End of the Year Deals

With the end of the year, we like to start making room for brand new items in the new year. Therefore, there are some amazing deals at the store. For example, we have put a large selection of Hero Arts in the 50% off section. There are plenty of clear sets and cling backgrounds in addition to the wood-mount stamps:

We also have tons of punches at 50% off:

For those of you who are frequent visitors to our sale table, we moved items on sale out of the classroom and onto the end of this aisle. The 40 cent sale paper is located right next to it:

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New Penny Black

...has arrived at the store. Cute images for winter and Valentine's Day!

Angela's Happy Stamper 11411 Sunset Hills Rd A Reston, Virginia 20190

 

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Time for New Year's!

Please join us tomorrow (Thursday) between 10 & 8 for our last make-and-take card of the year!  As you can see, time is running out on 2012, and this card features a pocket watch stamp (by LaBlanche) and the watch gears embossing folder by Tim Holtz!  If you've never worked with the LaBlanche stamps before, and have a few minutes in your schedule at this hectic time of year, you definitely want to stop by!  These unique European foam stamps make a stunning detailed image!  You've got to try them to believe them!  Additionally, we are making use of the shimmer of Brilliance inks.  These pads are pigment but dry quickly.  We've used them both to stamp the pocket watch (they provide great detail) as well as directly over the embossed image of the background to add a subtle shading and shimmer.  We hope to see you and wish you a happy New Year in person, but just in case.....Happy New Year and thanks for sharing your creativity with us in 2012!  We're looking forward to seeing you often in 2013!

Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies

Tomorrow's make-and-take card features a Memory Box die and their new snowflake paper (which also comes in red - stunning)!  There is something magical about this very simple design.  A beautiful card that you could make tons of - even at this late date!  Plus, I was amazed at how perfectly the embossing powder from American Crafts matched the paper. 

Stop in this Thursday between 10 & 8 and make this beauty!  This is our next-to-last FREE card of the year - how is that possible????  We've enjoyed stamping with you each Thursday!

Oh Christmas Tree!

I LOVE the use of non-traditional colors at Christmas!  Look at how stunning this card is!  (And how quick and easy it is to replicate - a bonus if you have lots of cards to send).  This card features a die from Impression Obsession, and mirror and metallic papers and ribbon.  I think that's a fabulous way to add holiday shimmer, without having to wait for Glitter Glue to dry!!!  Join us Thursday anytime between 10 - 8 to make one of these beauties for yourself!  See you then!

All About Embossing Paste!

Tis the season - where people are away!  So our Demo with Dee will actually be without Dee.  Marilynn is going to be our guest demo artist, and we are excited!!!  She's revisiting her incredible Embossing Paste demo - and if you haven't seen this, you should make a point to stop in between 12 & 2 on Tuesday.  It's incredible what you can do with brass stencils and a palette knife!!!!  Bring your camera and a notebook and prepare to be inspired! 

Christmas Collage

I LOVE this card, because it gives the impression of dimension, but there aren't a lot of pieces to cut and adhere.  This is a great design if you have to make a lot of holiday cards! Impression Obsession has really perfected the art of overstamping and collage, and this card takes full advantage of that! 

Join us Thursday between 10 & 8 and see how easy it is to create a stunning holiday collage. 

New Distress Stains!

The brand new colors of Distress Stains just arrived. They match the seasonal, limited edition Distress Ink pads and are simply gorgeous!

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New Way of Thinking!

Recently, we've shown you lots of ways to use your brass stencils.  We've shown you how to use your Cuttlebug to emboss with them, we've shown you pastes and we've shown you sprays.  And here is yet another way to not only use your stencils, but also make use of all those little scraps of paper you've been saving!  How awesome is that???

Join us this Thursday between 10 & 8 for our FREE card make-and-take project.  This time, we'll be doing some paper piecing, using a design from a brass stencil.  We'll add some texture with an embossing folder, and a sentiment from Northwoods. 

Don't forget, we will be CLOSED next Thursday, November 22, as we celebrate Thanksgiving.  We'll be back the following Thursday with another fabulous FREE make-and-take (here's a teaser....it's a Christmas card featuring Impression Obsession stamps - wahoo!)

One card at a time

I got started on my Christmas cards when I took the weekend of classes with Shari Carroll.  And then my time got hijacked.  I bet I'm not alone....  So, I'm excited that this week's FREE make-and-take card can be used as a holiday card, or really a card for any occasion.  By golly - I will finish my Christmas cards this year - even if it's one card at a time!

Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make on of these cards featuring stamps from Hero Arts.  The sentiment and color of this card is very soothing - just what you need at the mad rush of the holidays.  And, it's easily reproducible, if you have a large holiday card list!  Hope to see you Thursday!

Too pretty to open!

Tomorrow is our next installment of Demos with Dee!  Join us between 12 & 2 to learn all the fantastic things you can do with our Accu-Cut!  This big, wonderful tool is available for your use any time classes aren't in session, and best of all, it's FREE!  And, you don't have to figure out where to store this "monster tool" in your own home - what could be better than that????  Actually, I'll tell you what could be better than that - chocolate!  Dee will have some treats to go in the little treat boxes you'll be making.  NOW - seriously - what could be better than THAT???

Trick or Treat

Stop in the shop today (Wednesday) for all treats and no tricks!  We have a free Jack-o-lantern die cut (in a variety of decorative papers for you to choose from) just for you!

Tomorrow (Thursday) is our FREE card make-and-take from 10-8.  Stop in and make this adorable card featuring stamps by Printworks.  Best of all, the pumpkins are a separate stamp.  So you can use this truck all year around to haul flowers, presents, people, pets or whatever else you can come up with!  It's a great size to use lots of different stamps!

Yes, we are open!

Hello friends.  The storm has passed, and the Happy Stamper is back to its normal hours.  We are open till 9 tonight if you need to get out of the house!

Make a Scene!

Our final Halloween card for 2012 is a WINNER!  Don't you love the unique tri-fold card with the die cut scene at the bottom?  So cute!!!  The card features all stamps and dies from Impression Obsession, and a little bit of mirror paper from the Paper Cut for the super, shiny full moon!  Believe it or not, this card is quick and easy and fun to share!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make this treat for yourself!

Snag 'em Stamps - Just like Candy!

Last week, we used one of the Imaginisce Snag 'Em stamps on a Christmas card.  This week, we're using another one (with the coordinating paper) on this adorable Halloween card.  These stamps, by Imaginisce, are bargain priced ($1.00 each), and they stamp beautifully.  I said they were just like candy - but they're actually cheaper than candy, and better for you!!!!!  (Well, maybe they're not better for you if you eat them, but you won't do that - right???)

Anyway, stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make this card to share.  It's fabulous advice for all of your friends!

A little love for the inside

For this week's FREE make-and-take, we are not only focused on the outside of the card, but we are giving the inside a little love, too!  For the outside of the card, we are featuring one of the $1 Snag Em stamps from Imaginisce.  If you've never stamped with them before, this is your chance to see how crisp of an impression you can get - what a bargain!  We're embellishing the tree with a little glitter glue and popping it up over a strip made with an embossing folder.  What a great way to use up your scraps!  On the inside, we've added a Hero Arts tag sentiment and a bit of twine.  Fun!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 to make one for yourself. 

Shari Returns!

We are very blessed to have Shari Carroll from Hero Arts returning to Angela's Happy Stamper this Saturday and Sunday (October 13th and 14th) to teach a series of classes.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Shari, she is a designer for Hero Arts who has been with their company for over 22 years.  Shari works as a digital manager, retail instructor, monthly technique creator, and blog contributor for Hero Arts.  She also designs many of the awesome samples you see in Hero Arts' catalogs and supplements.

Shari describes her style as "light collage" and is the author of the book "Layers," which is filled with many gorgeous projects illustrating her signature style.

If you are interested in taking one of Shari's classes, she will be teaching Clean and Simple Holiday Stamping and Now Cut That Out Holiday! on Saturday, October 13th and then repeating the same classes on Sunday, October 14th.  Her classes are a great chance to work with all of the latest stamps, dies, and embellishments from Hero Arts as well as the opportunity to take a class from one of the talented leaders of the stamping industry.

Schedule of Classes with Links to Class Samples:

Saturday, October 13th
Clean and Simple Holiday Stamping 10:30am-12:30pm
Now Cut That Out Holiday! 2pm-4pm

Sunday, October 14th
Clean and Simple Holiday Stamping 10:30am-12:30pm
Now Cut that Out Holiday!  2pm-4pm

Twice as Nice!

This week's FREE make-and-take features stamps from Impression Obsession!  The focal image is enhanced with a spotlighting technique on a Twinchie!  Perhaps you've seen the little Inchies (1" square piece of matboard) in the shop that we've used as magnets, etc.  But did you know they came in 2" squares as well?  And I love that the image isn't "contained" within the 2" "canvas" but spills over onto the card.  Beautiful!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make one for yourself! 

Demos with Dee!

Join us tomorrow (Tuesday, October 2) for our inaugural Demo with Dee.  This FREE event is from 12-2.  You'll make this stunning card, and Dee with share all kinds of tips for inking and coloring the very detailed LaBlanche stamps.  These gorgeous stamps are from Germany and are high quality, heat resistant silicone stamps on a  thick foam base. This makes for easy and detailed stamping with little pressure required. Dee will show you examples of how these images look when stamped with different inks and on different paper.  She's done all the work so you can get the perfect impression every single time!  Plus, you'll learn coloring tips for working with Distress Inks and Distress Markers.  Hope you'll plan to join us!

Have no fear!

Some people are terrified of Stampscapes (could it be all those birds in the sky????).  While the scene might look complicated, the hard work (perspective, etc.) is already done!  Simply stamp and color - it really is as easy as that! And, these cards are wonderful for men!!!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make this card.  After stamping, we're adding color with Distress Inks and Memento Markers for a stunning fall display!

If you want to know more about working with Stampscapes stamps, join Marilynn for her classes:  Intro to Stampscapes on Saturday, October 27 or Nightscapes, with Day and Evening classes on Thursday, October 18.

Fabulous Fall Flowers

This stamp by Magenta is deceiving when you first look at it.  There is so much going on with the background design that it's hard to picture how the flowers will just POP once the image is stamped.  But that simply means the work is done for you!  Stamp on colored card stock and then add shading with colored pencils or chalk or even bleach out the flowers and then add shimmer with Twinkling H2Os....the possibilities are limitless!!!!!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make one for yourself.  This card lends itself to virtually any occasion - so you can stamp the appropriate sentiment on the inside. Fall fabulousness!!!!

Metallic Distress???? Why YES!!

Have you seen the new Metallic Distress Stains by Tim Holtz?  I have lots of ways to add a metallic shimmer to my projects, so I wasn't sure why I needed another one.  Turns out, the reason I need this one is because it's water-based, like all the other Distress products.  That means it semi-opaque (you can see through it) and it blends beautifully on all surfaces (not just non-porous ones like most metallics).  And the shimmer is spectacular!

Come see for yourself how easy this is - and see the shimmer in person.  You'll be stunned!  Drop in and make this tag tomorrow (Tuesday) any time between 12 & 2.  This is our last Learn at Lunch Demo until Dee begins her Dee's Demos series on Tuesday, October 2, so we hope to see you there!

Isn't it "Leaf"ly??

Good grief!  I've achieved new lows in corniness - just in time for Candy Corn season!  Sigh....

This week's FREE make-and-take features a set from Kim Hughes and Paper Smooches!  I love the solid/outline image combos, and clear stamps make it so easy to line them up.  Stamp the solid stamp first in lots of different colors to celebrate fall, then overstamp with the outline image to add crispness and definition.  Love it!  I also love Marilynn's use of the Bazzill Dot paper as a mat - subtle texture is so nice!  Stop in anytime between 10 - 8 on Thursday and make one for yourself. 

Snow Writer...everybody sing!

Am I showing my age if I confess that the Snow Writer pen from Marvy Uchida makes me think of the Low Rider song?????  Pitiful, I know.....

Anyway, the pen is fantastic!  Simply apply it anywhere you want the effect of snow, heat it and watch it puff up like magic!  For Tuesday's learn at lunch demo, we'll create this card front  using Copic Marker Refills to create the background.  We'll then stamp this image (Memory Box) and add snow!!!!  I added a hint of glitter on the snow to make it really shimmer, but the effect is just as nice if you are "glitter-phobic".  You can decide!  Stop in any time between 12 & 2 on Tuesday, and let's play!!!

Boo!

This Thursday's FREE make-and-take project features a stamp set by Hero Arts.  When I first saw this set I thought, "What will I do with all these sayings?"  Obviously, Marilynn was way ahead of me (this is not a new development, by the way).  She used the different phrases and words to create a fantastic background as well as a cute focal image, just by adding little googly eyes.  So clever!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make one for yourself.  And let me know all the occasions you can think of to use this card...I've laughed at the few I've come up with so far :-) 

It's Fall, Ya'll!

The kiddos are back in school, and it's time to start thinking about your fall cards and projects!  To help inspire you, Great Impressions has a wonderful new board!  We have all the stamps needed to recreate these cards, and the stamp used in the card on the upper left is the Stamp of the Month - available at 50% off for this month only.  Yay!  Can fabulous fall foliage be far behind???

Opaque, yet clear to me!

StazOn ink has long been the "go-to" inkpad for stamping on non-porous surfaces.  Several years ago, Tsukineko created an ink called StazOn Opaque.  On clear surfaces like acetate, the opaque ink provided much better coverage than the thinner solvent ink of the original StazOn.  It gave the stamped images an almost raised appearance.  However, the Opaque ink pads only came in pastel colors and white.  Finally, Tsukineko released brown and black StazOn Opaque pads, and they are fantastic!  Stop in Tuesday between 12 & 2 and give them a try.  We'll stamp this lovely wreath stamp by Memory Box onto acetate, then fill in the berries with Viva Decor's Glass Effects Gel - a transparent gel made specifically for glass, acetate and other clear surfaces.  Oh, and did I mention it's dishwasher safe?  So much to try, so don't miss out!!!  See you Tuesday!

Have You Seen......

The new Impression Obsession Backgrounds?
There are animal prints (zebra, leopard, giraffe, and peacock):

I'm thinking about using them with my purse and shoe stamps. How about new winter/Christmas backgrounds? There are Nordic patterns, snowflakes, and an awesome knit pattern:

Need something for Halloween? You can't beat this spider web pattern:

 

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We Could All Use a Hug!

I LOVE this card because, seriously, who couldn't use a hug in the mail?  This card features stamps from Impression Obsession.  You'll learn how to layer their Cover-a-Card stamps to create an almost 3-D effect with the background.  And pandas make great, quick cards - no coloring required :-)

Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 and make a card for yourself.  The hardest part will be deciding who to send it to?!?!

Toadily Awesome!

Want a card that "pops"? 

Jenn and I were talking about the process we used to go through (back in the day....) where we would wind 20 gauge thread around a pencil to create our own springs.  Thank goodness those days are OVER!  Action Wobbles are quick and easy to use (they're even self-adhesive), and they fold completely flat - perfect for the insides of cards, scrapbooks or envelopes.  Plus, they have a LOT of action.  They not only spring, they wobble...like a bobble head.  I warn you - you'll want to put them on everything once you see how easy and fun they are to use!

Join us this Tuesday from 12 - 2 to make this cute little tag for yourself.  While you're at it, wish our dear, sweet Jenn good luck as she tackles the "real world".  This Tuesday will be her last as our fearless Technique Tag Tuesday leader.  She has been a creative JOY to work with for the past 3 years!  Bon Voyage!

A little rain makes everything better!

Finally, after a brutally hot and dry summer, my grass is greening up and starting to fill in.  Just in time for fall :-)  That makes for a "blooming good day", don't you think?  Stop in Thursday between 10 - 8 and make this adorable card.  I love how Marilynn took a simple image and really spiffed it up using patterned paper.  Why didn't I think of that?  I also like how she "anchored" the sentiment with a little bit of twine.  This is one cute card!!  See you tomorrow!

This IS Big!

We just received a new selection of plastic stencils from Creative Imaginations.  Jenn couldn't wait to play with them, so she snagged one and made this fabulous background image using Fireworks sprays from Tsukineko.  Love it!  The background is crisp, but you can also stamp over the top with no trouble!  Stop in for our Learn at Lunch demo tomorrow between 12 and 2 and see how much fun getting "spritzy" can be!

Simple Elegance

I love this stamp from Stampendous, and I particularly love Marilynn's take on it!  I've always spent some time coloring the image in, but Marilynn stamped it on kraft cardstock with Brilliance Sky Blue (so there is a hint of shimmer) and then spotlighted the flower with a little bit of white colored pencil.  A stunning effect!!!  The Hero Arts lace ribbon adds to the beauty.  And, it's hard to see in the picture, but the card is completed with a light stamping of the Stampendous Music Score on the notecard itself.  Just lovely!  Stop in Thursday between 10 and 8 and make one for yourself. 

New Butterfly Set from Stacy Stamps

I have been in Indiana for the past two weeks at school, and my weekend in between coincided with the huge Stamp Away convention in Cincinnati.   It was fun to sneak away from the homework to visit with some friends and see some new product.  For this convention, I was actually able to toss my purchases in the car and bring them back!  I enjoyed visiting with Stacy Rich of Stacy Stamps, and I brought back her new Butterfly set.  I took these pictures of a couple of card samples she created with the set - so easy and yet so effective!

I also snagged the new StazOn Opaque pads in Black and Brown!  Jenn will be demoing these next Tuesday, so be sure to stop in and see!  We'll be unpacking everything else today and tomorrow, so hope to see you soon!

Short Cut for Color

We LOVE the Tape Runners from Plus Corporation.  But did you know they also made decorative tape runners?  They are perfect for a dash of quick color, and much easier to use than rub-ons!  Stop in Tuesday between 12 & 2 and let Jenn show you these very economical gadgets.  You'll want to put them on everything!  And at their price, you can!!!

Fun with Collage

This card features a Hero Arts clear set.  Marilynn has created a fabulous collage that only required a small amount of masking.  I particularly like the color combination she pulled together - it's unusual but very appealing!  This card can be used for several different occasions, so stop in Thursday between 10 and 8 and make one for FREE - then keep it in reserves for when you need it! 

Collect those Fragments!

I confess to feeling a bit fragmented most of the time.  Wouldn't it be great if you could keep your "life fragments" in check as easily as you can keep the Stampendous Color Fragments in place?  Stampendous has released all new colors of these wonderful matte paint chips.  In the initial color release, Jenn showed us how to work with them using embossing powder as a base.  This time, Jenn has added several new techniques including using Goosebumps as an adhesive, and using Scor-tape for a more delineated line.  Both uses are beautiful!  Join Jenn this Tuesday between 12 & 2 and learn some new ways to "get those ducks in a row". 

Great Impressions August Stamp of the Month

This month's board is whimsical, bright and fun!  And the sentiments are unusual, too!  We are so glad that Great Impressions decided to continue their Stamp of the Month program - even though they've made some changes.  The major change is that instead of using the Stamp of the Month on every single card sample, it's only used on 1.  But it's still available for the entire month at 50% off!  This month's featured stamp is the cute little Garden Bear in the lower center card.  Isn't he great?  Stop in and see these cards up close.  You'll love them!

Monochromatic Beauty

In Tuesday's demo, we were working with lots of color.  For Thursday's make-and-take, we are going with a more elegant, monochromatic approach.  This card features a new stamp and die from Memory Box!  It's so simple, yet beautiful - the perfect Christmas card, especially if you have to make lots and lots and lots :-)  Stop in Thursday between 10 and 8 and make 1 to get you started!

Intentional Color

Sometimes, you don't want to stamp your image in a single color.  Depending on how detailed the image is, it can be hard to ink different portions of your stamps with inkpads, even if you're using the small dew drops or cat's eyes.  We LOVE the Memento markers for coloring directly onto the stamp and then stamping.  You have a lot of control for where the color goes, and even though they are a water-based marker, they provide decent coverage.  The background zig-zag was stamped on textured paper and still covered fairly well!  Join Jenn this Tuesday between 12 and 2 to create one of these tags.  You'll be amazed how easy this is!  You'll want to color everything!!!

August Boards from Inky Antics

 Inky Antics got carried away this month and created 2 fabulous sample boards to inspire you!  I'm totally ready for the fall colors and themes - I've had all I want of HOT!  Bring your camera and check out these lovely cards - we have all the stamps needed to recreate them! 

This board is hard to photograph, because the Honeypop surprise is inside.  So, again, be sure to stop in and see the new stamps and designs of honeypop - you'll be amazed at how easy it is to create the 3-D surprise!