World Card Making Day - October 1st!!!

Did you know that tomorrow ~ October 1st 2011 ~ is World Card Making Day????

Well it is and of course we (our business IRL) would have to get a HUGE order that we have to sew this weekend (14,000 yards worth)!  Soooo, I won't be able to share any fun challenges or anything tomorrow but I did want to show my support, offer up a little challenge

and give you a little inspiration a bit early.

My challenge to you....

Make a card without using ANY pattern paper!

If you need a pattern or background paper ~ make it using stamps in your stash.

Here are a few new cards to get your creative juices flowing....

Each of these cards was entirely stamped...

there are no pattern papers used in the making of these cards ;) 

Greek Goddess...

All stamps are Stampers Best; Die-cut - Spellbinders; Inks - Archival Ink - Ranger

You've Got Mail...

All Stamps - Stampers Best; Inks - Archival Inks - Ranger; Twine - unknown

Smile Betty

All Stamps - Stampers Best; Inks - Archival Ink, Distress Ink, Distress Stain

I hope tomorrow you get to create at least one card to help celebrate with crafters all over the world!!!

Have a super weekend everyone!!!

Seedless Preserves Distress Ink Cards

Hi Peeps!

Many, many people have asked to see the Seedless Preserves Distress Ink in action.....o.k... not really in action but they asked for examples using this color.

Ask and ye shall receive!

Here you go ~ (all stamps are Just For Fun Rubber Stamps on both examples)

Twilight

This card was made using Seedless Preserves, Stormy Sky and Chipped Sapphire...

Wicked Witch

This card uses only Seeless Preserves and Jet Black Archival Ink...  The seam binding was also colored with Seedless Preserves and a bit of Black Soot.

I hope this helps give you some idea of how cool this color really is :)

Old Stamps vs. New (trendy) Stamps

O.k... I have a dilemma and question for you...

First my dilemma ~

I don't submit alot of stuff to magazines mostly because I don't have time but it also makes me mad that most magazines want you to use the latest and greatest stamps following the latest trends.  Now, I'm not knocking these trends but some of them just are NOT my style.... I don't do cutesie, I'm not into the kids with gi-normous eyes/no mouth and for the most part I do NOT pile on flowers, ribbons and pearls or gemstones.  I know lots of people love these trends but it's just so not me.

I don't feel like I should have to ditch all my old stamps or even new tame/untrendy stamps to get published.

Personally ~ I like the stamps I have (obviously or I wouldn't have spent my hard earned $'s on them!) and would like to use them more than 2-3 times before someone deems them as not worthy any longer. I follow trends and try many new products but as far as my stamps go I like what I like and I don't feel I should have to toss out the old and follow every trend that comes down the pike.
Don't get me wrong...I still buy stamps...lots and lots of them (mostly on sale) LOL!!  Actually I've got some that I'm going to be giving away VERY soon ;)  Stay Tuned!!

So I'm curious, my question to you is....

What is your opinion on this subject? 

Do you keep and use your stamps for years or do you toss the old aside and change with the trend/season? 

Distress Ink Comparison Stamp Info

Many people have asked me what is the stamp that I have been using in my Distress Ink tags when I share the color comparisons....




This is my absolute favorite flourish I own and let me tell you I have lots of them! It's a bit distressed and not quite perfect which makes it perfect in my mind!   It is a flourish from the "Bella Brush" set of stamps by Fancy Pants which sadly is no longer available.

There is however one set on E-bay right now (I have no connection to this person nor do I know anything about her) Bella Brush Stamps by Fancy Pants.   I have to tell you that this is a STEAL for these stamps...they were originally $40.00 because it is a 12x12 set of stamps!!!  If I didn't already have a set I would be jumping on this like a duck on a junebug!

Third Coast Creative Coterie (Design Team) Blog

I don't believe I mentioned it before but Third Coast now has a blog dedicated to it's design team -

 Third Coast Creative Coterie!

Each day will bring a new project from one of our members to inspire you. 

I invite you to hop on over and give it a look-see....

I think you'll be pleased you did :)

Charm Pin & Stamp Winners!!

I have a couple winners to share with you......

(drawn using Random.org)

Winner of the Steampunk Charm Pin is.....

WANDA ~ (Olde Crow Mercantile)!!!!

Olde Crow said...

They are all soooo cool! Such creative people! I love everything, but especially the Steampunk necklace. It is "Outstanding"
Thank you so much for sharing.
Wanda
Olde Crow Mercantile

September 6, 2011 9:05 PM

And the winner of the Stampers Best Stamps is....

KARIN!!!

Karinsaid...

I love the Fat Penguin stamp followed very closely by "A friend is" or maybe the seahorse. They have some beautiful stamps and the two you showed us are delightful. Roll on pay day.

September 9, 2011 3:38 PM

Congrats Ladies!

Please send me your snail mail addies and I'll get your prizes out in the mail asap :)

Art Journal #3 - Black Magic Finished Pages!

I have to tell you I am so pleased with how my pages turned out.  I used one stamp for my set of pages ~  it's a flourish/damask that I got from Hobby Lobby (their store brand stamp).   I stamped it around the entire outside of my pages using white acrylic paint and then colored it using colored pencils and alcohol markers (no copics).

I thought it needed a bit more so I then added tri-dots to both pages in a totally random pattern using my Inkssentials Pigment Pen.

Here is a close up of my damask/flourish...

Then because I was afraid I'd mess up my pages, I die-cut a nice little place to journal.  This is a Spellbinders - Nestabilities Label Die...I have no clue which one sorry.  I cut it on a fold so I could write the title on the front and make my list of things inside.  It also makes this set of pages interactive while hiding the info. 

I have to admit it was hard to get started with the journaling part.  It felt awkward writing down things I felt I do well. 

and here are my lists... 

This was SO much fun!

I really liked the coloring and dots part

and

I think this journal is going to be good for me to get over some fears and help bring me out of my shell a bit more.  I'm VERY shy and self conscious so I have a very hard time expressing my feelings, likes, dislikes, etc. 

Maybe this journal will help you in some way as well!

Just For Fun Rubber Stamps - Spooktacular Fall Sale!!!

I just wanted to give you a heads up...

Just For Fun Rubber Stamps

is having a

HUGE

Fall Sale right now!!!

From the first day of Fall until October 31st they will take 25% off  ALL online orders!!!

So, if you've been waiting for a good time to buy, this is it! 

I don't think you're going to get any better deal than this.

Art Journal - #3 Black Magic Technique

This weeks technique as you see by the title is the "Black Magic" technique.  Now most people tell you that you have to use white ink paired with colored pencils.  WELL, I decided to see what worked and what didn't work to help open this technique up to everyone.

Black Magic Technique

Supplies:

White Ink or White Acrylic Paint

Color Medium (any of the following) - Colored Pencils; Distress Inks; Markers; Watercolor Crayons; Watercolor Pencils; Copics; Alcohol Inks

Bold Image Stamps

Black Cardstock

(optional) White Pigment Pen or White Gel Pen

Instructions:

1. Apply white (or a light colored) ink or acrylic paint to your bold image stamp. 

NOTE: Most of the time the instructions for this technique requires white ink but I tried this using white acrylic paint and other light colored pigment inks and they all worked well.  I actually found that I liked the image I stamped with white acrylic paint the best!

2. Stamp the image on black or dark colored cardstock and let dry.  I like to speed drying with my heat tool.

3. Traditionally the next step is to color your image with colored pencils to really make the image pop off the black background.  To change things up a bit and help you to use what is in your stash I tried a variety of color mediums.  All worked quite well on most of the backgrounds.  Those mediums that worked the best are: colored pencils (of course) or watercolor pencils; regular markers; Copic (or other alcohol ink type) Markers; water color crayons; Alcohol Inks (applied with Fillable Pen or other means); Distress Inks.

The following color combos are the same for each of the 3 images:

(the flower image is by Just For Fun Rubber Stamps)

Yellow - Watercolor Pencil

Blue - Colored Pencil

Light Pink - Watercolor Crayon

Light Green - Pastels

Dark Green - Alcohol Marker

Magenta (tiny flower buds) - Regular Marker

Purple - Distress Inks

Image stamped w/ Adirondack Snow Cap (White) Pigment Ink

Image stamped with Beige Brilliance Pigment Ink

Image stamped with White Acrylic Paint

(My Favorite)

And here the 3 examples in a side by side comparison.

Beige Brilliance Ink, White Pigment Ink; White Acrylic Paint

Which do you like best?

So there you go...

the "Black Magic" technique.

I think these variations offer a wide enough scope of materials that anyone can complete this technique without having to run out and buy a thing...I hope so at least!

and for the rest of the page.....

Since this is a journal we're also going to make 2 lists (one for each page) ~   The first list should be things you are good at - it could be baking, gardening, crafting, etc.  and for the second list you are going list things you'd like to learn how to do.

It doesn't matter how long either list is but really think about this.  Remember, our art journal is about Discovery....letting others discover things about you and you may just discover things about yourself along the way.

Now how do we combine the Technique with the Lists?  You can combine them however you like.  I think to simplify things I am going to position my list in the center of each page then work the Black Magic images around each list.  Totally up to you on how you incorporate them in your journal though. 

I will share my pages as soon as they are finished...

are you playing along?

are you keeping up?

am I going too fast?

are you having fun?

I am counting on you to let me know how you are doing and if you're enjoying the techniques/challenges for each set of pages.

Mom's ATC - Getting Close!

Hi Friends ~

I wanted to update you...we're getting close to the end of our first ATC swap and I thought I'd give you a bit of an update.

Mom is doing well.  She went back last Thursday and had her stitches out.  4 more weeks of no weight on her foot BUT she is going back to work today (4 days a week).  I thought she might want to try for 1/2 days for a bit but she's stubborn and wanted to go the full day.  Anyway, dad will be dropping her off and picking her up each day.  I go over and spend a couple days with her on the weekends while Dad is at work (he's retired but works part time on Fri nite/Sunday a.m.).    We've been watching vintage spook movies from the 40's/50's/60's and I help gather craft supplies for her to help pass the time :)

On to the swap....

I've got 4 packages in so far ~

Creatology; Ink-Pattie; Helen C and Mom has hers finished as well!  They are all super and I can't wait to share their creations with you all :)

We all have 12 more days to finish up the cards and drop them in the mail so they arrive by 10-8-11!  I will sort, repackage and post as quickly as possible.  Of course I'm sure some people will drop out by then BUT it is looking like a magnificent swap from what I've seen and heard!

Getting very exciting now!!!

LESSology - Guest Designer!

Hi Guys!

I wanted to tell you about a relatively new blog called - LESSology.  It's a challenge blog dedicated to altered arts and using upcycled (recycled) goodies! 

Now you all know how much I love altered arts AND how much I love to use old, discarded or worn out "things" so it's a perfect fit :)

I am the guest designer today

and

the challenge was to create a trinket box! 

What fun :)

Here is what I started with....

an old candy tin which has a unique lid.  It almost reminds me of one of those vintage hump back steamer trunks.

 

And I also found a bit of old material and tossed in a few old book pages, pieces of vintage sheet music and a couple dictionary pages just for good measure :)

Now, to see the finished project you'll have to hop on over to LESSology and check it out -  LESSology Challenge #2 - Trinket Box - Roni Johnson

Be sure to stop back and let me know what you thought of the box because....

if you do you'll be entered to win the box which I will fill with some lovely fall inky trinkets just for you!!!

You have until 10-15-11 to post your comment to be entered to win!

Good Luck Friends!!!

Art Journal #3 - Supply List

Here to give you a heads up on the items you will need to collect for this weeks Art Journal entry.  As you know it's my goal to help you use what you have so I think/hope you will find most of these items in your stash so you don't need to run out and purchase anything.   I've been working with this technique using various mediums and have created several variations using many different color tools.  I hope you will be pleased!

Supply List - Art Journal #3

White Ink or White Acrylic Paint

Color Medium (any of the following) - Colored Pencils; Distress Inks; Markers; Watercolor Crayons; Watercolor Pencils; Copics; Alcohol Inks

Bold Image Stamps

Black Cardstock

(optional) White Pigment Pen or White Gel Pen

Hope to see you tomorrow!!

Get Inked Stamps - September 2011 - Spooky Halloween!!

BOO!!

Since it's officially Fall I thought I would share a set of my stamps from September's Get Inked Kit over at Queen Kat Designs.

I decided to do Halloween a month early this year so you could order the stamps in time for Halloween :)  and of course they are spooky! Normally I have a favorite stamp in each set I design but I have to tell you I LOVE each and every stamp in this set... 

and here is a peek at the projects I made using the kit contents....

Of course if you order the kit you will receive full instructions on each.

If you'd like to win this set of stamps from the kit you will need to post a comment telling us what your favorite part of Fall is....

For me it's the crisp cool days, the smell of leaves in the air,

and of course HALLOWEEN!!!!

You have until 10-2-11 to post your comment to be entered to win!

Good Luck Friends!!

Free Digi Halloween Image

Hey there everyone!

I hope you're having a wonderful FALL Day!!!!

I am so excited ~ Autumn has finally arrived! 

It is by far my favorite time of the year :)

I wanted to let you know that StampersBest is offering a *FREE* digi image of a spooky looking Haunted House over on their blog (StampersBest Project Corner) right now!  Be sure to grab it while you can cause Halloween is fast approaching!!

(Remember if you place an order at SB you can use my 10% off coupon code - inkstains)

AND

Consumer Crafts is having a $1.97 Welcome FALL Shipping sale!!!

If you've never seen this site they have AMAZING deals on all sorts of things. 

Their inventory changes often so you'll want to stop in every so often just to see what new goodies they have.  I love their mini's ~ great for collage, mixed media and shadow boxes!

Happy AUTUMN Friends!!!!

All Aboard - Steampunk Train Conductor

I am so excited to share this card with you....it's made using one of my favorite sets of stamp -  the Steampunk Set of stamps from Artistic Outpost!

I hope you enjoy!!

Supplies:

Stamps - Conductor & Sentiment - Artistic Outpost; Background stamps - Get Inked Steampunk I

Distress Inks

Archival Inks

Foil (for the gears)

Nestabilities - Gears

Metallic Mixative Alcohol Inks

Sepia Accents

Cut & Dry Nibs

1. Stamp main image using Archival Ink; color using Distress Inks & Cut n Dry Nibs and apply a layer of Sepia Accents to the entire image.  Set aside to dry.

2. Stamp the background cardstock using Get Inked Steampunk images with Pumice Distress Ink.

3. Cut an assortment of gears from the foil; ink a few of the gears with Copper & Gold Metallic Mixatives.

4. Stamp sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock.

5. Assemble the card layering the gears over the background paper; add the main image and sentiment.

So there you go....

Are you ready to jump on the steampunk train?!?!?



LE Autumn Distress Inks

Ahhhh, back to that whole marketing thing ;)  LOL!!

Yes, Tim Holtz and Ranger have come up with another must have set of inks...  not must have because it's got TH's name on it but I know for some that's all it takes.    From what he posted on his blog the first batch sold out in about 6 hours. 

For me 2 of the 3 are must haves because they do fill a color niche that has been needed. I say this because DI's have been my ink of choice since they came out (way back before TH was even a marketable asset).  Alas, these LE DI's are available only as a set of 3 and will not have re-inkers.  I was more than a bit disappointed about the no-reinker business but you gotta take what you can get right?

Anyway, on to the colors....  I'm sure if you've read his blog or any number of forums you know that the colors are Ripe Persimmon ~ somewhere between orange/red family; Seedless Preserves ~ a smokey deep purple and Gathered Twigs.   Of the 3 Gathered Twigs is my least favorite.  I would have much preferred to have another hue added to the Yellow color family for Autumn but that's just me.

 

And here they are mixed in with the existing flavors of Distress Inks....

Seedless Preserves....

Ripe Persimmon....

check this out, they look good with the orange family

but also bridge the gap between Red and Orange....

Gathered Twigs....

So, which is your favorite?

Would you like to win a set for yourself?

Just post a comment telling us what your favorite NEW DI color is and what your favorite old color is.

You will have until 10-8-11 to post a reply for your chance to win!

BTW, my fav. new color has got to be the Ripe Persimmon

and

my favorite old color is Stormy Sky....love that smokey blue!

Good Luck Everyone!!!

Art Journal #2 - Faux Beeswax Technique - Pt II

Now when I left you yesterday I shared how to begin Part I of your Faux Beeswax Technique.  Layering pieces of tissue paper over the various images and items you wanted to incorporate into your collage.

It takes a while but it's worth it!  Here is the left hand side of my page set after I finished applying most of my goodies.    You'll notice how wet it is around some of the pieces.  You will need to set your pages aside and let them dry overnight.

Now, here is what they might look like....  You'll notice around the edges are bits of tissue hanging over here and there.  It's time to remove them.  You can either trim them with scissors or carefully tear the excess away.

I chose to tear away the extra bits because I was going for the rough look.

Now you have a couple choices to make here.  You may choose to apply the acrylic paint white &/or your favorite color with a soft cloth.  Simply wipe it on and wipe it off...  This will highlight all of the brush strokes, cracks and crevices.  It creates a much bolder finished collage.  Totally up to you.

For my collage I skipped this step and went right to the next. 

To finish off the collage and to add a bit more authenticity add a layer of Perfect Pearls (in your color of choice) or Metallic Rub Ons.  I am using Heirloom Gold - it gives you the warm feel of a true beeswax collage.

Simply dust it on over the entire collage.  After I'm finished I like to rub the Perfect Pearls into the glue with my hand.  This does a couple things ~ the oils in your skin "sets" the PP's and it also ensures that you have a good coating.

And now the collage is complete!! 

I think it looks very similar to a real beeswax collage but without the heat pot or bees ;)

A few more views....

And here is an experimental collage I made to test out various items - images (ink jet & pre-printed); paper types; stickers; gemstones (the pink thing); pattern paper; etc.    This is before any finishes were added.

And here it is with Perfect Pearls (Left) and Metallic Rub-Ons (Right).

Tilted so you can see more of the color, less of the shine.

O.K.....

Now it's your turn to give this a try!

I hope you have fun with it...I found it to be very relaxing applying the various layers and so much fun to find different goodies to add to the collage.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

P.S. to Art Journal vs. Smash Book

Apparently the following comments offended some people (the stuff between the stars).  I'm sorry if it did, that was now my intentions when I was writing it.  I have since added the P.S. below to the original post and posted it below.  I hope it explains a bit more about what I was talking about when I wrote it. 

I sometimes forget that I'm not chatting with you on a one to one basis nor do you know me personally...I would never do or say anything to you on-line that I wouldn't say to you in person when expressing my opinions on a subject.  I'm not the type of person that goes out of his or her way to offend anyone (in person or on line).  Nor will I agree with you on everything just because it's the polite thing to do.  I consider you all friends and will give you my honest opinion.

I don't find this any different than recommending a restaurant, a brand of toothpaste or bottle of wine to someone.  It's a personal opinion, it may not jive with yours but take it for what it's worth.  You might not like the restaurant I eat at because of this that or another thing but that's your right because it's your opinion. 

*******
EK Success has just capitalized on peoples gullibility and produced a line of products to make them. Everything from journals, stickers, journal pads, pens, glue, tape, envelopes and more.

You can create a Smash Book/Glue Book without buying anything you don't already have in your stash. Personally I don't know why you would buy the Smash Book stuff...your book will look very similar to everyone elses book that purchased all those products?!?!? I'd much rather make something all my very own. But what do I know? I'm definitely not who they were marketed for.
*******
P.S.

I was going to delete the comments (between the stars) that I previously posted because they may have or will offend some people. I did not write them with offending anyone in mind.

When I write that "EK Success capitalized on peoples gullibility" I simply meant that EK is touting this particular type of craft that has been around for years as their newest invention - creating the newest trend/craze (watch the video...it IS very clever).

Now I'm sure not everyone is jumping on the Smash Book trend/craze because of the marketing but for the most part the comments I read about these products are because it's the latest and greatest invention since sliced bread. In generalities that type of mentality prevails (just read some of the comments on various forums out there). Like I said, not everyone but most.

Hey, if it floats your boat by all means, buy away. I was simply pointing out that you're all crafty devils and don't need to buy a $13.00 Smash Book when you can buy a journal from the Dollar Tree for $1.00 or even make your own from scratch. I am all about getting the most bang for my (and your) buck ~ if I didn't think you couldn't create a Glue Book/Smash Book w/o buying it I wouldn't post it.

Again, these are my own personal opinions - not intended to offend or upset anyone.

Art Journal - #2 Faux Beeswax Collage

Oh I am so excited about this technique! 

Several months ago someone asked me if there was an alternative to using Beeswax for a Beeswax Collage for the December Calendar page I shared early this year.   Well, it's taken me a while but I finally came up with something that once finished looks VERY similar to the real thing!!

Faux Beeswax Collage

Supplies:

Plain White Tissue Paper or Pattern Tissue Paper
Glue
Foam Brush or Stiff Bristle Brush
Sturdy Foundation (if you're working in a journal you'll need to glue 3-4 pages together)
Photos, Text, Lumpy Embellishments (choose things that mean something to you)
(Optional) Acrylic Paint (White & Your Fav. Color)
(Optional) Perfect Pearls or Metallic Rub-Ons

Instructions:

1. Tear up your tissue paper into small 4x4 or 5x5 chunks.  You will probably tear them into smaller pieces as you go but this is a good starting point.  I also have a couple sheets of 7Gypsies Tissue Paper that I will be using at a later point in the collage.

2. Gather up all sorts of "goodies" you want to incorporate into your collage.  Use what you like...it's all good!

3. Start your collage by gluing down a few main pieces you really want to highlight in your collage.  Add a layer of glue to your foundation, place your item where desired and cover with another layer of glue.  You don't have to worry about being neat and tidy....you're going to be adding LOTS more before we're through.

4. Now you add your first layer of tissue.  Depending on what you want your final collage to look like you can use plain white tissue paper or pattern tissue paper.    I like the pattern paper look but it's totally up to you.

Simply apply a layer of glue to your collage and place multiple pieces of tissue - use the brush to smooth it down and press it into the glue.  You can add more glue as needed.  You can work around some images, place one or two layers of tissue over other pieces or do whatever you like!

Remember ~ If you don't have enough glue you can tear the wet tissue paper.

5. From the initial first layers you will continue to add and build up your collage.  Glue, tissue and ephemera.  For lumpier items I like to glue it down then cover with one or two layers of tissue to really hold them in place...(buttons in the first photo & watch face in the 2nd)

You'll continue adding layers until you are satisfied with your collage. 

This is going to take a while to get all your layers built up.

Tomorrow I will share how to finish off your pages and share a couple examples!

Till then, have fun playin in the glue!!

Difference Between Art Journal & Smash Book

A few people have asked if the Art Journal we're doing is the same as a "Smash" book that is so popular right now. 

Simply - No they are not the same.

An art journal (what we're doing) is a book filled with sets of pages created by combining "art" techniques; images and text.  Each set of pages usually have some sort of theme and use products such as paints, inks, collage mediums, etc.

Smash Books are a product from EK Success which is a new name for a type of collage that has been around for a long long time.  Originally this type of book is called a "Glue Book" ~ no a real marketable name huh?   LOL!!  Anyway, in a Smash Book (bought version) or Glue Book (found book) you simply glue down images found anywhere, photos, notes, receipts, etc.  into the book.  Really any bits of ephemera from your daily life you want to keep or remember.  Another part of a Smash or Glue Book is the writing aspect.  You can jot down lists, notes, quotes, dates, diary type entries, doodles, or anything you want.

The following is my own personal opinion of the products and marketing of the Smash Books, not the people who buy them.

*******
EK Success has just capitalized on peoples gullibility and produced a line of products to make them. Everything from journals, stickers, journal pads, pens, glue, tape, envelopes and more.

You can create a Smash Book/Glue Book without buying anything you don't already have in your stash. Personally I don't know why you would buy the Smash Book stuff...your book will look very similar to everyone elses book that purchased all those products?!?!? I'd much rather make something all my very own. But what do I know? I'm definitely not who they were marketed for.
*******

NOTE:

I was going to delete the comments (between the stars) that I previously posted because they may have or will offend some people.  I did not write them with offending anyone in mind. 

When I write that "EK Success capitalized on peoples gullibility" I simply meant that EK is touting this particular type of craft that has been around for years as their newest invention - creating the newest trend/craze (watch the video...it IS very clever). 

Now I'm sure not everyone is jumping on the Smash Book trend/craze because of the marketing but for the most part the comments I read about these products are because it's the latest and greatest invention since sliced bread. In generalities that type of mentality prevails (just read some of the comments on various forums out there).  Like I said, not everyone but most.

Hey, if it floats your boat by all means, buy away.  I was simply pointing out that you're all crafty devils and don't need to buy a $13.00 Smash Book when you can buy a journal from the Dollar Tree for $1.00 or even make your own from scratch.   I am all about getting the most bang for my (and your) buck ~ if I didn't think you couldn't create a Glue Book/Smash Book w/o buying it I wouldn't post it. 

Again, these are my own personal opinions - not intended to offend or upset anyone.

Hope that helps clear up any confusion :)

Altered Journal - 9-19 Supplies!

Several people have e-mailed asking what supplies they will need for this weeks Altered Journal Technique so I thought I would just post the list here.

The technique I have planned is.....

"Faux Beeswax"!

(Can't tell you anymore than that!)

Basic Supplies:

Plain White Tissue Paper or Pattern Tissue Paper (depending on the look you're going for)
Glue (your choice ~ could be an actual collage glue, Elmers, etc.)
Foam Brush or Stiff Bristle Brush
Sturdy Foundation (if you're working in a journal you'll need to glue 3-4 pages together)
Photos, Text, Lumpy Embellishments (choose things that mean something to you)
Acrylic Paint (White & Your Fav. Color)
(Optional) Perfect Pearls or Metallic Rub-Ons

I am going over to Mom's (Dad is having his end of the season Golf Club Banquet) to hang out with her while Dad is gone so I may not get it posted till the afternoon/evening. 

So no worries if I'm a bit late...I will be here :)

Mom's ATC Swappers....

Just a little reminder for all you ATC makers out there who are going to be joining Mom and I in swapping our creations.  

There are 3 weeks left to make and ship your marvy ATC's to us!  

Due Date - 10-8-11!!!

I hope you are having fun with these little gems!!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

I know I'm having loads of fun making mine :) 

Winners -

Trying to get caught up here....

I have several winners of various goodies and they are as follows:

Welcome August Winner - (scrappy cat stamps) -  Judith!!!

Judith said...

My favourite day is August 31, a bittersweet day. August 31 is my birthday, forever entwined with Princess Diana's death. :( But the yin to the yang is that I can eat outside (a favourite pastime).

 August 4, 2011 5:22

Get Inked - Vintage Transportation Stamp Set Winner - CHAR!!!!

Char- The Mad Shopper said...

I love the submarine Nautilus from 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea'. I could live on it and have plenty of room to craft. lol

 August 24, 2011 6:37 PM

and....

Welcome September (ATC Holder & Cards) - Sarah!!!

Sarah said...

I like Be Late for Something Day. Wonder why it is only celebrated one day a year?!?!?!?

 September 1, 2011 6:11 PM

Congratulations Everyone!!

Please send me your snail mail addies and I'll get your goodies in the mail on Monday.

Distress Stain Background

O.K... Yesterday I shared how the Distress Stain looks using a variety of different papers.  Today I wanted to show you what it looks like when you stamp with Distress Stain on the example from yesterday.

Of course you ink it up as desired....  I'm using Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade here...

Then you simply rub the Distress Stain across your stamp.  You need to use a gentle touch.  If you get too much ink you'll end up with WAY too much ink on the stamp.    After I have rubbed the ink across the stamp I like to take my finger and spread the ink over the entire stamp.  I think it gets a bit better coverage that way but then I also like inky fingers - LOL!!

I should note that you need to let your paper dry before you try stamping.  You'll notice the first part I stamped the paper was still a bit wet.  The images feathered out quite a bit which it normally won't do on dry paper.

And here is what my finished card looks like!

Of course you can use any color combinations you'd like...the possibilities are endless!

(All stamps are StampersBest)

So, if you bought a couple of the stains to try but haven't played with them much I suggest you dig them out and give them a try!  They really are very fun no matter what type of paper you use!

Have an inky weekend friends!!!