Something Fun in July...

I'm so excited...tomorrow I get to spill the beans on something fun going on in July!

Can't tell you what it is just yet but I think you'll like it! I know I'm going to enjoy sharing my creations with you!

Can you guess what it is?

A hint you say....

Hmmmmm....I'm flushed with anticipation! 

New Archival Ink Colors

I hope you've all had a great week so far.

Today I wanted to share a couple cards that I made using the new colors of Archival Ink that Ranger recently introduced.

I have to tell you I am thrilled with the color choices.  If you're at all familiar with the original Archival Inks you know they are great inks but offered in a limited number of colors.  The new inks are now offered in 24 colors and I already have a few favorites!

This card was made using Vermillion, Library Green, Cobalt and Saffron.

And this card was created using Sap (one of my new fav's!!), Chrome Yellow, Magenta Hue and French Ultramarine (another new fav.).

Just like the original, Archival Inks are non-toxic, acid free, waterproof, and permanent on many surfaces including glossy and matte papers!  They are my go to ink when I'm watercoloring, stamping on slick glossy surfaces and the new smell is really good - LOL!! 

(yes I know, what the heck am I doing sniffing inks?!?!?)

Vintage Firecrackers - Great Centerpiece or Place Cards!

Only a few short days till the U.S.A. celebrates it's 235th "Birthday"...
(It's actually the celebration of the Declaration of Independence which was signed on July 4th, 1776)

I thought since it's a holiday that most people here in the states celebrate with a get-together of some sort it would be fun to make a nice holiday decoration.  These "firecrackers" can be used as a table center piece for inside or out; a place card if you're having a sit down dinner or just something to sit around your party area for a bit of holiday cheer!

Vintage Firecrackers

Supplies:

Cardboard Tubes (from paper towels; toilet paper; wrapping paper; etc.)
Masking Tape (optional)
Vintage Sheet Music or Pattern Paper
White or Colored Crepe Paper (sheet type not the rolls)
Distress Ink ReInker (optional)
Wired Tinsel Pipe Cleaners - Red, Silver & Blue
Twine, String, Yarn, Fiber, etc.
Sepia Archival Ink
Ink Blending Tool
Collage Images (Vintage Image Craft)
Embellishments - Anything you'd like to add...

Instructions:

1. Determine how long you'd like each of your "firecrackers" to be.  For this set I needed 3 firecrackers in different lengths.  I had one paper towel roll which I just snipped off the end so it was the correct length.  For the last two I used 3 TP rolls.  I snipped 1/3rd off of one of the rolls so I had a small section (1/3rd snipped) and a longer section (rest of the roll).  I then taped each of these cut rolls on a whole tp roll.

2. Next you need to cut 3 strips of crepe paper approx. 4" x 16".  For a nice decorative edge I cut the top edge with a pair of pinking shears.

3. (optional) I like to use the white crepe paper because I can then color it as needed.  You could of course use the pre-colored variety if desired ~ if you are using colored crepe paper you can skip this step.

You will need to color two of the strips - red and blue.  To do so I mixed up a batch of water + Distress Re-Inker (Barn Door & Chipped Sapphire) then I misted each of the strips.  Heat to speed drying or let it dry naturally.

After my crepe paper was colored I used the Ink Blending Tool to add a bit of age with Sepia Archival Ink.

4. Run a line of adhesive along the straight edge of one strip of the crepe paper.  Place it along the top of one of the cardboard tubes.  Roll the entire length of crepe paper around the tube.

5. Apply adhesive to the back of your sheet music or pattern paper.  Wrap the entire tube with the vintage sheet music tucking any extra in the bottom of the roll as shown.

6. Ink up the top and bottom of each tube with Sepia Ink & the IBT. 

7. Now you are going to cut the crepe paper every 1/2" using the pinking shears. 

8. Take 4 strands of the Wired Tinsel Pipe Cleaners - (2 silver, 1 red & 1 blue) - Twist in the center and bend in half.

9. Tuck the twisted Pipe Cleaners in the center of the crepe paper and secure with a bit of twine.

10. Curl each of the pipe cleaners to different lengths as shown...

11. Fluff the crepe paper.  You can use the firecrackers as is or embellish as desired.  These decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as desired.  I made mine somewhere in the middle...

12. Repeat for each firecracker.

ENJOY!!!!

First Altered Charm Swap Charms Rec'd!!!

Woo Hoo!! 

I have received the first set of charms in our newest Altered Charm Swap ~ from England no less!

I found Sherry E's. charms in my mailbox this afternoon and boy oh boy...are you gonna love these!!  They are darling :)  

Want a hint?

They are a stitch in time!

tee hee hee!!! 

Steampunk Tile Stamped Card

Over the weekend I rec'd a couple e-mails asking about Ranger's new Foil Sheets (see -
Faux Tin Type Foil Image Transfer Technique & Examples); wanting to know what other things you can do with this foil.

Ask and I will try to deliver ;)

So, here you go Sandy, Amanda893, ColletteZ and Francie and everyone else out there :)

Painted & Stamped Foil...

Steampunk Tile Card

Supplies:

Inkssentials Foil Tape Sheets - Ranger Industries
Metallic Adirondack Acrylic Dabbers - Ranger Industries
Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Stamps - Get Inked - March Kit; Scrolls Works; Artistic Outpost
Mini Brads - Making Memories

Instructions:

1. Initially I cut the foil into 1.5" strips then I cut those strips into varying lengths.

2. Paint two thirds of those tiles using Brass & Copper Acrylic Paint. 

3. Peel the backing paper off each tile and affix to the card.  Since it's self sticking this is a breeze!!

4. Scratch up the painted and unpainted tiles with whatever tool(s) you would like.  I used really rough sandpaper, a metal brush (something I took from the garage - shhhh!) and my tiny embossing tool.  For added interest I scratched up each tile in a different direction...vertical, horizontal, diagonal... 

5. After you have scratched up all of the tiles, stamp desired images onto the tiles using Archival Ink.  This was so much fun... 

6. Finish the card off by adding a few mini brads here and there.  I was going to add more brads but I wasn't sure about mailing it with sooooo many brads so I only added a few.

I'll be sharing additional ideas on how to use the foil but this is a quick and easy project to get your feet wet :)

Have a great day ~

Photo Issues???

Hi All...

I have a requested post about other ways to use the Inkssentials Foil Tape Sheets but for some reason blogger is having issues with photos.  It gives me a bunch of gibberish with little boxes in the middle so I'm not sure what's going on.

I will try to post my card a bit later this afternoon and see if it's over it's fit.

Honks me off cause I really love the card I made...oh well, you'll see it soon  ~ I hope!

Sorry for the delay!

UPDATE: I ended up going into the Edit HTML area and found that Blogger was sticking some extra code and attaching it to my photos which is why it wasn't working.  So, if you're having the same trouble you might go in and check it out.  There were like 4-5 extra charachters at the beginning of my photo code.  I deleted it and it works now!

Liquid Pearls - Sticky/Drying Issue

Recently ScrapThat asked a very good question about having a "cure time" issue when she used Liquid Pearls on a scrapbook page that she then placed in a page protector....I thought I'd share my response with everyone as I'm sure she's not the only scrapbooker to run into this problem.

QUESTION:

Have a question for you, since you are familiar with the enamel accents.
I have found that the liquid pearls are sticky until they have "cured" for a long while (if you allow them to dry to the touch and then put them in a page protector they will stick to it if you don't leave them out for a long while to cure) How are the enamel accents in this regards?
TIA for attempting to answer!

June 24, 2011 8:51 AM

ANSWER:

 I have never used any of the "Accents" on a sb lo before so I can't really answer your question.

I think the issue with the Liquid Pearls may be that they need to dry completely through the entire "dot" before you place it in a page protector resulting in the "cure time".

Think of it like a doughnut...When you fry a doughnut, the outside forms a nice crispy crust while the inside remains soft and moist.

Liquid Pearls are very similar as it will be dry to the touch on the outside forming a little shell or crust while the center remains damp until all of the moisture evaporates.

If it's put into the plastic page protector before this evaporation process is completed the moisture will continue to evaporate through the outer shell/crust, be trapped in the plastic page protector and will cause the LP's to stick to the page protector.

I'm sure this drying process and the time it takes to dry completely will vary depending on how thickly the Liquid Pearls has been applied and the temp/humidity in your particular region and/or home.

HTH!

As for the Enamel Accents, I have cards that have been stored in the open air which still from time to time stick to the backs of other cards. It's not sticky enough to pull the paper off of the card that was stuck to the EA and it's not sticky to the touch, I think it may just be the nature of the beast. 

By The Sea Tag @ Ranger Blog

Happy Saturday Everyone!

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend so far!

I know some of you have already found it but my "By The Sea" tag is currently featured over on Ranger Industries blog. 

Here is a link to the complete instructions - "By The Sea Project Sheet"

Hard to believe I'm from a "land-locked" state huh?

LOL!!!

Photo: Ranger Industries

I used many of my favorite Ranger products for this tag....

Ink Blending Tool; Distress Inks; Distress Embossing Powders; Memory Frame/Capsule; etc.

A really fun project to help carry on the theme of

Welcoming in Summer 2011!

Hope you enjoy!

Quick Cards & Tips...Welcome Summer!

Today I thought we could welcome in summer with a couple of fun summer-y projects.

Summer Flies By...

(All stamps - Just For Fun Rubber Stamps)

This tag was made by inking my Non-Stick Craft Mat with a few colors of Distress Stains.  I smooshed it and dried it quickly with my heat tool.  I then spritzed it with Kiwi Perfect Pearl Spray (mmmm - I LOVE that color!!!).  

After the tag had dried completely I then stamped the foliage with Jet Black Archival Ink.  I also stamped the butterfly with Archival Ink on a piece of purple cardstock.  I then highlighted both the foliage and butterfly with Black Enamel Accents.  I also added a bit of the White Enamel Accents to the butterfly.   

While the Enamel Accents were drying I once again used the Distress Stain to color a length of rayon seam binding using the same colors that I used for the tag.

Here is a close up of the tag so you can begin to see the dimension the Enamel Accents gives the images...

TIP: As you can see from the photo I didn't apply the Enamel Accents over the entire image.  By only adding highlights to parts of the image it adds a depth you wouldn't achieve if you covered the entire image.

By the Bay...Thinking of You...

(All stamps - Just For Fun Rubber Stamps)

Here is a simplistic in design yet tells a very pretty tale and draws you in to the comforting sunset ... By the Bay!  I know that simple isn't the "in thing" for cards right now.  It seems if there isn't layers upon layers of "stuff" cluttering up the card it's left by the road side.  Well I for one enjoy a dressed down card...but then that's a whole 'nother can of worms - lol.

For this card I stamped the bay side image using Cobalt Archival Ink onto watercolor paper.  I then colored it using various shades of Distress Ink and my Niji Waterbrush. 

When the ink was dry I added a coat of Glossy Accents to really make the image pop.  The sentiment and twine were added once the GA had dried.

So, there you go...

two stamped projects to help you welcome in summer!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this first full weekend of what promises to be a lovely season!

Foil Image Transfer Ideas & Give-A-Way!

Today I wanted to give you a couple ideas on how to use your image transfers. First I wanted to answer a question that was asked by a couple people... After you have completed the transfer the adhesive on the foil may still be sticky.  By rubbing a small coat of Glossy Accents over the image it will also take care of the sticky feeling.  Once the GA dries your image won't be the least bit sticky.

Someone else gave this technique a try with the aluminum heating tape that can be purchased at a hardware store and it worked as well.  You are of course limited by the size of the image you can transfer since the aluminum tape is 2" wide but it would still be a great alternative if you don't have the foil sheets.

Now on to the projects... you can mount your image directly onto a card or other project as I did on this card...

Here is a close up of the transfer....  This one is quite large ~ approx 3x4.5" and the detail you get is amazing. 

Another really fun thing to do with this type of image transfer is to use them for a charm!!  Check this out...you could mount it behind a Fragment, Facets, Memory Glass, etc.   Just think of all the fun charms you could come up with!!

Now several people e-mailed asking where to find the foil...apparently it's not widely available in stores yet so I thought it would be fun to give some away!

I have a sheet of foil tape and an Alpha Stamp collage sheet sitting here waiting to be played with! 

To be entered to win post a comment and tell me what you would like to use the foil for. 

Maybe you want to use it for this image transfer, die-cut it, emboss it, paint on it, etc. 

I have several more projects to share using this foil so if you thought you wouldn't / couldn't use it, you might be surprised at how versatile it really is!

You have until 7-1-11 to post a comment to be entered to win!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Inkssentials Foil Tape Image Transfer Technique *Faux Tin Type Image Transfer!

Today I have a REALLY quick, easy, mess-free, fun image transfer technique....

Foil Tape Image Transfer

Faux Tin Type

Now I've tried and shared many many of different types of  Image Transfer Techniques here on the blog over the years but I have to say I think this is the easiest transfer technique I've ever tried.  It is virtually mistake free...  I've been experimenting with it for a while now and I can honestly say I've not had a single image turn out bad.  The best part is that not only is this a great image transfer technique but it doubles as a Faux Tin Type Image Transfer!!  Now how cool is that!

You must use a laser or xerox copy for this image transfer technique.  If you're looking for an image transfer technique using ink jet images please check out the link to some of the other image transfer techniques I've shared.  There are a couple techniques in there that work well with ink jet images.

Just a note - This foil tape wasn't originally designed for this technique but it works perfectly so this is where experimentation really pays off!  I love it when experiments turn out so well!

Supplies:

Inkssentials Foil Tape - Ranger Industries
Laser or Xerox Image - (using Alpha Stamps images for ex)
Bone Folder
Water
Glossy Accents - Ranger Industries

Instructions:

1. Trim a piece of the foil close to the size of the image you wish to transfer.  The foil sheets come in two sizes - 6x12" and 4.25x5.5" so you have lots of options on sizes you'd like to transfer.

2. Flip the foil over so the white paper backing is face up.  Carefully remove the backing paper and place the image (face down) directly onto the adhesive.

3. Burnish with a spoon or bone folder.  This step is just to ensure the image is completely stuck to the foil.

4. Saturate the back of the image with water.

5. Begin rubbing the paper from the image/foil.  Add more water if needed.

6. Once you remove most of the paper you will notice the image still feels a bit bumpy...this is the remaining bits of paper still stuck to the image.  Here is the great part of this technique.... Add a couple more squirts of water so the image is covered and rub the image until it feels completely smooth.  Once the foil feels smooth you will know all of the paper has been removed!  No more guessing....no more letting the image dry between water/rubbing!  You just know the paper is all gone when it's smooth!!

 

7. Finally I like to add a dab of Glossy Accents and swipe it over the image with my finger tip.  This just seals and protects the image if it is going to be used where the image could be exposed to scratching.

I tell you, this is such a quick and easy image transfer that yields great finished images each and every time.  That's not something I'd normally say about image transfer techniques because some are hit or miss but not this one.  It's great!

Tomorrow I'll share a ideas on how to incorporate these image transfers into various projects.

Be sure to stop back in then!

Mystery CHA (Ranger) Project Winner

It was so much fun to see what everyone guessed on the Mystery CHA Projects... 

Here are the correct answers....

#1 - Inkssentials Foil Tape

#2 - Black/White Enamel Accents

#3 - Crackle Accents

#4 - New colors of Archival Ink  (This is actually a snippet of yesterday's project ~ Flower Pot Tag!)

There were several people who got 2 answers correct, nobody got all 4 correct but there was only one person who guessed 3 of the 4 mystery products correctly and that person is.....

TXMess!!!!!

TXMess said...

My best guess:

#1 Alcohol Inks

#2 Enamel Accents

#3 Crackle Accents

#4 Archival Ink

Thanks for another fun contest and giveaway! Can't wait for the big reveal!

June 7, 2011 1:12 PM

Congratulations on your great guessing power!!!

Please e-mail me your snail mail addy so I can get your goodies in the mail :)

EASY Image Transfer Coming Soon!!

I just wanted give you a heads up... later this afternoon I am going to share an image transfer technique that is SOOOOOOOO easy....

It's quick, easy and inexpensive and uses one of Ranger's newest products.

You'll be transferring all sorts of images in a matter of minutes!

Can you guess what this product is? 

(Hint: it's already on the market...)

Be sure to tune in later today to find out what it is!!

Happy Summer / Winter!!!

Wooo Hooo!!!

Here in the United States we are welcoming in Summer today...while others on the opposite side of the world are getting ready for winter!  I hope that no matter where you are the coming season will bring joy, beauty and a renewed love of life!

Today in honor of summer I wanted to share a fun tag I made using Core'dinates Distress line of paper, some of the new Archival Ink colors, a dab of Liquid Pearls and 2 stamps....

Supplies:

#8 Tag - Ranger Industries
Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Liquid Pearls - Ranger Industries
Pop-It Circles - Ranger Industries
Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Ink Blending Tool - Ranger Industries
Cardstock - Core'dinates
Stamps - Autumn Leaves
Ribbon - JoAnn Fabric & Crafts

Instructions:

1. Stamp flower image several times using a variety of colors.  Stamp at least 2-3 flowers using one or more shades of green ink...these will be cut apart and used as foliage.

2. Cut all of the flowers from the cardstock - set aside for later use.

3. Ink the upper portion of the tag with Manganese Blue Archival Ink & the Ink Blending Tool.

4. Trim the bottom of the tag so it looks like a terra cotta pot.  Cover the lower portion of the tag using Rusty Hinge cardstock. 

5. Cut a 1" x 6" strip of Rusty Hinge; ink the edges using Rusty Hinge Distress Ink and mount it on the tag using double stick foam near the top of the "flower pot".  This strip will be the upper rim of the flower pot.

6. Glue the flowers and leaves to the tag mounting a few with double stick foam to add dimension.

7. Apply Liquid Pearls to the centers of each flower and let dry.

8. Stamp sentiment, glue it to the tag; add ribbon & Enjoy!

Stampers Best - New Blog!!

Hi Everyone ~

I wanted to pass on a bit of news...Stampers Best has just started a brand new blog for their creations....

Stampers Best Project Corner

It's a place where they are going to showcase creations made using Stampers Best images... If you've created a project using any of Stampers Best images be sure to send a photo to: admin@stampersbest.com. You could earn reward points to use at Stampers Best for stamps, cling cushion and storage boards!

Also remember if you've never ordered from Stampers Best before you can sign up for a free Premium Membership and use the Coupon Code: inkstains  and save 10% off your first order!! 

As a premium member you'll be able to take advantage of great specials in the Premium Members Only section where you can find extra bargains on individual, background, sets and digital stamps.  You will also be entitled to purchase stamps from the "Dollar Store" for even bigger savings.

Birds of a Feather Card

Today I wanted to share a fun card I made recently using a variety of the new Archival Inks Ranger came out with...  I have always used the Black Archival Ink for most of my images but I tell you their new wider range of colors really makes them a "Go To" ink for many projects. 

Birds of a Feather card -

I have to tell you I absolutely LOVE the pansies in this border set of stamps.  The pansies are so life-like it's amazing.  "Realistic" stamps are my fav's so these are right up my alley.  This stamp paired with the new Archival Ink Colors are fantastic...  makes for a beautiful finished image.

and here is a close up of the dimension achieved by using the double stick foam for the flowers and bird...

Supplies:


Pansy Border Set (BSL058) Stampers Best
White Cardstock
Blue; Purple & Black Cardstock – Core’dinations Cardstock
Archival Ink –Jet Black; Chrome Yellow; Library Green; Sap Green; Deep Purple; Blue Violet; Venetian Orange; Sepia – Ranger Industries
Ink Blending Tool & Foam – Ranger Industries
Pop It Circles – Ranger Industries
Cut & Dry Nibs – Ranger Industries
Stickles Glitter Glue – Yellow – Ranger Industries
Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Rectangle
Bird; Nest; Sentiment Stamps – Artistic Outpost
Leaf Bunch – Just For Fun Rubber Stamps

Instructions:


1. Stamp the pansy border three times on white cardstock using Deep Purple AI. Add a bit of color to a few of the pansies using additional colors of Archival Ink. Cut each of the pansies from the cardstock and apply black ink to all of the edges. Add a dot of Yellow Stickles Glitter Glue and set aside to dry.

2. Stamp bird on scrap cardstock with Sepia Ink; add a bit of Venetian Orange to its underbelly using a Cut & Dry Nib. Trim and set aside.

3. Die-cut the Fleur De Lis frame from blue cardstock and mount a piece of white cardstock in the center. Stamp flowers, bird nest and sentiment. Add a few dots of Stickles Glitter Glue to each of the flowers.

4. Use Library Green Archival Ink to stamp a 4.5x6.5” white cardstock panel with the leaf bunch rubber stamp. Add color to the edges of this panel using the Ink Blending Tool & Foam.

5. Affix the leaf background panel to the card base; add the Fleur De Lis stamped frame and layer on the pansies and bird.

Happy June Winner!!

Congratulations to.....

Lydia Doorman

Lydia Doorman said...

I always enjoy reading your post on the beginning of each month, most of them are a great excuse for pie and pastry to celebrate :o)

My favorite wild animal is without a doubt the black panther, it has this misterious feel over it and stands for power and speed, those animals are a work of art!

June 2, 2011 6:18 AM

She is the lucky winner of the June stamps and ribbon goodies!!!

Congratulations Lydia!!

please e-mail me your snail mail address so I can get your stamps in the mail :)

4th of July - Let's Get into the Spirit of it all!



(Stamp Credit: Just For Fun Rubber Stamps - Pin Up Girls)

 

Gosh, Father's Day seemed awful late this year...

do you realize that the 4th of July is in just 2 weeks (here in the States)!?!?!

It is so I thought I'd post links to my quote lists in time for you to get into the patriotic spirit of it all.....

4th of July Quotes, Sentiments, Sayings

and

Inspirational Military Quotes, Sentiments & Sayings

Hopefully you'll find something useful to add to your greeting cards, party invites, scrapbook lay-outs or whatever else you might be working on this time of year :)

Enjoy!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

Sending warm hugs and good wishes to all of the Dads out there...

(image source - Free Pretty Things For You)

Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

Altered Charm Swap - Due 8-6-11 - Sign Ups NOW OPEN!!!

Ink Stains

Altered Charm Swap

Due 8-6-11
(This is an in my hands due date)

The Altered Charm Swap Poll has closed and it looks like there is plenty of interest in another swap ~ YEAH!!!  It looks like it's split between now and in a month or so.  To enable everyone to play I set the deadline for August 6th, 2011.  That gives you a little over 7 weeks to make/send your charms.  You of course don't have to wait that long, if you finish them early please feel free to send them along.  I have a special home just waiting for them to arrive.

Altered Charm Swap Details...

Each person will make 5 charms (either the same or different) and get 5 different charms back. You would not get your own back so be sure to make an extra to keep for yourself.   In addition to the charms you will also receive a 5 loop silver charm pin (pictured below) for you to hang your new charms from.  Of course you don't have to use the pin but it's just a nice extra something from me to you for joining in on the fun. 

NOTE: I have the silver version ~ 3" long with 5 loops.

The charms can be created from anything you can dream up... there are tons of ideas on the web (search images under things like altered charms, altered charm bracelets, altered charm necklaces, Tim Holtz style necklace, charm swap; etc.)

There are also lots of ideas here on Ink Stains which can be found under: Acrylic Charms; Charms; Jewelry.   You can also check out the results from the first - Ink Stains Altered Charm Swap Results.  I will also be sharing more charm ideas from now to the due date to inspire and encourage you so be sure to stay tuned! 

If you have a copy of my book ~ Teach Yourself Visually Collage & Altered Arts there is an entire chapter dedicated to creating your own charms.

*You could create your charm from acrylic pieces, glass, metal, clay, found objects, etc. You could embellish bought metal charms (please don't send a plain metal charm) with beads, chain, gears, watch bits or other items. There are many pendant blanks, bezels, etc. that can be altered (insert photo/words, etc & fill with Glossy Accents or the like); you could fill little bottles with sand/beads and other goodies ~ sealed & findings added. And so much more...let your imagination run wild!

*Each charm should have a jump ring or lobster clasp so all you have to do is attach it to the charm pin when you get them back.

*You can make up to 4 different sets** of charms (1 set = 5 of the same charm).  I will give you a pin for each set you send. :)  

**Please note that each set should be a different design.  It makes it difficult to swap out if there are 15 of the exact same design.

Packaging:

*I would like it if each person would identify their charms either by placing it in a baggie with their name and e-mail addy or mounting it on a small card or tag with the same info. It's always nice to be able to thank people personally when you receive a piece of their art work. 

Mailing:

DUE DATE - 8-6-11(This is when the charms must be in my hands.)

NOTE: I am in the United States but welcome anyone to play along.  Please keep in mind that it make take up to 2 weeks mailing time to arrive here in the states depending on what country you live in so please plan appropriately when you send your charms.

*Please package your charms securely so they arrive in good condition.

*Include a self addressed envelope for the return trip.

*Send $3.00 (US) or $6.00 (International) for each set you send for the return postage (or $5.00 for Priority Mail here in the US) - I will return any unused postage to you. PLEASE do NOT include pre-metered postage labels. My local post office will not accept these. They will refuse them! If you would like to pay-pal me the money that would work as well.  Whatever works easiest for you works for me.

Sign Ups:

If you would like to sign up for this swap, please post a comment with your name (screen name or real name) and a working e-mail addy*.  I don't need to know how many sets you will be making ~ whatever you send will be fine with me. 

When you sign up, please include your e-mail addy (spaces added) so I can contact you.  I will be sending the swap details, my mailing address and swap updates/reminders to this e-mail address. Please be sure it is a working address that you check often so you can stay up to date on all the swap info.  Let me know if you don't receive an e-mail from me within 24 hours of signing up and I will re-send.   Thanks!

Blue = Recd

1. Roni
2. Dixie (Mom)
3. Brenda S.
4. Lori W.
5. Scrapyard Butterfly
6. Sandy
7. Hecate
8. Carolyn
9. Jo J
10. Neil
11. Sherry E - Recd
12. Andrea
13. Theresa P - sent
14. Connie B
15. Helen C
16. Von
17. Darqueangel9
18. Diane
19. Ink Pattie
20. Sherry (Creatology)
21. Jennie (Whimsical Wren)
22. Gail - sent
23. Jan
24. Khess136
25. Laura -sent
26. Celina
27. Cheryl L
28. Shirley H - sent
29. Cassie - sent
30. Carol W
31. JoZarty
32. Sue A
33. Pam J
34. Debbie
35. Margaret R.
36. Julie O'B
37. Becky W
38. Candy C
39. Vic
40. Caroline D.
41. Olga B

Father's Day is Almost Here!

I just wanted to remind you all that I have an extensive list of poems, sentiments and other sayings for Dad, Grandpas, and Fathers of all makes and models ;) 

Father's Day Quotes, Sayings, Sentiments, Proverbs

Father's Day Poems

Hopefully you'll find something you can use for all the dad's in your life!

And

Happy Father's Day out there to all of our dads :) 

Beaded Paint Brush Charms

Today I wanted to add one or two more steps to the Paint Brush Charms I shared with you yesterday.

You will create the charm using the same basic steps as you did in the previous tutorial.  The first extra step is that once you snip your wire, add several beads to the wire before you begin twisting  (Step #4).  

As you're winding the wire along the brush, leave 2-3 beads with each spiral you wrap.  Once you reach the top, create the loop as directed in Step #6. 

Once you're ready for Step #7, winding your way back down the brush you may choose to incorporate additional beads on the way down.  You can finish the charm off as we did yesterday or save a few beads and add a "paint drip" from the tip of your brush as shown in this photo...  I secured the end with another little swirl of wire.

And here are a few examples of Beaded Paint Brush Charms...

NOTE: I went with specific color themes based on the paint color I added to each brush tip.  Instead of paint today though I went with Liquid Pearls for a more vibrant look.  I think I actually like the LP's better than paint.  When you fan the wet Liquid Pearl bristles out they tend to stay where you put them better than the paint does.

So there you go...same technique but totally different finished look.

ENJOY!!

Paint Brush Charm

Charms...you all know how much I love charms.  If you're new here I'll be getting a list around of the various charm tutorials I have shared over the last few years but today I couldn't wait for all that cause I've been playing with another fun charm tutorial I just have to share with you.

O.k...I don't know about you but I have to admit I'm really bad about cleaning my brushes after I use them.  To say I put my brushes through he** is an understatement. Sometimes I have to soak them for days to get the paint, glue, etc. softened up enough to be able to clean/use them again.  There are times though that I finally just have to give it up and retire them.  Well, today I wanted to share what I do with these old brushes...  I turn them into charms of course! 

Here's how I do it....

Paint Brush Charm

Supplies:

Old, grungy, dried up paint brush
Wire
Wire Working Tools (wire cutter, round tip pliers)
Beads (optional)

Instructions:

1. Break the tips off  of your paint brush...doesn't matter if it's wood or plastic, they break pretty easily.

2. (optional) You can leave the tip as is but I like to fray out the bristles a bit to give it a bit of added character.  The more wild the tip is I think the cooler the finished charm looks.   This is also a great time to add a bit more color if desired.  I had a couple paint brushes I dug out of my sons trash (he makes models) that were all blue so I added a bit of metallic bronze & gold to the bristles.  You can even wipe a bit of paint onto the handle for a more authentic look ;)

3. Now cut off a piece of wire approx 12"-18" in length.  Start at one end and create a little loop.

4. Place this loop near the bristle end of your brush tip.  Hold it in place with one hand and begin wrapping the wire tightly around the tip with your other hand. 

5. When you reach the broken end of the paint brush, stop twisting the wire around on the back side of the brush.

6. Bend the wire at a right angle so it's in line with the brush.  Now wrap the wire around the round nose wire pliers to form the loop which the wire will later hang from.

7. Finish the charm off by wrapping the excess wire around and around the brush right below the loop.  You can be  as neat or as haphazard as desired.  I like the more haphazard look so the wire looks like it's all knotted up.

And now you've got yourself a very funky, fun charm!

Tomorrow I'll share a version of this charm with beads and dangles.

Till then, run don't walk to your trash can and dig out those brushes!!!