Bachelorette Party Tumblers

This past week I created a cut file for bachelorette party tumblers with a colour scheme of white, grey and purple.  Acrylic tumblers make a great surface for fun vinyl designs.  Hand washing of course is always recommended with these tumblers.

Heidi Swapp Honeycomb Stencil and Color Shine

I did a demo last weekend for two Heidi Swapp products.  For the stencil, I used the spray that was on the plastic part of the stencil and flipped it over onto a fresh piece of card stock to get a reverse of the stencil image - I love how it turned out.

The Color Shine has a wonderful shimmer to it, the perfect subtle bling for my projects.

6 x 6 Honeycomb Stencil
Mustard Color Shine

Stampin Up  Rubber Stamp - You are one in a Buzzillion...

Since taking photos I have used:
Copic Markers Y11 & YR24
Ranger Glossy Accents on the Buzzillion Bee

Silhouette 25% Off September 10th - 19th 2013

Silhouettes latest newsletter announced a 25% savings on supplies and materials.  Time to stock up on mats, blades and vinyl or time to try something new.

My Cameo will be working over time with Christmas cards.

Go to Silhouette America and use promotion code SILHOUETTE during checkout.

Sale ends September 19, 2013 at 11:59 PDT

Heidi Swapp Color Shine & Stencils

Heidi Swapp Teal Color Shine and stencils

Envelope Punch Board

In preparation to do a demo with the We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board, I was able to spend some time paying with the board.

I LOVE IT!

I find the rectangle shapes work the best for no excessive tab overlay.  Can't wait to play some more.

For the A2 size card the punch board is wrong.  Cut your paper 8 1/8" x 8 1/4" instead of the 8 1/8 x 8 1/3 measurements that are on the chart.  Your first mark will be the same at 3 3/4".

Inky Antics honeyPOP

This is so much fun - remember those honeycomb wedding bells and Christmas decorations from when you were a kid?  They are back in a DIY paper pad.  You can create your own shapes to make 3D honeycomb cards and decorations.  Inky Antics has created rubber stamp sets that can be used with honeyPOP honeycomb paper pads to create adorable cards.

When making your card you need to score a 1/8" gusset so the card will lay flat with the honeyPOP paper inside.

Stamp on the honey comb paper pads  and line up the arrows on the stamp to match the direction of the honeycomb paper.   Cut out your shape and like magic it opens like a .honeycomb

Card / Envelope Size Chart

This is the reference chart that I use for cutting cards and envelopes.  I have it laminated and keep it as a handy in my studio for quick reference.

My favorite method of cutting cards is to use my Silhouette Studio software to get exact measurements and a perfectly square cut on my Cameo.  Perfect cards every time.

Graduation Cap Card

This is a card that I made for my card swap group in the spring.  I started with heavy black glitter paper and cut into 5" squares.  

The back is from the Silhouette Online Store:  Petal Fold Envelope or Card by Lori Whitlock Design ID #4216 in black card stock.  I used E6000 to glue buttons and tassels to the front of the card.  There is a square in white card stock in the center of the petal to make it easier to write.  You could also leave it black and use an opaque gel pen. (school colours would work well)

Add caption

The petal flaps fold like closing a cardboard box.

Happy Birthday File Folder Card

I needed several cards in a hurry so I used this Silhouette Online Store new design from Lori Whitlock.  A2 Lori Whitlock Card Tab  Design ID #46149

The rubber stamp is Studio G by Hampton Art

Stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa; coloured with Copic Markers R32, BG72, YR21

Lego Cards

I created this 5" x 7" Lego card for a Beginner Silhouette Cameo demo that I did on this week to show how easy it is to create your own shapes with the Silhouette Studio software.  So simple and cute.

Cardstock, circles and rectangles with a bit of foam tape to raise the circles.

First Card Made with my Silhouette Cameo

While digging through some of my things trying to organize my studio, I came across this card.  This was the first card that I made after I got my Silhouette Cameo unpacked and plugged in.  Such an exciting thing to watch it cut for the first time.  These were also among the first designs that I purchased from the Silhouette online Store  

Dress Form by Hero Arts Design ID #21382

Artisan Label Set Design ID #17944

Stamp - So Sweet from Studio G

Ink - Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tea Dye

Ribbon - Creative Bag  white ribbon, distressed with ink

Jute Ribbon - Creative Bag

Oh, how this tool has enriched my life, I use it more than I use my microwave.

Copic Watercolour

For this card I have used Copic Markers and isopropyl alcohol on velum.

You can either rub a marker onto a pallet or use a drop of Various Ink.  I just dip my paint brush in either colorless blender or rubbing alcohol then dip into the ink.  Randomly place your very wet ink on the velum with a round brush.



Copic colours used:
YR24
R39
BV17

The rubber stamp is Joy of Journey by Stampendous.  Ranger Archival Ink seems to work well on the velum, just make sure it if fully dry before you touch it.

I like to back my velum with a light colour of card stock so the ink colours show at their most vibrant.  For gluing the velum I find it best to use spray adhesive on the white card stock then attach the velum to it.  This gives an even adhesive surface with no glue spots.

Be creative and let your imagination run with this one.

Scraperfect - The Best Glue Ever

All I can say is wow!     - Scraperfect Best Glue Ever

About a year ago I discovered this glue after watching a youtube video on how to re-stick a cutting tool mat.  I ordered it online then proceeded to follow the directions in the video.  Incredible - it made my mat like new again.   Since then, I have re-stuck it a couple of times.  I also discovered that with all of the tiny areas of paper that I was cutting with my Silhouette Cameo were easily glued down with the superfine applicator tip.  This amazing glue is tacky when dry, making it perfect to stick then reposition items.  When you use it wet the adhesive is permanent.  You only use a tiny amount so the 2 oz bottle goes such a long way.

The glue is perfectly named "Best Glue Ever" but I call it "My Favorite Glue."

A few weeks ago I somehow misplaced my almost empty bottle of Best Glue Ever and I have been in panic mode ever since.  I just ordered and should have it by the end of the week.  This time I ordered Best Cleaner Ever  ~  I will let you know how that goes.

Vintage ViewMaster Card

You're not old, you're VINTAGE.   

Paper - K & Company, Best of K 

hampton art 7 gypsies rubber stamp "you're not old you're VINTAGE"

Silhouette Studio 2pc viewmaster Design ID #24373 

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tea Dye with the Tim Holtz blending tool.

Spiderman Birthday Card

My oldest son, who is a game development animator, is celebrating a birthday tomorrow.  I spent time today working on a Spiderman birthday card for him.  When he was two, Spiderman was his favorite comic character.  I made him a pair of jammies with Spiderman fabric painted on the front with Deka Fabric Paint. 

This time I have used Copic Markers, which gives me more options for shading.

R20, R22, R24, R29, R39
B00, B02, B05, B24, B29
T-0, T-2

The brick wall is Silhouette Studio Brick Wall Backgrounds Design #9346

                               

Scotch ATG (Advanced Tape Glider)

This adhesive gun from Scotch (Advanced Tape Glider)  comes in two widths 1/2" (purple gun) and 1/4" (pink gun)

I have been using both sizes but have a preference for the 1/4" acid free adhesive.  It took a bit of getting use to the trigger but I am running it like a pro now.  I find that the adhesive holds much better than the cheaper tape runners that I was using before.  It is a bit cumbersome for toting around to workshops and classes but the large capacity tape roll will keep you running a scrapbooking marathon without running out.

I highly recommend this must have for your papercrafting and scrapbooking projects, well worth the investment.

Warm Wishes Flip Flop Card

Flip Flops - Funfoam & Celebrate it ribbon.   Silhouette Echo Park Flip Flops Design ID #41487   I only used the base of the flip flops and added holes to put the ribbon through then used Glue Dots to attach them at the back.

Sand - Cork scrapbook paper or I find that if I am making a lot of cards it is cheaper to use cork wallpaper.

Waves - Silhouette Echo Park Wave Border - Design ID #28688 

Warm Wishes  Stamp - Hero Arts Warm Wishes - I believe this stamp is retired, I have had it for about 20 years.

Adhesive - Scotch ATG and Scraperfect Best Glue Ever

StampinUp Snowmen

I recently purchased my first set of Stampin' Up rubber stamps - "Snow Much Fun."  Being a purest I have opted for the wood mounted stamps.  These adorable snowmen are being being retired in the near future.

Copics

• BG10, B00, BG45
• T-0, T-2
• R20, 22, 24, 27
• C-2, C-5, C7, 100
• W-1, 
• YR00, YR07
• C-05, B93
• Spica Clear Glitter Pen

Paper

Recollections:  Watercolor Blue Ditsy

Labeling Copic Markers

I always drag my Copic markers around every where I go.  I wanted to be able to see at a glance which markers are mine.   I tried washi tape but found that I needed to put scotch tape over it to keep it from peeling off.  I ended up using K&Company Smash Clear Tape Whale Dispenser to label my markers - problem solved.  The tape stays on and the colour coordinates with my craft studio and other tools.

My next dragon to slay is ordering another 72 slot wallet to house my ever growing collection of Copics.

Little Levi

Levi Connor        

May 31, 1995 - November 15, 1996

This month we celebrate Levi's 18th birthday, not a day goes by that I don't think of him.  

Levi at 15 months

Penny Black Hedgehog

Happy Birthday Hedgehog

Penny Black  ... your birthday No. 3974K

Copic Markers

• W-1, 3, 5
• R22, R81, 83, 85
• YG11, 61, 63
• C-2, B34
• Y11, YR15

I used terry cloth and Colorless Blender for the texture on the hedgehog

Cute as a Button

I just love this card that my sister Kaylana made for a card swap group in Utah.  She was looking at paint chips at Lowes and decided that she could make cards with them.  This is what she came up with, absolutely adorable.

Paint Chips - Lowes
Buttons -  Clearance buttons from  Pebbles in my Pocket
"cute as a button" was just printed on with an ink jet printer

Embossing Folder Inventory

Storage and organization are always the largest issues with scrapbooking and papercrafting tools and supplies.  I find with embossing folders, I have a tendency to forget which designs I have without pulling them all out each time I work on a project.  One day while staring at huge selections of paint chips that they have at home improvement stores I decided that I could use my left over swatches to create a swatch book for my embossing folders.

I use the Behr paint chips from Home Depot because they seem to have a little more surface area and a convenient hole to link them together.  Once I emboss them I lightly sand the painted surface so that the design shows through easily. 

I keep this swatch book in my craft tool box so that I always have them in arms reach when I am working on a project and can easily see which design will best suit my project.

Since my collection is relatively small compared to most of you out there, I am able to keep my embossing folders in a small basket.  

Paint Note:   I like the Behr paint colours and have fallen in love with the CIL Smart Paint, it has silicone in it and goes on creamy smooth and is incredibly tough. (former Benjamin Moore painter)  Home Depot can colour match the Behr colours for the CIL Smart Paint.

Snowman Christmas Card 2013

Here is the design for my 2013 Christmas Cards.  I found an opportunity with this stamp to use my dear old trusted friend Liquid Applique.  Great for adding dimension to your stamped images.

Stamp -  Hero Arts  K5522 Happy Holidays Snowman
Copics W-1, 3, YR02, 07, R27, BG10, 15
Hat - Marvy Liquid Applique (puff paint that needs to be heated)
Snowflakes - Aqua Stickles
Backgrond paper is pearlized

Sir Mr Toad

A wonderful little stamp from Stampendous Sir Mr Toad

• Memento Black Tuxedo stamp pad
• Recollection Garden Florals paper pad
• Sir Mr Toad is coloured with Copic Markers YG61, 63, 67
• Hat B93
• Umbrella YG11, G94
• Shadow W-1, W-3
• Thinking of You - Hero Arts
• Ribbon - Celebrations 

Thank You Card - Copic

Digi Stamp by Whimsical World of Cheryl Seslar Designs Spring is in the Air

Paper - Recollections 

Copic Markers

• BG10, BG45
• B00
• E50, E00
• R20, R22, R24
• T0, T2
• C2, C5, C7
• 100
• YG61, YG63, YG67
• G28

Blonde version

Best Wishes Card

ME Home Mini Card

I have been a long time fan of Mary Engbreit's artwork.  I purchased my first ME book over 22 years ago. Absolutely delighted that Michaels carries a selection of ME items.

Stamp - ME
Papers - Mary & Co. Studio18 6" x 6" Paper Pack
Copic Markers - R 22, 24, 27, B32, 34, 93, YR23, 24, 27, YG61, 63,
Card - Studio G Mini card pack

Gramophone Tag

I  finally have some time to play with a few tags.  I used Ranger Paint Daubers in aqua and green daubed onto a craft mat then lightly spritzed with a mister.  Then I ran the tag through the paint on the mat.  After drying I sprayed perfect pearls mister.

Gramophone Stamp with Memento Tuxedo Black stamp pad

Seven Gypsies background stamps in Tea Dyed Distressed Ink

Anniversary Card - Embossed Paint Chips

I love embossing paint chips to use as background for cards.  I made this card for our anniversary last year.

A Behr paint chip and Darice embossing folder make the yellow background.   I always lightly sand my paint chips after I have embossed them; the paint sands beautifully exposing the design.  I used garden burlap from Lowes cut to size behind the paint chip and jute ribbon from Creative Bag for the front.  The brown roses and yellow resin rose were also from Creative Bag.    I used gold glitter embossing powder with the Happy Anniversary rubber stamp.

Bee Sympathy Card

• Paper - Recollections Garden Floral Paper Pack
• Rubber Stamp - Stampendous
• Flower - Prima (Yellow Stickles in the center)
• Bee - Jolee's Boutique  Bee Repeat Stickers by EKSuccess
• Black bakers twine

Kick Up Yer Heels

Christmas Cards 2012

This is the first of the Christmas cards that I will be posting on my blog.  Luckily I have over 1000 plus Rubber Stamps that I have collected for over 20 years. (Many of them are Christmas or winter related)

PSX ~  Snow Angel Rubber Stamp
Silhouette ~ Joy Nativity
Papers
   Michaels ~ (Recollections)  Water Colour Blue Ditsy
                     ~ (Recollections)  Pearlized Cardstock (65 lb)
Creative Bag ~ Dark Red Raffia
Stickles ~ Yellow on Star Wand
                ~ Clear on Wings
Copics ~ R29, B02, YR07

I should start to number them, this batch had 50 cards.