This stamp is "Solid"!

Sorry about the glare on this picture.  My batteries were dying as I grabbed a last second, desperation shot!  For Thursday's FREE make-and-take card, we are featuring a reverse image stamp by Memory Box.  We are stamping it over printed paper to create a subtle texture in the background design. 

When you're working with a solid image like this, it's best to use a pigment ink so that you get a nice even coverage.  However, if you want something slightly less opaque, so that a hint of the design from the printed paper shows through, I recommend using the Colorbox Chalk ink (which is what Marilynn used here).  It's still pigment, so the coverage is beautiful and even, but you can still get that subtle, textured appearance.  Lovely, and it looks like you worked really hard - don't worry, I won't tell :-)

Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 to make one for yourself!

Make and Takes Galore!

Thursday's FREE make-and-take features stamps by Hero Arts, Impression Obsession and Stampendous!  I LOVE the color scheme - perfect for friends (and it reminds me of a Dreamsicle!)  For this card, we'll be using a "reverse kissing" technique!  By using a solid heart stamp and then stamping the leafy vine image over the top of it before stamping on the card stock, we're reversing the image.  It makes the card very interesting and your stamps even more versatile!  You know how much I love that!!!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 to make one for yourself and give this technique a try!

Isn't this keychain fabulous!  This is one of our make-and-takes for our Winter Open House on Saturday, January 26.  We only have a couple of spots left, so snag your space today!!!!  We're so excited about how easy it is to work with these metal disks, that we're working on a bracelet workshop (in March) and we've also brought in a ton of supplies from Impress Art (see below) because we're sure you'll love it as much as we do!!!!

Copic Refill Service!

Did you know we now have a Copic Marker Refill Service????  These markers are wonderfully economical because they can be refilled.  But some of our friends have expressed concern about the storage of the refills or even the actual process (it's easy, but it can be messy if you're not careful).  So, why bother with all that????  Simply bring your markers in and we'll refill them on Saturday.  You can pick them up at your convenience.  Or, bring them in on a Saturday, and we'll refill them while you wait!  Find out more about the service by visiting our web site!

Vacation anyone?

Ugh!  These last two gray days have made me wish I had a vacation scheduled for someplace sunny!  Tomorrow's FREE make-and-take card seems to support my wish!  This is a fun card to send to someone who is lucky enough to be going on vacation - or to someone who is retiring - or maybe even used in a scrapbook page!  The card features stamps by Hero Arts and a paper piecing technique!  We hope you'll join us tomorrow between 10 and 8 for some "vacation dreaming"!

Ahhhh Nostalgia!

Doesn't this card remind you of the Valentine's you make when you were a kid?  I just LOVE it!  Join us this Thursday between 10 & 8 to make one for yourself to share with a friend!  This card features an image by My Favorite Things.  Marilynn added interesting texture and detail to the card by creating debossed lines in the hair, dress and bear, so that when you color the image with colored pencils, the added detail pops right out!  Clever!!!

Demos with Dee - Pencil Comparison!

Join us tomorrow (Tuesday) from 12:00 - 2:00 for the next installment of Demos with Dee!  You'll get to play with Prismacolor pencils and Faber Castell Pastel Pencils!  Dee will explain the differences and benefits of both - and you can try them out and see which ones (or both, if you're like me) you prefer!!!! 

While you're here, be sure to register for our Winter Open House on Saturday, January 26.  We have a lot of fun demos planned for that day as well - lots to learn already in 2013!  Bring your notepad, your questions, your camera and ..... well, I guess bring your wallet.  You know how these things go :-)

See you soon!

Welcome to 2013!

 Happy New Year!  We are excited to be back after a week off, and we're kicking off the new year with this stunning FREE make-and-take card featuring Impression Obsession stamps.  Winter is one of my favorite seasons to stamp (although, I could do without ACTUALLY being cold) because you don't have to color the snow :-)  I love all the detail in this image, and yet it's super easy to color.  Perfect!  Stop in Thursday between 10 and 8 and start the new year off right! 

While you're at it, do a little shopping.  As our New Year's gift to you, we have these colorful tubes of ribbon!  Spend $15.00 and select one for yourself.  Each tube contains at least 3 yards, and they are color coordinated for you.  Aren't they pretty?  Hope to see you soon and looking forward to an exciting 2013.  CHA Winter (the biggest trade show of the year) is early this year - January 11 - so brand new tools, inks and inspiration are just around the corner!  Stay tuned!!!!