Wee, but worth it!

Inchies are all the rage. For such a small canvas, you can do so much with them. Like with Artist Trading Cards, Inchie groups have popped up all over the place, swapping squares and inspiring one another. Lockhart has an entire line of stamps that coordinate with Inchies. Outlines has a box template to decorate with Inchies and store more Inchies on the inside. And, Inkidinkado has created several clear stamp sets just for Inchies. We're playing with one of those sets tomorrow as part of our Thursday Free for All. Hope you'll stop by and give it a try!

A Day of Surprises!

On a day where we were already having a ton of fun, I had even more pleasant surprises come my way! First, our dear Jean surprised us all by driving herself over to the shop and walking in the door with no aids at all! This is 4 1/2 weeks after knee replacement! She's amazing! I say this with no fear that she will get a swelled head - all the swelling is in her knee instead! (She said I could share that "lame" joke). She's looking forward to getting back to her demo routine in the next few weeks, so watch the web site for that.

Then, I got a call from Fred Mullet. He asked, "How many people can your classroom hold?" I said, "Well, there are 20 people in there right now." "Oh!" he said, "That's too many." He's planning to come lead a series of workshops in the May - July timeframe (he's working out the schedule), and his classes will be limited to only 12 people. I'll keep you posted so you don't miss out.

Claudine and Leslie

We are having so much fun today at the shop! Claudine Hellmuth and Leslie Riley are both here today leading a series of workshops. We are fortunate to have two talented artists basically here in the neighborhood! Claudine's workshop is an 8 x8 canvas filled with smaller 2 x 2 canvases that each feature a different technique using her new Studio Paints and accessories. Later today, Leslie will be showing us how to work with Lutradur - we'll be making a mini-book. I asked Leslie where Lutradur came from. She said, "Have you ever laid under the bed and looked up at the bottom of your mattress?" Um...no - but apparently if I had, I would have seen Lutradur! We "crafty" people sure love to find inspiration in different places!

One of the things I love about the way both of these artists teach is their step-by-step, personal approach. We are excited to have both of them back soon - and often!

Having the 3 of us standing together brought out the "paparazzi". Which, of course, lead to discussions of Paris Hilton, who now has her own line of scrapbook papers. However, I don't think she'll be teaching here any time soon.

Belated Make and Take Photo

...such as it is. I'm having trouble with my camera and had a hard time not getting a glare/shadow. I think you get the idea though - this card will certainly chase away any rainy blues remaining from Wednesday. The pandas are the new thing from Memory Box - so if you have the penguin collection, you might need to make some room for these pandas which are oh so cute!

Quick Note

Hey guys. Laura here. I know many of you have been asking about tomorrow's free MITI card, but we may not have picture of it posted tonight. Sorry! Angela has a board meeting to attend tonight as well as all her normal school night activities with her kids. She said to tell you she may or may not be able to make a trip into the store this evening to get a picture of the card. If not, I will just let you know the card uses one of the new Memory Box pandas as well as their new Biscotti line of papers. Plus, its free! Woohoo!

Surprise Inside

Tomorrow's FREE make-and-take card features a faux watercolor technique - simple and sweet. The surprise is on the inside. I often neglect the inside of the card...missing the opportunity for more stamping and creativity. Shame on me! Fortunately, I didn't design this card, so there are some nice elements enclosed! And, with the weather the way it is today, who can help but think of spring?

New Impression Obsession

Hi guys! Laura here again. I thought I would post some samples I made using images by Sarah Phelps (Impression Obsession's newest artist). We just received a huge Impression Order order at Angela's filled with brand new images for spring, and I thought it couldn't hurt to post some inspiration.

The first St. Patrick's Day card uses stamps from a new clear set as well as Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper.


For the second St. Patrick's Day card, I used the same clear set as the first card along with a green pop up card from the Paper Cut. The green layer cards are also currently in stock at Angela's. You might have to click on the picture to make it bigger in order to tell that it is a little ladybug at the top of the card.







This card features some of the new clear butterflies as well as more of the Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper. I paper-pieced the butterflies to color them, but you could just as easily use pencils or markers.






I used Copic markers to color this new floral bouquet.








I love the new bunny images. So cute! I made the background with the Rosie's Road Show cloud template and my Copic airbrush system. You can create a similar effect with a sponge and some blue ink.







More of the new bunnies. They make me smile.








Okay, more bunnies. Notice a theme? I hope I didn't post too many cards. I have a ton of samples of the new Leigh Hannan images as well, but that will have to wait for another day. Or, you can always check out the new stamps for yourself at Angela's!

Great Impressions Stamp of the Month

Laura posted a few days ago about our monthly Wall of Fame challenge, which is a lot of fun. Another thing we do on a monthly basis is offer the Great Impressions Stamp of the Month at 50% off. Each month, Great Impressions creates an amazing sample board that uses the Stamp of the Month in 6 different ways - so not only is it a great deal, it's also a very versatile stamp. This month's theme is "All Boy". We often complain that it's hard to make cards for men. Well, boys are just "mini men". :-) But these cards are sure to be a hit with the male in your life. The stamp of the month is the large "Words" background stamp. We also have the other stamps available too, if you want to recreate one of these cards at home!

Wall of Fame

Hey guys, blogger Laura here. I wanted to remind everyone about the "Wall of Fame" promotion we do at the store. Every month, we decide on a theme and challenge people to make us a card following that theme. At the end of the month, we randomly draw one out of a hat to win a prize. I hope more of you will decide to participate. It is always so much fun to see what people create. The theme for February is "Happily Hero." It can be Hero Arts or some other "hero" that you know.

I am posting a Hero Arts card to get everyone started. It is made using one of the newest Hero Arts clear sets as well as some October Afternoon paper. I stamped the image with black Memento ink and then colored it with Copic markers.

If you want a jump start on the next few challenges, here are the upcoming themes:


March: Animals ("in like a lion, out like a lamb")
April: I'm Stuck on You (using stickers)

I can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Foxy February!

Some people find I go too far with alliteration, but I find that farsical! One can never go too far when describing this fabulous, furry, foxy funny valentine! ..... Anyway ..... this card features one of the $1 Snag 'em stamps from Imaginisce - you can't beat that price, and look at how nicely it stamps! This card also uses printed vellum and a little bit of bling! Join us any time on Thursday, Feb. 5 and take this little feller home with you...the make and take is FREE! Fantastic!

You'll LOVE this Tote!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, we have another fabulous tote for you to win! The picture shows only a sampling of all that's contained in this stylish BoBunny shoulder tote - in all, the package is worth about $200! All you have to do to enter is stop by the shop between now and Wednesday, February 11 and spend $35.00. For each $35.00 that you spend, you'll receive an entry in the drawing. There is no limit to the number of times you can enter (so spending $70 will get you two entries, for example), and all of your purchases can be applied, including class registrations and sale merchandise. The drawing will be at 5 PM on Wednesday, February 11, and you do not have to be present to win! Can you feel the love?????