleach to a dried-out blender pen for bleaching inside an image.
  • Use a plastic sponge bottle (traditionally used for moistening postage stamps) filled with bleach to apply the bleach directly on your stamp.
Q: How can I plan for the space I need for journaling in my scrapbook pages?
A: Sometimes it's hard to know how much space you will need on a page for your journaling. Try writing your journaling on a Post-It® and sticking it to the outside of the page protector on your completed page. This will give you an idea of how much room you will need to say what you want.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Big Shot Monday - Tips!!!

Well, It has been a long and tiring weekend.  We have had softball practice football games, an Emergency Room visit, Sunday School, Worship Service, a Mary Kay party, evening service, workshop prep for 2 workshops this coming weekend, and prep for a top note class.  BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!  With that being said I have not had a chance to really prepare a "Big Shot" item to share yet.  SO, I am sharing a list of all the approved materials that you can use when creating using the Big Shot.  I will get a project posted sometime today to share.  Until then enjoy these tips!

 

Big Shot Materials List for Bigz and Originals Dies

The following materials work well when creating die cuts with the Big Shot machine and Bigz and Originals dies. Please note the maximum thickness of several materials. As a rule of thumb, you can cut a material with your Big Shot machine and Bigz or Originals dies if you can cut it using your Craft & Paper Scissors.


  • Thick corkboard
  • Thick chipboard (59 mil)
  • Colored magnet
  • Ruffle board
  • Paper wood
  • Balsa wood (3/32")
  • Bass wood (1/16")
  • Metal mesh
  • Aluminum (.016)
  • Tin (.008)
  • Adhesive and non-adhesive mat board
  • Drawer liner
  • Shelf liner
  • Vinyl
  • Static cling vinyl
  • Shrink film
  • Fine sandpaper
  • Clear acetate (20 mil)
  • Vellum
  • Card stock
  • Patterned paper
  • Flocked paper
  • Contact paper
  • Textured paper
  • Metallic paper
  • Linen paper
  • Suede paper
  • Embossed metallic paper
  • Basketball embossed paper
  • Faux alligator textured paper
  • Self-adhesive glitter paper
  • Fabric
  • Canvas
  • Iron-on fabric
  • Soft plush fabric
  • Burlap
  • Velvet
  • Corduroy
  • Lace
  • Heavyweight denim
  • Terry cloth
  • Funky fur
  • Thin leather
  • Quilt batting
  • Warm & natural batting
  • Fusible fleece
  • Self-adhesive craft metal
  • Self-adhesive cork
  • Self-adhesive foam
  • Self-adhesive magnet
  • Self-adhesive felt
  • Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
  • Pop up sponge
  • Poly foam
  • 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax.)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Embossing Sundays # 1

Welcome to the first Embossing Sunday challenge!  I challenge you to create anything using embossing and upload it here for all to see!  I have embossed a card today for you using the "Northern Flurry" embossing folder and the Big Shot.  I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and stamped the snowflakes using whisper white craft ink.  Then, I ran it through the Big Shot and attached it to a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock.  I then used the Snowflakes sizzlets.  I hope you like it and that it inspires you to create using embossing today!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Circle Scissors Saturday # 1

Sorry this post is so late in the day.  My husband had some tests and other doctors appointments yesterday and I was delivering stamping workshop orders yesterday evening.  This morning my oldest daughter had the be at Parks & Rec by 10 am for softball practice and my youngest daughter had the be at the high school for cheer at the same time.  I am just now getting home to be able to work on posting.

So Welcome to the first ever Circle Scissors Saturday.  I have created two projects that I am gonna share.  I want you to tell me what I used the circle scissors to create on the projects!

This is the top view:
This is the side view:



And here is the harder one to figure out what I used the tool on.  Good Luck!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Sketch Frenzy Friday: SSF091010

It is Friday again!  That means another round of Sketch Frenzy Friday.  I have been really busy this week.  I have created many NEW things for my blog this week.  I have a Design Challenge for each day of the week.  And I would love to have some participation!  Here is the weekly layout:

Big Sot Mondays  -  Always feature a project or die
Technique Tuesdays   -  Feature techniques
­Water Color Wednesdays  -  Feature Water Color Techniques and / or projects
Color Thursdays  -  Feature a color Challenge
­Sketch Frenzy Friday  -  template challenge from yahoo group I started
Circle Scissors Saturdays  -  Feature tips, techniques and projects used with this product
Embossing Sundays  -  Feature tips and projects using this product.

Well onto the sketch!  This week's sketch was design by me!  So, here it is:

And here is my creation:



I hope our designs have inspired you to play along.  Please upload your sketch on our group site www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com  .  To continue onto the next blog on the tour Click Here: Tess Davis.  In case one of the links do not work I am also including all of the members names and links to their blogs.

Angela Walters
Brenda Taylor
Connie Smith
Kathryne Knowles
Kim Innis
Melinda Couden
Ros Davidson
Sharon Field
Tammy Baldwin
Tess Davis
Tina Taves
Susan Grant

Leave me a comment to let me know what you think of the blog challenges and this weeks sketch!
Thanks for visiting!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Thursday's Color Challenge # 1

Today is Creative Apple Scrampers first ever Color Challenge!  I am challenging you to create a project using the following Color Combination:



I really enjoyed trying to find a unique way to display the above color challenge.  The apples really go right on along with my blog, don't you think?

I came up with the following project using the color combo above.  I used the stamp set Baroque Motifs, also!  Please play along and upload your take on the sketch below!



Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Water-Color Wednesday

Welcome to Watercolor Wednesday with Creative Apple Scrampers.  This will be a weekly post on my blog.  I will bring a new project created using water-coloring.  This is not an area that I am confident in, so I figured this weekly post would require me to get my hands dirty and watercolor at least once a week.  So if you are an expert, please feel free to comment with tips or upload a sample of water coloring using the linky below!





Tuesday, September 7, 2010

TechniqueTuesday : Stamping with Markers!

My project for today's share is an altered notebook.  I used the new "Deck the Halls" designer series paper  from our NEW Holiday Mini catalog.  I used some ribbon and the Christmas tree from a new stamp set called "Paisley Prints".  I colored the Christmas tree using Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke stamp and write markers and stamped them on crumb cake  card stock and cut them out.  Below are some directions on stamping with markers.



Directions:
1) Use a Stampin' Write marker to apply color to the stamp. Ink only the part of the image you need.

2) Add other colors if desired.

3) Breathe onto the inked image to re-moisten the ink before stamping onto paper.

Tip:

For a more muted, watercolor look, spray a fine mist of water on the stamp instead of breathing on it.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Big Shot Monday! by Creative Apple Scrampers!

I am also starting a new Monday challenge here at Creative Apple Scrampers!  I will be challenging everyone to produce some type of project using the Big Shot.  I am calling this Big Shot Monday!  So come play along.  I enjoy seeing all of your hard work!  I created this card using the Big Shot Monday Challenge and MOJO Monday sketch challenge # 155.  This is my first week completing this sketch challenge.  I hope you like it.  I really challenged myself by only using scraps of card stock that was in my drawer.  I used alot of colors that I did not think would look good together, but a really like the outcome!









Friday, September 3, 2010

SSF090310: Sketch Frenzy Friday

Guess what today is!!!!  Yup!  It is Friday, and that means another sketch from our designers at Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Here is this weeks sketch!



And her is my creation.  I am trying to get into Halloween mode!  Tell me what you think.



I hope our designs have inspired you to play along.  Please upload your sketch on our group site www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com  .  To continue onto the next blog on the tour click here.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Season Of Joy Workshop

Recently, I started doing workshops.  At my last workshop I had some bookings and one of them wanted to use this set.  So here is what I came up with!  Tell me what you think!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The Holday Mini is here!

Check out our new Holiday Mini!  Lots of new stuff including FABRIC!!!!!  Call me to place your order.

New Recruiting Promotion!!!!!!



Dates: September 1-October 18, 2010, or while supplies last

Details
New recruits who join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator during the promotion period will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $39.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit.

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Description
  • 100% twill nylon exterior; 100% nylon interior
  • Dimensions: 15-3/4" x 7-5/8" x 8-7/8"
  • Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
  • Center section fits 12" x 12" card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
  • Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
  • Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
  • Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads
Things to Remember:
  • This incentive is available to all new recruits, including first-time joins, rejoins, etc.
  • Free Craft Tote will automatically be added to Starter Kit and shipped at the same time, but in a separate box.
  • Free Craft Tote will also be shipped for free.
  • Free Craft Tote is not substitutable.
  • Use this promotion to get an early start on earning the 2012 incentive trip to Disney World®!
  • IDA deadlines:
    • Paper: Monday, October 18, 2010 (must be received in office)
    • Online: Monday, October 18, 2010; 11:50 PM (MT)