StampingPurrfection

Faux Silk Technique Video

I thought you might like a video this morning ~ one that you can try this afternoon when it is supposed to be rainy and dark!  Many of you, stamp club members, may remember this technique ~ but, did you remember it being this quick and easy?  Try it out and email me your results.  I will have a wonderful surprise for one person (Alan will draw names of course!) who submits a card or project using this technique! Enjoy & have fun creating!  Susan Elise

Spreading Ink Video Technique

Making the perfect card sometimes means using the perfect technique.  I have another technique video from Stampin' Up! to share with you.  Take a look at how easy it is.  If you try it out, I would love to see what you come up with.  Enjoy!

Stampin' Success

Stampin' Success is a monthly magazine sent to all Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.  It includes projects with new and old products, contests,scrapbook ideas ~ traditional and digital, Q & A, business ideas and a list of monthly promotions.  None of us would want to be without it! 

In the March issue there is an article entitled ACRYLIC DISTRESS, this is a picture of the magazine article and several different colored samples that I made....

The technique includes using embossing folders and the Big Shot.  A thin coat of acrylic paint (any color) is applied to card stock and, when it is dry, placed in a textured impressions embossing folder and run through the Big Shot.  Next, you sand the embossed image using sanding blocks to create a weathered distressed look.

You can also sponge ink over the top after sanding using a Sponge Dauber.  This is the card I created using this technique.

Leaves of a Tree

Stamps:  Leaves of a Tree, p 43, Holiday Mini Catalog; Hand-Penned Holidays, p 15 HMC

Markers:  Cajun Craze, Garden Green, More Mustard, Early Espresso

Ink:  Early Espresso classic stamp pad

Card stock:  Pumpkin Pie, Glossy White, Spice Cake DSP

Accessories: Regals Buttons, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Tools:  Decorative Label Punch, Snips, Distressing Kit, p 203 IB&C

I had decided not to buy this stamp in the A la Carte section of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini Catalog because I assumed that I would have to color each of these leaves separately ~ no way!  Then another demonstrator, Cristena, put her card online and I fell in love!  Thank you Cristena!

To make this fabulous Fall card ~ turn your stamp over and, using your markers, scribble over the entire area of the leaves.  Start with your lightest color first.  When you finish the leaves, color in the trunk and branches with your Early Espresso marker.  You will love the results!

Call me or Email me if you have questions.

 

Q & A: How do I clean my clear mount blocks?

Stampin' Up! Clear-Mount Blocks

Made from high-quality, sturdy acrylic

3/4" thick with letter etched on side for easy identification

Available in nine sizes

The acrylic block bundles (#118491) include one block of each size

Clean most inks from acrylic block using Stampin’ Mist (#102394)

 

FYI

To adhere the stamp to the clear block, press it on the block using moderate pressure and hold for a few moments.

Stamps will adhere best to a clean block. Although you don’t need to clean the block after each use, you’ll need to clean it occasionally so the stamps adhere well.

You can remove most ink stains from the block using Stampin’ Mist.

Do not use StazOn cleaner on the blocks. StazOn cleaner will leave an oily residue on the blocks, making it difficult for stamps to adhere to the block. Avoid staining the blocks with StazOn ink.

Did you know...

THAT YOU COULD HAVE ANY COLOR RHINESTONES YOU WANT?????  EASY PEASY TOO!  Stampin' Up! Basic Rhinestones come clear ~ and lots of them!!!  You can find them on page 188 in the Idea Book and Catalog, #119246 ~ 150 Rhinestones for $4.95!!!  BUT, YOU WANTED RED ONES!  Do you have a permanent marker in your drawer somewhere.  USE IT ~ ANY COLOR ~ ISN'T THAT FABULOUS!!!!

Crystal Effects

    Yesterday when I posted Janie's pretty card and commented that she had used CRYSTAL EFFECTS I thought you might like some additional information about that particular product.  Since, I have been called the Crystal Effects Queen I feel well qualified on this subject ~ just kidding, but I do use a lot of Crystal Effects!!!

     You can find this wonderful product on page 197 in Stampin' Up!'s Idea Book and Catalog.  The order number is #101055 (oh no ~ I know it by heart!).  The catalog description says "Add a dimensional, lacquered look to any stamped image.  Acid free.  2 oz."  It is $6.25.

     But, there is so much more...It is a water based lacquer that adds depth and texture.  It appears cloudy when you apply it to your stamped images but it dries shiny with a hard surface and a raised effect.  It is great for that 3-D POP!

     And, you should know ~

• Use and store Crystal Effects at room temperature.
• Allow to dry completely before handling so that your finger prints don't dull the shiny surface.  Do not use your heat gun to dry CE as it will create waves ~ part higher and lower, not everly distributed.  I often apply CE to projects right before I leave the Cat/Art Studio for the evening letting it dry all night ~ no chance of messing it up!
• Do not shake Crystal Effects as it will create bubbles in your art work.  If you do have bubbles, cap the bottle and turn it upside down letting the air 'out' of the liquid.
• Apply Crystal Effects slowly and once the tip of the bottle is on your art work do not lift it off until you have covered the entire stamped surface.  Move the CE around with the tip of the bottle.

     And, some ideas on when to use it ~

• Use it as a base for glitter.
• Use it to create the look of glass or water ~ or, even on a kitten's nose!
• Adhere beads or trinkets.
• Apply light coat of CE to use as a sealer on your art work.
• Repair household items (I once fixed my slippers with it!).
• Use it on the tips of your ribbons to prevent fraying.
• Color it by adding several drops of reinker ink and mixing (for example ~ Marina Mist for water).

     Try it ~ you'll like it.  If you have questions, give me a call ~ 757-587-1548!

     Susan Elise, your stamp teacher in the Cat/Art Studio

New Technique - Faux Metal

There is a great new technique that is not only fun - it's exciting.  Take a look at Faux Metal Embossing:

This technique is easy to do and only requires Brushed Silver or Gold Cardstock, a great stamp set, Embossing powder, a Heat Tool and a punch if you want to punch out the design like the one on this card.

You can use your images as accessories for your cards and/or even add Ribbon to give an added look as I have one here. The options are endless.

Contact me Today to book a workshop and I'll demonstrate this technique for you and your friends.