Sunday, March 20, 2011

Cute as a Cupcake

Hi Stampers,

Is this little chick simply too cute?!!!
It was made for me by my delightful and talented downline and friend Amy for my birthday.

Amazing the fun things one can do with a Big Shot and Stampin' Up! exclusive Top Note die, some cardstock, punches, and ink.  Wouldn't these bring squeals of delight when discovered tucked into an Easter basket next month?

Thanks for stopping by.  
Until the next time, HAPPY STAMPING!


Saturday, March 12, 2011

Faux Silk Technique



Hi Stampers!  Today we are going to take a look at a great technique called Faux Silk. The card shown was featured in Stampin' Success, a monthly magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators. 

My club members made one last night and everyone loved, loved, loved the technique (it is so easy to do!)as well as the look and feel of the card  So let's get started.

You will need:  light colored cardstock, stamp, ink, glue stick (our Anywhere Glue Stick is the best!), white tissue paper cut somewhat larger than the cardstock, scissors

 
1. Ink up the image and stamp onto card stock.  Allow a few minutes for ink to set and dry.
2.Gently crinkle a piece of tissue paper and then flatten it back out.
3.Cover your image and card stock with adhesive -be sure to give it a good coat all over including the edges.
4. Adhere the tissue paper to your card stock, patting down it down all over to keep it wrinkly.   Trim away the excess tissue paper.
                                                                
For a bolder look, stamp your image onto the tissue paper.  Then follow steps 2-5.

Try it out on your own card and let me know what you think of the technique.

Until the next time,  HAPPY STAMPING!
Trish

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Many Marvelous Markers

Q: I've heard that the Stampin' Write Markers are great to have, but I'm not sure what to do with them. Any ideas?

A: Well, you've heard right! The Stampin' Write markers are a great value and hugely versatile. Read on to learn more about the markers, techniques, and more!

What are Stampin' Write Markers?Stampin' Up! Write Markers
These are not your kids' markers! Stampin' Write Markers are high-quality, artist-grade markers that are specially designed to coordinate with the Stampin' Up! exclusive colors. They should probably come with a warning label, because they are so fun and versatile they can become addictive! For new stampers, Stampin' Write Markers are a great way to get a lot of colors without having to purchase all the ink pads right away. The Stampin' Write Markers are water-based dye ink, acid-free and odorless. Each marker is dual tipped. The .5mm tip is perfect for coloring detailed images and journaling, while the other tip is a flexible brush, great for coloring and a variety of techniques. Colored caps with finger grips make it easy to identify the color you want and to remove the caps.

Stampin' Write Marker Options
Stampin' Write Markers can be purchased individually, as Color Collections, or as a full set. It's nice to have the option to purchase them individually in order to get a favorite color, but you'll save money and have more options by purchasing a Color Collection or the Many Marvelous Marker set. When purchasing Color Collections, there are six options: the New Color Kit (#120948) featuring the 13 new colors introduced in the 2010-2011 Idea Book, the In Color Collection (#119801) featuring the 5 In Colors available in the 2010-2011 Idea Book, the Subtles (#119700), the Regals (#119701), and the Brights (#119702) Collections each with 10 markers, and the Neutrals Collection (#119703) with 8 markers since Whisper White and Very Vanilla are not available as markers. Each of these Collections come in a simple plastic case for storing the markers. The easiest option, and very best value, is the Many Marvelous Markers set (#119806). This set includes the 38 markers from the Subtles, Regals, Brights, and Neutrals Collections in a sturdy plastic case with a handle, and has individual compartments for each marker. The handy case keeps markers stored on their sides and easy to access. Plus, there is room in the case to add two In Color Collection sets, so all of your markers can be stored together for easy organization and access. And when you purchase the Many Marvelous Markers set during Sale-a-Bration, you'll qualify for two Sale-a-Bration rewards, so now is a great time to splurge on these essentials!

Versatility
Stampin' Write Markers are one of the most versatile products in the catalog. You can use them for journaling on your scrapbook pages, writing in your cards, coloring stamped images, as well as coloring directly onto stamps and then stamping. They are also used for a huge variety of techniques like watercoloring, thumping, Joseph's Coat, omitting, Color Spritzer, and many, many more! I'm happy to show you any of these techniques at a workshop or a class. If you don't have a lot ink pads, Stampin' Write Markers are an affordable way to get a lot of the ink colors.
Stampin' Up! Write Marker Techniques
Care & Value
You'll love your Stampin' Write Markers so much that you'll want to give them a bit of TLC. For best results, store markers laying on their sides to keep the ink evenly distributed between both tips. While kids can't do much damage to ink pads, you'll want to keep your high-quality markers for your personal use and let the kids stick to markers designed for them.  If one does get damaged or used on every project because it's your very favorite color, it's great that you have the option to replace an individual marker for a low price and not have to do without or purchase a whole new set!

Summary
Stampin' Write Markers are fun and versatile, and they are one of the first things I recommend to new stampers as well as to stampers who like learning stamping techniques. With so many color choices that coordinate with Stampin' Up! products, you'll love what you can create. I bet you're ready to dive into the world of markers, so take advantage of Sale-a-Bration and earn two exclusive stamp sets or other rewards when you purchase the Many Marvelous Markers set during Sale-a-Bration! Contact me to order and for even more ways to use your Stampin' Write Markers.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Benson Spring Boutique

Hi Stampers!
Thanks for stopping by my spot.  Earlier today my downline Amy and I had our first experience as craft fair vendors at the Benson Spring Boutique, an annual event which benefits the instrumental music program at Benson High School.  Spring craft fairs are generally smaller and not as well attended as the ones held in the Fall, but it was a good opportunity for newbies to get their feet wet. (As a side note, after being on our feet for just under 9 hours, they are definitely ready for a good soak and a night of pampering!)

We offered one novelty item for sale:  soda can pins, die cut on the Big Shot using our Daisies #2 die, layered together with a Neutrals Jumbo Brad to hold everything in place. (If you would like to learn how to make these, be sure to contact me.)

The pins are eye-catching and definite conversation starters, which helped us meet our main goal of meeting new people and sharing with them our love of paper crafting and the wonderful products to be found through Stampin' Up!  Mission accomplished!  Until the next time,

Happy Stamping!
Trish